Rocky was a lost soul when I first saw him in the kennels. He was not the dog I had intended to see and I told the staff he was the wrong dog. I couldn't have been more wrong. Rocky was seven years old and his picture on the website made him look a bit heavy and tired. I offered to walk Rocky to give him some exercise while I looked at other dogs that I had chosen to see. After a short amount of time and several walks I could see his behaviour changing. I sat with him as he ate his meals after our walks and then he would put himself to bed. My daughter came to see him and we a nice walk in the woods nearby. We didn't like to think of him being alone in the kennels and decided that he was the dog we wanted to take home.

Rocky began to fit in very well at home and it was like having a big sleepy bear around the house. From not being interested in people and not enjoying being stroked he quickly started to appreciate his cuddles and loved having his ears rubbed. We would go for walks early in the morning and he looked so happy running off his lead on the beach. He was happy travelling in the car and came to work with me every day, content to sleep. Everyone who saw him was impressed at how laid back he was for such a large dog and surprisingly, from his original picture, how handsome he was.

Unfortunately no one knew Rocky was very ill. We had only had Rocky at home for two weeks when he started to show signs of distress on a Friday evening. He wouldn't have been able to have a comfortable night so we decided to take him to the emergency vet. The diagnosis was not good and it was decided with the advice of the vet and permission from GSRS that Rocky would only be suffering unnecessarily. We all miss him (including the staff at the kennels) and hope that his time with us showed that someone cared for him and he didn't die alone. Goodbye to our Big Bear.

We picked Ben up from kennels at Braco when he was 13 months old. He was a bit of a wild thing and had led a very sheltered life. He had golf ball sized matted hair balls behind each ear, was under weight and very dirty. After we brought him home he and Heidi, our older GSD got on famously, but there was only one boss. Guess who? Yes, the female. Ben could have eaten all day long and one day he helped himself to half a haggis from the kitchen worktop. He had a lot to learn but he eventually became a lovely well mannered boy with some help from his Auntie Linda.

We would go for long walks along the river and through the woods near where we stay, but his favourite place was on the beach near our holiday home on the west coast, where he would chase sticks and sea gulls for hours on end.

Sadly after 6 years of being loved and giving love, great pleasure and endless amusement, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep as he had an aggressive tumour near his heart. It was with great sadness and lots of tears that we had to send him over the "Rainbow Bridge" to join Heidi. We will miss our beautiful boy terribly but be comforted in the knowledge that he is in no pain and be forever grateful that he touched our lives and our hearts.

Norrie and Rhona Davies

Sadly I had to make the heartbreaking decision to send Ty to the Rainbow Bridge. I knew he would not live to be an elderly dog, as spinal spondylosis would eventually affect his quality of life. However, I had hoped we would perhaps have had two or three years together. The diagnosis of a tumour changed everything. He had not been ill long and it was all very sudden. An ultrasound and tests confirmed the worst.

Ty was a dog with issues. He took a long time to trust people and didn’t really like the company of other dogs. Ty was also a sensitive, loving and complex dog. An intelligent boy who loved his Nina Ottoson toys. However, it didn’t take him long to work them out. I had bought them originally to keep him occupied for a while but he figured them out in minutes. Watching television from his comfy sofa was also another favourite pastime of his. However, his very favourite thing was getting cuddles on my bed and was in heaven lying beside me. There’s too much room in my bed now. I live alone so Ty got all my love and attention to himself. Just the way he liked it. Like the dark birthmark on his tongue, Ty was unique, a one-off. I learned many things from Tyro but the main thing was this. It doesn’t matter whether you have a dog for thirteen years or one year. The love you feel for them is just as strong and the pain on losing them just as intense. Love your dogs, for they are only lent to us for a short while, sometimes a very short while.

Thank you Gillian, for entrusting the welfare of this special boy to me. I think you knew he would be safe in my care. Strangely, when Gillian came to visit Ty in his new home he gave her a very warm welcome, something very out of character for him. I believe dogs know a lot more than we think. Goodnight my sweet “Tankie Boy” and try to be nice to Max and Mac.

Very sadly missed by his mum (Jan) and his special aunties, Janette, Marie and Maureen.

Many thanks to my vet Sarah and John at Elysian Fields Pet Crematorium.

We rescued Max when he was about 10 months old, our labrador Sheba had sadly passed away at 14 and we decided to rescue a GSD, We got in contact with the centre asking for a young female pup, 2 weeks later we get a big bouncing Max at our door! She asked us to keep him for a couple of days to see how we got on and needless to say fell head over heels in love with him! I know everyone will say this about their dog, but I have never met a dog like him and never will again, he was the clumsiest, funniest, friendliest dog! He would sometimes come up and pretend he was going to give you lots of kisses and then burp in your face! He also had a good trick if you were sitting with your feet up with socks on he'd manage to nip the socks at the top and get them off your feet without touching your toes! He had had surgery on a lump on his back last year which thankfully turned out to be nothing but in 3 weeks had managed to break 8 neck cones by being his usual clumsy self and trying to bound through doors but ended up bounding into the frame! We had a fair few cuts and bruises in those weeks too! But it never got him down! He was also the only dog I'd ever known who wanted out to see fireworks! He was also petrified of 2 hamsters I had years ago! He's also never eaten a bone in his life, anytime we brought one home he took it straight to the soil to bury it! Think he wanted what we were eating!

Last year his legs had gotten a bit worse for wear but he was doing well on his medication, he was taken from us suddenly one night. I was out playing with him that morning with his ball and he was his usual self but when I came home from work that evening he had dramatically changed, He died with his head on my lap while I sat with him. It was the worst thing I'd ever had to go through but at the same time I'm glad I was with him, and got to tell him how much I loved him and got to say goodbye. Two days after he died I decided to get his name and two paw prints tattooed on my forearm so he is with me wherever I go. I know folk think I'm mad for doing it, but they never had Max in their life. Gone but will never ever be forgotten!

Love you billions boy! It's not the same without you!

Love Diane
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This is our beautiful boy Zac who we sadly lost at the ripe old age of 11 years. We were very fortunate to rescue Zac at the age of 22 months, he'd had 5 homes before ours, and came with a huge personality, presence and appetite for life and food!! Loved everything and everyone, feared nothing, and expected everyone to love him!!

By Tracy

We found him at the dog section of the Strathclyde Police, he and Jerry had been given to the police for whatever reason and the dogs were being assessed. Both dogs failed, Diesel - because he wouldn't play and Jerry - because he wouldn't "come back". It's strange but ever since I got Diesel home he's never stopped playing. Diesel and Jerry got on quite well together but soon Diesel "attached" himself to me and didn't like it if Jerry wanted my attention.

We live at an old farm so Diesel enjoyed the life here and all the freedom, he also loved to follow me around if I was "doing chores" like rolling the hayfield and he must have done dozens of miles over that field following the tractor or lawn mower. He was so quiet in the house and could surprise you by "appearing" at the side of the chair. At night he loved to sleep in a door "Ingle" and liked to be tucked under his old well-holed travelling rug (which was called Diesel's Tent), I still have it and it still has a hint of his scent (never washed since he last used it). Even though Jerry is still here, it's an empty place without "my shadow" following me or (usually), standing right behind me.

Last May he started limping and the vet thought it could be Panosteitis, so for the last few months he had pain-killers, but on September 13th he was so lethargic and would only play with his ball for a few minutes. Eventually he just wanted to lie down and he didn't appear comfortable. We took him to the vet, he said that there was something far wrong with Diesel's circulation, we took the hardest decision ever and Diesel went "off to sleep".

The following day a post mortem was carried out. There was a growth on Diesel's spleen which had ruptured and caused internal bleeding. At least he had been on (quite strong) pain-killers that day, and at the end of his life I was with him and telling him I was tucking him into his "Tent". I keep the hope that he and I will meet again some day. People say that they "choose" a dog, I think it's not like that - I think (if you're lucky) a dog will choose you. Well, now "The Lord has my Shepherd" and if anyone reads this because they too have suffered the loss of their best friend my heart goes out to them.

By Jim

We brought Murphy home from the rescue centre in May 2005 aged 8. When we met for the first time he was so big and very overweight. We were rather anxious about how he would settle into our country homestyle. Funny remembering how our 4 year old son remarked that we had not brought him home a dog but a "donkey"!! Then we woke one morning shortly after he came home to hear Scott shouting, "He's going to eat me".... on rushing to the kitchen Murphy was sitting facing our son who was standing on the top of the sofa with his back against the wall. Murphy had the most bemused expression that was so funny. They were basically the same height as each other!!

We all fell instantly in love with him and with lots of patience and time Murphy's weight dropped from 60kg to 47kg. He looked fantastic and his vets were delighted that all the hard work had been worth it for Murphy as he was a different dog, no longer struggling to get up and plodding about, not able to run or play with a ball as he was so overweight. He would now race about and greet you in the driveway like an excited puppy, bound round the 8 mile forestry track behind our house with us, go up the hills, play football with the boys, run along beside us on the push bikes etc. He was our 2 boys new best friend and they were so close, loyal and affectionate to each other, especially our 12 year old as they were the same age as they grew older together and often he would sleep on the kitchen sofa to keep him company.

Our cat Ziggy and him were like Tom and Jerry but they had the mutual respect for each other. He loved the snow and was like a big bear rolling about in it and chasing the boys on the sledges. Murphy became the big friendly bear to all who had the pleasure to meet him. Sadly 18 months ago he developed a number of health problems including spondulosis and a spinal cord condition that began to take its toll on his mobility. He was known as the "Big Gentleman" to his 2 vets who were amazing with him and who he visited often in the past number of months. They would comment that smaller dogs were the most troublesome but Murphy was a pleasure to treat.

The big walks stopped even though he wanted to go, he seemed happy to just be about his home and the big garden he loved to run round (1 and 1/3 acres). At Xmas this year due to the sever frost we had to take one of our chickens inside to heat up and he was right there as always making sure she was ok and keeping guard. Sadly we knew the time had come for Murphy when he yelped in pain depsite his high doze of daily Metacam. So it was with a very heavy heart that we set out with Murphy on his final journey on the 11th February 2010 and we said goodbye to our big, handsome boy and special friend, who at 12 1/2 years crossed over to Rainbow Bridge to meet new friends.

Murphy came into our lives as an older dog, yet made a huge impact on all who had the honour to meet him as he behaved like a youngster. He was the perfect gentleman all round and has left a big void in our lives. Our 2 boys now 12 and 8 miss him but were comforted when they read the Rainbow Bridge poem and know we did right by Murphy and he is now at peace chasing the rabbits... Many happy memories we hold from the past near 5 years. Thank you for letting Murphy come into our lives and although having previously had GSD's from puppies nothing was more rewarding than taking an older dog who had several issues, mainly his weight to work on, we went through so much together to get him in top condition, it was so rewarding and he repaid us in full with the love he gave in return. The impact Murphy had on so many in our small community has been huge and so much so his vet and staff sent us a condolence card for our deep loss. Good night Murph, run boy run xxx

Love from Allan, Carrie, Ali and Scott xx and all who came to love you dearly xxxx

We rescued Azeka from local Council Kennels when he was aged 6. As soon as I set eyes on him I knew he was for us, so handsome, ears like shovels and the body of a small bear. Azeka had the "Barry White" of barks and certainly made us feel more than safe in his company, especially when the doorbell rang, his bark almost shook the house down.

He really liked to chase his rope and especially his ball, well the first one he dropped into a pond never to be seen again, the second rolled 1/4 of a mile down a hill when he decided he couldn't be bothered carrying it any further and the last ball as seen in his gorgeous picture, is the toy he had with him right to the very end.

Azeka was badly injured in a hit and run road accident in 2007 and we really thought that was the end for him but to our amazement, the brave lad fought through making a miraculous recovery with the kind help of the vets and nurses at Parkside. Azeka started to slow after this, with a combination of age, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and unknown to us at the time CDRM, chasing his ball slowly turned to an easy stroll and stairs were a bit of a struggle. In July 2008 we decided to move house to suit Azeka and his adopted rescue Shepherd sister Saoirse, with no stairs, a big enclosed garden and a huge park just round the corner.

In summer of 2009 Azeka's CDRM started to take its toll on him, he no longer was capable of going for walks, was really became more and more confined to the house and garden. Watching him trying to walk outside, losing the control of his rear legs giving way underneath him was getting as distressing for us as it must have been for him, his quality of life had really taken a nosedive and it was time to take the hardest decision I have ever taken. To look at Azeka lying down, you would not think there were any problems, he was so alert and wanted to play but his body was not responding as he wanted. On 25th November 2009 we made the heart-breaking decision and took Azeka on his final journey where in the end he was put to sleep forever with his favorite ball by his side and his mum and dad cuddling into him like never before. It was very peaceful for him, his dignity and pride were intact, and no longer was there any pain in his hips or frustration at not being able to join in anymore with his sister on walks or playing.

Azeka will be sorely missed, there is a huge hole in our life now and no dog no matter how handsome or well behaved can ever replace the most wonderful, handsome, loyal friend and companion I have ever had the pleasure to know. Thank you Azeka for sharing your final years with us, we really could not have asked for a better friend. Enjoy Rainbow Bridge (as many free carrotts as you like!) until we meet again, nite nite Zeeks.

Derek, Gail and Stephen

We're not sure how old Sam was when he arrived, we rescued him after someone tied him up outside the pound and walked away. He was in a terrible state, thin, weak at the back end and his coat was grey, not black and tan.

He came to stay with us and just thrived. He was old when he arrived possibly 9 or 10, he breathed heavily and he followed me everywhere, which is why I called him 'my wee stalker'!

He loved life, loved everyone and stole the hearts of everyone that met him. He had no issues and never once put a paw wrong.

I loved him with all my heart and I held him right to the end.

I will miss him always, there is a great big hole in our family.

Good night my darling. I know you're not in pain any more and your legs are strong again. I will love you forever.

Never turn your back on an old dog, they need as much love as a young dog. I have never regretted for one minute adopting Sam, I wish I could my time with him all over again.

By Gillian

Our beloved Tyke entered our hearts when she was 8 weeks old and gave us nothing but total love, devotion and more joy than you could imagine until she passed away at nearly 8 years of age. She had a very troubled, painful life having had hip displasia diagnosed when she was 2 years old. She was given a new hip joint when she was 4  years old and it was simply wonderful to see her walk properly for the first time. Unfortunately this lasted a short time before she developed back problems and her weekly trip to the chiropractic vet for adjustments became a way of life until a heart problem left us with no choice but to relieve her suffering. She will never be forgotten and will always be missed. 

By Elizabeth

I got Zara in October 2006 and sadly only had her 8 months before she passed away with Anal Furunculosis.
Although I only had her a short time she was a brilliant dog and a very wise old lady. She loved running around playing with other dogs and chasing her ball, it was hard to believe at times she was 12 years old!

I still miss Zara today, she will be forever in my heart xx

By Andrea

We had a shepherd, called Max (pictured below), sadly, we lost him a year and half ago, but when he was about 7 we decided we would have a rescue dog, so off we went to Gretna to see some. At first nothing caught our eye, then Banner appeared and that was it, love at first sight! After home-checks etc, Banner finally came home. A gentle soul, who enriched our lives (unless you were the postman, who Banner hated!). Banner was with us for about 8 years, but at the grand old age of 13 1/2 his legs were going, and in April this year he was diagnosed with a large tumour. As it was a large one, and with his age the vet thought it kinder to let him go, so, last week Banner passed over to Rainbow Bridge. Sleep tight my gorgeous black boy, you are at peace now. Love and miss you, and my gorgeous boy Max. See you soon...

By Margaret

Max was 6 weeks away from his 14th birthday, when we had to get him put to sleep. He had Spondulosis of the spine, and near the end we had to lift him everywhere. He had no feeling in one back leg, so we had to make the hard decision, to let him go. That was eighteen months ago, but it only feels like yesterday that we brought him home down my jumper, aged 6 and a half weeks.

By Margaret

I had gone home for summer after finishing Uni, so I took the cans to be recycled at my local RSPCA centre and came home with a dog - as you do! He loved wallowing in water and soon earnt the nickname ‘hippo-poto-wolf! Always had a toy, favourites were cuddly ones, in his mouth, playing with Arran or Spot (our other 2 rescued woofs), or being my extremely cheeky shadow.

Although he had osteoarthritis for 3 years, managed with NSAIDs (iron guts!), hydrotherapy, gentle walks and lots of TLC, he died at home peacefully and naturally, after a short illness (just a week) in which his true age, 13 1/2 years, finally caught up with him after still acting as though he were 2 all these years. Vet was superb, treated him for his symptoms and not his age, rang daily, checked him over day before he died (bloods etc improving, just needed more R&R and TLC) and expected to see us the next afternoon for further tests. But not to be. We'd not even had a conversation about euthanasia as she still believed she could treat him. I miss him dreadfully but know I am very lucky.

I’ve had dogs all my life, and although he was my first GSD, he certainly won’t be the last - absolute superstar. I really couldn't have wished for a better companion for nearly 12 years - I was proud to be his owner and very thankful to have had him in my life.

By Vicky

Mac came into my life on 8 September 2002. He was a stray on the estate where I live and literally came to my door. I notified the authorities and he did his seven days in the local dog pound. He was never claimed so I brought him home to live with me. I believe he was specially sent to fill the hole in my heart left by the death of Max, my first GSD. Probably middle aged when I adopted him, I was lucky to share my life with him for just over six, precious years.

Sadly missed by his Mum (Jan) and all his friends and family.

Many thanks to John at Elysian Fields Pet Crematorium.

Max came to me as an eight week old puppy from a local German Shepherd breeder. He was my first GSD and a great introduction to this wonderful and special breed. Loyal, calm, confident, funny and fearless. However, he did have one major fault. Max was an incorrigible thief who thought all the presents under the Christmas tree were for him! My precious companion for thirteen and a half years. When he was diagnosed with CDRM at eight years old I was devastated. With the help of a great vet who also practiced alternative therapies, the disease progressed extremely slowly and he reached a very good old age. He was able to enjoy his walks right to the end and never needed to use a canine cart.

Still much missed by his Mum (Jan) and all his friends and family.

Tanya came to us at 8 weeks old and turned our lives upside down. She was lots of hard work to train and finally settled down and matured around 3 years old. She came everywhere with us and spent her holidays with her grandad who she adored. Very rarely ill in all her life until she was 7 when Pyometra struck. Tanya was seriously ill but pulled through it, I so wish we'd spayed her when she was younger. Her best mate was my son Liam and she followed him everywhere. Sadly at 12 years old Tanya contracted a bad virus and despite all the vets efforts she was unable to fight it off. Letting her go wasn't a hard choice to make as it was the last gift of love to give her. RIP my darling we miss you everyday.

By Jennifer