Sweet Simone adopted in Oct 2013. In Jan '24 was diagnosed with Splenic Hermangiosarcoma, we chose splenectomy and chemo and hoped to spend as much time as possible. We had a fun 11 months where we spoiled our girl and made sure she lived her best life. On Monday she crossed the bridge and now runs and has all the cookies she wants. Hug all your pups.

Bowden was a really impressive guy. Confident, intelligent, and charismatic, he had a fun personality and really enjoyed his people. Bowden's family absolutely adored him and did everything they could to ensure he met with success. They put time and energy into extensive training, daily interactions, and endless opportunities to learn about the world around him. As a result, Bowden understood the importance of a pack and the power of unconditional love. Although his family committed to Bowden when they adopted him, sometimes circumstances change and the best decision is to say goodbye. This choice is never easy; it is one of the most difficult decisions families make. However, when this decision was made, we promised that we would care for Bowden as his family had for the many years he lived with them. 

Having lived in a home, Bowden understood many of the ins and outs of living in a household. Knowing many commands, Bowden liked to work and keep his mind busy. Although he clearly understood rules and expectations, Bowden, like many dogs, liked to push the envelope sometimes to ensure that the handler will follow through. As an alpha male, he excelled when given clear rules, boundaries, and expectations for both work and play. Well versed with games such as tug and fetch, Bowden really enjoyed his playtime. A little less focused on play than he was in his younger years, Bowden was always happy to hang with his people once play time is finished. Senior dogs are special, they come with endless loyalty, the knowledge of expectations in the home, and the ability to take it slow some days. Bowden was no exception to this; he was a true gem. 

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Bowden was not your typical shepherd -- heck, who knows if he even had any shepherd in him. He was a pull many moons ago in 2015 and he was hell on wheels. At barely a year old, he gave everyone a run for their money; we never thought he would find a home of his own. The dog-god shined down on us and he found a home for 9 years. Sadly through no fault of his own, he came back to MAGSR because once a MAGSR, always a MAGSR. And boy did he become a distinguished gentleman in his old age, but you could still see that hell-on-wheels spinning in there. He became a favorite, was very beloved, and enjoyed getting as much attention as he could. Fly high, Bowden. I am sure you are giving everyone a run for their money up there and eating as many carrots (those were his favorite) as you want. He will always have a home in all of our hearts as MAGSR's Honorary Shepherd. Knowing how you were in cold weather, we hope the rainbow bridge is cozy and warm as you definitely deserve it -- your goofy smile always made our hearts warm. 

MAGSR is so happy and feels so blessed that we got to love this handsome boy all over again throughout his golden years.

Enclosed is a donation to the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue that is being made in memory of Bolt Burke. Bolt was a handsome German Shepherd that was owned by Wayne (Mitch) and Gail Burke. He was adopted from your organization approximately 4 3/4 years ago and lived a wonderful life with the Burkes in York, PA. During the past few years, he developed seizures and recently experienced a severe decline in his overall health. He was under the care of a neurologist, but the trigger for his seizures was never found. It is with great sadness that we share the news that he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on November 19th. He was such a sweet and gentle soul, and his family is in deep mourning over his passing. Since Bolt just celebrated his 8th birthday, please use this donation for your "Sammy's Place" fund to support senior dogs. 

Jane Garvey & Mike Millson along with Winston and Mama Betty, Pat, Bee and Echo Murphy 

Bosco and his adopted sister Aspen (now 13yo) were taken in as a bonded pair of senior pups by their amazing mom. She welcomed them into her family and planned on ensuring that they lived out their lives in the comfort, peace, and security of her home. Aspen and Bosco were their mom's heart; she loved them beyond words. Knowing she would want them to have a place to grieve, rest, and find comfort and MAGSR's commitment to keeping family together, they were welcomed again back to a MAGSR foster home. Soon after, Bosco joined his mom and crossed the rainbow bridge to watch over Aspen as another angel. Despite both pups seeing so much loss and facing so many challenges in life, Bosco was one of the sweetest, friendliest, and loving dogs. He was very special and just an easy going guy who goes with the flow. He loves the fresh air and a cozy place to hang. He was cherished by everyone, and still is. 

I am very sad to share with you that my dear dog Dushko passed over the rainbow bridge suddenly on Wednesday. Dushko was a wonderful, sweet dog, very intelligent with great intuition. He was a great protector, emotional support dog and companion. He was well loved by many and adored by the doggy daycare staff and dogs where he would go weekly. I am grateful for all the unconditional love he gave me and all our walks and chill time in the house. I trust that he is in a lovely doggy heaven now with lots of yummy food, doggie friends, loving humans and lots of space to run free. 

Yesterday, I said goodbye to Hero. Things declined this week, assume the cancer was moving fast, and after consulting with my vet, I concluded that I just couldn’t push Hero to fight anymore – it was enough. I certainly didn’t know the dog that came into my life in 2016 (just temp fostering for the weekend lol), would fill the void the way he did a month after I lost my other GSD, and would be here with me 8 years later with a bond stronger than any other dog I’ve had. I almost lost him in 2018, 2019, and 2022 to ulcers, IBD, etc. but we overcame and got to the other side – Hero fought hard. I couldn’t have done it without the support and patience of my vet who has been with me through many dogs - but my sweet Hero, he touched us both I think in a way I don’t know how to explain .. there’s just something so strong when you fight so hard like with him, until something like this brings it all down. I avoided coming home yesterday as long as possible because I haven’t been dogless in over 20 years - coming home to an empty house with his things everywhere .. it just hits you hard. I absolutely will open my heart again to another dog, because I have a lot to give, but no one will ever take Hero’s place in my heart. He was my amazing miracle and something so precious that I never deserved. #lovehero #everydayisagift

We mourn the loss of our big man Jojo on July 13th of this year to a sudden condition we could not have seen coming.

Jojo entered our life on March 6th, 2022.  At 10 years old, we expected a mostly chill, sweet old man.  What we got was a sometimes chill, old goofball!  He was so sweet, fun, and silly, everyone who met him fell in love with him.  Well, everyone except some of the neighborhood dogs, who were obviously jealous of his magnificence.

We are devastated to say that we lost our boy, Tango (Oct 2020), yesterday to splenic hemangiosarcoma. The tumor filled his abdomen, was pushing against his lungs, and he started bleeding internally the night prior. To say he was a trooper is an understatement!

Even though he had hip and elbow dysplasia, that didn't stop him from enjoying his favorite activities of chasing the ball and going on long walks with his most favorite person in the whole wide world (me). And though he could barely ever leave my side (velcro dog doesn't even begin to describe it!), he loved our entire family fiercely. He lived a lifetime in the four short years that we had him. He was able to run loose on our 20 acre farm, exploring woods and cooling off in the creeks. He still could win an award for being the most talkative German Shepherd in history! I used to tell people that he had a bark quota that he had to meet daily. The house is now too quiet without him. Our hearts are shattered with how much we miss him.

I'm writing to let you know our sweet Kenley who we adopted February, 2016 has died. Kenley got sick very fast and we had her put to sleep Monday evening June 3.

She is our second MAGSR dog and she was sweet and goofy. She was always ready to let us know when someone was in our driveway she didn't think should be there, or our neighbors coming out their driveway, which I'm sure they "loved."

She loved her dad and always had to know where he was or was outside with him. She loved food and was the best sous chef and loved sleeping on the sofa or the bed at night.

She had some health issues but weathered them like a trooper. Then Monday morning she was fine but by 3pm she wasn't. We took her to the vet who thought she had a tumor that ruptured and was bleeding internally.

Not wanting her to suffer we made the decision to have her put to sleep.

We had 8 wonderful years with her. We'll miss the beautiful face and brown eyes.

Thank you for allowing us to adopt this wonderful girl that we're going to miss so very much.

Lindsay Bowman

In 2015, MAGSR gave us the privilege of bringing home a beautiful 3-year-old GSD, then named Asia, who we promptly renamed Clara.  Clara had been surrendered by a farm family who could not manage her activity level or prey drive.  We can confirm: whether squirrel, deer, chipmunk or fox - if it moved, she wanted to chase it (fortunately she showed no interest in chasing people!)  We were able to re-direct her energy and enthusiasm to the Jolly ball "court" (our yard) where you could find us chasing the Jolly 12 months of the year, rain or shine.  She loved long walks and hikes where she would inhale the scents of the woods and fields. Her toy box constantly needed replenishing as she tore through squeaky toys and balls. 

Clara had the responsibility of training our GSD Cooper, one year younger and adopted from VGSR.  She patiently educated him, and he adored her to no end.  She also herded us - into the kitchen to cook dinner, outside for an evening walk, into the car for a ride.  In the pecking order of our family, she was number one. 

Her end came suddenly at age 12, when she fell ill overnight. We learned she had a large tumor on her spleen that was bleeding.  We did not hesitate, and were able to send her over the rainbow bridge peacefully within two hours of her diagnosis.  We miss her terribly.  

Hello,

It's with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Groot fka Herb adopted in 2016 has passed. We made the difficult decision on May 2nd to ease his suffering from lumbosacral disease as he had stopped eating and could no longer walk without assistance. 

Groot was our first dog with MAGSR and he inspired us to volunteer and find our second family with the rescue. He attended many events and was an excellent ambassador for MAGSR. He was a good foster brother and eventually a great packmate to our 2nd MAGSR pup, Luna. Groot loved going to work with his dad at the College Park Airport to help fix PG Counties helicopters, chase the groundhogs and sometimes the geese from the field, and didn't ever let us forget his 8:30pm Greenie toothbrush.

With a little healing time, we will honor his memory by helping another dog find a home through fostering and eventually adopting again. 

Thank you for allowing us the years of joy we had with him, 

Megan and Paul Tarrant

Good afternoon,

I’m heartbroken to report that my baby Chopper passed away yesterday. I have attached some photos of our beautiful life together. Thank you for providing me and my family with a friend and companion that we will love and cherish forever.

Respectfully,

Lakisha M. King- Jones

One of the hardest things we ever do as human beings is say goodbye to our pets. Unfortunately, recently my wife and I had to say goodbye to our buddy boy Remington aka: Remy, Socrates, Mister Majestic, Bud Bud and Big Boy. Remy developed Liver cancer and unfortunately had to be euthanized at 10 ½ years old.

Remy was truly a special dog. At one point he was a MAGSR fund raiser poster boy due to a tragic beginning of his life. At eight weeks old he had a compound fracture in his hind leg and was set to be euthanized, but by the grace of God, MAGSR was willing to step up and fundraise for an operation that saved both his leg and his life.

Remy was a wonderful member of our pack, as he loved everyone and everything. He always wanted to be by my or my wife’s side. He was extremely loyal and a great listener obeying his commands with no exceptions. At 100 pounds he cut an imposing figure and hearty resounding bark which made him a great protector of the house without even trying. I can’t say enough about this wonderful boy except that everyone should have at least one Remington in their life. We miss him dearly and will always have a smile on our face when think of him.

We are eternally grateful to MAGSR for entrusting us with his care.

Sincerely,
Adam & Lisa Fedder