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Rainbow Bridge
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It's with a very heavy heart that I'm writing to let you know that another great GSD has travelled over the rainbow bridge on May 19, 2019.
We adopted Kayla (her shelter name was Stella) on August 1, 2014 from VGSR a short time after the passing of a 12 year old GSD we had adopted 8 years earlier from VGSR. Though we did not originally want to adopt an older dog, Kayla was special from the moment we saw her picture. For one thing, she did not look 12 at all. In person it was even more striking: she had the long, lean look of a much younger dog with very soft fur and only a hint of gray around her muzzle. At first we thought she was rather shy but we quickly came to appreciate her dignified manner and lady-like elegance. She was gentle with most people especially children yet she was aloof with most dogs--except for the Jack Russell across the fence whom she waited for each morning and then chased back and forth until they both got tired. “What a beautiful dog” was a frequent comment from our neighbors and the dog walkers I encountered on frequent strolls. We took Kayla everywhere and whether it was a short trip or a long one, she enjoyed the journey. At home, Kayla was always near and we were never out of her line of vision. She slept in our bedroom on a pad right next us. We thought this pleasant routine might last a good, long time. She passed a couple weeks ago suddenly due to internal bleeding of unknown causes or duration. No, it was not the good, long time we expected but it was still a good time. We believe her last year must have been among her happiest; it was certainly a very happy one for us. John (10-4-15) 
Kodiak George Best friends always, 
Kolt first came into our lives at the age of 11. He had a sad past of abuse and neglect. This included being surrendered to Animal Control with a 6-pound benign tumor on his shoulder and his nails trimmed so short a vet had to be called in to administer pain meds. My wife had first met him as “Sarge” at the annual VGRS Golf Tournament as he was recovering from the removal of the large tumor. Subsequently, we did a meet and greet with his future pack-mate Kaya (also a VGSR pooch) and all went well. Upon adopting him and finally getting to take him home he was a bit reserved and it took a while for him to realize he was in his forever home. He needed some dental and other surgery to repair and correct some residual effects of his abuse and neglect. He made a good recovery and became very protective of his home and packmate by challenging any critters that happened to invade our home on the television screen, especially horses and camels. He also taught us how to play Kolt-ball, which entailed retrieving a ball while he barks, placing it in front of him and then mock fighting for possession of the ball. He was a very brave soul and often stoic with his residual pain, but never grumpy. We learned to read him and give him pain meds when necessary. He learned that he was loved, and he expressed his love for his forever home and family. He grieved when he lost his pack-mate who had to be put down at the age of 16 due to failing health. In his 15th month with us he suddenly lost interest in eating and was taken to an emergency vet. Sadly, they discovered a Canine cancer that put him at risk for an immediate suffering death, so to spare him that it was decided to ease him into peace. He passed away with both of us at his side assuring him that he was loved. We are thankful to VGSR for helping Kolt find his way to our home and hearts for 15 months and blessing us with his kind sweet spirit. Our hearts are broken, but we hope that he was met by our pack of pooches that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, especially Kaya, who he continued to look for every time he went outside. Thank you Kolt for your love and laughs, until we meet again.
John and Nancy Streeter 
Kumo (VGSR 2203, AKA “GG” which stood for Good Girl) was found as a stray in 2008. She had been abused and her damaged shoulders and hips were never tended to and caused her to walk with some difficulty. Her age could only be estimated as she had worn her teeth down in frustration, probably from being kept in a small enclosure. She was adopted by us in the summer of 2008 and became fast friends with Kage who was also adopted a few weeks earlier, and he too had a sad history. She was stoic and loyal and often gave a canine smile and head flick when she was happy. She set the rules for her pack – no running was allowed in the house. She would yelp her displeasure at one or both of her male pack mates until they stopped. Kumo was also lovingly stubborn and got a twinkle in her eye when acting so. When an older (11-year-old) GSD with DM joined the pack she remained on the first floor of our home with him throughout the night when he was no longer able to navigate the steps to the second floor. Even after his passing she slept by his spot for a few days before joining us in our bedroom. It should be noted that from the beginning she had to be assisted up the stairs, but always wanted to be with her family/pack. She successfully beat her first bout with cancer, being in remission for 6 months. When the cancer returned she reacted poorly, even to very conservative treatment targeting her pain. A bit stingy in showing affection she displayed the surprising depth of her love when we had to leave her for one night at a vet E.R. due to dehydration. She did not hold back at all again when we took her home the next day. Sadly, the downhill slide ended on June 11, 2012 when she was eased into peace by our vet while we cradled her. The most difficult part was that she never gave up, but her body failed to keep up with her strong spirit that never lost that twinkle in her eye. Kumo will always be in our hearts, but missed so much. Thank you, Girl, for the love and laughs that you shared with us. John and Nancy Streeter Click a letter to find an animal or view all.
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