Page 31

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 info@frostedfacesfoundation.org.

Please make note of animals still looking for families do not have anyone listed beside “Family.” View 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 the care of Frosted Faces by registering as their monthly sponsoring Fan.

Outlaw

Acquired from: Mission Viejo Animal Services
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: January 15, 2021
Date of Passing: July 9th, 2021
Family: Frosted Faces Foundation
Fans: Candace Frederick, Lauranlisa Ponsor
Tribute: Have you met Outaw? You were probably told not to touch him because he doesn’t like people hovering around his head and does bite.

12 year old Outlaw was found as a stray and brought to Mission Viejo Shelter and not claimed. The Rescue Coordinator reached out to us and asked if we could take him, but at the time he was not walking well and we had Frosted Face Thompson. We know our limits and said we could not manage two gigantic down dogs, so we asked them to reach back out if/when he was stronger. Outlaw rallied on good pain meds and a month later Rebecca Fink Baczkowski brought our boy down to FFF.

Outlaw became increasingly aggressive at FFF when touched near his neck and face. We neutered him and sedated him to culture his ears. We got into a good routine of sedating and muzzling him for ear cleaning and treatment along with oral antibiotics and lots of great pain medication with fish oil. When Outlaw was muzzled, it’s also a great time to brush him and give him a good warm bath! He always had something to say about that, but we got it done!

Outlaw really liked other dogs and we were able to get him in multiple large play groups. He had volunteers that felt comfortable reading his warning signals who hiked him and spent snack time on the patio with him. He went on every FFF weekend hike and cruised!

Because we couldn’t casually reach into Outlaw’s kennel to leash him for walks, he wore two long slip leads which hung out of his kennel, so we could grab his leash easily. We knew he couldn’t get comfortable on a kuranda bed, and he never potties in his kennel, so we put a big Costco bed in his kennel!

Tonight we found Outlaw in a distorted position in his kennel with a temp of 105 (and the AC was on). We muzzled him, gave him fluids, put alcohol on his paw pads and wrapped him in ice. His temp started to come down, but not as quickly as we would expect. He remained pink and calm, almost sedate. We could not get any of the 86 pounds of him to place his paws on the floor and push to stand.

We brought him to Animal Emergency Clinic of San Diego because we were very worried. X-rays showed he had bloated. We’re feeling really badly because it did not present the way we usually see it and we could’ve worked more quickly.

Taking into consideration all I have shared above, we were faced with tough choices. We say we never euthanize for behavior… and we don’t. Outlaw is our beloved dog and after weighing his quality of life of being a “lifer” at FFF and all the love and time his people give him, he deserves to live this one life he was given.

We’re going in.

GDV surgery on a Friday night at an ER isn’t cheap and we’re reaching out to ask you for financial support for Outlaw’s potentially lifesaving surgery.

Thank you for all of your love, near and far, for Outlaw. We will let you know when he’s awake.

UPDATE: 9:18pm

Dr. Yurak just called and has Outlaw on the table. Over 70% of his stomach organ is necrotic up to the esophagus. She called in Dr. Wishnack to see if there was any way to remove the bad tissue and fix him, but it is not possible. We have to let him go. I’m so so sorry.

Missy

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society - Escondido
Age upon Rescue: 14
Date of Rescue: January 19, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Jerry Ross
Fans: Diego & Amy Garcia

Daffodil

Acquired from: OC Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: January 19, 2021
Date of Passing: January 1, 2024
Family: Sandra & Jerry Sladkey
Fans: Hope, Jennifer Murray

Tribute: On January 1st, Sandra and Jerry fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Daffodil.

They shared,

"I haven’t wanted to write this. Anyone who has owned dogs knows that sometimes there’s an indefinable, extra-special bond with a particular pooch. Of the nineteen dogs I’ve owned throughout my life, Daffodil (formerly known as Sugar) was one of those special ones. From the moment I first held her trembling little body at FFF and she turned her head to search my eyes for someone she could trust, I knew there would be a deep connection between us for as long as we’d be together.

It’s strange that whenever I wondered how long I’d have Daffy, “three years” would come to my mind. The 21st of this month would have been three years. But my precious little soul-mate pup with the cottony-soft fur died in my arms on New Year’s Day. I still can’t believe she bounced in and out of my life so quickly.

I had changed her name to Daffodil because she came to us during the season that the hundreds of daffodils we’ve planted around our Julian property are beginning to awaken from their winter’s sleep. They’re one of my favorite flowers. The name was a perfect fit for her—sunshiny, joy-inducing, a favorite.

She’d come to FFF as a stray in early 2021, unspayed, with bad teeth, a number of unremoved mammary masses, and a large hernia (containing her intestines) projecting from her side. Her age was estimated to be 13. A spay, hernia repair, and dental work were performed through FFF, but the mammary masses weren’t fixed because Daffy didn’t react well to anesthesia, and another lengthy surgery could have been life threatening.

The shelter to which she was first taken had labeled her “aggressive” (my translation: “terrified”). I heard later that Daffodil had been described in the FFF small-dog yard as “boss girl.” It was no different when she came home with us. A few months prior to bringing her home, we had lost the next-to-last of five dogs we’d raised. With one dog remaining, my husband gave his blessing to forever-fostering Daffy and then, shortly after, two more FFF dogs. As our house filled up again with doggie energy, Daf established her queenship by making it clear that only upon her bestowal of “OK-ness” would the other dogs be allowed to enter her designated circumference of personal space. It wasn’t that she didn’t like other dogs—I think she actually loved them, and could be very sweet with them when she felt like it. She just wanted to have everything on her terms! What a little character she was. Those forbidden-unless-permitted souls included my husband Jerry! Any time he approached Her Grumpiness, especially if she was lying in bed next to me, she would burst into yapping and fake-snapping (she never bit anyone)—but the moment Jerry picked her up, she would snuggle her head against his chest in complete submission. She never made one move of aggression toward me. I was her person, her everything. Her big eyes and little legs followed me around unceasingly. If she got stuck behind the doggie gate that closed off the kitchen, her mournful howl-barks would summon me back quickly to set her free to be my little barnacle again. Her tail never stopped wagging as she’d trot with me through the house or on walks in our neighborhood.

Her pint-sized presence FILLED the house. As obsessed as she was with me, wow, was she independent. As I mentioned, she wanted to do things HER way, in HER time. For instance, anytime she saw me coming toward her to pick her up to put her on the bed, she would take off running in a big circle around me so she could use the doggy stairs instead. It always made me laugh. If she could have talked, her favorite thing to say would likely have been “I’ll do it myself!”

That little girl was SOOO smart. She learned to do so many things intuitively, without having to be coached—like the doggy stairs, or standing at the back door to be let out to go potty. When my husband went upstairs early on Sunday mornings to spend a little reading time in his library, I would tell Daf, “Daddy’s upstairs,” and she’d head straight for the staircase, knowing she’d get a few bites of his peanut butter toast. As soon as the edible handouts were depleted, she’d make her way back downstairs to me. Oh, yes, food. Did I mention she was a huge “foodie”? She was an expert at cleaning up anything the other dogs had left in their bowls. And she reaaaally tried to make her case when she wanted something we were eating.

Her spunk was the highlight of her personality. Though she always tried to show strangers how tough (maybe protective??) she was, when they saw the yaps and snaps bursting from that tiny little ball of fire, all they could do was laugh heartily. With all of her pretend-maliciousness, that tough-girl bluster masked her true sweetness. I was so moved when I saw her behavior toward a dog that needed a special touch. In mid-2022 we rescued a one-year-old pup 15 minutes before he was to be euthanized because, like Daf, he’d been deemed aggressive due to his terror in the high-kill shelter in San Bernardino that imprisoned him. After we brought him home, he cowered in his crate in our shower stall, trembling uncontrollably and unable to look a human in the face. The next morning Daffodil was the first to draw him out, greeting him with wags and what I like to think was compassion, if dogs can feel that. (Bet they can.) I wonder if one reason Petey has turned out to be such a wonderful, gentle, perfect dog is because of the precious welcome he was given by Daffodil. I caught a lot of their first introduction on video and will try to include a few short clips showing the progression of her attempts to draw him out of his crate—and his shell.

Daffy wasn’t really a “licky” dog. No face kisses. But she always wanted to be wherever I was, cuddled up to me if I wasn’t standing. Whenever I’d carry her, she’d wrap a tiny paw around my hand to hold it close. Every night she slept beside my head. Sometimes my husband would be surprised to find her cuddled against HIM in sleep, even though he was never her human of choice when awake.

In spite of all her original issues, she seemed to be basically healthy. Her eyesight seemed great, her appetite was beyond good, no apparent arthritis issues, and her hearing seemed fine until maybe a couple months before she died. But about a year and a half ago she developed a cough and a swollen abdomen. The diagnosis: Congestive heart failure. The four medications prescribed by Dr. Russell worked very well in nearly eliminating her symptoms, but Dr. R said it wouldn’t be a good idea to take her for walks any more. I bought a doggy stroller so she could still enjoy what she loved. It was also determined that Daf had Stage 1 kidney disease, though it wasn’t immediately necessary to take any special measures for that. From that point on, my days were scheduled around doggy meds—several doses daily. Daffy cooperated with taking pills only because I stuck them in blobs of peanut butter. She was THE most uncooperative canine EVERRRRR when it came to taking meds!

Even with a grim diagnosis, Daffodil remained her spirited self. She still loved food, and me, and life. She still did her snap/yap when her doggie siblings moved too close to any food she was coveting (or just too close to her in general, if she was in a “give-me-space” mood). She still loved standing on a chair at the window and barking at squirrels. She continued to be my little shadow all over the house. I knew she wasn’t ready to die.

Then, a couple of months ago, the cough returned. A vet did blood tests and X-rays, and found that this new cough was due to some areas of her trachea that had partially collapsed. The vet said it happens sometimes with Chihuahuas. Blood work revealed worsening kidney disease, and possibly something more sinister. She had lost over a pound, which is a lot for a dog that only weighed 8 pounds to begin with. More meds were prescribed to keep her airway open and subdue her cough. Oh, the struggles to get those meds down her! Peanut butter wasn’t doing it for her any more, and I had to try all kinds of new tactics, like enclosing pills in deli turkey or in little balls of cheese or in butter or in various flavored pill pockets and pill maskers, or pulverizing and mixing pills with chicken broth to administer with a syringe, and so on and so on. After finally getting the pills into her mouth, I’d gently hold her mouth closed and stroke her throat, breathing a sigh of relief over the ordeal, but that girl was patient in her stubbornness. I’d start to let go of her mouth only to see the pill mixture slooowly squeezing out through the side of her teeth. She hadn’t swallowed anything and had waited me out . . . and I had to start over. It was awful, often ending in tears on my part. It was worth the struggle, though, because enough meds were getting into her that her symptoms improved.

Just after Christmas her interest in food began to wane. The doctor added a nausea pill and an appetite stimulant (Entyce) to her medication cocktail. She was up to eight different meds, some being given multiple times a day. With her ongoing proficiency in being uncooperative, it felt like the greatest victory in the world to get one set of meds down her and to know I had a few short hours before it was time for the next battle. One of our other FFF dogs was on meds, too, so planning my life around administering dog medications was my new normal.

A little over a week before Daffy died, she started being unusually restless in bed at night. She’d appear to be sound asleep but would suddenly get up and walk around the bed, over and over. I’d cuddle and comfort her until she’d finally settle down again, which sometimes took a couple of hours. Many hours of sleep were lost in our household. During the day, she rested a little more than usual, but didn’t really seem to be in discomfort. Her breathing wasn’t labored. She’d still climb up and down her doggy stairs to find me. She’d still air-snap at the other dogs occasionally. I knew the time was getting close, though. When her appetite dwindled to nothing for a couple of days, I decided, with my heart breaking, not to force anything. I think that’s when dogs begin to tell you it’s time to say good-bye. The dreaded hour came on New Year’s morning when I held her in my arms, telling her what a precious pet she had been to me and how much I loved her, covering her sweet little head with kisses, and then she slipped away. She had fought so hard to live, but her little body finally just gave out.

I’ll never forget the joy that that darling girl brought to my life. She was one of a kind. I’m so thankful to have been able to love her and be loved by her. My strong little survivor, loyal and loving, so full of life, will never leave my heart."

shadow

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: January 19, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Lea & John Anshus
Fans: Tamara A Vullo

Miley

141092007_10103859958025566_3195361989218625329_o (1).jpg

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society- El Cajon
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: January 19, 2021
Date of Passing: March 23rd, 2021
Family: Vanessa Ramos-Munoz
Fans: Laura Smail
Tribute: On March 23rd, Vanessa and her family fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Miley.

Miley was surrendered to the shelter because her guardian felt he could no longer care for her. It was clear that Miley had cognitive dysfunction which seemed a likely reason for the struggle. Maybe they had a hard time identifying this or thought someone else would be able to help her. Truthfully, it would not have been wrong for them to have a peaceful passing right then and there.

But they didn't. We agreed to exit her from the shelter, and because she was unfamiliar to us, we offered her dignity and time to thrive. Miley paced with an odd tick to the right and was inconsolable.

She was loved dearly in a foster home with Jose & Cheryl Benitez, and adopted into a similar dynamic where children were being taught that dogs were not disposable and should be loved through the end.

That end came quickly as we came to the agreement that routine did not help Miley settle and she lacked quality. Where time and love could not heal her, we helped her pass on.

Her family shared,

"My family would like to say thank you to FFF for being so compassionate and loving towards Miley. My kids learned to take care of her regardless of all the challenges that came with her dementia... I like to think that she felt the love of my family. I think my children demonstrated compassion and responsibility and this experience is something they will never forget."

Chocho

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society- Oceanside
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: January 20, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Gaby & Adam Tinkoff
Fans: Dawn O’Neil

Laguna

Acquired from: Mission Viejo Animal Services
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: January 20, 2021
Date of Passing: May 13, 2022
Family: Lois Novitz
Fans: Jackie LaFave, Emelia Beckley

Tribute: On May 13th, Lois fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Laguna after battling kidney disease.

Lois shared,

"There will never ever be another wonderful-loving-intelligent--quick to learn -- pleasing --always obeying-- sweet & loaded with kisses to thank her. Having had MANY dogs (all rescue) since 1960--- She was the BEST & most Loved !!!"

Rosie

Acquired from: Bakersfield Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: January 21, 2021
Date of Passing: October 11, 2023
Family: Anissa Bell
Fans: Karen Fuller in loving memory of Hera

Tribute: On October 11th, Anissa fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Rosie.

She shared,

"I first saw Rosie (Reagan at the time) on the Frosted Faces website. I could tell right away that she was very special and decided to go to the open house. I assumed by the time I got there she would have been adopted, but there she was! She immediately drew me in with her sweet soul – the same way she would draw in everyone she meets. I was lucky enough to get to adopt her and was excited to provide the best retirement home for her final years.

Within a week, I panicked and was ready to return her. I was absolutely shocked that no one in our neighborhood would come near her. She would stand still and wait patiently, gently, for anyone to approach and it just wasn’t happening. I knew there was a pit bull stigma. I didn’t really understand the extent until that time. It was heartbreaking to watch. I was not aware at that time of her special power to win everyone over! Thank you to the Frosted Faces support staff who were very understanding and encouraging and I gratefully kept Rosie. Fast forward to a few months later and truly almost every dog and dog owner in my neighborhood fell in love with Rosie. I was just remembering a few weeks ago when I brought her outside and a group of kids came over to say hello. My heart melted when I would hear “oh, there’s Rosie” with such excitement! Rosie was very friendly, loving, the best snuggle bug right away…but she would kind of hang to the back of me on walks. Over time, she began moving to the front and would confidently take the lead. Then one day she just started running. We would start the “walk” off with a run down the street on a daily basis. This progressed into her doing a full-on arms out superman leap off the curb. She truly ran with JOY and the joy was contagious!

I think it was about a year ago when she started having some neurological issues, which progressed until she was no longer able to really get around on her own. I’m so grateful that I was able to leave Rosie at Frosted Faces when I unexpectedly had to go on a few trips over the past few months. It was hard to leave her, but so comforting to know that she was in such good hands. Rosie still seemed very engaged and happy even though the neurological issues continued to worsen. The last few weeks were rougher, with many more difficult moments than good moments. On Wednesday, she had a significant medical issue that seemed to confirm that it was time to let her go. I am so appreciative of the Frosted Faces team. It was an incredibly busy day for the vet staff, and everyone was so kind and patient. I felt at peace knowing she was surrounded by so much love.

What a gift she was, what a gift the entire experience was, and I am tremendously grateful."

Dino

Acquired from: Inland Valley Humane Society
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: January 21, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Rex Ross
Fans: Shauna Ianni

Malina

Acquired from: Animal Friends of the Valleys
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: January 22, 2021
Date of Passing: August 18, 2022
Family: Holly & David Zierden
Fans: David Triemert

Tribute: On August 18th, Dave and Holly fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Malina.

They shared,

"This still doesn’t seem real. Dave and I are in shock and our hearts are breaking. On Thursday we had to make the decision to let Malina go. In the beginning of August, she started to decline, although at the time, we didn’t realize it. We thought she was just getting older and that’s what happens. We made adjustments here at home. My husband was constantly lifting her up when she collapsed, or had to go to the bathroom. Her back legs just wouldn’t hold her up anymore. She became incontinent, walking in tight circles and seemed to be forgetting things. About a week ago we noticed she lost all sight in her left eye. Still, that was all fine because we loved her and we adjusted our lives to accommodate her. On Thursday she couldn’t get up at all without help and she laid in her bed crying. If you knew Malina, you knew she was stoic. Even after her tumor surgery last November, she never once cried. We knew something was terribly wrong.

My husband and I rushed her the emergency room at VSH San Marcos. After they examined her the doctor explained that Malina exhibited symptoms of brain related issues. She suspected either the tumor metastasized to her brain, she had a stroke, or a brain bleed. The loss of vision in her left eye was most likely due to this. Malina was not aware of her surroundings to the point where she didn’t realize her own paws were in front of her. She was having labored breathing that took a lot of effort and was coughing.

We had to make the decision to put her to sleep. At this point she was suffering. We were in the office for a couple of hours going back and forth with the vet about what was best for her. We talked to Frosted Faces, and friends who have had similar issues. There was no good outcome so we decided to let her go before she suffered anymore. We were still debating up until we said our final goodbyes. When they brought her in, she didn’t recognize us. She seemed to be looking 'through' us. We knew she was suffering and it was the best option for her as much as we wanted more time with her.

We talked to Malina the whole time explaining she wouldn’t be in pain and could run with strong legs chasing all the lizards and squirrels she wanted over the Rainbow Bridge. We told her to look for Miller who would show her all the wonderful things there.

Malina would want us not to focus on that last day, but what she meant to not only us, but SO many people who cared and loved her including family, friends, and everyone who met or knew her through Frosted Faces. When they say it 'takes a village' it truly does. Malina was at Frosted Faces almost 11 months before we adopted her. We had recently lost our FF Miller and knew we wanted to open our hearts to another pittie. We weren’t sure why she was there so long. She wasn’t a 'goofy' dog. She always went with the flow but SO many volunteers loved her and took her on outings to get her profile out for adoption. She was even named after Ryan Malina who regularly takes out the pitties on long hikes and advocates for the breed.

When we brought her home, she fit right in with our two non-FF cockers Bandit and Sadie. We put her up on our couch for the first time and she was so confused. She clearly had never been allowed on furniture before. For the first few days, she would immediately get down probably thinking, 'I’m not supposed to be up here.' She quickly realized she would not get into trouble and pretty soon, she would constantly go to the couch and turn her face to us with a smile so she could get up there. Malina could never get up there on her own and we were more than willing to always pick her up. She loved having a big yard with grass where she could explore. We even put one of her beds near the patio door so she could always keep an eye outside if a lizard or rabbit dared to come in our yard. It is amazing to see the transformation when a dog comes into your home and has time to settle.

She loved food. Any and all food. We had to be careful, because of her large heart and arthritis, we wanted to keep her weight down but we could never resist giving her a small piece of people food. She also loved outings, car rides, and for her first Frostiversary we took her to La Jolla Shores so she could smell all the smells, and check for lizards and critters everywhere.

Everyone loved her! Family and friends would ALWAYS ask about her when we talked to them. We sometimes met up with Holly, Jen, and Jodi at the park so they could see her and give her lots of love.

I would encourage people to not only give senior dogs a second change, but especially senior pitties. Malina was our second Frosted Face and she changed our lives for the better. There is such a stigma attached to the breed. Malina wanted nothing more than for someone to be there with her. She was a gentle giant.

Malina, our little 'Lina' as my husband called her, we will never forget you. Our house is empty without you. We hope you are chasing lizards with Miller over the Rainbow Bridge, and eating all the cheese and chips your heart desires."

Bubba

Acquired from: Carlsbad Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: January 22, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Carol Lockwood & Janessa Goldbeck
Fans: Beth El

Augustus

Acquired from: Downey Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: January 22, 2021
Date of Passing: January 23rd, 2021
Family: Frosted Faces Foundation
Fans: RZ
Tribute: On Friday, Linda Chute and Desi Lara reached out asking if we could urgently exit 10 year old "Troubles." He was emaciated and posturing oddly, surrendered by the only family he had ever known to Downey Shelter.

They knew what we had yet to discover.

Randy and Leslie Hastings immediately agreed to spend a significant portion of the day in their car to make sure Troubles had good care, and they transported him to FFF. During the ride, it was decided that he could not possibly be called "Troubles," so they named him Augustus and it stuck!

Augustus seemed ravenous, so we simply decided he was starving and he was going to make a full recovery from a neglectful living situation. Nancy Funderburk gave him a bath, Alanna Koehler spent a good amount of time cuddling him, and everything was going to be okay. Later, Augustus started retching and vomiting, and his temperature was elevating. Nancy helped us transport Augustus to San Diego Bay Animal Hospital to get diagnostics sooner than later, where we threw the kitchen sink at him. His labs weren't too scary, but there looked like a blockage in his stomach after doing x-rays, a fast scan, and a barium study. Amidst a very busy schedule during shortened weekend hours, Dr. Traversi took him to surgery.

It was not as simple as we had hoped. Cancer was everywhere in his internal organs. We woke him up and I wish we hadn't. I thought I had gotten smarter about when to dive in or when to call it, you know? I just want to give these guys everything they may have been denied from supportive care, great meals, soft blankets, to a dignified death consciously surrounded by caring individuals warmed by love.

David Klein volunteered to be the transporter to move Augustus from San Diego Bay Animal Hospital to Animal Emergency Clinic of San Diego for overnight care. When I talked to the vet upon intake, she mentioned how upset Augustus' foster dad was. I thought that was so sweet, and clarified, "He is an FFF volunteer transporter. He just met him." This reminded me how special each of these Frosted Faces are, and how they feel as much yours as ours. They are so lucky to be loved by many.

Later in the evening, Augustus coded and passed away. In trying to do everything for him, he reaped no benefit. If anything, I am so glad that he is now at peace. I wish his family would have sought resources or had the courage, whatever the circumstances, to fulfill their promise to him.

We loved you, Augustus.

Nigel

Acquired from: Bonita Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 5
Date of Rescue: January 22, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Mina Matsumoto
Fans: Marnie Collier, Toby Wells Foundation

pacco

Acquired from: Bonita Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: January 22, 2021
Date of Passing:
Family: Karen Ibach
Fans: Wendy Davis, Mom

Viola

Acquired from: Mexicali, MX
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: January 24, 2021
Date of Passing: July 19th, 2021
Family: Anne Case
Fans: Lacey S., Rebecca Holman, Sunshine Gang
Tribute: On July 19th, Anne fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Viola.

"They say that it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years. I got 163 days with Viola and she made sure to live it up. She became a regular at all the breweries, wineries, and brunch spots in town. So much so, that they started to recognize her when she came rolling in in her wagon. Everyone who met her instantly fell in love. How could you not? Her derpy, toothless face was too darn precious and she loved love. She loved being included in everything so I made sure to always let her tag along and started to live by the motto "if I can't bring my dog, I'm not going." She dipped her paws in the Pacific a few times and loved chasing her tennis balls along the shore. She snuck into the recreation fields at work with me so she could have the big grass fields to cruise around in and even security didn't have the heart to kick her out. When her mobility declined, she got booties to help her grip and a wheelchair so she could still chase her tennis balls around. When even that became a struggle for her, she got carried around like the princess she was. She got herself a wagon too so she could join me in any and all adventures and got so many "awww, so cute" remarks from passerbys. She became a hoarder of all the squeaky toys and sampled a plethora of fast food restaurants to determine her favorite. I'd say chick-fil-a was the winner. There wasn't much that I wouldn't do for this girl, but it gets to a point where you need to take a step back and really evaluate their quality. As much as I wanted Viola to live forever, I only wanted her to do that if she was happy and comfortable. I gave her every last good day I could and maybe even squeezed in a few extra. How could I not? She didn't make it very easy to say goodbye. This morning, I gave Viola one last kiss and helped her cross the rainbow bridge to start her next chapter. Midnight and Dayse have been waiting to meet their new sister.

My sweet Viola, I don't even know where to start. Well, I guess let's just start with the obvious - that tongue! That tongue had a mind of it's own, but it only added to your personality and charm. It could never not bring a smile to my face and it made everyone laugh when they saw it. There were many times that I questioned whether you were Viola the malinois or Sid the sloth. It was amazing to watch you blossom and come out of your shell as you settled in and got comfy here. You went from a quiet, unassuming girl who didn't ask for much to a sassy girl who demanded attention, who would protect this house (even a toothless and derpy malinois can be very intimidating when they have a big bark), and who knew that whenever a treat bag was opened, they were all for you. You loved pets so much and would nudge my hand if I stopped to let me know you wanted more. You would lean your head straight up to the sky like a rocket when I found the itchy spot. You became Chewy's best customer ordering new toys pretty much every week to add to your collection and had the quickest reaction when you heard any of your toys squeak. You were the best work from home assistant and made sure to get your opinion heard during at least one meeting per day. I feel like I would need to write a novel to really capture your personality and quirks, but even that wouldn't do them justice. A dog as special as you doesn't come around too often. You were such a fighter and a resilient girl, but your mind and your body were not on the same page. You let me know when it was time. Thank you for letting me be your person. Thank you for healing my broken heart after losing Dayse and Midnight last year. I know you never met them, but they would have loved you and you them. Dayse will greet you with open arms. She was so sweet with everyone, just like you. Mid might give you her signature side-eye, but don't take that personally, she does it to everyone. The three of you will be the sweetest grandma trio prancing around up in doggie heaven and stealing hearts. Run ahead, my sweet girl. Nothing can hold you back anymore."

Hugo

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Oceanside
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: January 24, 2021
Date of Passing: November 10, 2023
Family: Shannon Jackson
Fans: Kimberly Blazina, Amy, Parker and Louie

Tribute: On November 10th, Shannon fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Hugo.

She shared,

"It’s been hard trying to find the word to express how much Hugo meant to me. He was the sweetest little dog with a face that no one could resist. While his brother would greet me with tail wags and affection, Hugo would walk up to me, sniff me, bark at me and return to his bed. That was his way of saying I missed you now get me my food woman! I love and miss you old man. Say hi to Regina and Max for me."

Danny Boy

Acquired from: San Diego Humane Society-Oceanside
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: January 24, 2021
Date of Passing: February 12, 2024
Family: Shannon Jackson
Fans: Anneliese Hunter

Tribute: On February 12th, Shannon fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Danny.

She shared,

"Danny,

I never thought in a million years that I would adopt a small dog, but you cuddled your way into my heart and I became an instant foster fail. You were funny, loyal and the sweetest dog with a big dog heart. I will miss the way you played your version of fetch and how you always found me when we played hide and seek, or when you would get so excited when I came home you would howl, jump and spin around in circles, or that fact that you loved car rides, but hate getting into cars…lol. Now for the first time in about 15 years, I come home to an empty house. As I learn to navigate life without you, I will always remember that you chose me, and I was your person. Say hi to Hugo, Regina and Max."

Maverick

Acquired from: Final Wish
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: January 24, 2021
Date of Passing: April 27, 2022
Family: Lisa Larson Bennett
Fans: Krista Hogan

Tribute: On April 27th, Lisa fulfilled her promise to Frosted Faces Stoli and Maverick.

Stoli and Maverick were entrusted to us through the Final Wish Program when their mom passed away. It was clear they were bonded and we held out for the special family who would choose them both.

Elementary school teacher, Lisa, had just lost her dad after providing him at-home care for years. Her application and compassion was impressive, so it was no surprise she wanted to do right by Stoli and Maverick by offering them a home together as senior dogs who had just lost their mom.

They fell into routine as a ready-made family! They lived right by FFF where they could pop up for appointments and even nail trims. In January, Mav started to get noticeably weaker. Despite meds, he was no longer able to walk as weeks went on. Lisa was as strong as an ox for him, using a harness to help Mav out to potty and get comfortable, with Stoli cheerleading her from the sidelines.

One day in April Lisa called us sobbing. Stoli had lost the use of her back legs the day before and she could not get her into her car to go to the vet. We rushed over to help her, and the tears really came from a place of being overwhelmed with the daunting responsibility of caring for two down 80+ lb shepherds and a looming decision too painful to face.

Lisa couldn't have done a better job making it work for Maverick. She had a harness for him, booties, she even added a slippery material to her three front steps to help him slide down when she hoisted him out to potty. She had cleaning supplies at the ready and pee pads just in case. Lisa slept on the couch because it was too hard to get him up to the bedroom, and then she could be available to clean up messes, get him water, and turn him. Having taken care of several paralyzed dogs, I could appreciate what an incredible labor of love Lisa had poured into Maverick and his dignity.

We loaded up Stoli and got her up to FFF for an exam. We trialed medications and let her stay at FFF while they kicked in and to provide respite care. Lisa came to visit 3 times each day- as expected. Her heart was with her babies and Stoli was not improving.

It is so so so so so hard to decide to let go of a dog when their bodies are failing them, but their eyes are bright with awareness. I won't wish the burden of that decision on anyone.

On the afternoon of the 27th, Lisa sat down with the doctor to discuss options. The reality is that everyday people euthanize paralyzed dogs more often than not. It's tough to offer the dignity and enrichment they deserve, and when you're looking at giant dogs who are paralyzed as a result of a painful aging condition, it doesn't have to be a selfish choice. Lisa had such a hard time deciding, as would any of us, how to let go of these two bright souls who counted on her. She would do anything for them, but it was too much for her and most any of us. We talked about forgiving ourselves for making this seem like a selfish decision, and looking at it as a last selfless gesture to let them go before their light dimmed and free them from painful, tired bodies that did not work anymore.

Mav and Stoli were so bonded, it was almost a blessing that Lisa put in so much literal legwork for Mav until the days when Stoli declined. There was not a dry eye at Frosted Faces that day, really just suffocating grief washed over Lisa and all of the staff as it was decided to let Maverick and Stoli go together. I don't think we would ever support cutting short the life of a bonded dog, just because the friend's health was failing, but this euthanasia was one planned by the stars.

Maverick and Stoli had medicine pushed into their catheters, to help them pass at the exact same time together, while their mom held them tightly.

We are so grateful that Lisa chose Mav and Stoli together, gave them such a nice life through the good times; and made sacrifices with ultimately, hard choices out of love through the very end of their cherished lives.

Stoli

Acquired from: Final Wish
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: January 24, 2021
Date of Passing: April 27, 2022
Family: Lisa Larson Bennett
Fans: Lisa Christensen