Dax
My beloved Dax passed away on April 24, 2013. He was 12 years, 3 weeks old. To say he was my best friend would be an understatement. He was my shadow, my clown, my alter ego. Dax had dealt with a litany of health issues since he was around 4, but thankfully I was able to keep him alive, comfortable and happy until the end (who needs a 401/k anyway?) His absolute favorite thing was a chunk of frozen sweet potato stuffed inside of his black Kong (the red ones just didn't last too long!) Exactly at 8 pm every night, I would have a spit-covered Kong heaved into my lap repeatedly until I gave in and fixed his treat. 2 times per night, like clockwork. About 6 weeks before he passed, I had a conversation with him and told him that when he wanted to tell me that it was time, he could give me a sign by refusing his treat. The night he passed, he brought me the Kong, I made his treat, and all was well. About 9:45, I made him another one, brought it to him, and he turned his head away. He went and lay down beside my bed, and by 11 he was gone. Honestly, the loss still hasn't sunk in completely. I know that everyone says this about their GSD, but there will never be another one like him. Kind, gentle, the most expressive face, protective, funny, all of the GSD traits were present in him. I appreciate the opportunity to share a little about my boy with everyone here. Thank you.

J.R.
A farm dog, a loyal friend, my protector. He had his moments like when he'd bark and nip at the horses behinds and we'd have to lock him up in a horse stall, or went after our goats when they got loose...but he also had his moments where he'd put his head on my pillow and sleep next to me, or follow me everywhere, or sit in the corner of the stall as I mucked them out. He was my first true friend, he understood me better than anyone, and when I had to leave the farm to go to my other home during the week, he always broke my heart with the look on his face when he saw I was leaving. But I always came back at the end of the week, and the joy he had when I returned...there's nothing to compare. Though I couldn't be there when he passed, he's always in my heart and I can't wait to see him again.

Keller
Keller was a wonderful German Shepard and my Velcro dog. The first three years we had him we walked many miles together. The last year was kind of hard on him due to lumbar sacral arthritis. We tried several different times with acupuncture and it helped at first, but then it wasn't helping anymore. We tried steroid shots and that didn't help at all. Pain medicine gave him diarrhea. I loved him with all my heart and I stayed with him while he passed. He was my great protector and he will be sorely missed.

Samantha ("Sammie")
I found Samantha one evening when I was on my way home and stopped to buy gas. She was sitting by the building, watching and waiting. I saw her there, alone and lonely, and called to her. She came to me, a little shyly, then wagging her tail from the first soft pat on her head. So I bought her some dog food, which she wolfed down, and I noticed she had no tags or collar. I asked the station clerk about her, and he told me that she'd been there for about 10 days and was about to call animal control! So naturally, I took her home! She quickly made herself home in my apartment, which was beside a lake. She would run and run and run in the grass. I had just been through a serious illness, and I am convinced that her love made me well. Soon, my neighbor adopted a beagle puppy named Max, and he and Sammie became fast friends. Since I travel a lot for a living, Sam also stayed with my mom and dad, who adored her. They had two dogs of their own. Sammie liked being Numero Uno, but she tolerated Maggie and Kippy well. Later, she and I moved to a house in the country, where we went on long walks and Sammie got to meet other dogs. Most of my extended family just adored her, as did I. For nearly 10 years, Sammie was my four-legged "child." Then about a year ago, she was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Two weeks later, she departed for the Rainbow Bridge. I miss her so...and feel that her spirit is still close to me. I miss her lovely face, and her wagging tail. I miss her bark and her whine and her funny happy "moaning." I hope to have another dog one day, hopefully soon!

Josie
It is with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to our beautiful Josie this Spring. She was fighting so many health ailments we knew it was best to send her up to the Heaven's. She was a great girl, loved her tennis ball and loved to roll in the fresh cut green grass. Her nick name was our "Green Irish Shepherd". She is missed by her pack members Deacon and Barrett but they keep her tennis balls close to their hearts. We love you Jose - rest in peace our girl.