Mississippi Valley German Shepherd Dog Rescue
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart.
Author Unknown
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Bear - Our Logo Dog 10/09/1998 - 10/16/2008 |
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In loving memory of Frances Jane (Pat) Pospichal, 2/17/35 - 12/5/11. She loved German Shepherds. She donated to the rescue cause and volunteered as she was able, attending many of the local adoption and fundraising events. We will miss you! |
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Lindy Lindy was the first official rescue dog of MVGSDR. She came to us just before Christmas 2003 as a stray who had ended up in a kill shelter. She was named Lindy after the people who had rescued her, Lynn and Mindy. She was skin and bones, in heat, and had kennel cough. She had never been indoors before and didn't know how to walk on tile floors. When Lindy got healthy she was adopted by her forever family, where she lived the rest of her life being loved. She went to the Rainbow Bridge in October 2010 in the arms of all of her family members who will miss her dearly. |
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Slater Slater was my constant companion, my protector, my best friend and I learned from him how to fight to become the best person I could be, the person I saw through his eyes, and his unconditional love. I love you Slater! - Kelly K.
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Luna January 19, 2003-December 22, 2011 Luna was an amazing dog that has been my constant companion since the time she was five months old. She and I experienced many things together throughout the course of her life and having her there with me always made those experiences better. She lived every day of her life with a playful, sweet and happy demeanor. Whenever she was around you could feel her strong presence and the wise way she had about her. She always seemed to know how I was feeling and if I needed comforted she would come up to me and put her paw on my shoulder. She is much loved by her grandparents and her friend Willow, who she helped raise from a puppy, as well as many other friends and family in our life. I feel so lucky to have had her in my life and I couldn't have asked for a better friend to live these past years with. I will miss her every day. -Anna S. |
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Rex Rex was in our lives for too short a time. He was an athletic star and loved to play fetch endlessly. He was also into patrolling the yard for those pesky squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. He loved to lay on his bed in my home office, and then to out for his 4 mile walks to the beach on Lake Michigan. When introduced to the tunnels in agility, he ran through them like a champ and always wanted to go again (and he was a BIG shepherd, so everyone at the shepherd club would stop to watch him blaze through). While catching a rubber ball over Labor Day weekend, it somehow became lodged in the middle of his esophagus and he went into distress before surgery at the ER. We allowed him to go over the bridge with peace and love just 8 short weeks into our lives. |
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Micki (aka Heidi) Mick was a quiet dog that loved her naps and helped around the house by supervising while I did laundry and dishes :) Mick was definitely the guard dog of our home and she did a great job of watching over us. She was always at the door quietly waiting for me every time I came home and when she wasn't at the door that morning I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, when I saw her my heart dropped. I have to remind myself that she was a happy dog and the past year I've had with her was better than her being in a filthy cage unwanted and neglected. She was loved and she loved us back. I'm not sure where Mick's soul will decide to roam but I hope she will stop by and help me with the laundry from time to time. We love you Mick, sweet dreams old girl. - Joanna & Garret |
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Shane Shane became part of our family in 2006, sadly he passed on March of 2011 from liver failure. Shane had a personality of a human and always seemed to understand what was said to him. He was always ready for hugs and kisses when someone was upset, and was happy to meet anyone new. He never met a dog he didn't enjoy playing with. While on walks we frequently got compliments to what a gorgeous dog he was! (I like to think he enjoyed the attention). He never lost his love for car rides, peanut butter treats, his "baby" (a stuffed turtle toy) and squirrels. He was the perfect dog for our family. The hole in our hearts and lives left by Shane will never be filled. |
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Murphy Murphy has gone to the Rainbow Bridge where his liver disease won't bother him any more. Murphy was a wonderful companion to his family for the short time he was with them. He loved to jump up and sit on the couch with them to be petted and loved. He will be missed dearly. |
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Nikko Nikko was a senior gentleman who was found as a stray. He had severe back pain and could not go up and down stairs, but that did not stop him from running and chasing a ball in the back yard. Joe and Jan Hand gave him a loving, caring home for the last few years of his life. Nikko went to the Rainbow Bridge on April 5, 2011. |
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Rusty My husband and I have talked about whether it is harder to lose a pet you have had for a long time (our Casanova was with us for 15 years) or one like sweet Rusty who was only with us for 3 1/2 months. I'm sure all pet owners would agree -- they're both too hard. We were so looking forward to Rusty coming out of his shell and learning to love and trust us as the devoted family we wanted to be for him. He was so unassuming, expected nothing, and was just starting to show more happiness and take part in some family things. He had a habit of always looking up--at the windows, at the light coming in, at our pictures on the wall--we weren't sure why but he was always just looking UP. Rusty became good friends with our Jack (Golden Retriever/Yellow Lab) and Jack truly misses him. We will miss Rusty's sweetness, his cute ears, and all the special little things he was starting to do when he let down his guard. We were giving him open-armed hugs and kisses and telling him constantly how wonderful he was, and it seemed like he was starting to believe us. We wouldn't trade the time we had with him for anything in the world--so we are going to remember how special he was and try to get past the pain of losing him so soon. God has another amazing GSD in Heaven now by the name of Rusty--where he will be hanging out with the other Earnest family dogs. Now my husband and I will be the ones looking UP...and always thinking of our sweet Rusty. Jan & Ed Earnest |
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Patsy Patsy was a senior female who was never loved or cared for until she met Ed and Jan Earnest. She finally learned what it was like to feel wanted. Patsy had many health problems from severe neglect but that didn't stop her from finding love during her last 3 years, finally at "home". |
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Axel Axel came to me in August 2008 when he was 13 years old. His family moved and left him with friends, who a week later turned him in to the shelter because he was so "ugly". The shelter contacted us and I agreed to foster him, with the thought it would be short-term hospice care. Axel was in horrible shape, he was missing the top half of his ears either due to frostbite or fly strikes, his teeth were worn down to the nubs, chronic arthritis made movement difficult and painful, he had a terrible ear infection, and was emaciated. With time and lots of TLC, he gained weight and the sparkle could once again be seen in his eyes. He loved car rides, going shopping to pick out a new toy, and chasing the cats. Axel taught me a lot about inner strength and perseverence. He went to the Rainbow Bridge November 12, 2010....gone from this life but always in my heart. -Marti L. |
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Shelby Shelby has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was the longtime loving companion of one of our supporters and friends in the rescue, Sandy Nueschen. Sandy has been instrumental in saving dogs in Illinois. When Shelby was diagnosed with cancer it was fast and aggressive in nature. It did not allow time for treatment. Sandy graciously donated vet care in Shelby's name to one of our senior foster dogs that was in much need of help. Without help from such supporters many dogs would be left behind. Shelby left her paw prints on Sandy's heart and helped another senior get a second chance at life. |
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Abby Abby was rescued in 2002 and along with Bear (above) was one of the first canine blood donors in the Quad Cities area. She had a great life and will be terribly missed. -Kelly S. |
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Hans Fernando 06/21/1998 - 05/05/2009 |
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Nikki Nikki would have been two years old in November 2009. She was diagnosed with Mega Esophagus, a disease which prevents food from traveling down to the stomach and causes extreme vomiting and malnutrition. Nikki's Dad did everything he could for her. In the end, the disease took it's toll on Nikki and she was suffering. |
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Kloe & Anja Both loved their jobs helping their family work for the farm. They were "Daddy's Helpers" and "Mama's Girls". Kloe injured her tail in a farm accident that resulted in complications. She died unexpectedly during surgery. Anja passed after complications from a tetanus infection from a split toenail. Who would suspect such a tragic outcome with a routine and common injury? |
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Gunther Gunther left us much too soon. He was living his dream with his devoted Mom when he was struck down by a brain tumor. Gunther was a friend to everyone he met. A gentle giant and sadly missed so much no words can convey. Until we meet again, Shelley and Gunther, Forever. |
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Shelby A genetic disease took her young life. In the end, she knew she was loved and had fun for a while. |
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Shilo |
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Alexis - "Lexi" |
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Nibbles Nibbles was only about two when he was struck with an aggressive form of Leukemia. After overcoming so many problems as a baby we thought he had survived the worst. In his short life he was happy and loved. |
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Izzy Izzy was about a year old. She came to us from the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Her energy just wasn't what it should have been for such a young dog. As with all new dogs, we took her straight to the vet for shots and testing. She was heartworm positive and an xray showed her lungs were full of worms and she had an enlarged heart. The vet said she would not survive treatment. We allowed her to go over the bridge with peace and dignity when she could no longer go on. Her foster mom stayed with her and she passed with loving arms around her. Izzy traveled a long way to get to us and she will always be in our hearts. |
Just a Dog
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's Just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."They don't understand the distance traveled, the time Spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man or woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."
by Richard Biby Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contributing Editor VHD From "The Versatile Hunting Dog” NAVHDA’s Magazine February 2006
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