With heavy hearts and many tears, we are sharing that our sweet dobergirl, Maya, has unexpectedly passed away. She quickly and peacefully passed while resting on her dog bed after her usual morning routine of some outside time in the backyard then breakfast. Maya needed help getting back into the house and after breakfast she just laid on her bed rather than check that the other dogs cleaned their bowls. Her foster mom realized her breathing was labored, so she stayed by her side as she quickly slipped away. She was 9 years old.
We know very little about Maya’s early years except that it must not have been easy for her. She appeared to have had at least two litters of puppies before she was 2 ½ years old, the age when she landed in an Animal Protective League. Her tattered ears, which she proudly held up like a badge of courage, appeared to be home cropped. She was adopted from the APL and lived for many years with a loving family. Due to difficult family circumstances, Maya was surrendered to us last May.
We take comfort in knowing that she was in a caring foster home that truly loved her as part of the family. She enjoyed gentle play with the older male Dobe in the home and absolutely adored their puppy. She had a good quality of life with nutritious dog food, supplements, and regular veterinary care to ensure her comfort as an older dobergirl. We are grateful for her foster mom, Deann, who opened her heart and home to Maya. Please hold Deann in your thoughts and prayers as she deals with sorrow and grief from this unexpected loss.
Maya has gone ahead to make the journey we all must take someday. Her soft, gentle spirit lives on in the unconditional love of the open heart, given with neither expectation nor judgement.
Rest softly, sweet girl, until we meet again.
Love, your HMDD family
Traveler and I adopted each other on 10-09-2017. He unfortunately took his last breath in my lap on 01-08-2024. From the time I saw his hilarious and most handsome picture on the HMDD website I knew he was the dog for me. He was the sweetest, most loyal and just all-around bestest boy for me. I always said he may not look like the star Doberman because his true breed was a “love hound”. He loved to play when it was playtime and snuggle when it was nap time. Whatever my energy was he followed loyally and without hesitation. He was wonderful to my son who I brought into this world a year after adopting him. Dogs are man’s best friend and Traveler was nothing short of that to me. I was blessed to have him for the time I did.
The love I shared with Traveler will only get bigger and better with another Doberman because of all that he taught me. I will always love you puppa love! Rest easy and know that wherever the universe took you, I will be there one day.
– Ryan
Miles came to me up almost 7 years ago. He was my fifth Doberman in 36 years. This boy did not know a stranger. It was almost like he was a lab in a Dobermans body. He was so sweet and gentle and quirky as all get out. He absolutely loved to run! When I had him at the beach, he ran like a racehorse. When we were hiking in the woods, he jumped logs and ran after squirrels. I was the lucky one to have him for so long. He loved to sit on peoples laps. We lose them to soon, but I know there’s another one waiting to give me just as much love ❤️
This Girl was raised by Nelly (HMDD) and Bear (HMDD) from the time she joined our pack at 5 months old in 2012. Nelly taught her how to lead, and the day Nelly passed, Gemma flipped the switch. She was so proud to protect the house, keep the boys in line, and serve as Momma’s Girlfriend. She wanted every dog to know she was the Queen and all she wanted in return was for the world to RECOGNIZE her reign. She was a trash talking, law enforcing, no nonsense Girl that earned the ironic nickname “Sweetie Pie Pie” from her Father. She loved people and loved to host parties. She gave us 10.5 years of devotion and shared her life with four Red Doberman Siblings (Nelly, Bear, Koda, and Bandit). We walked her to the rainbow bridge on July 11, 2023 with heavy hearts and a decade of memories. We miss her every day. “Original Protection Canine, Mother of Dragons, Sister to all Dogs Red, Daddy’s Girl, Sweet Pie Pie, Momma’s Girlfriend, she was G-G- Gemma!!!”
On Sunday, July 23, 2023 I had to lay my sweet, handsome, faithful, devoted loving boy to rest, ZEKE!! (Wobblers Disease). He was 9 years and 4 months old. I adopted Zeke (he adopted me, of course) at an HMDD adoption event on March 8, 2015. He was just a few days shy of his 1st birthday (March 20). He was the wildest one there and I said, I want him! Actually, I had already fallen in love with him from his photos and his bio on the website and when I finally saw him in person, it was a done deal. Such an adventurous spirit he had and extremely majestic looking. I’ve never received so many wonderful compliments about a dog than I did with Zeke. Everywhere we went we got, “you have a beautiful dog” or “aren’t you gorgeous” or “such a handsome boy” etc.!
He was such a great ambassador for the breed in my community and everywhere we went! I want him back so badly – he was truly one of a kind in my eyes! I miss him so darn much and I’m just lost without him. I know time will heal and I have all the wonderful photos, videos and memories of him that will help his legacy live on forever! Sometime if you could, please raise a glass for my boy Zeke and give all your furkids a big hug and kiss for me and hold on to them tight! Nothing beats that one of kind, unconditional, devoted love we get from our dogs! Thank You Hand Me Down Dobes for all you do to provide this beautiful breed loving forever homes. I’m so thankful and privileged to have had the opportunity of having Zeke in my life thanks to you guys!
My beloved Koda
November 12, 2012 – December 30, 2021
I was mending my broken heart having lost my second cherished doberman, Loki a few months prior and I got this call. Some nice woman from HMDD told me about these 2 puppies that needed a home. A few associated rescue people knew of my recent loss, knew I would provide a good loving home. I politely said with certainty “no thank you, I’m not ready yet and HECK NO to a puppy.”
I received this puppy picture and others, a few more calls and I started to feel connected to this little stinker so off I went to Ohio. OMG he was cute at 4 months old melted my heart on the spot.
Puppy life hit me in the face as I drove home. I knew from joyful memories of my first Dobe Lexa, puppy life requires more focus. Koda was a sweet fast growing maniac. He chewed everything, remotes, shoes, pillows, vacuum chords, legs of ottomans. He ran full speed and dived in to my body, sometimes barking a bit borderline dominant to demand his way during play.
I spent every free minute trying to train. Hired 3 trainers the 3rd being a retired police dog trainer. He was my one. He came over several times helping me. Koda was doing well yet still a challenge. There was a deep loving bond happening through the challenging work of training and watching him rough up my house. At 18 months he started to settle down. The rest is our history.
I spent so much time with him. Walks everywhere. He was a champion in any store I’d take him in. He had the entire back of SUV padded with comfy layers depending on the weather just for him. He LOVED people, expected at least a hello from all humans. His fawn color got him a bit extra attention from all unfamiliar with the fawn doberman. My work allowed him to be with me always.
Koda had a few medical issues that didn’t fit his breed, age, gender: Addison’s. He got his percortin shots every 28 days for 5 years, it didn’t effect his quality of life one bit. He was a happy super loving dog for the rest of his life until he was diagnosed with a spleen mass in May 2021. He was on borrowed time but still gave me 8 months more of his amazingly self.
I knew in the background of the joyful life we had the end could happen with the rupture fast. My vet prepared me for possible scenarios to avoid chaos and any suffering for him when it ruptured. I knew the words but still wasn’t prepared to be without him.
His last day was good he was happy, busy, enjoying his snacks, three small winter walks. Awoke from his eve nap 11 pm and didn’t look right. I knew as his gums were grey it was time asap. He was 90 pounds as I gently coaxed him to jump in the car, he couldn’t as he was so weak. I tried to lift him. I dialed my neighbor to come help as Koda looked at me mustard up all the strength he could and jumped in barely clearing the edge. When you are so closely bonded with these dogs you know why they reach deep down through their discomfort to do what you need or want them to do. He did that last jump for me. I let him go calmly, peacefully, holding his head telling him thank you, I love you, good boy. I have no regrets , not one single day. I miss you.
Love, Kodabadoda’s mom
We said goodbye to our buddy today. So heartbroken and sad. He was a joy to us, especially me. We adopted our sweet Garth in August 2014. We are thankful for every single day we got to spend with him.
He was loyal, curious, intelligent, and a loving friend. And also a huge goofball!
We will miss you always, sweet buddy.
Mike & Lisa Naoom
Nearly 13 years ago you came into my life And now you’ve had to leave me it cuts me like a knife
I never thought that I’d find someone that I would love so true but the minute that I saw your face I knew that it was you
I miss your gentle nose pokes that used to start my day and the way you used to tell me off if I had been away
Your gentle eyes your loving smiles to see again I’d walk for miles
There’ll never be one just like you
I can’t believe our days are through
I miss you Bruce, every day. Sleep tight until we meet again at the rainbow bridge
Mum xx
Farewell to my beautiful Penny. She came to me 10 years ago from Hand Me Down Dobes when she was 2 and has been my best friend ever since. She was a therapy dog through TDI and worked for Grace Hospice and various Nursing Homes. She was a natural. I called her my Perfect Penny. I was so proud of her as I watched her bond with people and put a smile on their face. She was an angel sent to me from up above and I will always be thankful and grateful. You will be missed terribly and never will be forgotten. RIP my beautiful Penny.
– Mary P. Gilabert
Dogs,
How does one put into words the way they make our heart feel, the impression they make on our homes, our lives our souls. Ten years ago we decided to add to our furry family by adopting a Doberman and found the rescue Hand Me Down Dobes. I wasn’t familiar with the breed, but when I met Aeris for the first time, and the excited 12 week old puppy came barreling into my arms licking my face and took off at full tilt running to tackle another one of the pups I knew this was going to be an adventure.
Azeris, the “big bad Doberman” was unlike any other puppy I’d encountered. She went through puppy school and was a star pupil, although at home she seemed to know how to snuggle her way onto the couch and steal blankets to cover up with without getting into trouble because she was just too cute. She grew so fast, to become strong, protective and yet the princess. We needed no clock as she would promptly notify us when it was time to eat, and no blankets were off limits for her. We were told we couldn’t have kids, but fate had other plans and Aeris welcomed our children, her puppies, with grace, patience and love. She helped hold them up when they learned to walk on their shakey new legs, her back became a racetrack for matchbox cars as she lay on the floor to be close to them, and she never missed any time outside with her little pups.
She was also there for me, as a new mom exhausted, and scared. She was there licking away my tired tears and at my feet through all the late nights of nursing. There were times she looked just as tired as me as she followed me yet again into the kids room to check on the crying baby. As I faced personal difficulties she was there, with her big brown eyes snuggling her way onto my bed where I would finally fall asleep, to wake in the morning with my arm around a 90 lb Doberman happily sleeping by my side.
She had an episode, we almost lost her. The doctors told us it was her heart, it could be 2 days or it could be two months. She loved us so much she gave us another year. Another year of snuggling on the couch, stealing blankets, exuberantly greeting me with uncontrollable licks and excitement when I got home, walks with the kids, barking at her new younger sister – Scully’s crazy puppy, running, hikes throughout the woods and all over our farm, chasing pesky squirrels, howling at the coyotes and keeping them beyond the perimeter, and just so much love. I had heard the term velcro dog associated with dobes, and now I understand, she chose us, and I am so thankful that she was in our life, that she was my baby, my companion, that she taught my boys what the love of a dog can really be.
Words do not do her justice but she will be forever missed. I know she was on borrowed time, but it doesn’t make the profound loss feel any less. Thank you Hand Me Down Dobes for introducing me to the best breed of dog I have encountered.
Thank you again,
– The Macneil Family
Koda and I met on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. It was love at first sight. I had gone to the HMDD Adoption Event in Columbus (from Middletown OH) to potentially adopt Junior. He turned out not to be a good fit for me. I was upset, thinking I was going home without a new fur baby. Then, those soulful eyes of Koda met mine and my heart melted. I knew it was a match. We made it home safely through a terrible snow storm. We were both exhausted and went to bed early, I in my bed and Koda in his slumber ball. All went well.
The next day Koda was limping slightly and I didn’t think too much of it. We had a great day. When it came time for bed, I got in my bed and Koda, well Koda came over and laid his head on the edge of my bed. With those loving eyes I could tell he wanted to sleep with me. From then on my bed was OUR bed, which is fine with me. All my fur babies have slept with me. Koda would snuggle up against me and sometimes lay his head across my leg and go to sleep.
Koda also discovered the comfort of my recliner. When I got up to go to the kitchen or restroom, that little stinker would take over my chair! It was so cute. He would look at me like he was saying, “You move your feet, you lose your seat!” I’d let him lay in it a while and I’d sit on the sofa. He wasn’t too anxious to get out of it either.
The following week I had a vet appointment for Koda’s wellness check. The vet noticed him limping and wanted to take an x-ray just to check it out. As soon as I looked at the x-ray I knew what it was. It was the same atrocious disease that took my last two Dobies. The diagnosis was osteo sarcoma, bone cancer! I was devastated. My heart almost broke right there. I knew there was nothing that could be done to cure it so my only mission was to lavish all the love I could on Koda and pamper him endlessly until it was his time to go. My poor baby finally had a loving mom and forever home but just a short time to enjoy it. I made him feel as loved and as happy as I could in the five short weeks I had him. It literally broke my heart but I had to let him cross the Rainbow Bridge on March 14, 2019.
I miss Koda terribly. I have trouble sleeping at night, missing that feeling of him snuggling up against me. Oh yes, and his ‘Koda Kisses’ were sooo sweet. He was a gentle soul and knew how to give love. I took his ashes along with Piper, my Dobie who passed in Oct. 2018, to the Pines Pet Cemetery and spread them around a beautiful pond they have. I’m sure they are up there together with my Penny who passed in March, 2017 and all others who have passed. They are all well and pain free now, romping and playing with each other waiting on all of us to join them when our time comes.
Koda boy, if you’re listening, I love you so much and miss you terribly. I can’t wait to see you again baby. You are in my heart forever. Momma kisses to you!
– Barbara Gray
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
February 14, 2013 – December 26, 2018
In 2013, I got a call from HMDD about a 4-month-old puppy that needed a home and I was so excited to meet him. Once I saw Niko, I knew he would become the 6th Doberman in my life. He was an ornery, bratty puppy with a lot of energy. With a lot of guidance, training and love, he grew into a fantastic companion. Niko was the definition of a velcro dog. He was a big mama’s boy and followed me everywhere. He didn’t realize that he weighed 100 lbs. and he loved to snuggle on the couch. Niko got along well with the family cat and other dogs he met at the park. He was always able to get dogs to play his favorite games such as chase and hide and seek. Niko was also a master at sneaking. He loved to sneak on people and other dogs.
On December 26, 2018, Niko was having a great day. He was playing with his dog sister and another dog and he suddenly collapsed. I ran outside and tried to comfort him. When I realized his heart stopped, I immediately started CPR and he began to breathe again. Unfortunately, when his heart stopped again, I couldn’t save him. 🙁
We will miss Niko’s kind soul and friendly eyes, the constant squeaking of the tennis ball, the long walks and the unconditional love. He was truly one of the best dogs we owned and he will be missed dearly.
Until we meet again….
– Court and Terri Johns
AKA The Skeezer (2006-2018)
We adopted Xena from Hand Me Down Dobes on September 13, 2008. It was Doberfest that year. There were so many choices that we just did not know who we wanted to give our heart to. There was one red dobie that we kept looking at. She was with her person and not venturing out too much with the other dogs. My husband and I chose her. But before we could get her to our car, she pulled on the leash so hard, she broke it and started to run. With the help of a few people, we managed to get her to our car and on the way to her new home. She was so scared and nervous.
The adjustment period was quick. She stole our hearts and she gave hers unconditionally. She was the most lovable and gentle dobie ever. She was amazing. She loved walks and she loved people. She always wanted to run up to someone when we were walking. She was a counter thief. One day I was breading pork chops for dinner. I had six of them and when I turned my back for a minute there were only five left. We found out we could not leave anything on the counter. And she had such a silly walk when she was happy and excited. And she had a look too. She would curl her lips when she wanted a Meaty Bone or a walk or just being silly. And she loved her daddy. She would lay on the couch with her head on his leg and her leg over his arm and he would call it “the lovey dove”.
She was extremely spoiled. She would sleep on the bed with us and when it was cold she would get under the “covies”. She would nag her daddy to tuck her into bed all the time, she wanted daddy to cover her with her blankie, and if she would go to bed on her own, she would somehow get the covers all wrapped around her and be laying on the pillows. It would be her nest. At treat time after dinner she would come to mommy for her biscuit and then if we weren’t paying attention she would go to daddy and get another one. Hence the nickname Skeezer.
She loved the sun. She would find a sunbeam in the house and lay in it for hours. She had her special place in the yard where the sun always shown and she would lay there . We have a glider swing in our enclosed porch and that was her favorite place in the summer. She could look out the door window at the birds and squirrels and other little critters. She loved to “hunt”. She would chase little field mice and catch them and on occasion bring them into the house. We will never forget the possum. She brought a couple in the house and also had one stashed in the porch. We had to watch her all the time because her hunting instinct was incredible. In the winter we would fire up the wood stove in the porch and she would lay out on the swing all snuggled up with a blanket.
She was a strong and healthy girl. We never expected her to get sick. As she got older she developed arthritis in her legs and her back. She was taking medication and this did not slow her down. She wanted to play and she still enjoyed her walks. But then in March of this year (2018) on a regular visit to the vet, they found a heart murmur. She was diagnosed with DCM. There was a hospital stay and she was given all the medications needed to get through this heart issue. And she was determined to not let this get her down. But, as time went on, her arthritis got worse and she developed a disc abnormality in her back. And this in turn caused her back legs to be paralyzed. We did all we could to make her comfortable but she passed away the 18th of November of this year.
We were devastated. No dog has ever touched our hearts the way she has. There will never be another Xena. Needless to say we cried for days. How we wish we could hug her one more time and rub that special place on her back and feel the warmth of her body up next to us when we sleep. She is our heart.
Rest in peace little angel and we will all be together one day again.
– Bill and Kathy Cooper
Our hearts break again as we say goodbye to Bear (Schotzie). Bear rescued us in March 2010. He was the sweetest boy with the gift to make everyone happy. He was patient, grateful, and always excited to be with us. He loved treats more than anything, wiggling like crazy in anticipation.
He was the best brother. He never met a stranger and couldn’t get enough hugs and kisses. Our sweet Shotty Bear passed away in the comfort of his own home and in our arms at the age of 10.
Thank you HMDD for another wonderful dog. He blessed us for 8 years and smiled every day of his life.
See you again sweet boy!
Thank you,
– Tina and Todd Cameron
My family adopted Shane from Hand Me Down Dobes in May of 2006. Shane had the best personality; he was a goofy, loving, and energetic red dobie.
Shane never turned down nap time. When he wasn’t napping he preferred being outside either rolling in the grass in the backyard soaking up the sunshine, digging holes, or chasing squirrels.
There wasn’t a person that met Shane that didn’t love him. He gravitated to people who were timid of big dogs as if it were his personal goal to win their heart over. He was the best lap dog, cuddle bug and sweetheart.
It’s incredible what rescuing a dog can do for your soul. He taught us so much; most importantly how to forgive freely and not hold grudges, to not let the past dictate the future and to love without ceasing. He was the most loyal and loving dog we have ever had. We are so fortunate to have had 12.5 years with him.
A big thank you to HMDD for finding Shane and giving him a second chance at life.
Rest easy sweet Shane, until we meet again.
– The Sturgill & Yoder family
Roxy – April 7, 2007 – October 20, 2018
We adopted Roxy from Hand Me Down Dobes in October of 2007. She was the wildest, craziest puppy imaginable. She destroyed toys and couch cushions with extreme enthusiasm. She thought leash manners were for losers. She let everyone walking by know that this was her street and they did not belong on it. She designated herself the “fun police” and made sure that no one was having more fun than she was. She loved life and she loved us with everything that she had. I’ve never known a dog that trusted the way Roxy trusted us.
Four years ago, she was diagnosed with Wobblers (a disease of the cervical spine) and we thought we were going to lose her. We sprang into action, researched everything we could find, got more opinions than we knew what to do with and finally developed a plan. We adjusted our house (rugs everywhere so she didn’t have to touch a speck of slippery floor), our schedules (working from home so we could keep an eye on her every move, taking her for acupuncture and laser treatments), we did everything we could to take care of her. With all the love and care we gave to her, she gave us even more love in return.
I know we aren’t supposed to pick favorites, but she was one special girl, and I told her every single day that she was my favorite – and she knew it.
On Saturday night, her heart gave out and she passed quickly in my arms. What we would give to see her one more time, to rub those soft ears, to scratch her little butt, to share one more apple, one more banana, one more kiss goodnight. We love you and miss you, Roxy Roo, more than we ever thought possible.
– Amy and Colin Staubach
We adopted sweet Lindie from HMDD back in 2005. When we first got her, she was half bald from a skin infection, afraid of strangers, uber dominant and loyal to her bones. After a rough start at life, and a lot of care and training she became the world’s most perfect dog.
When she got excited she would run into our living room and do “The Lindie Hop”, hopping in circles barking with joy. She was a first class clown. Even in old age, and failing health she would try to entertain us. Our princess pretty paws hated being out in the rain, but loved lunging at ocean waves. She loved to run and bark and play. She loved dressing up in sweaters and looking pretty. She could learn new tricks in only a few minutes. She was our son’s most loyal friend and would have protected him with her life. Our nanny dog. She was a big part of our family’s joy.
We lost our Sweet Lindie Lou on August 30, 2018 at 14 ½ years of age. We are heartbroken over our loss, and yet so grateful for the wonderful years we had with her. Rest easy sweet girl. We love and miss you every day.
– The Gainer Family
I got Loki as a 4 month old puppy from HMDD. Everyone that was at the meet and greet was so jealous. He grew into a gorgeous fur boy and was loved by everyone who knew him. Loki was always doing something naughty; hunting, digging, going in the muck by our pond, and running across the ice to chase a deer. When he would come back to our house, and after being cleaned off, he would get on the couch and roll over on his back to be loved on. He died quickly of an embolism at age 8. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about him and get teary. He will be in our hearts forever.
– The Staubach Family
Carlee came into our rescue last August as a sweet, mature, almost 9 year old dobergirl. She immediately saw one of our vets for a wellness exam and at that time was found to have advanced stage Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This heart condition is incurable but sometimes can be managed with expensive medications. She has been in a quiet and caring hospice foster home for the past year.
Carlee loved everyone she met and was a bubbly, happy dobergirl. With anticipation and excitement she looked forward to her daily walk and in the evening enjoyed cuddle time on the couch. Thanks to generous donations we have been able to keep Carlee on the expensive heart medications she needed to give her the quality of life she deserved, as well as periodic vet checks to monitor her health.
Sadly, she lost her battle with DCM yesterday —the very day we were having a benefit for her. She went peacefully with her loving foster family there with her. Thank you to foster mom Lori and daughter Julianne for opening their hearts and home to foster Carlee, giving her the best year of her life. Run free sweet girl – you will be missed.
Our sweet gentleman and my best friend, Tyson, left us on April 26th, 2018. It is always too soon, but the time was right for him to move on to a happier & healthier place. Over ten years ago in March of 2008, we pulled into the HMDD adoption event only to be left in awe by the deep gaze coming from two Doberman that were in the Jeep that pulled in next to us. They were being brought in to attend the event. After checking out a couple of the dogs in an attempt to find the perfect match, it almost seemed as if I was coming up empty handed. I had a feeling that I would know when the perfect opportunity came along. Toward the end of the event, I was finally able to sneak some time in with Tyson, who had also been one of the two making eye contact with me when we first pulled in (he had been tied up most of the day with people). But when I saw a small window, I took my chance.
Tyson’s past had not been the greatest. It was evident that he was neglected, malnourished, and everything in between. Yet, despite his skittishness and high anxiety levels, he was perfect. A gentle giant, with the deepest soul searching eyes, let us know that he wanted to go home that day. We went there with the intent to rescue, and change a life. We were going to do exactly that. He had taken a liking to us and proved that he was the perfect project for lifelong companionship.
Over the course of the next 10 years, Tyson was the most loyal, kind, and mild Doberman I could have asked for. He improved constantly from the time we adopted him, and had a genuine appreciation for his new life and family. We loved him even more for his unique quirks and anxious tendencies. I could have never imagined the impact Tyson had on my life, as he taught me patience, responsibility, and kindness, a true mutually beneficial bond. He went from living with me at home, to enjoying the college years, and finally the family-making years. Tyson was always a favorite to everyone who he crossed paths with. He stole the heart of my then girlfriend (thanks buddy) who is now my wife. That was the day that he went from mine, to ours…all living together in our first home. Finally, we got him a sister. Tyson was a fantastic brother and lead by example, constantly keeping her in line and showing her the way. They were best friends for years after.
In October of 2016, things started to change. With getting into his later years, he was facing an illness that is far too common with this wonderful breed. We continued to monitor it closely. On the outside, you would have never known that he was suffering. He was still just as striking all the way up until his final days. Tyson was blessed to have had a great quality of life for another year and a half. We cherished the time we had. Eventually, with his condition worsening, it was time for us to say our goodbyes and part ways, for now.
T – You will always be missed, and most certainly not forgotten. Thank you HMDD.
Until next time, champ…
– The Harris Family
I adopted MITCHELL in 2015, my 10th Doberman since 1970. He was a bone, bald, a stray in Mansfield, Oh. He was a little guy, I called him my junkyard dog. He was perfect from the first minute I got him, and continued to be until a sudden illness took him to Rainbow Bridge in July. A tribute to the breed, he will be missed.
– Pam Starr
October of 2007, I was looking to adopt another Doberman from HMDD. Rueger Rommel came into our lives as an inspiration of hope and giving. It was said that he would need a strong guidance as this 11 month old pup hadn’t had any training and was a handful. What a joy he was and turns out my smartest Doberman ever. With careful and consistent training, Rueger and I became a Therapy Dog Team. This quiet sweet boy spent his entire life with us giving back to the community thru Therapy Dog visits at local nursing and rehab homes, countless schools, special needs schools and so much more. He gave and gave unselfishly. and enjoyed every minute of it. He had a keen sense to know when someone really needed love and a smile, and he brought it out of people. With his life work, he won the DPCA Judith Felton Award for Rescue in 2016!!
He attended most every HMDD event to represent HMDD and the Doberman breed. No fundraiser was he left out of! This boy did it all and did it with a calm, quiet dignity that this breed is known for.
Running, well, he was my running partner for 10 years! We ran so many Pet related fundraiser races that there were too many to count. How he loved to run with me! Running around our old roads brings back so many countless memories of the miles we shared, just he and I. To say we were bonded at the hip would be an understatement. His life at home was spent with many HMDD Dobies and a Pitty sister . He would see them come and sadly pass, only to accept another into our home. This past spring, he quietly allowed me to spend so much time with his sister, Ana when she was terminally ill. She passed quietly in late May, and he and his sister Dottie were there to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. Sadly, unbeknownst to us, Rueger was suffering a terminal disease as well. He let me spend my time with Ana and never let on that he was ill. He even got to spend a week with his new little brother, Steyr, showing him the ropes. That was the type of selfless giving he was known for. Rueger suddenly left us on June 25, 2018 to join his sisters and brother at the Rainbow Bridge. Farewell for now my handsome boy! Run free and fast and we will always, always remember you, my Therapy Dog, my Running partner, my best friend!!!
– Vonnie Voorhis
This Memorial is for Luke. He crossed the rainbow bridge June 5th, 2018. Our story started when we arrived at an adoption event late on a Sunday afternoon. We were there to see another dog and make sure our current Doberman would get along. As fate would have it, the dog we were there to see was just leaving with another couple. We were sad. We drove all this way, so I thought we should go in anyway to see if there were any other dogs left to adopt. It had been a great day for adoptions and there were only a few dogs left. I went in and looked at an underweight, badly neglected dog named Snoop. He came over, sat on my feet and stared at me with those heart melting sad eyes. I visited for a few moments then sent my wife in and he did the same thing to her.
So, I brought in Rico to meet Snoop. They seemed to get along OK, so we decided to take a chance with him and take him home. He left with new people to love him and a new name, LUKE. It wasn’t long before he started looking happier and playing. He would chase Rico around the house. They would run up and down the hallway just having a great time. We spent lots of time with him making sure he felt at home and safe. He had his own bed and blankets to snuggle in. We even bought him a nice fleece jacket to walk in during the cold months. He had to have it because he had no hair on his back. I remember the first time petting him and feeling that smooth skin. It felt so weird. Anyway, his hair grew in over several months and he was super happy and full of energy. He was acting like a young pup again. He would always demand that we pet him. If we stood too long he would come up and push his nose into your hand until you started petting him. He loved that! He was such a happy guy. He also liked the evening routine of getting up in the loveseat and falling asleep next to me. He loved being with us. Typical Velcro Dobie, where ever we went he would go. Even just going out to the garage he had to be there. He was always the first one to greet us at the window when we arrived home from work. He also loved to go for a walk. He would get so excited. He was so serious when walked. He didn’t wander around, just straight ahead. And he didn’t like to turn around. He must have thought the walk was over when that happened. Who knows. Things were going so well, we were all happy and healthy.
Then we noticed some issues with his bathroom habits. Naturally we took him to the vet and had him checked out. They started treating him for an enlarged prostate. The Meds seemed to work for the first 3 weeks, but the symptoms returned. We took him back to the vet and they diagnosed him with prostate cancer. Just to make sure, we took him over to the Ohio State University veterinary medical center for a second opinion. They said the same thing. We were devastated. They did what they could to make him comfortable and we took him home one last time. We spent all night and the next day just being with him. Trying to come to grips with the harsh reality of what had to be done next. He was still so full of life. He wasn’t acting any different. He looked great on the outside. We made our final appointment with the vet and said our goodbyes. We will miss him so much. He wasn’t with us long, but he left such an impression on our hearts.
– The Butler Family
It is very hard to write this as I don’t know how to begin to describe the love and devotion Ana and I shared for each other. Ana was rescued by HMDD and I saw this beautiful broken sweet girl at an adoption event looking completely alone, scared and depressed with all 4 legs, but one was backwards and limp. How would anyone ever adopt her? She was in a crate all alone and when we made eye contact, I fell in love. Yep, I was asked to foster her, and when I picked her up, she jumped up in my truck (sans post op leg removal for freedom) and said, “your mine now”. I called that day and asked to adopt her.
Well, here lies the problem, I rescued a large, 2 year old Pitt bull one month earlier and didn’t know much about that breed. (I rescue Dobermans, duh!) Oh well, here goes nothing. They met in the foyer of my house, (one dominant tom boy doberman, and a happy, silly pitt bull). Dottie (my pitt) sniffed Ana, as she stood very still, and then, licked her all the way up the side of her face and they both took off running out the door and into our front yard to play! Those two became inseparable, Sisters from another Mister. They have been like that ever since, where one is, the other is, and ALWAYS slept together day or night with their backs touching. Always! Rueger, my sweet Doberboy from HMDD took to her right away and played with her every day very gently as he knew she was “special”. Ana never felt “special” missing her front leg and really would play hard with him. He was the one that always called time out and would go away to rest.
Days and years flew by, always too fast, and Ana was given everything. She loved her bike rides, and never missed our long daily pack walks. She had a cart/wagon at both our homes and took to those carts on the first shot. She loved hiking in the woods on her own 3 legs and had a favorite spot on our property that has a beautiful sunset. My husband built an open air small building with old-fashioned swings and named it “Ana’s Spot”. As we take our dogs on vacations with us, (yes the whole pack, even my daughter’s Great Dane, Punky), Ana has gotten to do more in her life than she would have ever dreamed of. But her favorite place was the ocean at Nags Head, NC. She loved the elevator in the house (she got on it and magically ended up on another floor!). The sand and the waves were so much fun, she didn’t want to leave. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Ana aged to 12, and had a wonderful birthday party. Dottie turned 11, 2 weeks later and she had another party to attend. Another week went by and Ana knew it was time to leave us. She chose her favorite spot on her blanket on the front porch of our house and told me she was tired and ready to fly. She left us peacefully there, and gained her wings watching the world go by as usual. Farewell my beautiful girl, we will be together again. Thank you HMDD for giving me 9 years with this sweet tom boy!!!
– Vonnie Voorhis
In February 2011, we were blessed with a wonderful Doberman girl named Pippin. From what we learned, she was picked up as a stray in Stark County, Ohio, then transferred to Hand Me Down Dobes for fostering and adoption. Jeff Rupnow was her foster Dad; she was estimated to be about a year and a half old. When we came to an adoption event, our older Dobie “Weezie” took to her and she rode home with us that day.
In the beginning, she was a little timid, ate voraciously, and was an excellent companion in the car. She was the most Velcro-dog we have ever had (and we are on our fifth Dobie). She was smart, gave super-sweet kisses, played well with others, and was our guard dog (to the dismay of the UPS and FedEx guys!!). Anyone can view an online picture of her by googling “Pippin the Doberman in Pickerington Ohio.”
We got her from hmdd.org when we lived in the Columbus, OH area. About a year or so ago, we moved to northern Michigan for retirement. We built a house and made sure to include a fenced-in back yard for our girls, present and future.
Please accept this donation from us in memory of Pippin. We were blessed to be her Mom and Dad for six wonderful years. Unfortunately, she developed metastatic cancer and succumbed to it in April. We made sure she did not suffer. She has been cremated and her ashes will remain at our house.
Pippin was a blessing. We will never forget her little face. She was truly “Daddy’s Little Girl”.
– Mary Jo McElroy and Jeff McClune
I adopted OZ after losing my other Dobie of 8 years. OZ was my second foster and it was love at first sight. He was sweet, loving, and even trained to all commands. He became my soulmate dog friend. We would hike everyday. He would run and jump over logs, smelling everything new and wonderful. He loved going to our lake house and hanging out with his dog cousins. Blessed beyond measure to have had him for 5 years, he died of an apparent heart attack when we were hiking on Dec. 28th. He didn’t suffer, and I was right next to him when he took his last breath. He died doing what he loved the most, running in the woods. I picked up “Miles” yesterday, he is my 5th doberman in 30 years. Again, a sweet loving Dobie boy who I immediately connected with, now he will be in his forever home. I don’t even second guess myself when choosing to rescue again. The unconditional love dogs give back is worth the heartache of losing your best friend.
– Janie Oka
I made a promise to Kitzel that I would not let her feel pain in her life. Today, I kept that promise. Kitz has been so brave and full of love and joy over the last few weeks. But today, she let me know she was tired of fighting and was ready to go over the Rainbow Bridge.
I could not have asked for a more loyal and loving doberman. Thank you to Hand Me Down Dobes for taking this once broken dobie into the program. Kitz rescued me by filling the void in my heart left by the passing of my first dobe, Zoe. Together, we healed one another. I hope they are together chasing cats and squirrels. I will miss you sweet baby girl. Thank you for all the lives you have touched in this world…
Channon Gross
This memorial is for Jingle, adopted March 2008, crossed the rainbow bridge Sept-11-2016.
We felt it was time to find a nice companion for Our Lab Shelby after the loss of her best friend Samson our first Dobie. We went to one of the adoption events and met a bunch of great dogs. But there was one that stood out, A young doberboy running around taking things he wasn’t supposed to, getting in to mischief, and keeping the people with big water bottles busy breaking up the little ruckuses he was causing with the other dobes, some twice his size . He was on the go constantly. My wife commented, “I bet he’s the one we end up with, he’s a maniac.” Our first Doberman had filled a similar role in our home and we were missing the energy he took with him. We found out this dobe’s name was Jingle.
We brought him home and he found our bed in a matter of minutes and it instantly became his favorite spot. We would often find him snuggled into a nest of comforter and pillows he had made for himself. He could even cover himself up when he was cold. We were all very happy. We started going to the dog parks and letting Jingle and Shelby play. Jingle loved going on his walks. He would get excited when we brought in the leash. That went on for 4 years then our lab passed. Once again we found ourselves with heavy hearts and a mopy Jingle. We ended up rescuing another Dobie, Rico (a local rescue.) He came into the house, picked up a bone and never looked back. Jingle and Rico hit it off great and have been together ever since. Jingle was still the man of the house even though Rico outweighed him by 15-20 lbs. It was funny to watch Jingle go after Rico and make him hide behind our recliner. This happened every morning and evening. Jingle also liked to steal socks. We called him a sock thief. He was so sneaky. One minute he was next to you the next he’s running away shaking his prize. And oh yeah, he didn’t like cats or squirrels; he was all Doberman!
He had slowed down some with age and battled diabetes and a heart murmur but it never stopped him. He still loved his walks although they were a little shorter. He still liked meeting people where ever he was and enjoyed giving a dobie nose kiss to kids his height. He was always such a happy boy. He passed suddenly while walking on one of his favorite trails. He was happy and so full of life up to the end. I guess that’s why it is so devastating. He was having the time of his life and was acting like a young pup. So our hearts are broken over his loss and many tears have been shed even as I’m writing his final farewell.
Jingle, thank you for bringing such joy to our lives. You will not be forgotten, there will always be a Jingle sized hole in our hearts.
Thank you so much for what HMDD has done for so many,
Chris and Tonia Butler
We adopted Dante in October of 2001. The fosters were moving, so they were anxious to adopt out the litter. Dante was the only puppy sitting back observing his littermates coming to greet us. We decided that he was the one, he looked like an all-black Doberman.
He was a goof. . . from completely pulling the blanket cover through his crate to his “tough guy” play acting, he never really lost that puppy mentality. His sense of humor was great, but his intelligence made him very trainable. He adapted well to the Rottweiler we rescued, and later, the Labrador we adopted. Over the past year, his advanced age began to catch up with him and decided it was time to let him go.
He was a great companion, buddy, and will be sorely missed. It’s not often you get 15 years with a dog, and with Dante, it still didn’t seem like it was enough.
April & Arden Haynes
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that our beloved Nelly (Holly) has passed away. Nelly adopted us almost 9 years ago when she was just two years old. She was a leader, full of joy, and loved all people and dogs. She showed Spooky how to be a dog. As Spooky’s health failed in 2010, she took in Bear (Schotzie) from HMDD.
Three years ago, we took in Gemma, and Nelly taught her how to be the boss. We were so blessed to be part of her world for nine years. She was the queen, our #1, sweet red dobe girl. We will miss her every day as her forever home is forever in our hearts. “I love you forever” were words she knew very well.
Thank you HMDD. In loving memory of Nelly Jane Cameron.
Love,
Tina & Todd Cameron, Bear and Gemma
It is with great sadness that we announce that little Mira passed away. We were hoping we would have more time with her and be able to celebrate her second birthday but it was not to be. Her seizures were just too much for her to body to handle and it just shut down.
She was given that name because she was a miracle. She was a pleasant little girl and full of life. She was deprived of oxygen and suffered brain damage and blindness. She did recover some of her sight and began to develop into a playful pup. She had many limitations but that did not seem to bother her or her other dog and cat siblings who accepted her just as she was.
Mira loved many things and especially sneaking into the bed room and taking a nap in her travel carrier or curling up on her brother’s doggy bed. We could not find her a couple of times in the house. Most rooms were gated so we knew she was not too far away or in any trouble. She was found in the bedroom, of course, under the bed sleeping and another time in the bedroom closet sound asleep. We don’t know how she wedged herself under the bed but she did!
She had a few favorite items and they were tissue paper, paper towel tubes and towels. She had trouble grasping with her mouth so her toys were flat and things she could grab easily and shake.
We think about her every day and she will be in our hearts forever. All that knew her miss her too. She gave us many months of joy, taught us many lessons and an appreciation for all things living with or without limitations. May Mira be running and playing free of physical and mental limitations when she crosses the rainbow bridge to join the rest of the Shafer dogs, cats, and birds that will be waiting for their special friend….Peace be with you little Mira!!!
Jeff and Jessica Shafer – HMDD Volunteer, Foster parents, and Mira’s mom and dad.
This memorial is for Lexie, adopted in 2014. She deserves to have her story told. We have had 7 Dobermans over the years. Hutch (who we adopted from HMDD) was #6 and when his “girlfriend” passed away we went to the HMDD web site to see who was available. After a few months of searching the site, there was Lexie. It was love at first sight just from her bio and photo! So off we went from eastern Indiana to Ohio to meet her. Again, the minute I saw her I knew! Her focus on her foster mom was intense, but calm. I immediately said I wanted her. Upon adoption we were told she had malformed kidneys. I didn’t care, I wanted her anyway. Of course as soon as we brought her home, we took her to our vet. After her blood work was completed came the bad news. Her kidneys weren’t functioning properly and our vet gave her about a year to live… We took her to Purdue University and did everything possible to help her. She lived almost 2 1/2 years!!!
Who knows all of her troubled past, but what we did know was sad. She was starved almost to death and covered in sores and found by a Humane Society. They rehabilitated her and found adopters who kept her for a year. During that time, she went from 30 lbs to 80 lbs! She gained 50 lbs!!! She was extremely overweight! Then she was taken back to the Humane Society because she was too “needy”. HMDD brought her into their rescue and she was fostered until I adopted her.
What amazes me and prompts me to write this story is her personality. After all she had been thru, she was the perfect dog. She was kind, gentle, fun loving and a testament to the breed. She never met a dog or person she didn’t like. She was a gentle soul. Of all of the Dobermans we have had, she stands out among them. I never heard her growl. She hardly barked (except at a treed squirrel). She always came when called and had street smarts. Hutch loved her the minute he saw her and he did not warm up to dogs immediately. He knew as well as I did, how special she was going to be. It was love at first sight! Lexie, you were an inspiration and a joy…….
Karen Weddell and Family
We were fortunate to have Rocky adopt us in 2010. We were at an HMDD adoption event and this big old red Doberman, that had big open sores from being locked in a garage on a concrete floor with every rib showing came and pushed the cute little female Doberman (Nina) I was thinking of adopting right out of the way.
Then when my husband came over, the big red Doberman proceeded to jump on the steps higher than we were sitting and put his head on my husband’s shoulder. Being putty in this Doberman’s paws, my husband, walked out to the car to get our other 2 Dobermans to see if the 3 would get along but Rocky followed him to the gate as if to say “Hey, don’t forget me?”
Well, Rocky came home with us and he topped out at 110lbs of the most loveable, gentlest guy you ever saw. Everyone loved Rocky. HMDD thought he was about 8 when we adopted him, so he was almost 14 years old when he succumbed to a tumor of the spleen. He also had a bad hip at the end and a lot of arthritis but when the refrigerator opened he managed to turn so he got traction on his good hip and was right in front to see what he could get. He had such good hearing he could even hear the treat closet open on the other side of the house.
Rocky wasn’t the most trained Doberman when we got him. He ate $100 worth of cd’s that were borrowed from the library, he ate the arms out of my husband’s leather motorcycle jacket and wasn’t really housed trained, but he did get with the program after a couple months of crate training and was able to have the run of the house again unsupervised.
His buddy Shadow died 2 months ago and we adopted 3 year old Sammie from HMDD, she gave him a new lease on life and became his arm candy. But his health issues caught up with him.
We will remember him lying on the bed, on the leather couch in the living room, his pillow in the TV room and wearing his red polar fleece coat. He was a man’s Doberman, but at the end he saw the value of a mommy. He was well loved and we shall miss him and have no doubt that Shadow is waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.
Amy and Bob Caslow/Maynard
We adopted Danner on October 13, 2012. At the time, our hearts were still wounded from the unexpected loss of our dobe, Billy, who was with us only a very short time. Danner helped us to move forward and find joy again to balance the grief we were feeling over Billy.
Danner loved meeting new people, throwing his big head into the sides of strangers for some love. He was not shy about expressing his need for love at home, pushing his nose into our heads from behind the couch, nudging us with his head or nose, and pawing for more even when we had a hand on him. He would gently nibble our arms, our cats, his dog girlfriends; a behavior we lovingly called “corn-cobbing”. Whenever he was with us we always had a loving hand (or a foot when he was laying on the floor) on him. He insisted on constant touch and we were happy to give it.
Danner enjoyed long daily walks and runs, hikes in the Metroparks, and playing with his dog buddies of all sizes. We enjoyed teaching him new tricks and he was a fast learner. Danner loved going for car rides and was a volunteer for HMDD at meet and greets and other events. He was playful with his cat siblings and ever so sweet to his much smaller and older dog brother, Chief. He even took corrections from Chief without a complaint.
A few weeks ago Danner was diagnosed with B-cell Lymphoma and even with treatment, given a life expectancy of a year or less. He was only seven years old so we opted to do chemo. He had two rounds of chemo and was acting like himself. In an unexpected and sad twist, on Monday February 8th, Danner got bloat. We knew surgery was not an option given his cancer, so we said goodbye to our sweet love.
Danner’s life and passing remind us of many of life’s lessons. In life Danner reminds us: don’t be afraid to show love or ask for it from those you love, make lots of new friends, find the joy in everything you do, respect your elders and those that are different from you. Danner’s passing reminds us: we don’t know how things are going to end, even when it appears like we do. Be present, be grateful, be in the moment, and live for today. We didn’t know when we adopted Danner that not quite three and half years later we would write his memorial. We are grateful though, for every moment we had.
Rest in peace, sweet Danner.
Kerri and Jay
It was August 29th, 2007, when I met Jacob, “Jake.” He initially came to me as a foster. HMDD was upfront with me about their fostering rules and told me I would not be able to adopt him, since this was the first dog I ever fostered. Well, long story short, I immediately fell in love with him and given his history of being moved from home to home, HMDD decided it was okay to bend the rules for him. A few weeks later, the adoption was complete at Doberfest. He was so excited, running around the dog park and jumping off the pier into the water!
Jake brought pure joy to our lives for 8.5 years. He was such a sweet and gentle soul. He loved playing farmer picking tomatoes off the plants in the garden, hunting for hidden treats around the house, rolling over for belly rubs, sunbathing, playing with his many “babies” (toys), going to his grandparents house to go on “vacation” and getting a “blow dryer rub” – he loved the warmth of the hair dryer as he lacked a little fur due to his thyroid. He also loved going for walks. Each time he was out, we would get asked what kind of dog he was (people are not used to seeing fawn dobes apparently) and he would get compliments on how handsome he was. I could not argue as I was a little biased! And he was the best snuggler EVER! He often didn’t recognize his size, trying to get into your lap. His favorite spot was right next to you, with his big head in your lap, getting his ears rubbed. He was the true definition of a velcro dog, always wanting to be by your side, no matter where you were. That is what made him happy, being with his humans!
We sadly had to say goodbye to Jake on January 30th, 2016. He had an inoperable nerve sheath tumor in his right front leg. Amputation was not an option given his age and arthritis in both back legs. We kept him comfortable and happy up until his last day. As time progressed, he lost his ability to bear weight on his leg. As we watched him attempt to walk, we knew it was time to let him go. He passed away in our arms, showered with love and tears. Our house now feels empty, silent, almost uncomfortable. No words can express how much we miss him and all the love he gave us. We know it will take time to heal, but look forward to the hopes of one day, having another rescue dog…after all, that is what Jake would want us to do. He was rescued from a kill shelter and ended up living the most wonderful life. He would want another dog to have that same chance he was given.
All I can say is this: THANK YOU HMDD for bending the rules and giving Jake to me! He was the greatest gift I have ever received!!!
Megan Case
We follow the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s Code of Ethics. For more information visit the DPCA at www.dpca.org.
