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.

March 18, 2021

George and his girl

We adopted George on New Year's Day in 2013. It took some time for our current dog to get used to him, but shortly after adoption, they became best friends and inseparable. Over the next several years, he ate our banister, broke a leg off of our kitchen table, destroyed a chair, and barked at everyone that walked past our house, but he was also the most loyal dog we've ever had. He protected us and loved us, especially after our daughter was born. As soon as she came into the house, he watched over her with extra care. He let her do whatever she wanted to him and gave her a best friend from birth. Unfortunately, last summer, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and was given 3-5 months to live. We were heartbroken. We recently had to make the difficult decision to end his suffering and say goodbye to the best dog we've ever had. We will miss him terribly for the rest of our lives, but we are so thankful to have such wonderful memories. And a special thank you to MAGSR for bringing such a wonderful being into our lives and into our hearts forever. 

February 9, 2021

Breezy
BreezyBreezyBreezy

After almost 10 years with our beautiful Breezy, we bid her a very sad farewell in the early morning hours yesterday. We went on many adventures together. She loved going hiking, camping, and chasing the sea-birds on the beach. She watched over our growing family over the years - she loved helping me tuck the kids in to bed. My heart is completely broken - she was my very best friend. I’ve loved and lost several dogs in my lifetime but she was just special.

Breezy was an extraordinary soul and we were so fortunate to have her for the time we did. She left a GSD sized hole in our home and in our hearts. We are so grateful to MAGSR for matching our family with her. She was perfect. I miss her so much.

With gratitude, 

Jasmine Hollingsworth

February 5, 2021



It is with enormous sadness that we are letting you know about the passing of our beloved dog Argo, fka Jenner. We met Argo at MAGSR in 2014, and instantly fell in love with him. He was approximately five years old at the time. Our boy incarnated all the wonderful qualities for which German Shepherds are known, he was a strong, loving, loyal, devoted, intelligent, friendly, sweet and sometimes silly companion. He was great with people, dogs, cats, he adored children and he loved greeting everyone at the door, his tail was always wagging. He had a huge appetite for food, for cuddles, and for life in general. He loved treats, and just seeing the treat cabinet being opened would turn him into a puppy. Then, he would stare at treats without blinking, still as a statue, the only movement visible on his face would be a thin stream of drool from the corner of his mouth, his focus was incredible. He loved playing with us, while making funny noises.  He loved rolling on the grass on a sunny day, playing with his MAGSR brother, Lupo (fka Santino), fetching the ball, and chasing deer in our backyard, while accompanying his excitement with a funny sound that we called “the German Shepherd cry”. For a period we moved to California, and he loved to run free on dog beaches. Then we moved back to Maryland, and he loved snowy days, diving in the snow and eating it. Then we had children, and he welcomed them as he had always known them. He became a loving, sweet, patient, furry big brother to them. He was perfectly content in any surroundings, a happy, easy-going, gentle giant. He loved to find treats hidden around the house, and he loved to enjoy them while being praised for being an incredibly good boy. We had him for seven wonderful, fun, love-filled years. Unfortunately in November 2020, our vet found a mass in his abdomen, and after his spleen was removed, he was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Although during the next two months, despite being very ill, he was doing well and enjoyed every day with excitement, on February 5th, he developed bloat, and because of his age, and the aggressive cancer, we had to make the painful decision of having him euthanized. He had an enormous presence, was a huge part of our family and our home is just not the same without him. We miss him every moment of the day, he was constantly by our side and shared every moment with us. Every little thing we do now reminds us of our sweet Argo. We hope that during these years we made him as happy as he made us, he was the perfect dog, and we loved him, still love him and will always love him so much. He will always be our four-legged child, our Argo, our good boy.

 

Thank you MAGSR for rescuing our wonderful Argo and for letting us be his family, we are very grateful for this, and for all that you do for these amazing dogs.

 

Romina and Sean

February 5, 2021



My husband and I lost our dog, Patton, on February 5th. Patton was adopted after Travis (my husband) found his pregnant mom wandering in the streets of Baltimore about 14 years ago. He brought her to MAGSR where she had her puppies, one of which was Patton. You guys were so beyond kind to let Travis have the pick of the litter and he chose our wonderful boy (though I am sure they were all amazing!). It has been a huge loss for us and we are struggling everyday without him. But, without the life-saving help MAGSR provided, we wouldn't have had a life that was blessed with him in it.

 

Thank you so much,

Carolyn & Travis

January 21, 2021

Ike (aka Patriot)

With heavy hearts we are notifying MAGSR that Ike (aka Patriot) has crossed the rainbow bridge on Jan 21,2021. We were so blessed to have Ike joined our family on 9/25/2011. He has been our best friend and family member for the 9-1/2 years. He loved us and we loved him so much. Ike was our first German shepherd and the best companion ever.

January 6, 2021

Maddie

Hello MAGSR –

It is with a very heavy heart and tear filled eyes that I inform you of the passing of my rescue baby, Maddie.

I visited your kennel on May 24th 2014. Maddie was the first dog brought out to me and we hit it off immediately.

We threw ball and she brought it back to me as if we were doing it for years. I took her home.

She has literally been at my side for almost 7 years, a true ROCKSTAR.

A few months ago I thought she was having hip trouble so I took her to the vet. Nothing seemed unusual so we had blood work done and results were not good. The vet said he never saw bloodwork so out of kilter on a living dog.  We went to Metro Vet in Norristown for X-Rays and Ultrasound. She had cancer. Masses on her spleen and an enlarged liver. She made almost two more months with the help of steroids and anti-biotics. I had to let her go last night. She was having trouble getting up and walking up a step into the house.

Thank you MAGSR for uniting us and giving both of us so much joy.

I will see you at the rainbow bridge my Sweet Pea. I love you.

Jeff Passe

December 22, 2020

Pete

We are writing to let you know that our precious, sweet Pete passed away Tuesday, December 22nd. 

Pete was known as "Chase" during the (very) short time he was with you.  We adopted him on August 29, 2010 when he was an 8-10 week old pup.  Puppy days are hard, but boy was he worth every second.  He evolved into such an amazing dog.  He always knew what we needed or what was expected of him before we even said anything.  If he didn't know exactly what you were saying to him, you could see in his eyes that he wanted so badly to. 

Pete went everywhere with us.  Massachusetts to visit family?  He was in.  The beach?  The mountains?  Tree farm to tag a Christmas tree?  Wherever we were going, he was in.  He was the absolute perfect dog for our family, and an amazing dog for our boys to have grown up with.

Unfortunately, he fell very suddenly ill in August, at which time we found out he had hemangiosarcoma.  He underwent an emergency splenectomy, followed by metronomic chemotherapy and a regimen of other medications and supplements recommended by his oncologist.  We had three amazing months with him, but then he fell ill again the day after Thanksgiving, and we learned the cancer had spread to his liver and possibly his heart.  The emergency vet said he wouldn't make it through that weekend.  Well, they didn't know our Pete.  He made it through not only that weekend, but a couple more.  Eventually, though, it became too much for him, and we had to make the awful decision to end his suffering. 

I'm sure in time there will be other dogs here at Casa Zanelli, but there will certainly never be another Pete.  He was truly our heart dog, and we miss him terribly.

December 14, 2020

Sylvan
Sylvan at homeSylvan at homeSylvan at homeSylvan at homeSylvan at home with her KittySylvan at home with her KittySylvan at hydrotherapySylvan

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to write this.

About a year ago after a MRI scan Sylvan was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, I started taking Sylvan to physical therapy to try and mitigate DM from getting worse. Sadly, over time she started to lose the mobility in her rear legs and was unable to walk fully, could still stand up and move her front legs while dragging the rear legs, but slowly she started to lose function in her front legs. Until a few months ago she was developing a UTI, treated with Antibiotics only to return much worse with blood during bathroom runs. On 14 Dec 2020 I made the final trip to Anna Arundel Vet and had Sylvan put down as her degenerative myelopathy had progressed to a point she couldn't continue.

I provided as much care and comfort to ease her suffering as I held her paw and head in my hands wishing that she would never have to face this hardship again.

 

James Stanley

December 8, 2020



It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Mina. We adopted her (after fostering her for two days) in April of 2010. We knew after two days that we couldn’t part with her. She gave us 10 amazing years, which we will cherish forever. Thank you MAGSR for having given us this amazing sweet dog. Until we meet again Mina. 

December 7, 2020

One of our Favorite pictures of Jack!  We Love you buddy

It is with deep regret to report the passing of MAGSR alum, Jack.

Jack came to MAGSR from a local shelter. While in his former home, he kept getting loose and ending up in doggie jail. But the last time he did this, his people said they no longer wanted him and told the shelter to keep him.

Their loss! Upon meeting him for evaluation and soon thereafter, we fell in love with him and once again failed fostering. We never had any issues with him being a flight risk. He never gave a resident dog or foster any problem, whatsoever. He was confident and loyal yet friendly and even keeled. He was a wonderful ambassador for GSDs at the house and in public places. Everyone just loved him; it was impossible not to. We adored him and he will always have a special place in our hearts. Our home just isn't the same without him. He was 13 years old.

Here's one of our Favorite pictures of Jack!  We Love you buddy


Monty and Sheri

November 27, 2020

Simba In Greece
Simba in DC

This past Friday, our beloved Simba crossed the rainbow bridge. 

e adopted him from MAGSR in November 2011 and the nine years that followed with Simba were wonderful ones. I always said he drew the Lucky Dog card, as he spent many summers on the beaches of Greece with us where he is pictured below. He swam and fetched stones and was my constant companion abroad and in Washington, DC. 

I’ve owned other dogs, but there was never a dog quite like Simba.
Thank you for your organization which reaches out to help this outstanding bred.

Simba, RIP

February, 2010 to November 21, 2020

Apollo
Apollo the puppy

Hello, my name is Kate Wood and I called about a week ago about my boy Apollo. We adopted Apollo December 11,  2010. We lost him on November 21 2020.  He had degenerative Myelopathy and could no longer walk.    

Adopting him was one of the best things my family did.  He was a big boy and very intimidating. He was so good though. He loved my grandchildren, all 5 of them.  He would let them lay with him, play ball and play doctor (he was the patient) or anything else they wanted to with him.  I will miss my boy with all my heart, that is still breaking. Thank you MAGSR for allowing my to have one of your angels. 

November 18, 2020



I'm sorry to pass along sad news. Charlie (formally known as Bennie) died today from complications with cancer. He owned me for 8 good years and I thank you all for giving him to me all those years ago.
 

Dr. Naomi Abrams

November 11, 2020

RIP Gianna
Run free Gianna

We adopted a wonderful mixed German Shepherd from your organization in 2008 (approx) when we lived in Dayton, MD.  Her name was Gianna.

Sadly, Gianna passed away on November 11, 2020.

She was a great dog and a faithful companion to us and to her dog friend, Even Steven.  

 

Bill & Liz Foster

October 12, 2020



It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Packie (formally Zach) and Shelby who we adopted in 2013 from MAGSR.  Brother and sister who have never been separated one single day in their lives.  On October 1st Shelby passed away due to Heart Failure and severe Osteoarthritis and muscle wasting and today, October 12th Packie passed due to bone cancer and I’m sure a broken heart. These two shared a love that I never even saw with humans. They never left each other.  We feared Packie would go shortly after Shelby and we were right. These are the saddest days of our lives but we are so grateful for the 7 years we had with them.  They were both 12 and they lived an amazing life with us.

As five time adopters with the MAGSR, please know we are forever grateful for all that you do. 

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

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