Pet Memorials and Roxie's Angel Fund

On behalf of the staff at Topsham Veterinary Wellness Center, we are honored to pay respect to our beloved animal friends who have passed.  We also welcome you to create a lasting tribute for your beloved pet or animal friend on our website's Pet Memorial page. Please email us your pet's story and a photo to: info@topshamvet.com

Below is the first story on our Memorial page, and with it the announcement that we at TVWC have set up a new fund in her honor.  Roxie, our lovely office dog, will continue to help sick pets who may not be able to get the health care they need otherwise (based upon the discretion of the attending TVWC veterinarian). 

Our office will make a donation to this fund in memory of our patients who pass away. It will be called "Roxie's Angel Fund"

Roxie "The Love Bandit" Ruksznis

Roxie was what we like to call a "Beguiler", because that's what we got when the world mixed a Beagle and a Rottie together.  But more than that, we got the most amazing companion someone could ask for.  She was with Dr. Ruksznis through all the important life events - vet school, first job and so much more...  Roxie was exuberant about life in general with a kind heart to both people and other animals.  She made friends wherever she went which included a 3 month trip to Alaska and back to Maine in a pop-up trailer, her best bud Toby and her two Moms.  A lucky dog indeed to have had 17,000 miles of experience under her belt just in one summer!  ...You can imagine that the rest of her life was pretty packed with excitement too.  Her latest detail was a job she was surely proud of - she was a great assistant in the TVWC office, where she helped both patient and owner alike.  She lived 12 incredible years and she will be missed more than one could ever fathom.

Ivy Brinkman-Young

2004-2020

Ivy was rescued from a puppy mill outside Bangor in early 2005 and lovingly fostered by Trish Goodenow in Farmingdale until we could adopt her that May. She was the sweetest, gentlest girl, but going to the vet scared her throughout her life. After a few very trembling visits with other vets at North Deering Veterinary Hospital, Ivy met Dr. Ruksznis. who was the first vet to get down on the floor with Ivy and meet her at her level (Dr. Morissette was the second). When Dr. Ruksznis opened her own practice in Topsham, Ivy’s annual, then six-month, visits became road trips from Portland. It was worth the drive to know that even though Ivy kept shaking in the office (I think the smell of other dogs worried her), she was treated with the gentle love that Ivy showed us for 15 years. The ride wasn’t a problem for Ivy. She loved the car going into a zen relaxed state behind the passenger seat, often all the way to New York.

 Ivy’s long silky hair matted easily but she hated being groomed; she’d wiggle and kick and go hide behind the couch where we couldn’t reach her. Even clipping her nails was a two or three person job. She never snarled or snapped, just wiggled, escaped and hid. The mats in her hair didn’t seem to bother her, so eventually we let them stop bothering us, too.

 We never really knew Ivy’s breed. She was advertised as a Tibetan Spaniel, but Dr. Ruksznis’ DNA test came back 50% Cocker, 25% Chihuahua, and 25% Great Dane! She did act like a big dog some of the time.  

Henry Knight

Henry was part of our family for 12 of his 13 years.  A hound/shepherd mix or a giant beagle as a neighbor once called him, he loved walks, belly rubs and especially treats.  Extremely independent, he did keep an eye out for potential boat rides.  His hound howl was often mistaken for a fog horn.  He loved Dr. Amy and all her staff for their kindness and their bacon treats.  His passing leaves a hole in our home and our heart and we will miss him forever.

Gracie Mills

Gracie had been with me since I was 4 years old, and she graced me with 18 incredible years. We have always said that she chose our family, we didn't choose her. Through many moves, and so much that happened in our lives, she never left my side. She was the sweetest cat you'd ever meet. She bathed everyone she met with kisses, and her favorite thing was to be snuggled. She had the loudest, motor-boat purr, and there was a time when I couldn't fall asleep without her singing in my ear. She would walk me to my bus stops in the morning and greet me after school. And when my daughter was born, she had nothing but love, snuggles, and kisses to give. Gracie will forever be my once in a lifetime cat.

Bailey Champagne