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

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

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!!!

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! 

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

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