Memorials


Zeus November 2003 - May 21, 2008 It is with great sadness and loss that my dear friend Zeus is moved from the Camp four-legged staff page, to the Memorials page. I believe that akitas come into your life and take a part of your soul. Zeus came to Camp and touched the hearts of everyone that met him. He was a big goofy boy with so much love, he was definitely a "momma's" boy, and still shared his heart with all. He loved his Meehoe, and Sydney was his best friend. We are all mourning his loss. His and my relationship can be summed up very simply, I asked God to give me a best friend, and he gave me Zeus. You will always be in my heart, I love you and miss you deeply my friend.....

Magic 11/25/96-07/12/03 What a memorable day that was, July 3rd, 1996, Shilley (Magic) came to stay at Camp Ilene. I remember him arriving in a green Mercedes Benz sports car, sitting proudly in the front seat. He was 8 months old, very handsome and a little shy. I loved him instantly, there was just something about him that touched my soul. The first week he was there, his owner called to check on him regularly, but then after the first week, I didn't hear anything else. I was working with a behaviorist at the time, and she said she would write the owner a letter, telling him that since this dog was an Akita, he really needed a permanent home. I prayed about him being my dog and just let God know that if he was supposed to be mine, to please let it happen. Before the letter was written that same day, the owners girlfriend called, saying that the owner could not keep the dog, and wondered if I knew someone who might want him. I cried, and Shilley became Magic. He was an amazing dog. He was very social with all the Campers here at Camp Ilene, even Blanche, the little argentine street dog the size of a chihuahua. And Blackie, a black lab, was his favorite. They would nuzzle each other when she came to visit. He would always greet me with a wiggle and a soft toy in his mouth. All I had to do was show him my tennis shoes and he became so excited, knowing that it was his special time for a walk. He filled my heart with love and joy. Saturday, July 12th, my faithful companion, my trusted servant, my beloved friend, Magic was found dead. It was sudden, unexpected and shocking. My vet told me bloat. His life was taken way too soon. He was only 7 1/2 years young. Dogs only stay with us such a short time compared to our lives, so when it is shortened even more, it is such a major loss. I miss him and am grieving his loss. He was an amazing dog, full of love and wonder. Innocence and joy, what an amazing gift from God he was in my life. I miss him so much right now. I keep looking out at all the dogs wanting his face to be there, wanting him to greet me with his wiggle like he did, always with a toy in his mouth. Those who knew him, knew his strength and his gentleness. There was wisdom in his face. I was connected to that dog like no other, he was my best friend. He is terribly missed.

Mick - Little Lion King of Seven Oaks 12-03-99 - 08-12-07 My precious little man, how I miss that face and your funny ways. Too many seizures, too much suffering, the decision to let you go was very difficult and painful. I miss your face and your silly bark whenever you heard that it was feeding time. And I will always think of you when I get string cheese, your favorite treat! I miss your funny ways of chasing all the dogs and grabbing their tails. You were a true King, regal and aloof, yet sweet and loving. You are missed and loved and I hope you are romping with Magic your best friend!

Barney Wuhrman It is with great sadness and deep loving that I share with you that I had to let my beloved dog, Barney, go Thursday night. Barney had cancer and probably would not have made it through the night. I knew it was time for him to go. I held him for hours. I stayed with him, asked plenty of questions, and listened to my inner guidance to be sure that I was making the choice for his quality of life. I'm at peace with the decision. He just curled up in my arms and went to sleep. Barney is the best dog I've ever had. He's always been there when we opened the door, when we turned a corner, when we were awake, and asleep. He let us know when someone came to the door. He taught us how to love by fully loving. Barney is/was pure love --- the ultimate in unconditional love. He was my precious furry faithful friend and will be sorely missed. It has been a tremendous honor to have opened my heart and loved my Barney so deeply. May we all have so much love to give, share, and feel in all times ahead. Candi, Arnie, Michelle & Josh

Tucker Deuster Tucker had been coming to Camp since he was a puppy, when we first started in Orange county. He was a big loveable golden retriever that was always so happy to see us and be here with us. He was one of our "house" dogs, who would come in and be a member of our family. We even had the privilege of watching his two legged siblings grow into adulthood, as they were "pups" too when he first came to Camp. He will be greatly missed by us and his wonderful family.

Howie Hipps Howie came to Camp for the first time in July of 2004. He was happy and frisky, a typical sheltie. We called him our "microwave dog", as whenever we would use the microwave he would bark. He loved running with the big dogs, making sure everyone stayed in line. He was always excited at meal time! Howie will be greatly missed.

Carmel Shahady 1995 - 2007 The first week of March 1995, J.J., a co worker from the deaf school was driving down the street somewhere and was appalled when she saw a man spraying something at a dog. J.J. took the dog, knowing that she could not take him home because her two dogs were not "friendly" to other dogs, she decided to bring him to school and announced, "Who would like to adopt a dog she found?" So, quickly I ran to the office and said I would take him. I had just moved into my first home a few weeks earlier. Right then, "Carmel" was in my life. He got his name because his fur was of carmel or caramel color. Took him to the vet to have him checked and come to find out by checking their teeth he was about six months old. We didn't know what breed he was. Soon, I checked into different sources to see if he could be trained as a "hearing ear dog". Karen from the Hearing Ear Dog organization tested him and he was a candidate and from there she helped me trained him. My good friend, Barb helped practice the duties Carmel was to do. Such as to wake me up by jumping on the bed and paw me, get me when someone is at the door when he thought someone came to visit him not me, alerts me when someone calls my name, smoke alarm goes off, and surprisingly he alerted me to some strange noises from the car by the way his was moving his head and ears perked up. Carmel was a quick learner. Since he was a certified hearing ear dog, he pretty much went everywhere with me when he had his special leash and vest on. Carmel was a certified hearing ear dog, he was able to travel with me. We've flown to Michigan every summer to see Nana and Uncle Geoffrey. He sat on the floor in front of me on the plane, and on some occasions when there was an empty seat he had his "own" seat. Some flight attendants were dog lovers too. They say, we won't tell anyone. Some passengers thought Carmel was very cute and well behaved. We stayed a month in Michigan. Carmel loved to watch at, look for, yip at, and chased the squirrels. He'd try to climb up the tree to get them. Duh!!! We've been to conferences and he would be the "king" on his own bed watching TV in the hotel room while I attended meetings. Of course, I covered the top of the bed with a sheet. He was a good traveler. He loved to go for car/van rides. In the last few years, we found a great dog care center that is wide open on a acre of land, where he was free to run, play, and sleep anywhere in "Camp Ilene's home. They had their treats and naps and he would come home dog-gone tired. On Tuesday Oct. 23rd, after years of being my best friend, my sole companion, hearing ear dog and more, Carmel peacefully went to meet the Lord . Carmel was a beloved dog and friend and will be deeply missed.

Zena Marie Batyi 1995-2005 I rescued my Zena just when she was coming out of her puppy stage at about 18 months. The night I brought her home she got carsick in my car and that's when the fun started. Her new home was quite different then her old home growing up with her Mom. Dad, brother and sister. I thought she would have a hard time but loved being the "top dog" at her new home. She was the only German Shepard that would "talk" and let you know how happy she was to see her Mom when she was picked up from Camp Ilene. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she still fought to the bitter end not wanting to leave her "Moms." She is missed terribly but will NEVER be forgotten in our hearts. Rest peacefully "buggy", knowing that we will be together again in eternity.

Chewbacca Spencer Adese Sept 28th 2002- April 24th 2006 Chewy was hit but a speeding car in a residential/school area where kids were playing, the driver sped by at about 75 mph and never stopped even afterwards. Chewbacca did not suffer, his passing was quick. In our hearts we know he is over the rain bow running and playing with his friends. We were not pet owners, we were family. Chewbacca was never a pet or just a dog, he was our child, the one my husband and I could never beare. He held us together, he mad us laugh, he loved us and he missed us when we were gone, he even had tempertantrums, he protected us, he guarded his home all night and slept during the daytime hours. He loved his family as we loved him, he lived for going bye bye, his walks and runs, he loved going in the truck with dad. He was taken from us way too soon and in such a horrific manner. Please pray for his family because I'm not sure how we will go on with out him.

Boots Another dog taken from us way too soon. Boots was such a sweet dog and loved the wading pool. She would jump in the pool and get completely wet and then look at you with a smile! She would come up behind you and "goose" you with her nose and then run away wanting you to chase her. Her life was taken way too soon at 1 1/2 years old, but her spirit will remain in our hearts always. Our prayers go out to her family.

Annie Annie was tragically, and suddenly taken from this life by a coyote at only 7 months old. She was an amazing little dog, full of life and love, especially for her special Mommy Sheila. She will always hold a special place in all of our hearts and we will miss her deeply. Our prayers go out to her family.

Chamois Chamois always had a smile for all of us here, and would prance in anticipation of the fun she would have! I remember Jill & Kent saying that when they got off the freeway at the exit for Camp, Chamois would start to prance and whine in excitement of her stay at camp. She was a special camper here who had been visiting for the past 7 years! She will be missed by all.

Harley & Chopper Harley & Chopper's initial visit to "camp" was during their later years. After the first time, I knew we had found a "special" place. They loved the staff & the feeling was mutual. Whenever I pulled up to Ilene's house, they would begin to whine & bark in excited anticipation. They brought me joy throughout their lives & I am glad they could share this joy with Ilene & the other "campers". I miss them deeply. - Perry Sanchez

Jessie A.K.C. Lady Jessington 1994-2004 "Jessie was a lady. And a lady always knows when it's time to leave." My whole life, I wanted a dog. I wasn't allowed to have one growing up, so when I was in my third year of law school and ready to be done with school obligations, I found Jessie. I had no idea that loving her would be that good. If I had, I probably wouldn't have been able to wait. Jessiedog was gentle and soft and very calm. She loved people and never once in her ten year life, was she cross. She allowed my sister's children to use her as a step-stool. She knew not to lick anyone's face, except when I asked for kisses. It was my dream to move her to a beach where she could run free all the time. When she was 9, we moved to the Bahamas and within one month, she was a puppy all over again. She could fetch a tennis ball from the surf for hours. I never did find her limit. Jessiedog never once growled. She was kind and even and incredibly forgiving. When she was 3, I got very sick and it was only her patient quiet smile that kept me going, that got me out of bed to walk her. Sometimes only once in 24 hours, and she never complained. It just didn't matter to her, so long as we were together. She was the best friend I have ever had. Her death was unexpected and quite sudden. Losing her has been like losing my sense of direction. I wake up most mornings and reach over the side of the bed with eyes closed to feel her fur and have to remember all over again that she is gone. I am so lucky to have known her and can honestly say that I never have to think, "I wish I payed more attention to her" or "I wish I told her I loved her more." Because I told her I loved her every hour for 10 years. I played with her every day and stroked her golden muzzle thousands of times. I got her to the beach and gave her everything I wanted to. I just miss her so bad and feel so alone without her. She was my rock and my greatest comfort in my darkest times was placing my tear streaked face into her neck of thick golden fur. She is the only thing that could comfort me from this deep loneliness I feel now and I can't hold her. There is no comfort. Sometimes the lightest breeze blows across my face and I can feel her in the wind. I know she is smiling down on us all and panting with that silly grin. She taught me to be silly. She taught me to surrender. I am a better person because of her and I think I will miss her forever. - Layne Peycoff

Buddy Embree Last night, surrounded by my sons and family and dear friends, my male Springer Spaniel, Buddy Embree, 14 years old went to the rainbow bridge. It was an amazing experience as I held him and we all said our goodbyes one by one. I cried and we all cried and it was incredible. So here is to my faithful loving companion for 14 years. Who thought I was the best thing that ever happened to him. And in truth he was the purest example of unconditional love I have ever seen, felt or touched. I will miss him so much. - Karen Embree