Raven Stewart  Born 3/17/2014, Adopted 3/10/2018, Crossed Over 6/18/2021. 

I adopted Raven from VGSR on March 10, 2018 when she was nearly 4 years old. She was my second adopted shepherd after losing my beloved Sammie after 13 years. Raven was a big, beautiful, confident girl. She was a bit stubborn at first, wanting to do things her way in her time, earning herself the nickname "Knucklehead". She did eventually come to trust me and the bond was strong.  We spent a lot of time walking and hiking in Lake Fairfax Park and the paths here in Reston.   She loved to play fetch but I discovered early on that she had a passion for sticks as well.  Not just fetching them but breaking them up into small pieces. This could go on for several minutes and then she would stop and look up at me, so proud of her work!  I also discovered that she liked to swim one day when we stopped for a drink at the creek. I had hoped to get her to a place where she could swim freely off leash but, alas, we ran out of time.   

She was a big hit with my elderly Mother, accompanying me always on my semi-weekly visits. Mom would get her howling, another talent that Raven frequently engaged in upon hearing sirens. Raven was always happy to oblige earning a share of Mom's meal (a big no-no but how do you say no to a 93 yr old?). 

Raven accompanied me on a few other trips and was liked by every person she met.  Other dogs, not so much, but that was okay because she was an only dog. Late last fall I started noticing her favoring her left leg and she was diagnosed with a CCL tear.  She had surgery Dec 31st and after 2 months of recovery she was good as new, back to running and playing fetch. 

Things were great until mid May when her appetite started waning.  She was never terribly food motivated and would occasionally skip meals, but this was becoming too regular.  I took her to the vet and received the devastating news that her chest was full of cancer.  Two weeks later I let her go to cross over the rainbow bridge. 

We made a good team and I have a lot of memories to cherish.  She was my salvation during this last year of social isolation and I am forever grateful for her companionship.  I miss her by my side but she has left indelible footprints on my heart . I look forward to the day when we will be reunited.   Paula

We had him for 4 years and he was a very much loved member of our family. He was such a sweet and gentle soul and he passed peacefully during the night of November 16, 2021. It was unexpected even though he had some health issues, I thought we still had more time. He is no longer in pain. Thanks VGSR for saving him and allowing us to adopt him.

RIP 6/18/16 - 2/27/21
Ramey was a good, beautiful dog who was rescued from the shelter, fostered and adopted, developed serious medical issues and came back into foster care. Sadly his medical problems caused him to lose his life too early, but he was given much love and care with the rescue. 

With breaking hearts and our eyes flowing with tears we laid with our Ruger VGSR #4303, aka known as Our Gentle Giant and Big Boy, as he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday 9/21/2024 around 12:45 pm.

Ruger was our first foster and our first “foster fail”.   We knew the minute we picked him up from Sharon Knox in the Lake Wright parking lot that he was a very special boy and a big boy as well at 100lbs worth!  He hopped out of the car headed straight for us, tail wagging and excited to meet us even though he had never laid eyes on us. That is how our Ruger lived his life; he was an ambassador extraordinaire for our family.  Ruger never meet a stranger he greeted everyone who entered our home, be it adults, children, or animals with a gentle demeanor a wagging tail and an air of love and warmth.  Ruger was the epitome of perfection. He was beautiful physically, extremely smart, obedient, a loving loyal and dedicated companion to us and our family, who would have willingly given his life if need be to protect us.  Ruger turned 11 years old this past May.  We were truly blessed to have had this very Special Boy with us and to have been the recipients of his love and devotion for the past 8 years.  He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing this kind soul!!

We love you Sweet Boy, you will forever live on in our hearts…Run Free.

Mom and Dad

Our much beloved Rocky passed away peacefully here at home on his favorite bed on January 24th 2018. He was a wonderful companion and member of our family for almost 11 years. He was a beautiful boy in spirit and loved everyone and everyone loved him too. He was simply wonderful.    Pam