​Our beautiful alumna Olive Rose left this world yesterday.  She had been undergoing tests for her liver function, but her condition worsened and her dad Dennis said she told them she was ready… but they were not. 
 
Olive came to rescue in 2014 as a stray and was pregnant, emaciated and heartworm positive and after having 10 puppies began her time in rescue. Our founder Beth Cochran treated Olive for heartworms, then Dennis fostered her and showed her what it was like to be loved and adopted her.  Her family adored her and for seven years she enjoyed a love-filled life.
 
“The pain of grief is just as much a part of life as the joy of love; it is, perhaps, the price we pay for love, the cost of commitment.” Colin Murray Parkes 

We said goodbye to another alumni, Tucker (formerly Turtle aka Teo).  Tucker had two bad habits - eating socks and stealing food. Tragically, it was his penchant for eating socks that caused his death. He had just undergone surgery for an obstruction and was doing fine, then the next minute he was gone. His family is having a hard time trying to understand what happened and they had no words to describe how much they loved their giant sweet boy. 
 
From his mom Tonya, “We had come so far. His thievery was becoming such a rarity. Even though he was resourceful enough and sneaky enough to get things if he really wanted to. He learned to open doors and lids as quiet as a mouse. He was just amazing. He didn’t even try to come into the kitchen when we were cooking anymore. He was such a smart playful loving boy and we are devastated he is gone.”
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He will also be desperately missed by his entire family including his Granny who he loved visiting at the beach, his siblings Avery and partner in tearing up toys Jazzy plus the neighborhood kids he adored.  He came to rescue from an Alabama shelter and we are forever grateful to our volunteers Ellen and Mike for fostering Tucker, meticulously determining his needs and finding his perfect forever home.  He may have had a short life, but it was an amazing life!

Our 2009 SEGSP courtesy listing alumna, Grace.  She was adopted in Florida at 2 years old, full of energy and sweetness, and spent her lifetime giving and receiving an immense amount of love.
 
Grace had bladder cancer that had spread and her body just couldn’t handle it any longer. She is no longer in pain and no doubt is waiting at the rainbow bridge with a smile on her face.  Our heartfelt condolences to the Robertson family.

We have very sad news to share. Our 2013 alumnus Bo has passed away.  Bo came to rescue as a stray and was heartworm positive. He was fostered initially by our founder Beth Cochran, then by Ted Threlkeld.  Ted fell in love and happily foster failed and became Bo’s forever dad.  We don’t know anything about Bo’s life before rescue, but we’re certain his life on earth after rescue was the best life ever.  He will be missed immensely by his family, including his rescue family at SEGSP.
Run pain-free sweet Bo…

We’re received some very sad news yesterday…  our 2015 alumnus Apache left this world.

From his forever mom Sheyla, “I don't remember when we adopted him because it feels like has always been a part of the family. Loyal and brilliant! Today we laid him to rest in the backyard. Your organization gave us a priceless gift, a life with joy and a family member.  He was an amazing dog. Thank you for selecting us to be his family.  May he be remembered as the noble gentle giant that he was. With love, Sheyla”

We don’t know what Apache’s first 5 years were like, but we know he spent his last six years hiking, going on trail walks and enjoying the outdoors with his family, including his blue tick sibling Meadow.  What every dog desires – to be included and loved.​

Farewell Apache…you will be loved forever and deeply missed.

We’ve had another tragic loss in rescue – our 2019 alumnus Harnett sadly has left the world. 
Harnett came to rescue in January of 2019 at about 2 years old as part of the “NC 6”, a group of dogs dropped off at a shelter for not hunting.  Despite his background, he loved kids, his furry companions and a soft bed. With the Hammonds, he found an amazing family including little humans that adored him and his very own canine brother. Both Harnett and his GSP brother were even mascots for their human siblings’ running club at school.  No doubt Harnett was loved.
From his mom Tammy, “Harnett succumbed to lymphoma cancer and has been freed from pain and suffering. He's in eternal sleep and peace. He was truly an amazing boy and we are so heartbroken that he has left us at such a young age. Although his time with us was short, he gave us an abundance of happiness, love, and wonderful memories.  Thank you for all the love you gave to him so that he could find his forever home. He was truly an amazing dog and will always hold a special place in our family.”
Harnett will also hold a special place in the hearts of those who helped him along his short journey in rescue. Forever.