In Memoriam

From owners whose “Angel on Assignment” has departed and returned to heaven….

“Everyone” says their pup is the best, ever, but respectfully we know different. I have had many “best friends,” however, Harley came to us in a way that we should have known he was “God sent.” He was the “Brown Ribbon Boy” of the litter, being the largest in size, and probably not meant for just anybody.  He was meant for our family from the very beginning.

We arrived to retrieve him from his “grievous flight” from his other human mom, Ruth, and this unnamed 10-week-old was creating such a ruckus the Cargo Agent had ear plugs in. This pup wanted the heck out of there!  He wanted his new owners. He wanted to pee in plants. He wanted to eat and it was darn well time for all of these things. This was how he began to establish the terms of his contract with his new family.

On the way home and after observing his personality, we decided to call him “Harley”—all because he made a lot of noise yelping, barking, and whining in the air cargo depot—lots of noise like the motorcycle and at the same time having the sweet sensitivity of the actress “Harley” in the George Strait “Pure Country” movie.

It was easy for us to see that Harley had just the “proper blend” of German Shepherd demeanor—like insisting on being a member to any family group hug.  Inserting himself right between members of said-hug, Harley could be as “whimsical” as they come.  He was not called “Handsome Harley” by observers for no reason, you know.  His typical reaction to someone calling him “Handsome Harley,” was by putting-off the expression, “I know I am.”

From day one, Harley loved “that ball.”  He chased the ball or would play with any toy that had a squeaker—and the louder, the better. He was so trainable that he learned and so-enjoyed going down the circular slide at the local school.

Needless to say, Harley knew all the names of his toys.  He would show off “tricks” his family trained him to do and was quite the performer.

Sophie

by Bob Bennett

October 16, 2007 - December 23, 2020

Polarbear Nation. It’s a sad time for our family, but we had to put our Polarbear Sophie down on December 23, 2020. A magnifident companion for 13 years 3 months. As you can all relate Sophie was more human than animal. Like Sophie’s mom Tinkerbelle, she was destined to be a star! She gave my family so much love and good times. Sophie loved people, walks, water, her ball, and trips. She literally knew our exit at the Jersey shore and would rise up in the back seat. I want to share a few pictures of her…..

I want to thank Ruth for sending me puppy #9. A fantastic gal who for 20+ years worked tirelessly for the well-being and placement of her pups. You Rock Ruth!

Juno by Lee Markowski

March 31, 2010 - November 27, 2021

My companion crossed the rainbow bridge on Saturday November 27, 2021. The joy she brought to me, Kim, and our entire family.  From the day I picked her up May 2010, she was always by my side. Literally by my side, like we were glued to the hip.  She loved playing hide ‘n seek when she was a puppy, always attentive and eager to learn. She was so smart understanding the Command “Leave it” early in her training.  This made playing fetch very enjoyable. With Frisbee and tennis balls she had to be theatrical performing flying leaps to catch either of them.  From the time the pool opened until it closed, she would play with our grandchildren, loved to be wet. And always shared ice cream with them.

Our two oldest Granddaughters grew up with her, they were able to push her a side if they felt she was too close or trying to take their toys. Juno loved the children always showing so much affection. As they got older, she would try to push them off the couch when they were in her space.  We have so many found memories of her.  She was everything that we knew she would be, from the day she arrived at the airport , through puppyhood, early  stages of gaining her personality, which was awesome, she was a great Guard dog, always alerting us to someone near our home, but then friendly beyond what she needed to be with all that we welcomed.  One time she climbed into the UPS truck thinking she was going for a ride.  She loved going for rides, that meat we were going for a walk-in town, living in the country that walk was a treat.  She will be truly missed and loved forever, until we meet again my friend…