Tributes

Zoey

Adopted October 2018

We are heartbroken to share that our sweet Zoey crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 7th.

Zoey’s story is a true testament to the power of rescue. Found as a young pregnant stray on a Utah highway in 2011, she spent years in a sanctuary before finally finding her forever home through DLRR. With patience, training, and love, Zoey transformed from a scared, anxious girl into a loyal companion who never left her dad Dan’s side.

For 7 wonderful years, Zoey was deeply loved, especially by her best friend Toby Jack, who misses her dearly. Though her journey had challenges, Zoey gave her family endless love and unforgettable memories.

Run free, sweet Zoey. You will be forever in our hearts.

Butch

Adopted September 2018

One of our dedicated volunteers had to say goodbye to her beloved dog Butch last month, just three days after celebrating his 12th birthday.

Butch came to DLRR as a stray from Casa Grande. He was a tough guy with some early medical complications, but thanks to the love and commitment of his foster family, he found his forever home right where he belonged. Over time, they discovered he was a “Pyrador”—87% Lab with a dash of Great Pyrenees—which explained his strong-willed personality, protective nature, and unique quirks.

Butch lived seven wonderful years as part of his family, where he was cherished, spoiled, and deeply loved. He was a devoted foster sibling to many DLRR dogs and a great big brother to Summer, another rescue Lab adopted three years ago. Known affectionately as “large and in charge,” Butch even had a titanium crown on his front canine and was as handsome as he was photogenic.

In his later years, Butch faced spinal issues, nerve damage, and hip dysplasia. When his back legs gave out yesterday, his family made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully.

We are so grateful to our volunteer, Sara, for giving Butch the life every rescue dog deserves—full of love, security, and dignity. Rest easy, Butch the Great.
With veterinary expenses skyrocketing and intake requests higher than ever, we are struggling to keep up. If you would like to honor Butch’s memory and support the mission he was such a part of, please consider a donation of any size to help us continue saving dogs like him.

Cooper

Adopted December 2020

We are heartbroken to share that DLRR alum Hartford, adopted by Amy in December 2020 and lovingly renamed Cooper, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Cooper lived a wonderful life filled with love, but sadly a massive tumor and a worsening heart condition made it impossible for him to have the surgery. Though his family had to say goodbye, we know he is now reunited with his buddy Taz—running free, chasing bunnies, and surely finding a place to swim.

Rest in peace, sweet Cooper. You were deeply loved, and we are so grateful you got your second chance.

Cinco

Adopted May 2017

In Loving Memory of Cinco – Our sweet girl, Our forever friend

Cinco came to our home in May 2017. She was 4-5 years old. Shortly after coming home, she began treatment for Heartworm. She came to us with insecurities…unsure of the world. But with time, training and love, she blossomed. She became the sweetest, most loyal girl. She was always ready to pose for a social media post on short notice. Cinco filled our hearts with love and laughter. She was my best hiking partner. Such precious memories. One heartbreaking good-bye. We miss you, Cinco. Run free. – Mary and Tom

Remi

Adopted January 2015

I adopted Remi in January 2015 and had almost ten years of the best dog ever. I didn’t change his name, just Remy Dog.

We had so many adventures, trips, walks and meals together. He crossed the rainbow bridge in September 2024. I miss him every day and now temp foster for DLRR as well as work the Corks and Collars event every year.

Rusty

I adopted Rusty from DLRR about 15 years ago. I adopted my first dog Zinger from MCACC 1-2 years prior to Rusty. Zinger was about 5 at the time. Zinger didn’t like water, and I had a diving pool. I wanted to adopt a dog to be near Zinger’s age, and one that loves water. DLRR had a dog up for adoption that sounded like a perfect match: 1.5 years old, loves life and water and gets along with everyone.

When you load the crate into the PT Cruiser and drive for 3 hours, you’re halfway committed. We met, I fell in love with his water crazy ways, and Zinger was cool with him. As soon as I got home and opened the gate to the backyard, Rusty jumped into the pool.

Rusty and I had a great 8 years together. I would play water fountain with him, we laid on the couch every night, I did perch (hold my arm out so his 6-foot-tall self could rest his front paws on my arm and lick my face). He loved everyone and everything. When the day came to end his life, it broke my heart. Grief is powerful. He was part Vizsla, the Velcro Dog. He was the dog love of my life.

It took me many years to want to love dogs again. I finally got there, and October 27 will be one year since we adopted Champ. He wasn’t the plan. He chose us and we fell in love with him. Champ went from being a stray to a loving home. My life is so much better with a dog in it.

Monte

In 2007, I found DLRR when I was looking to adopt a Lab after my two had passed away. Initially I was going to foster Monte (aka Monty) but fell in love and adopted him. Monte was a very mellow boy but knew no manners at adoption. We went to obedience classes for a year (more for me than him!!). I was still working full-time, so Monte was at home alone for most of the time. But he was a trooper and weathered the alone time well. I put in a doggy door which he learned to navigate within minutes. Monte was 18 months old when I adopted him and passed away at age 13. He was my first rescue dog, and I have been committed to the rescue community since that time. After Monte, I fostered over 10 labs with DLRR and adopted my second rescue, Mr. Brown, in 2022. I continue to foster with DLRR as I find it incredibly rewarding when I adopt one of my fosters to its forever home.

Brutus

Adopted 2015

It’s never easy to say goodbye, and this one has been especially tough. We are heartbroken to share that Brutus, one of our beloved alumni, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 10th at 13 years old.

Brutus came to us in 2015 when he was just three years old, a scared but sweet soul who had been through so much. When his forever family adopted him, he found the love and security he always deserved. For the past ten years, he thrived—playing, adventuring, and most importantly, being the best companion anyone could ask for. He was fiercely loyal, loving, and always there to protect his family, especially their little ones.

His family shared how much he adored his best dog friend, Murphy, and how they would run and play together endlessly. Even after Murphy passed, Brutus continued to watch over his human siblings, proving time and time again how much love he had to give.

Brutus’ story is a testament to the power of rescue—the chance to turn a difficult beginning into a life filled with joy, companionship, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Run free, sweet Brutus. We take comfort in knowing you’re reunited with Murphy, catching tennis balls and wagging your tail with that same joy you brought to everyone who knew you.