Sad News

I'm writing to let you know our sweet Kenley who we adopted February, 2016 has died. Kenley got sick very fast and we had her put to sleep Monday evening June 3. She is our second MAGSR dog and she was sweet and goofy. She was always ready to let us know when someone was in our driveway she didn't think should be there, or our neighbors coming out their driveway, which I'm sure they "loved." She loved her dad and always had to know where he was or was outside with him. She loved food and was the best sous chef and loved sleeping on the sofa or the bed at night. She had some health issues but weathered them like a trooper. Then Monday morning she was fine but by 3pm she wasn't. We took her to the vet who thought she had a tumor that ruptured and was bleeding internally. Not wanting her to suffer we made the decision to have her put to sleep. We had 8 wonderful years with her. We'll miss the beautiful face and brown eyes. Thank you for allowing us to adopt this wonderful girl that we're going to miss so very much.   Lindsay Bowman

Yesterday we said goodbye to our beloved MAGSR dog, Bentley. Thanks to Dr. Andrulis, from Peaceful Passage, he was able to pass quietly in his favorite spot in the front yard, surrounded by his family. Bentley was almost 13 years old, and degenerative myelopathy had taken its toll on him. Bentley joined our family in 2019 and become our friend and protector. He earned many nicknames, including “Bentalou,” “Benlo” and “Bubba.” We will all miss his “hugs” and burying our faces in his soft, furry coat. Mama will miss singing him silly songs and Daddy will miss taking him for car rides. The kids will miss the way Benny would bite at the water spraying from the hose. Lucy will miss her buddy and partner in crime. We’re grateful to MAGSR for getting him major orthopedic surgery and giving him a second chance at life with a new family. We’re also grateful to his foster mom, Tamara, and her family for caring for him after his surgery. They rightly called him “devestatingly handsome” and he was so until the end. Bentley was truly the best boy 

In 2015, MAGSR gave us the privilege of bringing home a beautiful 3-year-old GSD, then named Asia, who we promptly renamed Clara.  Clara had been surrendered by a farm family who could not manage her activity level or prey drive.  We can confirm: whether squirrel, deer, chipmunk or fox - if it moved, she wanted to chase it (fortunately she showed no interest in chasing people!)  We were able to re-direct her energy and enthusiasm to the Jolly ball "court" (our yard) where you could find us chasing the Jolly 12 months of the year, rain or shine.  She loved long walks and hikes where she would inhale the scents of the woods and fields. Her toy box constantly needed replenishing as she tore through squeaky toys and balls.  Clara had the responsibility of training our GSD Cooper, one year younger and adopted from VGSR.  She patiently educated him, and he adored her to no end.  She also herded us - into the kitchen to cook dinner, outside for an evening walk, into the car for a ride.  In the pecking order of our family, she was number one.  Her end came suddenly at age 12, when she fell ill overnight. We learned she had a large tumor on her spleen that was bleeding.  We did not hesitate, and were able to send her over the rainbow bridge peacefully within two hours of her diagnosis.  We miss her terribly.  

It is with extreme sadness that I have to report that our beautiful,  loyal, beloved 15 year old Truffles passed away on May 8, 2024 of kidney cancer. The day we met Truffles at MAGSR, she sat down and waved to me with both front paws. It was so cute and made me chuckle.  Truffles was picked up as a stray and was feral. She never knew humans or what living in a home was like. Somehow, her tail was broken and paralyzed. She was very emaciated. But, Truffles never let that slow her down. She fought to live life to the fullest.  When we brought her home after being adopted, she refused to go into our house. So we picked her up to take her in the house. She spread out all four legs so we couldn't get her in the house. We eventually managed to get her in the house. We took her to dog training class and she graduated top five in the class. She was an extremely  intelligent  dog. Through love, kindness, walks, food, and treats, chew bones and squeaky toys,  she gradually decided that being a family dog was a good life. But, it was the belly rubs that won her over the most. Truffles would do anything for a belly rub. Truffles turned into the sweetest dog. We did a DNA test on her and she was actually a Border Collie.  One day I let Truffles in from the backyard. When she came in, she had her mouth closed.  No sooner was Truffles in the house, she opened her mouth and out popped a lizard. The lizard started scurrying around on the kitchen floor. Mommy started jumping up and down, not quite sure what had popped out of her mouth. Truffles thought it would  be so much fun chasing the lizard around in the house. It was these kind of humorous things that  made her an absolute delight. Truffles would always sleep on my bed. I couldn't go to sleep unless she was there. She had an internal clock inside her. She liked to go to bed at 11pm. Every night at 11pm, she would stand in front of me and stare at me. She was saying, ok boss, it's time to go to bed. We would head to bed. I miss my Truffles so very, very much. She owns real estate in my husband's and my hearts. I would give anything to have her standing in front of me again and telling me it was time to go to bed.   The Maksymchock family

Hello, It's with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Groot fka Herb adopted in 2016 has passed. We made the difficult decision on May 2nd to ease his suffering from lumbosacral disease as he had stopped eating and could no longer walk without assistance.  Groot was our first dog with MAGSR and he inspired us to volunteer and find our second family with the rescue. He attended many events and was an excellent ambassador for MAGSR. He was a good foster brother and eventually a great packmate to our 2nd MAGSR pup, Luna. Groot loved going to work with his dad at the College Park Airport to help fix PG Counties helicopters, chase the groundhogs and sometimes the geese from the field, and didn't ever let us forget his 8:30pm Greenie toothbrush. With a little healing time, we will honor his memory by helping another dog find a home through fostering and eventually adopting again.  Thank you for allowing us the years of joy we had with him,  Megan and Paul Tarrant

With great sadness, I would like to inform you of the passing of Heidi (aka Coco).When we first brought home that 18 month old little girl,I couldn't imagine how special the next 12 years would be. When our other GSD Fritz passed a couple years ago that bond with Heidi became even stronger. From our morning routine of coffee and treats on the patio to the trips to the park to enjoy a burger  and more treats after a long walk. There are just so many great memories. I hope she knows how much she was loved and how much she will be missed. Knowing she is now over the bridge and once again romping around with Fritz can only bring a smile to my face at this sad time. Until we all meet again ,you will forever be in my heart.  Jay Thomas      

We adopted “Trixie” on July 28, 2011. We renamed her Mina.

I know it’s been a long time since we adopted her but we didn’t know if we needed to tell MAGSR that she had passed. We had to put her down today Monday March 25, 2024. Mina was an incredible girl with a wonderful spirit. She was beloved by her family and will be sorely missed. We Love You Mina girl! We thank you so much for having the honor of adopting her. Mina was incredible and my wife and I loved her immensely.

Darren and Anissa Black

Good afternoon,

I’m heartbroken to report that my baby Chopper passed away yesterday. I have attached some photos of our beautiful life together. Thank you for providing me and my family with a friend and companion that we will love and cherish forever.

Respectfully,

Lakisha M. King- Jones

One of the hardest things we ever do as human beings is say goodbye to our pets. Unfortunately, recently my wife and I had to say goodbye to our buddy boy Remington aka: Remy, Socrates, Mister Majestic, Bud Bud and Big Boy. Remy developed Liver cancer and unfortunately had to be euthanized at 10 ½ years old. Remy was truly a special dog. At one point he was a MAGSR fund raiser poster boy due to a tragic beginning of his life. At eight weeks old he had a compound fracture in his hind leg and was set to be euthanized, but by the grace of God, MAGSR was willing to step up and fundraise for an operation that saved both his leg and his life. Remy was a wonderful member of our pack, as he loved everyone and everything. He always wanted to be by my or my wife’s side. He was extremely loyal and a great listener obeying his commands with no exceptions. At 100 pounds he cut an imposing figure and hearty resounding bark which made him a great protector of the house without even trying. I can’t say enough about this wonderful boy except that everyone should have at least one Remington in their life. We miss him dearly and will always have a smile on our face when think of him. We are eternally grateful to MAGSR for entrusting us with his care. Sincerely,
Adam & Lisa Fedder

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform MAGSR of a passing of one of their children. LuLu aka VIOLA tag # 2927 adopted 11/04/2012 passed away 2/26/2024, a terminal illness came out of no where and within 3 weeks we had made the decision to have her euthanized. She was her Momma's furry princess and my Cindy Lu Who. She was the most gentle dog with everyone she came in contact with and was loved by everyone in our court. She especially loved being outside with the next door neighbors kids watching them play or even participating with them and their friends. She enjoyed the winter chill and loved the snow. She watched over the entire court, we live at the top of a court on top of a slight hill where she would watch over everything that went on, she would bark if something wasn’t right. She will be extremely missed by all. At first wasn’t sure about another dog but as time passed I told my wife LuLu would want us to adopt another dog that we could provide a nice place to live and shower them with love and cookies. We will actually be filling out an adoption form right after sending this email. 

We had seven wonderful years with Koda (Formerly known as Pepper).  She was bonded with Barbara, Sheba (our cat) Bronco (our male GSD) and me.  We lost Bronco 1-1/2 years ago and we adopted Sunny (also a MAGSD grad).  She quietly but firmly showed Sunny the ropes.  She stayed so fit that we lost track of her age.  Three weeks ago she started having problems with incontinence.  It was then that I realized that Koda was 11 years old.  The regular vet put her on Proin time release.  It initially worked immediately.  We took her to Dr. Kocen, a holistic vet,  to add herbal remedies.  Things were looking up but she began rejecting her meals.  After about 4 days of barely eating, I fingered the sides of her belly and she let out a cry of pain.  I immediately took her to Southpaws Medical Emergency.  A few hours later the Vet called and told me that she had a massive growth in her stomach and was bleeding internally.  So that night Barbara and I went to Southpaws and she greeted us with love and enthusiasm.  She was almost purring as we stroked her head and back for almost an hour.  She closed her eyes as she went to sleep and we bid her farewell.  Tom & Barbara Walczykowski

We rescued a young German Shepherd from you guys back in August of 2013. At the time his name was Jace.  We renamed him Leo. He was our second German Shepherd rescue, our first one came from Virginia German Shepherd rescue. I just want to let you know that he passed away the evening of January 1, 2024, surrounded by his family that loved him very much. He was the perfect dog, and we are so grateful to have found him at MAGSR all those years ago. Thank you for doing what you do! Paul

Gypsy was adopted in Aug, 2017. She went to wait at the bridge on 12/12/23 as a result of lung cancer.  She was only 9 years old.  Rescued her when she was 3.5, 6 yrs ago.   Best gal ever.     Jim and Barb Ferguson

I'm sorry to send this message but wanted the rescue to know... my girl, Gabby, crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning, peacefully. She was sadly afflicted with DM and her quality of life had declined dramatically. Gabby would be 14 years old next month. Gabby was my foster dog, rescued from life on the streets of DC at 8 months old in 2009. She cheated death at least 5 different times since then, with all sorts of diagnoses, and we often joked that she had 9 lives. Gabby never gave up and fought the good fight. Gunnar and Teddy and I will miss her every day. Thanks to MAGSR who rescued her, then placed her with us. RIP Gabby - you were the very best!

Nancy Stec, and Gunnar and Teddy

Kia joined our family on April 15, 2018.  From the moment Mommy saw her picture on the MAGSR website, she knew that Kia was meant to be a member of our family.  She was believed to be around 7 years old already when we adopted her, but as she was picked up as a stray there was not any information on her background.  She was a beautiful and well behaved dog, very mild mannered for a GSD and just the perfect match for our young children at the time.   We weren't sure how long we may have with her, adopting a dog already 7 years old... but with young children we weren't able to take on a dog that might be too much for us and them.  Kia blessed us with 5 and half amazing years, more than we anticipated!!  She was close to 13 by the time she passed.  She was the sweetest and most loving dog.  She was also the softest, most fluffy (and twice as hairy as a normal GSD we think!), and quite large dog.  We called her our big Bear, because she looked like a black bear.   Her favorite things were Daddy (#1 to everything), treat time, walking to the bus stop, sleeping on her bed, and chewing on her large bone.  Her presence around our home is dearly missed, but we know it was her time.  She was struggling with bad hip dysplasia and hind leg issues, so by the end it was very painful for her to move around on her own.  But she was so brave through it all.  She passed on October 30th peacefully at home, on her bed, right after getting her favorite treats, with Daddy and Mommy right by her side.  She deserved only the best.