In Loving Memory Of Margot
We rescued Margo the first time back in July of 2021. Unfortunately, shortly after her arrival, being an escape artist, and even though we took all measures to keep her secure, she managed to slip away. Our search for Margo never waned. In our hearts, we clung to the hope that she was receiving the basic necessities—food, shelter, and some love. We knew that if she became lost again, her microchip would be her lifeline back to us. Then 2 years later, that is exactly what happened. Margo showed up at the same shelter we originally rescued her from. When Margo came back with us, our focus was finding the right person - one that would see she is given the love and attention she deserved.
Dana and her dog, Baxter were out walking the beach one day, at the same time one of our foster families was out for a walk with one of our female senior dogs. Dana stopped to talk with Jenn, and wanted to know more about her, and to also learn more about the breed not having a GSP before.
Dana and her husband Jeff, submitted an application right away. During several conversations with their adoption counselor, and learning more about Baxter’s personality, and whether or not they would be a good fit, it was noted and mutually decided that the two dogs shared a common trait of resource guarding toys, and Dana and Jeff decided to wait for another senior that would be a better fit for Baxter.
It was right about that time that Margo came back to us, and we felt that she could be the one. And as it turned out, she was perfect, and on October 28, 2023, Margo added a “t” to her name, and became a cherished member of her forever family.
We recently received the sad news that Margot has passed away. We are so grateful Margot lived out the rest of her life cherished and loved. While we know that 2 years was not enough time for Dana and Jeff, for Margot, she received enough love for a lifetime.
“On December 10, 2025, Margot Vandersip crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Margot was a petite, sweet, and spicy girl who came into our lives late, but settled into our hearts completely. Thirteen years old, with only two of those spent with us, much of her earlier life remains a mystery. We know she was rescued by California GSP Rescue, escaped, survived on her own for a time, and then—by some quiet miracle—found her way back to them, and then to us. Once she had regular meals and treats under her belt, she weighed just 45 pounds, and it quickly became obvious to us that food and treats were among her greatest joys. Initially she would eat anything, and I mean anything. More recently, though, she started turning down tomatoes. Toys puzzled her at first, but eventually she began picking them up and running off, hopeful someone would chase her. She loved a good game of chase. With Baxter, who also never quite learned how to play like other dogs, she developed her own funny morning ritual: awkward sounds, rolling heads, and sincere attempts at play. She followed him to bark at dogs walking by, lay beside him, and clearly loved him.
As Margot felt safe, she showed us more of herself. She leaned against my legs wherever I was, always wanting to be close, and learned her voice later in life—including a very particular bark reserved for when she sensed I was about to leave for work. At night, she’d go to bed before us, but every ten minutes or so would pop out from around the corner, silently demanding we come, too. My favorite moments were our breakfast routine: her excited little hops, her perfect sit while she waited for the “go,” and the way she ran back to me afterward so I could wash her face and clean her ears, looking deeply into my eyes as I did. Jeff loved her playful moments most—when her eyes lit up and her smile appeared.
We only had Margot for two years, but they were filled with love, trust, and joy. We miss her terribly. The house is so quiet without her, and we think Baxter misses her too”.
