Buddy, a Set for Life foster, left this world peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023. His medical issues had progressed to the stage that it was time to make the kindest last decision for him and to say a gentle goodbye.
On Thursday, Buddy and his mom went for a drive, one of Buddy’s favourite things to do. To enjoy the beautiful sunshine, they stopped at an outdoor patio to dine together on cheeseburgers, and Buddy topped off his very good, very yummy day enjoying a usually forbidden treat at home.
We are sad, of course. Sad that we didn’t know Buddy as a young pup, sad that he found himself alone on the street and no longer wanted as an old gentleman. And sad that his sunset days didn’t number even just a few more.
But we are also happy. Happy that Buddy became part of the BTRC family. And happy to be celebrating his beautiful soul. Sweet and affectionate, Buddy, as his mom described him, was a “very joyful old forever-young soul”. Playful and a friend to the other dogs and cats in his home, and loving beyond measure with his people, Buddy also had the gift of empathy. When his foster dad was sick, Buddy, who never had an interest in being upstairs on the human bed before, jumped up to lie beside his patient and rarely left his side until dad recovered.
We must also express our deep gratitude to Buddy’s “foster” family for the love, compassion and care provided to him in his last months. While technically a foster, Buddy truly was home.
His mom writes:
“The gifts he brought to life were precious and remain so. Thank you forever to this Rescue, you allowed Buddy’s light to shine… Swift paws little man – you were so loved here.”
Yes, Buddy, you were loved. And your life will always be remembered. Fly free and healthy at the Bridge. 🌈♥️
An unclaimed stray at 12 years of age, this Furry Valentine might have one or two sweethearts in his past, but he’s a gentleman and doesn’t kiss and tell. What we do know for certain is that he found his one true love when he met his Set for Life foster mom! 
Buddy gave us all quite a scare in December, when a tumour on his spleen ruptured. He’s feeling much better now, and living each day to its fullest. He is truly a joyful soul and as his foster mom says, “each day with Buddy is a gift”.
We know that Buddy is grateful for the kind support that helped ensure his sunset years are filled with happiness and love. If you’d like to help deserving dogs like Buddy find a safe and loving place to call forever home, please consider adding a at https://visufund.com/love-is-in-the-air
Thank you!
December Update
Dear Santa Paws,
My name is Buddy and I’ve been around for a few Christmases but never got any toys of my own. I don’t really know how to play with one! So, Santa Paws, if you have some room in your sack for an old dog and want to throw in a toy for me, I sure would be grateful.
What I do know all about is how to soak up attention and cuddle with people who love me. And I have that here. And I think that maybe, that’s all we really need for Christmas and all year through.
Many barks of gratitude,
Bud-the-Spud
* Merry★* 。 · ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ ·
·。★Christmas!★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ *_Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ ·˛·˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ ·˛· ˚ ｜ 田田｜門｜ ˚
Once eager for adventure, happy and full of tail wags, the other morning it was obvious that Buddy was not feeling himself. The dog that greeted every morning with enthusiasm did not want to get out of bed.
Buddy was taken to the vet right away, and after a series of tests, it was discovered that a tumour on his spleen had ruptured. Sadly, the path forward now is keeping him comfortable and letting him know how much he is loved.
While his bright light is a little more dim, Buddy has not had any more episodes. He is eating, is not in pain, and still asks to join family outings in the car. Every little bark and wiggle are small but hopeful signs that he has some good times yet to enjoy.
Though it’s not the future we expected for this senior, seemingly healthy, beautiful soul, his happily-ever-after is still very much real. Found as a stray, abandoned at the shelter – to being safe and very much loved in a forever home is what it is all about. You can see Buddy’s joy in the photo with his fur-siblings and foster mom.
Buddy will join BTRC as a Set for Life foster – he is home for Christmas.
Good job Buddy!
On November 15, Buddy had his dental surgery. He did fantastic! While he needed several extractions, based on the condition of his mouth at his post-op check, it was a concern that he might lose all his teeth. We’re happy (as is Buddy) that this was not the case.
A mass under his tail was removed while he was under anesthetic. A second mass on his chest was determined to be a lipoma (a very common skin tumor found in dogs and a benign accumulation of fat cells) so other than keeping an eye on it, there is no other treatment required.
Welcome Buddy!
Hey There Buddy!
If this sweet face looks familiar, that’s because this distinguished silver gentleman was posted to social media when found as a stray. His family never came to claim him, so we are happy to announce he’s joined the BTRC family.
Buddy has a few lumps and bumps, and his teeth definitely need some attention, but that’s not surprising in a 12-year-old. While it doesn’t seem to bother him, his right eye appears inflamed and also warrants further diagnostics.
Buddy may be an expensive dog to help, but one look at his face and you know he’s worth every penny. His personality is wonderful; he’s a happy, goofy, friendly boy.
Buddy is getting settled into his foster home and will be off to the vet soon. We’ll let you know what we learn.
Buddy is being fostered in southwestern Ontario and is not yet ready to be considered for adoption.