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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August 15, 2019
We are sad to inform you that we lost our beloved MAGSR dog, Mercedes. She passed away on Monday morning Our hearts are broken but we are thankful for the five wonderful years of fun and love we had with her.
We adopted her from MAGSR over 5 years ago. She was the love of our lives. We will miss her.
Joe and Jodi McCarthy
July 5, 2019
It is with broken heart that I write to you today to advise of the passing of our beloved Ginger. We adopted her by her MAGSR name of Canela on April 3, 2009 when she was about 9 months old. She was a loving part of our family. We named her Ginger because of her coloring and we kept Canela as her middle name. She was always glad to see her family when they would arrive home from work or school. She loved running and playing but when it was time to go to bed a simple “are you ready to go night night” and she would grab a toy and go straight to our room. She was a constant companion and was always at someone’s side. Her passing will leave a great void in all of our hearts.
Ginger, unfortunately was not with us as long as we were hoping, but her health declined sharply over the last month. She lost function in her back legs and her spleen was very swollen. The vet had her on Prednisone, a pain killer and two different antibiotics over the past month. Unfortunately she continued to lose weight and the vet advised that putting her down was probably best.
Thank You MAGSR for bringing us together.
Sincerely,
Russell Lee
July 4, 2019
I am so sad to say that our beautiful Chancellor E. DeFeo passed away yesterday at home. He was taken from us way too soon and unexpectedly. He wasn’t feeling well the past three weeks and after two rounds of bloodwork and multiple xrays and other tests, we had him scheduled for an ultrasound for this coming Monday. But he collapsed at home and died in our arms, we still do not know exactly what was wrong but the veterinarian assumed a tumor of some sort. We are devastated. We adopted him July 2010 from you. Thank you for all that you do and for allowing us the joy of having Chancellor for these past 9 years.
June, 2019 to June 30, 2019
It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Hartley went to the Rainbow Bridge last Friday after battling with Neuropathy for the last year. Hartley was a kind and gentle soul who gave us so much love and his life was cut far to short. We only had him for about six short years but those years were packed full of love and joy and we will never forget him. It was with his special and kind nature and love that he filled our hearts which great memories that will live with us forever. I have a few pictures of our special boy that I'd like to share and want to thank MAGSR for the opportunity to adopt such a wonderful dog.
June 6, 2019
Dear All:
It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that we had to let our beautiful Dini (FKA Neecy) go on June 6, 2019. We adopted her September 6, 2006 and she came home with us on the 12th. She was challenging, smart and a wonderful companion. At over 14 years of age, DM and seizures diminished her quality of life and robbed her of her mobility. Of course, we are heartbroken, but satisfied that we gave her the best possible life and let her go with dignity and in her own home: happy, secure and enjoying her favorite treat of ice cream. She was a good girl.
Greg Root and Carol Siegel.
April 27, 2019
In memory of MAGSR alum, Silver, adopted in May 2009. Silver died April 27, 2019 at the ripe old age of 14. A magnificent and majestic friend and guardian. We are grateful to MAGSR for helping us find each other.
April 21, 2019
We are heartbroken to inform you that Lily was diagnosed with metastatic and untreatable cancer in March. With medication we were able to have her with us - and her frail elderly yellow lab companion - still energetic and happy for 5 weeks or so. We then had to let her go in late April so that she would not suffer. She was only 8 having been born 10/10/10
April 15, 2019
We had to put our sweet boy Nash down today. He was 15 and gave us 13 wonderful years. Not sure that we will ever get to the point where we will want to replace him but thank all of you who helped us make him a part of our lives.
Rene Stein
March 30, 2019
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.
March 15, 2019
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!
March 4, 2019
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!
February 1, 2019
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
January 26, 2019
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
January 7, 2019
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
December 15, 2018
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
December, 2018 to December 15, 2018
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!
December 12, 2018
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.
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December 10, 2018
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.
December, 2018 to December 8, 2018
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!
November 20, 2018
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
November 12, 2018
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
May, 2009 to November 12, 2018
Teddy was dearly loved by his family and was taken away by cancer.
October 17, 2018
Archer's family let us know that he was sadly laid to rest in October 2018.
October 16, 2018
We regretfully inform you that our beloved Harley, originally known to MAGSR as Sadie Mae, and also known to us as Teenie Bean, Soft Stuff, and Fuzzy Pumpkin, passed away on October 16th, 2018. Harley had metastatic cancer of the spleen, which was causing her to bleed internally due to a ruptured tumor. The emergency vet told us that although surgery was an option, it was not advisable as it would only prolong her life for a few more weeks, which would likely have been lived in discomfort.
We adopted Harley back on October 26th of 2006. We could tell right away that Harley was very sweet, smart, and funny. She graduated at the top of her obedience school class, and continued to impress us with her understanding and cleverness, especially when it came to sneaking extra food when no one was looking. She adapted well to any change we brought into her life, whether it was moving to a new house, adopting her brother Spartan, or adding human children to our family. She was surprisingly kind and patient with our two toddlers, who alternately saw her as an enchanted stuffed animal or as a small pony that they could try to ride.
Over the years we would occasionally hear that Harley was a weird dog (half the time she thought she was a cat), but I will miss her silly quirks the most, such as her ability to climb on top of any piece of furniture in our house, the way she used to bonk things with her nose to tell us what she wanted, or how she would always arrange her toys and bones into a perfectly straight line. While the loss of Harley causes us tremendous pain, we hope that she is happy wherever she is now, and that she knows how much we loved her and treasured her as a member of our family. We do hope to adopt again in the future, but for now it will take us some time to grieve and to heal, as we will miss the sound of her feet, the smell of her fur, and the feeling of her nose bonking us as we go about our days.
October 1, 2018
It is with a very heavy heart that we must report the loss of our Snoopy.
We adopted Snoopy on March 1, 2003. He would’ve been 16 this Halloween. His MAGSR tag is #774. We loaded up in the car and drove north of Baltimore to see him and he was going to be perfect for us. He was a few months old then, and would go on to live a long life. When he was young, we had a few issues with him that almost ended up with us returning him.
After speaking with MAGSR volunteers at the time, we decided that we would take him to see Wesley for training. This was the best decision ever. After a few lessons from Wesley, Snoopy was a totally different dog. Wesley showed us that he was just trying to be dominant over the smallest person in the family and we could correct that problem. From that day on, my youngest daughter Melanie was the dog trainer. While we were at the training sessions, some of Wesley’s staff said they knew him, and said he was actually born right there in that building. They even showed us the stall where he was born and told us he was actually born on Halloween night.
He went on to rule over the 4 other dogs (dachshund) that we got after him. They would get in his face and bark at him, but he just ignored them. He loved to bark and chase squirrels. When we moved a few years ago, all of the dogs had a much larger area to patrol for squirrels, snakes, rabbits, etc.
A couple years ago we noticed he was moving slower, and his eyesight was starting to go and he was getting dog Dementia. He had arthritis, but not the usual hip issues shepherds have. The vet put him on medicine and he went on like normal. About a year ago, he really started slowing down and then his hearing started to go also. We consulted with the vet numerous times and were monitoring things closely. This past month, he was taking a turn for the worse and on Wednesday October 3rd, we made the decision to end his pain that was starting to show more and affecting his ability to stand and walk.
He will be missed by all of his pack of dogs and humans; we will forever love and miss you Snoopy.
Everett Hovencamp
September 15, 2018
Recently, I emailed MAGSR to let you know that Sastri passed away in September.
We were heartbroken. There will never be any definite answers, but our best guess is that he had DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation disorder).
Thank you for the three short years we were able to share with Sas! He was one of a kind!
September 12, 2018
Little Miss Luna was put to rest this evening with her wonderful adopters. They rushed her to the vet yesterday after what seemed like strokes. They determined she may have swelling in the brain. I received and email from her adopter this evening
It is sad and unfortunate that due to the prognosis, we have decided to lay Luna to rest.
After further speaking w/ both neurologists as well as the ER doctor that cared for her, it seemed like the best alternative for her. The ER vet came upstairs to the Neurologist's office to remove her IV and was in tears about the situation. Seeing such a sweet young girl go through what we experienced last night was tough on everybody. Luna touched not only our hearts, but all hearts for who she met. Our house speaks of Luna. Her toys scattered around the house. Her bed besides our couch for our evening TV / Nap time. The lost sounds of her prancing around the house. I know this may be odd or weird for a lot of people, but this was her home, even for the short time she was with us. She was instantly a part of the family. The cats had even warmed up to her and had all 5 of us sleeping in the same room.
So I hope this goes without saying, this decision was not done lightly. Also please know that her last moments were with me. Laying together at the doctors office. The nurses (vet techs) saw our bond. The doctors cried for us.
While we are not discouraged about adopting another German Shepherd, we are going to take the time and let this sad situation heal in our hearts and in our minds. As we discussed, we are not looking for any preferential treatment when the comes to adopt another. You guys have your mission to help those animals in need, and I refuse to take away from that. So I hope this message finds you well and know that our sweet little girl is not longer hurting, confused, or going through life disorientated. She's in heaven w/ God. Before she left this earth, I asked her to look up our previous dogs and prayed for our past dogs to look after this little girl.
I know this is emotional - but 1) wanted to let you know the truth as well as 2) show how much she meant to us in our short time together. I can only hope that we gave her as much joy as she did us.
Have a great evening, and when the time comes, we'll be in contact regarding the rescue of another German Shepherd.
Thanks,
Robert Adkins
September 10, 2018
It is with with great sadness we share the news that our handsome and regal Sarge has passed over the rainbow bridge. We never knew his true age or story but hope he was happy over the past year and knew how much he was loved. He was with us just over a year and in that short time he trained us well, stole our hearts and absolutely gave us unconditionally love. This special boy found himself as a stray at Hartford County Humane Society on a rescue only status just over a year ago. When I saw his shelter plea and looked into those big brown eyes I knew we had to foster him. Arrangements were made to go meet him (thanks to MAGSR) and from the moment we met him he showered us with kisses and love and we were determined to bring him home with hopes of finding him an amazing forever home all while giving him uncoditional love and the best care possible. The moment he got leashed up at the shelter he never looked back. We brought him home and he easily transitioned in to our pack. Sarge was a one of a kind laid back boy that loved everyone. He was a stubborn old man that was set in his ways and we quickly adapted to his demands to keep him happy. It wasnt long before he was sleeping in our bedroom with the rest of his pack so his foster daddy carried him up the steps each night as he was not able to navigate going up the steps due to an old pelvic injury thar never healed correctly. He would eagerly wait at the bottom of the steps each night to get carried up and then race down the hall to the bedroom and wait for his treat. He was just happy to be a part of our crazy life and we were blessed to share it with him. Captain Sarge you have certainly earned your wings and we pray you are running free without pain and are waiting for us at the rainbow bridge. You will be forever missed. Thank you MAGSR for allowing us to bring him into the safety of the rescue.
September 9, 2018
My beloved Prince crossed the Rainbow Bridge on September 9. I had the amazing fortune of adopting him (then "Oliver") from MAGSR ten years ago, almost to the day when he passed away. I am deeply grateful to them from bringing him into our lives in 2008. Prince was 11 years old and suffering from a variety of ailments, some of which were painful. He was suffering more than he was living, so we made the decision to use a very humane and gentle in-home euthanasia service. My wife and I hugged my bestest buddy in his favorite spot at home as he drew his last breaths.
I will never forget my Big Puppy, the decade I had with him, nor any of his loves in life. He loved me fiercely and protectively, he loved my wife, my son and just about anyone who would give him a tummy rubby, a squeaky toy or a stick. He loved to give sloppy kisses, especially when he knew that something was wrong. He gave me and my wife big kisses as we wept over him on his last day. He could not stand for us to be sad. Prince the Wonder Dog loved to sleep next to me, go running, exploring, chasing deer, walking through the West Virginia woods, digging up rocks and go swimming in the Cacapon River. Early in the morning was never too early for him, and when he would wake me up at 4:00 am with his big, brown eyes and a "CAN WE GO OUTSIDE NOW??" look, I could never say no. My children really don't remember a time when he was not part of our lives.
You, Big Puppy, are no longer on watch as our instinctive guardian. You are now our guardian angel. It’s your time to rest, sweet boy. We love you beyond words and cannot adequately thank you for the immeasurable love you shown upon those who loved you. We miss you so much.
September 3, 2018
We said goodbye to Ace yesterday but I guess the best way to say it is he said goodbye to us. He passed in my arms on the way to the emergency clinic and I know he wouldn't of wanted it any other way. I miss him dearly and always will. His unwavering devotion to me and love must be the true German shepherd spirit. He was constantly always watching me because he didn't want to miss a second of anything I was doing. He loved just being where I was, whether that was traveling, car rides, dog events, get together's or just hanging out, he was there and was there because he was so good with everything and everybody and truly loved it too. I dont think he ever met a person or dog that he didnt like or one that didnt cling to him or love him. Everyone he met was his friend and loved him also. I think in this life the only thing he loved more than me and my son was his love for Kongs and balls. Even with DM, that didnt stop him for wanting to spend endless hours of retrieving. He fought his DM like there was never anything wrong. He wasnt going to let that slow him down and he was still walking at 11 months after the diagnoses. There arent enough words to express how special he was but he was truly a special, special soul. We had an amazing run together and many adventures will be missed with out him. A sweet spirit has gone on to the rainbow bridge to greet all that comes next. He was my dog whisperer and devoted friend. Thank you for entrusting me with this amazing dog. I wish our time was longer but am so grateful for the time we had.