In memory of Florence, who was brave. (December 2020)

Florence most assuredly had a rough life before she was rescued by Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR). Emaciated, teeth rotted, terrified, largely hairless and covered in sores, sunken eyed, forlorn — she came with all of hallmarks of a neglected and abused life. 

Florence left us today, taken less than four years after she became our girl and even though she was just a “fun sized” wee lass, there is a giant sized hole in our hearts. But we continue to be inspired by how far she came...

Flo learned to come out from under the table at adoption events -- it took a lot of cookies, but she snagged a home in the process...Flo learned that humans don't have to be scary -- becoming brave enough to approach strangers and veterinarians, and to take (yes) cookies from our kind neighbors...

Flo learned that our then dog walker -- the type of large bearded man that terrified her -- was not a reason to go to DEFCON 1 (again, cookies)...Flo learned to be a star graduate of obedience school -- just to build confidence, because she was already a good girl...

Flo learned to be a dog -- a big goof who liked to run and play and throw toys (especially her beloved duck) and wrestle and be part of a pack...Flo learned to be a champion fetcher -- fleet of foot and good at the on-the-fly pickup...

Flo learned to be an alpha, leading our dog pack after our beloved Newfie Chow Buddy handed her the reins...Flo learned that the world can be a place of joy and humans kind...realities she acknowledged with her sweet smile and full body wiggles...Her VGSR foster told us a lovely story of a young child who, seeing Flo’s extreme shyness, comforted her by telling her that she was brave deep down inside. As it turns out, it was true. We felt truly blessed to see her smile or play or wiggle because it meant that Flo knew that she was safe and loved. Her foster named her Florence...which means to blossom.

And, boy did she ever, our brave girl

11/2/12 - 5/4/19 . Monday we said goodbye to our dear Frank. If you ever adopted a foster puppy from me, you knew him as Uncle Frank because he helped raise every single pup we fostered. Frankie loved to flirt with girls, human or canine, but he really just loved everyone, including the Alzheimer's patients he visited frequently. Frank was the runt of my first foster litter with VGSR. His brother was stuck in the birth canal for hours and Frank almost didn't survive. We adopted him and his bigger brother Bean when they were six months old. They were bonded and they were black and nobody wanted two black dogs. There were many times we doubted our sanity for adding two big pups to our large fur family, but Frank was the nurturer, peacekeeper and friend to everyone. 

Frank was five years old and 105 pounds before we found out he had a heart murmur (likely from birth) and congestive heart failure. We had moved to FL and Frank loved splashing in the pool and his bowls of ice water. He started feeling tired. The vets were stumped. Finally a wonderful cardiologist discovered his problem and brought him out of heart failure at the same time. He and his team gave us another 1 1/2 years with our loving boy. Frank raised 2 more litters of foster pups and made us laugh every day with his antics. He finally grew too tired. His cardiac checkup was bad; meds could no longer help him and we all knew it was time. He passed peacefully in our arms. The pack is still subdued and the house seems too quiet. But so many lives were enriched by his short time on earth.  Evelyn Brugh

RIP 1/3/11 - 12/12/13
Franklin came from a shelter, he was smart and affectionate. He was an escape artist, destructive, had killed a small animal and had severe separation anxiety. It was hoped that his behavior could be modified and a home where he could be safe and loved could be found. Sadly, not every dog can be saved, no matter how hard everyone tries and Franklin was freed of his demons and is now finally at peace at the Bridge.