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Also known as................ Baby Grady, Grady Baby, Peanut, Baby Peanut, Peanut Baby, Grado, Drado, Grady Head,
Butthole Grady, and sometimes Gilbert
In 2000 Grady got a baby "sister" - a Doberman named Dakota. What a pair they made. In August the same year our family was complete with a new "dad". Through the years Grady welcomed 4 other siblings and hundreds of foster animals.
Grady loved going "bye bye" in the car, he loved the drive- thru at McDonald's, loved chasing squirrels & tenis balls and weekends at Grandma's.
Thousands of memories were made.......... the time he cut his foot at the lake chasing ducks and had to have it wrapped. He walked like a pirate with a peg leg for a few days until he decided to "unwrap" the bandage on his own - TWICE!. Or the time he ate the spool of thread and we prayed it would come out (it did). Grady was spoiled rotten and knew it.
Grady was an angel disguised as a dog. He brought so much love, joy and happiness to our lives. We miss him everyday! A huge piece of our hearts left with him.
Grady was met in heaven by Dakota, his Dobe sister who left us in January; by Charlie, his bestest buddy; and by Maggie, a friend for too short of time.
Always in our hearts; forever in our soul!
Do Dah Queen 2004
The first in our family to leave us, we all miss you so much. You brought so much joy and zest to our
life. The house seems empty without you prancing through it, begging to go out and lay in the warm sun
on the deck. Your Dobe brother is still searching for you, whining through each room. You welcomed
hundreds of foster dogs over the years, quickly became a protector when a 2-legged baby came home, and
always, always, always brought a smile to our faces.
Rest in peace Dakota and know that we think of you every day and count the minutes until we can see your
beautiful face smiling at us again.
Eddie, Jennifer & Brooklyn
She was there through all the bad things, (Tho house fires, Hurricane Ivan in Pensacola, Oscar's death, Sugar's cancer.) And all the
good times, ( Buying new homes, Moving to new places, Oscar, Sugar, Harley, Xavier, and PJ coming into our homes.) Even though she
did not like them very well, she loved them all the same.
She was born in Texas, raised in Alabama and Florida. She has walked the streets of Dallas, seen the Mississippi River, the
Alabama River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Even though she hates water and would not go outside and hold her
pee for days if it was raining.
But today she is only in our hearts. Sad but true she has gone on to protect Oscar and Sugar and to make things safe for when we are
all together again.
We Will Love and Miss Our Old Woman.
She shared her life with Carrie, Bob, and KiKi the cat (also on this page). When Carrie would rescue
kittens, Little Girl would go to work, acting as the kittens' surrogate mother. She was so sweet and
thanks to Carrie and Bob, she was provided with wonderful vet care.
The thoughts that scurried through our minds,
But an Angel just appeared to us,
Clyde had a rough start, before his foster mom found him, along with his four litter-mates. They were wandering the streets of
4th Avenue South. They were alone, hungry, and hairless due to mange. Thanks to her and the help of FCDF, Clyde and Gina found
each other and nothing has been the same since!! As you can see by the picture, Clyde is anything but hairless and hungry now.
His favorite pastimes are swimming, patrolling for squirrels, and going for car rides (If you ever see a red Jetta around Highland
Park or Crestline, look for a big, yellow dog hanging out of the back window – it’s Clyde).
Miss KiKi was 6 months old when she followed Bob around in the Western SuperMarket parking lot.
She was starving and of course Bob took her home, where she received food, vet care, and tons of
love from us (Bob & Carrie).
KiKi was the most loving and wonderful baby we could ask for. She loved all her brothers and
sisters, meaning our other dogs and cats. Her favorite toy was the sparkle ball, and she loved to
play fetch. Of course her favorite time to do so was at 3:00 in the morning and she would go
up and down the hall talking with the ball wanting us to play. Really, everything she did was so
cute and full of joy. She loved people, and when visitors came, she wanted to be in the middle of
everything. Isn't this unusual for a feline!?
But you go to the vet and her tortie attitude would come out. When she was ill, the vets were
always happy when the tortie attitude came out because they new she was feeling better. Her favorite
food that got her through the surgeries was Fancy Feast fish and shrimp. Kiki's gift to our other
cats is that they got some as a treat!
Easter Sunday we were outside for hours on the deck with her and she loved it. The next Sunday
she died. I know she was happy, but she just got tired. Kiki fought for as long as she did-- for
us. We are sure Miss Kiki is in heaven now and is surely tossing around her sparkle toys.
Carrie and Bob ask that (tax-deductible) memorial gifts in honor of Kiki be sent to Friends of Cats
and Dogs. They want Kiki's death to allow another to be saved and enjoy a wonderful life, just as
Kiki did. Donations can be make online at http://www.fcdf.org/nhelp.php3#Donate or by check.
Instructions on same link.
Bob and Carrie Presely
Tipper, (black dog) one of life's rare, pure souls, died of kidney disease. She was found on the streets, (her mother
had died. Tip was the only pup that looked just like her mother), with her littermates. A kind lady kept them until
FCDF rescued them, treated them for mange and found them homes. Tipper and Lacie
were adopted together and were never apart.
Tipper's life is proof that one dog CAN make a difference. She & Lacie were the first FCDF educational dogs. They
visited countless schools and libraries, teaching responsible pet ownership and kindness to hundreds of schoolchildren.
FCDF received the John Herbert Philips Award from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary for Tipper and Lacie's
excellent work in humane education. In fact, many times, Tipper would be recognized all over town by children that
had seen her at their school.
Tipper's owners have established a fund at FCDF in memory of Tipper that will continue Tipper's work in humane education.
To donate, please send your check payable to FCDF to: FCDF 3923 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL 35213 or click on the
"Donate Now & Help" icon on the FCDF home page, www.fcdf.org Please designate the
Tipper Educational Fund. Any questions, please e-mail webmaster@fcdf.org
Wonderful, beautiful MacKenzie (Mac) died on May 7th. He was so special to our family, a true "5th child" to
Johnny and myself.
Mac was not only the most gorgeous, perfectly bred AKC Collie, he was incredibly intelligent, with the sweetest
disposition and was extremely protective of all of our family members, especially our youngest two children.
He alerted me on several occasions of danger, regarding the children and saved them from terrible consequences.
Mac, though a male, was often called "Lassie" by strangers for obvious reasons, and was the love of our lives and will be
missed more than we could ever imagine. Everyone who met him fell in love with him -- from homeless people in
Boston to joggers who ran down our street, even the mailman :)
On the morning of May 7th, we were worried about Mac; he wasn't able to walk. Just the day before he had been outside as
usual, watching over the children on our street, ours and others.
He had been unusually over protective of me and our children over the last few days and his appetite had waned.
Mac's vision had been poor for the last few years, but he never quit, "guarding" us, no matter how tired or bad
he was feeling, in his "job" of protecting and looking after our family.
No dog, or human, could have done a better job nor been more loved.
We rushed Mac to the vet and he died of cardiac arrest. The Vet brought him in the clinic on a stretcher and
had administered CPR at the end to no avail.
I know many of you have dogs of your own, and many of you have met our beautiful and loving, selfless and
caring MacKenzie.... I just wish I could have told him "goodbye" one last time.
Hope you all cherish your pets while you can, their selfless and endless love is truly priceless.
Lisa Pruitt asks that tax deductible donations in honor of Mackenzie be sent to FCDF, 3923 Montevallo Road,
B'ham., AL 35213, or donated on line at http://www.fcdf.org/
We all remember the day you came home to us. A tiny 8 week old puppy huddled in the
backseat. You were so cute and fluffy. We loved you from first sight. 13 years we
were blessed with you. The unconditional love you gave was overwhelming. Your loyalty
through the dark days unwavering. Our Charlie Bear who made us smile and laugh. You
traveled from Alabama to Washington state and back again to Alabama. In your 13 years
you visited Mt. Rushmore, the Corn Palace, Crazy Horse Monument, had bar-b-que's at Oak
Mountain State Park, saw incredible views of South Dakota and winter wonderlands in Seattle.
Your last days were hard, we know. You still managed to greet us each time we came home.
You may not have always been able to get up and walk to us, but your tail still wagged.
And though are hearts are broken to have you gone, we celebrate each and every day we had
with you. Memories will live on in our hearts forever. From the time we took you to
Chik-Fil-A and you crawled all over us to get to the food, to the good old days when
you would come running to the sound of dad's car keys jingling announcing that he was
home. Or the time we dressed you up for Halloween in a skeleton outfit and a man drove
by and commented, "Nice Setter"! :) Remember how you would always want to walk yourself
home from trips around the block, taking the leash in your mouth and proudly trotting
ahead? Or how we could always count on you to get the newspaper for us. Singing "Brown
Eyed Girl" to you when it came on the radio but of course changing it to "You my...
brown eyed DOG!" Then there was the time you got in the Jacuzzi tub with little Merit.
And no trip down memory lane is complete without reminding you of eating the pot roast,
hamburgers, stick of butter, pot pie and dad's reading glasses. You were the best dog,
better than we deserved. Thank you for loving us and being ours. Every day we will miss
you. When you left, you took a piece of each of our heart's with you. We know you are
in heaven with dad playing, chillin' and being loved. We send up our love to you both and
look forward to the day when we are all together again.
David (deceased) and Dorothy Davis
Today I held you in my arms,
The few hours I got to hold you
My face on yours, yours next to mine,
And so your life slipped out of mine
My dear Sam on the blanket,
Your loving mommy, Susan
Yesterday you left Molly, Frankie, Lucy, Benny, mommy and your life here on
earth.
My special friend, beloved companion, dog-of-my dreams...I miss you so much.
There will always be an emptiness in my heart. I love you and thank you for
all you gave to me. The vet said you out lived your body. You had over 16
years of life and love. Your mind was healthy but your body was gone. You
weren't just a dog, you were my baby...we were the best friends in the world. I look
forward to the day I find you and can hold you once again in my arms...I
promise after that I'll never leave you again, and we can spend the rest of our
eternal lives together.
We were together until the end. You were in pain, that's why I had to put you
to sleep. I always promised you that if I thought you were suffering it would
be the right time to say goodbye. We never took our eyes off each other. We
held each other tight and told each other how much we cared. We both knew it
was okay to go to sleep now. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. You
passed with my face next to yours and the other side of your face in the palm of
my hand. My other hand on your back, I embraced your body and felt you go.
Your spirit passed through me. I mourned, kissed and petted you for 30 minutes
after you were gone. I gently closed your eyes and kissed your eyelids shut.
A part of my soul had been taken away. Sam, you were my "first" baby and I
will miss you very much.
You were my loving, loyal friend until the end. Your gentleness and
unconditional love is so missed and will never be forgotten. My precious, sweet,
loving, loyal Sammy, you took with you a great big piece of my heart.
I can never return the light you brought to my life, but I shall remain
grateful to have been a part of yours. You will live in my mind and my heart
forever, with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for all you gave to me. I
miss you deeply, and I hurt, for losing you.
My faithful companion Sam. We were together for over 16 years, you stood by
my side, attended my wedding, moving from place to place, and you were always
there for me. We traveled to many places together, Washington, DC, New York,
Cape Cod, New Orleans, Iowa, the Carolinas and Smokey Mountains. We even took
a ferry boat ride down the Mississippi River together. You comforted me
during my divorce. We parted yesterday and my heart is so heavy. You're missed
terribly, and I hope you know that I love you, and did not want to see you
suffer anymore. I will see you again someday, and we will be together again.
The house is so empty without you. It was time for you to go, your little
body had battled enough and for so long. You couldn't stand any longer,
defecated on yourself, walked in circles and in to corners of rooms you couldn't get
out of. You kept falling over often banging your body and head on things and
so often unable to get back up. You would exhaust yourself. Yesterday I found
you trembling, whimpering and your little furry jaw was shaking. You were in
pain. I'll always remember you as being a brave, lovable, loyal friend.
Oh, Sammy.... I wish I could find some beautiful words to say what is in my
heart. But you know already what I feel, don't you? I didn't want to let you
go, my precious fur baby, but I knew it was time some where deep within me. You
were old, sick and weak, and couldn't do the things you loved so much. Always
remember the fun days when we went to the beach. You loved to swim
underwater like a deep sea diver looking for the rocks I threw for you. You loved the
park, digging up the grass. You used to love to squeak your teeth on
racquetballs. Food was your greatest love. You ate with a ferocious appetite right
up until the very end. It was the most loving thing to let you go... keeping
you here with me would have been for me, not for you.
Last night before bed I lit a candle and looked at photo's of you. I petted
the three locks I cut off your tail, side and head. I stayed up a few hours
looking into the white candle that burned so gently and softy as I whispered
"Sam, go to the light". A few hours later it was time for bed. I didn't want
to blow the candle out, so I took it with me and placed it on the dresser. A
talked on the phone with a friend, then said goodbye. As I positioned myself in
the sleeping position and adjusted the pillow under my head, I reached for
the light and turned it off. I looked over at your flame of love and within
less than a minute it faded to a low burn and went out. As if by fate it was if
you were waiting for me to say goodnight.
You rest now and play in Heaven frolicking with my mother. She will be so
happy to see you! Give her plenty of nose kisses. I will see you again someday.
I will love you forever and ever, my little doggy soulmate. Sammy, rest in
peace now, and may the light of a beautiful sunny day always shine upon your
sweet, gentle face.
Forever in my heart,
Mary asks that memorials for Eddie Ray be sent to Friends of Cats & Dogs Foundation, 3923
Montevallo Road, B'ham., AL 35213, or donate in memory of Eddie Ray on-line at www.fcdf.org,
click on "Donate Now" icon or click here.
Vern was rescued from a life on the streets of Southside, in Birmingham, by Rachel and Tim Turner in 1982. Twenty years later, he was still their beloved companion.
Pictured here is Vern in bed, and Vern with Rachel playing the piano. Vern's favorite music was Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. Rachel states that when she played this piece, Vern would sit by her, touch the keys, and walk across the piano. Vern only reacted this way to Music of the Night.
Vern was diagnosed with Chronic RenalDisease in about 1996. Dr. George Raymond, (Birmingham's housecall veterinarian), worked with Rachel and Tim to provide Vern with relief from the disease and an excellent quality of life. This was no small task on anyone's part - including Vern's.
The Turner's ask that (tax deductible) donations in memory and in celebration of Vern's life, be forwarded to Friends of Cats & Dogs Foundation, FCDF, 3923 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL 35213, so that other dogs and cats can be provided with the same wonderful home and care he had.
Losing both of you so close together is very hard but with all the love, joy and happiness you brought into our
lives, this and the memories of you will sustain us in the days ahead. Also, thanks to the unselfishness of a
doggie angel and the Friends of Cats & Dogs Foundation, we adopted Dixie Chick two months ago. What we are
going through now is easier with the love and joy Dixie gives us.
Please spay and neuter your pets. Purchase one of FCDF's low-cost spay/neuter certificates and show you care. Educate your children, friends and family so that we can stop the ever growing number of unwanted and uncared for animals.
Pacer was a chiuaha, born in Nashville, Tennessee and lived his entire life with his mom,
Cheri. He was a gift from God to Cheri for over 17 years until his death from congestive
heart failure. Cheri was with him until his last moment. He loved his mommie, his teddy
bear, walks, pretty female dogs (he was quite the "ladies man"), cheese treats and his
friends. Pacer was a very lucky boy, but most of all, anyone that got to be with Pacer
was lucky. All that knew him are grieving the loss of Pacer. Pacer would not want us to
grieve his death but Celebrate his life and the joy and laughter and memories that he gave
us.
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Grady was adopted at the age of 8 weeks from a rural shelter. He was one of 6 adorable puppies, but the only one who would not come play with me. His stubbornness sealed his fate and I took him home that day. He was such a naughty puppy! Destroyed many couches, many comforter sets, bathroom flooring, video tapes, and countless shoes! Through it all though he was loved - never once was it even an option to return or rehome him.
When he was especially happy he would jump on the bed and pump his legs up in the air over and over. He loved to have his butt scratched and would literally throw it on you to scratch it. When he wanted some lovin' he would back up to you and throw his head back waiting for the petting to begin.
Today, we said goodbye to our Defender against all bad things.
She has lived in 8 different cities, (Dallas, TX, Montgomery, AL, Alabaster, AL, Jacksonville, FL, Pensacola, FL, Altomonte Springs, FL,
Longwood, FL, and Birmingham, AL.) and 10 different homes. She protected everyone of them because she protected us and they were her own.
This angel was adopted when she was 8 years old from Shelby County Humane Society. She had only 3 legs
and had been used as a breeding dog before she was surrendered to the Humane Society.
She beat cancer with one surgery and with another surgery, her only back leg was saved. In April of
2007, she dodged death again from kidney disease. We suspect is was from some dog treats--even though
the treats were not on the recall list. The veterinarian, (a cardiac specialist), stated she had never
seen a dog with such bizarre bloodwork. Little Girl made yet another recovery, only to take another
nosedive. This time, she was so tired, had lost bodily functions, the kind thing was to let her be at
peace. Carrie and Bob have planted a Christmas Tree in Little Girl's memory. Little Girl was certainly
an angel in our midst. We know she is now in heaven, mothering all the kittens.
Clyde was tragically struck by a car and died on 8/18/07. Everyone that knew him is in complete shock that he is no longer
with us. His mom, Gina provided him with such a wonderful life. She saved him in every way that a dog can be saved. He was
treated in such a way that it honored all the others that are not rescued and suffering. What a joy Clyde was to all that
met him. Surely, he is holding court for all the squirrels. We'll miss him so. Below, is his story which can also be seen
on the 
Gina asks that donations in memory of Clyde be sent to your favorite animal charity. If you choose to make a tax-deductible
donation to FCDF, go to: 
KiKi, Born April 8, 1998. Deceased April 23, 2006.
Mimi Phillips lived with her servants, Mary & Steve Phillips for twelve years, until she died from kidney failure on Christmas Day 2002.
Mimi, pictured in her favorite box was a prissy lady, first and last. (Pictured in her favorite box, when she wasn't on her Laura Ashley comforter). Miss Mimi loved to sit on Mary's lap as Mary put on her makeup in the mornings. Mimi also got a bit of blush dabbed on her cheeks, too. She loved it.
Mimi loved music. Steve would turn on the stereo, put Mimi in his arms, with her front paws on his shoulder and Mimi would actually swish her tail and dance.
We know Mimi has her blush on and is surely dancing now. We love you Mimi.
Eddie Ray, a sweet and handsome hound mix with soulful brown eyes and soft auburn fur passed away on
November 6, 2004. He died peacefully in his sleep around those he loved--Mary, his human, Hannah &
Tillie, his cats, Dexter the puppy, and Sharpie his doggie buddy. Eddie Ray was born in December
1991, so he was almost 13 years old. He was blind, mostly deaf, and had Cushings disease. Everyone
that met Eddie fell in love with him. He had many dog & cat friends, too. Everyone loved to come
see Eddie--he brought much joy to any situation. He loved to ride in the car with his ears flapping
in the breeze. We hope, in time, Mary will write more about Eddie Ray's good times here on earth.
But, now we know Eddie Ray is with Mimi again (see the cat above). We know Mimi is dancing and
Eddie Ray is watching, all dressed up in his tuxedo.
Born: 1982
There was medication to administer on a timely basis, a special diet, and subcutaneous fluids for hydration and to flush out the toxins, every day for over 6 years. Vern felt good and brought enormous joy to everyone who knew him. But, after all Vern is a gray cat. (Only owners of gray cats can understand--they are a different breed--they are super human!)
Until we meet again, my beloved pets-- 
Although her time here with us was short it was most precious. She was the most endearing cat I have ever had. So sweet and full of love. Looking back now it is as if she knew from the beginning that her time would be short and she wanted to make sure she gave us a life time of love in her short 4 years. We carry only her sweet memory now as her precious body and spirit have been taken from us. It is not hard to hold a memory as precious as hers in our hearts for our life time.
Little Bit was rescued from what would have been a life on the streets struggling to survive, with kittens to raise, feed and protect from harm. Her Mother belonged to a person who was unwilling to spay the cat she called her own. She would have litters of kittens every year left only to survive on their own with no love or anyone to care for and protect them. Her homeless kittens would then create even more, for generation after generation of homeless cats. I know that Little Bit was grateful to us for saving her from such a horrible existence.
Pacer Waldrop
Cheri asks that (tax deductible) donations in memory and celebration of Pacer be forwarded to Friends of Cats & Dogs Foundation, FCDF, 3923 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL 35213, so that other dogs and cats can be provided with the same wonderful care he had. Pacer and his mommie both thank you.