Shared Memories

Ingridroy

Artist & Friend

“I was very lucky to cuddle Falkor while he was sitting so comfortably in the car, everything around him decorated like a king. The spot above his eye looked so cheeky.
But my deepest connection came while painting his portrait. Every tiny detail revealed more of who he was. That’s how I truly got to know him.

I felt joy, love, and gratitude for the beautiful life he lived.  Saved by Danielle and family. It was as if his eyes told me he gave his unconditional love for eternity.

In my mind, Falkor is still with you all.”

♥ With love,
Ingridroy

Wayne Martin

Cousin

“I always found Falkor an incredible animal, his eyes could see into your soul and leave you feeling warm and loving towards him.”

Sarah & Jayney

Veterinary Care Team

“It’s hard to put into words the kind of presence Falkor brought to the world.
He was an energy, an extremely strong force yet of gentleness that radiated wherever he went.

We had the privilege of being trusted with Falkors care over many years, and in that time, he left an indelible mark on all of us. Rarely is the resilience, let alone the healing power, of a soul who went through so much so tangibly felt.

Falkor demonstrated the deepest trust and acceptance. One might have expected his experiences to leave him guarded, but instead, he was the embodiment of kindness and care. Even in moments of uncertainty or fear, he offered trust and brought a sense of calm to those around him.

To us, Falkor wasn’t just a patient. He was a teacher, a friend, and a symbol of grace in the face of adversity.

His legacy will live on not only in Danielles words but in the quiet, powerful way he changed those lucky enough to meet him.”

He will not be forgotten.

with love and respect,
Jayney (on behalf of Sarah and the entire crew, past and present)

Andrew Zanos

Clinical Therapist

“I have been in the lives of Danielle and Troy for many years now and I was pleased when Falkor made the decision to join this small family albeit without initial invitation, as Falkor made that choice all by himself.

A rather regal type of beast who complained little but gave lots in return without demand. Falkor had gracefully wrapped everyone that was important to him around his larger than life paws. Purpose built transportation (Bunnings here we come!!) that was the envy of the canine world and an air of unparalleled love and attention from his newfound carers. Strode with a sense of “I have been here before,” which transpired into an earthy, wise and calming disposition that lit up the lives of those who loved him.

Rest in peace big fella. Your battle is over.”

Teniell Carrington Cotton

Friend

“Falkor was what my girls called…a gentle giant.  We all loved his visits.  My girls would lie all over him, showering him with love and attention.  He brought such warmth and joy into the lives of all who knew him.  We were very blessed to be a part of his journey with Dannii and Troy.  He was deeply loved and will always be remembered.”

Tara and Aaron

Aftercare with Love

“My husband Aaron and I had the pleasure of caring for Danielle and her partner Troy’s perfect angel, Falkor. Danielle shared the back story of Falkor, and I was so deeply moved. He suffered so much in his short life but finally ended up with his perfect family, who showered Falkor with love and treated him with all the respect and dignity that he deserved.
Falkor was majestic and so memorable. I know he is safe and over the rainbow bridge. It was an absolute privilege to care for Falkor.  A perfect angel in every way.”

Love and light,
Tara and Aaron x

Trish De La Roche

Aunty

“My fondest memory of Falkor was when I saw you all at the Elton John concert at Suncorp Stadium.  Falkor was so calm and totally focused on supporting Danielle whilst you were all out, he didn’t seem to be overwhelmed or agitated at all by the crowds of people that were there.  However when Danielle had a moment of panic he just sat with her whilst calming her down throughout the entire concert not leaving her side.  What an amazing soul he was and so loyal to you both.  I’ll never forget how well behaved he was.  Considering his previous life before you both.  He was the most gentle, calm and friendly dog.  He was blessed to find you both and visa versa.”

Lidia Davidovics

Friend

“The first time I met Falkor, I was struck by his incredible gentleness.
He had such a sweet, soft presence and a depth in his eyes when he looked at you. It made hearing of his early history all the more shocking, that such a sweet, gentle spirit should have suffered so.
I was, and am, so grateful that he found himself in the loving care of the two special people with whom he spent the remainder of his days.  Days full of love, which I am certain Falkor felt.
Though I didn’t get to know Falkor long, nor see him more than on a handful of occasions, his quiet, gentle nature shone through every single time. No matter what might be going on around him, no matter how busy or seemingly chaotic the surroundings, he nearly always took it all in stride.
The one time I saw him overwhelmed was when trying to learn how to use a travelator for the first time.  He looked to Danielle for support. She was quick to reassure and provide a steadying hand, choosing to take a breather and not pressure him through. The mutual trust between them spoke volumes about the bond of love they shared.
At meetings, Falkor was always quietly watchful of his special people, Danielle or her partner, Troy. I will always remember Falkor best lying down, patiently waiting next to Danielle, front paws crossed with dignity and poise.
We all face adversity from time to time.  Sometimes it can be unbearable and seem impossible to overcome. But it’s these trying times that shape our core, steel our strength, and sculpt the beauty within. Sometimes it’s seeing another being persevere, not only surviving but thriving, that inspires us to take just one more step forward on our own journeys.
Sometimes it’s witnessing the quiet resilience and unwavering trust and love given by one of our precious animal companions that teaches us the true meaning of courage and gives us hope for the chance of a brighter tomorrow when we need it most.
Falkor was that quietly bright, shining star for so many, for all who were blessed to meet him, even if only once.
He is sorely missed, truly one in a million, and will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Thank you for being the inspiration you were to so many. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.”

Jan-Marie Brown

Mum

“My last memory of Falkor is telling him I would see him in the morning. I left for home, and in my heart I believe he understood. True to his gentle spirit, he waited until I returned the next day before saying goodbye. He held on just long enough for me to be there, as if his final gift was letting me know he never left me alone.”

Tash Thomas

Friend

“Falkor.  To the dog that has been to more concerts that I have:  I will always remember Falkor for how loyally he stood by Danielle and for the way he greeted everyone like an old friend.  Such a beautiful soul.  I feel privileged to have known him.  Keep rocking Falkor  Tash

Ebony

A Lovely Soul from the Medical Centre

“Gentle.  Loyal.  Wise.
Quietly brave.
Steady heart.  Old Soul. Soft eyes.”

Sue Richardson

Wildlife Warrior & Friend

“I remember when Danielle came over for a visit, I hadn't seen her for a few years, since I'd had to give up working with wildlife. I was used to seeing her always with small orphans - but was shocked to see a giant animal literally taking over the vehicle interior. Clearly receiving full comfort and care. He resembled a giant, 'beaten up teddy bear'. It seems he was just that and one of Danielle's latest rescues. 'This is Falkor', she said.
The list of 'Hell's' and treatments the giant dog had gone through, were too numerous to even remember, much less list. His size was imposing, in and of itself. I worked with dogs, so was not intimidated, but was a little concerned only that I had three small terriers, of mixed histories, one of whom was fairly new and 'large dog reactive'. In that he'd pick fights he couldn't possibly win, weighing in at 5kg, with small dog syndrome and the ego of a lion. (A Papillon Maltese cross-breed.) I'd recently lost my own soulmate, German Shepherd, Storm, and Chester was taken on to help little Sophie with her grief. She was inconsolable. (A Maltese/Silkie mix).
Falkor had an undeniable 'presence'. Not of canine 'power', but of pure calm. Emphasis on the 'pure'. I've had only three animals like that in my lifetime. One dog, one horse and one cat. (And I've had countless animals).
Whatever 'it' was, Falkor emanated it, from every pore. Such beings stand alone from their peers, and command reverence.
It's like being in the presence of a very elevated spiritual being, placed in animal form, presumably for teaching. Literally, a 'one in a million'. Once met, never forgotten. 

Sadly, such beings are 'loaned' to us, and never seem to stay as long as we'd like. I think somehow, they come long enough to heal and teach us, then have to return to source. Their leaving is devastating, but we are much enriched and wiser.
Falkor was still quite weak then, from his trials and healing journey from abuse at the hands of 'lower beings'. Danielle, was his everything. One of the most empathic and caring souls I have ever met (she too is one in a million). I needn't have worried. Little Chester (who'd been picked up and shaken by big dogs on at least THREE occasions, hence his reactivity.) walked around him, tried a couple of dominance tactics, (humping etc) then just curled up calmly against him, soaking in his aura, I assume. 

I didn't meet Falkor often, but watched his healing journey both online and occasional visits until I moved away. I was regretful for Chester's sake that we'd be leaving. Falkor was really good medicine for him.

On each occasion, Falkor's 'energy' was 'bigger, calmer and yet more powerful', in the gentlest way possible. More ethereal. I'm not sure how to explain it. So Danielle 'gave him a job' (a 'purpose') and he passed his assistance dog 'training' with flying colours. (I'm sure he didn't need that much really, he was born to such a thing, and she was born to animal communication.) But it allowed him to serve his soul purpose and not be excluded from venues, simply because he was 'housed' in a canine body. 

When news of his passing came, I was devastated for Danielle. I'd known that pain. It's like no other. I cried for her. When a loved animal dies, it hurts for a very long time. The hole they leave in your life is ever present. But when a soulmate and elevated being pass from your life, it is next level. It's excruciating heart pain that can't be relieved, only 'accepted' in time. 

Rest In Peace Falkor. You excelled, Danielle excelled, you healed many. To simply say you were a 'Good Dog' might be true, but diminishing to your soul essence. I'm sure you will be with Danielle, unseen, every day until you meet again. You were inseparable, and healed each other. You both deserved each other. I'm honoured to have known you both.”

Dianne Merrett

Friend

“Oh beautiful Falkor, you played such an integral part in making our Sully trust other dogs again. You truly were God's gift to us all. Falkor you were an angel, sweet, kind & more supportive than any dog we'd ever known. Our Sully was unfortunately bitten by another dog when he was still just a puppy, by someone who walked up to us saying that their dog was "friendly", but unfortunately their dog was not at all friendly. Sully struggled with any other dog interaction after that, sadly expecting the same scary outcome, until he met beautiful Falkor. Falkor stood by Sully, like he intuitively knew how much Sully was struggling to ever trust another dog again. He walked alongside Sully, like an older brother, guiding him, protecting him & reassuring him that his world was a safe place again. Watching them together, was absolutely beautiful, they were almost human like in their interactions. Two bonded & beautiful soul's. Working through each other’s difficulties. We'd never known such a kind & calm soul like Falkor. It was hard to believe that after everything poor Falkor had been through in his early years, that he still had such a sweet, calm, loving & gentle soul. Sully looked up at him so lovingly & couldn't get into the house quick enough to see Falkor each time. Falkors home was definitely Sully's home away from home. We only had to say Falkors name & Sully would get so excited & head to the door knowing he was going there to see him again. I treasure the many photos we have of them both together. When Sully finally gained his confidence after all of Falkors support, Sully then attempted to return the kindness, by supporting Falkor through things he struggled with like thunderstorms & swimming in the water. We can only imagine how heartbreaking your early years were Falkor, to cause you to fear the things like swimming, which Sully adored. Falkor you were one in a trillion. The kind of dog that only comes along once in a lifetime. We all thanked God for saving you. Even God must have been heartbroken watching you suffer & seeing you in pain. God definitely knew what he was doing when he led you beautiful boy to find your new home with your loving parents Danielle & Troy. They thankfully made your remaining years magical, a life full of unconditional love, fun, adventures & endless kindness from them both. We still can't believe we lost you too Falkor, only a month after losing our beautiful Sully. Both were here & healthy one minute, then gone.  Both were far...far too young to be suddenly gone. I can only imagine that God must have wanted his angels back with him again.  The only consolation was knowing that both our beautiful boys are together forever now, running together in paradise, best friends, bonded forever & both free of pain & in peace forever now.”

Lyn & Rob Gleeson

Friends

“I remember the beautiful boy as the lad who appeared in Danielle’s backyard and he knew he was where he needed to be, to share his amazing love n compassion with Danielle and Troy.  Visit to Usher Boulevard n oops there is a pool there   .  Funny boy always remember this special boy with much love and compassion.  Lyn Rob Gleeson n Bella   n Macey. ”.” 

Sarah Barr

Occupational Therapist

“Falkor, Such a gentle spirit, a beautiful soul.  Wherever you were, you brought joy to all.  Brightening my day when you walked into the clinic.  The world is a better place for having had you in it.  Although you are no longer with us earth side.  The mark you have left on our hearts will never subside.  Now at rest, watching down from above.  Thank you for filling our work with love.”

Denis Smith

Support

“I first met Falkor when I arrived at Danielle’s place.  I got all my gear out of my car and walked to the front door. That’s when I first saw him, sitting quietly next to Danielle. With his large, muscular build, he looked a little intimidating at first. But the moment I came closer, I could feel his true nature, he was a gentle giant.  Over the next couple of months, Danielle told me his story. Being an animal lover myself, I could hardly believe what he had been through. Yet there he was, lying so peacefully on his bed across from the kitchen. He had every right to be angry at the world, but instead he radiated calm. He was simply happy to have found his home with Danielle and Troy.

Chance

Furfriend

“Thank you, Falkor, for being such a sweet soul and for sharing your home and Mum’s love with so many other dogs. You were always so friendly and gentle with me when I visited, which made missing my own family so much easier.

With your early years, you had every reason to carry a chip on your shoulder, yet you chose peace, love, and friendliness.

I miss you, my friend.”

Memories from Chance

Suzanne Tabor

Friend and Trainer 

“So the first time I saw Falkor, I was meeting Danielle in a park. What I saw was a beautiful dog, covered in the signs of inhumanity at its worst.  

His coat bore the scars of long term mistreatment from someone in his past.  But when he turned his head to look at me, in his eyes I saw something very different.  I saw compassion, acceptance and a beautiful calmness, which came from the security he now felt in the safe haven that was Danielle and Troy.  

There was no aggression or fear, just love, and the expectation that the people he was now meeting were better than in his last. 

Every time I was with him, after that first time, I was filled with gratitude and an awareness that life does not control how we face it.  I would feel tears in my soul, for such courage and unconditional forgiveness that Falkor brought to the world. 

When my own assistance dog died, I was lost and heart broken.  I didn’t know if I could face the grief of the loss, or the fear of starting again with a new dog. 

We were at a Handler meeting at the Ginger Factory, and Falkor was lying quietly with Danielle, then he moved and sat beside me, 

leaning into my leg, as Serenity once did. Later, he lay down on my foot, and stayed there while I breathed in the comfort of the deep pressure therapy, and remembered the privilege of an assistance dog’s company.  

It was because of Falkor, that I found the courage to start again with my new assistance dog, Hope.  

The magic of the name Falkor, the history behind it, was embodied in Falkor, and to have him, even briefly, in my life, was to be part of a never ending story of the love and loyalty of dogs, when they are loved in return.”