​We discovered our 2004 alumnus, Sam, passed away in 2017.  Here is Sam’s story from his mom Mary…
 
“Samuel Adams Harrison, a.k.a., Sam came to us as a big, goofy guy, he was about 2 years old.  I had found out about SEGSP from a family member in NC.  I fell in love with the breed. When I saw pictures of Sam on the website, I knew immediately that he was the one for us. My husband and I drove to Alpharetta, GA and picked him up. I remember my first walk on the way home, rather Sam, walking ME across a field!  Sam quickly became a huge part of our family. He loved riding in cars and checking the perimeter of our backyard.  Even with a permanent limp from a break, I guess as a pup, he did not slow down.  Among Sam’s favorite activities were hunting and catching a multitude of lizards and even a squirrel every now and then. AND being in or on our laps, touching us, leaning against us, following us wherever we went…. true to being a GSP, a Velcro dog for sure. We loved every minute of it.  Sam captured the hearts of everyone who met him, and he loved them right back. Especially the ones that would sneak feed him treats!  
 
Sam was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma at age 12 1/2. After surgery for tumor removal, we were lucky enough to have him for another year and a half. He passed away in March 2017.  Without SEGSP, I would have never had Sam. Thank you to everyone who volunteers and supports SEGSP. You make stories like Sam’s a reality for so many families.”
 
Thank you, Mary, for sharing Sam’s story with us. We know he brought your family so much love and happiness – but we also know you gave Sam a life he could never dream of before he was rescued.
 
"So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good." — Helen Keller

We received a very sad message that our 2019 alumnus Bo, formerly Buddy, has passed away.  Bo came to rescue in FL with his sister Lady and was fostered by our volunteers Tonya and Matt.  Bo had lived his entire life in a kennel however he adjusted quickly to indoor living and being loved and spoiled. His foster family chose a wonderful forever family for Bo with Pam and Randy, and he was loved dearly.
 
His forever dad Randy said, “I’m writing to let you know that Bo (AKA Buddy) passed away today, he was diagnosed with Cancer about a month ago and it was very aggressive, he lost 20 lbs. in 4 weeks.  Bo was a laid back GSP that loved kids and other dogs.  Our hearts are broken but we know he’s in a better place.”
 
“Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.”  Paul Millsap

Our 2022 Alum Doug has left this world but will always be in our hearts.  He came to rescue in November as a stray in Miami.  He was temp fostered by Brittany and Jay, and then Alli, and was described as an old man that seemed like he was a hunting dog that became too old for his job.  
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In April he had major surgery to remove several masses which tested negative and recovered nicely.  However, last week he started having cluster seizures which were so severe he was unable to walk. The emergency vet was very discouraging as to the outcome, so they made the heart wrenching decision to say goodbye.

Doug was known for his typical GSP Velcro personality. He loved checking the yard for possible critters and even though he suffered from arthritis, it didn’t keep him from keeping the yard safe.  He was hearing-impaired but definitely not love-impaired. He may not have been with his family long, but we have no doubt he was loved more in that short time then during his life before rescue.

Our hearts go out to the Lebaron family for their tragic loss of Doug.