Diesel
Furever in our hearts! Loved by Karen & Gary Pine for 8 short years. He held a special place in our hearts, as we also own his mama, Harley. Diesel was the pup we kept out of her second litter. We watched her give birth to him...nurtured him. Back in February, he was diagnosed w/hip dysplasia & osteoarthritis. From then on, we were back & forth to the vet for one thing or another. Last week we lost him to what wound up being cancer. He had a tumor growing in his stomach & pushing on all his organs. Upon further examination, it was discovered that his lungs were covered w/lesions. He is now running like a dear in a field of tennis balls. 05/08/2007 - 06/l7/2015. RIP Diesel!!!

Duchess
Our beloved Duchess came to us over 4 years ago from GSRA. Though we originally went to see a much younger GSD, it was this very special senior Duchess that we came across while visiting that stole our hearts. She was an immediate member of our family. Our home and yard became hers. She was always there to greet us when we came home; she went on all our vacations with us. We all miss her. She was the greatest dog in the world to us. It was an honor to hold her as she found peace at the end of her life. I can't wait to cross the Rainbow Bridge with her one day. She will hold a special place in my heart until that day. Good girl, Duch, we love you.

Duke
On July 9, 2008, we picked up Duke (aka The “Dukester”) in Raleigh, NC, accompanied by our daughter, Heather, a German Shepherd Rescue & Adoption (GSRA) volunteer. Duke had been rescued off a busy highway in Charlotte, NC and ended up at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept. Animal Control. Because he tested Heartworm positive, it seemed no one wanted him and he was a few days away from being euthanized. No Way! Members of GSRA sprung into action. One of their volunteers parked herself at the animal shelter at 6am and sat in a lawn chair, armed with a thermos of coffee, to ensure she would be first in line when the doors opened. Through a chain of events, coordinated by several volunteers, Duke walked into our lives. We fostered him, but knew from day one we would adopt him. Duke was truly the most magnificent, remarkable dog we’ve ever owned. As someone told us, “Duke looked like the German Shepherd that everyone associates with that breed. He was the Rin Tin Tin type of dog that many of us longed for as a child.” Sadly, we only had him for one year. Although he survived a 6-month Heartworm treatment, he passed away at home July 16, 2009 from spleen and liver cancer. The emptiness in our hearts is unfathomable. The “Dukester” was a funny boy. He performed all the basic commands with the precision of a drill sergeant, and his manners were impeccable… except for one silly quirk. After his dinner, he insisted on rolling around on our light beige carpet which he used as a napkin to wipe his mouth. He seemed to take pleasure in seeing us routinely drag out the carpet shampooer. He wasn’t much of a guard dog -- he was just too sweet. When repairmen entered our foyer, he gave them a cursory glance, went back to sleep, and they had to step over him. He wasn’t great at “fetch” either. We’d throw the ball, he’d stand there and wait until we walked over to “fetch” the ball and bring it back to him. After a few minutes of us throwing the ball and doing all the retrieving, he’d lay down with a slight smile on his face. He had us trained well. He loved everyone, especially small children and the elderly. He seemed to sense their fragility. Once, after seeing a toddler in a stroller, he simply put his nose through the leg opening of the stroller and gently laid his head on the toddler’s lap. She squealed with laughter at this 105 lb. fur ball. He was a celebrity in our neighborhood. When my husband walked him, folks would call out Duke’s name and stop what they were doing just to pet him. As someone said, “Duke must be a happy dog because he always looks like he’s smiling.” Our next door neighbor, Don, made him food bowl stands, picture frames, and… a wooden engraved cross to place on Duke’s grave. It’s only been a week since Duke died and we miss him so much. Our time with him was too short and we are grieving for all that could have been. We cherished every day that we had with him. He left this earth with dignity, and we are confident he felt totally loved and at peace. We would like to express our utmost appreciation to all the GSRA volunteers who went the extra mile so we could adopt Duke. Several members of the organization stayed in touch with us and offered their wisdom, guidance, love and support. It’s been a wonderful experience to be associated with this group of people who work tirelessly to rescue dogs who otherwise might not have been saved. GSRA volunteers are angels in work clothes. “Duke, old buddy, we will remember you in our hearts forever.” Karen and Reed Akers, and Heather Akers

Duke
In December of 2006 we rescued Duke from the animal shelter. He had just turned 3 years old. Reality is that he rescued us! Duke was a sweet boy who enjoyed just being with his family and loved having his picture taken. My children at the time were 14 and 6. Duke loved our cat Salem too. In 2009 we moved from Florida to North Carolina and Duke found a new love...Snow! Duke was the man of the house and he loved and protected each one of us but it was clear that he truly was my daughter's dog. He would not take his eyes off of her :) This past week we had to put Duke to sleep. He was ridden with arthritis and was not able to get around and we could not stand to see him suffer. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. He got to enjoy his 10th birthday which was Thanksgiving day and one more Christmas with us. We are so sadden by his death. Our home has a empty void that cannot be described. I know he is our Guardian Angel in Heaven and is still protecting us.