With great sadness, our longtime volunteer Loretta notified us that Edith, SEGSP 2009 Alumna, has passed away.  Loretta said, “Kidney failure and heart issues. She was a trooper right until the end and showed no signs of illness until she stopped eating. She had a great life and even took a long hike four days before as if nothing was wrong. We will miss our old girl.” 
 
In 2009 Loretta was asked by our Founder, Beth Cochran, if she would foster Edith (formerly Sue).  Loretta agreed and soon adopted her.  Loretta said, “Edith was a true feral huntress found running loose in Tennessee. When outside, there was no controlling her. Not one, no-pulling apparatus ever worked, ever. She was terrified of everything, everyone and hated loud noises.  
 
David and I realized quickly that Edith was not going to be your typical pet material, and after making a few strides with her, my husband decided to my dismay that we should keep her.  I used to keep an upholstery needle and a spool of thread in my car because she would silently chew through my seatbelts. I had to replace the visor, two head rests, the steering wheel, and the back of one seat. To be fair it was a 20-year-old car, but still. I’m embarrassed to say, I had not discovered putting a kennel in the car and putting the dog in it.  She howled and cried her way through every hike for years.  Edith took a leap off one cliff and fell off another. She ruptured both of her Achilles at separate times.
 
Not knowing these dogs’ stories, to me, is an opportunity to realize there is no point contemplating on what had happened to them, but what we can do to make their lives better going forward, no matter how long it takes. Our Edith goes way back as far as alumni and in my opinion, should have an award as one of the craziest pointer ever.” 
 
“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them." – John Grogan

With heavy hearts we’re posting another SEGSP alumni memorial.  Cole, formerly Colby from SC, has made his way to the Rainbow Bridge.  His mom Susan and dad Jorge are heartbroken and sent us this note to share…
 
“It has taken me a week to send this because we are still processing it, but we lost Cole (Colby) to brain cancer. His decline and diagnosis were severe and rapid.  We are somewhat still in shock, but thankful for the time we had with him.  Cole was our big, sweet, crazy guy and we miss him terribly. He was our ever-present Velcro pup and we genuinely loved him. We are thankful that we were able to make his last few years better than his first, and that we experienced his constant faithful companionship.  While we are still recovering from the loss of Mr. Cole (aka Papi Lop, Sweetie Pop, and Papi), we are grateful that we got to know this special guy. Rest in peace Sweetie Pop.” 
  
“There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.” Suzanne Clothier