In Loving Memory of Bianca: A Loyal Companion and Faithful Friend

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved white German Shepherd, Bianca. She graced our lives with unwavering loyalty, boundless affection, and countless cherished memories. We adopted Bianca as a puppy from MAGSR, and her journey began as a ray of light that would shine brightly in our lives for years to come.

Bianca was not just a pet; she was a cherished member of our family. With her striking white coat and soulful eyes, she captured the hearts of everyone she met. She had an endearing habit of curling up in front of the fireplace, basking in the warmth and providing us with a sense of comfort and coziness.

Her joy was contagious, evident in the way she would eagerly nuzzle up to us for scratches behind her ears. The simple act of petting her brought immeasurable happiness to both her and us. Bianca had an innate ability to connect with people, making her a favorite among our neighbors. She reveled in the attention and affection she received from them, always ready with a wagging tail and a welcoming demeanor.

Bianca had a spirited personality that manifested in her playful interactions with delivery drivers. Her vigilant barking at their arrival, though sometimes comical, served as a testament to her protective nature and loyalty to her family.

One of her endearing roles was that of a vigilant guardian of our bedroom door against the antics of our mischievous feline companions. She took her duty seriously, ensuring a sense of peace and order in our home.

In the garden, Bianca transformed into a devoted assistant to our mother. Her enthusiastic presence made gardening a delightful shared activity, and her companionship provided solace during hours spent among the blooms. Together, they would chase away critters and squirrels, a dynamic duo that kept the garden thriving.

Bianca's sociable nature extended beyond our household, as she became a familiar and beloved figure during her daily walks around the neighborhood. She would proudly lead the way, tail held high, stopping to greet neighbors who had grown to adore her presence.

Bianca's legacy is one of love, devotion, and joy. She touched our lives in profound ways, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. As we bid farewell to our dear friend, we find solace in the countless memories we shared and the unwavering bond that will forever connect us. Bianca, your spirit will continue to brighten our lives, and though you have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, your memory will forever live on.

Rest in peace, dear Bianca. You will be forever missed and eternally loved.

Sincerely,
Jenny

It is with deep sadness that we share that sweet Gloria earned her wings today. Gloria has only been with us a short time and it didn't take long to see that she has had a rough go at life and was in pain in her backend. We quickly got to work, making her an appointment with an orthopedic specialist and getting her moved to a medical foster home. Upon review of the x-rays, the orthopedic specialist confirmed our fears that she was in need of hip replacements. We just completed the pre-surgery check and she was scheduled to get her first replacement on Wednesday, August 2nd so she could begin her journey of healing and finding a forever family. 

At around midnight last night all was well and she was taken out to potty by her foster mom and put to bed for the night. Upon getting her out in the morning her foster instantly knew something was very wrong and put her immediately into the car and headed to the nearest vet as she knew Gloria was bloating. During the ride,  her foster mom knew something wasn't right, she pulled over and it was clear Gloria was passing, so she held her in her arms and loved her. They may only be with us a short time, they may only be fosters but we love them as our own. We are so sad for the loss of our wonderful girl. Gloria was adopted by her loving foster family. Please keep Gloria's foster family and all the MAGSR volunteers in your thoughts as this is very sad day for MAGSR.

It is with a sad heart that we inform you that on June 30, 2023 we sent Duke over the Rainbow Bridge. He enlarged our house by four feet and filled our hearts for nine years. He enjoyed dispensing love and kisses to everyone in Damascus (especially in exchange for belly rubs and treats!), He enjoyed beach vacations and snuggling on the couch. The void he leaves is immense.

Our sweetest boy Tucker passed over the rainbow bridge last night. We only had five years with him, it wasn’t long enough. I am already so lost without him. Thank you Trish and MAGSR for giving us the best boy ever.

Lisa 

 With extreme sadness, I want to tell you that we had to send Jasper to the Rainbow Bridge this morning, after 9 months of his struggles with DM. Complications due to DM and the horrible impacts it had on his ability to move and relieve himself got to the point where he was no longer able to control his bowels.  His hind legs became completely non-functional.   He was a great dog and we'll miss him dearly.  We had three wonderful years with him, albeit a short period of time. My heart is broken and our house feels empty without him.  Our veterinarians at Bayside Animal Medical Center in Severna Park, Dr. Oliver and Dr. Buchanan got to know Jasper quite well up until the very end, as we did everything we could to make sure he was as comfortable and healthy as possible, and received the best medical care we could provide. 

Jasper was very special to us and we developed a very special bond.  Near the end today, as he was being sedated prior to the final shot, I laid next to him and, while stroking his head and telling him what a good boy he was, he gave me two gentle kisses on my cheek.  I have a huge hole in my heart right now and it's going to take me time to heal from this loss.  Today I cried and cried.  Losing a dog like Jasper to DM, a very cruel disease, hurts.  I watched Jasper decline physically over time, while mentally he remained alert and aware of his surroundings.  His brain was all there until the end, but he was robbed of his physical abilities to enjoy life the way a dog deserves to. 

Here's an attachment picture of Jasper that we took today before taking him to our vet:

And lastly, I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to adopt Jasper and make him a part of our family.  Although there is pain in losing him, I'd like to think that our reward lies in giving dogs like Jasper a loving home and a chance to live a good life.  

I am writing to inform you of the passing of Kaia, who we adopted in September, 2014 when she was about 8 months old.  Kaia was so sweet and gentle. We learned pretty quickly that Kaia was afraid of men.  It took about 3 weeks of working with her daily, for her to get used to my husband.  We also learned pretty quickly how stubborn she was, especially when we would come home from work and find she had broken out of her crate. This occurred for many days until we finally got rid of the crate.  She did much better without it.

Kaia and our other dog, Nya, were about one year apart and bonded instantly.  They were inseparable.

Kaia loved to run and play.  Her favorite pastime was eating.  She loved her food and had a bottomless pit.  But most of all, she loved her squeaky toys.  The louder the better, which is often how she greeted us in the morning.

We were blessed to have 9 years with her.  Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with lymphoma in December, 2022. We were told she had about 3-6 months.  She lost her fight on June 8, 2023.  She passed peacefully knowing she was loved.

Our hearts are broken and we miss her tremendously.

Thank you MAGSR for bringing us our sweet angel.

Kathy & Lenny

I write to you to inform you that our beloved Thor has passed away and crossed the rainbow bridge. In May of 2014 we adopted Thor from MAGSR. He was my soul dog, my partner in crime, and most importantly my son. 

Thor  was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy this past year. I believe his organs failed last night. He batted to the end and hid his problems from us.

My family would like to thank you for allowing us to have him. We spoiled him for the last decade. 

The Urbaniaks

I wanted to make you aware of the passing of our beloved Max who we adopted from you in July of 2016. Max went to the Rainbow Bridge on March 24, 2023. Even though Max suffered from debilitating disc disease, he rebounded well after surgery last summer for a ruptured disc only to rupture another soon after that was inoperable. We are grateful for our beloved Max. He is forever my wingman.

Many thanks to MAGSR for bringing Max to us

Martha Spencer

Unfortunately, I have to report that our handsome dog Titan passed away on March 14, 2023. He gave us five wonderful years of love, loyalty and entertainment. He was very happy, active, and seemed healthy right up to the end. Turned out he had pancreatic cancer, which ruptured, and he suddenly died. There were no symptoms. We miss him terribly.

For his human parents, Titan was a big lovable teddy bear who loved affection and any attention. He was big, handsome and smart, with large wonderful fluffy paws, which he would willingly shake. He loved his people and his canine siblings. Titan and our other dog Floyd would play every day, including chasing each other around the woodshed.

Titan instinctively trusted his human parents, but trusted only his human parents. He feared everyone else and everyone else feared him. Titan was large with a ferocious bark. We could not socialize him with anyone, which made family gathering difficult. But we loved him and miss him terribly. Titan knew he was loved and in a safe forever home. Although he only trusted mom and dad, Titan did eventually learn to trust his vet and his kennel staff.

Titan took his watchdog job VERY seriously, protecting us from all manner of dangerous threats; squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, crows, deer, mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, guests, and of course delivery drivers. For five years, Titan saw our neighbors every day, and for five years, Titan barked at our neighbors every day.

Titan did have a number of challenges including massive fur which required frequent attention, skin allergies which we finally had under control, ear infections, and knee surgery.

One of my favorite memories; whenever I would step out of the house into the backyard, Titan would be right there at my side, looking up at me earnestly as if to say “Dad, what do you need me to do? I’m ready, should I bark at something?”

With Titan, we took the good with the bad, and never regretted it for a moment. He gave us five wonderful years of love, loyalty and fun. And we think we gave Titan five good years in return.

Thanks and Regards,
George Schmidt

My name is Elke Anthony, I adopted a male shepherd named Lord (he was renamed Buddy) about 7 years ago.

Unfortunately he became sick and ending up having a brain tumor. He passed away this Saturday from continuous seizures.

He was a good dog and companion. I will deeply miss him.

Thanks for allowing me to adopt him.

Elke Anthony

On February 6, 2023, Bayli crossed the rainbow bridge.  She has been missed truly every minute of every day since then. She will always be missed because we lost a part of us when she left. Bayli was our best friend, baby, and dog soulmate, and losing her has been so painful because of all the joy that she brought into this world. 

Bayli came home with us on September 12, 2015 from MAGSR.  When we first took her home, she was fearful and anxious, especially of men. In just a few short months she grew into a confident girl. In her early years she loved going for long walks and as she got older and her mobility decreased, she was completely content to lounge around and snuggle. Above all, Bayli loved being with her family, cookies, and laying in her bed (not necessarily in that order).  She knew what life was all about.

While there is heartbreak, we are so hopeful when we see adoption stories on MAGSR because we know someone is just beginning their happy journey.  We are forever grateful to MAGSR for giving us the chance to know and love her and be loved by her. 

Our dog Jedi, whom we adopted from MAGSR in 2016, ran free over the Rainbow Bridge on December 16, 2022 after not enough years as a beloved member of our family.

Jedi is loved in continuum by Valerie, Graeme, Ryleigh, and Todd who were blessed to have found a furry companion so loyal, loving, and playful until the last calling. We surrounded him as he passed over and never imagined being so in love with a beast both ferocious and cuddly.

Jedi loved his ball playing more than anything and had to be outside to supervise all grass mowing activities involving the riding mower.  His daily treat regime evolved from showing off his paw control to racing Ryleigh to the couch and barking/yipping while sliding through the twisting route from kitchen to living room. Jedi often overpowered Graeme in frequent games of rope pull but I think both let the other win an equal amount of time without admitting to any purposeful losses.

Jedi loved the creek and hated baths, he was a weirdo from start to finish.  Use the garden hose fill up his water bowl, or just say water in general and he would disappear. Mention the creek or start hiking through the woods and he would be in the water, over his head, trying to drag logs off the bottom before you could call him back. I'm not sure Jedi understood the creek is made of water, the same water he was so careful to avoid in any other circumstance, he didn't always utilize his rational brain.  He did learn how to unlock, and open, the sliding basement door so we are not entirely sure if he was a savant or simply a screwball. We are leaning savant as he learned how to spell the words we couldn't say without an excited reaction.

We still can't believe he's not lying in wait for us to get out of bed, come back from an errand, or monitoring the four of us from a central position. We miss the clack of his nails on the floor, the pilling of GSD fur in all corners, under every piece of furniture, and winding up in every drink or dish prepared.

None of us were ready for him to go but with two torn/bad knees and a late-stage cancer diagnosis we did everything we could to keep him at home with us from hand feeding to carrying him up the stairs when he couldn't get enough momentum to hop all the way up. 

Jedi was the heart of our house and the void without him is longingly painful. Jedi was our everything, we love him endlessly and are thankful for the circumstances that brought him to us and angry for the circumstances that took him away.

We are forever richer for having loved Jedi, and we know he is still with us, watching over us, forever our companion.

Todd & Valerie Harshman

Our sweet boy Jasper who we adopted from MAGSR in 2017.

 I wanted to share our story of adopting our dog Lucy from MAGSR over 15 years ago.  She was one of 13 puppies and mom that were found in the side of the road. Lucy was being fostered at a home in Dundalk, she was 3 months old when we met and adopted her. MAGSR named her Flyer. We knew immediately that we wanted her to be a part of our family. Lucy was born the same year, 2006, as our 16 year old grandson.  Our younger grandchildren have not known life without Lucy being a part of it. Lucy just passed away on November 12 just short of her 16th birthday.  She was the sweetest girl who was a cherished member of our family and her passing had left a hole in our hearts.

We are heartbroken, but happy that Lucy lived such a long, good life full of love. 

Thank you,
Robin Evers