Sad news
We wish there was no sad news to report but...
This page is dedicated to all those trusting and loving dogs out there who have made our lives better by being in them.
We miss them now and forever.
Pet Cremation Urns - Visit www.Pet-Urns.com for custom pet memorial products. They have a selection of German Shepherd figurine urns among other items.
The Rainbow Bridge | |
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. |
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up!! The eyes are staring!! And this one suddenly runs from the group! You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and again, and you look once more in the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated. |
These are memorial entries for MAGSR Dogs that have gone to wait at the Bridge.
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September 28, 2024
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.
September 4, 2024
Oliver picked our family on May 12, 2018. Thank you MAGSR, he was the absolute Best Dog!
It didn’t really hit me that he was gone until this morning. Mornings were always Ollie and my time. He would lay across the top of the stairs, blocking them until he could get his morning scratches. Then we would go on patrol to protect Mom’s plants from deer, rabbits and squirrels. We also would walk down to the corner to watch the cars go by. The sun came up this morning but it seemed a little darker - I miss my friend.
August 16, 2024
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
July 19, 2024
My family adopted our pup, Endy (previously Dana) from your organization about 6 years ago. Endy was an incredible addition to our family, and I’m so sad to say that after a very rapid illness, and despite a very thorough work-up and hospitalization, we had to end her suffering last Friday.
I have attached some photos of Endy. We had so many amazing adventures with her. She helped us welcome 2 babies into our home, and fiercely protected her pack. She loved to swim, jump into leave piles in the fall, and get the zombies in the snow. She was the hairiest, most chaotic, and goodest girl, and we will miss her so much.
July 13, 2024
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.
July 9, 2024
RIP, Zeus on Tuesday July 9, 2024 (fka Rocky, adopted 12/16/2017). You were the goofiest, smartest, most loyal German Shepherd on the planet. Love you and miss you always, my big boy.
#magsr #adoptdontshop
My late husband was a Baltimore City K9 officer for 22 0f the 32 years in the department so we have had a succession of German Shepherds (and even a Belgian Malinois) over the years. Zeus, by far, had the biggest and most loving personality. My husband would have loved him.
June 27, 2024
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.
June 11, 2024
Tuesday morning (June 11th) I said goodbye to my sweet lily girl (fka Cessna). I've been trying to post this all but it is nearly impossible. She was the sweetest most innocent pup.
I am forever grateful to MAGSR for the time I had with her.
June 3, 2024
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
May 26, 2024
Yesterday we said goodbye to our beloved MAGSR dog, Bentley. Thanks to Dr. Andrulis, from Peaceful Passage, he was able to pass quietly in his favorite spot in the front yard, surrounded by his family. Bentley was almost 13 years old, and degenerative myelopathy had taken its toll on him. Bentley joined our family in 2019 and become our friend and protector. He earned many nicknames, including “Bentalou,” “Benlo” and “Bubba.” We will all miss his “hugs” and burying our faces in his soft, furry coat. Mama will miss singing him silly songs and Daddy will miss taking him for car rides. The kids will miss the way Benny would bite at the water spraying from the hose. Lucy will miss her buddy and partner in crime. We’re grateful to MAGSR for getting him major orthopedic surgery and giving him a second chance at life with a new family. We’re also grateful to his foster mom, Tamara, and her family for caring for him after his surgery. They rightly called him “devestatingly handsome” and he was so until the end. Bentley was truly the best boy
May 21, 2024
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.
May 9, 2024
It is with extreme sadness that I have to report that our beautiful, loyal, beloved 15 year old Truffles passed away on May 8, 2024 of kidney cancer.
The day we met Truffles at MAGSR, she sat down and waved to me with both front paws. It was so cute and made me chuckle.
Truffles was picked up as a stray and was feral. She never knew humans or what living in a home was like. Somehow, her tail was broken and paralyzed. She was very emaciated. But, Truffles never let that slow her down. She fought to live life to the fullest.
When we brought her home after being adopted, she refused to go into our house. So we picked her up to take her in the house. She spread out all four legs so we couldn't get her in the house. We eventually managed to get her in the house.
We took her to dog training class and she graduated top five in the class. She was an extremely intelligent dog. Through love, kindness, walks, food, and treats, chew bones and squeaky toys, she gradually decided that being a family dog was a good life. But, it was the belly rubs that won her over the most. Truffles would do anything for a belly rub. Truffles turned into the sweetest dog. We did a DNA test on her and she was actually a Border Collie.
One day I let Truffles in from the backyard. When she came in, she had her mouth closed. No sooner was Truffles in the house, she opened her mouth and out popped a lizard. The lizard started scurrying around on the kitchen floor. Mommy started jumping up and down, not quite sure what had popped out of her mouth. Truffles thought it would be so much fun chasing the lizard around in the house. It was these kind of humorous things that made her an absolute delight.
Truffles would always sleep on my bed. I couldn't go to sleep unless she was there. She had an internal clock inside her. She liked to go to bed at 11pm. Every night at 11pm, she would stand in front of me and stare at me. She was saying, ok boss, it's time to go to bed. We would head to bed.
I miss my Truffles so very, very much. She owns real estate in my husband's and my hearts. I would give anything to have her standing in front of me again and telling me it was time to go to bed.
The Maksymchock family
May 2, 2024
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
April 4, 2024
With great sadness, I would like to inform you of the passing of Heidi (aka Coco).When we first brought home that 18 month old little girl,I couldn't imagine how special the next 12 years would be. When our other GSD Fritz passed a couple years ago that bond with Heidi became even stronger. From our morning routine of coffee and treats on the patio to the trips to the park to enjoy a burger and more treats after a long walk. There are just so many great memories. I hope she knows how much she was loved and how much she will be missed. Knowing she is now over the bridge and once again romping around with Fritz can only bring a smile to my face at this sad time. Until we all meet again ,you will forever be in my heart.
Jay Thomas
March 26, 2024
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
March 26, 2024
We adopted “Trixie” on July 28, 2011. We renamed her Mina.
I know it’s been a long time since we adopted her but we didn’t know if we needed to tell MAGSR that she had passed. We had to put her down today Monday March 25, 2024.
Mina was an incredible girl with a wonderful spirit. She was beloved by her family and will be sorely missed. We Love You Mina girl!
We thank you so much for having the honor of adopting her. Mina was incredible and my wife and I loved her immensely.
Darren and Anissa Black
March 1, 2024
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
February 26, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform MAGSR of a passing of one of their children. LuLu aka VIOLA tag # 2927 adopted 11/04/2012 passed away 2/26/2024, a terminal illness came out of no where and within 3 weeks we had made the decision to have her euthanized.
She was her Momma's furry princess and my Cindy Lu Who.
She was the most gentle dog with everyone she came in contact with and was loved by everyone in our court. She especially loved being outside with the next door neighbors kids watching them play or even participating with them and their friends. She enjoyed the winter chill and loved the snow.
She watched over the entire court, we live at the top of a court on top of a slight hill where she would watch over everything that went on, she would bark if something wasn’t right. She will be extremely missed by all. At first wasn’t sure about another dog but as time passed I told my wife LuLu would want us to adopt another dog that we could provide a nice place to live and shower them with love and cookies. We will actually be filling out an adoption form right after sending this email.
January 19, 2024
We had seven wonderful years with Koda (Formerly known as Pepper). She was bonded with Barbara, Sheba (our cat) Bronco (our male GSD) and me. We lost Bronco 1-1/2 years ago and we adopted Sunny (also a MAGSD grad). She quietly but firmly showed Sunny the ropes. She stayed so fit that we lost track of her age.
Three weeks ago she started having problems with incontinence. It was then that I realized that Koda was 11 years old. The regular vet put her on Proin time release. It initially worked immediately. We took her to Dr. Kocen, a holistic vet, to add herbal remedies. Things were looking up but she began rejecting her meals. After about 4 days of barely eating, I fingered the sides of her belly and she let out a cry of pain. I immediately took her to Southpaws Medical Emergency. A few hours later the Vet called and told me that she had a massive growth in her stomach and was bleeding internally.
So that night Barbara and I went to Southpaws and she greeted us with love and enthusiasm. She was almost purring as we stroked her head and back for almost an hour. She closed her eyes as she went to sleep and we bid her farewell.
Tom & Barbara Walczykowski
January 1, 2024
We rescued a young German Shepherd from you guys back in August of 2013. At the time his name was Jace. We renamed him Leo. He was our second German Shepherd rescue, our first one came from Virginia German Shepherd rescue. I just want to let you know that he passed away the evening of January 1, 2024, surrounded by his family that loved him very much. He was the perfect dog, and we are so grateful to have found him at MAGSR all those years ago. Thank you for doing what you do!
Paul
December, 2014 to December 18, 2023
Gypsy was adopted in Aug, 2017. She went to wait at the bridge on 12/12/23 as a result of lung cancer. She was only 9 years old. Rescued her when she was 3.5, 6 yrs ago.
Best gal ever.
Jim and Barb Ferguson
November 2, 2023
I'm sorry to send this message but wanted the rescue to know... my girl, Gabby, crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning, peacefully. She was sadly afflicted with DM and her quality of life had declined dramatically. Gabby would be 14 years old next month.
Gabby was my foster dog, rescued from life on the streets of DC at 8 months old in 2009. She cheated death at least 5 different times since then, with all sorts of diagnoses, and we often joked that she had 9 lives. Gabby never gave up and fought the good fight.
Gunnar and Teddy and I will miss her every day. Thanks to MAGSR who rescued her, then placed her with us. RIP Gabby - you were the very best!
Nancy Stec, and Gunnar and Teddy
October 30, 2023
Kia joined our family on April 15, 2018. From the moment Mommy saw her picture on the MAGSR website, she knew that Kia was meant to be a member of our family. She was believed to be around 7 years old already when we adopted her, but as she was picked up as a stray there was not any information on her background. She was a beautiful and well behaved dog, very mild mannered for a GSD and just the perfect match for our young children at the time. We weren't sure how long we may have with her, adopting a dog already 7 years old... but with young children we weren't able to take on a dog that might be too much for us and them. Kia blessed us with 5 and half amazing years, more than we anticipated!! She was close to 13 by the time she passed. She was the sweetest and most loving dog. She was also the softest, most fluffy (and twice as hairy as a normal GSD we think!), and quite large dog. We called her our big Bear, because she looked like a black bear. Her favorite things were Daddy (#1 to everything), treat time, walking to the bus stop, sleeping on her bed, and chewing on her large bone. Her presence around our home is dearly missed, but we know it was her time. She was struggling with bad hip dysplasia and hind leg issues, so by the end it was very painful for her to move around on her own. But she was so brave through it all.
She passed on October 30th peacefully at home, on her bed, right after getting her favorite treats, with Daddy and Mommy right by her side. She deserved only the best.
October 22, 2023
November 4,2018 is Rex day. He was 4 years old at that time. It was a sunny morning when we picked him up. He was afraid of falling leaves and sick with heart worm. When we got him home we learned he was unfamiliar with wood floors and didn’t know how to go upstairs. He urinated on the floor whenever we tried to put his leash on to go outside. And so our love for Rex began.
Rex recovered and successfully beat heart worm. We foster failed with Rex feeling he was in the right place at home with us. Rex was never a problem at home no destructive behaviors. He became totally housebroken. He walked well on a leash. He and I covered many miles together during our daily neighborhood and Meadowood Park walks.
We were totally heart broken when we discovered Rex was limping and lame on a Saturday October 21, 2023 morning. The emergency vet tests and X-rays were perfect. Rex cried all night despite pain meds.
We put Rex down Sunday October 22. Maybe he had a stoke? I still can’t write this without tears. He was our reason to get up at 5am everyday. His basic diet was Salmon and rice Purina Proplan. He and I shared carrots, green beans, apples, and yogurt daily. We kept fresh vegetables in the fridge for Rex and me. He had a sensitive stomach and over time we landed on this diet. He was such a good pup. He never stole food, jumped up, didn’t get on the furniture.
Our neighbors and strangers were terrified of Rex. His bark was menacing. The UPS lady left his dog food on the sidewalk refusing to come to our door after only seeing a glimpse of Rex at the door. I had to laugh. I told her he wouldn’t bother her but doubt she heard me. Needless to say we didn’t need an alarm!
Rex loved his squeaky balls. He would sleep with them, squeak them, shake them and he didn’t want us to touch them. He would signal us at night to go outside and go to bed. He would lead me into the kitchen to fix lunch, dinner or cook. He was so much a part of our daily life. I’m at a terrible loss without him. It was just so sudden and way too soon. I must say we loved having Rex in our life for these past 5 years.
Susan & Arnold Greenspun
June, 2023 to October 15, 2023
Sweet Howie was picked up as a stray and brought to a local shelter. Cute as pie this little guy was lucky to have been found by the right people. Upon arrival at the shelter, staff members knew something was not right with Howie. They immediately began pooling resources to determine how they could help. Tests were administered and it was determined that Howie is positive for parvo. Although they knew Howie deserved every chance to survive, the shelter could not provide the 24 hour care needed to help Howie move forward. So, an emergency plea went out. When we learned that Howie needed immediate support, we began working with our team to help him move forward.
Howie is still so very young. In order to survive, he will need to fight and fight hard. He does not yet know it, but MAGSR will fight right alongside him.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus; it is particularly challenging for puppies to survive. Although there is no cure, with 24/7 monitoring and supportive care, he has a chance at survival. As we move Howie forward, our vetting partners will be working with Howie to keep him hydrated, control his GI upset, and prevent secondary infections, while also keeping him monitored and warm. Parvo care is very expensive. We need the GSD community's help in order to provide Howie with every chance at survival. Please consider donating to Howie's care now so that this special boy has every opportunity to fight. Howie is in the fight for his life. Will you help him by being his hero?
Tragically, sweet Howie was no longer able to fight and passed away in the middle of the night. May he fly high with the MAGSR dogs who have left before him.
October 8, 2023
This is with deepest sadness to inform you that Amber passed away today at the age of 12 1/2 years. She was a great pup and will live forever in our hearts. Her sister, Rosalee also adopted from MAGSR crossed the rainbow bridge nine months earlier and she lived to be 16!
Run free sweet girls!!!
September 22, 2023
It's with a heavy heart that I share that Hunter (fka Windsor) crossed the rainbow bridge today.
He was taken to the Emergency Vet's office where they found he had carcinoma, fluid around his heart, and internal bleeding. He left peacefully surrounded by his family.
Sincerely,
Amanda
September 2, 2023
It is with a very heavy heart to let MAGSR know that Hemlock, who we adopted in September of 2016, went over the Rainbow Bridge on 9/2/2023. Hemlock started to show subtle signs of a disorder in his hind legs after turning 7 years old and when he turned 8 the hind legs were not operational at all. We took him to his usual Vet and even to a 2nd Vet to get a second opinion. Hemlock had Degenerative Myelopathy and lost all use of his hind legs and became incontinent. My son teleworks so he was home with Hemlock to make sure he stayed clean and took Hemlock outside for potty time. This went on for a year and we bought the necessary wraps and training pads and shampoo for when I had to wash Hemlock up.
The Vet reminded me and my son Alex that we have to think about the quality of life for Hemlock. Hemlock loved to run and play and be with us everywhere in the house. Hemlock turned 9 years old on August 2nd and then on September 2nd we took Hemlock to the Vet so my precious boy could go over the Rainbow Bridge. I am still very sad and life has not been the same without my beautiful Hemlock. He was a very loved German Shepherd. Even my neighbors ask what happened to Hemlock. We were always out walking or going to the dog park. Hemlock is greatly missed!
August 20, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we are notifying you of the passing of Andy, renamed Jax, adopted July 18, 2012.
He became ill and over the weekend became much worse. We took him to BeL Air, Md Pet ER. He had fluid in chest and abdomen and heart was failing, nothing could be done so we made the decision then to euthanize then, we did not want him to suffer.
He was a sweet, loving gentle Giant and will so miss him.
Thank you for letting us take this wonderful dog into our home for 11 years.
Patricia & Charles Carling
August 20, 2023
We wanted to let you know that our beloved MAGSR girl Sweet Pea died last week. She came to us in February, 2013, was only around 12 years old (young by our standards!), and had been completely healthy and spry until just a few weeks ago. Despite multiple trips to the vet and a stay in the Pet-ER, we never did get a firm diagnosis, but we do know that she had some type of malignancy, her kidneys were degenerating, and she was declining very fast. At least we were able to bring her home and have a vet come to our house, so she could die on her bed, surrounded by her family. She was indeed a sweet pea, a real “bomb-proof” dog as our MAGSR adoption coordinator had said, wonderful with children and other people and dogs. We miss her terribly.
Here are some favorite photos. Her canine companions (GSD Bear and our daughter’s malinois Finch) are both alums of BARCS. (Two other companions, Joey and MAGSR alum Bailey, died before her.) You’ll probably get another adoption application from us soon. Finch is only an occasional visitor and Bear needs a new partner. He’s pretty lost without his Sweet Pea.
Thank you for having brought this wonderful girl into our lives.
Margaret