Safe Place for Pets of Colorado Springs

It is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Glen Cook, a long-time supporter and adopter from Safe Place for Pets. Glen was the brother of our outgoing Board President, Cathy Woods, and evidently a big heart runs in the family, because Glen and his wife Diane adopted five pets from Safe Place over the years! The pets fortunate enough to become Glen and Diane's fur-kids were Pancho and Lady, two Shih Tzus who were 10 years old when adopted; a cat named Kitty Curry; and two dogs, Bradley and Monty. Monty, their most recent adoption, is a pug who was 48 pounds when the Cooks adopted him, and has since trimmed down to a svelte 31 pounds.

His family and pets are all mourning Glen's loss deeply, and we send deeply heartfelt condolences to them all. We were very fortunate that Safe Place for Pets was chosen to benefit from memorials to Glen. If you'd like to make a contribute in loving memory of this caring soul, who has now been reunited with a whole lot of very happy animals over the Rainbow Bridge, please visit our donation page.

Here is Glen's more formal obituary:

Glenwood H. Cook, Jr., beloved husband and best friend of Diane, loving father of Jamie (Paul) Hull and Michael (Becky Gardner) Cook, beloved brother of Cathleen Woods, cherished uncle of Shannon (Brett) Sparks and Andrew Pierson and dear grandfather of Zoe and Lauren Hull. Preceded in death by parents Glenwood H. Cook and Jeanne Cook, as well as his brother Thomas Cook. Glen passed away on December 21, 2011 in Sarasota, Florida at the age of 64. Glen was born on May 1, 1947 in Bonne Terre, Missouri. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati. He later received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. He spent many years practicing as a licensed clinical social worker in Cincinnati, Sarasota and Pueblo West, Colorado. He was also a business owner for a number of years both in Sarasota, as well as Dalton, Georgia. Glen enjoyed good food, good music and good company. He loved to travel and had experienced many wonderful trips. He was well read and there was not much about history or geography that he did not know. He loved animals, especially his dogs, Monty and Bradley and cat, Kitty Curry. Memorial services celebrating Glen’s life will take place later this month in both Sarasota and Cincinnati. The National Cremation & Burial Society in Sarasota, Florida will be handling the arrangements. Details concerning the memorial services can be found at www.nationalcremation.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Safe Place for Pets, P.O. Box 38202, Colorado Springs, CO 80937 or online at www.safeplacepets.org.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to The Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

Tributes

This page is dedicated to all the pets who have graduated from Safe Place and crossed the Rainbow Bridge after spending years in their loving adoptive homes. If you would like to include a tribute to your special friend, please contact us (Click Here).

Rocky

Rocky had his share of heartache when his Mom died, and he needed a new forever home. He got his wish rather quickly, thanks in part to Safe Place and in part due to his playful and affectionate personality. Having quickly taught his new guardian the important life lessons that pets impart to us, it was time for Rocky to cross the Rainbow Bridge. No more heartache for Rocky, he had done his work here and deserved his reward.

Thanks for spending time with us, Rocky.

Sandy

Sandy was adopted in 2007 by a Safe Place volunteer. She was in danger of being put down due to her behavioral problems, but Joe and Laurie stepped in to save her. Something about that face said, "You and I were meant for each other."

And, of course, she was right. Who gained the most from their lives together is hard to say. Sandy got a second chance, but Joe and Laurie gained a new forever friend. And even though Sandy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, she'll wait patiently for the day when she and Joe and Laurie are reunited, all wounds healed and all pain forgotten. Because that's what best friends do.

Rest peacefully, Sandy.

Bentley

Bentley, adopted in Fall of 2005, is now resting peacefully. He had a great life here with his brother MiTu who is missing him terribly but is doing well. Bentley was a trooper, I would swear he had 9 lives! He survived a run in with a car when he was a young pup, had facial reconstruction and lost one leg. He later survived losing most of his teeth and some bone loss. Later he overcame the battle of salivary gland cancer! Despite all of his woes, Bentley was a champ and loving "little angel"! Always happy to play, loved his Barney, loved going on walks or most importantly going to visit grandma and grandpa! Although he was 13 years old, he had a heart and attitude of a 3 year old! He is going to be missed and will never be replaceable in my heart!

We miss you Bentley! Happy rest!

5/24/97 - 9/13/10

Please call Safe Place for Pets (719-359-0201) or email us (info@safeplacepets.org) with any questions or comments.