ORIK
Anglo-Saxon word for Ancient Oak Tree
chosen for his strength of character &
for showing us the strength of a dog's love.

1998-99? - April 17, 2002

History: Orik was abandoned on a country road by his previous owner. Finding himself lost and confused, Orik wandered until he found a familiar sight, a truck. The truck belonged to a man who was out fishing. He was very surprised when he returned to find a German Shepherd happily sitting in the back! The man spent days searching for Orik's previous owner to no avail, then turned him into a local shelter who eventually called us. 

Orik was fostered with Chris and Tomas Harriman for 5 months, then circumstances required him to be moved to Karen M's house. Both were loving, caring foster homes who showed Orik what love was all about.

Unfortunately, Orik was diagnosed with kidney failure. Though very unusual for such a young dog, the vet felt perhaps it was from an  infection Orik had earlier in life that went untreated. There was nothing that could be done to cure this and Orik's health began to fail quickly. On April 17, 2002, Orik went to the Bridge. :o(

From Chris and Tomas: We are happy that we gave Orik a chance at a good life. If we hadn't taken him into our home, he would have fallen apart at the shelter. When we got him, he didn't know how to play or even what a treat was! We taught him to play, to enjoy treats and how to be a part of a family. In return, he showered us with love and kisses.  As we repeatedly used to tell him, he was "such a good boy." We miss Orik terribly and hope he knows how much we loved him.

With thanks to Orik's FPiC's David and Marie Moeckel; and Laura Becker for their help in allowing Orik to learn the joys of living in a loving home.

GUNNER
GSRNE #95

1991? - July 22, 2002

From Marie: Gunner was my foster dog for 4 months until he was adopted by Sue and Jim, who fell in love with him immediately upon meeting him!  Gunner came to GSRNE from a shelter, where he had landed because his owners' neighbors all had Golden Retrievers, and these owners decided that they wanted a Golden too.  So Gunner was taken to a shelter, left to an uncertain fate, because he wasn't a Golden Retriever.  Lucky for him, GSRNE was able to take him!

While Gunner was with me, he was the “perfect” dog!  He slipped right into the daily routine that I shared with my dog and he got along with my two cats wonderfully.  He looked forward to our evening walks and enjoyed playing with his toys.   Fostering him was the easiest 4 months of fostering that I’ve ever had.  He had his own “dog bed” to sleep on and once we settled down for the night, he always went right over to it.  He looked so comfortable on it! 

It was hard to see him leave my home, but Sue and Jim gave Gunner a wonderful life where he was loved in the way he always should have been.  I'm glad that I was able to take him into my home... and into my heart, even if it was only for a short time.

Sue and Jim just called to tell me that Gunner past away of a heart attack.  While it was difficult to hear this news because I cared for Gunner so much, I’m so thankful that GSRNE rescued this big boy and asked me to foster him.  And I'm so glad that he was adopted by a couple who adored him and valued him for the wonderful dog he was.

BONNIE
GSRNE #97

1996? - July 27, 2002

With pain in our hearts and tears in our eyes, we are saddened to report that Bonnie bloated and is now at the Rainbow Bridge. I must warn you that her story is heart wrenching. If there are angel  wings for dogs, Bonnie is wearing one of the most beautiful pair now.

LACY

1996? - 9/21/2004

One of GSRNE's wonderful foster dogs
Died of bloat before adoption

So many  people will be disappointed that Lacy's shining spirit has moved on. But she will leave a beautiful glow of memory in our hearts. We love you, Lacy.

Please read about Lacy on her page.

Copyright © Jim Willis 2002,
http://www.crean.com/jimwillis/
all rights reserved

used with permission of the author

OUR HALEY
GSRNE #91

?- Jan. 2005

It is with deep regret and sadness that we have had to put our beloved Haley, GSRNE #91 to sleep.  It was a very painful decision for Elaine and myself to make.  Two years ago we had her x-rayed and our vet informed us that her hips, spine and two front legs were deteriorating very badly.  We tried very hard to make life easier for her, putting her on pain medicine and building a ramp for her to enter the house.  The last two weeks were very difficult for her.  We consulted with our vet., all three of us came to the conclusion, that Haley deserved to be relieved of her suffering.

Haley was adopted by us on July 19, 2000, my birthday.  It was the best gift I have ever received.  She was a well-traveled dog, spending time at Prince Edward Island, Maine, Vermont and Chatham Mass.  Everywhere she went people fell in love with her.  Our granddaughters when they were first learning to speak, their first words were not Peppy and Grammy, but was Haley.

Three times a day she was walked in Cunningham Park, Milton and everyone knew her, including all the caretakers of the park.  During the summer months she attended all the band concerts at our Town Hall.  She even managed to get her picture in the local paper a few times. 

We considered ourselves blessed in having this beautiful girl in our lives.  She brought joy and happiness to us and it is hard to part with her.

Haley is to be buried at Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery in Dedham Mass.  We are going to place a tennis ball with her, because that was her favorite thing, playing with tennis balls.

We want to thank Janice, Karen, Lisa A. and all the members of the GSRNE who were instrumental in giving us the wonderful opportunity in allowing us the privilege of adopting our beautiful girl.

SABER
GSRNE# 08

1992? - February 27, 2003

Saber was my very special boy- I loved him from the moment I first saw him in the window of his GSRNE foster home.  We had a wonderful, too short, six years together; he was about six when he came to live with us.  We could have called him Velcro, had we been naming him ourselves. When he first was adopted by us, he wouldn't leave my side, even when I was in the bathtub!  He was FAT when we first got him (maybe thirty-five pounds over normal weight) and awkward as anything.  After a year or so, he was sleek and beautiful and always ready to please.  We were seldom separated; he stayed with my friend Sue a few times,  for special things like my daughter’s college graduation.  Otherwise, he came with us everywhere.

At Janice Ritter’s suggestion, we took him to obedience training at New England dog training club for a six week session.  Saber and I loved it, and we went almost every Thursday night for those six years.

We had told Janice we wanted a quiet dog who would be content with our inactive life style for 10 hours a day, and ready to run on the 11^th hour, and she found us Saber, who was the perfect match. 

He had many loves - travel in the car, coming on errands with me, walking down the aisles at Staples while I pushed the cart, playing with tennis balls, eating, obedience training, other dogs, special time on the bed with us at night, our daughter Ninian, riding in elevators, meeting my clients, having company when he could stay with us, night time treats, etc.  I was never sure how much he loved his adopted sister Abby (GSRNE# 80);  as she was the boss over him, little white tomboy that she is, and she certainly changed his life.  For one thing, she ran faster than he would left to his own devices, but he loped along after her.  She charged at squirrels, where Saber's style would be to stalk them.  Abby put some pizzaz into his life; he was happily turning very sedate as he hit seven years old.  Her energy pulled him along with her.  (Abby was very sad when he died and took months to recover.)

He was devoted to me in a way I never had before in all my dogs, constantly at my side or at least checking to see where I was when he was running ahead, when he could still run.  He was pretty terrific in the obedience ring, and earned a number of ribbons to show for it.  He had both his CD and his CGC but had to quit going for his next title when his arthritis got too bad to jump.  My favorite show was a German Shepherd show in Central New England in a beautiful country setting, where all the shepherds were lined up in a down stay, and one by one, they got up and broke it, all ten or so of them, until Saber was the only one left in the down stay.  For this, he got his big blue ribbon.

A wonderful, much beloved dog, my "love-bug."

KING
GSRNE #161

 02/19/1995-11/29/2005

You had to endure a hard life until the angels from GSRNE eventually were able to rescue you. You were leashed outside to a tree, flies were biting your ears off and you were afraid of thunder and lightning. You had to wait seven months in a shelter until you found the way to us 02/27/04. And then we had to rush you to Tufts hospital and you barely survived Babesia Canis. It was a big expense for GSRNE but worth every penny of it. I don't know how you managed to keep your gentle, calm, friendly and loving character. You were a fast learner and such a good boy so we returned the crates and you could roam freely in the house. I never saw you aggressive - yes, sometimes you growled a little at the kitty when she got too close to your piece of hard bread - your iron reserve. Otherwise you just enjoyed meeting all humans, especially kids and other animals. I remember the satisfaction you had when I let you run free in the backyard. We were almost afraid you would fall off the stone wall but you always managed to turn in time. Patiently you waited when we were working in the yard and you helped us take a nap after work. We enjoyed countless walks together in the surrounding parks. You loved to come with us on short and long trips. What an adventure is was to climb Mt. Watatuc and play with the other dogs from the Swiss society. Even the long ride to Florida did not bother you. You were with us and all was fine. End of October you were diagnosed with terminally ill lung cancer. We were afraid you would not make it to Florida to our new home. But you stayed with us and had a spoiled retirement. You went peacefully to the rainbow bridge on 11/29/05. Thank you for your time, patience and love. Edith and I miss you and will always remember you until we meet again at the bridge. Rony.

TRIXIE
GSRNE's Wonderful Foster Girl
1997??- January 16, 2006  

A sad  update on Trixie

We all learned so much from getting to know Trixie; the way she gradually came out of her depression (from living alone in her former owner's house for months after he died); the way she allowed herself to trust and love her foster Mom after months of patient and gentle care; her dignity and poise in dealing with her health issues, pain, and loss of mobility.  We were privileged to have the time that we had with her.   Karen McCall, GSRNE Board
read the story of a princess

Olivia with her            Olivia's Adoption
adopted brother,         Picture, 2000
Mackwa

OLIVIA  GSRNE #84
1998, 99??- August 16, 2006

GSRNE is sad to announce that Olivia, GSRNE #84 has passed on. She was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and within just a few weeks she was gone. Fortunately, she was sick only a short time, but everything  happened so fast that her owners, Lisa and Bob, can't believe she is gone. They were at her side and held her until the end. They will be writing a tribute to their special, beautiful girl to share with us soon.

MAVERICK
GSRNE # 117
??-Oct 10, 2005

Mavy crossed the bridge

Maverick gave his all to us for as long as he could and didn't quit despite how tired he really was.  We made a very difficult decision for us, that was the best thing we could have done for Mav, we gave him peace.  A rest from his allergies and itchies and chronic ear infections.  Our boy was never anything less than a PERFECT gentleman and always gave so much more than was ever expected of him.  Loyal and loving to a fault, Mav was my very first male dog and he was a shining star.  We miss you everyday and wish you peace as you join Cocoa and play with the doggie angels.  Thank you, Mav, for everything.

Xander
GSRNE #68
1992- Nov. 5, 2005

After 6 very rewarding years, Saturday brought the final moments for our handsome sweet boy, still standing, with dignity. His hips and hind legs wouldn't hold him up very well at all anymore, and he collapsed often, was getting stuck in his doorless crate (he loved that crate-his own personal wolf den-nice!!) quite a bit, and even the 3 steps out on the deck were getting to be a real problem. It wasn't just the arthritis, but also spondolosis, the same ailment (with a worsening heart condition) that felled our last Shepherd, Casey-1986-99. Xander was partly blind and deaf, but you would hardly have known it. Our friend Alison, a vet, also suspected he may have been suffering from a tumor on his spinal column, as he had an odd way of dragging his right rear paw suddenly, and then recovering, but we never officially had it diagnosed. But it was definitely getting worse. He was just wearing down and out; so tired, so painful to watch. But 13 years is often more than we expect with these big fur balls, and it's a blessing that he had some quality of life until very recently.

Thanks always for introducing us to this very special guy. He wasn't necessarily a dog for everyone, but he certainly was for us.

       
  Eva with her kitty          All ready to go

EVA  GSRNE # 131
1992/93? – June 1, 2006

When I first saw Eva’s picture on the GSRNE website, it was love at first sight. There was something in her eyes that said we were meant to be together.  That was in the summer of 2002 when she was about 9 or 10.  As I got to know her, I began to understand more of her past; her agility when tethered and her heavily callused elbows told me that she had spent most of her life tied up outside with asphalt for a yard.  It was such a delight to watch her run freely and enjoy the freedom of her yard and roll around in the grass. She protected the neighborhood from noisy motorcycles was always on guard looking for them – and successfully chased them all away by running back and forth along her fence.

She adored kitties, took care of her 3 kitty siblings and helped me with fosters for Siamese Rescue of Virginia.  I always wondered if she had had puppies; she enjoyed collecting squeak toy-babies and keeping them safe - several times a day she would check on them to make sure they were all safely tucked in their bed.  She stole an old blanket from the laundry and dragged it to where her babies were – and that was their bed thereafter.  Her goal was to give them each nibble-kisses without making them squeak, if one squeaked she was upset that she hurt it and licked it to make it better.  I think this was the first time she had toys, as she valued each and every thing that was hers, and ‘knew’ each time I came home with a new toy for her, waiting with expectant eyes like a child on Christmas morning.

She enriched my life in so many ways with her smiles and antics; she was a great friend.  I am so glad that I decided to rescue a senior girl, and am thankful that we had such special time together.     

Eire GSRNE #149
Birthday-unknown - 1-14-06

Eire came into my life in the summer of 03. Jenna, my former GSD,  had passed away in the spring of liver cancer. We had 10 years together. It hurt bad to lose her. Eire was left tied to the fence of a GSD breeder, with a note asking for someone to take care of her. She was well cared for, so you have to wonder why someone would do that.

Janice Ritter brought her to me for foster care. Within a week, we both knew it was for keeps. Eire fit in like an old pair of Levis, and made fast friends with Taz the orange tiger cat.

There is a steep hill in my backyard. Eire would walk up to the top and roll over on her back and slide down all summer and fall. Winter came with snow and ice. The weekend after the first storm Eire climbed the hill, rolled over and shot down like a train! The look on her face was worth a million bucks! She did wait until spring to do any more hill sliding.

In the winter of 2005, Eire began having trouble walking. A trip to the vet and 6 x-rays later, we found arthritis and severe Spondylitis in the spine. She was put on Rimadryl and Glyco-flex III. The drugs helped for a while, but she became less mobile as time passed. Saturday 1-14-06, she could no longer walk. Another trip to the vet and I knew it would be for good.

As I held her head and looked in her eyes the last words she heard was “I love you, I love you,” and she was gone.

Arrangements were made for cremation. I had a private viewing and said a final goodbye and watched her being placed in the crematory. Two and a half years is not a lot of time: I wish we had more. The hurt is no less for a shorter time together. This summer I buried her remains in the yard next to Jenna.

Birthday-unknown to passing 1-14-06 Foster sister to Rommel and Rocky. Buddy to Taz (Eire would groom and wash him like a puppy). Best Friend to me.

                                    Blue Skies
                                              To Eire

                                                Danny Thompson  1-20-2006

Christy Ryan, GSRNE #115

Unknown Birthday – January 2004

I truly believe that Christy chose me as much as I chose her.  She was a very gentle soul.  Extremely shy but very proud and dignified.  She loved to play, loved going to work with me, and never said no to a walk.  In the short time we were together she was a wonderful surrogate mom to an eight week old foster pup, a loving companion to a very sick older visiting dog, and joyful playmate to a young male foster dog.  Instinctively she became a kind patient teacher, a quiet gentle companion offering comfort, and an exuberant co-conspirator as needed.  She took on all of these roles as if they were her choice and mastered them beautifully.  As usual with rescue dogs, she had a very rough start.  She was found starving in a park in Connecticut where she had been abandoned as a puppy.  Janice at GSRNE saw her potential and accepted her.  She spent almost a year in foster care and then we became a family.  A very short year and half after that my vet found that she was in kidney failure and two months later Christy told me it was time to let her go.  I will never understand why she had such a short, hard life. My beautiful sweet girl, she was deeply loved and is missed so much I can’t even express it.

Read a lovely tribute to Christy written by Victoria Abrams, GSRNE's previous Foster & Adoption Coordinator, and Board member.

HANK – GSRNE #70

(1996 – 2008)

I was researching German Shepherd Rescue in the US since there were no groups in Canada at that time and found the very best in New England – that’s where I saw Hank.   Somehow that boy knew he was destined to be with Rob.  I’m not quite sure how he did it, but after a few weeks and many many email messages and phone calls, and a 24-hour drive from Toronto to New England and back, the adoption was complete. 

From the minute Hank laid eyes on Rob, no one else in the universe existed for him (other than the nice lady who filled his dishes every day, took him for walks and gave him his special treats).  Everyone in the neighborhood knew about Hank as soon as he “came home”.  He was sure that everyone walking by the house or coming to the door were there to see him and he loved everyone.  Hank welcomed us home every day for more than 8 yrs squeaking his favorite toy; always with an enthusiastic story to tell about the mailman’s visit and what his other dogs and cats had been doing while we were out! 

One of his very favorite things was to hang out with the guys & watch a game on TV.  Hank had his own special chair and if there wasn’t enough seating guests would sit on the floor – no one would sit in Hank’s chair without his okay.  We soon found out that our boy had a particularly special talent; he could tell me when his daddy was about 10 minutes away from the house which was amazing, since Rob never came home at the same time.  It didn’t matter if he had been away business, attending a late meeting, or golfing …. Hank knew when he was near…a psychic link, a bond that will never be broken.  Even if Rob was in a plane, Hank would start to pace just about the time he was coming in for a landing; then the whining would begin in earnest when he was 10 minutes from the front door.  I now have to rely on a phone call since Degenerative Myelopathy robbed me of my “early warning” alert. 

A very BIG thanks to Janice Ritter for having faith in us and breaking the rules just this once so that we could share our life with this extraordinary boy. 

Nancy & Rob Clements, Toronto, Canada.

 

Joe Wex, GSRNE supporter,
adopter and many times foster dad

Greg Richardson, adopter and active volunteer,
with wife Priscilla and GSRNE's Tara

Dear God,

Please remember these few things when taking care of my boy.

He likes to walk back and forth in the pond, chasing the fish, watching close for you to reel in the "big one." He will then "hold" the stringer for you. Please take him fishing.

The lizards in the tree stumps won't be safe anymore, so you'd  better hide the lizards. If you put dog bones in your robes, he will "wave" at you until you give him one. Give him two.

His day bed is the one closest to the fireplace. If there is a female lying in it he will come and rest his head on your knee until you remove her. His bedtime is 8 pm; please help him up the stairs.

Don't leave freshly baked pies on the counter, no matter how crippled he becomes, he will always eat it. Blueberry is his favorite, with just a little cinnamon.

If there is a child in the water he will bring it out, especially if it is having a good time. If there is a small child walking with a cracker, he will keep the child from overeating. Please give him a child to follow.

Don't leave any ladders leaning against your house, he will be found on the roof. I hope there is a playground nearby with lots of kids, he will wait his turn at the slide, and bark when he gets to the bottom.

Be careful when you spell out words like "C-A-R  R-I-DE" and  "E-A-T," even "B-U-N-N-Y." He knows how to spell so you had better be ready to follow through. When you take him on a trip, and stop to rest, just tell him to "be a good Boy," he will lift his leg whether he has to go or not. He can't "go" with a leash on, it makes him cough.

 He can't go for a walk without his Dummy in his mouth, he likes the orange one the best. He can't make it past the gate and please walk slow.

The top of his head will become pointed if you don't kiss it often during the day. Then his hats won't fit. He can't sleep unless he is on the right side of the bed.

When you give him a marrow bone, make sure his mom is there, too; he likes to use her back as a table and get her all slimy.

If you tell him to "stay," make sure you come back to release him or he will stay there for days.

During the football games, if you get a chip, he gets a chip. He doesn't like the nuts with the shell on them, peel them please.

If you go to the lake then stop for ice cream on the way home, he always gets the first lick and then the bottom of the cone too.

Don't use a Buoy to tie off your boat, he will spend all afternoon trying to drag it to shore. If you take him
camping, he has to sleep between you and Mrs. God, on the softest part of the foam pad.

Don't get mad at him when you come home and his head is in the dog food bin.  He has to stretch his stomach muscles every now and then.

That's all for now God. Tell him we love him, miss him and hope he likes the food up there."

~from all loving dog owners

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Please call our 24-hour hotline at (978) 443-2202

GSRNE, Inc.;  P.O. Box 299 ;  Wayland, MA 01778

    Last Updated:     03/19/2008