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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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
August, 2023 to August 18, 2023
As a follow up to our previous email, it is with unfathomable sadness that I must tell you that our sweet Zeena passed away on Saturday. She made it clear to me that it was her time. Although she could still raise her head and she could follow me with her eyes, she could no longer stand up that morning. I spent 8 hours by her side where she could see me until the vet from Blue Pearl could come to our home and put her to rest. Sadly my family is out of town and could not be here for her.
In tribute to Zeena's 2 1/2 years with us, I created the following video for her.
Sincerely, The Geslois Family
August 10, 2023
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
August 10, 2023
We rescued Hailey on Jan 2, 2013 when she was 1 1/2 yrs old. She lived to 12 1/2 yrs old. Hailey loved playing, swimming in the pool and being around our family. She was such a loving dog and we miss her terribly. A piece of our hearts are in heaven.
July 31, 2023
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.
July 25, 2023
In October 2015, we adopted Griffin from MAGSR. Ever since that time he has brought us great joy and has given us many good memories.
On July 25th, with great sadness, we had to say goodbye to Griffin due to a degenerative spinal condition.
Griffin was a wonderful GSD and we were lucky to have had him as a part of our family.
Best,
Richard
July 17, 2023
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.
July 15, 2023
It is with great sorrow that I must report the passing of my precious Sonya. Yesterday, July 17, 2023, I had to help my baby cross the Rainbow Bridge. I miss her dearly, my heart is broken. Sonya adopted me and my family on March 26, 2016. We did not have enough time together, those 7 years and several months, flew by way too quickly. I’ve attached her picture, a sketch of her, and attached a poem my sister (her Aunt) wrote in tribute to our beloved sweet Sonya.
One of her nicknames was Half Pint, though there was nothing half pint about her other than size.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay Miller
July 8, 2023
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
July 4, 2023
Frances passed away two weeks ago just shy of her 11th birthday. She was in perfect health until the last hours when she suddenly went into shock and organ failure from apparent splenic tumor rupture and was euthanized peacefully and with great dignity - which was also how she lived her life. She matured into the loveliest disposition I have ever known in a dog: intelligent, playful, humorous, lively, but with the deepest sense of respect and responsibility to all other creatures. She was such a happy dog who brought such joy to so many. Thank you for bringing her into my life and so many others.
Kristin
June 30, 2023
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.
June 12, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that we had to say our goodbyes to Jessie yesterday evening. Over the past weekend, her quality of life took a turn south as she lost majority control of her back legs, lost her appetite, and started to visibly look distressed and in discomfort. We consulted with our vet and it was mutually agreed that it would be the right time to assist her in crossing the rainbow bridge peacefully with the love of her family next to her.
A tribute to Jessie: After 9 years of having a dog in the house, it is extra quiet today. We'll miss her excitement to see us as we walked in the door, how she always wanted to lay in our daughter's room at bedtime, her pauses to lean on you during walks, and how she needed to do her bedtime treat routine before she would settle down. Until we meet again, love you forever, Jessie dog. April 12, 2014 (adoption) - June 12, 2023.
Matthew and Megan
June 8, 2023
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
May 25, 2023
Bria was almost 15 when we made the impossibly difficult decision yesterday. She was such an angel who blessed us by joining our family just shy of 14 years ago. She had so many nicknames, Bree Bree, Fuzzybutt, Precious, Wooly Mammoth, Sweet Girl and so many more. She was a gentle giant who loved us endlessly. A million thanks to magsr for allowing us to be her forever family.
April 17, 2023
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
April 3, 2023
I am writing to inform you of the passing of Mal (fka Malakai) on 3/29/23, who passed away due to kidney failure. Mal had two brothers who were rescued from a farm where they were left to fend for themselves, and all were adopted out by MAGSR. His brother Jasper was adopted about a week before I adopted Mal, and we met his other brother Herb at a MAGSR reunion picnic.
Although Mal seemed to have a sibling rivalry with his brothers, he was the most even keeled GSD I have ever met, taking all of life's ups and downs in stride with no complaints. He had many human and canine family members and friends in the neighborhood who cared about him deeply. He was very loved by the staff at his doggie daycare, who became like his second family. While a lot of training was required to break his bad habits from his past for him to transition to living as an inside dog, the one phrase he always responded to from the beginning is "Mal's a good boy". He certainly was all of that and then some.
I feel fortunate to have been able to give Mal 6+ years of friendship, companionship and love, and I hope he feels the same. Mal will be sorely missed.
October, 2012 to March 24, 2023
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
March 24, 2023
Good morning.
Reece [Burke] was a German Shepherd/Malamute mix that was owned by Wayne (Mitch) and Gail Burke. She was adopted from your organization many years ago when they lived in Timonium. Reece was 13 1⁄2 years old and in seriously failing health and Mitch and Gail had her put to sleep on Friday. Our entire family is mourning her loss. She was a wonderful dog that gave them and the rest of the family much love and joy during her life with Mitch and Gail. We would like the donation to be specifically used for your "Sammy's Place" fund to support senior dogs.
If possible, please show that the donation was made by the following people:
Ann & Bob Riemer
Jane Garvey & Mike Millson along with Winston and Mama
Betty, Pat & Echo Murphy
August, 2016 to March 14, 2023
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
December, 2013 to March 12, 2023
We adopted Arya from MAGSR in 4/2013( actually she adopted us), as from the first time she came to meet us she placed herself on top of her new dad’s feet and looked up at him as to say, “Hey I’m yours now”.
She spent 9 years with us and we were so blessed to have her. She was so smart and very sweet but she was also protective of her family. Her nightly sleeping spot was in front of our door despite having a comfy bed. She lived her usual life up until her passing with the exception of slowing down a little on her walks. She loved her humans and had her routine with each of us. The one thing I am grateful for is that because of COVID I now work remotely and I was able to spend every day for the last 2 1/2 years with her during her golden years. She will be missed always!
Thank you MAGSR for giving us such a precious gift!
The Abeyta family.