Elvis Geroche went home to the Lord on March 19, 2025. At approximately 11 years old (77 in dog years), Elvis became noticeably ill and declined rapidly. After much consideration and guidance from compassionate animal experts, he passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family and friends in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Elvis is survived by his loving mommy, Janelle Geroche; his brother and sister, Anna and Donatello; his grandma, Marlene Pratt; his uncle, Aaron Pratt; and his cousins, Marvel and Dalinar. He also leaves behind his cherished cat friends, Ginger, Mason, and Rosie.

He now joins his cat friend Rat Pack in Heaven, where he will remain, forever young.

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Bringing Elvis Home

I knew little about his past, except that he was a transfer/surrender from the Suffolk, Virginia SPCA to Portsmouth. I had visited with a few dogs there—one was a rambunctious guy with no off button, another was an old Golden named Buddy who didn’t have much time left. I passed over him because he had special treatment at the front desk with the ladies and his own bed.

And then... I saw Elvis.

I almost missed him, as he was hiding behind a cement partition. But as I was walking away, he peeked his head out, and I stopped.

"Who's that little guy?" I said.

We ended up playing with him, and I knew he was the one—just my speed.

Elvis had a serious case of heartworm. He had just undergone surgery and had to spend his first weeks at home in a crate. Not that he minded—he was terrified to come out of it. I could not get Elvis to eat out of my hand, not even pieces of hot dog or steak. He would wait until we all went to sleep before eating. He ran away frequently during the first year.

After the last time he bolted and was hit head-on by a car, I think he finally realized, while at the ER, that he had a family that loved him. From there, Elvis blossomed and continued to do so every year I had him.

He was such a gentle and docile boy that, one time, our neighbor found a baby squirrel and held it in her hand. While most dogs would have traumatized the poor thing, Elvis simply sniffed it and walked away.

He never barked in all the time I had him, but he did have the most beautiful, melodic howl — prettiest I ever heard.

And there was nothing sweeter than when he would stare into your eyes with his little wah-hoo look.

Elvis was truly the perfect dog for me.

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