I have sad news......after a long hard fight with bone cancer, our little rescue girl, Eleanor, went to the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday. It has taken me this long to have the strength to write this, but I wanted to share her story.

Eleanor was one of 3 female scotties who were rescued by the San Francisco Bay Scottish Terrier Club - Rescue . The club had received news that a guy in Northern CA was trying to start a puppy mill. He had the 3 girls in a crate that was the size for 1 dog. He had "debarked" each one of the girls with a "homemade debarking procedure" which literally burned out their vocal chords, leaving scar tissue behind. None of the girls had been handled, groomed, housebroken or received any love until they were rescued. Eleanor was our rescue.

Eleanor joined our house at the age of 4, after spending almost a month at the vet - being dewormed, spayed, washed and cared for. The vet services were graciously offered by Dr. Vicki Bruno at Central Vet Hospital in Fremont, CA. Dr. Bruno was there for us till the very end, offering advice, ensuring the pain meds were working, and just a fabulous person.

At the age of 4, Eleanor felt human love for the first time. She quickly learned how to act like a well mannered member of a household instead of a "wild dog". She loved her new brother, Bailey McBarker, who was just a year old and often "schooled" him when she thought he was being too rough or inappropriate. She quickly became the alpha dog and queen dog.

Earlier this year, Eleanor began to show some discomfort on her left rear hip and was diagnosed with bone cancer. Bone cancer is most often seen in larger boned dogs, not scotties. From research and vet info, I learned that this cancer is very aggressive and can spread quickly. We knew our days were numbered and each day was a gift. Eleanor fought hard and tried to enjoy every day she had left. With the assistance of a pain med regiment, we were able to keep her quality of life high and the pain controlled. Finally, this last Sun, she let us know that she was tired of fighting and that the pain was too much. With tearful eyes, we helped Eleanor cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

Please hug your fur babies and let them know they are loved. Remember everyday is a gift. Eleanor's early life was deplorable and she appreciated being rescued and loved and showed her appreciation for the simple things- like a soft new bed to sleep in. Prior to being involved with scottish terrier rescue, I had never even considered anything other than a puppy- now I have learned that adult dogs can give and receive love just as well. Eleanor was 10 and had spent 6, almost 7 years with us

Goodbye, my Eleanor Pupper; thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you for the things you taught me and your unconditional love. Now I am the caretaker of our memories. I promise you will never be forgotten....goodbye my dear friend, rest peacefully, you are no longer in pain, please know you will forever live in my heart.... goodbye my little girl, until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.