In Memoriam | NorCal GSP Rescue

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This is a special section for dogs from or in our rescue who have gone to Rainbow Bridge.

Vixen – passed away May 12, 2020

May 15, 2020

With an extremely heavy heart, I had to say goodbye to Vixen on Tuesday. She is now cancer-free and chasing ground squirrels on the other side of the rainbow bridge. For those that don’t know her story, she landed in a shelter in Modesto after she had been found wandering. She sat there for 45 days and was one day away from being put down when they called @norcalgsprescue who took her in and placed her in a loving foster home where she learned basic manners with her foster mom, Sally. Almost a year later I was looking for a […]

Daisy (formerly Autumn) – passed away May 1, 2020

May 2, 2020

So. I’m not even sure how to write this. Our beloved Daisy died tonight. George Putnam and I are stunned, bereft. There truly are no words for such a vile year. Daisy came to us from the NorCal GSP Rescue six years ago, and she went everywhere with George, from daily runs to depos at the law office. This morning, they went with their group for a long run, and she swam at Folsom Lake. After a busy day, they went on an evening walk. She collapsed. He carried her to the car. At LBVC she was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma […]

America – passed away March 15, 2020

March 15, 2020

When word got out of America’s passing, condolences came flooding in, and almost every one of them included the word “sweet.” America had indeed become a very sweet, lovely, and mellow dog. Which is remarkable, because she was a mess when Claire dropped her off at our home to become our eighth NorCal GSP foster dog. She had sad eyes, a cyst the size of a tennis ball below her jaw, and an oozing gash on her cheek. She’d lived for five years in a large metal cage, taken out only occasionally to hunt. A sawed down plastic barrel was […]

Mickey – passed away March 13, 2020

March 13, 2020

We lost Mickey unexpectedly, cancer in his abdomen. He joined our home as the fastest foster fail ever, less than two hours, when I, (the one who usually says, “no, we’re not keeping him”), said, “We’re keeping him!” He was the BEST snuggler, always making sure anyone in need of some dog love got some, so much so that visitors often threatened to steal him (jokingly of course). His other favorite activities included basking in sunbeams and going for a paddle on the kayak. Did I mention he loved to snuggle? He will be terribly missed by his siblings, Colby, […]

Jake fka Tumbleweed – passed away January 15, 2020

January 18, 2020

Our sweet Jake passed away very early in the morning on January 15th, 2020. We are all heartbroken, of course, but are also beyond thankful for having had him for 11 of his nearly 13 years of life. We were enchanted by Jake the minute we saw him, in the spring of 2008. Well, I should say, my husband was, because he was the first one in the door at the foster home, and declared “We’ll take him!” before the rest of the family had even seen the little guy! Thank you, Bill & Cheryl Reese, for the wonderful job […]

Lucy, formerly Suzy – passed away November 14, 2019

November 17, 2019

It is with the heaviest heart that I tell you the tumor got the best of my girl last Thursday. My heart aches, I miss her sweet face, her funny antics and how she laid on top of me in the morning digging her elbows into my chest as I gently squeezed her lips and scratched her chin. She loved that. The mornings have been the hardest, I turn in circles because I have no routine. And the house is SO quiet, the silence is deafening. For the last few days, I am just pretending she is still here. I […]

Coco – passed away November 1, 2019

November 9, 2019

This is so hard for me to write, but I had to say goodbye to Coco, my companion, for the last 12 years. On November 1, we said goodbye at home in her favorite place right in front of the window with the sun shining in. She was the most amazing dog, such a fighter with both bouts of Cancer, and she never gave up. She was loved by everyone who met her, she was gentle, loving, and such a cuddle bug. Her favorite things to do were chase/stare down the squirrels on the back fence, go for walks downtown, […]

Layla – passed away October 2019

October 31, 2019

In a word, Layla was a delight. She loved everything about life, especially critters. Rather than chilling with mom on the couch to watch television, Layla preferred to patrol the yard. She would sometimes just sit right outside the back door on high alert. Her love and sweetness were abundant, sometimes a little too much for people meeting her for the first time, as she was so forthright with her attention and affection. Layla was an amazing hunter. I once watched her wait for a rat to run between the two backyard fences, she reached in, grabbed him and you […]

Pinto – passed away October 2019

October 31, 2019

Pinto came into rescue as a likely neglected, very weak dog but in true GSP style, he was determined and powered forward such that in a few short weeks he was able to enjoy long walks and chase after our Sarah as she retrieved a ball. Even as his medical needs increased and his eyesight became very limited toward the end of his life, Pinto seemed to enjoy walking through our orchard and sniffing here and there. He also never lost interest in trying to locate the indoor cats. Such a great nose! One of my fondest times with Pinto […]

Patch – passed away October 30, 2019

October 30, 2019

Our adopted boy Patch was having problems, then he would come out of it, but the last few days, he was not well. He had surgery today and they took his spleen and a tumor. He was recovering nicely, but he was weak. He passed away this evening. My heart is hurting as he was my lover boy. We had him for about 10 years. He was our very first foster. -Charlotte and Al

Jodie – passed away September 2019

September 30, 2019

We adopted Jodie 4-26-2014 and from day one she was a sweetheart – she fit right in with an older GSP and a young Doberman. We took obedience classes together and she passed them all. Her favorite thing was to come to the office with me and visit with the customers. She earned a certificate from Therapy Dogs International and visited the local hospitals and libraries doing reading to the dogs. We talked to the kids about rescue and that she did not have her girlish figure anymore. When Lunamarie the GSP passed away she was in full swing doing […]

Ayden – passed away September 2019

September 30, 2019

Ayden was beautiful inside and out and was with us all too short a time. Each foster home and volunteer who cared for him fell in love and could see his potential. We wish we had found Ayden sooner, but are grateful we could give him the love he deserved for the time he was in our care. Rest in peace, Ayden (aka Rocco/Rocky).

Podrick – passed away September 2019

September 30, 2019

We’re so glad we could rescue you and give you a fighting chance. Rest in peace, Pod.

Kato – passed away August 2019

August 31, 2019

It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our Kato (formally Romeo, adopted 2012). We were fortunate enough to have adopted him and have him part of our family. Kato was a “ gentle giant.” He was shy and subdued when we brought him home, but we were fortunate enough to watch him blossom. He still remained shy with strangers but always did open up to them and was a kind gentle dog until the end. Two years after Kato joined our family he started having head tremors, then eventually had Grand Mal seizures. After numerous tests […]

Vera – passed away June 26, 2019

June 30, 2019

Vera passed on June 26, 2019, about 3:45, in her favorite chair, at home. Estimated to be 15/16 years of age. A great friend and companion, she always wanted to be where the people were. It was easy to forget she wasn’t a human. Her favorite things were lying in the sun by the back door in the morning, thrashing through the bushes in the back yard chasing scents, avoiding the lawn entirely, her Kong toy (especially when I filled it with cold cheese tortellini) and meeting other dogs. One of the funniest memories I have of her was the […]

Louie – passed away May 2019

May 31, 2019

Louie was about the most special dog I ever had. He was unique in every way. He and I had a special bond that will last forever in my memory. I was only blessed to share his last year of his approximately nine years on this earth but I cherish every minute. I first met Louie (formerly Elmer) around April 13 of 2018. I had just finished fostering Henry (formerly Henri, with the dislocated elbow) and getting him adopted. I wasn’t ready for another foster but when I read his story and saw his picture in NorCal GSP Rescue with […]

Juanna – passed away May 19, 2019

May 24, 2019

Juanna, nicknamed Tilly, came to the Rescue a mess. She had been rescued by a Good Samaritan after Tilly, a sick, malnourished senior stray reduced to scavenging around a dumpster, warmed her heart. The Rescue and her foster home stopped at nothing to make the remainder of her life pain-free, with a cushioned bed of her own in every room, a daily walk, unlimited amounts of yummy food, lots and lots of treats and all the love and attention she could possible want. She was an incredibly sweet dog and saw everyone and everything as a friend (except birds, of […]

Callie – passed away week of March 25, 2019

March 30, 2019

We wanted to let you know we lost our sweet Callie last week because of a broken leg due to cancer. We adopted Callie almost three years ago and she was the perfect dog for us. She taught us how to be empty nesters. She enjoyed backyard hunts with her dad and after-work walks with her mom. Most of all she loved snuggling on the couch and getting her scratches. She was our constant companion and we will miss her. -Amy and Fred Hawkins

Black Betty (formerly Rita) – passed away March 9, 2019

March 10, 2019

This weekend we had to say goodbye to Betty. She came to us from NorCal GSP Rescue. We named her Black Betty after the song by Ram Jam because she was the recessive black color, not the typical copper brown. She has the softest ears like a seal pup. Our first meeting she stood straight up on her hind legs and looked me in the eyes and smelled my breath but never touched me. She was a beauty and we took her home not knowing how much she would become a part of our story. We came to understand why […]

Bandit – passed away February 18, 2019

February 22, 2019

Today we said goodbye to our sweet dog Bandit. It’s never easy saying goodbye and this was especially hard because from the first day I met Bandit, we had a strong connection immediately and he has been very special to me for the last almost 6 years. At our first meeting, he came up and sniffed me and then brought me a toy so that we could play fetch (something he loved to do until the day he went to the hospital). When we adopted Bandit (at 6 years old), he was a bit of a mess. He had just […]

Duke – passed away December 28, 2018

December 31, 2018

My husband and I wanted to let the rescue group know that “Duke” (adopted Dec. 2015) has been a loving and wonderful companion, and while he has been in hospice care for over the last year the hard decision has come. Duke was the sweetest boy and always seemed to have his head against us. He enjoyed playing with his soccer ball in our backyard. -Denise & Mike Sanders

Daisy Mae – passed away December 2018

December 31, 2018

With an extremely heavy heart, I wanted to let you know that I had to say goodbye to sweet daisy after over three years with her. She had a tumor on her spleen burst which turned out to be cancerous. We underwent emergency surgery and she was with me and happy for two months following surgery. She had a great adventurous life in Mill Valley and tons of Tahoe trips. She loved trail runs off-leash, chasing balls in oceans and lakes, and stealing my clothes to lay on every time I left the house. She was quite a character, was […]

Ruth – passed away November 24, 2018

November 25, 2018

I’m convinced that Ruth found us . . . A friend of a friend followed a dog rescue in Sonora CA that I became aware of through social media. I started following them. Months later, a courtesy posting with Ruth’s picture appeared. She was beautiful! The owner was moving and could not take 11-year-old Ruth with her. Ruth was to be euthanized in just a few days if she didn’t find a home. I decided I needed to help her. Never did I think we’d grow our family from 2 to 3 large dogs. But I had to help her […]

August – passed away November 14, 2018

November 17, 2018

Augie was a senior dog when we adopted him, at least 10, but with the behavior of a dog much older, and we guessed having lived outside or on his own for a good period of time. He had an eye injury and was neutered just before he came to us, so he was not attractive or a happy camper and our GSP, Fielder, was not into being a friend to him. We brought him to an adoption fair, and all he wanted to do was sit on us, as we sat in camp chairs. He wasn’t very attractive to […]

Axel – passed away November 2018

November 2, 2018

I am writing to let you know that Axel has passed away. We adopted Axel from NorCal 6 or 7 years ago after he had been in foster homes for 2+ years and you were getting desperate to find a home for him – mostly because he did not get along well with other dogs. At first, Axel could become a neurotic mess, mostly when outside and overstimulated. He could wear a trough in the ground from repeatedly running back and forth over one track. It did not take too long however for him to discover that he was no […]

Sancho (formerly Spot) – passed away October 25, 2018

October 31, 2018

I lost my beloved Sancho on October 25th and life will never be quite the same again. I didn’t choose Sancho. He chose me – by jumping in my forerunner at the end of our first visit. “Time to go home!” he seemed to say. Sancho taught me the true power of devotion and love. He came as a rescue with a bundle of anxieties and misbehaviors. Separation anxiety cost me many hoses, carpets, and other assorted objects – as well as my sanity! He never quite outgrew it, but it improved, as did his fear of basketballs. It took […]

Bennett – passed away October 8, 2018

October 29, 2018

Said goodbye to an amazing friend today. We’ll miss you, Bennett. You got us into a ton of fun and helped us learn a lot about ourselves. Thank you. We had some great adventures and we’ll never forget you. We’ll see you in another life. RIP Bennett. We fell in love with Bennett the moment we met him, we rescued him at 8 years old and had 6 amazing years together. He was the easiest dog to love but the hardest to say goodbye to. He’ll forever have a place in our hearts. -Joseph & Allison

Ace – passed away September 4, 2018

September 8, 2018

It has been a really sad time for us as we lost our sweet Ace on Tuesday. We had been treating Cushing’s disease and last year he had a malignant Melanocytic tumor removed from his mouth. Even with these issues, he persevered and beat the odds. When we adopted him at 14, we thought we would be lucky to have him a for year, but we were blessed as it turned out to be 3.5 wonderful and unforgettable years. 17.5 years old is really off the charts and probably a gold record holder. Thank you for allowing us to make […]

Princess – passed away July 22, 2018

July 28, 2018

Here is our Princess, always enjoying the outdoors, hiking and pointing. Our hearts will always hold a special spot for this girl. She was the best dog ever. RIP 7/22/18 -Garret B.

Suzie – passed away July 2, 2018

July 7, 2018

I accidentally came across petfinder.com while getting shelter information for my sister. I wasn’t looking for another dog, but I typed in “german shorthaired pointer.” Several listings came up, but one really caught my eye. I saw a scared little girl in a big chair. Her story went something like this: “My name is Suzie. I’m fat, my nipples hang, the breeder was going to euthanize me because he didn’t want my puppies. I’m 3 years old and I already had 3 litters. I was mistreated…….” I felt so bad for her and wanted to help her, but she was […]

Tyler – passed away June 24, 2018

June 30, 2018

Tyler had such a presence. The true definition of a handsome, nimble, and instinct-driven dog. Literally would fly up our stairs without making a sound, leaving you wondering where he went. Although a mix, he was pure GSP when it came to our backyard and squirrels and the local fox family living in our neighbor’s yard. Such a fun thing to witness, his pure joy at being in nature. He truly was just pure love, when comfortable and at home with our family. Would lay and even sleep on his back, fully relaxed and submissive and eating up any attention […]

Chuck – passed away June 2018

June 30, 2018

Chuck came into our lives in November 2007. He wasn’t very domesticated when he came to us. Close as we can figure, he was a ranch dog who never came inside until he was rescued. And that certainly showed! But he learned about being a family dog: patient with children who wanted to touch his nose, loving, loyal beyond anything. He had an amazing passion for bread products. Truth is, when we left hamburger and the buns on the counter, he’d take the buns and eat them all. He loved his family fiercely, and his GSP brethren Tracker and Ollie. […]

Miles (formerly Andretti) – passed away May 2018

May 31, 2018

We are heartbroken at having to say goodbye to Miles. We had him for 10 fun-filled years and to this day, it’s still hard to believe that someone didn’t turn over every corner of the earth to get him back. He was an incredible dog and we were so lucky to have him in our life. One of his aunts described him as having a “big personality” and he truly did, along with a big heart and generous spirit. He loved napping in the bathtub, retrieving just about anything that wasn’t nailed down and like a true pointer, chasing squirrels. […]

Emmett – passed away May 29, 2018

May 31, 2018

Hello, I wanted to let your group know that we lost our boy today. He was adopted from your group at 6 weeks old; found as part of a litter near Porterville which was all euthanized. Our Emmett saved himself by hiding and then pointing at his water dish when pointer rescue came to get another dog from the shelter. He was with us for almost 15 years. He was the best boy, jogging buddy, and best friend to our two sons. We will miss him forever. We had to make the hard choice to put him to sleep due […]

Patterson (formerly Magoo) – passed away May 17, 2018

May 19, 2018

Dear Patterson, It is with sad hearts and deep regret that we said goodbye to you yesterday our “big guy” and beloved family member. Back in August of 2008 they all thought I was crazy when I thought we needed a friend for Lizzie. You had come to NorCal GSP Rescue group after an accident in which you got hit by a truck in Patterson, CA. The off duty firefighter that hit you and his people rallied around you and got you the help you needed to save your life. After losing your right rear leg they looked for your […]

Buckley – passed away April 2018

April 29, 2018

We are saddened to share that last week Travis and I gained a guardian angel. Buckley (Class of 2016) had two very spoiled retirement years with us (though it seemed like many more) before losing his battle to nasal tumors/cancer at age 11. He loved his routine, long walks with me, grass, tennis balls, “playing lacrosse” with Travis, treats, and naps in his adopted blue armchair. He taught me so much about love, patience, care, and compassion. He gave me a heart for senior pets (the best!). We are so grateful for his rescue from Sacramento SPCA, his fostering by […]

Delia – passed away March 28, 2018

March 31, 2018

Delia was our much-loved companion for fourteen years. She ran like the wind and brought us constant amusement and joy. In typical GSP fashion, she had her quirks. She hated walking on grass and would only go on the edge of the lawn; yet never met a cow pie she wouldn’t roll in. And why bother to point when you can climb the tree after that turkey? Even though it seemed as if she lost her hearing as soon as that leash was unclipped and she ran ahead, she always circled back around to meet us. She’s running ahead of […]

Hope – passed away March 9, 2018

March 10, 2018

I am sad to say that our sweet Hope passed away on March 9th, 2018. She was eighteen years old. She was such a goofball. Loved riding in the car, in fact, she would jump in anyone’s car if they left the door open. She loved to run and enjoyed her walks and of course her food. But most of all she loved her people. The last couple of years she slowed down, yet every once in a while she would take off down the street with us giving chase. Then she would lay on the couch to rest. She […]

Baylee – passed away February 10, 2018

February 16, 2018

It was the most wonderful year (with Baylee), we had so much darned fun together, and as nutty as she could be, I loved her with all my heart, she was the pup who needed the most from a rescue-mom and it was worth every minute. It helps to know that I did my absolute very best to be a good adoption-mom for her, daily walks, shopping, runs at the cemetery, I cooked her food, she ate what I ate, veggies & high-quality meat and even soup & salad, she loved it all. I never met a more loving dog and […]

Emma – passed away January 26, 2018

January 31, 2018

Emma was a Dalmatian-English Pointer mix saved from a kill shelter by NorCal GSP Rescue. She came to us afraid of the world; she would start shaking at the mere sight of another dog or at the sound of the printer whirring. She suffered from fear-based aggression. But with lots of TLC and patience, she grew into a playful pest to her Weimaraner big brother and a more secure and confident girl who loved the outdoors. Other than two four-legged friends, she didn’t care much for other dogs or other people. Yet she was a sweet and affectionate companion to […]

Skye (formerly London) – passed away January 4, 2018

January 6, 2018

Skye passed to Rainbow Bridge at 12:59 am on January 4, 2018, at home at the age of 11. I held her as she left me. Last year she was diagnosed with arthritis, benign tumors on her liver and spleen, and liver failure. Her vet and I kept her comfortable with medication but we knew it was a matter of time. She was a gentle mellow soul and loved her people, her doggy friends, her yard and house. Skye loved walkies, treats and her many dog beds around the house. She groomed herself like a cate – she was the […]

Lillian – passed away January 4, 2018

January 6, 2018

Lily was one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever known. The way she would perk up when she would see me or my husband—her big brown eyes would sparkle and her huge elephant-like ears would fan out with her constantly wagging tail. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important thing in the world and like she had been in our lives forever. We had so many great adventures together. We hiked in many dog-friendly parks and had our favorite trails that she would zoom along forcing slow people to get out of her […]

Cody (was Ben) – passed away December 2017

December 31, 2017

I wanted to let you know that our beloved Cody passed just before the holidays. He was 15, and had a wonderful life, passing peacefully in my arms. In his last two years, we welcomed a new family member, our daughter Annalise and they became fast friends. I will always be thankful for you helping bring Cody into my life. I cannot imagine my 20s and 30s without him. We’ve made a donation in his honor, and will keep him and you in our hearts forever. -Christian Buss

Lorelei – passed away November 19, 2017

November 19, 2017

I wanted to let you know that Lorelei crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. She woke up yesterday unable to use her back legs, by today it was clear there would be no improvement. Dr. Metzger was on duty, for which we are extremely grateful. We’ve learned something from all our dogs, but Lorelei’s lesson was particularly timely. She showed us how to age graciously (I won’t say gracefully, she was never that!). Despite whatever travails she’d suffered in the past, she was always ready to make a new human friend. When she was perky, she would enjoy sniffing her […]

Scout – passed away October 28, 2017

October 28, 2017

We said goodbye to Scout this morning. He’d slowed down a bunch recently but was still eager to join us for chores every evening. Last night he had mustered the energy for a stroll in the pasture while Colby, Mickey, and Woodie ran around like pointers do. He seemed to soak up the sunshine. This morning he could no longer rise…it was time… He came to me in my time of need and we had seven great years together. Godspeed my dear friend…give my love to Finn and Coconut…may you be reunited with your sound body and boisterous voice…until we […]

Dante (Kent in rescue) – passed away October 20, 2017

October 28, 2017

It is with great sorrow that I have to let you know that Dante (adopted as Kent) has gone over the rainbow bridge. He was the sweetest and most loving dog ever. A cuddly boy who loved his routines: Got up at 6 AM to go for a run in the garden, always the same counter-clockwise turn, come in and have his breakfast. Go for a walk with his dog friend always on the hunt for something. We never got to learn his manners when putting his leash on, he was crazy happy to go out for his walks and […]

James – passed away October 4, 2017

October 7, 2017

Rest in Peace, James Von Miller. You were quite the character. I loved when you’d get a wild hair up your butt and start romping around like a goat. You were a big part of my life for over a year and I miss you. No more mountains to climb, sweet boy. Run free! Love, M

Fawn – passed away October 1, 2017

October 7, 2017

Fawn brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people. It started with Ron the day Fawn adopted him. In the 10+ years with Ron, she was a great dog. Fawn was quite the squirrel hunter and a fantastic swimmer. As she aged Fawn just got sweeter though her nuzzling we affectionately referred to as the ‘alligator death roll’. Fawn never had a health issue, not even so much as an ear infection, she was the model GSP and loved by everyone who met her. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with cancer and had only a few months to live. […]

Addie – passed away September 2017

September 30, 2017

We love Addie so much and think about her every day. We love her personality, her silly antics, she was truly the best dog ever. She even got along well with Stan our cat after ~a year. She loved running around Bernal Heights and Fort Funston. We took her with us on so many adventures — Tahoe in the wintertime, Mendocino when Albert and I got engaged, and road trips to LA to see my sister and my niece & nephew. We miss her every day. -Imee and Albert

JAX (fka Jazzy) – passed away September 11, 2017

September 16, 2017

For 12 years she enriched our lives with her boundless energy and unconditional love. Although she was 50% GSP, she cared deeply about birds of all kinds— and adored people as all pit bulls do. Tragically, her older “brother”, Boz, passed 5 days after Jax. We are heartbroken.I hope that they are running together on a beach filled with birds and dog treats. -Marie and Amy