This page is dedicated to the wonderful Schips who have graced our lives with their love, their energy, and
their mischief, and who have now gone to the Rainbow Bridge.  If you have a picture and a story of a special
Schipperke (or Schip parent), please feel free to send it to us (click here).  We appreciate the support of all those
who love these rascals as we do.  Each of these precious Schips has been honored by an In Memory donation
to SchipperkeRescue.Net.  If you would like to make a donation to honor one of these memorable fur children
or another fur child you have known, please check out our "How You Can Help" button on the left.

	Rest in peace, and know that you were much loved and are much missed. Laureen Straw
	(aka “Tank” and “Jaws of Death”) Born: ?? Adopted: January 17, 2010 Left for Rainbow Bridge: December 17, 2012 Even though Ike came to us in his later years, he was a beloved member of the family from the first day we brought him home. He was supposed to be our foster dog, but that ended PDQ, and he took his place as reigning king of the house. Ike loved to greet his people upon their return to the house by playing ferocious games of tug-of-war with his stuffed toys, which he would then deposit in a pile near his water dish. He earned the nickname “Tank” by stubbornly attacking all obstacles in his path, usually with his head. Early in his time with us, he took down a screen door and didn’t even pause to admire his work! Ike had all manner of physical limitations, none of which fazed him. He just “kept on truckin’.” Ikey loved treats, chewers, naps, and, at the last, comforting cuddles. He died at home with his people and his Schip sister, Lily, attending him. He was much loved and is truly missed. Bob and Adela Wynn
	Beloved companion of Dr. Gail Galligan. Remembrance offered by Pamela & John McCombs.
		Little Clem passed away peacefully on October 15, 2012 at the age of 11 or 12. Only God knows when and where he was born, but everyone knows that Little Clem is in heaven now. He was well-loved during his eight months with his foster mommy, Terry Ward.
		March 10, 2001 to September 01, 2012 Time passes so quickly these days that appreciation for life is ever so important. In a blink of an eye, our beloved friend, Pete came and went from our lives. He was a different dog, one who inspired us to acquire two more Schipperkes, thinking we have three Petes, but quickly learned he was one of a kind. Always a gentlemen, knew how to work the crowd at our parties, never aggressive with other dogs or children and pawed at every guest that visited for a pet. I spent several hours looking for a special photo to me that seem to embody the spirit of Pete, but it has eluded me and I hope that one day I come across it in an unsearched chest. It was Pete, as a curious pup, standing in front of a large wooden crate that has just arrived from Bali. He stood studying the box with a look that demanded we open it for his inspection. He will be forever missed by us. For Bob, Pete was the first dog we shared together, the first dog of his own and a dog that came into his life when many of our older family members were still around. Pete had a wonderful life from which his cancer seems to have stolen his golden years – we regret that we could not give him that part of his life. I will miss his tagging along, or more appropriately – demanding he come along with us for every car ride (maybe it was that McDonalds hamburger he know he would get), him sleeping next to me with his head on my shoulder, and his welcome home “Woo, Woo, Woo” I received from him as I came up the basement stairs – a welcome home sound that was so precious to me I never took it for granted and was never able to capture on video. As times passes I hope this memory never fades. In addition to my welcome home “Woo”, Pete joined Madison and Mitch (our other Schipperkes) in a greeting where they would all press so closely together jumping up at my leg that it looked like I owned a three headed dog - I couldn’t tell which head was which – a greeting that always made me feel warm and special inside. Pete’s best friend here was Jasper; they shared a close bond that he never shared with another dog and one from which he never seemed to recover from when she left his life. I hope Jasper is there to guide him on his journey and one day we will meet up again when I hear his “Woo, Woo, Woo” welcoming me back to the pack.
	Little Black Pete, you are forever in our hearts,  George Lane & Robert Rothacker Medford, MA
		She came into our lives in 2005, she was just a puppy. She loved christmas, birthdays, and dinner time. She spent her days napping, running around, and hanging out with us. She was a very smart dog, and figured out how to eat pistachios and spit the shell out. Hanna would always comfort you, she offered her heart to us, and protected us. Anytime you would turn the TV on, she would run to sit with you, and watch it. Hanna was the best dog anyone could ever ask for, we miss her very much. A couple months ago, she was diagnosed with a heart murmur. Then, on August 29, 2012 she meet the grim reaper. She was very loyal and she was always happy to help anyone in any way she could.
	With Love from all of us, The Gutierrez Family
	With Love & Affection Judith & Keith Adabie
	Neesa was born in South Carolina. She was owned for the 1st 7 years of her life by my dear friend. When, In 2001 my friend could no longer take care of her, Neesa flew to New York to live with us. We loved her more than you could know. She was a special girl. We miss her a lot. Her life with us was very full. She loved the car and went with us cross country, camping and many other trips. it was so easy to travel with her. Christmas is hard this year because she was always under the tree, but we know she waits for us at the Rainbow Bridge. ~Pat and Bob Thompson~
	Teddy Bear Onyx left Bozeman, Montana for his journey across the Rainbow Bridge at noon today. He was 59 days short of his 15th birthday and 28 days beyond his 9th anniversary with us. Teddy has been dodging the Grim Reaper for much of this year. A combination of problems brought him to the brink four times, and each time he rallied. But it caught up with him this past week. Today, we took him to Laurie Ann LeGrand, a vet we had never met. She was sensational beyond measure. She explained everything -- that additional medication could slow but not fix his heart or lungs. She predicted that a heart attack would doom him perhaps as soon as three weeks from now. All of this was on top of wobbly arthritic legs and a worsening dementia.  So she made his passage absolutely peaceful, with tears welling in her own eyes. Teddy came to us on the heels of our first Schip in 2002. He is the boy who taught us what Schips really are and led us to the total immersion we now have with the breed. He was quite wild when we got him and matured to a curious gentlemen. He willingly shared us with six other Schips during his tenure but never lost his status as Top Dog. We will toast him with Champagne at sunset tonight. More of Teddy’s story can be found on our website: www.schipperhaven.org. Sadly,
	Our Banjo passed peacefully in my arms August 26, 2010 getting his belly rubbed. It came to the point he was just not eating and his belly started to hold fluid. He will be dearly missed. Although, we will hold fond memories of him in our hearts. Our little Banjo was 9 years 4mo old. He was diagnosed with diabetes in January 09 and in September 09 they found a small mass in his liver. In March they rechecked the mass and only grew 1/2 cm. Since then it had trippled in size almost 10cm from 2cm. They gave us a couple of suggestions...biopsy, surgery or defer ...surgery and try palliative care at home. I had prayed and decided on the palliative care at home. I didn't want to see him suffer through surgery being a diabetic and possible complications. I was so heartbroken. I love him and he has been such a loyal friend and had such unconditional love for everyone. Blessings, Debbie J ‎"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care whether you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart, and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure an...d special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?" -Marley & Me.
	Mary Nielsen of Midwatch Kennels
	She will be greatly missed! -- April de Bremond --
	Shadow was a friend, a drinking buddy, and a great source of entertainment during her life. She became part of writing center lore and will be a center of storytelling at dinner parties for years to come. Stealing snacks, eating bras, imbibing in wine, and bumming the occasional cigarette from a friend was just part of her charm. Those who met her, could never forget her. She will most certainly be missed. Much love from -- Leslie, Caleb, Sarah, and Kim.--
	Rocky Jockey Chester Chandler February 24, 2010
	More to come
	Belle, Windy Taz & Talus
Windy was our first Schipperke.  She warmed our hearts so that after we lost her to cancer, we contacted Schipperke rescue to find a companion for Belle.  First came Talus.  Our last rescue, Taz, came to us in 2004. Like all three dogs before him, Taz was a joy in our life. Talus came to us from Joani in Philadelphia in 2002 and Belle we had since 1995 from a Breeder in NY.  During the last 2-3 years we have many illness with one dog or another, but they all fought hard and stayed around as long as possible. Belle was the oldest and first to go about 2 years ago. Last November Talus (who was blind by this time) started to have seizures caused by a brain tumor. The last one was too much, and we had to say goodbye to him. And lastly, Taz got too ill in January to continue on -- he couldn't eat, or do anything to keep going. Our hearts and home are empty now, but soon we hope to fill the void with more precious furchildren to keep us young and well-snuggled.  There is nothing like a Skipperke to bring joy into one's life. --Joanne Skrip
	Toby
Our dear Toby has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.  During the surgery for his severely broken leg, an embolism apparently broke loose and blocked blood flow to his heart.  Despite heroic efforts to save him, nothing could be done.  Toby was found by the shelter from which he came with his injury.  The leg had been broken some time ago and had healed all wrongly causing this precious little guy severe pain.  He is in pain no longer. Sweet Toby, who touched each and every person who came in contact with him, however briefly, now is whole and runs with all our other fur children who wait for us at the Bridge. ---SchipperkeRescue.Net

	Chip the Schip
We got our “Chip the Schip” from a rescue service after our other Schipperkey was killed. At first Chip was very cautious around Greg, probably having been abused by a male in the past, but in time the treats won him over. Chip knew just where to go for those treats, too. He loved the walks and was a lap dog - that could be a problem in the summer! When we had to put him down, Greg was devastated. Chip was such a wonderful dog that we couldn’t bring ourselves to adopt another one. There won’t ever be another Chip. ---Greg Aslanian

	PHOEBE LAGES 1995 - 2010
--Janet Lages

	skippy   1997(?) - 2009
In my family we’ve always had dogs, and sometimes lots of dogs --dogs of all sizes and shapes, mostly mutts-- but my special fur-child and four footed angel was Skippy.    He came to us through rescue as a young adult.  He had been “misunderstood” by his original people; they had tried to train him using a shock collar and had only succeeded in making him afraid of the sound of the name they used for him , and especially the words “come here”.    When he first came to us, if you made the mistake of saying “come here!”  even in a playful, happy voice,  a look of terror would come over him and he would run desperately away from you. When he got about 100 yards away, he would turn around and sit down as if he didn’t know where to go or what to do next.  Poor little guy!  We also found out he was not neutered, as his previous people had thought, but cryptorchid (he had a hidden testicle) and that was probably why he was not housebroken yet and had other behavior problems.   The happy part is how quickly he re-gained his joy in life!   He was such a sweet gentle dog in spite of his troubled past, and he also had a great sense of humor and playfulness that would appear at unexpected moments.  We had 11 happy years with him --and were expecting more because he seemed in good health,  but on  December 17, he died very suddenly of pancreatitis.  We miss him so much! Now that several weeks have gone by it’s easier to remember all the joy he brought us and we are grateful for that.   See you at the Rainbow Bridge,  dear Skippy.

--Barbara Corson

Our beloved Cujo passed away just after Thanksgiving, 2009 at the too-young age of about nine years. When we first saw her, she was a scared, scrawny dog hiding under a table at a Petco dog adoption event. We'd never even heard of Schipperkes, just thought she was the most adorable, pathetic mutt puppy we'd ever seen. It turns out that she was a grown dog who had recently had puppies. She had been found as a stray, then had been held at the pound before being rescued by Lost Dog Foundation. (www.ldcrf.org). We took the sad little girl home that same day, and everything began to change.

I had been a confirmed cat person, but Cujo began to follow me around, taking me on as her momma. The name Cujo was meant ironically, but if she felt I or our home was threatened, she would do her very best to live up to her name. My husband became a valuable source of treats and scritches, and occasional rides up and down the stairs. I learned to do everything -- everything -- with my "shadow" no more than a foot away from me. Cujo never did learn to play with toys or other dogs, but she adored chewers, walks, visiting the community garden with me, and snuggling on the couch or bed with her people, being adored and pampered. As she grew more confident and beautiful, she seemed to grow into her role as a real Schipperke. Everywhere she went, people commented on her pretty face and cute little Schip figure.

Cujo was taken suddenly, in the middle of the night, by a heart attack or stroke. She had only eight years with us, which was not nearly enough. We console ourselves with the thought that she finally had a family to care for and love, one that adored her right back.

---- Adela Wynn

 

LLOYD E. HALL

In Loving Memory
Lloyd E. Hall
June 29, 1921   July 11, 2008

and
CH. MZZ Skeeter of Jigsaw
1989 - 2003
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there ... I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the starlight in the night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there ... I did not die.
 

RUEBEN CHANDLER

This is our beloved Rueben Chandler. He was better known as "The Deployment Dog" or " Second House Mortgage," which everyone laughed about. When my husband left for his second deployment to Iraq via the Navy, I have no idea what came over me but I just had to find a Schipperke to rescue. We already had two rescues (Mixed Rottie-Abbie & Clifford a mixed Lab weighing 140 lbs.) and a third dog (Skipper- a Schipperke of course from a local breeder.) I obtained Skipper a year prior for my birthday when my husband was at home & was looking in the paper for a rescue & having no idea what a Schipperke was, he went and bought one. Of course I had no clue what a Schipperke was myself but it took little time to figure it out.

Well, when my husband left on the second deployment I starting searching Petfinder.com & volunteering at a local shelter, I received by word of mouth there was a Schipperke that came into the shelter where I volunteered. When I got there he had been scanned & had a microchip & the owners had been located & were on their way to the shelter to come get him. I was crushed. So I called a girl that runs a Dog Facility & although she use to rescue Schipperke's and had five on hand, she was not willing to part with any of them. On my way home I was so depressed about the whole ordeal I actually started to tear up. Just as I was entering my driveway the girl that owns the dog facility called to let me know she had just received a call from the Chesapeake Animal Control & was wanting her to come adopt an older Schipperke that had been at there facility way to long & was facing euthanasia possibly that evening. She said the Officer informed her the dog only looked to need his teeth cleaned.

I ran upstairs, turned on my computer & went to their website & sure enough there was his picture & he was beautiful. I called the shelter to see what I needed to bring, got everything together & out the door I ran. I made it there just before closing, met with Rueben & left with Rueben.

Right after I left the shelter I ran him to Banfield at Petsmart & we did the once over & sure enough he only needed to have his teeth cleaned. So they thought!! We did learn via his X-Rays someone had placed a lot of money in to him as both his back legs & hips had been totally repaired with hardware.  I searched high & low for his owners but never found out who they were.

When I got him home I took a picture of Skipper & Rueben together & mailed it to my husband overseas & received a phone call within minutes. (Let's just say he had his own line). He said that better be a mirror image of Skipper. I just laughed.

To make a long story short, it took about three months to figure out Rueben was almost completely blind, totally deaf, a brittle diabetic & had a collapsing trachea. Hence he got his name "Second Mortgage Payment."
When my husband returned home, he to bonded with Rueben & we even spent a lot of money to try & save what vision he had left. But in the end he finally went completely blind. You would NEVER know that Rueben was blind. Once he figured out a layout once or twice he never bumped into anything. Being a Schipperke was a plus. As we know how intelligent they are.

Rueben stole our heart & everyone else's he met. He was even photographed with me twice for Military Spouse of the Year Awards. He was a gentle, loving, kind soul. He taught us that old dogs are great dogs to foster & still have a lot of love to give, He was the most independent dog I have ever met or owned for all the handicaps he had. He was a Mommy's big boy. In the end, after my son at 20 nearly died from a major bleed after a routine tonsillectomy, we came home and three days later my Rottie of 14 years passed away on our couch in her sleep. Then Rueben had to be taken to Petsmart (after hours) and be put to sleep due to his collapsing trachea. It was the hardest thing my husband & I have been through in a long time. I think Abbie went just before Rueben, so she could be there  at the Rainbow Bridge & help him along. We miss them both.  And Rueben will never ever be forgotten.  He really put my nursing skills to good use.  Mommy loves you Rueben. And of course in Memory of Dear Rueben we adopted another Schipperke out of West VA & another last valentine's from the same shelter Rueben came from, Rocky. And following Rueben's steps he, too, was a car payment at first (due to Heartworms).  But is a healthy boy now.

-Rose Chandler
 

Cappy
February 27, 2008

My parents just recently had to put down our family dog, Cappy (short for Captain). He would have been 15 yrs old this June.  He had a wonderful and very free life - thanks to a lot of love and an 'invisible fence'. He was so loyal, loving, and even towards the end, the epitome of "energy". We miss him so much but know he is not in pain now. 

He had started to have seizures over the past year, and just recently, the last seizure (may have been a stroke) left him unable to stand. He had to be carried out to go pee, and was not able to eat (was fed by syringe for a day or two). We knew that was not a "life" and it was time to say goodbye, hard as it was.

We know Schipperke's are very special creatures. And we feel so lucky to have found Cappy - as he will always be in our hearts.

-Leigh Elliott

Genoa
January 14, 2008

Our beloved Genoa came to us as a foster when she was a mere youngster, full of energy, and a holy terror -  in other words - a typical Schip.  She settled quickly into our pack, and it wasn't long before we knew she'd never leave.

Genoa learned to love sailing, swimming, taking long walks with her pals Scupper and J.J. and, eventually, Bear.  When I was so seriously ill in 2005, it was visits from her and her pals that gave me a reason to live and enabled me to recover.  Both of us will miss her antics and her wonderful doggy kisses.

- Joani DeHaven-McGovern and Mike McGovern

... Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you ...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.
 

Harry
Novemeber 13, 1995 - June 21, 2008

Harry was my best friend and companion. He went with me everywhere (including hospitals, malls and restaurants). Harry stood tall with me and my Mother through my Father’s battle with Alzheimer’s and three (3) major surgeries of his own.

We miss him dearly!! At least we know he is heaven with my Father now, playing.

Mary Rita and Bob Voica

Emmitt
3/30/98 - 8/23/04

Kelli Young

OLLIE
Went to the Rainbow Bridge, September 2008

My name is Matt Rieger, and 7 years ago we adopted a schipperke from the Delaware Humane Society. We saw Ollie being displayed for adoption, and my mother convinced my Father to let us get him. At the present time I had always wanted a dog as a child but my father did not think i was responsible enough to get one. However my mom convinced him otherwise so we got Ollie.
Ollie at first was very timid and nervous about his new surroundings, but I immediately took to him because this was my dream come true. I walked him and tried to do everything to make him comfortable in his new surroundings. One day I was petting him trying to get him to warm up to me, and he rolled over and let me pet his belly. From that day on He became my faithful and best friend and I became his favorite Boy. He never left my side and was very protective and was jealous of any who came to close to me. So much so that on occasion my parents feared he might bite someone and ended up getting us a lawsuit. However he was my world, he was fierce but his heart was huge.
He always made me smile even on my worst days and he made me feel so secure cause I knew he would never leave me and would die protecting me. His character would light up a room, and he was the reason my parents decided to get another two schips over the next four years. I considered him to be my soulmate if there is such a thing and never felt a connection to any person the way I felt one with my dog. So when about a month ago when I found out he had a growth on his heart. It was a tremendous blow to my world. Within weeks he had tumors on all his major organs and could no longer walk correctly or eat really anything. It was inevitable that he must be put down.
I saw him as a gift from God, my little angel. Of course it was inevitable that God must take this gift back from me cause nothing so great as life can stay on earth forever. But I thank the Lord everyday for Ollie's presence in my life. He was my faithful boy and even on his deathbed he growled at anyone who tried to pet him while I was holding him. He would never relinquish his love for me and Death was the only thing that could seperate our relationship but only temporarily. I look foward, and I can only hope that I will see my best friend again when it is my turn to go as well.

-Matt Rieger-
 

POOK

1995 to 2008

I received Jasmine as my 10th birthday gift from my parents and immediately fell in love with her. Her smile, dance and energy was enough to always make me happy. She loved playing with her squeak ball and any attention anyone would give her. I loved holding her in my arms and just watching this cute little dog sleep so soundly. She would have been 13 years old this December, but unfortunately we had to put her to sleep because she had a tumor on her liver. I truly think that having this dog in my life made me the person I am. My family misses this amazing dog we were blessed to spend so long a time with.

-Hilary Hoyle-
 

shadow

1995 to 2008

Shadow came into our lives on July 18th 1999 at 4 years old.  He was found wandering the streets.  He was a true gift from God, the most loving precious baby and best friend.
He loved everyone who came to know him and always had plenty of kisses for anyone.  He was always happy, loved to go for rides or a little walk, Small but mighty, he was the boss of the neighborhood.  He loved to investigate everything and had a mind of his own.  All in all, he was perfect in every way.
Our little angel had come down with a cough the week of December 15th, 2008 with what the vet said was kennel cough, but it worsened until on December 21st, 2008 our baby passed in my husbands arms surrounded by love.  Hee was 13 1/2 years and so full of life.   Our grief is overwhelming and unbearable.  Our hearts are heavy, and the tears don’t stop, but somehow we know heaven is a better place and he is with his grandma and friends, running and playing. 

--Stephanie Milika'a