It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Kaya, my shadow and devoted friend. While in my arms and with Nancy present, she was eased into peace by our vet, free from pain and her crippled hind quarters. Kaya was a poster child for adopting older dogs. She had been rescued by Virginia German Shepherd Rescue after a lifetime of 11 years of being chained outside and used as a breeding machine. She came to us as a somewhat fragile and withdrawn survivor. With time, love, a good diet, exercise, and a safe home she grew into a confident, loyal companion and protector. Living up to her German Shepherd heritage, on her last night with us she insisted on being helped up to the second floor so she could guard and protect those that she cared about throughout the night. At the age of 15+ she still had that sparkle in her eye, although increasingly she began to show signs of weariness and awareness of her physical decline.

She was also a great pack-mate to Kage (deceased) and Kolt, making them secure knowing they were in the company of an Alpha female. Not being sure of what lies beyond this existence I sure hope that all my pooches are waiting for me. If it is as I hope, today they got another Angel to run and play with. Thank you, girl, for all your love, devotion, and companionship. Please wait for me. John  10/12/2020

We adopted Kayla (her shelter name was Stella) on August 1, 2014 from VGSR a short time after the passing of a 12 year old GSD we had adopted 8 years earlier from VGSR. Though we did not originally want to adopt an older dog, Kayla was special from the moment we saw her picture. For one thing, she did not look 12 at all. In person it was even more striking: she had the long, lean look of a much younger dog with very soft fur and only a hint of gray around her muzzle. At first we thought she was rather shy but we quickly came to appreciate her dignified manner and lady-like elegance. She was gentle with most people especially children yet she was aloof with most dogs--except for the Jack Russell across the fence whom she waited for each morning and then chased back and forth until they both got tired. “What a beautiful dog” was a frequent comment from our neighbors and the dog walkers I encountered on frequent strolls. We took Kayla everywhere and whether it was a short trip or a long one, she enjoyed the journey. At home, Kayla was always near and we were never out of her line of vision. She slept in our bedroom on a pad right next us. We thought this pleasant routine might last a good, long time. She passed a couple weeks ago suddenly due to internal bleeding of unknown causes or duration. No, it was not the good, long time we expected but it was still a good time. We believe her last year must have been among her happiest; it was certainly a very happy one for us.  John (10-4-15)

It's with a very heavy heart that I'm writing to let you know that another great GSD has travelled over the rainbow bridge on May 19, 2019.

Kayla 1682 came into our lives in May of 2008.  At about a year old and still very skinny at just under 45 lbs, she quickly wormed her way into our hearts.

Already having a yellow lab working as a therapy dog, Kayla immediately took to obedience training and was also a certified therapy dog within about 6 month after being adopted.  From the scared of her own shadow dog she came to us as, she blossomed into a wonder and confident dog.

She took many obedience classes, earning her AKC Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine certifications, and her Trick Dog Novice title.  She also enjoyed scent tracking and Rally - placing 2nd at a AKC practice trial (the judge pointed out she would have placed better but all the errors were made by the human - I apologized to Kayla).

Her DNA test showed that she was 25% German Shepherd, 25% Golden Retriever, 25% we have no idea; 12% ChowChow and 12% Collie.....  this all adds up to 200% shedder....  Kayla liked to leave a little bit of herself wherever she went.

Kayla loved to travel.  Whether it was just a ride to town and back home, to the beach or all the way to Cape Cod.  She was always ready to "load up."

A few days after her 12th birthday she was diagnosed with a tumor on her spleen.  We had 10 more wonderful days with her before the tumor ruptured. The heartbreaking decision was made to let her go over the rainbow bridge.

Kayla is very dearly missed.  Tabby & Robbie Riley

Kodiak George
12/18/2009 -
6/22/2018

Kodiak you are my best friend for eternity and then some. The world is a much better place because you were here. You gave so much to us and I hope you felt the same in return. Your loyalty, love and bravery are legendary Kodi. The nine years you were with us were the best years of my life. If I could of cured your cancer I would of in a heartbeat. Thank you for rescuing me Kodiak, thank you for accepting me and thank you for being my best friend. You showed me what true love is. Kodiak you touched so many people and animals with your kind gentle soul and we all greatly miss your presence here. When it is my time to cross over I hope you are the first person I see Kodiak.
I love you forever Kodiak.

Best friends always,
David

Kolt first came into our lives at the age of 11. He had a sad past of abuse and neglect. This included being surrendered to Animal Control with a 6-pound benign tumor on his shoulder and his nails trimmed so short a vet had to be called in to administer pain meds. My wife had first met him as “Sarge” at the annual VGRS Golf Tournament as he was recovering from the removal of the large tumor. Subsequently, we did a meet and greet with his future pack-mate Kaya (also a VGSR pooch) and all went well. Upon adopting him and finally getting to take him home he was a bit reserved and it took a while for him to realize he was in his forever home. He needed some dental and other surgery to repair and correct some residual effects of his abuse and neglect. He made a good recovery and became very protective of his home and packmate by challenging any critters that happened to invade our home on the television screen, especially horses and camels. He also taught us how to play Kolt-ball, which entailed retrieving a ball while he barks, placing it in front of him and then mock fighting for possession of the ball. He was a very brave soul and often stoic with his residual pain, but never grumpy. We learned to read him and give him pain meds when necessary. He learned that he was loved, and he expressed his love for his forever home and family. He grieved when he lost his pack-mate who had to be put down at the age of 16 due to failing health. In his 15^th month with us he suddenly lost interest in eating and was taken to an emergency vet. Sadly, they discovered a Canine cancer that put him at risk for an immediate suffering death, so to spare him that it was decided to ease him into peace. He passed away with both of us at his side assuring him that he was loved. We are thankful to VGSR for helping Kolt find his way to our home and hearts for 15 months and blessing us with his kind sweet spirit. Our hearts are broken, but we hope that he was met by our pack of pooches that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, especially Kaya, who he continued to look for every time he went outside. Thank you Kolt for your love and laughs, until we meet again.

John and Nancy Streeter