In Loving Memory

Semper Fi was a very special boy. He touched the lives of every person who ever met him. This website is dedicated to his memory and all the love he gave to us during his short life! Here is the short version of his story.

Semper Fi was a Blue Great Dane born on May 3,2003. His beginnings in life were not too great...he was born of a backyard breeder who didn't want to take responsibility for the puppies he brought into this world. He, along with four of his brothers (and later a sister littermate) we retreived by HGDR and became the 'Boys in Blue'; Tank, Trooper, Jet, Semper Fi and Recon. Rescue received the call to retreive these puppies on Sept. 11,2003 and subsequently, all 5 of these brothers became very special to our rescue group. Each of them will always hold a special place in our hearts, but Semper was extra special.

Semper was diagnosed with idopathic epilepsy at 10 months of age and returned to rescue when his adoptive family decided they no longer wanted to care for him. We searched all vet records for the testing we were told had been done to no avail. We began testing and discovered that he did not have idopathic epilepsy, but instead, he had a genetic hypothyroidism that had gone untreated long enough to cause a severe seizure disorder. He was started on medication and monitored very closely...after months of work, his seizures finally came under control. Unfortunately, the time it took to discover his true condition had already taken it's toll on this wonderful boy.

On the evening of March 16,2005, Semper became very ill. He began vomiting uncontrollably and severely. He became weak, yet still took the energy to give hugs and kisses. You could see his pain with every step he took, yet, he still wanted his mommy & daddy close. After having lived with his foster family for so long, the Cates family adopted Semper Fi on March 16, 2005 when they realized he may never get a chance at his very own family. He was so loved, and this was the final thing they felt they could do for him. He went to the vet early on March 17 and it was discovered that he had a heart murmer due to cardiomyopathy as well as having developed an intussusception. It was determined that only surgery could save him and he was not strong enough to undergo the anesthesia. Out of pure love, Semper Fi was helped to the rainbow bridge to await his brothers.

Semper's short life was not in vain. He taught so many so much. Through Semper Fi, we all learned how to deal with grand mal seizures and cluster seizures. We learned the value of testing early rather than late. He taught us about thyroid disease and medications, potassium bromide, phenobarbital, and the importance of valium...what to look for, how to administer medications and when to call the emergency hospital. He also taught us all about unconditional love...oh, more than we thought we'd ever know...even in his very last moments, he was still giving that love. This is a special boy that will not soon be forgotten by anyone.

Below is a special video of Semper Fi made by his family. He is missed so much by not only his family, but all those who were privledged to know him.

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We will always miss you Semper Fi. You have left paw prints on our hearts and we will never forget the things you've taught us. If we are able to help one dog...make one furry soul a little happier...teach one person how to love unconditionally...it will be with thoughts of you!

Sleep well our dear Fi Boy...until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge