Blog Archives

Dude

4/10/2021

Dude
2004-2019

Our 2011 Alumnus Dude has crossed to the rainbow bridge. He was fostered by Susanne and Eric and adopted in 2012 by the Cantrell family who loved him with all their heart. Susanne said Dude was a hunting maniac in their yard – a true GSP! From his Dad: “We loved Dude and he blessed our family more than I can express. He was there through good times, and never left our side in tough times. He was an angel for my family for 7 years. Thank you for what you do for these dogs.” Our hearts ache for the Cantrell family…

Billie

4/10/2021

Billie
2019

We are heartbroken to learn that our 2018 Alumnus Billie has crossed to the Rainbow Bridge. Billie arrived in rescue in July 2018 after being found by Animal Control in south FL and his family never came for him. Billie had a grade 3 heart murmur and slowly took a turn for the worse over the last month. He went into heart failure last night and they made the painful decision to end his suffering. We don’t know what his former life was like, but we do know his life after rescue was beautiful and he received a lifetime of love from his new family. Our hearts go out to the Elliot family. Run pain free Billie!

“My mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you. But my soul knows you are at peace...” Unknown

Boone

4/10/2021

Boone
2004 - 2019

We have such sad news to share…our 2004 Alumnus Boone has passed away. Boone is the middle GSP in our Facebook cover photo and he was also Board President and longtime volunteer, Heather’s precious boy.

Boone was brought into Rescue and fostered by Heather in late 2004. He was her one and only foster “fail” that ended up being her best friend, her fur-baby and her rock for 14 beautiful years. He entered Rescue, clearly having been abused in the past, and destroyed many crates and furniture due to his separation anxiety. However, Heather says he always loved other dogs and was such a sweet boy to every new foster that entered her home. Eventually, Boone blossomed into a wonderful dog who Heather could take with her anywhere. She affectionately says he taught her how to be a good doggy Mom.

With his age, Boone struggled with some nervous system issues and initially, the chiro and cold laser treatments worked to keep him pain-free and mobile. Recently, it became clear the treatments were no longer working. It was painful for Boone as well as his Mom as she watched his frustration build and his spirit slowly whither. Although there's never a right or good time, Heather knew it was time to say goodbye to her best friend.

All of us know Heather is heartbroken and misses him desperately but we hope she finds comfort in how much love Boone felt from her throughout his life. Within Rescue, it seems like the dogs that come to us with so many problems are the ones who wiggle their way into our hearts the deepest and Boone is the very best example of that.

Goodbye sweet boy, you have left your Mom’s life, but you’ll never leave her heart.

Quincy

4/10/2021

Quincy
(2009 - 2019)

Sadly, we recently found out that our 2010 alumna Quincy, aka “Q” (formerly Lucy) passed away last year. Tragically, our volunteer Katie Meseroll who fostered Quincy in 2010 passed away from cancer in 2016. We have no doubt they have reunited at the rainbow bridge and that makes us smile.

Quincy enjoyed almost 10 years with her family, traveling up and down the east coast to visit family, the outer banks of NC, Greensboro and the beaches in Wilmington. From her dad Jared: “She eventually grew into a wonderful big sister to our two boys (born 2013 and 2017). She was gentle and protective with them when they were babies, loved "cleaning up" the kitchen floor after they ate and just before she passed, had started to spend more and more time with them. She had even started sneaking into their room at night to sleep and keep an eye on them. Like any good GSP, she was eager for walks and was an accomplished ball retriever, but she also was an accomplished couch potato. She spent a lot of time with Korynn and me watching tv on our couch in the evenings. One of her claims to fame, in addition to her remarkable good looks was having the softest fur anyone had ever felt. She knew that this was her secret weapon and used it with great skill to get more than her fair share of petting from everyone she met. We miss her a great deal.”

Poppy

4/10/2021

Poppy
2010 - 2019

We are heartbroken to learn that our 2018 Alumna Poppy (aka Popcorn) has passed away. We recently posted her battle with a spleen covered in enlarged masses and bleeding. She kept having intermittent episodes and was in extreme pain and discomfort.
Poppy was found during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and was surrendered to SEGSP when her owner could not be found. She went through heartworm treatment and was very timid and afraid. Her Mom (then her foster Mom) lovingly molded this worn and torn little girl into a healthy sweet family member. From her Mom Renee: “Thanks to you all for what you do. Each GSP has impacted my life immeasurably!”

We don’t know what the first 8 years of Poppy’s life was like, but we know the last year was filled with fun adventures and love. Run pain-free sweet Poppy…

Lucky

4/10/2021

Lucky
2010 - 2019

Sadly we were just notified that another Alumni has left this world. Lucky was fostered by our founder Beth Cochran and adopted in August of 2012. He was an expert cuddler who loved lizard hunting, the beach, and road trips. He was always up for a ride, whether it be around the block or 5 hours to vacation. He had many nicknames- among them were Mr. Velvet Ears, Scooby Doo (because of the way he ran on hardwoods without gaining traction), and Smash. From his Mom Katie: “Our hearts have been empty since he was diagnosed with cancer of the liver in March.” Lucky was most definitely a lucky boy on earth. Run pain free with our Beth at the rainbow bridge Lucky…

Oatmeal

4/10/2021

Oatmeal
2019

We are just heartbroken to learn that our 2019 Alumnus Oatmeal has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Oatmeal was surrendered to a shelter, never lived life outside of a kennel and was super overwhelmed when he entered rescue – he just wasn’t used to being loved and allowed inside. He quickly became accustomed to the comforts of home living and in the 6 months with his new family they gave him a lifetime of love that he missed in his former life. From his Mom Shelby Jean: “It is with great sadness that Oatmeal Cookie has crossed Rainbow Bridge! My grumpy ole man. Jasper Puppy and my hearts are broken. Thank you for choosing us for your last months. We so wish we had you all your 13 years!! My sweet chonky boi!! Daisy Lou Who, Gunner and Shankers will take care of you. Fly high big boy. ”

Our hearts go out to the Arrowwood family. Run free Oats – we’ll all miss you!

Alex

4/10/2021

Alex
2012 - 2019

A sad ending to the day…our 2013 Alumnus Alex has passed away. For several days he had been battling acute renal failure – we don’t know the cause. His foster Mom Beth, who later became his forever Mom, picked him up from the Florida shelter weighing only 40 lbs and he was heartworm positive. His family nursed him back to health and he was loved beyond measure for almost 6 years. It wasn’t a long life, but it was a good life. A very good life. From his Mom Beth:

“Run free Alex. My first foster fail, you stole our hearts on day one. From an emaciated 40 to 60 #, through heart worm treatment and neutering, you brought us such joy. Alex never greeted me without a leaf, twig, or stick and was the happiest dog I have ever known. This family will miss you always.”

“Our pets never really leave us. They live on in memories of the love and devotion they gave us.” Unknown

Lilly

4/8/2021

Lilly
2009 - 2019

We are sad to announce our 2011 Alumna Lilly has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge. Lilly was adopted in 2011 and was found to have a heart murmur. Her family loved her anyway. Recently her heart had progressed beyond medical help so they made the heartbreaking decision to let her cross the rainbow bridge. Lilly had a wonderful 10 years with her family and as her Mom said, though her heart was failing, it was a very big, beautiful heart and she will live forever in their hearts.

“If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever.” -A.A. Milne

Stryker

4/8/2021

Stryker
2012 - 2019

We unfortunately have a sad post today… Our 2014 Alumnus Stryker, formerly Skyler, has passed away from a rattlesnake bite. A frightening reminder of how dangerous snakes can be and a tragic end to Stryker’s wonderful life with his family. Stryker was fostered by our volunteer Cat and she not only found a fabulous home for him, but his new family became dedicated SEGSP volunteers. From Stryker’s Dad Kurt: “My heart is not just broken, it is destroyed. He was my best buddy.” Our hearts ache for the Hargarten family…

“No longer by my side, but forever in my heart.” Unknown

<<Previous

In Memory of

Dude

Dude
2004-2019

Billie

Billie
2019

Boone

Boone
2004 - 2019

Quincy

Quincy
(2009 - 2019)

Poppy

Poppy
2010 - 2019

Lucky

Lucky
2010 - 2019

Oatmeal

Oatmeal
2019

Alex

Alex
2012 - 2019

Lilly

Lilly
2009 - 2019

Stryker

Stryker
2012 - 2019

Month

SEGSP Rescue

In Memory of

Dude2004-2019

Billie​2019

Boone2004 - 2019

Quincy(2009 - 2019)

Poppy​2010 - 2019

Lucky​2010 - 2019

Oatmeal2019

Alex​2012 - 2019

Lilly​2009 - 2019

Stryker​2012 - 2019

Month

SEGSP Rescue

Dude
2004-2019

Billie
2019

Boone
2004 - 2019

Quincy
(2009 - 2019)

Poppy
2010 - 2019

Lucky
2010 - 2019

Oatmeal
2019

Alex
2012 - 2019

Lilly
2009 - 2019

Stryker
2012 - 2019