Our beloved beagle mix (although the vet said he was full beagle), Colonel Mustard crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 14, 2023.  He was only 6 years young and his loss was very sudden. If you look in the dictionary for the word sweet, you’d likely find a picture and description of Colonel Mustard or The Colonel or just Colonel.

Colonel came into our lives on July 16, 2017, about 1 month after we lost our 13 year old rescue, Macy (also an AFH alum).  In fact we went to see him at the adoption event because the name intrigued us.  When we saw him, it was love at first sight.  Colonel had been a stray and was at a kill shelter in rural Virginia when AFH came to his rescue.  Two weeks later, he had his forever home with us.  At first he was shy and unsure of everything but with some training and buckets and buckets of love, he grew to be the best dog ever.  He was pretty quiet unless the ambulance or fire engine went by and loved his walks (his nose never left the ground).  He also just loved to snuggle and chill.  There was never a person or other creature he did not like and everyone loved him.

Colonel was also a frequent flyer.  Upon the birth of our first grandchild, we started spending extended time in San Diego.  He was a great support animal and charmed everyone in first class.  Our grandkids (now two of them) loved to play with Colonel and he had his best girlfriends on both coasts.  I cannot tell you how many people were touched by that sweet, loving boy.

Although he is gone too soon, we are so grateful he was in our lives.  Thank you AFH for rescuing him and bringing him to our home.

We will always love and miss you sweet boy ❤

Hello, I adopted Darcy from your rescue back in June of 2012. She was 9 weeks old, from Dinah’s litter. Her name was originally Darva. I want you to know how much she was loved and how many hearts she touched. I want to thank you for the amazing 11 years I have had with this sweet girl and thank you for all of the amazing work you do for rescues.  

Thank you again, Lauren

Twelve and a half years ago, we adopted a Great Pyranees/Boxer pup named Abby.  She came to us with that name as the foster family had originally named the litter – and her name just stuck.  From the beginning, her personality shined.  She was strong but gentle dog who loved her daily walks.  She was smart and learned the ways of our home quickly.  She even taught us a few tricks, like bringing us a toy meant she wanted a treat.  We fell for it every time. She was a loyal companion who was a playmate and pillow to our two boys and a foot warmer to my husband and me.  She was a persistent friend to our cat, Penny, who reluctantly warmed to her and later became her snuggle buddy.  Although gentle with the kindest brown eyes, she had a fierce bark that would always alert us to delivery drivers and solicitors. She always made us feel safe although we knew she’d be the first to welcome them in after her initial reaction. Abby was introduced to her new friend, Hazel, about five and a half years ago.  She was the big sister to our beagle right from the start and showed her the ropes on the how our home operated.  They were best friends until the end. Throughout the years she has been by our sides to witness and participate in celebrations and comfort us in our time of need.  Except this time. We laid our dear Abby to rest on Monday, March 6, next to her original friend, Penny, on our farm in West Virginia.  We will miss her pleasant demeanor and her unwavering loyal companionship but take comfort in the memories we made with her for more than a decade.  We hope you’re once again running at full speed “Wooby!”  You’ll always be in our hearts.