Sad News

On March 30th, we lost our sweet girl to cancer. For 9 happy years, she was an important part of our family in ways we could have never imagined when we adopted her. We adopted Sadee after a scary incident with another dog that left our son injured. Due to her kind nature and the way she lovingly protected him, she helped him regain confidence and see dogs for the complicated, wonderful creatures that they are. When I gave birth our daughter about 2 years after Sadee joined our family, she further cemented her "awesome big sister" status by loving on the new baby in the same way that she loved our son. Sadee was a best friend to both of our children- always happy to run around the yard playing with them, and standing watch outside of their bedroom doors if they were asleep. She also became my favorite running partner in the whole world. When I could barely get myself out of bed in the pre-dawn hours, the insistence of her wet nose nudging me until I laced up my shoes would remind me that it was worth getting up early- as a run would reveal foxes to chase, exercise to be had and a sunrise somewhere towards the end. One of my favorite things about our runs was when we would pass another neighborhood exerciser. Sadee drew comments from everyone on her majestic beauty and excellent leash manners! I beamed with pride telling them she was adopted. In this way, I think Sadee was a great ambassador for other shelter dogs. After a long, thankless day at work for my husband or I, Sadee's unwavering and extreme excitement as we walked through the front door could remind us in an instant that things weren't so bad. She was there for us until the end. She fought hard, with characteristic German Shepherd stubbornness against an increasingly sick, hurting body. We can only help she felt how much we loved her. It will take time, but when our hearts are healed, we hope to adopt another dog from MAGSR.

Sadly we had to put our wonderful MAGSR dog to sleep tonight due to serious complications from a fall. Jillian - same name from adoption - was a wonderful blessing to our family for nearly 5 years. She lived a difficult life before being rescued by MAGSR, but finally found her forever home with our family, where she enjoy long walks, car rides, and playing in the snow. While her time with us was shorter than we desired, we will always remember her for being the best friend anyone could ever ask for. She was here when we brought our daughter home from the hospital and their bond was grew stronger from the moment they met. We will miss Jillian!

Indy fka Enzo adopted fall of 2012 was freed from his lymphoma today. We had Indy for over seven years, he was the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. He will be most remembered for his puppy like nature and wary but sweet demeanor.  His brother Duke (fka Luxor also a MAGSR pup), and the rest of the family will miss him dearly! Until we meet again Indy dog! 

Hello, It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Samira that we adopted from you in August 2005. She was 14 and very much loved and spoiled for the 13+ years we were fortunate to have her. Sadly though her mind and spirit were willing her body was breaking down miserably and despite medication, and physical therapy and intensive love and care, her body was failing. It was a very hard decision to let her go but she was surrounded by her family and much love and dignity to the end.   Sincerely,  Natalie Gaines

When we adopted Kenya in January we knew she only had a little time left.  We said goodbye to our lovely lady in the afternoon on Saturday, January 26th. She took one final ride in the car where she looked out her windows and watched the world go by. An hour later we covered her lovely fur in tears as we said our final goodbyes and told her to wait for us at the bridge. Although Kenya had only been formally adopted for a couple of weeks, she joined our family two years before when we opened our door to her and never looked back. Kenya was our feisty, loyal, playful guardian. She loved ear scratches, squeaky toys, and her walks; however, what she loved most was her human daddy. We think about our lady every day and are sure she is dictating a state of calm over the bridge. We love you Kenya.  Sincerely,  Will, Kate, Bear & Ally 

My father, Rand Lambert has asked me to email you regarding his dog Axel, previously named Shadow who was adopted in October of 2017. He has been treated by the vet for several days for what they believed to be gastroenteritis. He went to have him checked again and Axel developed a cardiac issue and passed at the Vet. Obviously my father is heartbroken as this is the second young rescue they have suddenly lost at such a young age although he did live a wonderful life with my parents and was very loved by my entire family. Axe was the third rescue we have adopted from MAGSR. Our first was my pup Bogart in 2003. My father will be contacting you very soon to adopt another.

Thank you so very much,
Rand Lambert and
The Lambert Family

In July 2010, we adopted a very shy mild mannered girl from you. turns out, with a little love and confidence building, she was a HIGH DRIVE GSD! she was my heart. unfortunately, age cannot be defeated and we had to let her be at peace a few weeks ago. as you can see in the attached pics, she was spoiled and had a great life!

Hi MAGSR I wanted to let you know that Maya crossed over the Rainbow Bridge today.  She was a wonderful and loving companion and I will miss her very much.  I can not thanks MAGSR enough for bringing her into my life. Best, Sue Underwald   

Our beloved dog, Jambalaya (fka Phaedra), passed away last week.  We adopted her from MAGSR in April, 2008.  Jambalaya shared many fun adventures with us.  She lived and played all over the country, from the California redwoods, the bayous of Louisiana, the hill country in southern Texas, and of course, to the mid-Atlantic region.  Jambalaya was truly the most empathetic dog I have ever met.  She was a steady companion and friend of our children when a parent had to be deployed overseas.  We used to joke that she acted more like a cat than a dog in that she was always looking for the closest sunbeam for a nap.  She lived for snuggles. Over the past nine months, Jambalaya made many visits to the vet for various issues.  Finally, despite being tempted with steaks, Jambalaya refused almost all food and lost much of her body weight.  She was ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  We said our good-byes on December 12.  She was such a sweet girl. .

I wanted to let you all know that Scout crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday.  The Vet said that it was most likely an unknown tumor that ruptured.  He went down hard and fast and there was nothing we could do.  He was the most incredilbe dog I have ever had.  People wouold walk up and start petting him before they even asked permission which was amazing because he was such a big dog but he loved it.  He could have been a therapy dog he was so gentle and loving.  He was my constant companion and my heart is so broken right now.  I know eventually there will be another one but right now I really just want him back.  Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know.  Thank you for bringing us together. 

Ranger, also known as OG, Rangeroo, Range, Rangey, Bubby, Bubba, The Squirrel Hunter, G’boy, Sweet Boy, and Riley’s big brother and BFF has moved on from his earthly body. Our handsome shep-mix Ranger was a WV stray at some point in his first year of life. MAGSR (Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue) in PA helped him find his forever home with us in October of 2007. He was one of a kind. When we first brought him home he was a little aloof, sure he’d be out on his own again soon. He quickly warmed up and was a loyal and loving pet to our family for more than 11 years. No squirrel was safe on our property (we lost count after the first 3 dozen kills), and he once took down a raccoon a third his weight. (Thankfully, it was not rabid.) Door-to-door solicitors quickly got the message that they were unwelcome since Ranger could spin up a ferocious and extended barking fit at a moment’s notice. Best guard dog ever. Vicious-sounding bark aside, our sweet Ranger was gentle and loving to people and dogs of all sorts. He brought our family tons of love and joy. We are so grateful for his friendship and will miss him terribly. Ranger Moore
3/1/2007 (est.) — 12/5/2018 Rest In Peace, Sweet Boy! 

It is with deep sadness that I tell you we lost our beautiful MAGSR dog, Katie, to lymphoma. Katie was a sweet and gentle soul who represented MAGSR at many events and meet and greets over the past five years. She brought us so much joy and she will be missed beyond words. We are truly heartbroken. Thank you to all of our fellow volunteers who help so many dogs like Katie to find their forever homes. Although we lost her way too soon, we know her last years were happy ones.

Julie & Pete Switzer

Our sweet Katie Von Der Misty Ridge

Teddy was dearly loved by his family and was taken away by cancer.

It is with a heavy heart I report that Rocket was put to sleep today.  It was discovered that he had a growth in the abdominal area -  blood work showed anemia and high white blood count.  Also liver enzymes were slightly elevated.  We treated him with broad-spectrum antibiotics which gave him some relief from what appeared to be infection associated with this growth.  He also had an alarming amount of blood in his urine.   The vet agreed that treatment was not necessarily called for in a dog this age.  We kept him comfortable and happy but eventually, he refused food and water and quickly became emaciated.  We are sorry he had to go. Sincerely,  Trina Madani on behalf of the Madani family

Archer's family let us know that he was sadly laid to rest in October 2018.