"Dude"
"The Dude" 5/19/2010 - 12/28/2010

What can you say about a special puppy kid that drove for hours to be emptied out of a crowded vari-kennel along with his siblings to wind up on my deck this past summer. Moma Lola was with them. I was in shock seeing the condition they were in, dehydrated, thin and sick with upper respiratory infections. Three of these precious babes seemed especially thin and frail to me. I hurried into work mode and got them to the vet. Indeed they were sick puppies and at least two ER visits where we lost one, saddest thing of all is that nearly the whole little bunch was already in juvenile renal failure and their futures were guarded. We tried what we could but their weak young bodies just were not able to make it. I cried yesterday since no one had told me about losing our precious blue brindle boy. I see him in my yard running and jumping on Rita until they had literally exhausted themselves. I don't think he ever had a better play time. His family is devasted and I too feel oddly off center because I've lost one of my sweet bully babes and he departed to the bridge. Wait for me precious ones, watch for me, it won't be too long, before we meet again! Rest easy dear Dude we'll race to each other and recall the short sweet happy days we did have while you were here with us. Love you sweet boy, j

Romeo
ROMEO est. birthday in 2006-10/25/10

Final good-byes were said to our handsome boy Romeo yesterday. The sadness and grief of losing such a wonderful bully has left a void that will not be filled. Romeo's fight these past several months was one of the bravest fights of all. He always had the happiest body wiggle for all of us and looked so forward to his afternoon patrols along his property perimeter at mid day. Even though some days he was in tremendous pain most times you would never even know it. Al and Linda were so totally taken by this foster boy that I knew he would somehow win their hearts and of course he did just that. I will always remember this handsome boy who was brought into our lives and also brought tremendous happiness and smiles every day of his life. Romey as his family called him was "a hell of a dog" as his dad Al had said to me more than once. And I always had to agree hands down. Rest easy now handsome heartbreaker Romey. Chase the deer and the squirrels and smell the wildflowers. Later my dear friend.

Pepper
Pepper - 5/19/10-10/22/10

Little baby girl Pepper was adopted a few months ago after a rough start to a life not nearly long enough. While she was growing little by little with so much love and attention from her Mom & Dad she was diagnosed with juvenile renal disease. For poor Pepper there was just not enough that could be done to ease her suffering. Pepper was loved by Nicole and J.D. every second they had her and we know she now runs and romps with her family of bullies at the bridge. Her short life had touched ours and she will remain always in our hearts. Run now with the big dogs little puppy girl. Your time here with us was not long enough. Until we meet each other again give all our other beloved bullies big puppy kisses.

Lorna
"Lorna" Dec. 21, 2001 - June 14, 2010

Sadly, I also had to say my final goodbyes to my beloved Lorna this past Monday. Her final battle with cancer swiftly took her from me. I was filled with such profound sadness when I realized she was truly hanging on not for herself, but for me. My grief is in part because she, like her brother Paulie, had taken a back seat in the grand scheme of things here at our home, since our lives were always filled with another dog that seemed to need me more than my own. I live with that every day of my life. Lorna, my mahogany red "brick powerhouse" is free at last to romp and give chase with her brother Paulie. I will remember her always, dunking her mega head in her water bucket to cool off on hot summer days in between sprinting along the fence to take issue with her sisters. Lorna was my scrapper. She kept me on my toes and gave me a run for the money more than once. Many heartfelt thanks and much gratitude go out to the superb staff of Advanced Veterinary Care Group, Banfield The Pet Hospital of Northville, Dr. Steve at Healthy Paws Veterinary Hospital and Oakland Veterinary Referral Services for stepping in to help with Lorna's care and treatment. Wait for me, sweet girlfriend, as I find strength to forgive myself for your life passing me by. You will be in my heart always. Joanie Wazney, Co-Founder & Director of Operations The Buster Foundation Pit Bull Education and Rescue

Paulie
"Paulie" Sept. 20, 2001 - Apr. 27, 2010

I said my final good-bye to my best boy Paulie yesterday after he lost his year-long battle for life. The one and only fight he ever had made him a champion my eyes. Everyone should be as fortunate as I to have had the pleasure of such a companion. Paulie taught me great life lessons about his much maligned breed - who I have devoted my life to caring for - and was the consummate good will ambassador for his breed. He knew how to truly enjoy his master’s company even though he had to share my attention with twenty plus dogs nearly every day of his life. My life was blessed with this "funny" looking bully who’s bowed front legs and mismatched ears made him even more endearing and beautiful to me. If every pit bull I rescue is even half the dog Paulie was the world would surely be a divine place. Many heartfelt thanks and much gratitude go out to Dr. Dennis Elmer, Dr. Eric Larsen and the superb staff of Advanced Veterinary Care Group for the expert care and compassion they extended to Paulie this past year. Their dedication in caring for Paulie allowed me another year of smiles and memories to hold dear. And I will not fail to mention the awesome love and care my dear colleagues Dr. Kirsten Issaacson, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Jerry Holcomb, Tammy, Kristen, Michelle, and Autumn of Banfield the Pet Hospital gave to Paulie this past year. They too gave me the blessing of more quality time with him. I am forever grateful. You guys are awesome. Rest easy my dear friend. Until we meet again. Go ahead and bark your fool head off. Sincerely, Joanie Wazney, Co-Founder & Director of Operations The Buster Foundation Pit Bull Education and Rescue