Kado (AKA Storm) joined our family in March of 2011 when his owner was literally preparing to abandon him in a rural farming area. He was older (11 years) suffering from DM and his owner was away from their home most of the day. It was a very rewarding adoption, even though we knew it would be somewhat short. From the very beginning he became fast friends with his new pack mates, Kage’ (VGSR, AKA Jet) and Kumo (VGSR, AKA GG). He also responded quite well to the improved diet, exercise, vet care and attention. He was extremely loyal and both showed and sought affection. The pack of three often stayed together and it was clear that they looked out for each other. He had to be assisted to climb the stairs to the bedroom and joined us every night, until the very end. For the short period of time that he could not climb stairs his female pack mate Kumo slept nearby so he would not be alone.  His DM took a severe turn for the worst and he “crashed” suddenly and suffered an onset of paralysis of his rear legs and other related problems and was in obvious emotional distress.  On April 12, 2012, while being cradled by us, he was gently eased into peace by our vet. Kado was a kind, gentle soul who left this realm loved. Even Kumo, his female pack mate, slept by his first floor spot for a few nights after his passing. It was a short year, but it was a good year for both Kado and all who cared for him. Remember Kado you’ll always be loved and have a home with us in our hearts.  

We strongly encourage you to consider adopting an older dog; you’ll likely find that the quality of joy you give and receive will make up for the quantity of time.

 John and Nancy Streeter

It is wi​th a broken heart that I share the passing of Kage, who with the help of Dr. Shamblin and Vet Tech, peacefully passed away in my arms after being overwhelmed by Degenerative Myelopathy.  With us from 2008 to 2019, he was rescued from a puppy mill by Virginia German Shepherd Rescue and found his way to Nancy and me. We were the third party to adopt him as he had to be re-rescued after being chained outside by one adopter and then allowed to be abused by the larger adult dog of the second adopter.  He served as a mental health therapy dog in my practice at the Shenandoah Women’s Center from 2008-2012 and helped several hundred women and men in their journey of recovery from sexual assault, domestic violence, incest, stalking, and childhood abuse and neglect. His service included saving me from harm from a male client having an episode of explosive rage when he defused the incident by showing that he unconditionally loved the client and helped the client instantly switch from rage to crying, calm, self-acceptance, and healing. Retiring with me in 2012, he missed his job, and when visitors came to my home and sat on the couch, he readily lay down beside them, ready to dispense his unconditional love and comfort. He also served as the “ears” for Kami (hearing impaired), another rescue from VGSR, and was loved by her until she passed away due to illness. He was with her when the vet eased her into peace and made us all cry when he got up and licked her face. In fact, he was a beloved pack mate to four older rescues from 2008 to present. Thank you Kage for your courage, service, and love. I hope you are at peace and happily reunited with our pack. Please wait for me, buddy. Semper Fi.

On 10 August, 2015, Kami, the princess of our pack, passed away  peacefully in my arms, in the presence of several who loved her, and with a caring and gentle vet. She was in the presence of her pack-mate, 'Kage’, who licked her face when the vet gave her the first of two injections. In the picture, she’s kissing him. Her mind was still clear, but her body was failing her in multiple systems and the pain was breaking through the meds, with no opportunity but a worsening of symptoms. So with a heavy heart I had to let her know I loved her enough to end her pain.

One of the most loyal dogs I ever had, her space is empty by my chair and  bed, but her love and memories still fill my heart. We were glad to give her a loving and safe home for almost three years.

Her previous owner, an older gentleman, passed away and his daughter dumped her at the pound. Fortunately, she was rescued by Virginia German Shepherd Rescue and eventually came to us. I suspect that he might have passed away in her presence because for her first two weeks with us she would wake me by nuzzling my arm or face at exactly 2:00 a.m. I would just have to pet her and she would go right back to a restful sleep. I hope he is there to greet her and that she will be happy at seeing him again. Kami was older for the breed, but I would still recommend older dogs, the quality of love that you receive I feel makes up for the lesser time.

Please wait for me girl, I hope you will be there with the rest of the  pack when my time comes. Semper Fi.

7/4/21 Sadly, I share the passing of Kara at 1:00 p.m. today. She came to us via New River Rescue and Virginia German Shepherd Rescue after being abandoned in an industrial park. Kara bore the traits of past abuse and neglect and was considered hard to adopt because she had epilepsy. She became fast friends with her pack-mate Koko and tolerated being treated as a puppy by Koko’s face licking and flea biting. Although the details of her past are unknown, Kara came to love her new house and always ran to the door to go inside when released from a walk or car ride. She often preferred to relax in the sunroom over most other activities. She was slow to trust, but once she realized she could trust and was loved she stuck like glue. Saturday Nancy awakened to Kara having a seizure and I rushed her to Mt. View Emergency Veterinary Hospital where she was admitted at about 4:00 a.m. Considered stable she was released only to have to be readmitted within a few hours upon the return of accelerating Grand Mal seizures in terms of frequency and intensity. So today, when even heavy sedation and heroic efforts by the vets and vet techs could not fend off the violent seizures, it was decided to give her peace and freedom. Amidst tears I told her it was okay to come back to “her house” as she started her new journey and that she would always be loved. Koko is also grieving and in the chaos of Kara’s Grand Mal seizures at home attempted to comfort her by some face licks. While we are sad, we are glad that Kara is free from her suffering and know she will be welcomed by our spiritual pack. Semper Fi Girl.  John and Nancy Streeter

It was with great sadness and unbearable grief that we had to say goodbye to Kasha on Saturday, August 23.  Kasha was our first rescue.  She came bounding into our lives at just 8 weeks old in 2002.  She was almost 13 and we were privileged to love her for over 12 ½ years.  

She had a very happy life and loved life and nature.  Her favorite thing above all else was to go for a walk and she would walk as far as her feet would carry her.  She was very healthy for 12 full years.  She was so full of life and love and loved her people more than anything.  She was such a strong dog, it was hard to watch such a noble creature get old and weak.  But after a while it became the new normal, even when she had trouble on the stairs we would help her up.  

This summer her mobility decreased so badly that she could no longer go on the walks she loved so much.  We still let her enjoy the outdoors in our yard, but she had to do so lying down.  We poured our love and attention into her and this sufficed for a while and kept her in good spirits until she was just too tired and too weak.  She stopped getting up and stopped eating and was no longer enjoying any part of life anymore.  

It was then we decided it was her time to cross over the Rainbow Bridge to wait for us.  It will be very hard to wait to see her again as she took a part of my heart and soul with her when she left this world in my arms.

Angie Case