It’s been a sad week in rescue with three memorials.  Today we learned that our 2020 Alumnus Duke has passed away.   His mom Melissa posted this:
 
“It is with great sadness that I let everyone know that sweet Duke was diagnosed with bone cancer on August 8 and passed away on Sept 3. He enjoyed his last summer in Beaufort where he spent most of his free time on the porch but also daily long walks and frequent trips to the beach. He was well loved and is deeply mourned.”
 
“I think the hardest part about losing a dog you love isn’t saying goodbye… it’s the way your entire world changes without them and the emptiness that’s left in your heart when they go.” Unknown

Another sad announcement. Our 2012 Alumnus Jack, has crossed to the Rainbow Bridge.  His mom Mason sent us his story…
 
Jack’s story starts as a traveling man.  After running away from home, he ended up in Kentucky where he was caught and scanned.  His family in NC was notified however did not want him back as he was already replaced.  He then shifted over to Birmingham to reside with his foster parents, Heather and Chris.  At the time, I was looking for a GSP as a surprise for my husband.  He loved the breed, and I wanted a dog.  After applying and completing a zoom meeting in 2012, we were chosen to be his family!  Of course, the day we scheduled to pick him up in Boone he decided to pick up a scent and travel once again from his home (typical GSP).  Fortunately, a neighbor found and returned him.  He was the perfect Christmas gift! 
 
Jack was unlike most GSPs, always wanting to sleep and just porch sit even at a young age of 2.  He showed us many tricks like scaling our chain link fence and flipping any handle that wasn’t locked.  I distinctly remember dropping him at doggie daycare one day and the staff members yelling “Jack is here! Please check the gates to see if they are locked.”  He loved his people and loved other dogs more. I was lucky to have a few days with him last week leading up to his departure.  He will be terribly missed by all and especially his sister, Willow (SEGSP rescue).  Time will heal and we will continue to look for him in the upcoming fall days (his favorite season). 
 
 Oh JackJack, I will love you for eternity!!! - Mom
 
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Hello and Goodbye.
When GA shelter volunteers reached out to SEGSP for help with a GSP in an overcrowded, underfunded shelter, our volunteer Jackie (NC) answered the call and volunteered to foster her.

Though we learned Lillian was battling cancer, Jackie offered to bring her home as a hospice foster and give her some comfort, care and love for however long she had left. Three states and three transport volunteer drivers later (thank you Vanessa, Ellen and Jackie), Lillian was home in rescue on Thursday.  Tragically, we had to say goodbye to her the very next day.
Jackie said, “I knew her prognosis, but I had no idea I’d have so little time with her. When I realized how sick she was, I took her to the place that brings me solace: the beach. My community has become my family, and when I tearfully asked a photographer friend for a favor at sunrise, he agreed immediately, said a prayer, and grabbed his camera. This photo is how I want Lillian to be remembered.
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Despite her sweet spirit, her body just couldn’t do it. I didn’t get the chance to learn her favorite toys/treats, watch her chase lizards, experience ice cream or take a nap together. I won’t get to explain she isn’t a Dalmatian or pull something out of her mouth. But I did get to kiss her head, rub her chest, and whisper in her ear as she laid in my lap and took her last breath.
Why do this? Because I’ll let my heart break so hers won’t have to. I hope she knows we tried and that she was loved by many. And I’d do it again in a second.”
 
“Goodbyes are not forever; they are not the end. It simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.” Unknown