JT

It was with complete shock and profound sadness that I said goodbye to JT this morning.  He came to live with me when he was 11 months old and has been my constant companion for the last 11 years.  I feel lost without him; like a part of myself is gone.  He was a happy, high energy dog and Frisbee player extraordinaire.  He was perfect in every way, and sometimes his spirit just seemed too big to contain in his physical body.  Athena and I are completely heartbroken.  Until we can all be reunited, good journeys….

Sadly,    Bonnie

Juno (Emily 1898)
9-21-20. It is with great sorrow that we write to you to tell you that our girl Juno (Emily #1898) passed away last week. Juno came to live with us here at the beach in October 2008. We had 12 wonderful years with this amazing dog. When she came to live with us she was underweight and heartworm positive. Thanks to the great care she got at VGSR and our local vet, Juno recovered and gained weight and muscle quickly. Juno was an alpha dog, with a big personality! Everyone on the beach knew Juno. She made wonderful dog buddies on our daily walks by the ocean. She loved running into the waves and playing with her friends. But, chasing and rough housing with her Doodle buddy, Quigley, was her favorite thing to do. It was a love affair from the very start that lasted throughout her life. We loved Juno so much and are missing her every day. Thank you for giving us the chance to welcome this amazing companion into our life. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity to share our home with her. Christine Morris & Tom Kochaba

Kado

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

Kage (Jet 1861)

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.

Kami

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.