Jake 4263
4/24/2013 – 4/29/2022 We lost our buddy, Jake, this past week due to mast cell cancer. It was his second battle with this cancer, and this time it was very aggressive, and not treatable. He came to us in January 2015 as a very scared 18 month old pup. Timid, he knew nothing about the world other than his own pen on a rural farm. He quickly learned to enjoy pack walks with our other GSDs, runs in the yard, and chilling next to us. While he was always initially unsure of new fosters he quickly learned to treat them as friends, and taught them all to howl at sirens. He was a gentle, shy boy, who loved his family and had a big bark to warn all UPS trucks to stay away. He will always be loved and missed by all of us. Randy, Veronica, Willow, Lexi and Greybe kitty.

Jasper 2948

JT

It was with complete shock and profound sadness that I said goodbye to JT this morning.  He came to live with me when he was 11 months old and has been my constant companion for the last 11 years.  I feel lost without him; like a part of myself is gone.  He was a happy, high energy dog and Frisbee player extraordinaire.  He was perfect in every way, and sometimes his spirit just seemed too big to contain in his physical body.  Athena and I are completely heartbroken.  Until we can all be reunited, good journeys….

Sadly,    Bonnie

Juno (Emily 1898)
9-21-20. It is with great sorrow that we write to you to tell you that our girl Juno (Emily #1898) passed away last week. Juno came to live with us here at the beach in October 2008. We had 12 wonderful years with this amazing dog. When she came to live with us she was underweight and heartworm positive. Thanks to the great care she got at VGSR and our local vet, Juno recovered and gained weight and muscle quickly. Juno was an alpha dog, with a big personality! Everyone on the beach knew Juno. She made wonderful dog buddies on our daily walks by the ocean. She loved running into the waves and playing with her friends. But, chasing and rough housing with her Doodle buddy, Quigley, was her favorite thing to do. It was a love affair from the very start that lasted throughout her life. We loved Juno so much and are missing her every day. Thank you for giving us the chance to welcome this amazing companion into our life. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity to share our home with her. Christine Morris & Tom Kochaba

Kado

Kado (AKA Storm) joined our family in March of 2011 when his owner was literally preparing to abandon him in a rural farming area. He was older (11 years) suffering from DM and his owner was away from their home most of the day. It was a very rewarding adoption, even though we knew it would be somewhat short. From the very beginning he became fast friends with his new pack mates, Kage’ (VGSR, AKA Jet) and Kumo (VGSR, AKA GG). He also responded quite well to the improved diet, exercise, vet care and attention. He was extremely loyal and both showed and sought affection. The pack of three often stayed together and it was clear that they looked out for each other. He had to be assisted to climb the stairs to the bedroom and joined us every night, until the very end. For the short period of time that he could not climb stairs his female pack mate Kumo slept nearby so he would not be alone.  His DM took a severe turn for the worst and he “crashed” suddenly and suffered an onset of paralysis of his rear legs and other related problems and was in obvious emotional distress.  On April 12, 2012, while being cradled by us, he was gently eased into peace by our vet. Kado was a kind, gentle soul who left this realm loved. Even Kumo, his female pack mate, slept by his first floor spot for a few nights after his passing. It was a short year, but it was a good year for both Kado and all who cared for him. Remember Kado you’ll always be loved and have a home with us in our hearts.  

We strongly encourage you to consider adopting an older dog; you’ll likely find that the quality of joy you give and receive will make up for the quantity of time.

 John and Nancy Streeter