With profound sadness we bid farewell to our sweet Duchess on Friday.  Duchess came to us as a foster nearly 4 years ago (some of the Springfield adoption event folks might remember her).  We had the very good fortune of being adopted by Duchess, who was a spritely 11-12 years old at the time.  We could go on and on about our loving, gentle, regal girl.  We are immensely thankful for every moment we had.

Duchess was awesome.

-Jacqie Todt & Nic DiPalma

RIP 3/14/06 - 11/25/13
Ebony came into rescue 10/7/11 and was diagnosed with Mega-Esophagus in Nov of 2011.  Despite the best medical care and lots of love, she did not survive the problems associated with her illness.

RIP 1/5/20 - 8/31/20
Sweet Emma was surrendered by her owner who loved her very much, but could not afford the medical testing she needed. VGSR brought her in to foster care and sent her to a specialist. Sadly Emma could not be saved, but she was loved a lot during her short life.

Eva The Megaesophagus Wonder Girl passed away June 6, 2019. She had recently celebrated her 8th birthday on April 29!! She had gone from a small, emaciated puppy to a senior citizen with a gray muzzle, adorable and loving as ever.

During her lifetime, Eva's journey was a source of information and inspiration to so many other dog owners whose dogs had Megaesophagus. We were on many Facebook support groups and Eva even had her own Facebook page in order to spread awareness of this disorder. I have had so many comments from FB people who say that their dogs would not be alive today if it wasn't for the information that I gave them about Eva's journey and for Eva's fighting spirit. Eva had fans worldwide. Pretty good for one so small and petite!

I believe Eva was born with this disorder and eventually came to me so that she and I could be teachers and an inspiration to others. I believe that was her mission and she fulfilled it beautifully, passionately, gracefully, humorously!! She escaped euthanasia twice and I believe it was for this purpose. Most veterinarians still give these dogs poor odds, saying they could never have any quality of life. And they usually recommend euthanasia. Eva had a very severe case of this disorder and we proved that even so, a dog could live a long happy life!!

Everyone who ever met her adored her. She loved everybody she met, greeting them with lots of tail wags and kisses!! What a joy and an honor it was to be a part of her life!! I am so glad she chose me to be her mom and to spread awareness and inspiration!    Love Sue

In memory of Florence, who was brave. (December 2020)

Florence most assuredly had a rough life before she was rescued by Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR). Emaciated, teeth rotted, terrified, largely hairless and covered in sores, sunken eyed, forlorn — she came with all of hallmarks of a neglected and abused life. 

Florence left us today, taken less than four years after she became our girl and even though she was just a “fun sized” wee lass, there is a giant sized hole in our hearts. But we continue to be inspired by how far she came...

Flo learned to come out from under the table at adoption events -- it took a lot of cookies, but she snagged a home in the process...Flo learned that humans don't have to be scary -- becoming brave enough to approach strangers and veterinarians, and to take (yes) cookies from our kind neighbors...

Flo learned that our then dog walker -- the type of large bearded man that terrified her -- was not a reason to go to DEFCON 1 (again, cookies)...Flo learned to be a star graduate of obedience school -- just to build confidence, because she was already a good girl...

Flo learned to be a dog -- a big goof who liked to run and play and throw toys (especially her beloved duck) and wrestle and be part of a pack...Flo learned to be a champion fetcher -- fleet of foot and good at the on-the-fly pickup...

Flo learned to be an alpha, leading our dog pack after our beloved Newfie Chow Buddy handed her the reins...Flo learned that the world can be a place of joy and humans kind...realities she acknowledged with her sweet smile and full body wiggles...Her VGSR foster told us a lovely story of a young child who, seeing Flo’s extreme shyness, comforted her by telling her that she was brave deep down inside. As it turns out, it was true. We felt truly blessed to see her smile or play or wiggle because it meant that Flo knew that she was safe and loved. Her foster named her Florence...which means to blossom.

And, boy did she ever, our brave girl