Baka (VGSR 1951) was adopted in 2008 knowing that she was very ill. Her VGSR foster care givers worked tirelessly to help her with her illness. I (John) was battling my chronic Lyme disease and I had hoped we’d get better together. Before her rapid decline, Baka did have several good weeks with us. It is the memory of those weeks that help us with the sad times that followed. With that in mind I have enclosed a picture of her on a “good day” when she was able to “prance” in her gel booties without any noticeable pain and just enjoy being a dog. As part of her illness parts of her footpads had sloughed off.   

Additionally, because Baka was so brave and a long-term foster care dog in Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, the news of her passing spread quickly and a couple of foster-parents that had two of their own German Shepherds were about to have pups. They asked Nancy and I if they could name the female pup “Baka.” We could not think of a better way to honor her as she was so sweet, gentle and courageous in spite of being in pain and uncomfortable. Baka’s namesake is the pup on the right. Sadly, both pups soon crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge as well.

Her meds were donated to a vet that VGSR uses so that any surrendered GSD’s could get help with any care needed. Baka’s bravery was an inspiration and even though we lost her battle we have no regrets and are grateful to all her fosters, veterinary staff of several veterinary hospitals, and all those who cared for her wellbeing. Her brave, gentle spirit will always be with us.

John and Nancy Streeter

Beau crossed “The Rainbow  Bridge” just recently after over 14 years of a great life. He was a long hair GSD found roaming the streets of  Baltimore and rescued by a small GSD rescue organization in Elkton MD. He was a kind, loving and devoted companion to my wife and I. We have had several GSD’s over the last 35 years, but Beau was the smartest and most loving of them all.

 My beloved wife, Marie Skelley, passed away a month before Beau crossed the bridge so I know that she was on the other side waiting for her beloved companion to be reunited in the love that they shared for so many years. I guess that God decided that Marie needed Beau more than I did.

Jerry Betzler

RIP 5/22/2023
Bella was a beautiful sable German Shepherd who came to live with me in October of 2019, she was 7 years old and was being taken care of by a foster family. Bella’s human had passed away and so that’s how I met her.  She was a gentle and loving companion and partner, went with me wherever I went with only two exceptions. She went to a training camp for 5 days and once I went skiing in Utah, learning that I hated being away from her.  So that mistake was not made again.  In fact, the next year I took her with me to ski at Wintergreen.

She came to work with me every day.  If I dawdled in the morning, she’d keep coming to me to let me know it was time to take a shower and go to work.  And as soon as I got up to go get ready, she’d get so excited, running to and from the door back to me…she knew we were going to ride in the car and she would bark at the cars that went by and of course any doggies we passed.

And when we pulled up next to people, they would always smile and say how lovely she was, even while barking constantly.  She made people smile.

She loved riding in the car so much, sometimes when we got home at night, she’d refuse to get out of the car, just laying down and looking up at me with eyes that said ‘please daddy, just a little more ride?’ which meant I had to drive her around some more, which I did because she loved it so much and I loved her too.

When it was her birthday or Christmas, she got special treats and gifts from her friend Teresa, and one birthday we invited a little dog Romeo and his humans for a birthday party!  She loved kids too, like my friend’s daughters and my cousin Jim’s daughter.

Bella loved our co-workers on the job and she almost never tried to bite my partner Fez. Every morning she’d go to the front of the office and get cookies, then go to the middle room to get cookies, then back to her bed in my office, still hoping for more cookies.

She’d lay at my feet on the bed every night for those few but wonderful years she was with me, She would always wake me up in the morning until the very end, when she was too tired to get up.

She was loyal and would never let me leave a room without following me, she was my beautiful little guardian and just as life was never the same before her time with me, it will never be the same again.

I told her before she passed that I would be going to find her, that she should not be afraid and that she will see me again soon.  I truly love her with all my heart.

RIP 4/25/14 - 3/22/20
Bella came into rescue 4/17/19 as an owner surrender. She had chronic hair loss and skin issues, which began to improve in foster care. Sadly cancer took her before she could find a forever home, but she had the best of care and lots of love until she passed.

I wanted to let you know of the passing of one of your rescued dogs.  In 2008 I was looking for theGerman Shepherd of my dreams.  I was put in touch with Martin Shepherd and he brought over a beautiful 6 month old female called Betsy for us to meet.  I knew instantly she was the one.   My husband and I adopted her and we shared 13 great years together.  

We named her Andie and she was our baby.  We enjoyed long walks and dog park visits.  We found out she loved the water, so of course we took her places she could enjoy a swim. I bought a van so she could travel with us and we got a condo so she could vacation with us.  Yes we loved her. 

At 12 she had some arthritis but otherwise very good.  She slowed down a little more, her hearing was selective.  I started cooking healthy stews for her.  She loved her special meals and she still loved going to the dog park to sniff around.  Unfortunately, out of the blue things changed.  I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl yesterday because of cancer.  We miss her terribly and lots of tears.

I wanted to thank your rescue for the wonderful work you do.  I always appreciated the fact Andie came into our lives because your rescue pulled her out of a shelter in Richmond and Martin was willing to foster her. 

Virtual hugs to all of you.
Dawn Case 2/10/21