Sheldon
GSRNE #329
2007? – 5/27/15 

We are so sad to report that Sheldon has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  He had stopped eating and drinking and he started peeing in the house, so his owner took him to the vet. They found a large tumor on his spleen, and they said that operating to remove the tumor would probably only extend his life a couple of months. It was decided that the kindest thing was to put him to sleep without prolonging his suffering.

Sheldon was a very friendly, sweet boy. He is sorely missed by both his human and dog family members. His dog pal Josie has missed him acutely, wandering around the house, sniffing Sheldon’s leash and collar and whining.

Rest in peace, dear Sheldon.

Calli
GSRNE #151
2001 – 6/10/15 

It is with broken hearts that we report that Calli died on Wednesday June 10th.

Both Calli and I got salmonella, and she wasn’t doing too well to begin with. She had lost a lot of weight and she was real skinny. The salmonella was too much for her at her age (14 years old). But she went out memorably… As she was dying, I tried to put some water in her mouth to make her more comfortable. She chomped down on my hand biting my finger. She died later that day, lying in her favorite place in the front hall.

We miss her every day. But we feel we gave her the best life a dog could ever want. She and I went on an hour-long hike in the woods 340 days a year. Only heavy rain or snow kept us from our hike. She also was our official farm dog. She would supervise me and keep an eye out for coyotes as I worked on my farm. I’m going to really miss that. And even though she got lots of love, it was food that made her the most happy. She did real well on that too. It’s good to live with a Johnson and Wales chef in the house.

Thank you for giving us an unbelievably great dog that we had for 11 years.

Ed & Linda

Coda (Kasper)
GSRNE #304
2006 – March 2015  

I wanted to send you a note to let you know with great sadness that Valerie and I have had to say goodbye to Coda. He sustained a Carpal Hyperextension injury and fractures to both of his front legs. His prognosis was unfortunately not very good. The surgeon, due to his size and age, thought that surgery was probably not in Coda’s best interest. At best he would have a year or more of recovery and still might not be able to support himself and walk without pain.

Valerie and I made the very difficult choice to say goodbye to Coda, as we felt this was the best choice for him. Maybe not the best choice for us, as we miss him very much, and losing him has left a very large hole in our hearts. We loved Coda as a part of our family and he will always be in our hearts.

– Todd and Valerie

Snow White
GSRNE #281
2002 – March 2015 

  Snow White came to GSRNE as an owner surrender at age 7 in 2009, and she was adopted in January 2010. She was a beautiful girl and much loved by her original owner, who had to give her up due to illness. Her new family loved her, and will miss her dearly.  Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Storm GSRNE #247
2002? – 3/11/2015  

She came to us when she was 7 years old from a home where she was expected to stay under the kitchen table and out of the way when her owner was angry. (Something we can never understand…) When she came out one too many times he threatened to shoot her. Afraid he may do her harm someday the woman called GSRNE… She asked us to take her and place her in a home where she would be both loved and safe.

The minute we met her we fell in love… She was so pretty and very affectionate. Storm loved her belly rubs and her toys; she was great with other dogs and good with cats. We thought she was perfect! She was adopted by a wonderful family with children and an 8 year old GSD sister named Lilly. It brings us much comfort knowing she certainly had a lot of love and attention during the rest of her days… Her owner told us:

“I had hoped and prayed I would not have to write this email for some time yet. Unfortunately, Storm’s schedule was different than mine and, as such, the news I must share is bittersweet. I apologize for the delay in writing but it’s taken a couple of days to get to the point where I could even do this. On March 11th we had the incredibly painful task of having to let Storm go. The first sign was Lilly’s constant attention to Storm–she stayed by her side and snuggled with her throughout the journey. I’ve come to recognize this as a sign something is very wrong and usually the end is near. Ultimately, the boys and I felt allowing her to pass in peace was best for her. Lots of tears were shed and I held her throughout the procedure–she was never alone and was constantly reassured of our love for her. She was so incredibly sweet, trusting, calm, and peaceful throughout her ordeal… I have no doubt she knew all that was happening to her and for her. And was at peace with it all. Her remains will be returned to us later this week.”

“Until we meet again… You were loved more than you will ever know… You’re forever in our hearts.”
Love GSRNE’s ‘Storm’

Bella
GSRNE #162
? – 3/9/15 

Bella #162 crossed the bridge this Monday. She was a very sweet and kind girl. Bella came into our lives in 2004 and quickly became a big part of our family. At the time we adopted Bella we had a Shar Pei, Vinnie. They had so much fun together. Throughout the years Bella has helped us raise another Shar Pei, Sophia, and our current boxer, Cecil. We lost the Shar Peis much too young to Shar-Pei fever, but while they were with us, Bella had so much fun with them.

Good night dear Bella you will be missed so much.

Julee, Bob and Cecil

Pako
GSRNE #177
12/3/04 – 2/21/15 

My boy Pako lost his battle with leukemia this morning. My heart is broken. I adopted him almost 10 years ago. He was an awesome boy. He met so many people at GSRNE and GSRRC events. He helped me on many home checks for both prospective adopters and foster homes. He was a great ambassador for his proud breed. He was GSRNE 177, but to me he was my Pako Taco and papa’s best little boy. I will miss him terribly. There is a big hole in my heart. I want to thank all of you who prayed for him during his treatments. I held him right to the end. Run free baby boy. See you again someday.

This is our favorite photo of him… With his beautiful sister Riley playing fetch with their Dad on a warm summer day. Young, healthy and happy, thriving and so loved. You were so special to us. We will miss you Pako, you helped so many other dogs, rescues and shelters. It was our pleasure to share you with all of them. It helps our hurt knowing you’re with your sister at the bridge…

Cody
GSRNE #411
2006? – 2/22/2015 

Eleven days ago we happily announced that ‘Cody’ had been adopted. Today with great sadness we’ve been told he has CROSSED THE BRIDGE…

Cody had recently been diagnosed with Lymphoma but was doing well. His Mom told us this morning that Cody had been panting heavily through the night, didn’t want to eat yesterday morning and just lay down in the snow when she took him out to relieve himself. She brought him to the hospital and the doctor told her Cody was suffering from fluid pressing on his lungs and it was starting to build up in his abdomen. The doctor informed her that she could drain the fluid, but it would build up again. Then she asked the question we all dread hearing; “How much do you want to put him through?” Of course none of us ever want our beloved pets to suffer and she made the difficult decision to free him from his pain…

Last summer Cody was picked up as a stray by an ACO and when she took him to be examined by a vet; he had severe infections in both ears, bare spots on his back, neck and tail and was walking with difficulty. The ACO said she doubted anyone would be looking for him and would probably have to euthanize him when the 10 days were up. Fortunately for Cody, the vet knew that one of her clients is an active member of GSRNE and asked her to find out if we could help him. One of our members offered to be his temporary foster home, if we didn’t have one available, and we were able to bring him into our rescue in June. This member fostered Cody for 7 months and adopted him 11 days ago to make him her own. No adopter could have loved Cody more than she did. Always happiest just laying by her side with one of his toys.

Take care, little buddy. We’ll see you on the other side.

Dixie
GSRNE #263
2008 – 1/20/2015  

“Dogs just know when their loved… even at the end, when their pain becomes too much to bear and we help them to find rest.”

It is with great sadness that we announce that ‘Dixie’ GSRNE #263 has crossed the bridge. Adopted in June 2009, Dixie was 11 months old when she came to GSRNE. She was a beautiful black and red, playful pup who had lots of energy. She was smart, full of life and had so many great qualities — she was truly a wonderful girl. Her life was happy, filled with many get-togethers in the warm summer months by her family’s pool and daily walks and errands in the car. Sadly at just six years of age, she was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and passed over the rainbow bridge on January 20th.

Hearing a beloved dog has Hemangiosarcoma is about one of the worst things that can happen to any family/dog owner. The decision to end a life is never easy. It takes much courage. it’s a very hard and loving decision – letting go of a pet that has given so much love and companionship. We always hope our dogs, once adopted, will live a long happy life and pass of old age. Our sweet Dixie was not one of them but, we are grateful she had six happy years. We love you Dixie girl! Till we see you again… wait for us at the rainbow bridge.