In Memoriam

Ella was a sweet and beautiful girl – she was our first Great Pyrenees. What we were about to experience with her could never have been imagined. We brought Ella into our home in August 2008 and she was just under 2 years old. Ella was smart, lovable, charming and a snuggler. She was such a great dog that we adopted another Great Pyrenees six weeks later.

Ella was always the star and shone like one wherever we went, whether it was on a walk or to volunteer at the GPRW booth at pet events. She was outgoing and good natured, and enjoyed all of the attention and loving she received. We lost our Ella too soon to cancer. Ella passed away on December 9, 2012, and left behind a very sad, confused, and lonely companion named Roscoe, as well as his owners. But, Ella also endeared us with so many beautiful and heartwarming memories that every time we get sad we think about what a great dog she was and the good times we had.

Bill and Michele P. – and Roscoe

In 2006, we contacted GPRW about three year old Alexis. Alexis had been crated in a house with 44 other dogs. In addition, she needed TPLO surgery. To be honest, our hearts went out to her just hearing her story over the phone. But when I met her at the pre-surgery consultation, she stole my heart.

What we didn’t’ realize at the time is that she would be the start of our Pyr pack. After the rehab from her surgery, we received a call about another Pyr, 2 year old Kate, who’d been her crate-mate back at that house. Kate had been surrendered back to the rescue. Since Kate’s arrival to an outside kennel, she had been communicating with Alexis (who was recovering in the house) by howling. We were asked if there was any way we could adopt them both since they hated to break their bond. And we said yes. We added Abrams, who became her little brother, soon after. They spent every moment together. Alexis did struggle a bit with separation anxiety until we figured out that she just wanted to be outside while her people weren’t home. We lost our lovely and beloved Alexis to kidney failure in 2011 in her sleep. She gave us 5 great years, and I like to think that we gave her the BEST 5 years of her entire life! RIP Alexis.

Julie and Rob D. – and Abe, Beamer and Buddy