WE REMEMBER OUR RESCUE FURKIDS

MORGAN DEC 2003 ~ DEC 2011 Her Dad Sean wrote, "It has been very hard. She was such a kind beautiful sweet girl. For me one of a kind."
HEART Rescued in 2006, departed for the Bridge December 6th, 2011 CLICK FOR HEART'S JOURNEY    One of the more gratifying aspects of rescue is being there when they arrive in their hour of need. And if you stay in it long enough, you're also there when it is time for their departure. But that, too, is gratifying as you are secure in the knowledge that there was a caring, loving family to see them off to the Bridge. Still, it was difficult for us, and Heart's family to say good bye. Heart was one of our more challenging and memorable rescues having been found by Yuma Border Patrol steadfastly (and barely) clinging to life after struggling for hours to keep from drowning in a canal. He was pulled out of the canal and the local Humane Society was informed that he was enroute for euthanasia~ to end the suffering he surely would not survive. Not so fast....Cindy, one of our volunteers, was nearby. She quickly intercepted Heart and took his nearly lifeless body directly to the vet then, contacted us. He could not move other than to shift his eyes. We gave the green light to pull out all the stops. He was a mess; emaciated and malnourished, his entire body covered with open and puncture wounds, his ears had holes through to the opposite side, all of the nails on his paws ripped off from trying to claw his way to safety. Over time and after blood work, X-rays, etc. we learned that Heart had Tick Fever, his rear dew claws were flopping and tattered, his hips were bad, almost every tooth in his mouth was broken or shattered (his dental bill alone was $4,000) He even battled a brief case of ringworm while recovering. There was no doubt that his name must be "Heart." The Yuma team nurtured his initial recovery which went relatively quickly. Within a week, he was able to walk and even play, albeit very gingerly...the pads of his feet were raw and one badly infected. The Phoenix team, meanwhile, was working on getting him into foster care where we could continue with his treatment. Wonderful Angels donated to help with Heart's soaring medical bills. Our goal was a home for Christmas where he could continue his recovery. After nearly three months of TLC in Yuma, Heart arrived Phoenix on December 16th...just in time. What started in September and following a few surgeries and countless trips to the vet, Heart's rehab concluded on (appropriately) Valentine's day....his official adoption day. His foster & adoptive Mom Tracy, her son Chris, along with Rat Terrier Lil Bit, will have a big void to fill. ready to leave Yuma first intro to a hyper Rat Terrier I'm feelin good HOME FOREVER Tracy has made a donation in memory of Heart, "my beloved Shepherd who was my great gift from Steff. He is playing over the Rainbow Bridge, healthy, happy, and whole at last."
NERO von SCHLOSS RUNDING APRIL 20, 2003 ~ NOVEMBER 14, 2011 It is with a very heavy heart that we learned of Nero's sudden and unexpected passing due to a massive seizure. He was an exceptional imported and fully trained West German beauty. He was not only a much loved family member to the Kimery's but a devoted guardian to their newest six month old daughter. Nero was a friend and sentry, the quintessential GSD, who will be missed beyond words.
HONEY BUN ~ ADOPTED IN 2006 Honey was found in Tucson surfing through garbage for food for her and both of her two 12-week old pups in 2005. She was very sick; emaciated, severe case of Tick Fever & 3rd stage heartworm. We have always felt that Honey had been an abandoned or escaped victim of the many dogs rescued from the ravages of hurricane Katrina. It took us ten months to restore her to health. Honey spent the last six years loved and devoted to her Mom and Dad, Rosemarie & Tio along with their daughter Jessica and was, without question, Daddy's girl. Old age finally caught up with her and she left for the bridge Monday to join all of the others this gracious family has helped. Although she will be greatly missed, Honey's is a story of success.
SHANIA In February of 2010 Shania's "owner" wanted to surrender her but only gave us a couple of days; we begged her "Mom" to give us time to find a foster but there was no way. She had taken Shania in as a stray six years prior, kept her in the backyard during the day, never took her to a vet, never vaccinated or spayed her ..it was apparent that Shania had been bred... and as soon as Shania started showing signs of age, she was, once again, about to be a 'stray'. Not too long after we received a call from Charis; she somehow came into contact with this owner trying to give her dog away, she asked if we could help find her a home if she fostered Shania. Charis had already had Shania health checked, vaccinated and spayed. Soon after we evaluated Shania and placed her in our re-homing program. There weren't any takers for a senior gal with weak hips but Charis adjusted her household and kept Shania safe and loved. She worked on training and socializing her until Charis decided that Shania didn't have all that much time left to wait for and adjust to a new home; and committed to keeping her until it was time to say good-bye. Shania left for the Rainbow Bridge in April of 2011 having spent the last year and half of her life a much loved member of the Williams family.
ROCKY APRIL 28, 2001 ~ FEBRUARY 4, 2011 A victim of hemangiosarcoma ROCKY & DAD STEVE JACQUI & STEVE WROTE: "We just wanted to let you know that Rocky died peacefully in our arms today at the vet's office. He was 10 years old. He was the best dog we ever had in our lives, and we will miss him always. We had him for 2 1/2 years, which was way too short for us. Much to our shock and dismay, the vet took x rays and discovered a massive tumor in his stomach which had burst. There was blood in the fluid. Also, all of his organs were pushed against his side, and she advised us that this was the end for our big, sweet guy. There was nothing we could do for him. She helped us to decide to take him home overnight to say goodbye. And we did. We hugged him, kissed him, pet him, slept with him, and said our goodbyes. This morning, we stayed with him until the end. He was so faithful and loyal to us, so we needed to be faithful and loyal to him. We wanted to let you know that since we laid eyes on Rocky, we loved that big guy. He was such a happy boy and he had a great life here with Greta and us always being home to love him. Thank you for allowing us to adopt such a special dog. He was a blessing in our lives. We are all going to miss him terribly." Our thoughts are with the Whiteman family
Our heartfelt sympathy to our dear friends & supporters, Rob & Dee Dwight COURAGE January 20, 2003 ~ July 31, 2010 graduation from obedience Sadly, Harley, renamed Courage when adopted seven years ago, arrived at the Rainbow Bridge today. He was a great ambassador for the breed and will be missed by his much loved canine companion Trinity along with the newest member of the Dwight clan Wotan the new Schipperke puppy. Courage and Trinity were inseparable. The patience and tolerance Courage demonstrated when tormented by the new puppy was so very typical of his kind and gentle nature... even though he was in pain. Please click here for a short Courage montage
HANK HANK SHORTLY AFTER RESCUE IN 2004 & AT RIGHT IN LATE 2009 Hank, was dubbed "Mr. Mellow" because of his calm & gentle demeanor He left for the bridge on January 21, 2010, a victim of hemangiosarcoma, at the age of 12 and half. Hank we miss your sweet spirit.
SADIE FEB 2004 ~ JANUARY 2010 OUR SYMPATHIES TO ALAN & VICTORIA HENDRICKSON WHO WROTE: "Growing up with German Shepherds and having had dogs all my life, I should say Sadie was the best dog I had ever; incredible intelligent, calm and I would say wise... if you can say that about a dog... "
KARLEE March 1998 - June 2009 Karlee was adopted by Ken & Kip Luthe who wrote: "Kip & I were fortunate to have her retire with us almost 4 years ago. Karlee led a good life with us and was healthy to the last few days. She brought us so much love and will be missed every day. She was a wonderful soul and was at home with us from the first day here. Thank you and your rescue .."
YESSIE Yessie came to us from a shelter in Kingman as a 7-8 year old 4 years ago. She spent the remainder of her life in a loving, forever home with Erika & Dave who wrote: "We couldn't have asked for a sweeter more loving girl and she is so greatly missed!" Yessie left for the bridge in early March of 2009...our sympathy and thanks to her Mom and Dad.
It is with great sadness that we learned of Sherpa's departure for the Bridge on August 11, 2008. He was a constant companion and source of joy to his Mom Beth who took him everywhere. This slide show (click on Sherpa's picture) is our tribute to a great friend and a fine German Shepherd Dog: 4/19/98 - 8/11/08 A donation in Sherpa's memory has been made to SWGSDR by Beth and John's friend, Julia Ousley. Thank You.
This lovely lady was rescued from the Yuma Humane Society despite knowing that she had significant hindquarter weakness. We put our name on her on September 9th, 2008 and transported her directly to our vet in Tucson on September 10th, but not before our Yuma volunteer Cyndi had her groomed. We had everything X-rayed and examined. There was a mammary mass..no problem, we'll get that when she's spayed we thought. Her hips were actually O.K., some bridging spondylosis along her spine BUT, the abdominal films revealed a huge splenic mass; undoubtedly fatal hemangiosarcoma. We hadn't even named her as we had an adopter waiting in the wings for that honor. So we called her Ms. X for the day. She was humanely euthanized by our vet, in the arms of our Tucson rep Nicki, and will be cremated with dignity. Ms.X will not be another anonymous addition to that heap at the shelter. The ones we can't help hurt the most.
Samantha, adopted in 2004, was Dad Al's constant companion and buddy. Sammie unexpectedly left for the Rainbow Bridge in November 2006, having suffered a massive stroke. Her Dad, as well as his daughter and her Pomeranian, Gizmo, still mourn her loss and feel the void left by her passing. They enjoyed a wonderful and blessed relationship.	Bear was adopted shortly before his 10th birthday and left for the Bridge in April, 2007, just shy of his 14th birthday. He had four wonderful years with a truly wonderful family.
IN MEMORY OF STEVE & CASEY & MISSY The following was received today from Steve's close friends, Bob and Carol Gray We are sad to inform you that Steve Meverden, his GSD Casey along with his recently adopted GSD Missy died in a fire at their home in Apache Junction, AZ. The fire occurred about 5:45 am on January 8, 2007. The three of them died together. Steve and Casey were brought together by Southwest German Shepherd Rescue approximately four years ago. They brightened each others lives and were inseparable. In November of last year they opened their home and hearts to an abandoned GSD named Missy. While Missy never took to other humans or K-9s, she became a full member of their pack. We wish to thank you for the kindness you showed Steve, Casey and Missy. in bringing them together and training them so they could enjoy their lives together.

It took us 3 weeks to find a way to get Aragorn into an adoptive home from Southern Arizona where he had been temporarily and lovingly fostered. He was an exceptional, obedience trained youngster from titled parents and an impressive family tree of imports. He was not only beautiful; he had a heart of gold. Just one momentary lapse of judgment on the part of his caregiver resulted in his instant death by a speeding car. He never even saw the inside of his new home. Everyone involved was devasted by the loss of this sweet spirit. We shall never forget him.

On July 25, 2005, our royal lady Greta finally succumbed to old age at 14 years. In just under two years of loyal service and genuine friendship, she literally changed the life of her grateful and devoted companion Pearl. Greta taught us a lesson about old dogs learning new tricks when she certified as a level one assistance dog at 12 years of age. Greta also reminded us all of the value of life at any age and of the wisdom and purpose of those too often discarded.

Sasha was placed just shy of two years ago; she was relinquished by her owners because of a biting incident. It was instantly apparent to us that Sasha had been put in a situation that she should not have been; there was no question that this loyal sweetheart should not be a victim of some human's negligence and lack of familiarity with this breed. She was re-homed, with full disclosure, and proved herself to be a loyal and devoted companion to Jesse and Maricel, both of whom also saw Sasha's true qualities. They too admired her intelligence, gentle playfulness and dedication to her pack. She traveled and went everywhere with them. She and Ramsey, her male counterpart, enjoyed life to the fullest until Sasha became ill a little less than a year ago. She left for the bridge following nothing less than heroic efforts on the part of Mom & Dad to keep her alive. She will missed so very much and every Christmas will serve as a reminder of a love lost far too soon. Sweet dreams lovely lady. Sasha & Ramsey Sasha trying to hang on

This was the day Ossie was "discarded" at 12-13 years of age. The condition of his coat masked the fact that he was a beautiful long haired GSD, easily seen after placement and TLC by his adoring Mom Jessica. Ossie (at right) on Adoption Day -- looking ahead Our regal senior one week before arriving at the Rainbow Bridge on November 18, 2005, at just under 14 years of age.

R.I.P. Sabra

R.I.P. King

GABRIEL (formerly Gus) Gabe Happy at Home GUS, dubbed "GABRIEL" by his Mom Joyce, was found wandering alone in a dusty wash in Yuma having been discarded as old trash. He was skinny and without hope after being picked up by Animal Control and taken to be euthanized. Our volunteer Cyndi stepped in immediately and here he is pictured meeting his Phoenix foster Mom Betty. It wasn't long before he was adopted by his Mom Joyce after which he blossomed into a hearty, happy and muscular fella. They enjoyed two glorious years providing one another with joy, companionship and security before heading for the bridge at twelve years of age. Our heartfelt sympathy to his Mom; he will be missed beyond words.

ROXIE was a gal kept in the backyard, sometimes tied to a tree, and bred repeatedly until she, literally, could barely stand. We rescued her at nine years of age when she was no longer "useful" to her owner. Then along came Peggy.... I got Roxie through you almost 3 years ago and I lost her today. I wanted to let you know what a wonderful dog she was for me. We were the perfect match and I got to keep her longer then I thought I would. She was 9 when I got her. Roxie was the most mellow dog I have ever known. Even people who are afraid of dogs would walk right up to this 85 lb shepherd and pet her because they knew she was so good. We walked twice a day, every day and I know the whole neighborhood will miss her. (Including a neighbors cat who came to visit all the time.) Before to long I will be checking your web site again for another dog. It's hard when you lose them but they sure are worth it. I know I won't find another Roxie but someone else will be a good companion for some other reason.

Our gentle giant Gordy left for the Bridge on February 26, 2010. He was at home surrounded by his entire human and canine family and enveloped in love. He would have turned 9 years old this April. Sandra and John Krisch adopted Gordy two and a half years ago knowing that their time with him would likely be less that they would have liked. Sandra & John are our heroes; they have seven senior canines and are acutely aware of the need for these special fur kids to have a loving place to hang their hat in their golden years. GORDY RECENTLY IN HIS FAVORITE SPOT--HIS SUV THE CLAN KEEPS GROWING Seniors themselves, the Krischs' established a foundation designated solely to help such dogs in need. Gordy was a very special dog and his Mom & Dad are, indeed, very special people for whom we are very thankful.

CHARLES It was only a matter of time before Charlie would have to head for the Rainbow Bridge; his foster Mom finally had to let him go. Sweet dreams little man... .....we tried our best to make up for the rest. CHARLIES STORY

KEASY Our friends and Las Vegas fosters Phil & Becky Gang have made a donation in honor and memory of Keasy who left for the Bridge earlier this year, but not before enjoying several loving years with her adoptive Dad Dan..they wrote: "In Loving Memory of "Keasy" who touched our hearts and won the heart of her new Dad, Danny. We will never forget your sweet face. Run free at the Bridge until we meet again." Keasy meeting Dan after her arrival from Vegas in January, 2007

REMEMBERING OUR WHITE-COATED RESCUE FURKIDS

These wonderful dogs will never be forgotten -- some were forgotten by their owners, but never by us. We were proud to have had the opportunity to show you the love you all so richly deserved. In memory of Anna, Zane, Vincent, Apache, Alex, Boo, Bailey, Musket, Aragorn, Ossie, Lilly, Greta, Yuma, Gamble, Kristi, Sammi, Bear, Aspen, Samantha, Candy, Shane, King, Winston, Cheyenne, Lucy, Sherpa, Bear, Ms. X and Tinsel, we remind you to HUG YOUR FOUR FOOTED FAMILY MEMBER(s), VACCINATE and:
	PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET!!!
"People who let their dogs and cats have litters in order to show their children the 'miracle of birth' should come witness the 'miracle of death' performed in the back rooms of animal shelters all over the country."