VGSR sends condolences to Vince Forte and his family on the loss of Moose (formerly Gregory). Vince writes: "Just thought I would let you know that we lost Moose (a.k.a. Gregory - rescue tag 736) in late October (2005) to hemangiosarcoma. We adopted Moose and his Mom - we think, Sera (a.k.a. Sarah - rescue tag 729), in October of 2003. Moose fell ill one week and after herculean efforts by Cherrydale Veterinary Hospital, the Emergency Veterinary Clinic and Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates had to be put down. He was stoic through it all and never suffered. During the two years he was with us, Moose brought nothing but joy to our home (except for the time he was arrested and I was charged with harboring a dangerous animal - long story, not his fault, charges dropped - boys will be boys). He was an outstanding companion and at 131 pounds somewhat intimidating to the unknowing, but a real puppy at heart. He loved his life! His loss is grieved every day. Sera is doing well, she's up there in years and suffered from separation anxiety at the loss of Moose. She's gotten over it now and in a way likes to be the top dog. Although we plan to adopt another GSD, we don't think it will be right for Sera at this time. I'm sorry it has taken so long to let you know, but it has been difficult. Thank you for bringing Moose into our lives - he was a great companion, friend and true gift."

Vince Forte

Moose (Formerly Gregory)

On a late fall day in 2001, a gangly German Shepherd, not yet a year old sat alongside Rt. 245 near The Plains, Virginia, not far from I-66 where he'd been put out. Obviously having never been out on his own, he sat bewildered as to what to do or where to go. This definitely wasn't home. After having waited for not less than 6 hours, a lady who had spotted him there early in the morning, stopped to try to coax him to the safety of her vehicle. He was not familiar with this person offering him a snack, but hungry just the same, and reluctantly agreed to get in the car. As his original family was never found, he ended up in the loving hands of the folks at Virginia German Shepherd Rescue. The big, sweet puppy had a lot to learn about real life. Never having met other animals, he was devoid of any "social skills". With his new family, he eventually learned that cats were not to be chased and other dog tails were not to be grabbed, cars took you to fun places and back to a familiar home. He no longer had to stay in a crate, but got full run of his home and its yard, and had lots of toys and new friends. This should be the wonderful life, but it was not to be. After about nine months, he'd become plagued with seizures. Many trips to the vet, diet changes and increasing medication followed for the next year. Life had again become unkind. It was painful to witness the increased severity of his seizures and then the debilitating effects afterward. He deserved better. On November 6th, 2003 our Moose made the trip to the Rainbow Bridge.

Be happy big dog, we miss you but know you are among lots of friends in a better place.

Jim and Berk

VGSR sends deepest condolences to Henry Johnson on the loss of Nick. Henry writes, "I had the honor of sharing my life with the "Wonderful Nick" for five years, during which he went from a high-strung young man to a Noble Gentleman, respected and loved by all. He passed away on June 19, 2009, after what appeared to be a successful surgery to remove a growth. Twelve hours later he just lay down and went to sleep, I guess he had been through enough, and felt it was time. The emptiness will be impossible to fill, but the five years we had together will never be forgotten. And I truly feel I gave Nick the forever Dad he needed and deserved. If I gave him half of what he gave me, I know he felt lucky too. Nick #2, I look forward to seeing you again at the Rainbow Bridge, when the time comes. Glenda, I can not thank you enough for trusting me with this fine boy."

Thank you, Henry

VGSR sends deepest condolences to the James Gilfillan family on their loss of Nikki. James writes, "Around Christmas, 2002, through VGSR, we made an addition to our family. Her name was Nikki and, since we lost a cherished friend to cancer some months before, I was determined to, "not get attached," to this one. Should have known better! Almost from the outset, she made it clear that I was to be her favorite human. While she was a gem with every human and animal she met, whenever she knew I was around, I became the center of her world. At meal time she would stop eating occasionally, look around to make sure I was still there, and, satisfied, go back to her meal. If either of us was quiet for too long, she would come looking for me with her ever-present smile and wagging tail, as if to say, "Whatcha doin'?" Try to ignore her and the stubborn determination came out in her. First would be the slight shift of position to be sure she was in my line of sight. Then would come the nose under my arm or wrist (somehow she always knew which hand had the coffee cup in it). When all else failed, and it was time to get serious, she would suddenly become an 85 pound lapdog. Usually it was just the front end across the lap with lots of excited kisses, but once in a while, when she didn't think Mommy was looking, she would climb completely up into my lap and stay there till she had her fill of ear-rubs and chin scratches and, best of all, tummy rubs. Her favorite game was ball. It seemed fetch was for lesser dogs because, while she would streak after the ball and catch it either in mid-air or after a bounce or two, the game then became keep-away. She would lay down with the ball in her mouth or taunt me by dropping it on the ground between her paws. Of course before I could grab it she was off again, never getting far away, but never coming within reach, either. She would eventually tire of keep-away and "let" me catch her. Then the fun would begin anew. If she ever did understand Frisbee she was not impressed. She would chase it 'til it landed and, after a few sniffs, prance off like it wasn't there. But mostly she was content doing whatever I wanted to do, whether it was going to the pet store or going to the bathroom (yes, she kept me company many times in the ol'reading room). No, it wasn't long before I was hopelessly and passionately in love with this furry love bug. No matter how bad a day I had, no matter how grouchy or ill-tempered I became, I knew I could count on those bright eyes to sparkle with unconditional and unfailing love for me. Several weeks ago, we became aware that Nikki was showing signs of being constipated. While I am normally paranoid about such things, I was not overly concerned this time, and made an appointment to see the vet. The concern on the doctor's face was my first clue to just how serious this was. He had found a large mass in one of her anal glands. After further tests we found an even larger mass in the pelvic canal with a number of lymph glands involved as well. My worst fears were confirmed - Cancer! We could wait, let nature take her course, and enjoy the weeks we had left. Or we could fight and hopefully have a year, maybe more. We chose to fight and scheduled the surgery for May 13th,2004. Nikki fought for 5 long hours and survived the surgery. In ICU, her pain was difficult to control since they had to split her pelvis to get the largest mass, and she developed edema that was almost uncontrollable. After two days it became apparent that the time she had left in this world would be spent in a long and painful recovery, so we made the only decision we could and let her go this past Saturday, May 15th, 2004. There is a gaping and painful hole in my heart now and I miss her terribly. As much as I know I can never replace her and will never love another dog the same way, I know I will find another furry spirit to love and cherish.To my very best friend I can only say, 'I will miss you, I love you so much, goodbye.'"

VGSR sends deepest sympathies to Cathy and Paul Forschler on the loss of Niko. Cathy writes, "Our beloved Niko left us this week. He was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma last fall and even with chemo, he only survived 6 months following the diagnosis. I hoped he would beat the odds, there would be a miracle, or the diagnosis was a mistake, and we could have him with us longer. I find myself still looking for answers to help him-I didn't want to lose him. Our grief is overwhelming - we are heartbroken and completely devastated by his absence. Niko was our best friend and faithful companion. He was my greatest joy and forever love. Niko was beautiful inside and out. I loved everything about him. He was loving, compassionate, protective, loyal, funny, playful, charming, and so much, much more. He was infinitely more than I could ever describe. We adopted our boy 3 1/2 years ago as Michael Murray after meeting him at the Alexandria Petsmart. Our greatest happiness was seeing him happy and experiencing the many joys he discovered in his new life. We took him everywhere we could. I missed him even if I was away for only a minute. He became all he was meant to be, overcoming separation anxiety and other issues from hardships he had faced in his previous life. Niko loved playing ball (Kong), going for walks, chasing small animals like rabbits and squirrels (he was fast), grilling out (and eating in), going out for ice cream or meals, foods like grilled steak and burgers, treats like cheese, ice cream, peanut butter, Meaty Bonz, and Cheweez, playing with his stuffed animals, wrestling with Paul and winning, meeting and socializing with people (if we were there, too), and a lot more. He made a great impression wherever he went-everyone was drawn to his charisma. He loved being pampered with back rubs, scratches, hugs, kisses, and lots of praise, and deserved every bit of it. He listened in on our converstations and asked for what he wanted. I always looked out for him to make sure he was safe. He always listed and responded faithfully regardless of what he wanted to do. I'm not able to fully convey his essence in the full honor he deserves. Niko was truly an angel and a sweet, beautiful soul. Only an eternity would be enough time to be with him.

Niko's in my heart and soul, forever,

Cathy Forschler

VGSR sends condolences to Cindy and John Green on the loss of Odis. The Greens write: "Our beloved Odis, we miss you dearly. There will never be a dog that could ever take your place. Even though you were in our lives for 2 short years, you will be in our hearts forever. I will miss the rides to the dump together, throwing your favorite squeaky toy in the yard for you, playing in the creek. You laying beside me during the cold winter months. You were a very rare and special breed. Every time I'm down, I will look up, knowing that your looking down on us protecting us still. May you live forever under God's care. We love you!!!"

Cindy and John Green

It is with a sad heart that I write this to let you know that Oyuki, the sweet three-legged GSD, went to the Rainbow Bridge on February 14th, 2002. For the last week of her life she knew kindness and love at the home of Heather Zichal. Heather had read about Oyuki on our website and offered to foster her. When Heather got home from work, she found Oyuki collapsed and without feeling in her back legs. She took her to Friendship Animal Hospital where an x-ray confirmed that Oyuki had a huge tumor attached to her spine that had caused the paralysis. Since Oyuki had had her leg amputated a year ago due to cancer, Heather made the painful decision to let her go. We owe Heather a huge debt of gratitude, since because of her kindness, Oyuki left this world knowing that someone loved her. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Heather and to all those who knew sweet Oyuki.

VGSR bids farewell to PeeWee, Lea Spickler's devoted cat, and sends very sincere, heartfelt condolences to Lea and her family. Lea writes, "At 2:30 today, January 7th, 2003, dear little PeeWee, the official VGSR test cat, bravely made her way to the Rainbow Bridge. PeeWee was a fine and noble cat who took great pride in her brave work of being a test cat. She avoided disaster by dog on several occasions, but she could not escape the cancerous tumor in her jaw. We will miss you Pee - no other cat will ever be able to replace you. God speed to the Bridge from Lea, John, Sue, Josey, Trooper, Deja, Mooch, Cookie & Kiss (test cat in the wings)."

In Memory of Peaceable Kingdom Peggy Davies

VGSR sends deepest condolences to VGSR Volunteers Cliff and Helga Davis on the loss of Peggy. Helga writes, "On March 24th, 2009 at 2:30 pm our little Peggy, the princess of the ubiquitous Mini Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Peggy was born on August 28th, 1990 in Humboldt, Sask., Canada. She became a resident of Kaysville, Utah in December 1990. Peggy was a Therapy Pig for the Golden Spike Dog Obedience Club. She visited retirement homes with the therapy dogs and showed off her tricks. In 1992 Peggy moved with her human parents Cliff and Helga to Munich, Germany where she received a warm welcome from the Bavarian Government. Peggy was the author of the Peggy Piggy Post, an annual newsletter to family and friends. During her five years in Munich, Peggy was mentioned by the Munich newspaper on the front page and became a discussion point prefacing important diplomatic negotiations. Peggy oinked on March herself into the hearts of our friends and neighbors in Germany were she also became a favorite with the neighborhood children. In 1997 when we were transferred back to the United States, Peggy received a special exception from the Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for her re-migration back into the United States through Rock Tavern, N.Y. She briefly lived in Woodbridge, Virginia, where after an anonymous squeal, she was visited by zoning officials and asked to leave. She settled in Fairfax County, Virginia, where after another anonymous squeal, she succeeded in receiving a special county permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals. She continued to be persecuted by our mandatory homeowners association and received several threatening letters from the association’s attorney until she successfully changed the association covenants. With all the discrimination and hostility that Peggy experienced in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the regulatory hurdles that she had to jump in her life, she remained a sweet little piggy and made many, many friends. She was always calm and served us as a loving stress reducer. She always greeted our guests with gentle oinks and a wagging tail. Peggy spent many vacations at Ross Mill Farms, Pennsylvania, where she enjoyed special Spa treatments and massages. She attended the annual Pigfests and participated in the watermelon eating contest and the tail wagging contests. She always was in the ribbons in the tail wagging contest. She enjoyed spending the last year of her life in her childhood home in Utah. Surviving are her human parents, Cliff and Helga and Thor, the German Shepherd Dog (VGSR#1568), who respected and protected Peggy during her last two years of her life, and many friends and family members in Germany and the United States who met and enjoyed her company. Peggy, we miss you."

Cliff and Helga Davies

VGSR sends deepest sympathies to Diane Houry on the loss of Persephone on May 25, 2008. Diane writes, "Many of you do not know me as I fostered a few dogs along time ago. However, I can think of no one who would understand my pain the way that this group can. About half an hour ago I lost my beloved Persephone. She is a 6 1/2-year-old(can't bring myself to say was) GSD that was truly the light of my life. I bought her with my husband on our 6th date. She brought me such joy that I truly felt that I was the lucky one to have her and that God was kind enough to grace me with her presence. She was so human and understood me so well. She is/was my best friend. About three weeks ago out of nowhere, she stopped eating and looked a little lethargic. We then saw blood in her urine. We went to ER thinking it was a UTI. The vet after keeping her for a day said she had autoimmune disease. It was something I never had heard of. Before this, Perse has always been a very strong girl. She hardly ever got sick and I honestly thought she would outlive me. I was shocked to hear there was something wrong with her. She stayed at the ER for a few nights and we were sent home with tons of steroids, etc. We went to see an Internist upon her release. Perse had a hard time keeping down the steriods and was truly miserable. After going for a few opinions we agreed to keep her on the steriods. It seemed she was getting a bit better and the idea was to wean her off. Too make a long story short, she had to be readmitted to ER two-and-a-half weeks later as her blood counts were rapidly falling in spite of the steriods. She underwent a blood transfusion and we were told her spleen had to be removed. The spleen was removed today at 3 p.m. and we were told she was sucessful recovering. I got a call an hour ago telling me she stopped breathing and that she died. I simply write this to see if anyone has had a GSD with this disease and to also share my story as I am hoping this will help bring me closure."

Diane Houry

VGSR sends condolences to Ruby DiVittorio on her loss of Phoebe #2. Ruby writes, "Dear Friends at Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, Sadly, I want to inform you that our wonderful, sweet Phoebe 2 has died. Her picture is in your adopted page. We had her one year this month. She became suddenly ill, spent a whole weekend in an intensive care facility then on to testing the next day. She was found to have chronic liver disease which had not shown any signs prior to this. The doctors said she could have had this from birth and it just didn't show signs but there is no way to know. Her liver was completely hardened and almost nonfunctional. We had an internal medicine specialist for her an tried her on a truckload of medicines. She did not improve but got worse very quickly. We had her euthanized when it became obvious that her quality of life was down. We were not willing to let that precious life suffer. She went down very peacefully with her sweet face in my hands. Phoebe was a very vivacious girl, loved her kitty sisters and was like Velcro to me. We will miss her greatly but are happy that we knew her love for this year. Thank you for all you do for the pet population.

Sincerely,

Ruby DiVittorio"

VGSR sends condolences to the Lee family on the loss of Quera on February 6th, 2008. Sarah Lee writes: "It is with great sadness that I share with you all that we lost our beloved Quera ("Q") yesterday evening. Adopted from VGSR in 2005, she became a part of our family the moment we laid eyes on her and a fantastic companion to my stepson Forrest, her four-legged brother Sabre (also a VGSR adoptee), and to our newest family member Maile (now 10 weeks old). After a remarkable military career, we were blessed to have Quera in our lives and are grateful that she made it to the ripe old age of 14 and a half. My husband said it best in his email to her handler with whom we've kept in touch: 'She's brought us many years of companionship, love, hugs and belly rubs. Her spirit has never waivered and many times we swear we see her smile when she's enjoying the simple things we could give her. A warm bed a quiet place, walks, a yard to lay under a tree, many belly rubs and the chance to retire. She has learned to trust us with patience when she couldn't make it up the stairs without our help and the calmness with which she sleeps brings us fond memories and we have been proud to have her close. Her body has finally given out. Her eyes are filled with gratitude that we cared, and we do very much. We can't see her suffer, she's lost the abiltiy to control her legs, can't walk without dragging and the pain meds aren't helping. Tonight she'll get an oatmeal shampoo bath and some dry towels to sleep on after lots of neck scratches and belly rubs. We've kept up her favorite snack of ice cubes, they seem to still make her happy. ' The whole family was able to be with her as she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I'm sure she's running in dog heaven now where her hind legs will allow her to run with other dogs ... and maybe now she'll be able to keep up!

Thanks to VGSR for bringing her into our lives,

Sarah, Robert, Forrest and Maile Lee (and Sabre, too!)

Quera

VGSR sends condolences to Lynn Desautels and her family on the loss of Raven on February 19th, 2008. Lynn writes: "I'm writing with very sad news. Raven was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy a while ago, and in the past week she slid down hill fast. She could no longer get around, and was frightened by her frailty. We were no longer able to keep her comfortable and her quality of life had deteriorated to no good. The vet came to our home this morning and euthanized her. She died close in my arms. Chris and I are devastated. My bright, beautiful girl. I will miss, and love her, forever. The time we had with her - too short, but utterly precious.

Lynn Desautels

VGSR sends condolences to Liz Mims on the loss of Red on June 27th, 2006.

Liz has sent in this poem in memory of Red:

What did I know about you? Nothing.

What did you know about me? The same.

I brought you into my family's life

Not even knowing your name.

I learned you were a good dog

Who had shared with a loving man.

He taught you how to heel and come,

And sit and stay, and be the best you can.

There must have been a woman there

Who taught you love and grace.

Maybe you thought of me as her

And saw no difference in my face.

Children were a way of life for you,

And for all your strength and size,

They never thought that you could harm.

You were love in their eyes.

September will come and school will start.

"Where is Red?" They'll have to know.

"He's gone. His true Master called.

He was tired and had to go."

I got you in your sunset years

And we didn't have many days,

But in the time we had together

I learned to see peace in your soulful gaze

I will remember how fine you were,

How beautiful to know,

Because when a spirit is as good as yours

The life reflects the glow.

Lovingly written by Liz Mims... for Red

VGSR sends condolences to Jeff and Melinda Middlebrooks on the passing of Rex in August, 2008. Melinda writes,

"Family, Friends and The German Shepherd Rescue,

We are very sad to report that our beloved Rex has gone to doggy heaven. We loved him dearly. He was truly part of our family. We are very sadden and heart broken over his unexpected death. Rex's Story - When Jeff and I decided we wanted a dog to join our family, about two weeks after we married nearly 7 years ago - we decided to rescue a shepherd because they are notorious protectors and loyal to their last breath... To all that knew him - loved him and knew how much joy he brought to our lives, we share this sad news. To some, he may have come across as "scary" because of his size and bark, but he was a little baby inside. His favorite thing was to go for a w-a-l-k. We were unable to say the word in his presense. We had to spell it, which of course, after a while he figured out. He would go crazy and bark until we got his leash on and went out. His other favorite thing was storytime with Cole. Every night Jeff and I would go into Cole's room to read 2-3 stories and Rex would come in and sit by his bed while we read stories. In reality, we were reading to two sons. His favorite time of year was winter; he loved the snow. We are really going to miss that this coming winter and as Cole grows up. They really enjoyed each other. Well, let's say, they were also jealous of one another. Coming home isn't the same. The house is too quiet and missing a large part of our lives these past 7 years. We miss him terribly and pray he's at peace and are very thankful for all the happiness he gave us. He truly was 'our rescue.'"

Jeff and Melinda Middlebrooks