​We begin the weekend with devastating news.  Our 2017 Alumnus that is featured on our 2024 t-shirt, Scout, has left this world (but not our hearts).  His bucket list included raising money to help the GSPs in SEGSP foster care and he succeeded.  Thank you, Scout.  Below is a letter his mom Taylor wrote to Scout and read to him, along with singing his song, before he passed away.
“To my dearest Scout, You weren’t given a fair shake the first part of your life.  From an airport bomb-sniffing failure, to a cross-fit dog scared of people & noises; your first years were anxiety riddled and torture for you.  In 2017, we adopted you and began the slow process of earning your trust. Teaching you a safe environment is possible and that you deserved unconditional love.
 
You instantly gravitated to your lab sister, Zoey, and every possible toy you could fit in your mouth. You loved being tucked in tight to your humans at night, under a blanket of course. In turn, we were rewarded with “white noise” listening to you snore.
 
It took years for you to fully blossom into a social dog with family & friends. But you trusted us not to put you in harm's way and opened up to show your love & kindness to everyone. My heart was filled with joy when your “springer” of a tail would wag back and forth. Finally showing you happiness was my mission in life.
 
We’ve known for several months you were getting sicker, but you fought like a warrior. You fought to give us all the love in your heart.  Scout, my hope is that we returned that love so fiercely that it helped erase the memories of that first part of your life.
 
You were a gentleman, a toy hog, and the best friend I could have ever asked for. Thank you for choosing us all those years ago.
 
I will say goodnight the same as always. The chorus from “your” song that I’ve sung to you since the beginning, until today as you cross the rainbow bridge…
 
“Godspeed, little man.
Sweet dreams, little man.
Oh, my love will fly to you each night on angel’s wings.
Godspeed.
Sweet dreams.”
(Godspeed by The Chicks)
 
Final day photos include a chocolate frosty.

​We received this precious obituary for our Alumnus Buddy from his dad Garnett. Buddy, formerly Birdy, lived with his family for 12 years. Garnett said, “Our first GSP rescue, Buddy, has died. He was, and always will be, a member of our family.  Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to share this wonderful animal’s life.”
31 May 2024
Today at 2:15 PM, Buddy Kelsoe of Durham, North Carolina, died as a consequence of an aggressive lymphoma. He was 13 years and 9 months old.
 
A champion beach runner, he was first named Birdy by SEGSP Rescue, but known along the North Carolina coast by his professional name, Little Buddy Thumper.  Shortly before passing, he was surrounded by his family – both human and canine. He got to eat chocolate. 
 
Buddy was a friend to everyone he met. He loved squirrels and cats, played with birds along the beaches of Bald Head Island, and feared nothing save loud noises, electric leaf blowers, deep water, fireworks, and baths. His human friends cherished him, his animal friends often took advantage of his generosity. 
 
Buddy was a GSP or maybe an EP or maybe a little of both. His family never really cared. They loved the sound of this tail wagging – thumping - against walls, the floor, expensive art. That is how he earned his nickname, Thumper, and how he charmed everyone except a few idiots that kept expensive artwork at knee (or rather, tail) height. Buddy was as friendly as his adopted sister was not – unlike her, Buddy never bit a neighbor or even ate a cat. He never counter surfed but pound-for-pound could put
away more Thanksgiving leftovers than any dog in North Carolina. 
 
Buddy loved to ride in his dad’s truck, especially if he could let his ears flap in the breeze. And his tongue! His next most favorite thing was to roll in dead seabird, with 10-
day pelican at the top of his list. 
 
Little Buddy Thumper will be missed. He was a good dog.   Garnett

​Our hearts are heavy in sharing the passing of our precious Izzy. She came into our family as a rescue/ foster 6 yrs ago, tied up to a truck in 98 degrees NC heat, barely able to walk, and desperate for love. That life was over- we absolutely fell in love with her sweet soul. She was quite the character, playful in spirit, friendly to all humans and dogs, and happy to love freely. She loved her pack and anyone who would hold her paw and pet her! She loved her daily neighborhood walks and life as a couch hound. She went everywhere with us-hiking, boating, beaching, and snoozing wherever we were.

Unfortunately, tumors on her lungs, spleen and kidneys rapidly overtook her. We made the painful decision to allow her to pass peacefully. She will always live in our hearts. Her goofy spirit and happy heart are flying high in heaven. We’re so thankful to  Southeast GSP Rescue for helping to give this special breed a chance to live the lives they deserve. Tricia and Rich Fisher.

With heavy hearts we share that Able, who has been a SEGSP foster dog since 2022, has left us for the Rainbow Bridge. Abel, aka Able Baker, was 12 years old and found as a stray along with a Lab/GSP female in NC. He had heartworms and sadly, by the time he was found they were extensive and did damage to his heart. After some fainting spells, he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and was put on medication that was helping. Tragically, he was recently diagnosed with mast cell cancer that spread quickly. His foster mom Lynn said, “Our hearts are broken, but the Vet again assured us of Able’s terminal state and that we were doing the best for him. That gave us a bit more peace. Emotions are a bit raw. I was able to love on his sweet face … it was very peaceful and very quick. He is now safely in our back yard. Thank you for allowing us to join you in God’s work for the “least of these”— for an unexpected year with Able. He enjoyed countless walks and surveying his “domain” from the front porch. He was a great protector and let us know whenever a bear was in the area. I always felt more safe when we walked. I shall miss his company and comforting presence.” Thank you to Lynn and Tom for loving Able and being with him at the end of his journey. He is starting a new journey, and we know it is cancer-free. Thank you also to Evelyn who took care of Able through his heartworm treatment in early 2023. ​

Very sad news today… Duke, our 2015 Alumnus (formerly Drake) has passed away.  His mom Susan is heartbroken and sent us this message…
“This past weekend we suddenly lost Duke from a ruptured tumor on his liver.   I have no words to explain the sadness my family feels at losing our sweet boy.  It is heightened because we lost Harley just a few months ago.  Our house is so quiet and sad, and we are doing our best to make it every day.
 
Duke (Drake) came to us in 2015 when he was let go by his owner who couldn't care for him anymore.  He had been bitten by a poisonous snake and they couldn't afford to help him.  SEGSP Rescue stepped in, and we were going to "foster" him.  As soon as I met the transport to get him home and took one look at him, I knew I was going to be a foster fail.  He was in terrible shape but had the sweetest eyes...I fell in love instantly. Harley (our other GSP), the kids and my husband and I decided that he was part of the family, and he has been our goofy, fun, handsome, naughty in the best way, boy ever since. 
 
Duke loved to go running with me and Harley, sleep on top of at least one of the family members, chase tennis balls, counter surf, crawl into the strangest places, take car rides and constantly beg for our attention.  WE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.    Every morning, he drove with me to take the kids to school and to say HELLO to everyone in the carpool lines.  He loved seeing the guys at the car wash and was happiest when all of that was followed up with a good trail run.   
 
Duke was feeling fun and frisky until he wasn't.  I noticed on Thursday afternoon that he "cried" a little when jumping out of the car after taking the kids to school.  I had him at the vet the next morning.  I thought it was arthritis since he is so active and wanted to get it checked out.  We couldn't find anything particularly wrong with him, so we scheduled an ultrasound and headed home.  I felt like he was getting weaker and decided to head to the emergency vet Friday night.  We found out then that he had a tumor on his liver that had burst, and his belly was filling with blood.  We got an ultrasound, and they told us the devastating news that it had spread all over.   We laid with him for a couple hours telling him how much we loved him and said Goodbye Saturday morning.  He was so weak by then he just laid in my arms.  We feel like this isn't real and are still in total shock.
 
We know Harley was waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge....  We miss you Sweet Duke and we want you to remember you were the Best and Most Handsome Boy In all THE LAND!  
 
Duke....aka... Bubby..aka.... Bo.... 2011-2024 RIP
 
““Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” 
– Emily Dickinson

We have very sad news... Jake, in FL, has left for the Rainbow Bridge.
 
Jake's rescue journey began with his time at a shelter when he was found as a stray in Miami and was in very bad condition, including a severe UTI.  He was finally brought into rescue in late August of 2023, and he was deemed the sweetest, happiest, and most playful pup in rescue.  He had a cute smirk that he used to his advantage to get pets and love.  Jake was simply happy to be loved and well cared for.  

We can only imagine what his life was like before rescue, but we do know he had the best 9 months any dog could ask for… camping trips, dogs to play with, parks to explore, soft dog beds, and he loved to wake up during the night to give his humans kisses then go back to bed. Thank you to everyone who made Jake's journey loved and happy.  Tragically, Jake was quite ill, possibly with renal disease, and left this world, but he will not be forgotten.
 
Enjoy the rainbow bridge sweet Jake – you are forever memorialized on our website page (https://www.segsprescue.org/in-memory-of.html) and in our hearts.
 
The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way. Unknown

Sad news… we learned our 2011 Alumnus Buck has passed away.
Buck came to rescue when he was surrendered to us by his owners in 2011 and was fostered by our AL/MS State Coordinator Beth.  She cared for Buck and found an awesome home for him with Dennis and Liz in early 2012.
His dad Dennis said, “Buck was an awesome GSP…  Buck was very sweet and gentle with all humans, especially kids and other animals.  You could take him anywhere.  I even took him to see people in assisted living facilities and he was amazing. My family and other GSP, Mollie, miss him so much.  Buck died peacefully at home surrounded by family a couple of weeks ago and he was 14 years old.”
 
“The world would be a much nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” M.K.Clinton

​Our hearts are breaking… Our 2021 alumnus Tuff has lost his battle with cancer.
Tuff came to rescue as a senior after living his entire life in an abusive environment.  But from age 9-12, Tuff lived the best life with his “true” forever family. 
His mom Kelly said, “All he did was love us and everyone he met.  He was 12 and a half years old, but you would never know it. He was our big donkey, scrambling down the stairs without regard for his safety (or others'!) and tormenting his sister Rosie.  …he ran everywhere he went, even when it was just to get a drink of water; and then promptly ran back to his spot on the couch.  We always told our house guests, when you hear him coming just plant your feet and hold on.  We received bad news a couple of weeks ago that he had an aggressive malignant mouth tumor. We thought it was a tooth infection and were surprised to learn that it was a tumor on the roof of his mouth. He was a happy and loved boy and we made his remaining days the best. We have had so much cuddle time in our last weeks together.  Our vet came to the house and his passing was so gentle and so peaceful.  We appreciate all that you do and thank you so much for trusting us with his last few years. He was the sweetest boy, and we feel honored he felt safe enough to open his heart to us and let us take care of him. Thank you for everything you do and for bringing him into our lives. We are forever grateful. Our hearts are broken. Kelly and Weston”
We are so thankful that Tuff enjoyed the last few years of his time on earth. He was truly loved and cherished by his family!


“Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears.” Demi Lovato

​We have some news today.  We were told that our 2014 alumna Heidi passed away four years ago. Heidi's foster parents Betty and Larry put so much love into caring for Heidi that they just couldn't let her go and became official foster failures on September 17th, 2014. 
Heidi came to rescue as a senior (about 9 years old) when her family was unable to keep her.  She obviously had a LOT more life and love to give and ‘that she did.’  She loved everyone, but especially her mom and dad so very much. 
Heidi was joined by her GSP brother Hodgy last month so we can envision the reunion and smile.
 
“What we shared will never die, it lives within my heart, bringing strength and comfort while we are apart.”  Unknown