Not just for our rescue Shar Pei , but for anyone who has had the privilege of being loved by a Shar Pei and has lost them.

Please remember that although your Shar Pei has gone, it will forever pad along beside you.

My solace since losing Monty and some of my other special friends over the years is that I know it will get easier and you just have to allow time to come and to go until you are healed.
And we do heal (almost) eventually and the fondness takes over the sadness, the good over the bad, the smiles instead of the tears and we see how lucky we were to have shared their lives and then eventually we draw strength from all of those memory's so that we can move on, find the breath and give all of that love all over again to another little heart breaker.

I send love and much healing.
Hang on in there.

Conker sadly was only five when he cruelly died of Lobular Bisecting Hepatitis plus evidence of Pancreatitis. His daddy was so upset he paid to have an autopsy, however I will have to do some research before I can comment, though my gut tells me where this came from. We lose SO many young dogs to organ failure, auto immune problems and Amyloidosis which is why I believe ALL breeders should have to do genetic testing before breeding their dogs. Conker was a daddy and I pray that none of his pups suffer in the way that he did. He was a beautiful, loving boy and his death leaves his doggie partner and his mum and dad, devastated. You'll be very missed young man…till we meet again.

Winston was the light of his mums life and the fact that he too died at the young age of five, from multiple organ failure, has left her completely lost and in pain. Every waking hour is filled with the dull heartache of loss, but I promise that he's there for you, you just have to find him. I know how hard it is to continue, but it was a privilage to love and be loved by this handsome little boy. In the quieter moments, listen for him and take heart that he watches over you until your heart is healed a little. He will be there forever and when you finally cross the bridge, you know he'll be barking and bouncing on the other side…just for you.

Sushi sadly hobbled over the bridge at the impressive age of 15. Though she was a wonderful age, she is no less missed by those who loved her and the space left in their lives seems impossible to fill. She was a wonderful, sensitive, grumpy, possessive, loyal and funny girl. She was everything a proper dog should be to her family and they held her as she passed, telling her how much she was loved. Though she's off chasing spirit cats, she'll still be visiting regularly to help her family through one of the hardest aspects of dog ownership. Her face and her full heart will forever leave an impression in this world, especially to those who loved her. We know you'll be there to greet your family when their times come. Faithful for infinity, forever missed in life.

Buddha crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning at 1157hrs. December 2009. It was very very peaceful and dignified....the vet was SO nice with us all....He actually looked really beautiful in his sleep...he passed on our lap and snored to the end! I miss him loads already and it was horrid coming home and not having him here....it's properly empty without him....It was an honour to have had him in our lives, even if it was only a short while... Blade asked Daddy two days ago...will the angels play with him when he's dead? I dare say they will! He was far too young to leave us and as always I too feel the pain of losing him. No more pain or discomfort and make sure you land safely jumping those clouds. Goodbye beautiful.

Dana took a sudden turn for the worse last night. Unfortunately the vet couldn't do anything for her, and she had to be put to sleep this morning. Her end was very peaceful. We feel blessed to have her paw marks on our hearts, and no matter what happened in her past, we think she knew she was loved and wanted, for those last few years with us. Goodbye Dana, missing you already.

Levi was one of the first dogs from Battersea that we re-homed. His mum and dad travelled over a hundred miles to collect him and give him the forever home he needed. Within days I was inundated with little stories of his like and dislikes, his favourite foods, how clever he was and how much he meant to them. I know how devastated his mum and dad are and I hurt for them. It was very quick and I sincerely hope that when the pain eases they will consider adopting again. Levi, your mum and dad saw something in you that your previous owners hadn't. They loved you unconditionally and you leave a gap in their lives that will never heal. Forever loved and remembered, let your star shine brightly.

We are missing our dear Cagney, (the black one) yes they were called Cagney and Lacy, and they were when together real little detectives, they loved to be out at night sniffing out bugs and mice and chasing the occasional squirrel. Our girls came with us from South Africa, Cags always had a weak stomach and after the 6 months in quarantine, she developed a much weaker stomach this led to continues use of antibiotics, so we had decided to get an biopsy which would have to be a big one as the Vet doctor wanted to take a good look we thought there might be a tumour of which they could not feel. She did not have a tumour but her bowel was not in a good state. Sadly she was not strong enough and within one day had a seizure which was from shock to the system. But our Cags was the most gently lady she would come to your knee and gently stand with front paws on your lap then tap softly at your arm or body, she was asking for something, most times a biscuit out of the cupboard. Lacy would often send her in to do this trick. We miss her terribly so does Lacy they were step sister's and together for 5 years, Lacy one year older.

Margo. To Roma. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our lives with Margo. Margo was the kindest, loyal, most loving baby ever. I feel like a part of me is missing. I stayed with her, holding and loving her to the end. I miss her so much already. She will be missed so much and loved always. Thank you. I've told her to come home as soon as she is ready. I hope she is at peace and in a loving place.

Jake's story makes me shake with anger. He was so cruelly treated in his short life that by the time he came to me, there was very little hope for him. I had neither the space nor money to be able to give him the time and love he needed to bring him round. After a lot of heart searching I had the painful duty to hold him whilst I took his life. He wasn't born dangerous, a human made him that way. He wasn't bad, he was terribly afraid. He wanted to love and trust but he didn't know how. I loved him, so did his foster mummy, but it was too little, too late. I hope you're free and happy now. I'll never forget you.

Nessie has also sadly been lost recently to organ failure. She was a very well loved pet by both her family and her companion Shankley. We lose these companions far too young and it breaks my heart because she is another victim of Kidney and Liver failure, a hereditary condition that could have been bred out with responsible breeding, years ago. She leaves us feeling lost and empty, but we are happy that she is no longer in any pain. It was time to let go. We will remember you always with love.

Ralph was lost very suddenly and though his mum cuddled him at the end, saying goodbye is probably the hardest thing to do and can never allow us to truly express the way we feel. He was known as 'The General', was kind and patient with his autistic human sibling, loved eating paper and could devour a whole toilet roll without a second thought. He was the funniest most wonderful dog and it's his snorts and barks in his sleep, his sitting halfway up the stairs so he could check the front door and his endless sense of humour that is so terribly missed. He was so desperately loved by both his owners and his doggie companions. He was a beautiful, proud, loving companion and the void he has left behind can never be filled. Go safely Ralph and take the love you had, with you. Look after Granddad for us. Till we meet again, stay safe. We will miss you forever.

Millie who was only homed very recently, has had to be put to sleep, causing great heartache for her mum and dad and other four legged companions. We can not be sure, but we think it was probably a brain tumour. She was suddenly in a frenzy, attacking anything near her and after doing terrible damage to Mau, she collapsed. Thankfully Mau has come through surgery and is going to be alright, but Millie had to be put down, putting her out of her pain and misery. We'll miss you Millie. You are at peace now, forever remembered as a good, loving companion.

We have recently been informed that Bessie became ill and within a week gently passed over to the other side. The vet had seen her and she had improved, but nature obviously knew better and she slipped away when nobody was looking. Her mum and her little boy are both devastated and are finding it hard to come to terms with her passing. Her mum says she was the most wonderful dog and nothing could replace her. This is true, but Bessie wouldn't want all that love wasted and hopefully, when their hearts have healed a little, they'll take another abandoned shar pei . Go in peace Bessie.

Unbelievably we have had to put down another recently homed dog and it breaks my heart because she was only a baby. Whether it was her in-breeding, we can not say, but Taleah suddenly started have sudden outbursts of aggression. These 'fits' became more and more recurrent and nasty and despite medication could not be controlled. With enormous regret we had to agree to having her put to sleep. If only people wouldn't breed willy-nilly.This little girl had only just started her life and must have suffered terribly in the short time she was with us. I pray she is somewhere safe and no longer in pain. Our pain continues.

It is with enormous sadness that I have to report the death of Mr Barlow. Sadly, like so many shar pei, very suddenly his kidneys failed and his mum had very little time to say goodbye. He was a super and eccentric animal who's personality was as big as he was. You will be very much missed darling and nobody will ever take your place.

When he'd wee on anything that resembled a bin, even when it was on a stage in a theatre,

When he became totally deaf when he wanted but heard the slightest rattle of crisp wrapping,

When he couldn't quite manage to lift his leg for a weee unless someone was looking...

He was born with the pedigree name of China Tears Red Acer, but to us he will always be "Ozzie" (or Oswald when a little naughty!). He had the pleasure of appearing in a pet care book and lived a happy carefree life. Ozzie hated water and would even reluctantly go for his walk in the rain but insist on doing so with his eyes shut! He hated chocolate biscuits but loved the pastry off a sausage roll :) He was your friend forever if you had a Smacko in your hand. Our best friend sadly went to sleep 1 week before his tenth birthday, after suffering skin cancer and a spinal problem which paralysed his back legs and left him blind and in pain.
His temperament was excellent, enjoying belly rubs and a good scratch just above his tall.
He would often lower his head and push himself in against you when he wanted affection, which was always given.

We will always love you big fella' and miss you dearly, My wife, two daughters and i were privileged to have had you in our lives.
RIP 31/03/2009 .
Mark & Tracey Crissell

Today I learnt that we have sadly lost Milly. She was born with a terrible skin condition and other 'inter-breeding' problems, so much so, that before we found a truly loving home for her, she was moved about all over the place. We suspected that she would never make 'old bones' but I am proud and satisfied that the people who took her for us gave her the best years of her life with undivided love, kindness and attention. We will all miss this sad little girl and at least have the comfort that she is no longer so uncomfortable and in pain. You should never have had to suffer like this your whole life and I know that where you are now is pain free and gentle. We loved you Milly, we just wished your breeder had. Goodbye baby.

Pippa originally known as Peaches very sadly, had to be put to sleep. Again she was a victim of bad breeding and to have to be put down so young because the 'breeder' was more interested in breeding rather than health, is yet another scandal. You were a funny, happy little girl until the pain became too much for you. A very short life but a life that was treasured. You touched our lives and we will all miss you.

Marley our wonderful old boy who we re-homed at the wonderful age of twelve sadly finally wobbled over the rainbow bridge. He was very short sighted near the end and shaky on his tired old legs, but he had had a wonderful four years with his mum and dad, winning prizes in local shows and outliving both of his female companions. He was originally given up becausehis owners said he smelt..he did! To me a typical warm, biscuit type smell that all shar pei 's have and smelly or not he was adored, very well mannered and will be incredibly missed. He was a true gentleman and the world is a lot emptier without him. We miss him.AND his smell!

Harvey was regrettably put to sleep, due to cancer & sadly his is a cautionary tale. He developed a small lump and was immediately taken to the vets, who said it was nothing. His owners gut feeling and our own, was that this lump should be investigated. However his dad felt that he had to trust his vet. This was a terrible mistake. Despite endless visits to the vet & the lump getting larger, the vet continued to charge for various courses of antibiotics and creams. By the time the cancer was finally diagnosed, Harvey was given less than six weeks to live. He was his dad's best friend & his mum's baby. He always tolerated and offered unlimited hospitality and friendship to various foster dogs, that his mum and dad took on. Eating chips 'n' cheese or marmite on toast, will never feel the same as these were his favourites. He was a true gentleman and will leave a bottomless chasm in the lives of those who loved him.

Hi I was wondering if you could add my beautiful boy who sadly had to be put to sleep on Monday 18th November after nearly a year battling Mass cell cancer. He deservers a little reminder after his sad life his owner a elderly man who bred the shar-peis, he had no legs and rode around on an electric carriage with three shar-peis sat very proudly up front in a basket, he sadly died and the three dogs were given away. Max was taken by a very young family who were expecting a baby, when I found him he hadn't been out for a walk for 3 weeks, his diet was very poor and his condition was very poor. I took one look at him and his eyes saying please take me home. And so we became one I am not going to say it was an easy road we trotted along he and my jack Russell Brian had issues but we sorted them out all together but max had a big lump on his head which wouldn't go away I took him to the vet he did the tests and found it to be mass cell cancer I had it removed but 9mths down the line he got another lump by his ear the vet hadn't caught all of it. He out lived the vets expectations and stayed alive for another 11months. He sadly gave in on Monday he told me time now mum for me to go and I had to one of the hardest heartbreaking decisions and let him go. I don't have one regret about taking him on he gave me so much love and I gave it him right back even Brian grew to get on and is missing him, as a tribute to his short life could you please put him on your remberance page.

Bailey was a lovely boy and sadly another casualty of Bloat. He hads been with his new family less than three weeks. In the last month this horrible condition has claimed the lives of three of our rescues and my own Pucheen was only just saved. That was because I know how to recognise it. It is the biggest killer of dogs, other than cancer and I beg ALL dog owners to look it up on the web, so that they might save the lives of their best friends.. He was only six years old. Such a waste of a loving, friendly life. Be happy and pain free Bailey, we'll think of you often.

Floyd Our shar pei Floyd died 2 weeks ago at the age of only 7.
He was rescued from an ad we saw on line in 2002.At first he couldn't settle but after being neutered he finally figured out that he was 'home'
My mum and dad have loved him unconditionally for the last 6 years and are devastated that he went so quickly.
I'd love to adopt Niro but I think it is too soon for them to move on yet so instead we would like to know how we can make a donation in Floyd's memory to you.
I have attached his photo.He did not have the classic look but was a sweetie who was a total sunworshipper and who hated cats!!!
I'm sure he's in Shar Pei heaven now chasing cats to his heart's delight.
We were very lucky to have him and as my dad is not very well, will sorely miss him.
Thank you Floyd for your love and devotion to us.God bless.

Thank you.
Gail K Swart

This is Rufus, my beautiful gentleman, I may be biased but he was the best Shar-pei I've ever known. The sweetest, funniest boy, he is missed dearly as he passed away too soon in July this year. I miss our holidays at the beach (as pictured at Hannafore in Looe) and our long walks by the lakes, chasing herons and ducks, he never caught any though because he didn't want to get his toes wet. I miss seeing his legs poking out from under the coffee table and I don't know whether anyone is at the door anymore because he was my doorbell and guard dog. I also miss the slobber believe it or not and the smell of him. He was so placid, but still like a puppy when he wanted to be. I have lost my best friend, but remember each day with happiness.
I can only wish that he is happy where ever he is, and that every shar-pei can have the life and love that he had.
R.I.P Rufus love your family xxx

We recently lost both of our beloved pets, Floyd our boy of 8 years and Honey our girl of 4 years. sadly they both passed away due too kidney failure in February and October of this year we battled as did Floyd for over 10 days and never gave up the fight to save his life. We are devastated at the loss of both of them. Honey was taken suddenly with out warning in February and came as the greatest blow to all of us. Floyd fought with all his might and demonstrated to all of us just how much the bond of love we had was greater than the pain he was in. what started out as an ear infection escalated to kidney failure within 14 days, although we can not point the finger of blame at the vets, we would like to thank the PDSA for their help and understanding in taking over his welfare, and compassion in fighting with him and us for his survival.we would both be great full if you would post these pictures on to the site for others to admire of the two bravest and greatest pals we have had the honour to have lived with.
Love Wayne and Kim.in memory of Floyd and Honey.

Carmella was in her new adoptive family for far too shorter time, but whilst there she made a lasting impression. She was a gentle, grumbly soul who wrapped her paws around her new owner's heart and soul and will be very sadly missed. Thankfully her illness was swift and Marie made sure that she bore no pain and ended her life as quietly as she had entered it. The tumour must have been growing internally for a considerable time, but she showed no signs of being ill until the very last days of her life and it was decided upon X-ray to allow her to slip away under anaesthetic. I know what a painful decision this is, but it was so much kinder than to have her suffer in any way. You were very much loved sweetheart and are desperately missed. Goodbye darling.

Norman 's life went from a happy and loved environment to terrible pain and suffering. He is one of the few dogs whose history we were able to trace and his sad story is on the adopted page. When I say sad.that was his past. He went from a very kind and loving foster family to a home where there was so much love for him; he was engulfed in it and returned it without question. His passing has caused his mum terrible grief and she misses him every single day. He was a gentle soul and still is. I know that he's still with her and when her pain passes a little she'll feel his presence there to comfort her through the bad times and wag his ghostly tail when she smiles. He knows her pain and tries to comfort her.hopefully she will 'feel' him soon and feel a little better. Our friends never leave us.I know that eventually we will meet again. I see Bruno often. Go with love Norman , our hearts are forever entwined.

I telephoned Shar-Pei-Rescue to ask to be a Foster carer. I wasn't very good at this, as within a couple of weeks I had adopted two Shar-Pei in my care. Norman was the first to come and from the moment he came through the door he became a most devoted companion to me, evem though I have other dogs. Norman gave me so much love, it was wonderful. I was only lucky enough to have Norman for three years, and on the 28 th of September 2008 , Norman was rushed to the vet, with suspected bloat. He died on the 29 th at 6.00am . I loved him so very much.

God bless you Norman , Mummy loves & misses you. Hope we meet again soon. X x x x x x x x

Roma my namesake was sadly put to sleep a few weeks ago. She cried in the early hours of the morning and seemed to be having some sort of fit. Prior to this her behaviour had started to change and she had started to display aggression in circumstances that were not normal. We knew nothing of Roma's history. She was abandoned on the streets, but since being fostered and then re-homed, had become a truly loved and loving member of the family. I suspect a brain tumour, as I have sadly seen this sudden change in behaviour before and know that there is nothing that can be done. Roma..you were loved and will be missed. We hope you're out of pain now and that you run free with all the other dogs that have left us behind. Bye my darling, you'll always have a place in my heart.

Ralph was brought into this world with love and affection, but sadly after he left us, his 'birth' home, things happened to him to make him scared and mistrustful of people. He was not supported or trained after leaving us, and ended up coming back to us. We trained him, gave him the love and attention that he needed and deserved, and was able to re-home him again. Unfortunately things still didn't go well for Ralph, and he ended up being placed in Battersea dogs home. From there he came back to us again, but unfortunately due to his issues caused by his treatment by others, he was unable to stay with us because of our other dogs. We worked with Roma to try to find Ralph the perfect home he needed, and in the few months he was back here with us, we developed a strong bond with him, and found him to be a very loving, special dog that was a real joy to have around. Roma did find him a lovely new home, but unfortunately Ralph had been so mentally damaged by his bad treatment by others that it sadly didn't work out. Sadly Ralph was put to sleep in the arms of us who loved him. Love can heal so many things, but in Ralph's case, despite so many of us rooting for him, we just couldn't heal the emotional scars he harboured. The pain, anger and sadness we all feel at this outcome, cannot be expressed. He was brought 'home' and buried with his favourite toy, and it will hopefully be the happy, loving Ralph that will stay in our memories rather than the anger at those who made him another casualty of neglect. You were loved so much Ralph, we just wish we could have healed you so that you could recognise it. God bless Ralph, sleep tight little boy, we will always remember the best of you. xxx

Sadly died suddenly, leaving us all shocked and empty at her passing. She had had a hard life in her youth and took a long time to trust again, but with the time, patience and the love that Matt and Wendy gave her, she blossomed. When I first met her she wanted so hard to come and make friends, but her history made her wary. When we last met she greeted me openly and the changes in her were wonderfully evident. I know the tears we shed now will eventually heal, just as her heart did, which enabled her to change so drastically. We'll never forget you Petra You go with confidence on your new journey and our love goes with you.

From the day Simba came to our home, he knew everything would be ok: we'll always remember his first night at home when he symbolically gave us his paw and a big smile. We were so touched! Simba was such a wonderful, faithful companion- always by our side and never completely at rest until all members of his family were home. He was also such a clown and made sure to keep Mishka on her 'paws'. He was always looking forward to spending his winters by our feet next to the cosiness of the fireplace. Despite his dislike for water he absolutely loved the seaside- He had to go and bite the tiny waves even if it meant he would get wet.

He left us with all his dignity and a big smile fully knowing he was coming home for ever.

His special presence will remain even if he has gone. Go safely Simba with all our love.

Dylon came to us as an older dog full of anxiety and grief. He had grown up with his partner and losing him just broke Dylan's spirit. It took a long time for him to come around and sadly it seemed as if the moment he realised that he was loved again and could be happy, his health deteriorated and we lost him. His mummy couldn't bear the gap he left in her life. He had needed so much time and patience, bless him, so she has adopted another needy little Pei . Dylon, you were a star. I hope you're happy again seeing your companion of so many years. Be happy, you will always be missed.

We have just lost our wonderful Shar Pei Bruno (aka Brunie, or Bruniono), very suddenly of a heart condition. We have all cried for days, unable to accept it at all. We feel so honoured to have had him these last 8 years but miss him desperately. He was the most fantastic character, so loving and caring. He would follow me around the house all day and night, where l was, so was he. His best trick was to jump up into my daughters arms and she would hold him up to the bedroom window ledge (strong girl) and he would watch with alert fascination the goings on in the back garden, though as soon as you went downstairs and opened the door for him to actually go out there, not interested. He gave us so much and l will be forever grateful to have had him in our lives. The tears will not stop flowing for a long time yet and l know that all you owners out there understand that this breed is like no other and the ease that they enter your life and wrap themselves around your heart means you will love them forever.

Finally l would like to sincerely thank Roma and the Shar Pei rescue organisation for all their help and advice, it has helped me so much. Thank you so so much. Dearest Brunie Love and miss you so much, rest in peace, till we meet again.

Magic was the friend of Max who we homed in our first year of the rescue. She was the quiet loving companion of her mum who went through university with her, various relationships and helped heal Max after the trauma of being abandoned. She was a beautiful, gentle creature with a real caring instinct for those she loved. Her mum is bereft at losing her and Max seems to understand the mantle that has now been given to him and tries to comfort his mum in her loss. Anyone who has ever loved an animal, knows how desperate we feel when we lose them. Max feels it too.as I do . Magic.your name expressed your ability to improve the lives of those you loved. You will always be missed.

Winnie . My poor sweet girl, I feel so guilty about your end but it was what had been done to you before you came to me, that sealed your fate. I tried so hard to re-home you, but the pain you had suffered all of your life meant that you would only trust me and you continued to bite others, no matter how hard they tried to love you. You refused to accept my other dogs and you would bite whoever came too close, but you finally decided to love me and I could do anything with you. Why couldn't you trust me enough to love somebody else? It broke my heart darling and I weep every time I think of you. I'm so sorry if I let you down? You're free now. My heart goes with you.

Although we only had him for a short time, he bought joy to our family and we will miss him very much.

He had his own temperament which was lovely, his little tail wagging when you arrived home.

Jake was a big boy with a big heart for those he loved and will therefore leave a big hole in the lives of Sue and her family. Thankfully his suffering was very short lived but the pain in the hearts of those left behind will go on forever. Please remember Sue, when you go out on stage and sing your heart out, just glance into the wings and you'll see him there. He'll be waiting for you like he always did. He will never leave you and he will always wait. Goodbye Jake, it was wonderful knowing you and you brought sunshine into our lives. Till we meet again.

Kiki was only given a few months when her new mum and dad took her on, but they decided that they would love her and give her the best, along with her companion Sacha, until she was taken from them.

She was a personality all of her own and sadly little 'Kiki monster' lost her struggle for life, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of her mummy and daddy and her companion Sacha, a full two and a half years after they were told she would die. It is testament to how love can keep our companions with us longer than expected when they are happy and so well cared for. Nothing can replace 'our' Kiki. It was a privilege to have shared our lives with her and it will be hard to go on without her.

On the 18 th January 2007 a good friend of Shar Pei Rescue and Welfare UK passed away quietly in her sleep in St Georges Hospital, Wandsworth. Sheila was a lovely lady who had devoted most of her life to rescue dogs and over the years must have donated thousands of pounds to various animal charities.

I will sincerely miss her forthright nature, wicked sense of humour and her sharp wit, as well as our regular phone calls. Sheila did not have a happy life and I would like to think that now she is at peace with herself and surrounded by the various strays she devoted her life to.

Author & Gentleman. It was a pleasure to have know you, albeit for a short period in our lives.. Neill