09/16/2026
🌈 In Loving Memory of Gregory Sanchez 🌈
Today, we remember and celebrate a very special member of our Oak Tree Animal Rehabilitation family, Gregory Sanchez. ❤️
Born on January 29, 2013, Gregory first came to Acorn in January 2014 and then to our rehab service about three years ago for back pain and chronic gastrointestinal disease and support with his comfort, mobility, and overall wellness. From then on, Gregory and his housemate, Geoffery, came to see us every week for acupuncture and rehabilitation treatments. For nearly three years of weekly visits, they became familiar and deeply cherished members of our rehab family.
Gregory faced more challenges than most. He lived with chronic heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, arthritis affecting multiple joints, and back pain, yet he remained one of the happiest and most positive little dogs we knew. He was incredibly resilient. He was a true champ.
One of the things we will remember most about Gregory was his trust. His back was often very tight, and some of his manual therapy and acupuncture treatments were not always comfortable. Even so, he was remarkably forgiving. He trusted us to help him, and afterward, he would quickly return to being his happy, sweet self.
About a year and a half ago, Gregory gave us one of the greatest demonstrations of his remarkable spirit. He became very ill and was transferred to UC Davis, where clinicians discovered a serious infection and a large abscess inside his chest. Over 12 years old and already living with several chronic medical conditions, Gregory underwent major open chest surgery and endured a very difficult hospitalization.
And then he came home.
Within a couple of weeks, there was Gregory again, happy, energetic, and acting as though nothing much had happened. We were all amazed.
That was Gregory. ❤️
Later, he faced another serious illness when an invasive adrenal mass was discovered. We continued to focus on keeping him comfortable and helping him enjoy the life he loved. Through it all, Gregory continued his weekly visits with Geoffery, continued to trust us, and continued to live fully in the moment.
Eventually, the day came when we had to say goodbye.
Gregory was a champ right to the very end.
We also want to recognize Gregory’s wonderful family. The love and dedication his owners gave him throughout his life were extraordinary. They advocated for him, cared for him through every challenge, brought Gregory and Geoffery to their weekly treatments, and gave Gregory every opportunity to continue enjoying his life. It was always clear how deeply he was loved. We feel incredibly fortunate that they trusted us to be part of Gregory’s care and his journey.
Over more than three years together, Gregory became much more than a patient. He became one of our teachers. He taught us about courage, resilience, trust, forgiveness, and the remarkable ability animals have to live in the present and find joy despite the challenges they face.
Thank you, Gregory, for trusting us week after week. Thank you for everything you taught us and for all the happiness you brought to our rehabilitation service.
We will miss seeing you come through our doors with your bouncy steps every week. We will miss your sweet face, your happy spirit, and your incredible resilience.
Rest peacefully, Gregory. You were one very special little dog, and you will always be part of our Oak Tree family. 🌈🐾❤️
