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.

Memorial tributes for our beloved MAGSR pups reported prior to 2016 can be found here.

October 7, 2020

Max with his puppy
Max at home

We adopted a cute and adorable puppy from MAGSR almost 12 years ago.   

Max passed away this morning from complications from surgery at Colorado State University Vet Hospital. 

Thank you for rescuing this wonderful guy so he could be our forever guy.  We have loved him deeply & he will always be our hearts. 

October 5, 2020

jaxson

It is with great sadness that I inform you that "Jaxson aka Ozzie" whom I adopted in 2018 was peacefully laid to rest on October 5th. Last month APAW Veterinary Hospital diagnosed him with lymphoma and within 3 weeks his health declined. He had an old soul and a wonderful spirit, and he was my gentle giant, my companion and my protector. His pawprints will forever be in my heart!

I enjoyed having him by my side for 2-1/2 years. Thanks MAGSR you for your support.

Julia S. Banks

September 21, 2020

Candy
CandyCandyCandyCandyCandyCandyCandyCandyCandy

It is with tremendous sadness that I report to you the passing of our precious Candy. We had to euthanize her on September 21st; She was eight years old. Tragically,  Candy slipped a disk in her back and our veterinarian tried to heal her, but apparently there is no reasonable treatment for dogs for with her type of injury. Candy was so sweet, loving, and always wanted company from mommy and daddy that they thought it fitting to name her just that, Candy.

We were a part of the majority who gave our furbabies nicknames. A few of hers were Candy Pants, Candy Cane, Pudding, and Black Velvet. Eager to please and extremely intelligent during her first week she was able to learn how fetch my newspaper. Candy also loved playing with her indestructible ball and would play in the yard for hours, which was a great pleasure for us as well. She became the fearless protector of her family and home, but still loved having visitors over with our permission. 

We will never be able to thank MAGSR enough for trusting us to care for Candy and Remington. They will occupy a special place in our hearts forever. 

September 18, 2020

Chaka
ChakaChaka

It is with a very heavy heart that we notify you of Chaka’s passing. He lost his battle with cancer on May 20th of this year. It has taken me so long to write this as it was difficult to even start.Chaka came in to our lives August of 2010. He was such a loving, gentle, smart, bossy and loyal part of our family. Chaka loved playing frisbee and loved playing ball, he could do both for hours. Chaka also enjoyed long walks during the week with his mom on the trail. Every morning he would join his dad on the back deck to keep an eye out for deer and other wild life. He loved to chase and play with his human brothers. Chaka also loved to open everyone’s Christmas presents! Chaka was a big part of our family. We will miss and love him forever.....

Andy Bredesen

March, 2009 to September 9, 2020

Sydney Aug 2010
Sydney June 2020

We're writing to report the sad news that our beautiful Sydney passed away this past week.  We got Sydney from MAGSR in August 2010.  It was love at first sight and we had an amazing 10 years with her.  We couldn’t have asked for a better family dog.  Over the past several years our lives revolved around her as she battled what appeared to be DM.  But she never let that slow her down and we are heartbroken that she is gone.  

Thank you helping to put her in our life.

August 30, 2020



It is with great sadness to inform you that my baby girl Calypso crossed over the rainbow bridge August 30th.  Calypso came into my family as a foster in April, 2010 and from day one I knew I couldn't let her go.  She was a happy, outgoing and lovable girl.  In May, 2011 she became my K9 partner as she was certified as an Explosive Detection Dog.  She served as a K9 deputy until retirement in April, 2016.  She lived out the rest of her days just being a happy pup and sister to her two brothers. Calypso was a true rescue success story!!!  She will be greatly missed.  

August 15, 2020



We lost Travis to Osteosarcoma in August. 2020 was truly an awful year. Miss him daily, he was a great dog.

August, 2020 to August 13, 2020

Ruger

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we have to inform you that our sweet Ruger had crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night. For the past 11 years he has been truly the best dog we could have ever dreamed of having. We are so blessed to have been able to spend so long with him and our hearts are shattered from losing him. We are so thankful for MAGSR for taking him in so many years ago and for allowing us to be his forever home. 

The Tillis Family 

April, 2012 to August 7, 2020



He was an MAGSR alumni. He was born April 1st and was part of the Irish name pups.  He was 12 years old.  Just wanted to let you know he crossed over rainbow bridge August 7th.  He was wonderful.  He was a sweetheart. Very smart. Could open doors. Had to use baby locks. Noah my son was locked out. He open the sliding glass door by sitting on the bottom lock and then pushing lock on handle up.  He was very much loved. He and my son were inseparable. Thanks again for all you do.

July 24, 2020

Jessie
JessieJessieJessieJessieJessie

We are sad to say our dog, Jessie, passed away peacefully at 17 1/2 years old. 

Jessie was apart of our family for 16 and 1/2 years. She kept up with our other dogs up until her last day, you would never of guessed how old she was. She was always a puppy at heart Jessie loved to play in her water bowl instead of drink out of it and was quite the escape artist. 

We are so sad to see her go but we know she lived a great life and are so grateful for our time with her. 

Our family will not be the same without her, we will miss her everyday. We were so lucky to have her a part of our family. 

July 10, 2020

King

King has crossed the rainbow bridge.

His poor legs finally failed him.  He was weak behind, he had good days and not so good days.  It was very sudden.  He was fine at dinner time and then was paralyzed.  My vet thought it was nerve damage or disc.  So with that knowledge I made the difficult decision to help him pass.  It makes me happy to remember how thin and sad he was when I adopted him.  He had a happy and healthy life with me.  He was the best boy ever.  Laila and I miss him so much.

- Deb Dennis

June 19, 2020

Carma
CarmaCarma

Carma was such a loving soul and touched the hearts of our three adult sons and their families. So much so that they came to the pet hospital to tell her good-bye. I appreciate the chance to share a little bit of what Carma meant to us and our family. 

Carma was one of our MAGSR fosters. The one we couldn't give up and adopted. She became an integral part of our extended family that included grand-dogs and grand-daughters. Carma was gentle and good natured. She loved to play ball and could hear a cheese wrapper open from anywhere in the house. There were several times we didn't know if Carma would rally from hip problems. Each time she'd come back with renewed energy, she looked young for her fourteen years. It was cancer of the spleen that took our little girl. We miss her a lot but know she's with our other four-legged pups that have gone on before.

Thanks,

Mary

June 17, 2020

Bentley
BentleyBentleyBentleyBentleyBentleyBentley

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Bentley on May 2nd (formerly known as Kiernan whom we adopted back in June 2011) due to cancer. He was an incredible dog and a very much missed member of this family.We’re just glad all the kids have been home with him every day, all day, for the last two months… he couldn’t have been any happier!

Thanks MAGSR for bringing him to us and us to him!!!

Mac

June 12, 2020

MAC
MAC

We adopted Mac from MAGSR on Jan 22, 2011. His records indicated that he was born on 07/07/07. I don't know who was more lucky, Mac or myself, as I know Mac was most certainly a 'Daddy's Boy.' All was good up until about a year ago then he started down that slippery slope. Arthritis in his knees and hips. He developed a 'swagger' which then turned into a limp. Our daily walks became slower and shorter. On Friday June 12 my wonderful vet made the final house call for Mac. He went to a new forever home over the rainbow bridge. 

June 7, 2020

Caesar
Caesar

Hello MASGR Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to let you know that our Caesar (FKA Denver) was taken to his final home on June 7, 2020.  He had been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma 7 weeks earlier. For 8+ years He brought so much joy to us and to everyone who met him.  Weather he was "smiling" or "talking" to you.  He loved his family, rides, walks or just being in the yard. 

Thank you MAGSR for finding our boy Caesar for us to adopt him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He will never be forgotten.

Troy and Kelly Regan

June 1, 2020

Tela

We adopted Tela from your organization on July 22, 2016.  Sadly, we had to put her down last Friday, 5/29.  

Our vet's best guess was that she was suffering from degenerative myelopathy.  I had a genetic test done and she was a carrier of the disease, so it is possible but not totally conclusive.  In her last days, Tela totally lost function of her back end.  

Our family is heartbroken.  

I wanted to reach out to let you know and thank you for pairing us with our perfect dog.  Although things started out kind of rocky (she was very aggressive toward any visitors in our home) she ended up being the most perfectly, wonderful dog.  I feel like she was meant to be ours. She quickly became an integral part of our family and will be missed terribly. 

May 27, 2020

Jax (fka Kerouac).  Run free!

Dear MAGSR Family,

We are sad to inform you that we had to make the really difficult choice to say goodbye to Jax on May 27, 2020. His battle with degenerative myelopathy took a quick turn for the worse, he lost function of his back legs and there was nothing more we could do to help him. 

Jax was a fantastic addition to our family for the past 3 1/2 years. He showed us how rewarding rescuing a more senior dog is and emphasized to us how opening your home to a rescue truly changes their lives (and yours). He will be deeply missed by his entire family, including his little sister, Ava. 

Reed and Sarah Schuyler

May 26, 2020



It is with heavy hearts that we would like to inform you of Buddy's passing, previously "Duke."   He had an inoperable, fast growing tumor on his spine and he deteriorated very quickly.  He was diagnosed at Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake in Annapolis, MD on 5/22/2020 through an MRI with Dr. Archambault.  He was humanly euthanized today at Pocomoke Animal Hospital In Pocomoke, MD after he lost use of the rear half of his body. We appreciate the honor MAGSR gave us to be his furever parents and home for the past 3 1/2 years.  He was a GREAT dog and we will dearly miss him.  We hope we gave him as much love and joy as he brought and gave to us.  

Jeff and Robyn Pettit

May 26, 2020

Essie
Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie Essie

I was on a work trip to Butler, PA in 2018 when Cody called and said MAGSR had a bonded pair to foster. I was like seriously 3 dogs and we have to give them away eventually? Three dogs was re-donk. We got these two girls and Essie HATED Captain. She actually went after him the very first day and I thought to myself ‘this is NOT going to work.’ 

She had a big lump on her side that we had removed. It was cancer. She ripped herself out of her create and ripped out her stitches. We watched her do it on our camera.

We took her to puppy classes so she would learn to socialize. She bit the puppies and tried to escape the pet store. One of these pictures is her ripping through the blinds in the townhome we rented in between houses. And then last year she learned to love tennis balls. And stole every single one of them from him, even in 90 degree weather. All summer when we lived in the townhome.

We called her Ess the Mess and Essie Pesci.

Her lumps came back. Everywhere.

She loved car rides. And hamburgers. And stealing Captains toys. And barking at the neighbors dogs.

She was the snuggliest dog. She would nudge you when she wanted pets. She slept in the bed the last couple of weeks. And kicked, scratched, and pushed me out of the bed.

And then she stopped being snuggly and playful. She stopped doing all the bad messy things she loved to do. 

We thought it would get easier after Kaz- we wanted to adopt seniors and thought this was part of the process. It’s not any easier but we are so grateful for the two years we had with her.

As always, please adopt the senior pups. It’s rewarding and sad all at the same time.

 Elizabeth & Cody Fenstermacher

May 12, 2020

Wiley

Hi.  I wanted to report that Wiley, a beautiful GS we adopted from you 11 years ago this month, crossed the rainbow bridge at 3:21pm today.  He had cancer and became paralyzed last night.  Nothing could be done to remove the tumor and he was in a lot of pain.  We loved him everyday we had him and he loved us.  Godspeed, Wiley

Love,
Michael Milone

May 11, 2020



We wanted to let you know that our beloved German Shepherd, Kimber, died from hemangiosarcoma.  He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully at home as the sun set.

He pre-adoption name was Axel. 

May MAGSR continue to find homes for German Shepherds.

May 1, 2020

Chesney

We are writing to inform you about the sad news that our beloved and wonderful German Shepherd rescue, Chesney, whom we adopted from MAGSR in October 2012, died peacefully this morning.  Thank you for bringing her into our lives.

 

Thank you,

 

Sherry, Rohit, Caroline and Jessica Khanna

April 17, 2020

Spike

We are devastated to report the passing of our beloved Spike D. on April 17, 2020. Spike (Nell) joined our family on July 9, 2011. We are heartbroken to lose our wonderful, loving and smart girl. 

Life is not the same without you Spike.  We miss you every day. 

Beth, David and Dylan

March 18, 2020

Shadow

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Shadow on March 18, 2020 at the age of 13 ½ (October 21, 2006 – March 18, 2020).  We adopted him September 2010 and we had almost 10 amazing years with him.  

The day we visited MAGSR, we walked with two dogs:  one was a female, and the other was Shadow.  We just seemed drawn to him, and he to us.  We were told he was a little high strung, and to be cautious playing and petting him initially.  Well, on the drive home, he was licking my ear from the back seat!  When we got home, he was warm and affectionate, and rolled over on his back and let us rub his tummy!  He knew he had found his forever home, and we knew our family was complete.

Shadow was an amazing and loving companion.  He was fearless, and loved chasing deer and squirrels!  We would watch in awe as he would reduce a huge deer antler to a small twig!  Shadow loved the beach.  He would play in the surf, and loved biting at the waves!  We trained him in German commands, and people would stop and remark how majestic he looked – he always made us proud.

The past year was extremely difficult for him due to his failing body, even though his mind was clear.  However, he never gave up, never complained, or showed signs of pain.  He was truly stoic until the end.

We thank MAGSR for bringing Shadow into our lives.  Although his loss is incredibly painful, we have beautiful memories of him.  Not a day goes by that we don’t see something that reminds us of him, and makes us smile as well as brings tears.  Shadow brought joy and unconditional love into our lives, and we will be forever grateful.

Jim and Heidi Johnston

March 17, 2020

Airborne
AirborneAirborneAirborne

We love you, Airborne! We are imagining you running around now up in heaven with four perfect legs and hoarding all of the toys and balls for yourself. We already miss you so much. 

March 15, 2020

Macklee & Deisel

Hello,

It is with a very heavy heart I am sending this update.

Yesterday, after a very short but strong battle with lymphoma we had to put down our Diesel boy.

Macklee and her brother Nate are very unsure right now.

Diesel and Macklee played together and picked at each other like brother's and sisters do. Macklee seems a bit lost today like we all are. She was very attached to Diesel. Heck she picked him immediately as hers!

The Warner Family,

Kevin, Vanessa, Nate and Macklee.

September, 2008 to March 15, 2020



We had to say goodbye to our little girl, Poppy, Sunday.

In addition to being a world class snuggler, ball chaser extraordinaire, expert swimmer in the waters of the Chesapeake (and the Adirondacks, the pool, the fountain or pretty much anywhere she could get wet), and holder of a fifth degree black belt in martial tail-wagging, she is also responsible for the happiness of hundreds as the world's greatest foster mommy.

Poppy came to us as Gwynn, one of a pair of tiny pups in frail health rescued from a terrible situation in Baltimore. As they regained their health and began to meet potential adopters, it became clear to us the we would never find a family patient enough for her unique personality. Besides, she loved her big brother Nick so. Popcorn became our first foster failure and, because of her avid dislike of other dogs, the end of our fostering career. Or so we thought.

Having to step up in an emergency puppy fostering situation, we thought we'd just have to keep Poppy separated for the short time we'd have the babies and that would be it. Rather than her usual angst from the presence of other dogs, she was fascinated and excited about the strange scents in the house. We decided to let her get a look at who and what was going on and it became immediately apparent that she was convinced that she had just had a litter of puppies and that she had to take care of them right away. So began her career as "Aunt Poppy".

For the next ten plus years, she would welcome every litter of fosters with open jaws; cleaning and preening them, playing gently and teaching them appropriate behavior, overseeing potty training, settling disputes and making sure everyone got their fair share of love and attention. She also recognized the motherly care that medical fosters needed and accepted them as her charges, even when they we well outside the age she would normally tolerate. In that span of time she was responsible for the proper upbringing of well over a hundred puppies (MAGSR & others) and the resulting happiness they have brought to their hundreds of family members.

She was so full of joy, I guess some of it just kind of leaked out.

Poppy we miss you more than words could ever describe. Our hearts are filled with sweet, crazy, hysterical memories of life with you. You will be in our hearts forever, tail wagging, thump-thump-thump against our heart strings.

Thank you for being my best friend and protector. You were selfless in caring for and protecting all your little foster charges. You were daddy’s biggest fan, bursting with excitement whenever he came near, tail wagging wildly, barking and yelping in joy. You kept me company day in and day out, always there to awaken me in the morning, shouting "Seize the Day" as you licked my face and dug at the blankets ‘til they fell off the bed.

We’ll miss you so much Poppy, and will hold you in our hearts always. We are lucky you chose us. Being Poppy's special person has been an honor.

 

To Poppy! Na Zdorovie. Sláinte!

Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us. And make our lives brighter. And they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow. (D. Gemeinhart)

February 1, 2020

Corey

Submitted by Richard

January 21, 2020

Mazie
MazieMazieMazieMazie

Mazie was adopted back in January of 2015. She was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor that lead to her being put to sleep on Jan 21 2020. Mazie started her life with us a bit rough, but quickly settled in to her routine. In the end, she wound up being a great dog (most of the time). She lived a great five years with her small Yorkie friend, and was great with every other dog she met.  She spent a lot of time chilling out in her senior years, but always enjoyed a good outing to the park to chase a ball. She definitely developed more of a lazy lifestyle in her last year, but as a senior dog, she was certainly entitled. She will be missed.

December 28, 2019

Nero
NeroNero

Nero Dubel Burns, who we adopted in February of 2010, passed away at the age of 12 in September. Nero had a tough year as he battled cancer. He brought joy to everyone with whom he crossed paths and was described by everyone as a “gentle giant”. Of the three German Shepherds we had over the years, Nero was the largest, weighing in at 125 pounds. Nero was always protective and a great guard dog. He loved being around his father, Bruce. He never left Bruce’s side – ever. Wherever Bruce was, Nero was right there with him. We loved waking up every morning to the click-clack sound of Nero coming down the hallway, right at 7:00 A.M., ready for his mother Bonnie to take him out. Nero and our grandson Logan also were inseparable. They went for long walks around our lake, chased each other around the house, and were always good for a laugh. He has been missed over the last few months and we will always remember the joy he brought us.

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