Destiny For Dogs, Not-for-Profit 501 (c)(3)

In Honor and Loving Memory of our beloved, Barbara Kay Phillippi, who passed away peacefully February 15, 2026

Barbara will always be remembered as a “Special” part of the Destiny for Dogs Family.  She was an extraordinary foster mom and volunteer for over 12 years.  

Frankie, a young, frightened JRT brought “Rescue Angel,” Barbara into Linda and my life that day. There are not enough words to express our love and appreciation to Barbara who always came to our rescue in more ways than one, becoming an excellent “medical” and “special needs” foster mom, saving so many precious lives.

Barbara was a beloved friend. When her health started to decline and she could no longer foster, we always kept in touch.  We (Kenny, Sue & I) visited her lovely assisted living facility with our “rescue” dogs and Barbara’s last forever foster, Jade that she lovingly 

referred to as “Bug.” Barbara chose Lynn McGrew to be Jade’s new “forever foster mom” two years ago. Last month, Bug went to Rainbow Bridge now reunited with Barbara and her fur-brother, Frankie.

I loved reminiscing with Barbara and wanted to share a few messages she sent and many photos that touched my heart.

“I so miss our connection. The phone call with news of another pup that needs a foster. Never had one that I didn’t cry over when they left me. 

Eleven years ago I took Frankie to an adoption event. One week later I knew he would be mine… 

I would gladly give my life for one more day with my Frankie, who went to Rainbow Bridge July 10, 2023. He was my heart boy, loved flowers … who knew? Frankie was a wonderful temperament tester for new foster furbabies.

You have permission to post whatever you wish my dear. Always promoting fostering. It’s a difference between life and death for way too many animals. When a dog leaves a foster home, it will be fully vetted, socialized, and housebroken. The new home will have been inspected and deemed safe and appropriate, protecting the pup. I’m just sad that the fostering days are behind me”

We truly miss our dear friend, family member and foster mom. If you have an adoption story about Barbara, we would love for you to share in her memory

The lovely tribute written by Barbara’s family is a reflection of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was an incredible lady, beautiful, brilliant, caring, loving & kind. 

We are sending loving thoughts, healing prayers to Barbara’s family and dear friends. May she Rest In Peace

With Deepest Condolences, 

JoAnn, Kenny, Linda, Lynn, Melody and the Destiny for Dogs Family

In Loving Memory of Cindy Nettifee

Cindy always had a smile on her face, a kind word to say, a helping hand to lend, caring, considerate, outgoing and a friend to all. 

Kenny and I met Cindy while employed with the United States Postal Service. We became friends and spent holidays with Cindy and Don for 18+ years. We celebrated many happy occasions. 

Cindy was an animal lover (dogs, cats & birds). She volunteered with Destiny for Dogs to assist with adoption and fundraising events.  Cindy opened her home to foster dogs and assisted with finding them new loving forever homes. She never met a fur-baby that she didn’t adore and the feeling was mutual.

Cindy was loved dearly by Don, her family, friends, neighbors, and church. The outpouring of love, dedication, prayers and support was phenomenal.  Thank you to all who provided comfort to Cindy, Don and her family. Please continue to keep Cindy’s loved ones in your loving thoughts and healing prayers.

Rest in Peace, Cindy

Cindy’s Obituary, and information on her “Celebration of Life” provided below by Cindy and Don’s dear friend, Karen Shedrick:

Obituary for Cynthia M. Nettifee

“With profound joy and gratitude, we announce the passing of Cynthia M. Nettifee to eternal glory on April 28, 2026 Born on January 6, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, she leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love, as she cherished every moment with her devoted partner, Don, who adored her unconditionally. Together, they embarked on countless journeys, forged unbreakable bonds with friends who became family, and cultivated a deeper connection with the Lord. Cindy was a devoted attendee of Family Church Sherbrooke, attending Sunday Service and multiple bible studies. Her love for the Lord and humanity inspired us all. She will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of many.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Family Church Sherbrooke, located at 8657 Lantana Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467 on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. In honor of her compassionate spirit, donations to any animal rescue organization would be a meaningful tribute in lieu of flowers.”

Terri, you are in our thoughts today, particularly on the first anniversary of your passing. You will always be remembered in our loving thoughts and prayers.

We love and miss you, 

JoAnn, Kenny, Melody, Linda, Lynn and the Destiny for Dogs Family

This plaque was to presented to Terri’s Husband, Sam in her honor & memory from Destiny for Dogs. 

There are not enough words to express our love and appreciation for all that Terri did to assist saving two and four legged precious lives. 

Always in our hearts and wonderful memories.

We miss Terri’s beautiful smile, her laugh and kindness. 

Rest in Peace our precious Angel.

Yesterday I had to put my beautiful Max to sleep. He was in acute kidney failure & horrible pain. 11 years young & my faithful baby, sleeping on my pillow next to me every night, touching my eyelids with his big fluffy paws as if to make sure I was still there. He has taken a piece of my heart with him. The dogs will miss him as he liked grooming them.

JoAnn received a call from the cleaning lady that found Max the Maine Coon kitty inside a vacant apartment in a dog crate, in Boynton Beach.  He was the love of my life for the past 9 years & I had to say goodbye to him. Max was a big dog lover & tested many of Vickie’s Blessed Paws’ dogs. 

Thank you for the gift of Max for the past 9 years.” 

Evelyn, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Max. He was beautiful inside and out. I remember the day Linda and I picked up Max and brought him to you. It was pouring rain, he was so good in the car, just wanted to cuddle. We knew he was a special kitty.

Thank you for providing Max a wonderful loving forever home for 9 years. You were truly his rescue angel. 

As always, grateful to you and all that you do to save precious lives.

Sending love, healing thoughts & prayers. Until you meet again, Max will remain in your heart and wonderful memories.

We think of Terri when reading the Poem written by Ashley Rice:

“There are women who make things better… simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women of wit and wisdom who-through strength and courage- make it through. There are women who change the world everyday… Women like you.”

— Ashley Rice

“The passing of Terri Kaufman (West Palm Beach, Florida), born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on May 21, 2025 at the age of 78.

As we bid farewell to this luminous soul, let her loved ones carry forward the torch of her memory, illuminating the path ahead with the warmth of her love and the brilliance of her spirit. Though Terri may journey beyond the horizon of our sight, her essence remains woven into the very fabric of our being — a guiding light in the darkness, a beacon of hope in the night.”

We are sending our deepest condolences to Terri’s Husband, Sam, Family and Friends.

PHOTO FROM HER BELOVED MOM, JEN

Rest in Peace beautiful and loving angel, Truckie. You were an amazing girl.

Thank you and your mom for all that you did to make this world a better place for so many rescue furbabies.

Fly High, Run Free, Happy, Healthy and Whole, at Rainbow Bridge

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RUBY AND REESES FROM THEIR BELOVED MOM, JANET

“With a heavy heart we just lost both Ruby and Reeses both to advanced Cushing’s Disease.

Ruby was 16 and had been our spoiled fur baby tor 10 years.  She bought such joy to our lives.  She had advanced Cushing’s disease and diabetes for the last few years. We miss her.

Reeses was 8 and was also our spoiled fur baby. She bought such joy to our lives.  She had advanced Atypical Cushing’s disease and diabetes but was not diagnosed in time to give her a fighting chance. We lost her 3 weeks after Ruby”

Destiny for Dogs are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to Janet, Joe and Joey, in the loss of their beloved, Ruby & Reeses

They are once again “Happy, Healthy & Whole” Running Free at Rainbow Bridge

Until you meet again, always in your heart, thoughts and beautiful memories. “Just look Up.”

A touching message from Jennifer in the loss of Tiny Tim, her beloved mother, Betsy’s fur-baby that she loved so very much.

“Hello, it is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that Tiny Tim finally crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday October 23.  He gave my mom (Betsy Beal) love and comfort for the last three years of her life, and then I was privileged to care for him for the past 2 years.  He was almost 18 years old.  And such a sweet old doggie!!”

Betsy was loved by all whom she touched. Plus, Betsy so loved her little Tiny Tim AKA TT.  We are truly grateful to Jennifer for the care she provided to her mother and then the continued unconditional love to her mother’s beloved fur-baby, TT

Thank you, Jennifer for sharing your mom & Tiny Tim’s memorial
We are sending loving thoughts & healing prayers to you and your Family who now have another Angel in Heaven to watch over all of you

“Hi JoAnn, 

Just wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for the sweet card that you sent us after the passing of our precious Paxton. 

We are so grateful to have almost 8 years with him after finding him through Destiny for Dogs. He was the best little guy, and our home will truly never be the same without him here. As sad as we are, we are glad he is free from pain and illness, knowing he has crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully.  I can picture him doing zoomies and happily barking while he chases all the things he can up in doggie heaven.  

We are beyond grateful to still have our beautiful chocolate lab Lexie – our other Destiny for Dogs rescue (Gotcha day of 10/12/2016). 

Thanks for all you do. 

I’m convinced we don’t rescue them; they rescue us.

Much love and gratitude, 

Jennifer & family” 

Dear Jennifer, 

Thank you for your lovely message.  Plus, beautiful photos of handsome Paxton and gorgeous Lexie.  Also, many thanks for providing Lexie & Paxton such an extraordinary and loving forever home.

We are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers

Belle was rescued with her brother from the Everglades where they were dumped. Belle’s brother was adopted by a loving couple soon after he and Belle were in their foster home with Vickie Virzi. 

Belle hit the “Doggie Lottery” when her human sister, Debra met her at a Destiny for Dogs Adoption Event at Paws on Avenue with her Foster Mom, Vickie.  Debra’s mom, Ruth had just lost her beloved, Boxer and she felt Belle would be a perfect match. It was “love at first sight” when Vickie brought Belle to Ruth’s house.  This was a truly, “Happily Ever After” for Ruth & Belle

Belle was by Ruth’s side until she passed away. Debra promised her mom to provide Belle a loving forever home if something happened to Ruth. Debra kept her promise, and Belle lived a wonderful life with unconditional love until she went to Rainbow Bridge

Ruth & Belle are together again, “Happy, Healthy & Whole,”

All our loving thoughts and healing prayers are with Debra in the loss of her beloved mother, Ruth and fur-baby, Belle

“Dear JoAnn and Kenny, by now I know you know that Joey has gone over Rainbow Bridge and is happily playing with Fletcher and many others. When I first agreed to bring Joe to stay with me and Fletcher, I wasn’t sure how it would work out.  But Fletcher allowed him to share his mom and they became ‘buds’. I watched him closely and reminded everyone not to “put their hands down”. But a month led to two to three and a year. Then another, etc. It’s been nine years now. Last year we had to say ‘goodbye’ to Fletcher which was so hard (I had had him for 14 years). But Joe was there with me, and we got through it together. He was a creature of habit. Loved his treats. Wanted to sit with me no matter where I sat. Liked strange people treats, potato chips, popcorn, gummy bears and Twizzlers. Ask him if he wanted ice cream and he would beat you to the freezer. Take the lid off the little containers and put the cup on the floor. He would pick it up with his teeth and carry it to the living room to lick it to the end.  He would take his evening snooze. Get up about 9 come out and jump on the recliner till it was time for bed. I’d say ‘ready for bed? ‘ and he would be on the pillow next to me. He could be the most loveable about 95% of the time. But age catches up to all of us and sometimes things that bothered us when we were young come back to haunt us when we grow older. His vet and I discussed the situations, and he told me that his problems could only get worse. So, I did not want to be his albatross. I wanted him to be happy and unfortunate for me Rainbow Bridge was best.  I want to thank you for the 9 yrs he was my buddy.  I’m sorry it couldn’t be longer but all in all he had a packed 15 yrs. I’ll miss him for a long time and there will never be another like him.

Dear Sue, 

There are not enough words to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your little man, Joey.

Thank you for the nine years of unconditional love and a wonderful loving forever home “For Real, Forever!”

I remember the day Kenny rescued, Joey from PBCACC.  It was the same day we picked up Bennie the Biter who was hit by a car and scheduled for euthanasia on July 27, 2016. 

Bennie & Joey both had a rough start in life.  

Once again, thank you for providing Joey everything that he so deserved. You and Kenny were truly his “Rescue Angels”

Until you meet again, always in your heart, thoughts, and fond memories … “Just Look Up”

In Loving Memory of Clancy from his mom, Kathleen

Hi JoAnn,

“I hate writing with this news, but I just had to say goodbye to our sweet Clancy. His collapsed trachea had gotten so bad that his tongue was blue. Thank you for letting us love him and for giving my mom the gift of having such a sweet baby for so many years. He’s been living with me for a few months as he was on a lot of meds for heart and trachea and he loved being one of the pack. His little body just couldn’t take any more. It happens to be the 2nd anniversary of losing my sweetest Finn as well.  I hope you are well and thank you again for trusting us to care for such an angel. Love you”

Dear Kathleen, 

We are all so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Clancy.

So appreciate you and your mom providing Clancy such an amazing loving forever home. His life became “Heaven on Earth“ when finding you both.

Sending lots of love, healing thoughts and prayers.

Until you meet again, Clancy will always remain in your heart and beautiful memories.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PEANUT. A TOUCHING MESSAGE FROM HIS BELOVED MOTHER, ROBIN

“My beautiful man came into my life in November.  In May Peanut was diagnosed with a tumor on his pelvis. He was a brave boy and so trusting. I am so grateful that JoAnn brought him into my life. Peanut passed away August 13th on his terms, at home. 

I stopped by Walgreens on the way home.  The pharmacist and assistants were so nice when picking up Pea’s meds. I wanted to let them know that he passed as they always asked me when I came in. They were so sweet, I got hugs that was so nice. 

Please don’t forget our older dogs they are a blessing.”

A message from Peanuts prior owners:

“Peanut looks happy and so loved. Unfortunately, none of us can predict our fate. Steve and I are so grateful to Robin for making Peanut part of her family. “

To know Peanut was to love him and he loved everyone. Kenny fell in love with Peanut during transport to his beloved mom, Robin. I was honored to be named Pea’s “Godmother.” 

Peanut was truly blessed to have Robin as his mom, even if only for a short time. 

We are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers in the loss of this very special guy.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ZOE BELLA. A SWEET MESSAGE FROM HER MOM, AURORA

“Dear JoAnn, 

With heavy heart, I write to tell you that Zoe Bella crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.  She was such a sweet girl, and we feel honored that you chose us to be her next forever family after her hooman mom passed away.  

Zoe began having seizures in the Spring, and although we tried numerous meds to control them, they got too numerous and too dangerous for her.  We know she is in heaven with her first mom, but we still miss her so much.  This is my favorite photo of Zoe Bella

Thank you for all you do.”

Dear Aurora – So sorry for the loss of your beloved, Zoe. Sending you loving thoughts, healing prayers

We all thank you for being such a wonderful Mom and for providing such an amazing, loving forever home.

Until you meet again. Always in your heart and beautiful memories.

In Loving Memory of Caleb. 

A Beautiful & Heartwarming Message from Caleb’s Mom, Gigi

“Our neighbor, a Destiny for Dogs foster mom, asked if we would mind Caleb for a day or two.  We did — plus over 4,000 days.

Although Caleb was diminutive in size, he produced a deep resounding bark (no yips or yaps) that was uncanny for such a small specimen.  Indeed, our neighborhood mailman retreated off the front step upon first hearing Caleb’s warning barks only to dissolve in laughter when the opened door revealed the miniscule perpetrator.

Caleb charmed all who saw him. He melted hearts with his expressive eyes and big ears. And we could not be happier he was ours . His terrier ways made us laugh. His devotion with love and forgiveness taught us values. We could not have asked for a better gift than Caleb.

Thank you JoAnn and thank you Destiny for Dogs for such a magical time with Caleb.  We are so grateful.”

We are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to Caleb’s amazing parents.

In Loving Memory of Sheldon

A truly beautiful message from Sheldon’s loving forever mom, Nicki …  a must read

“Sheldon wasn’t just a dog—he was my soulmate in fur. From the moment we met, I knew he was meant to be mine. That first look, those little doe eyes framed with perfect eyeliner and his signature bushy eyebrows—he melted my heart right then and there, and he never stopped. 

We were inseparable. Sheldon traveled with me, living a life filled with adventure, comfort, and love. He stayed in the nicest places, dined at incredible restaurants, and brought his special charm wherever we went. Wherever we went, people noticed him—and he noticed everything, always alert, always next to me, always mine.

This sweet boy left paw prints on every heart he met. He was the happiest in the sand at the beach (no ocean), riding in my Jeep with the top down and wind blowing though his fur, playing with his puppy friends, eating scraps from the table, running in the mud, chasing lizards, birds, and squirrels, and snuggling with his mama. 

There was a magic in how he looked at me. That upward glance, full of trust and affection, could stop me in my tracks. It didn’t matter what kind of day I was having—one look from him, and the world felt lighter. 

I believe when we have this kind of bond with someone, we experience the purest, most selfless form of love there is. I had to find the strength to do something I desperately didn’t want to do—something that broke my heart—because I know it’s what’s best for him. Letting my sweet boy go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I know it was the final gift I could give him.

Schmoops gave me more than companionship. He gave me a sense of home, of calm, of joy. He was a constant in a world that’s always changing. Losing him leaves an ache words can’t quite reach, but loving him gave me something so beautiful, it will never leave me. His little wiggle butt, army crawl, and crossed paws will be forever be ingrained in my mind.

Rest easy, sweet Schmoops. You were the very best boy. You lived a full, extraordinary life, and you made mine infinitely better. I will carry you with me, always.

We are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers. Until you meet again, Sheldon will remain in your heart and beautiful memories

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANNIE FROM HER BELOVED MOM, SUZAN

“My Little Annie passed away at 17 years of age. This picture was right after I adopted Annie. I felt so blessed to have her

Although, I never thought I would get  another dog so soon. I found the sweetest retired breeder female, Havenese. I think Annie sent Gemma to me. She’s absolutely perfect.” 

We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Annie. Thank you for providing her a long and loving life. Also, many thanks for rescuing another little angel in need. Gemma certainly hit the “Doggie Lottery” just as Annie did thanks to you

Wishing you and your new fur-baby, “Happy Days Ahead.”

IN LOVING MEMORY OF TRIXIE

Sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to Trixie’s Mom

Rest in Peace Sweet Little Girl

IN LOVING MEMORY OF HONEY FROM HER BELOVED MOTHER

“Please Mary, tell me, that you were there waiting for Honey – that you held her as I had to let her go…and that the two of you are running happily together again.  Miss you both! Honey 3-11-2024” 

Please also keep Honey’s mom, Laura in your loving thoughts & prayers as this is truly heartbreaking beyond words: 

Honey’s mom, Mary passed away, September 18th, 2022 after being in a coma. Honey’s other mom, Laura was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  She waited to start therapy, then had a severe reaction and had to stop.  The following day her beloved fur baby, Honey ended up in the hospital and she never left Honey’s mom, Laura was hoping she would have her furbaby next to her during chemo.  

From Laura, Honey’s surviving mom:

“Honey was very loved.  She was Mary’s first dog, but it was a real bond between the two of them.  I know that in the future, I will get another doggy so if you see a girl as sweet as our honey, not a big doggy, please let me know.”

We are all so sorry for the loss of Laura’s beloved Mary whom also loved Honey dearly. 

Honey was blessed to have two extraordinary moms who provided her such an incredible and loving forever home.

Rest in Peace Mary & Honey. You are both together “Happy, Healthy & Whole.”

Special thanks to Cheryl & Leo Wellence Jr for being such wonderful foster parents to Honey

IN LOVING MEMORY OF EMMY FROM HER MOM

“Sending one of my favorite photos of Emmy, as you know she was very camera shy so it was always hard to take a good photo. Emmy was much loved and her time here was way too short. Sad to have her previous abuse confirmed, I know we suspected that something had happened to her, nevertheless it’s very distressing to know she had been treated so badly.

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and deepest respect for all you do for the animals that need help.”

There are no words to express our appreciation for all that Emmy’s mom did for this sweet, loving and beautiful senior girl to make the rest of her life extraordinary. Mom did everything humanely possible to provide only the best for Emmy and the love she so deserved. 

Rest in Peace, Dear Emmy. You are now “Happy, Healthy & Whole, running free at Rainbow Bridge 

Until you meet again … always in your mom’s heart and loving memories

REST IN PEACE MR. MACK. YOU ARE HOME AGAIN AND WILL ALWAYS BE NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR MOM

You are now “Happy, Healthy & Whole” once again. 

We Love & Miss You Much.

We appreciate the wonderful care Betsy provided to her beloved rescue
furbaby, Tiny Tim (TT)

Our deepest sympathy to Betsy’s daughter, son, family, loved ones and
friends. Betsy will truly be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Love and Prayers from

The Destiny for Dogs Family♥

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LOTTIE

REST IN PEACE SWEET GIRL. YOU WERE SO LOVED BY YOUR FAMILY AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.  RUN FREE AT RAINBOW BRIDGE, HAPPY, HEALTHY & WHOLE UNTIL YOU MEET AGAIN

From Lottie’s Mom

Dogs should live forever…….

It is with deepest sadness that the Destiny Family had to say “goodbye” to Frankie who was truly a mentor to so many neglected & abused rescue dogs. We can’t thank Barbara and his beloved, Frankie enough for all they did to comfort and find the most extraordinary, loving forever homes.🐾💕

Rest in Peace Sweet Frankie. You will be missed by all whom you touched🐾💕

Young Frankie. 

💔🌈🐾IN LOVING MEMORY OF BELLA🐾🌈💔

💔Our loving thoughts & prayers are going out to Bella’s Dad in the loss of his beloved Girl.  Her untimely passing was sudden & painful beyond words. There was nothing that could be done by the Emergency Room Veterinarian Specialists where Bella received treatment for two days💔 

🌹You had a very rough start in life and were truly blessed when adopted by your dad. Rest in Peace Beautiful Bella. You were so adored & loved by your dad and all that you touched🌹