Chloe
Chloe, your time on this Earth was a reflection of yourself. Way to fast!!!! :( You came to be a scared puppy, only 2 yrs old. I worked and worked with you to show you that not all of us humans were bad. After many hours of work, I finally had you convinced that you were loved very much. Your eyes were truly the gateway to your soul. Even though you were never a dog that wanted to cuddle. Every time I looked into your eyes I could see and feel the deep love that you had for me. I am sorry that I had to let you go. But I could tell you were suffering too much. Please let Ben know that we miss him, too. And don't forget Ben is young again ;) So you can't pick on him like you used to. Love you always and miss you greatly. Your dad...

Chloe
Yesterday was one of the hardest days my family and I have endured thus far. We lost a family member who has left a huge hole in our hearts. Chloe lost her battle to cancer on August 2 after a brave fight. She never complained or showed any weakness and was our families protector and friend until her final day. I want to thank the rescue for allowing us the privilage to adopt her into our family 8 years ago. She will be forever missed and has left a paw print on our hearts.

Clara
I love you so much mommy's puppy. You are the best pet anyone could ask for. I will always remember how we got you. If it wasn't for mommy's friend Jaime, we never would have had you in our lives. I remember when the lady was coming to the vet clinic to get her new puppies a checkup. She asked if there was anyone who was looking for a German Shepard puppy. I told her that we were. I called your daddy to come to the clinic and see you. Did you know that you were the smallest little puppy ever? You were so scared you hid under the chairs in the waiting room in the corner. Your daddy walked into the waiting room and asked where you were. I will always remember how you walked from the corner to your daddy's feet and laid down at his feet. We were both instantly in love with you. You were the best money could buy and I have not regretted paying $300 for you when we couldn't afford it. I remember how we had to give you baths everyday, because you thought it was fun to go potty in the house and then roll around in it. I think you did that because mommy would wrap you in a towel to dry you off and cuddle with you after your baths. I also remember how you thought you were "top dog". The first time we introduced you to your cousin Shadow you barked at her like you owned the place. Of course Shadow completely ignored you. It was a pretty interesting sight. Then we had Ryan. Oh I remember when we brought him home. You were so excited! A new toy to play with!! But you were a good puppy and listened to mommy and daddy when we told you to be gentle with the baby. That first night we brought him home and he was crying in his bed, you went to check on him for us. You came back into the kitchen and looked at us like we did not hear him. You were such a good mommy dog. You were there with us during the numerous midnight feedings and you ran when there were nasty poopy diapers. Did you know that Ryan loves you too. I don't know how I am going to tell him about you, but that is something that we will have to figure out later. Clara, I will always remember how you jump into our bed and lie down on daddy's side of the bed and not get off. You were so territorial. You protected us from those pesky annoying solicitors that tried to sell us junk. You would even scare the pizza guy. Aunt Meli told me once that when she babysat you for a weekend, she introduced you to her friend, Veronica. Veronica said you were a "really big scary dog!" I agree you are a big dog, but you are also the best lap dog any mommy could want. Then we had Audrey. I remember when we brought her home. You sniffed the car seat, looked inside of the car seat, and then looked at us and had a very funny look on your face. You were asking "Another one?! You already have one!" But you grew to love her too! You were so sweet to mommy when she was crying because she was worried about Audrey. You would jump up on the couch and put your head on my lap. I would pet you and talk to you about how scared I was. You would listen quietly and let me talk. You knew Audrey would be okay, but you let me talk to you anyway. Did you know that you have another cousin? He name is Daisy. I know you love her. You helped her learn how to not chew toys up, how not to potty in the house and how to listen when mommy and daddy tell you to do something. You were always there to help. The first time you met Daisy, you did not like her. You growled at her and tried to eat her. Mommy and Aunt Meli made you and Daisy take a picture together. I'm sorry, but you were so cute! I had to tell you that you were a bad dog, but you know I didn't mean it right? Your not a bad dog Clara, you are a wonderful dog! Then we had Olivia. Clara you don't really know Olivia do you? You have only been with her for two years. She loves you so much! When we were dog-sitting your cousins she would only say your name. Do you remember when she would sit on daddy's lap and call you? She would say "mere Clara.... mere....." She couldn't quite say "come here" yet. But she tried. You would come to her and lay down. Again, you were such a great mommy dog! You did not mind that Olivia cried more during the night than the other two did. You did not mind when she would pull your tail to get you to come over to her. You were so patient. Have I told you that you are a good puppy yet? I don't know if I told you that enough. I don't know if I told you how much I love you and how I can't imagine life without you in it. You were my first baby. Losing you is like losing one of my own children. I know the time has come and I know that I have to let you go, but Clara I can't. I can't bear to let you go. I have talked to people about whether to be in the room with you or not. I think I am going to be. Daddy may not, but don't think that he doesn't love you. He just doesn't want to see you go. Your daddy loves you very much too! Do you remember when daddy would wrestle with you? He would put on the oven mitts and you would get so excited! You would start jumping on him and playing before he was even ready. It was very funny. But when daddy said "Game over" you knew that play time was done. You would walk over to daddy and give him a big hug. Remember that mommy, daddy, Ryan, Audrey and Olivia will always love you. We have to do what's best for you and we cannot stand to see you suffer anymore. I love you mommy's puppy! Mommy.....

Coal

We adopted Coal from GSRA in 2010. We lost him today unexpectedly after a brief illness. He has been the most loving, fun, loyal, and protective dog. He absolutely completed our family and our hearts are broken to have lost him. His favorite things were his people and his ball. There will never be another dog like Coal, and we are so grateful that he rescued us.

Cooter

Cooter was in our lives 10 years and 8 month. We got him as a puppy and he was supposed to be my son's but after he came home he quickly became my best buddie and it was a wonderful 10 years. Every morning I had to sit down and let him come up for his morning petting, if I forgot he'd give me a little friendly nip to remind me. His favorite thing to do was for me to throw a stick or ball for him to retrieve, he was never ready to quit when I was worn out. Sneaking off for a swim in the pond whenever he could was also high on his list. Course then he'd have to have a bath before being allowed back in the house which was always great fun.

He passed away early Labor day morning about 6:30. Our other dog, Bruce the Border Collie woke us up for his breakfast about 5:15 which usually triggered Cooter to wake me by licking my face only this morning there was no Cooter waking me. I got up and found him non-responsive around the corner. I carried him back to the bottom of stairs and grabbed my I-Pad to search for an emergency animal hospital. Something told me I didn't have time so I sat down besides him. Shortly there after he just quit breathing. I should have known something was up as the day before he was unusually clinging to me. It was hot & I was cleaning my garage so I'd let him for a short while & take him back in to the air conditioning. He, after a short rest would be frantic to get back with me. That night he was restless and just couldn't settle down. I buried him out in our orchard which he loved to go out to and run.