Vegas Goes to the Rainbow Bridge

It is with great sadness to inform you all that Vegas passed away yesterday AM. A combination of medical issues caused Vegas's health to rapidly decline, resulting in what felt like one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever had to make. I never knew that losing a pet could hurt so much. Loving an animal is truly no different than loving another human being. 
I remember the day I got the call/text from Jerrilyn asking to take Vegas for just a "few days" as an emergency foster. I was still upset over the fact that I had not adopted my 1st foster. I was also seeking a foster who was "younger" and around the age of 4. Vegas was going on 10yrs of age when he arrived. Ugh... a Senior I thought to myself.

Fast forward to a few weeks later, I was ready to send him packing. He had the energy of a 4 year old dog, healthy like an ox, aggressive, vocal, demanding and was not affectionate at all. Wait, did I mention Deaf? I had no idea what I was doing. lol.  But, eventually, with time, patience, guidance and persistence he eventually became manageable. And after a long 8 months, we decided that we had to adopt this old man! Vegas officially became a member of the Liu family on August 2015!
Though my time with him was short, he truly touched my heart & soul. I want to thank NEBTR for giving me the wonderful opportunity to be loved and love such an animal like Vegas. I truly believe I learned a lot about myself as a result of my experiences with him. My desire to do more with animals and have purpose was as a result of him being in my life.

My relationship with Vegas would not have been possible if it weren't for NEBTR. Thank you so so much!!! 

XOXO


Regards,

Judy Liu
*Fur-ever mom to Vegas & Kai Xin

Judy, I am so sorry for your loss.  Thank you for giving that difficult old man so much time and patience and falling in love with him in the process. - Deanna

Look how happy you made his life💙Just remember he'll always be with you. Rest easy Vegas you will forever be missed. - Tracy 


My dear Judy,
        I was so very sorry to read about the passing of your beloved Vegas.  I know your pain having had fur kids all my life, dealing with their illnesses and their passing. I can only assure you that time does help us to deal with their loss but the little ones always live on in our hearts.
        I can't thank you enough for taking Vegas into your home and heart even though he was an older dog, deaf, and difficult to manage at first. You were just wonderful to persevere and work with the little guy until you could enjoy him and the love he gave you. No doubt, Vegas knew you gave him a wonderful life.
        Vegas, you are now without pain, so run free in God's own sunshine with the other pets that have gone on before you.  Blessings on you little one.
        Sincerely, Isabella 

Your story so potently expresses why we open our homes to the unknowns of a dog in need.  They all need love and someone

to care for them.  It is wonderful that you were able to give Vegas that!  You were his angel.

Best,

Ann

Vegas In His Forever Home

It's been a while since I've done an update on Vegas. We are enjoying him very much! He was the perfect unexpected adoption. And as you know he's come a long way since he came to our home back in March 2015. His seizures have been less frequent since being placed on meds - so far so good! 

I wanted to quickly share a pic of our boy nestled completely under the covers. This is the first time he's ever done this. It's a big deal because he's deaf & his eyes are everything for him. To us this solidifies that he's finally "home". 

A huge thank you to NEBTR for our wonderful gift of happiness and love with Vegas! He would have never been a part of our family without the organization.

Wishing you all a wonderful & safe New Years! 

Judy Liu 

That's wonderful!  He is obviously very comfortable and trusting of you and your husband. Great job helping him get to that point!  Patience is a virtue!

Loretta

 

Vegas In His Forever Home

​stated that it took almost ​​their​​ing ​even ​​ing​ ​them​​fast ​also wanted to share a huge breakthrough with Vegas today. He has allowed us to finally "cuddle" with him. I read a post somewhere that someone1 year before rescue started to becommore affectionate &cuddle with. I prayed I wouldn't have to wait that long - but knew it would happen! So I've posted a few pics of Vegas being up close and personal with us. As I write this he is laying on me curled up asleep.

​ I guess we can say that he finally feels like he is in his forever home.​ 

​

​! It's been a an amazing journey with him thus far.  Again I thank NEBTR for the opportunity to bea foster mom & meet Vegas.

 

Judith Liu

Vegas Has a Forever Home

I wanted to provide an update on our Foster, Vegas. It is with very sad news that my husband and I must close our doors to any future fosters.

After careful consideration, my husband and I have decided to adopt Vegas and officially call him "ours". We were warned that this might happen - we just did not realize that it would be with VEGAS!!! Vegas has been with us since March of this year - and boy it was not easy as some of you may remember. Vegas has come a long way since day 1. With a combination of being deaf, a senior and having many behavioral issues - this guy was going to be a tough foster to place. Having said that, Vegas is quite unique and has earned a special place in my heart.  I dedicated so much time into the process with him, that I have completely fallen in love with this boy! Who would have guessed he would be the one...

It's important to us that he spend the rest of his life comfortable, happy and ridiculously loved. We did not feel comfortable moving him on to a new home with the potential of a disaster to adjust. I don't know if anyone would have seen the potential in Vegas via a phone conversation, or pet finder - as he is a dog you have to experience first hand. And even then - it might not have been so pleasant. But he grows on you - then latches on and loves you unconditionally.

We started off this process wanting a young dog and companion for our 3 yr old Boston. Consideration of ever adopting a senior dog was way on the bottom of our list. But I am so glad we were exposed to this experience - as we would have never met Vegas. At 10 yrs old, Vegas has given our 3 yr old Boston a run for his money! They are great companions and trust one another 100%.

I am glad we fostered and gave Vegas a chance - we could not have asked for a better NEW family member!!


Thank you so much and for letting me be part of the family at NEBTR!


​Judith
*Fur ever mom to Kai Xin​ & NOW Vegas!

A VERY huge congratulations to both your family and Vegas!!!!

That little dude hit the Doggie Powerball when you jumped in to foster!

I have 2 little NEBTR boys who are deaf.  I wouldn't take anything in the world for them.

Joy

 

 Congratulations to the happy forever family!  And thank you for providing love, care, and security to this guy, you're a winner!

jeanne dross aka Rosie's mom, mother of Abigail and foster Hercules

 

What a beautiful sentiment you have written about Vegas. How wonderful
of you and your husband to help Vegas with his issues and love and
care for him. We are so happy that you have decided to make him a
family member.
Bless you Both,
Victoria
 

Vegas is a Cutie

I found Vegas asleep on his favorite bed in the hallway.

I just love this picture. Isn't he a cutie? :)

It's the ONLY way he likes to sleep on the couch. (Insert pillow)

He cracks me up!

Warm regards,

Judith Liu

Judy - fantastic job teaching him commands and getting him calm and under control. He seems very happy and relaxed with you.You've given him the patience and solid leadership he really needed.

Great job!

Video Of Vegas

Wanted to share a quick video of Foster Vegas.

He is our handsome deaf 10 yr. old! (a.k.a. - not really a senior dog - really a puppy in disguise)

He now knows how to sit with a single hand gesture/command & gently take a treat out of your hand.
--


Warm regards,
Judith Liu


Amazing!  Teaching a deaf dog to sit cannot be an easy task!  Great job!

Vegas at McDonald's

​

Thought this video was funny and should share. 

We decided to go through the McDonald's drive through & as we pulled up he became so excited. Still not sure what got him wound up - but my guess is that he wanted to make sure we took his order?! 

Lol-- 

Warm regards, 

Judith Liu

Vegas Says Thanks for the Tag

Not sure who purchased his tag - but it's lovely on him!

Judith Liu

Vegas Hangs Out

Quick pic of Vegas hanging out on a lovely Sunday afternoon. He 
has been feeling playful all day. Aside from dragging his bed throughout
the house - he also loves chewing on toys while keeping his butt in the

air! :)  Vegas cracks me up...

Judith Liu 

Vegas Thanks Vince Camisa

Vegas wants to thank Vance Camisa again for the wonderful gifts! You have been very genres to this wonderful boy! He has enjoyed all your gifts. 

Judith Liu

Vegas Says Thanks

Vegas would like to say thank you to Samantha (Sam Whipple) for the "pet Naturals of Vermont - Calming Support soft chews". We start his day off with one a day and he enjoys them very much. Every little trick helps to keep this guy happy and stress free :).

For a 9.5 year old Boston - this guy still enjoys playing with toys! He plays just enough that he then tires himself out. 

Vegas wants to wish Susie Gervais for the soft and cozy bed & fun Plush Skinneeez toy she purchased for him. 

Check out the pix of his awesome gifts! 

Warm Regards,

Judith Liu

Vegas Bonds

We have been having several bonding moments over the last week. This is by far is my "favorite" of them all. Of course I cheated a bit and used treats. :)

Enjoy the pix!

Judy Liu

Sweet photos.  :)
Thanks for sharing them.

Vegas Says Thanks for the Easter Basket

We are so sorry for the delayed thank you. Vegas received his basket as we were on our way out the door for vacation and things were a bit hectic. But I did take a picture!!

Warm regards,

Judith Liu

Vegas Loves His Car Rides

This fella loves, loves, loves car rides! He is so smart that he cries when we arrive home. Of course I am hoping that it's due to the excitement of returning home, not sadness that the car ride is over - haha!!

Check out that profile!

Judith Liu

So handsome! He sure does love going out an exploring the world! - Jerrilyn Walter

Check Out Vegas

Vegas is very photogenic. At first he did not like the weird boxy looking device that was held up towards him. Now he likes to strike a pose. Looking good for 10 yrs old.

Check this beautiful guy out!!

Judith Liu