Token

We adopted Token from Echo Dogs in December of 2006. She was being fostered in Pennsylvania by Kathy Miller. We saw Token online and fell in love with her immediately. She was caravanned across the country by a very dedicated group of volunteers who wanted to make sure she was with us for Christmas.

Token was almost completely deaf and for the first few weeks it seemed as though she was always waiting to be moved along to the next place. After about 5-6 weeks she realized she was with us to stay and jumped in with all four paws! We used to laugh and call her our "rags to riches" rescue! She quickly bonded with our other shepherd Keira and they became inseparable. It seemed as though Keira knew Token could not hear and would always look out for her.

Token came to love lazy summer Sundays hanging out in the backyard while we grilled, taking out the trash with Dad on Wednesday mornings, the dog beach in Michigan and lots of car rides! She loved to be hugged and cuddled and got plenty of it!

For some reason she LOVED bread and somehow knew whenever we took it out, she of course always got a slice! Token had the gentlest personality of any dog I’ve ever known. She was kind, loving, protective, playful and gave her love to us unconditionally.

Token developed bladder cancer in July 2009 and despite all of our efforts and her grace and courage we lost the battle on October 31, 2009.

Token taught all of us never to give up...even when the odds are stacked against you. She allowed us the opportunity to show her that humans really can be loving and gentle. We had her for such a short time. We hope in that time she understood the true meaning of love and family. We take comfort in knowing that she’s pain free, fully restored, and will wait until we can all be together again.

I hope in sharing our joy and sorrow more people will take the leap of faith we did in rescuing one of these deserving and amazing dogs! Echo Dogs you did a great job in rescuing her and giving her an opportunity to find a real family and we could not be more grateful for your organization.

With Kindest Regards,

The Murphy Family
Elk Grove Village, IL

Geisha

Geisha Marie was part of our family and where we went. She enjoyed camping, swimming, boating and going for walks at the park. She loved ice cream, her very favorite thing!
On March 5th we found out she had an aggressive cancer which started on her face. This quickly spread to her sinus cavity and on March 31st we had to let her go. This was the most difficult decision a pet lover has to make. She was a great dog and we didn't want her to suffer. I want to thank Echo and Donna McNeely for giving us the opportunity to have had such a wonderful addition to our family. Thank your for the emails and the kind words for our loss. She wasn't just a "dog", she was our kid. We have shed many tears and will miss her.
A dog loves unconditionally, no matter if you are having a bad day or good one. They can bring you up when you feel down, comfort you when no one else can. I can only hope and pray that several out there can experience the love a dog has to give.
We still have Winnie, a shepherd mix. We got her from the local Animal Shelter a week before Geisha.
Winnie was just a puppy then, about 7 weeks old. She is getting all the love and attention now. Geisha was like her mother and Winnie does miss her. She was not eating for a few days after we lost Geisha, but she is okay now. She still runs around the house and yard as though to find Geisha.
We want to say thanks to all. Sincerely, Brent & Dawn Farley and girls. 

Annie

On Christmas afternoon 2007, Annie went for a routine walk with her Dad.  She had been in her new home a week and seemed to be adjusting well, although she had always been a shy girl.  She startled at a sudden noise and bolted, jerking the retractable leash from the hands of her Dad.  The authorities were called, volunteers were notified, posters were distributed, and neighborhoods were searched looking for this 10 month old girl.  On the morning of December 26th, about a mile from her home, she darted into traffic and was hit by a car.  She died instantly.