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Enjoy scrolling through all of our Frosted Face senior animals who have benefit from our mission at Frosted Faces Foundation.  They are listed in order of date of rescue, including those that have passed. If you have been following a certain Frosted Face's story and would like to know how he/she is doing, please email us at friends@frostedfacesfoundation.org.

Please make note of animals still looking for families as their "Family" is listed as "Frosted Faces Foundation."  View their biographies and more photos at Available Frosted Faces, learn more about becoming a family and the different programs we offer. You can also help fund their care by registering as their monthly sponsoring Fan. 

CiCi

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 11
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Mia & Donovan Moore
Fans: Jerrie

Autumn

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing: February 17, 2024
Family: Stephanie & Brad Hull
Fans: Jennifer Warner

Tribute: On February 17th, Stephanie and Brad fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Autumn.

Stephanie shared,

"Today I had to say goodbye to my little baby girl Autumn. 🍂

She fought hard until she just couldn’t anymore, the cancer took over. This home seems empty and quiet without her.

I miss her already."

Rocky

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 7
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Kari & Joshua Cureton
Fans: Jennifer Warner

Nadine

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Michelle Williams
Fans: Jennifer Warner, Nancy Veach

Bailey

Acquired from:Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue:5
Date of Rescue:July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: AJ Gillard & Dave Chu
Fans: Jennifer Warner

meka

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 3 days
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Cassandra & Joaquin Ornelas
Fans: Linda Bailey

cOOPER

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Vanessa & Tom Metzler
Fans: Kristen Manzur, Brian Nguyen

Fisher

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Brandon & McKenna Walz
Fans: Nancy Veach

cASH

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing: December 23rd, 2021
Family: Pat & Mark Hess
Fans: Alison Kamerman, Michelle LaLonde
Tribute: On December 23rd, Mark and Pat fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Cash.

They shared,

"Merry Christmas FFF. Cash checking in one last time from the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Mom and Dad made the hardest decision to free me from my painful crippled body.

They are devastated, but I know they'll be fine. Non-FF silly sister Izzy crazily ran to me when I arrived. I didn't fall this time. She's the outgoing social one so I'll hang out with her! So beautiful here. Everyone is happy and healthy.

Thanks FF for pulling me after 2 years in the shelter. Thanks Melissa for being my foster mom and changing my life. Thanks Dad and Mom...for the best time of my life in that short 16 months

With love,

Cash"

Coco

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 7
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Clara & Nicholas Aguilera
Fans: RZ

emi

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue:8
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Florence & David Blackston
Fans: RZ

Honeybee

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing: April 19, 2023
Family: Melissa Mortati
Fans: Michael Brourman, Candy Clemente

Tribute: On April 19th, Marissa fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Honey Bee as a result of the fatal combination of heart disease and kidney failure.

Marissa shared,

"HoneyBee passed away very peacefully yesterday. She was a funny, sweet, and weird little creature who I know was loved by many. A diva and rebel til the very end, I'm going to miss my little bug so very much. I never expected to lose her quite so soon but I'm so grateful I got to give her these last few years together.

Thanks to the team at FF who helped me throughout her medical treatment. ❤️"

Romeo

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 7
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Alden Walters & Hannah Tackett
Fans: Jacquie Jordan

Collie

Acquired from: Humane Society of Imperial County
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 3, 2020
Date of Passing: March 23, 2023
Family: Robert Aguilar-Higgins & Emiliza Rodolfo
Fans: Tonya Burdine, RD.D. Kardon, Author

Tribute: On March 23rd, Robbie and Emi fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Collie.

“For our sweet boy Collie,

From the first day we met Cauliflower, AKA Collie, we knew he was a special cat. We often called him our wizard because he was a magical being. He was so sweet when I met him at the Frosted Faces home, nuzzling me and walking all over my lap. We were so surprised that he spent such a long time unadopted at the shelter, but we like to think he was waiting for us. We quickly went to work cleaning his cute but dirty ears, and did our best to maintain them throughout his life with us. It was such a joy to come home every day and be greeted by his vibrant meow. He loved taking trips outside to our fenced in yard and basking in the sunlight. Many a pictures are stored in our phone of our sweet boy enjoying the sunshine on his grey and white face. We remember the first night we brought him home like it was yesterday. He took a bite right out of my cheeseburger while I was eating it. 😂 We had a good laugh at that and I ended up sharing a few more bites with him. We had to sleep downstairs with him when we realized he wouldn’t follow us up or down the stairs. We rearranged our living room into a sleeping den for the next few days until we woke up one morning to him meowing at the bottom of the stairs. It took him a while but he figured it out!

Collie was a mainstay in our lives for 2 and a half years. We took trips to Mexico with him, brought him for sleepovers at my parents house and gave him as much love as we possibly could. In return Collie provided us with just as much love. Collie would keep my wife Emi company while I was on the road for work. He was a mainstay on the electric blanket that draped over our couch. He was the sweetest cat, even when we’d catch him in the act of peeing or pooping on the floor (probably to annoy his younger siblings) 🤪 He mainly tolerated them, although they showed him affection occasionally, which he would occasionally reciprocate. It took us moving into a new home for Collie to begin sitting on our laps (probably because the house was so cold!). That was one of our most treasured moments, and we loved each moment of feeling closer to him.

Collie battled hyperthyroidism and towards the end chronic kidney failure. It was almost impossible for him to gain weight. We managed his condition with daily pills and bowls and bowls of food. He became a picky eater although we told him he could not afford to skip a meal! Towards the end he was down to half the weight he was when we first brought him home. He stopped eating and drinking water altogether and when let outside would often go into the corner of our yard and lay in the deep grass. We could tell it was time to let our sweet boy go, although we didn’t want to. We made the difficult decision to free him from his pain. On March 23rd at 5pm, we let our sweet boy cross the rainbow bridge in the comfort of our home on his giant bed. We have shed so many tears and our home and hearts have an empty space that Collie once filled. His sweet meow no longer greets us when we come home. His cute ears and snaggletooth are only memories now. However, his ashes still grace us with their presence in our living room, and we cuddle up on the electric blanket he loved sleeping on and think of him fondly. We play videos often so we can hear his melodious voice. He will forever be in our hearts and memories and we look forward to seeing him in our dreams. To our sweet boy who we loved so much, we did our best to make you feel loved and want you to know that you were the best cat/son we could have asked for. We miss you everyday and love you very much ❤️ “

Gilroy

Acquired from: Barstow Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 4, 2020
Date of Passing: September 15, 2022
Family: Melissa Murray
Fans: Amy Anderson

Tribute: Melissa fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Gilroy.

She shared,

"Gilroy was the best! He was a mellow dog and he followed me everywhere. He loved to ride in the car. I would take him everywhere. He was known as the "lot dog" because when I would go surfing, everyone in the lot knew Gilroy. He was very loved. He especially loved cuddles from his Uncle Rashid. Gilroy loved nothing more than chicken. His nose could find chicken anywhere! Gilroy became a legend and we miss him so much."

Clarence

Acquired from: Barstow Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: July 4, 2020
Date of Passing: July 3rd, 2021
Family: Marc & Wendy Reno
Fans: Michael Brourman
Tribute: On July 3rd, Marc and Wendy fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Clarence.

They shared,

"As we helped him cross the rainbow bridge today, I envisioned him whole. I had envisioned him so many times as a young and healthy dog. I had wondered about his previous life; what he looked like as a puppy, perhaps playing with litter mates, how he might have been chosen and by whom and where and under what circumstances. What was his life like? Who loved or didn’t love him, and why? Was he the soulmate of a little girl or boy who shared their secrets with him? What did they name him? How many names has he had and what were they? Did he belong to an older person whose lap he sat upon while they pet his soft rabbit fur and watched TV? Was he loved by many or few before being taken to the shelter at the age of 15? Was he cherished all his life but then something tragic happened and someone who did indeed love him was forced to part with him, sobbing as they dropped him off or did he have the dog version of a Black Beauty life?

We’ll never know any of this and more but what we do know is it was so hard to let him go. We wanted to love on him and spoil him rotten for much longer. He was such a love bug. A benign little old man with cream colored fur and cloudy eyes. He had maybe one tooth, a jaw that didn’t line up and a tongue that mostly stuck out. He was perfect. When we brought him home, it was such a delight to discover what we could about him and to discover his personality. Aside from his adorable piggy snoring, he was a quiet little guy-as long as he was with someone. All he wanted, truly, all he asked us for, was to be near or with one of us… which was virtually always. On the rare occasion his family of 4 had to be gone at once, we placed him inside a secure area with a camera. Oh my…he howled like a little wolf, even arching his head toward the ceiling, and bellowing the best his old guy lungs allowed.

When he first came to his last home, he quickly chose his favorite room and bed and would toddle around the house proudly (and insistently) in his belly band toward the bedroom he preferred. He could only see shadows but the smart little cookie found his way around very quickly. He would crack us up when, on rare occasions, he would have a zoomie much too overconfident for a blind dog and we had to keep ahead of him so he didn’t run into something. We each spent time with our marshmellow fluff in different ways; holding him in our laps, in a bed, in our arms like a furry purse, or walking him in a stroller, like the baby he was to us.

We had sweet little Clarence for just a year but he made an impression on us that will last our lifetimes. We miss his presence every day. The last few weeks were exceptionally hard when he was sick and we rode the emotional roller coaster of small rays of hope intermixed with the heart breaking reality that his little body was deteriorating. Despite how very painful his loss is to us, we would and will do it all over again. We are so grateful to his fan, the flingers, the family support specialists, other financial supporters, the vets and techs, and the many people who support this amazing foundation in so many often-unseen ways. We are especially grateful for Kelly’s vision in creating an organization that works and serves some of the most needy and special of dogs.

Thank you, Frosted Faces, for trusting us with sweet, sweet Clarence and for making it possible for dogs like Clarence to be loved and cherished when they (and we) need it the most."

Minnie

Acquired from: Barstow Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 4, 2020
Date of Passing: January 4, 2024
Family: Jamie Guan & Gilbert Dang
Fans: Andrea Listening Deer

Tribute: On January 4th, Gilbert and Jamie fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Minnie.

They shared,

"Very sadly our little sweet girl, Minnie crossed the 🌈 on January 4th. We loved every moment we spent in the passed 3½ years. Minnie is the first and only dog we ever have. Thanks FFF gave me the opportunity to experience these wonderful years. Since Minnie is our only dog, FFF provided answers and support with the easiest question like what to feed and what is a skin tag to something urgent like going to ER. We missed Minnie so much."

Sierra

Acquired from: Carlsbad Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 5, 2020
Date of Passing: July 29th, 2020
Family: Frosted Faces Foundation
Fans: Michael Brourman, Sabrina Kaplan, MLK Roach
Tribute: On July 29th we fulfilled our promise to Sierra.

Sierra was found on a long quiet road outside of Ramona and was brought the shelter where she was not claimed. We were happy to make her our own at FFF, but she had significant medical issues that we had to conquer.

Sierra had seizures and was in renal failure. We had her hospitalized to flush out her kidneys for a few days and she seemed to perk up after that! She felt safe in our arms and loved hot dogs. You may have noticed her sleeping soundly in the lobby many days or been a volunteer who administered her daily subcutaneous fluids. She went on Frosted Fakers hikes in a stroller, we took her to Fiesta Island, wineries, and she most recently went out to lunch with volunteers.

Last Wednesday she had a pretty big seizure and seemed exceptionally nauseous. We took her to College Animal Hospital where we did bloodwork and her PCV was 11%. Sierra's little body was all done so we held her through euthanasia. She was so tired, we could hardly tell she was gone.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped us love Sierra well.

Byron

Acquired from: Coachella Valley Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 17
Date of Rescue: July 9, 2020
Date of Passing: December 11th, 2020
Family: Kimberly Lin
Fans: Melanie Thorn
Tribute: On December 11th, Kimberly fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Byron.

Upon rescue Byron had a bad heart murmur and a rectal mass. He was chosen nearly immediately to be part of a family where they used belly bands, took him on walks, and used supplements to make him healthy and shiny. They noted he had begun head pressing and pacing, so we worked up his liver and tried medication to brighten him and get him on a schedule. When these treatments did not work, the family reported that Byron was "not a good fit" and wanted to surrender him back to FFF.

We knew they loved Byron very much and explained that they may be struggling because Byron was struggling, perhaps it was time to discuss humane euthanasia? They were offended that the organization made this suggestion and decided not to surrender him for love and fear that we would not rehome him. Just three weeks later, they again reached out and reported that Byron still was experiencing these same behaviors and they had made up their minds to surrender.

This is an experience where I learned that it's okay to feel two very different things at the same time. Maybe this is even how we transition into a compassionate response. I was heartbroken that they would not be with Byron to put him to sleep when it seemed like the reasonable decision, at the same time, I could also see her anguish. For all of the dogs we exit from shelters who are suffering, I imagine their parents were much like Byron's.

They filled out relinquishment paperwork on our patio as Byron walked circles around his mom's legs tangling her up like a totem pole with his leash. She was crying and wanted to spend additional time with him before handing him over to staff. She gave us loads of stuff from fancy shampoos to his car seat. It was clear he was treasured, and maybe some part of her could not let him go or hoped someone else would be able to help him.

Alicia, Andy, and I had planned to spend time with him and put Byron to sleep the following Monday to give him peace.

Volunteer, Kimberly, was on site that same weekend and offered to host Byron at her house. Now I don't know if this was the right thing to do or not, but the desperate human in me agreed. We work with a lot of different families whose experience and expectations vary, and if anyone could give Byron loving quality, it would be Kim.

Kim understood that she had a very important job to love Byron in his last days while providing an unbiased report about quality.

After four weeks of letting Byron decompress and settle, giving medications and supplements time, and trying to crawl outside of herself to decide what was best for Byron alone- humane euthanasia was the only kind treatment option.

Byron was very lucky to be greatly loved by a lot of people from FFF staff who just wanted all good and fair things for him, his original family who wanted anything but the final end for him, and Kim who tried to give Byron every last good day on behalf of his original family and just for him. We came together for Byron and his story shows how complex loving a senior dog can be. We share so much respect for those of you out there who are just trying to do what is best every day for these seniors who count on us to be their advocates.

Polly

Acquired from: Coachella Valley Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 9, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Gloria Kenny
Fans: Melanie Thorn

Savannah

Acquired from: Animal Emergency-Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 9, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Autumn & Greg Araujo
Fans: Susan Gilbert, Amy Anderson

Kimba

Acquired from:Long Beach Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 12, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Susan Ryan & Jeff Dyberg
Fans: Jean St. Martin, Will, Kay9 Paws, Jeff Dyberg

Lita

Acquired from: Tijuana
Age upon Rescue:8
Date of Rescue: July 13, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Barbara VanHorne
Fans: Lana Do, Lita Payne

Spider

Acquired from: Tijuana
Age upon Rescue:10
Date of Rescue:July 13, 2020
Date of Passing: April 13, 2023
Family: Rachel & Bud Mikulsky-Cutino
Fans: Jeanette Valdez

Tribute: On April 13th, Rachel and Bud fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Spider.

They shared,

"Spider was my first pet. I opted for a senior dog because I thought it was the most ethical choice and I was okay with only having a few years to share with her. I knew this day would come, when I would have to weigh all of Spider's good days with the bad. After watching her struggle to stand, eat, and eventually breathe, I knew it was time. Spider spent her last day on Earth in Yosemite, riding in a towed cart behind our bikes. This week, she got to experience Yosemite's waterfalls, the Spring weather, small pieces of hamburger, two beautiful sunsets, and so many hugs. During our 2.5 years together, she moved with us cross-country in a car, stopping in the Grand Canyon, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, the Great Smokey Mountains and ultimately NYC. She experienced winter in Maine, snow in Quebec, and summer's in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Spider was very sweet, quiet, and loving. I have no regrets about adopting a senior and hope to do so again soon. Saying goodbye is devasting, but I'm so grateful for the small ways which she enriched our family's life.

Thank you for letting me adopt her and for everything FFF does."

Tony

Acquired from: Carlsbad Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 14, 2020
Date of Passing: July 13th, 2021
Family: Alison Breidenstein
Fans: Kathryn Krantz
Tribute: On July 13th, Alison fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Tony.

Alison shared,

"I believe that people and pets come in and out of our lives for a reason. Some of them stay for a long time, while others are with us for but a short season. Some we may remember. Some we may forget. The real treasures are the ones that live in our hearts forever.

Big Tony was a heart dog!

Tony and I bonded immediately. It was clear from the beginning that he felt safe with me. When I held him to my chest, he’d melt into my chest. He followed me everywhere and quickly learned my favorite spots where he would go looking for me if I was out of his sight. I carried him like a baby everywhere I went, and if I was sitting down, Tony was in my lap.

I was Tony’s person.

Tony weighed about 7 pounds soaking wet, had a wonky rear leg, and was completely toothless. He also had the cutest, “stand at attention” ears and the deepest black eyes. He was smart. So smart. He was serious about getting his needs met and was persistent in his efforts. He watched everything in his view like he was studying for a test.

Tony was happy if we went to the lake, but he didn’t need to go to the lake. He was easy going and content just to be with me. My husband and I started taking him to Lake Murray so he could “bark” at the ducks and coots. Tony didn’t really have a bark - it was more of a “woo woo.” He never ruffled a feather, but he sure gave those birds a piece of his mind.

Tony loved sitting in the sun, napping, being held, a good scratch, snuggling, constant petting, soft blankets, and me.

Tony hated ducks and coots, waiting to be picked up, being cold, baths, nail trims, and giving kisses.

I loved Tony with all my heart. It was awful that he died in my arms. He was in pain. I’d have given anything to have his passing be peaceful, to spare him any suffering. In hindsight, though, I am thankful that I was holding him in my arms where he felt safe and loved. I whispered in his ear and told him I’d hold him in my heart forever."

Tasmania

Acquired from: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 5
Date of Rescue: July 14, 2020
Date of Passing: February 22nd, 2023
Family: Dale Peronteau
Fans: Joanna Scheipe
Tribute: Taz's family shared that he went on frequent trips to the Bay Area, lots of walks, and he slept underfoot at Dad's desk from home while he worked. Dale and Taz swung by FFF a handful of times for nail clippings and to show off new collars.

Poppy

Acquired from: Coachella Valley Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 16
Date of Rescue: July 17, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Marie Grey
Fans: Nicole Piracci

Hawthorne

Acquired from: Bonita Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 19, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Tara Nyhuis
Fans: Lori Woodward

Juicy

Acquired from: Bonita Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 19, 2020
Date of Passing: February 26, 2023
Family: Christina & Brandon Echols
Fans: Mari Stein

Tribute: On February 26th, Christina fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Juicy.

"We are so saddened to let you know that Juicy has gone to the rainbow bridge today. She started to have seizure or syncope at about 1:30 AM. We were told to monitor her, and then about 4AM, things really progressed. At that time, we chose to have her around her family where she felt loved as she took her last breath.

We are so honored to have had her in our lives. She was very loved and very spoiled. She loved car rides, going to Pilates with her mom, and working at the car shop with her dad….and of course playing with her fur brothers and cat sister.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share her love. She brought so much happiness to us, and we will miss her beautiful soul so much!"

Flossie

Acquired from: Riverside Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 20, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Gary Pena
Fans: Amy Rowland, Jessica Morrison, Blackbirddagger, In Memory of Lola, Marty Amaya, Christa Thiesing

Ida

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 25th, 2020
Date of Passing: August 5th, 2022
Family: Alanna Koehler
Fans: Joyce Onufer

Tribute: On August 5th, Alanna fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Ida.

She shared,

"No matter how prepared you think you may be or how long your dog has been labeled ‘hospice’ or the fact you’ve been experiencing anticipatory grief for months knowing your time together is ending, when you’re finally forced to say goodbye, it’s still as if all the air has been sucked from your world.

When I first met my Ida, her quality of life was in question after she was relinquished back to Frosted Faces by her former adopter with signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Nevertheless, she blossomed in my home as a foster, and I grew so attached to her quirks that she became my first ‘foster fail,’ my first dog of my very own, and the love of my life.

A few months later, my baby girl was diagnosed with a cancerous mass in her leg, and surgery didn’t achieve clean margins. Again, we questioned how much time she had, but she kept on fighting and meeting each day head on. One winter evening several months later, she suffered a spider bite that caused her leg to swell up and her liver values to skyrocket. I cried in the emergency vet parking lot as they told me she might not make it. But, my goodness, she did. Then, not long after recovering from that ordeal, she started growing quieter and weaker, and I thought maybe she was letting me know it was almost time. However, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, and, as soon as we started her on daily medication to control her cortisol, she regained her strength and the spark returned yet again…just in time for her mass to start growing back. Unfortunately, we’d run out of reasonable interventions and now had to focus on palliative care. The clock was really ticking this time.

Ida and I fought like hell together to keep her comfortable, happy, and alive for as long as possible. I drained fluid from her leg multiple times a week for three months straight to keep her mobile and pain-free. The whole time, Ida kept eating (her absolute favorite activity), snuggling in my bed, navigating the apartment on her own, and even sometimes romping around outside. For a CCD dog, she was alert and oriented, a fighter. But, finally, the fluid turned to blood that started taking longer and longer to clot, and I knew it was time to say goodbye before she started to suffer.

Ida and I spent one last beautiful day together, filled with her favorite foods and some new tasty treats, lots of snuggles, naps on the beach, and all the outdoor sniffs her heart desired. She slept one last night in the crook of my arm, and, on the way to Frosted Faces, we stopped for a sweet and savory breakfast sandwich. She was so excited she tried (with all 4 teeth) to eat the paper...and the bowl...and her bed. I couldn't help but laugh through the tears. She always did find a way to make me laugh. After 19 months together that I wouldn’t trade for the world, I held my girl tight as Dr. Russell helped her cross the Rainbow Bridge with a full belly and surrounded by love.

Ida was my heart dog, and it’s taking time to process that she’s really gone. I still listen for the clink of her tags, still anticipate leaving food out for her midnight snacks, still expect for a brief second to find her whenever I arrive home. I long to cradle her in my arms and rub her perfectly soft, gray-rimmed ears. To trace her widow’s peak with my finger while she sleeps. Most of all I miss how stubborn and independent and goofy she was. She always did her own thing on her own terms. It took her almost a year to start snuggling, but, when she did, it was even more special. In her final months, she learned how to nuzzle her head into that perfect spot right under my chin and discovered it’s even more fun to snore if it’s close to mommy’s ear. I miss all those quirks of hers…how she would flick her tongue when she was annoyed or overwhelmed and wag her little, cropped tail really fast if she was concentrating or needed extra balance. She would run and leap like a jackrabbit and then sometimes forget what she was running from. She slept like a contortionist, with her legs all tangled up, and would shield her eyes with her paw when I turned on the light. She never barked like a normal dog but would often surprise you with a single, super loud ‘bow!!’ if she wanted attention or a bite of your food. And, before the Cushing’s disease weakened her muscles, she would stand on her hind legs if she thought there was any chance she’d get a treat. I never could get over how long and dainty her legs were. Ida really was something special, and I feel so privileged I got to know and love her.

I want to extend my gratitude to so many people. Thank you to Kelly, Andy, and Alicia for rescuing, loving, and advocating fiercely for Ida. Without you, our love story simply wouldn’t be. To Dr. Russell, Lexi, Maira, Michelle, and Shannon for being the best vet and kennel staff, including draining Ida’s leg for me several times and trying your hardest to hold her still for imaging while she was wiggling and being a drama queen. I always knew she was in the best hands on site and would get plenty of kisses. Thanks to the FFF community for sharing your love, thoughts, and prayers with us. To my friends for loving Ida like their own. And to my family back East for helping me through this painful time.

None of these words are enough to express how much I love you, Ida Bean. Dart and I miss you so, so much."

Minnie

Acquired from: High Valley Veterinary Hospital
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 25th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Heather Nolan
Fans: Dana Peters, Stephanie Tillman

briar

Acquired from: Chula Vista Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 27th, 2020
Date of Passing: November 28th, 2023
Family: Maja Bjarnason
Fans: Eleni Bountalis

Tribute: On November 28th, Maja fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Briar.

She shared,

"6 months, tops. That’s what they told me when I took home Briar on Nov 13, 2021. 2 years and 16 days…that’s how long my baby girl fought to have as many days with me as possible. And for that, I will always be so thankful and so happy to have known her brave, strong, and beautiful soul.

I first met Briar when I took her on an “outing” to the winery…let’s just say that the minute I got back to FF, I told Alicia “start the adoption paperwork.” 🤣 I know it’s not surprising to people that know me but Briar was actually the first “fail” I’ve experienced, and that was just from an outing! She had actually been returned to FFF by a previous family who were not able to provide the level of care she needed: she had a bad episode of seizures and had also been diagnosed with bladder cancer. She had already caught my eye on the “Available Frosties” website and once I heard she was considered hospice, I couldn’t resist any longer and emailed FF to take her on an outing (and the rest is history).

Briar came home with me and appeared fragile and timid. But boy, did she have us all fooled! As she began to decompress and realize she was home for good, her personality blossomed. She went from a wobbly frail old lady to a spicy and bossy queen! She ruled the house quickly, and had no problem putting all the boys in their place. It didn’t matter that she was completely blind and had broken, rotten teeth: she had no problem mounting Baxter (from either end 🤣) or playfully growling and snapping at Bart if he tried to be snarky with her. Her absolute favorite thing in the world, however, was lying on her back, back legs spread eagle and front legs hanging to the side, showing off her goods and allowing easy access for tummy rubs.

6 months passed and she was still going strong: the medicine she was on was really working to prevent her tumor from growing and she was as feisty as ever! She was so smart: she had no problem finding the ramp up to the couch and mapped out the whole house and backyard in no time! When we built the ADU for me to live in, I had an electronic doggy door installed so that the boys could go in and out. Welp, guess who was the first one to figure it out? Let’s just say it wasn’t Bart or Baxter…in fact, it took them watching Briar confidently strut in and out that finally made the lightbulb go off!

As time went on, Briar had one health issue after another, but she NEVER slowed down, NEVER lost her spunk, and NEVER gave up. Glaucoma? No problem, solved with eye drops. Acute pancreatitis? No big deal, mom will just get me expensive delicious food to prevent it from happening again. She took everything in stride and seemed invincible: she had been with us for almost 2 years at this point!

And then she got diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on her shoulder the beginning of this past October, an incidental finding actually. I had thought her shoulder was swollen from twisting it or something, but a biopsy confirmed it, and Dr Russell gave her a couple of months at best (the tumor location and her other medical conditions did not make her a candidate for surgery).

My Briar didn’t even bat her beautiful cloudy eyes one bit when she heard the news. I was a crying mess and devastated, but she reminded me that every moment I had with her was a blessing and that we should enjoy every minute of it. So we did. We went to the beach in her stroller, we fed her tasty foods like burgers and brisket, we took her to all the outdoor places she was allowed.

The only thing that helps me cope with the fact that she is gone is because I know she was ready. A few days before Bart took a turn for the worse, the non-healing ulcer on her eye got really bad and I took her to the vet on Sunday. She wasn’t acting herself and just seemed tired and feeling down. Then Bart had to go to the emergency room the following night on Monday, and I received the news that he would need to be euthanized no later than the following day.

The day we had schedule Bart to be euthanized, that very next day on Tues, Briar was crying and couldn’t get comfortable. I looked in her eyes and asked her how she was doing, how she was feeling, and what she wanted. It broke my heart but when she looked at me with those cloudy eyes, I knew she was ready.

I then had to accept the fact that I was now going to have to say goodbye to not just one but both of my babies, and I will admit I was being selfish as I tried to justify prolonging at least one of their goodbyes. But I could not break my promise to either of them, my promise to always take care of them and to do what is best for them, no matter how hard it may be.

And so my Briar became a sweet angel on Tues night, racing Bart to the rainbow bridge (and let’s be real, she definitely beat him by a long shot). I like to tell myself that she hung on long enough so that she could go out with her brother, who despised her, just to be able to do one last “HA HA” and irritate him, like siblings do ❤️

I love you Bri Bri, you were the bestest baby girl and I will always love you to the moon and back. As with Bart, I would like to share her urn inscription:

My baby girl B-ri…I love you so so much. I miss your sassy antics, your stinky kisses, & the way you loved to lay on your back. You ruled the house & never let anyone tell you what to do.

The way you never let any obstacle bring you down and always lived your life to the fullest and with so much love & happiness will never cease to amaze and inspire me.

Bri Bri, I am so incredibly honored to have been your Mommy and I can’t wait to scratch your tum tum again ❤️"

andy

Acquired from: OC
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: October 8th, 2021
Family: Daphne Robinson & Matt Stuart
Fans: Gina Consolo
Tribute: On October 8th, Daphne fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Andy.

She shared,

"I'm sad to report that we lost Andy to cancer last week. He fought bravely since he came into our lives over a year ago - even to the end trying to follow me wherever I went in the house.

While I am devastated by his loss, I believe in my heart that he was happy while he was with us. He loved his walks, his treats, belly rubs and just lying around."

Lorelei

Acquired from: OC
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: November 29th, 2022
Family: Jim Allison & Vera Graham
Fans: Brooke Snow, Nancy Veach, Amanda, Tricia Gilfillen

Tribute: On November 29th, Jim and Vera fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Lorelei.

Lorelei originally had mammary masses that we removed, and more showed up. Those, too, got removed, and just last month Lorelei began to decline and was hospitalized. New x-rays showed that she had cancer in her bones and was suffering. Her family tearfully let her go.

They shared,

"Our hearts are broken. We adored her so much. I foolishly hoped she would live forever. But she decided differently…she was much smarter than I. I still feel her loving presence much of the time. She was a joy to her mother and helped her in many ways as she recovered from a stroke last year."

Junebug

Acquired from: OC
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: March 20th, 2024
Family: Alyssa Brislin
Fans: Cynthia Schmidt, Amanda & Archie McPhillips, Kevin & Alana Knapp, Tassanee Khouri, Tucker & FF Mumford Smith-Riccardi, Keni & Daisy, Kailin Mejia, David Velarde, Walligator Collars, Emma L., Lisa Douglass, Melissa Peters, Jennifer Campos, Janice Barbara, Jennifer Sparks

Tribute: On March 20th, Alyssa fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face JuneBug after battling an inoperable bladder mass.

She shared,

"Our beloved Junie has crossed the rainbow bridge. I have never loved a dog like I loved, and still love, sweet Junie. To say she was a cherished member of the family is an understatement. Her loving nature, sweet demeanor, and gentle spirit was unmatched, even despite her hardships before being rescued by Frosted Faces. I always felt her gratefulness in the love that she returned to me every day. Rest easy, baby girl. Thank you for always bringing me such joy. You will forever be in my heart."

Mookie

Acquired from: Rancho Cucamonga
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: March 2nd, 2024
Family: Jessica Hackett & Chris Mangan
Fans: RZ

Tribute: On March 2nd, Chris and Jessica fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Mookie after battling bone cancer.

They shared,

"With the heaviest of hearts, we had to say goodbye one last time to our sweet Mookie boy on Mar 2, 2024.

We’ll forever miss the early morning wake-ups, the late night defiance against going out once more before bed, the camel-like drinking habits, the slow walks to ensure that every square inch is sniffed, the inability to be left at home for even 5minutes, the huffs, the puffs, the side-eye, the curious napping positions, the sun god, the trots, the ever-wagging tail, the soft velvety hair, the guard dog, the fun police, the pick-ups, the snuggles, the gentleness, the bunny chases, and of course those ears.

To anyone who ever met Mookie, thank you for your kindness and love. To his former family, thank you for giving him up so he could find his way to us. To Frosted Faces, thank you for giving him a chance and for continuing to give chances to pets in need.

Mookie, bubba, bubs, thank you for your unwavering loyalty and deep ever-present love. We’ll love and miss you forever - Puppa and Mumma."

Ella

Acquired from: Rancho Cucamonga
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: December 1st, 2021
Family: Linda Kim
Fans: Donna Birch
Tribute: On December 1st, Linda and Vicky fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Ella.

Linda and Frosted Face Ella were part of our Seniors for Seniors program, and liaison, Michele Swalec helped with transportation for prescriptions and vet visits.

She came in for a regular check up that seemed minor, reporting lots of peeing in the house and drinking excess water. New labwork showed she was a DKA diabetic and what the vet described as a metabolic nightmare with other underlying issues making the diabetes difficult to manage. We hospitalized her and did our best, but one evening at the AEC of San Diego, she started to code and we had to let her go.

Linda and Vicky describe Ella bringing so much joy and companionship to their days, and how fortunate they felt that most every day was a good day for Ella right up to the very end. She was the best friend to Linda through a lonely pandemic.

Dante

Acquired from: OC
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: August 13th, 2020
Family: Frosted Faces Foundation
Fans: Ali Manz in memory of Foster Bailey
Tribute: Dante entered OC Animal Care as a stray on July 17th. The shelter noted, "When he first came in, he was scared and shy but has slowly come around and wants to get pets. He did come in with some medial concerns: nasal discharge, congestion, ear infection, erythema, and some dental issues. He was started on treatment for URI and his skin. Unfortunately, Dante is not doing well, he is not interested in his food even though we have offered him a variety of different foods he still refuses to eat. Our vet staff is concerned for possible underlying medical issues. He will need further treatment and diagnostics than the shelter can provide for him." He was euth- listed and requested rescue exit, so we volunteered.

We exited Dante from the shelter on July 20th, and Charla Hall donated her time to do his freedom ride down to FFF. One evening shortly after rescue, seasoned volunteers kenneled the small sized Frosted Faces for bedtime. We have nice stainless steel kennels that you see your vets use, equipped with water and soft bedding. When one of the Kennel Managers circled back from kenneling the big dogs from the play yards to double check ton the small dogs, she noticed the door on one of the higher kennels was open and she found Dante sitting on a bed down below on the floor across the room. Surely, her heart dropped as she realized he had fallen from his kennel. She texted Andy and me to let us know what happened. We all feel like these dogs are our own, and she was distraught with even the fear he may have experienced. She had checked him all over and he seemed okay. Dogs are certainly resilient! The next morning we noticed his jaw had fallen out of alignment during the night. The damage was evident. Our worst fear, a preventable injury...

We took him to San Diego Bay Animal Hospital where we had previously done bloodwork and x-rays and the only true concern was a grade 5/6 heart murmur. We had to do surgery to set his jaw and we spent thousands to do so. They also inserted a feeding tube through which we fed him multiple short meals each day. We, the kennel staff, took him under our wings and he spent his days at the Smíšek house.

Just two days after surgery his chest sounded raspy so we took him back to the vet where they diagnosed pneumonia, which may have been due to aspiration stemming from inefficient swallowing with the injury. We hospitalized him for nearly 2 weeks in and out of oxygen, getting injections, nebulizing, and tube feedings.

Dante was pulling through and his breathing had cleared. X-rays looked great, so we took him home! He seemed bright and followed the pack. He climbed in the warm clean laundry baskets and came when you called him. Yesterday he got up to drink some water and melted to the floor suddenly. He was pale... Erin and I huddled over him with concern as he drew in his last breaths. We don't know his cause of death, but deep down, I just know this wouldn't have happened if he hadn't fallen from his kennel.

I cannot tell you the incredible guilt we all feel. I, myself, am trying to desperately suppress it as I can't comprehend how such a sweet dog had to suffer so unnecessarily and at the hands of our organization. We were supposed to be helping him. Had I known Dante would not make it, we never would have tried to fix him and have him endure the suffering that is the healing process of jaw surgery. We could have peacefully let him go, then again- how could we not try? We spared no expense to make Dante whole again and it was not enough.

We try to have protocols and procedures for the volunteers that are safe and simple to execute. We are accountable for the failure of our systems that did not keep Dante safe. We immediately went out and bought clips for each kennel, so that there would be absolutely no way for them to open in the future.

We are so so so sorry, Dante. We loved you.

Captain

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: February 26th, 2021
Family: Christine & Dominic Castiglioni
Fans: Taren Hoffos
Tribute: On February 26th, Dominic and Christine fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Captain.

Captain came to us having recently had surgery at San Diego Humane Society where he had cutaneous sarcoma and osteosarcoma removed. We knew these were highly metastatic cancers, but we held out hope.

Christine shares,

"I am sorry to report that Captain passed away on February 26, 2021. It's hard to say exactly when his issues began, or whether the skin condition he developed in November was a precursor to the end, or unrelated. He was treated for the skin condition, cultures and biopsies were done, medications dispensed. It seemed to go okay for a while, but then his appetite decreased in the last couple of weeks. We got him into SDBAH, more diagnostics were run, but by then, Captain was fading fast.

After two days at SDBAH, and an overnight at Veterinary Specialist Hospital, he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia and pancreatitis. Essentially, his body was attacking his own red blood cells. We transported him to Animal Emergency Clinic of San Diego. We finally had a diagnosis, and we hoped for the best. Many of Captain's values improved overnight. He was going to have to spend a few days in the hospital, but we thought he would come home eventually.

On the night of the 25th, we learned Captain had taken a turn for the worse. My husband and I loaded our other dog in the car to go wait in the ER's parking lot. My husband and I did get to see Captain briefly, while he was on oxygen. We went back to the car to await further blood tests. We got a phone call an hour later that Captain was improving with oxygen and they wanted to leave him in the oxygen chamber a bit longer before running the blood tests.

Fifteen minutes more passed, then we got the call that Captain had coded. They did CPR for 7 minutes, but he never recovered. The dog that came to us with such separation anxiety died without us.

We took Captain home on September 4, 2020, for a two week fling. We quickly learned that he needed an Alcatraz crate while alone, as he was terrified of being abandoned. We couldn't stand the idea of sending him back to live in a kennel when the two weeks were up (even though we know how hard everyone works at HQ), so we agreed to extend his fling indefinitely.

During that time, he got "temporarily adopted" but was returned in about 24 hours. He came back home with us, exhausted and upset, and we agreed we could not put him through anymore uncertainty. He was ours.

Captain was a great dog. He loved our family, including our other dog, Stax. After Stax had surgery, Captain licked his paw in welcome when he came home, and laid next to him while he recovered from anesthesia.

In part, because of his separation anxiety, Captain would sometimes accompany me to the office, to the barn, and to visit family. He was such a good citizen, he was welcomed everywhere. We never spent a night apart until his hospitalization. Even though his separation anxiety improved significantly with time, he was very much in demand by his new friends, and still regularly visited his barn and office friends. His many fans about town will also miss his presence in their lives.

We will miss him the most, of course: the 'tap-tap' of his feet following us around, the way his eyes constantly followed anyone in the kitchen, his dramatic sighs upon settling into his bed, his excellent food catching skills. He was such a sweet boy and brought us so much joy and laughter.

We are grateful for the time we had together, and to Frosted Faces for saving Captain, and providing such extensive care for him in the end."

Cher

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 14
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: September 17th, 2021
Family: Jenny & Brett Lane
Fans: Armenta Family
Tribute: On September 17th, Jenny and Brett fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Cher.

They shared,

"It is with such a heavy heart that we let you know that on Friday we had to say goodbye to our Cher Bear. The Saturday prior Cher had some sort of epileptic episode that we had never seen before. However we were able to get her calm and resting for the rest of the weekend. On Monday we took her to the vet thinking we were just being overly precautious, only to find that she was in congestive heart failure with a great 6 heart murmur and fluid accumulating. We were able to do some treatments to try and help alleviate some of the fluid as well as draw a senior lab panel. We took her home that night and gave her all her favorite foods, but she wasn’t interested in any of it. For the rest of the week we brought her back and forth to the vet, trying appetite stimulants and other ideas to help with the fluid buildup. However on Friday the vet let us know that we were at the end of the road. When she left us, she was surrounded not only by Brett and myself, but by a team of vet techs who she had wiggled her way into their hearts over the last 9 months. Each was as devastated as Brett and I were.

Brett and I adopted Cher from this amazing organization in December when she was 14 years old. She was a street girl through and through where Brett even used oven mitts to get near her in the beginning. While the street girl never fully went away, she also settled in fast. (Especially when we made a space for her under the coffee table for her to sleep). Over time this street girl turned into a happy prancing girl that loved eggs, peanut butter and pretty much anytime Brett came into the room. While she never really got used to being picked up she absolutely loved her walks (Especially the treats that came after the walks) as well as her ears being scratched. Cher was a diva that wasn’t afraid to let you know what she wanted, be it an early dinner (aka lunch) or a 3 AM wake up to go outside. Over the last 9 months she acquired more nicknames than I can count because of her massive personality in that tiny body.

I wish we had more time with you Crumb – But I’m sure you’re already leading a gang of pups on the other side of the rainbow bridge. And I hope you are getting all the eggs and peanut butter in the world."

Pinto

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: January 7th, 2022
Family: Kay & Timothy Bradley
Fans: David Velarde
Tribute: Dear Friends: On January 7th, our Pinto ran across the rainbow bridge. He went naturally, while in the comfort of his favorite calming bed, surrounded by family and love. Earlier that same day, he was at FFF for a follow-up check up with Dr. Russell. It was a beautiful, warm day. I’m so glad we made the trip to FFF that day…because Pinto got to say “hi”, to be held and loved-on by so many of his FFF family of peeps while he was there, like Kelly, Dr. Russell, Alicia, Lexi, Sue, Kate, and Mary to name just a few. In fact, FFF volunteer Sue Wolf met Pinto and me at Westfield Mall’s parking lot just so that she could jump into our car’s front seat and hold and cuddle Pinto all the way up and down the mountain.

What a lucky boy to have so much love all around him that day!

When Pinto first came to us…he was a young 13-year 8 month old pup. He was so fit and spry. During the COVID shutdown we stayed in mostly. I’m glad we retrofitted our staircase for Pinto, because between those stairs and our bed they became like his fitness/activity center. I think he loved showing how fit he was by doing a straight run up the stairs, then jumped onto the little stool he used as a spring board, then bounced onto the bed sticking his landing like a gold-medal-gymnast. All in one graceful movement. When we went for a walk around the neighborhood, he would prance like a tiny show horse, while I told him: “You’re the Best in the West!” “You’re big and strong. Strong and big and your Momma loves you to pieces”. Such a proud, beautiful boy. Together, Pinto and I got to go to the beach and watch a glorious red sunset, we went to a couple of wineries, to old town Julian for a burger, a shopping spree at Armstrong Garden Center, Lowes, Home Depot, a field trip to Just Food For Dogs kitchen in Costa Mesa, several visits to Petco, and because we lived in a hotel for 12 weeks (water damage at home), Pinto became a pro at elevators, and he got to sleep on a king size “Heavenly Bed”. Last but not least, Pinto also became a connoisseur of take-out dining (paws down: Rubio’s/steak was his favorite).

Pinto was THE smartest dog I’ve ever had. If the t.v. show SURVIVOR ever allowed for a canine contestant…trust me…Pinto would have walked away with the million bucks! He knew how to OUT SMART, OUT WIT, OUT PLAY. He and I battled it out daily for 8 months playing the game: “Eye drops? In my eyes? Not a chance, Chump.” I can laugh now…but last spring, I was one strung-out competitor who spent many sleepless nights contemplating new ways to get those drops into his eyes. Any Pink Panther fans out there? Well, Pinto was Kato, to my bumbling Inspector Clouseau.

There’s a saying: “Sometimes, it takes a village”, and I believe that was the case for Pinto. Pinto became a Frosted Face 18 months ago, and he was with my family for 13 of those months. During that time, Pinto humbled me to face my own physical limitations and seek help from others who could step in. I am going to speak for myself and also for our little boy here and say Thank you to everyone for all their support, love and kindness that he collectively received.

Recently, Pinto had slowed down. X-rays showed possible illness, and there was weight loss. He was weak, so giving him his eye drops were no longer an issue. We were grateful to Kelly for giving us the opportunity to have Pinto home again with us these last eight weeks. He came into the house, like he never left. He enjoyed eating all his favorite foods and we were relieved to see him gain his weight back quickly. There were walks around the neighborhood, some sunny day stroller rides, prancing in the grass at the park across the way, and lots of R&R in comfy beds in between. Two of the neighborhood little girls who were on holiday break, became Pinto’s fan club. Each time he went out for a walk or stroller ride, they would run over calling “Piiiinto!” I think he got a kick out it. He became known as the dog who wears an embroidered royal blue satin& fleece lined smoking jacket around town. Oh! His strut! He knew he looked smokin’ hot. Sure...the weather was often rainy these last 8 weeks...so we didn't get to do much outdoor stuff (beyond walks in the neighborhood/stroller rides)...but at the very least this year we were all back in our cozy home again for the holidays. So, we decorated the house for Christmas super early this year, made yummy food, and every night Pinto participated in a month-long marathon game of a Christmas Bingo style game called "Kringo" (and yes, Pinto always got his own Kringo card to play) while watching sappy Lifetime Christmas movies each night!! His beds and blankets were placed right under the t.v. stand so we were all facing him watching the t.v. and playing. I think he really liked how happy those nights were when everyone was together laughing and having fun. He even ate his Christmas dinner right under the sparkly silver Christmas tree this year!

On the night he passed away, we literally formed a circle around him and stroked and soothed him as he went over the rainbow bridge – I know he knew he was with his family, who respected and loved him beyond measure. The next day, neighbors…people we hardly know…came over to give their condolences. Tears flowed! Flowers arrived from across the country! This boy! This quiet, quirky boy! Oh, Pinto, your presence on this planet made a difference. You touched the hearts of so many people by just being you. You will be missed. You will be remembered. You will ALWAYS be LOVED xo.

Lola

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Jose Fernandez & Marien Ann Padua
Fans: Megan Hoagland

Rocco

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 28th, 2020
Date of Passing: September 23rd, 2023
Family: Mary and Jim Leary
Fans: Victoria Conway

Tribute: On September 23rd, Ronald & Michelle fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Rocco.

They shared,

"Rocco was the sweetest little man. I instantly fell in love when I saw him on Instagram and knew right then I had to have this little guy as part of our family. He was my little shadow and followed me all over our house, he got along great with our other 2 chihuahuas and our 3 cats. I was so happy to have him. He was a very picky eater, we cooked him food and would try anything to get him to eat. He loved scrambled eggs, turkey, watermelon, steak. Everything but chicken! My other 2 dogs love chicken and we thought it was funny this little guy did not like chicken!

We only had him in our lives for under 6 months, but he enriched our lives by the love he gave us. I miss him daily and think about him often. His ashes are on my dresser and my husband and I are happy to know he's home with us now after his passing.

Fly with the other sweet dog angels Rocco 😇 we love you little man💖"

Billie

Acquired from: Tijuana
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 29th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Maren Valent
Fans: Miette Schwendner

GRIFF

Acquired from: Long Beach Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 29th, 2020
Date of Passing: December 23rd, 2021
Family: Kathy Lindenmayer & Paul Heath
Fans: Jocelyn C
Tribute: On December 23rd, Paul and Kathy fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Griff.

They shared,

"Sadly between the Cushing’s and the Cancer- Griff's little body was just depleted and we ran out of time. Truly one of the hardest days ever for Paul and me, and we are walking today through the grief of the decision that had to be made.

We loved that little dog so.

We realized he was just not doing well as the last few weeks he struggled. We had promised each other we would not let him suffer in the end. We had the most beautiful time before we took him in- just loving on him and snuggling on the bed. We reminded him just who was a 'good boy' and how much he was loved. I will cherish this memory forever.

We knew it was the right decision but the pain lingers. The sting of this loss will be hard as we still look for him and know he is gone. So hard to let him go. In the end, our vet and staff assisting were amazing-they loved him as we did. He went peacefully as we loved him over to the other side.

We take comfort now that his end was peaceful and he was well loved.

We like to imagine him now as a puppy-running free –we never got to see this as he came to us as a senior-with arthritis and a bit of gimpy limp- he was an old soul- a grumpy old guy at times but we understood this as we are seniors too. And how how he loved his afternoon walks with Paul. He would go to the door daily about 3 pm in anticipation –pacing the floor until Paul walked in. The last few days, Griff did not get up-even with a bit of coaxing, you could see the joy was gone-even with pain medication on board. He let us know he was ready to go to the other side as well.

We hope now that he can hear again and see clearly- he had lost his sight at the end. He now no longer need daily eye drops. We know he will never need Galliprant, Vetoryl, or Tramadol. I imagine him bouncing as he walks with his ears flapping-his tail up and wagging, sniffing all the new smells. Griff never met anyone he did not like. His Cushing’s and Cancer are gone never to return.

I am a big believer that Dogs will be in Heaven-or at least in our heaven. Paul and I look forward to the time we can reunite with him, call his name and he will come to us. He will be greeted with outstretched arms waiting to kiss his sweet face and hug his neck. I will miss his doggie smell, the texture of his fur and burying my face in his. I will miss his sweet snoring at night and all the unique characteristics that made him loveable Griff.

We are most grateful to Frosted Faces for the two years we had with this sweet little guy. We would never have had that time had someone not rescued him from the shelter and given him a second chance. It gave us a chance as well.

We have decided that we want to continue to rescue seniors as a dedication to him. We will reach out to Frosted again-when our hearts are ready. Griff changed our lives and his legacy continues on this way.

Thank you for the work you do and through this,each dog makes a difference in the lives of others willing to take on a senior dog."

Keekie

Acquired from: Long Beach Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: July 29th, 2020
Date of Passing: March 9, 2022
Family: Karen Baldyga
Fans: Sarah Vandrey

On March 9th, Karen fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Keekie after she lost the use of her back legs and trials of medication could not keep her comfortable.

Karen shared,

"Keekie was doing well. Her back legs seemed to get tired out quickly as she walked around the house. She was on meds which have helped her tremendously for awhile. She lost some weight which also helped.

I added some more rugs to cover the slippery tile. She started to pee on them instead of her pee pads but they're washable. She was never affectionate but gave kisses on a rare occasion.

She napped right next to me while I was working and moved to the living room with me at night. When it was chilly, Luna the cat wanted to cuddle for warmth. Keekie would get up and go to her other bed. The cat is persistent and licked her, so she started to tolerate it. It was so cute to see them together."

Torrey

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 4 Weeks
Date of Rescue: July 30th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Chantal & Kevin Ronchetto
Fans: RZ

Cardiff

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 4 Weeks
Date of Rescue: July 30th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Chantal & Kevin Ronchetto
Fans: Nicole Ruiz Machado

Hansel

Acquired from: Chula Vista Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: July 30th, 2020
Date of Passing:
Family: Jessica Brandt & Richard Van de Gryp
Fans: RZ