Maya Butterfly Hols

In loving memory of Maya Butterfly Hols August 29, 2009 - December 17, 2025 Maya (Maia) came into our lives through Midwest Animal Rescue (MARS) in June 2010. We don’t know her exact history before she landed with MARS but she was a very sweet and sensitive girl who quickly adapted to our family. Just prior to adopting her she’d been living with a MARS foster family who took great care of her and shared care instructions with us. Our daughter started kindergarten the year we adopted Maya. Maya immediately took charge of rounding her up for school by jumping on and off her bed to wake her while furiously shaking a toy in her mouth (she always had a toy in her mouth when she was ‘working’). She instinctively knew the school bus drop off time and would anxiously await our daughter's arrival home. Dinnertime roundup and homework oversight were favorite activities (aka ‘jobs’) too. She loved cuddling up with and protecting her people. If our daughter was in her room with her door closed Maya would lay in guard outside her door for hours if needed. Maya enjoyed lots of short walks throughout her life and in her younger days was a proficient jumper. She was the sweetest senior lady who loved meeting up with new and old dog friends and people on her walks. She enjoyed many family road trips including northern Minnesota, Colorado, Maine, North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Kansas City and Montreal. Hotels with elevators (“the magic room”!) were especially fascinating! We miss her greatly but take comfort in her long, active life of over sixteen years and we are so appreciative of MARS bringing her into our lives. Maya’s loving family

Lindy
Our family adopted Lindy (aka Diamond) on Aug 16, 2012. She had spent her first year in Missouri before being rescued by MARS. She had a sweet, playful yet timid demeanor and immediately stole our hearts. We eagerly welcomed her to our home where she gained confidence playing, zooming around the yard, traveling to our daughters’ cross county meets, greeting friends and going on long walks. Lindy was an expert at snuggling with a knack for showing up just as we were about to sit down. We all loved getting cozy with Lindy. As years went by and the house grew quieter, Lindy benefited from our retirement. Finding sunny spots in the winter and shade in the summer, treats from the mailman, lunchtime in the den, and mid-day walks were some of her favorite past times. She cheerfully hopped in the car to head off for a day or two of hiking. We were lucky to have her loving companionship. As Lindy started slowing down, our walks got shorter and snuggle time grew longer. After a visit to the vet just after Thanksgiving we realized Lindy was not only a sweet girl but a tough and resilient one as well. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Dec 4, 2025 with the respect, dignity and love she earned. Rest in peace little one. You will always be our perfect pup.

Cody
I fostered many dogs through MARS, but always knew I wanted a dog of my own. In 2009, Kiefer entered my life as a foster dog. He was an adorable 12-week-old vizsla lab mix with a zest for life. It very quickly became clear that he was what was missing from my life and I adopted him. I renamed Kiefer to Cody in remembrance of a farm dog I spent time with while growing up. Over the years Cody did everything with us: car rides, hiking, bike rides, cabin trips, swimming, running, boating, sing-alongs, holiday celebrations, and endless cuddling. Up until the very end, Cody was still the same independent, quirky, active, lovable dog I met over 16 years ago. Cody will forever be my soul dog. We connected in a way I can't explain. He was more than a dog or a pet - he was my chosen family. Cody lived a full, spoiled, happy life surrounded by his adoring family. Our family isn't complete without you here, Cody Boy.

Zeta
Zeta carried herself with a calm, confident presence from the moment she arrived. Adopted at six years old, she opened up in her own steady way, showing one of the most balanced and loyal personalities a German Shepherd could have. Strong without being loud, grounded without hesitation. She was a dog who simply could do no wrong. And when joy sparked, she lit up. Her little head-nod before taking off at full speed said everything about her spirit: deliberate, playful, and completely alive. Her days were marked by trust, intention, and a quiet strength that made her unforgettable. Zeta lived fully and left behind the unmistakable imprint of a truly remarkable dog.

Finn
We adopted Finn aka Ash on 5/14/2022 from MARS. He quickly became one of our favorite dogs. Sadly, he was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma in October, he had a 2 mass’s on his spleen, one that was the size of a large grapefruit. We weighed all options and because the cancer was so aggressive and his prognosis was so low, we decided that in the best interest of Finn we needed to lay him to rest on October 31, 2025. Our family will forever be grateful for the short time that he was in our lives. He fulfilled all of our dreams! The best dog we’ve ever had! We will love and miss him FOREVER! Such a beautiful soul.