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Beloved companion of Matthew Stone;
til we meet again...
I don't know if you guys remember me or not but on Sept 23rd, 2001 I was the lucky one to adopt Heidi through your organization. I just wanted to touch base to "complete the circle" as my most beloved best friend and companion passed away very early Sunday morning. She was the smartest, prettiest, sweetest and most loyal friend I have ever had. I am saddened beyond words she is gone... The main thing I wanted to relay to you though was that when she rescued me on that autumn sunday afternoon, she had had an unknown, but troubled past. She was super fierce and aggressive, especially towards men. At best she was neglected but more likely abused. I jokingly (not really though...) told all my friends that first met her, "don't worry, she is fine-just don't make any sudden movements!" From those early days in 2001 she progressed rapidly and it became very quickly obvious that she wasn't fierce, just scared and trying to protect herself. I was always protective of her and her past and never put her in situations where conflict could occur but to see her transformation was a sight to behold! She was loving and sweet and all of my friends and family were amazed. We had the most amazing adventures and fun and her troubled past turned into a charmed life, for me and her. She died in my arms and I will never be the same. I put together this simple slideshow that is a good illustration of how wonderful she was.
Thank you for the past 9 years.
Tom Coplen
A huge THANKS to Bryce Danna for his unwavering devotion to our mission of saving German Shepherd Dogs. Bryce, your regular donations are much appreciated!
Lynne Ayllon is a VERY generous supporter of German Shepherd Rescue! Lynne, our dogs are very blessed to have a friend like you! A sincere THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your continued donations!
AGSDR received a very generous donation from Mary Capps in honor of Celeste Jefferson. Celeste was an amazing person. She was a joyous soul with an infectious laugh. Many of her friends knew her from high school but, even after years apart, she welcomed us back into her life with open arms. And just as important as her family and friends was her beautiful GSD, Raina. Sadly, Celeste recently passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, so in her honor and to recognize her love of life, laughter, and all creatures great and small, we make this memorial.
AGSDR received a very generous donation from Mary Boardman in honor of Ruth Waechter.
A generous donation was made in memory of Blek, a Harris County Constable Precinct 4 K-9 Deputy, who was killed in the line of duty on December 21, 2009.
TRINKA WAS WITH ME
I found Trinka in a multiple-dog German Shepherd Rescue foster home, when she was five years old. Her caretaker Linda and all the dogs and I walked and visited, and then the dogs were put back in their various safe spots around the house. Trinka was in a neighboring room, out of earshot. Linda and I sat down in her kitchen to have a little lunch and talk, and though I had no intention of making a decision the same day, pretty soon I told Linda that I wanted to take Trinka home with me. No sooner were the words out of my mouth than Trinka knew the decision had been made. Now, nine years later, I’ve forgotten precisely how it was made so clear to me—somehow, her voice, her eyes, and her body language changed. And ever after that, until this Chrismas Eve, Trinka was with me.
Trinka was with me roaming around the Peacock Gap golf course outside our garden gate, a block from the San Francisco Bay. She’d make wide circles around me, checking in often enough to keep me from worrying in the near-total darkness. Trinka was with me walking and running on the cool beaches, near Mendocino and on Point Reyes. She was with me when we found our next Shepherd, up near the Oregon border in Yreka. Boudreau was bigger and wilder and stronger than she was, but she told him who was boss and then accepted him. Trinka was with me, barking and barking despite being thrown around, while everything else came to a standstill after my minivan was struck broadside on the way to get Chinese take-out. (She always insisted on sitting on the back seat without a seatbelt.) She was with me when the Iraq War began, and for the 2004 and 2008 elections.
Trinka was with me on the long trip from California to Texas--as the Japanese took pictures of Boudreau at the Grand Canyon, as we bought jewelry from Indians on the side of the road, as we nearly ran out of gas to die of Texas heat, three animals and two people. Half-hiding the dogs and cat as we all slept in motel rooms across country.
Trinka was with me when we lost Boudreau, and when we found Rudi. No matter how they behaved, she stayed the same. She was with me when when I lost my brother and when our cat Squimpy went blind. She was with me when my breast cancer returned, and when my melanomas appeared and were cut out. She was with me when my father had surgery, and when I learned to live with his dementia.
Trinka was with me when she shook in fear of the thunder and lightning. She was with me over and over at the vet’s to see how we might help her live with her pain. She was with me when she started to lose her eyesight and her hearing. Trinka was with me when her legs hurt too much to use them in the old ways, though she would still climb the stairs if she thought I was up there too long.
Trinka was with me when we thrilled to the beautiful Texas skies and made ourselves at home in this friendly place. She was with me when our neighbors didn’t freak out when one of our dogs was loose or lost. Trinka was with me when we planted flowers and trees, hung Christmas decorations, cleaned the pool, and made fires. When we painted the house, moved in furniture, cooked great meals, and ate them with friends in the dining room or out on the patio in the warm nights. Trinka was with me when we adopted two kitten brothers, and when we all six walked in the mornings.
Trinka was with me when I went to sleep and when I woke up. When I was crying, talking, thinking, grieving, laughing, worrying and rejoicing.
Because of all this, she’ll always be with me.
A big Thank You for the generous donation in Trinka's honor!
A generous donation was made by Sona Hardikar and Mike Brandl in memory of Blot.
Blot's mom was privileged to live with him for almost 15 years. Even people who didn't care for cats were taken by Blot, because he had such an in-your-face personality. Quite the character, he had a way of making you "do" for him -- Open that door! Give me treats! Yell at the dogs! Clear me a space to sleep on! He shared the majority of his life with fellow cats Thomas (his bonded life-brother) and Valerie, and later, with another kitty and a few dogs. Blot was social and friendly -- the Wal-Mart Greeter of our household -- but morphed into Devil Cat when he had to make a trip to the vet. Wiley and charismatic, he acted like a tough guy when he needed to, but quickly melted into a complete mama's boy when the mood struck. Blot started life as a sickly kitten and had medical issues throughout his earlier years, but as a senior, gained strength and vitality. We called him Benjamin Button because he appeared to be aging in reverse. His life was tragically cut short on January 9, 2010 and his family still can't believe that he is gone. Bot-Bot, we are so sorry about what happened to you, and we miss you so much. Please forgive us. We will all see you again someday.
Love, Mom & Dad (Amy & Rodney Gross), Thomas and Valerie