In loving memory...
 

Lacey
We rescued Lacey when she was 4 years old. Lacey exemplified for our family what a rescue dog was all about … that at times, she rescued us. During the inevitable challenging times that accompany raising a family, her sweetness, loyalty and loving personality would “show us the way”.

Jan

Molly, Always There for Us
Thank you GRRAND for allowing us to have ten wonderful years with Molly. She was the absolute best dog we ever had. She held my hand through cancer treatments, and the many ups and downs in life. Molly was always there for the family with a big Golden smile. Even on her last day with us, her tail was still wagging.

Beverly and Bud

Allie, A People Golden
I adopted Allie when she was 2 1/2 from a family who no longer had time for her. When she showed up at our home, she was timid and had little experience with other people and other dogs. While she never became a "dog's dog," she was definitely a true golden when it came to her people. She was not much of a "retriever," but she fit our family to a T. As the years went on, and as her age began to show more and more, I always worried that I would not know when it was time to help her on her journey. However, on her 15 1/2 year birthday, she let us know in her own gentle, uncomplaining way, that it was time. Rest in peace, our Allie dog.

Iris

Much Loved Murphy
Murphy was originally a foster dog in our house, though within hours it was evident that Murphy was meant to be part of our family. He was suffering from heartworm and had clearly been abused. Every little noise or raise of the hand had Murphy cowering; he was in constant fear of being beaten. As he recovered from heartworm, he also quickly learned that his new home was his forever home. He seemed to quickly understand that life was now good. Murphy had a way of knowing just what people needed and quickly warmed the heart of even my grandmother who adamantly “didn’t like dogs”. In her final months, it was Murphy who followed her around and watched over her when she came to stay. Murphy was a gentle giant and carried around his stuffed dog “Baby” like his prized possession. In the five years we had Murphy, Baby never needed a mend. Hearing the word “bedtime” sent Murphy scurrying for Baby and he was up the stairs and in bed before you could get the doors locked. Murphy was a laid back dog who loved walks and loved people even more. Even going to the vet was a joyous occasion for him. It meant that many more people to fawn all over him and pet him. Everyone he met quickly became a fan. He graciously welcomed foster Goldens into our home and helped show them the ropes. Sadly, Murphy’s body gave out long before his time. He was stricken with lung cancer that came back despite surgery and chemotherapy. Murphy helped remind us how precious life is and that it’s attitude that makes the difference, even when life seems unfair. Murphy will be sorely missed, but we are thankful to GRRAND for bringing him into our life and all of the Goldens just like Murphy that are helped every day.
Tiffany and Marty

Ally, A Wonderful Girl
Ally, you came into our life as a foster dog; a tiny, 6 week old puppy and grew to be our “Ally girl” of almost 9 years. On your first day home, you were relentless in biting our shoestrings and pulling at our pant cuffs! Such sharp puppy teeth! You made us laugh with all your puppy antics and grew into a wonderful girl. A “Valley girl”, a diva and a drama queen because everything was all about you. You were a very smart, intuitive and calculating dog always trying to stay one step ahead of us.
Your easy going demeanor paved the way for many foster dogs in our home. Through the years we watched you live, love and be happy. We laughed with you at all your funny ways like running and hiding under the bed when you heard the bath tub water turned on, how you accompanied us to the bathroom because you didn’t think we could do it alone and the “good morning” hiney rubs! You loved to play Frisbee and couldn’t wait to go to the dog park. You gave us so much love and laughter that we will treasure for ever. You were our joy, our best friend and we will miss you always…

Rosemary and Diane

Sweet, Wonderful, Beau
Beau... our sweet, wonderful, courageous boy.... our little "Stinker, Stinker Beau-Beau-Linker" with your two tennis balls and your tail wagging... the little brother who made Fizban a brave boy...We are all so sad and lost and empty without you... Mommy and Daddy will love you forever.

"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened"-- Dr. Seuss

The Heart of a Tiger
It’s with great sadness, but great gratitude for a wonderful life, that I tell you that Tiger died on New Year’s Eve 2009. Tiger was one of the early Grrand dogs, adopted in 1997 at the age of one or two by my husband Rick and me. Although he showed his love every day to me, he was truly Rick’s dog. They were best buddies, and liked nothing in the world better than going camping together. He was the perfect trail dog, staying close, and always considerate enough to get off the trail when nature called. Tiger helped train several foster goldens with great patience. Although he slowed down quite a bit in the last few years, he still ate like a champion and went for his walk every day, enjoying those until just a few days before his death. He and Linus, adopted from Grrand in 2008, were best buddies, although I’m sure Tiger had many days when he just shook his head at Linus’s youthful exuberance. Tiger had a wonderful heart, and it simply gave out. I like to think that he and Rick are reunited, sitting around a campfire, and Rick is listening to all those golden retriever stories Tiger tells him. His ashes will be scattered in the Red River Gorge, where he spent many a happy hour.

Susan

loving, loyal, funny and wonderful dogs
In 1997, we adopted Dudley and Dexter (littermates) from GRRAND. Dudley passed away in Hawaii in 2006. Dexter passed away last week. We still have our little Douglas whom we bailed out of a shoplifting charge at KMART in 2001. We want to thank you for giving us these loving, loyal, funny and wonderful dogs. Once again our hearts are broken. Our dogs have had a wonderful life. They've lived in Louisville, driven across country to San Francisco, moved to Hawaii and now back to San Francisco. As I wrote in the book "Lost Souls: Found!" Our lives have been greatly enriched by our orphans, who have become our true family and given us far more than we ever gave them. Any sacrifice or lack of freedom because of them has been more than worth it. Any pain we suffer from their loss is a small price to pay for the unconditional love and devotion these wonderful dogs have shown us.

Gail and Raymond

Candi. A mighty yet petite Golden.
Candi was a miniature golden retriever---about 45 lbs, petite some would say. she had the cuteset little feet that she would prance around with. prance was the word, because she had a bit of an attitude.
She could be a true, stubborn bitch. If she didn't want to walk, she just laid down in the street... If she didn't want to be touched, she'd snap at you (which was whenever you tried to pet her). she refused to get out of our car for 8 houras at a time when she first came. i just drove around with candi on the back floorboard, all day. My guess is that she's seen some terrible neglect/abuse in her 10 years prior to GRRAND.
She entered the program, covered with scabs from a thryoid condition, ear drums had been eaten away from infection (one grew back), she had a tumor that hung almost to the ground from her stomach..... she couldn't lay on her back, let alone scratch it. Another tumor hindered her walking. her hips were dysplaysic and painful, and i think her tail was broken, or just "not right". I even questioned her spieces when she first came to live as my foster dog. With a little time and patience, Candi became the gentle queen of the household. She was always right between the other two goldens, just inserted herself right in there. She was the "talker" of our pack, always commenting on her desires, such as "bark, bark, bark, bark" meant, "lets get to walking, that's why we're at the dog park right?" Her spirit was always willing to go, as was her mouth, but at times her body fell short. She was our guard dog and took the role seriously, as did we.

Her greatest joy was to run out of the back door whenever our neighbor and his shit-zu were out in they're yard. She'd race out of the house like a bat out of hell and bark at them for hours---the neighbor loved her too. Candi endured several medical traumas during her 2 years with me. An 8 lb tumor in her spleen(benign) and finally lymphoma, then leukemia. She bore them like she bore the rest of her difficult life, with grace and willfullness to the end. Candi died on November 22, of the cancer. she's left such a hole in our family, we really miss her joyous bark, and groan, and muttering, and growl, and so many verbal expressions. I sure loved that little bitch. She was a true warrior, to the end.
Peg

Jasper, The Importance of Finishing BIG!
Earlier this year my mom and dad’s dog Breezy had gotten to an age where she could no longer walk or eat. After much consideration and many tears, it was time for Breezy to go to heaven. The vet came out to their house to make Breezy as comfortable as possible before going to heaven. I was so proud of them for being able to provide this for the sweet Breezy girl. It was really sad but it warmed my heart. I was so moved that I decided that I wanted to foster an elderly dog so I could provide the same thing for a dog with no home. I was really nervous about opening my home to another dog as I already have a houseful with two of my own, but when the call came in with Jasper I couldn’t say no. He was a 14 year old Golden who was turned in by his owner. He hadn’t been fixed, had horrible ear infections and was losing his kidney function. Poor boy!

We first met at the dog park where he didn’t respond to his name, pretty much ignored me and my two doggy girls and I thought “Ok, this is just how it was going to be…” but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Within a few days Jasper went from shy guy to a little ball of glue. For the next 4 months he never left my side. He was always so happy when I got home from work that he could barely contain himself. He would grab the nearest bone and run to the back door. As soon as business was finished there he would run back and sit on the steps to tell me over and over that it was time to eat!!! He loved to roll around in the grass and rub his chin on any coarse surface. He loved to go for walks (even at 14). He also loved to be brushed and boy did he need it (a new dog could have been created from all of his fur)! Most of all he loved to just sit beside me. He would push his head under my arm just so we could snuggle. He fit right in with my girls and made it so much easier than I ever expected.

On September 15th, he went to heaven peacefully and comfortably in a place where he was happy, just like I had wanted. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Jasper did it that way on purpose. I’ll always love my first foster boy… Bye Jasper. You were such a sweet boy!!!

The wise Mr. Finn
Bryan and I adopted Finn in September of 2008; he was thought to be 10 years old. We first brought him home as a foster, and only after a few hours, we fell in love. Our other Golden, Charlie, was crazy about Finn too. They were the best of pals. Finn was such a sweet, old soul. He had the best personality. He was also very stubborn, for example, when he was done walking on his leash, he would just stop and not budge for anything. He made Bryan and I laugh on a regular basis. We loved his little white face and beautiful golden eyes. We only had him just under a year; we lost him to cancer in August. It was very hard on all three of us, but we knew it was his time to go. He taught us so many things, and we hope that he knew how much he was loved his last year here on earth. We love and miss you Finn.

Christina, Bryan, and Charlie

Our Boy Bingo
We lost our dear sweet goldern boy Bingo Sept. 6th 2009. Kim and I adopted him from GRRAND shortly after we got married about 2 years ago. He was truly our "son". We loved him like he was our only child. Bingo was the type of dog that did not demand anything, just love, affection, and of course his dinner. I will miss him lying by my bedside, lying by my bathtub, and especially lying on the kitchen floor to grab any little morsel that might drop. I will miss his big sloppy kisses, and the smell of his short, soft fur around his ears. Bingo was such a good boy, and our hearts are broken.
Rest in peace Bingo, and know mommy and daddy will never forget you.
Kim and Marilyn

In memory of Major
We adopted Major from GRRAND in November of 2007. He was our gentle giant and his nickname was snuggle bug, because he would sit beside you on the sofa humanlike and put his head on your shoulder, there was no one Major didn’t like. Major was neglected and abused before he came into our lives yet he was as gentle and loving a dog as there could be.
A simple trip to the vet on August 18, 2009 for a sore on his tongue, turned out to be something worse. After testing, including a bone marrow aspirate, he was diagnosed on August 24, 2009 with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a rare and fatal cancer. After 2 blood transfusions and a round of Chemo, the cancer progressed quickly and we had to say goodbye on August 31, 2009.
We live on a golf course fairway and when he heard that tee shot go off he would grab his big red Jolly ball and run to the fence and wait for the golfer. The regulars who play here knew Major, they would stop and say hi and if he gave up his ball, they would throw it for him.
He will dearly be missed and we’re sure that the short time he was with us was the best time in his life and ours. His GRRAND sister Margaux and he were always together, she’s been looking for him.

Scott & Georgia, Golden Kidz Maya & Margaux

Cello's Happiness Investment
On 3/15/09, my wife and I lost our dog Cello. Her loss pains us greatly, and will continue to do so for a long time. However, I cannot express in words the joy she has brought to us, even in these moments of grief. All I have to do is remember all of the lovable little quirks she had, from the way her nose would be the first thing I saw everytime I began to open my front door to the way she would use her nose to nudge my hand to pet her if I stopped. She was my first dog, and I do not believe the lord could have blessed me with a better one. My wife and I will remember the good times through these painful days and continue to do so until the good times are all that are left when we think about her smiling face. I would like to thank GRRAND for giving me the opportunity to take care of Cello, she returned the happiness and love we gave her ten fold.

Yours truly,

Jason & Julie

Outdoors with Abby
We wanted to let you know that our sweet Abby Belle made her trip over the Rainbow Bridge on April 25. She was only in our lives for four years, but gave us memories to last a lifetime. Our fondest memories of her are trying to get her inside when she wasn’t ready. She would lay outside for hours, sun or snow sometimes even rain. When we would call her, she would just take a glance at us, then turn her head like saying “I don’t want to, I am in my outside.” She just enjoyed the outdoors so much.
Besides her parents, her little sister, Patches, is missing her also. She acted like she didn’t care she was around when she was with us, but now she is roaming around the house to all Abby’s favorite spots, just trying to find her. When she doesn’t, she just whines and wishes she was around.
Our sweet girl will always be loved and missed, but now she is in a place where she can chew on sticks, play with her tennis balls, and drink as much water as she can without any pain. We will miss her a lot.
Her parents, Christine, Perry, and Patches

Winston, Giver of Much Love
On March 9, 2009, Winston past away. He was loved for the 4 years we were lucky enough to have him. He was a Great friend and family member. Everyone who met Winston enjoyed his company.

Thank you from Winston's Mom & Dad
David & Colleen

Nyla Ru, The Weather Authority
Nyla Ru was our GRRAND gal, our full back, our good soul, our old friend. We were matched with her (then she was Nala) during the summer of 2000. When we got her, she had been shaved and was one very funny looking golden retriever. With lots of love and some stability, her beautiful coat grew back and her wonderful spirit returned. Nyla made us laugh. She had a sense about people and their needs or disabilities, she always knew how to behave with her wagging tail and happy face. She loved to eviscerate her toys, and then carry around the skins. She loved fresh vegetables, broccoli and red peppers were her favorite. She could sense thunderstorms two hours before they arrived; we thought about lending her to the TV forecasters. Nyla rode "shot gun" in our long car trip across the country, relocating to Washington, with a "so where are we going today?" look on her face. She understood us well, and knew just when we needed a lean. She was a wonderful friend and companion. Nyla's gone on ahead of us, we know she's waiting. But we are a bit empty without her.

Don and Kathy

Barkley Hug
He was a joy and gift to me from the moment he hopped in my car on his way to his forever home.

He was a happy, joyful boy and made my home that and more.

I knew he came with a certain amount of health baggage when I adopted him. In the end his cancer got the better of him.

Sophie (yes, my alpha maniac) and I will miss him deeply. He was a gentle, lovable giant and was much loved. Sophie was very protective of him. She accepted him from day one.

Thank all of you for loving on him and being his fan base. He had a lot of fans.

Never as long as we would like
I write this with great sadness and through tears..........Max was put to sleep this morning.
Max was a beautiful dog with a beautiful personality and he will be deeply missed here in our household. I feel so sad for him when I think here he had found his "forever" home and then got sick and could not fully enjoy it. Funny thing is we signed up for Max knowing he had seizures and that there might be some extra care involved and in the end, he hadn't had a seizure since Oct. 2007.

I just wanted to let you all know.
Karen

Raphael's Loss Felt by Many
Sometimes a precious golden touches your life and doesn't even belong to you.
Raphael was a handsome young boy who enjoyed life and his loving family. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was hit by a car last week. I know his family is grieving his loss as well as those who briefly knew him. Raphie's family has been guests at our marina and resort several times in the past year. He was always at their side, jumping off the docks, swimming in the lake and riding on the boats. I loved seeing his soaking wet self sneaking in our Ship's Store for some extra hugs and kisses!. Yesterday his family came to spend a little while, remembering our place as Raphael's favorite place in the whole world!
Raphie holds a special place in the hearts of those at Northside.
Thanks again for saving these beautiful souls and bringing us our wonderful Lizzie!
Jeanne and Alan Kennedy

Nature Girl Gracie
We have sad news to report: we recently lost our first golden, Gracie. She was just over 11 years old and came to live with us from GRRAND at age 3. Doctors believe that she likely suffered a stroke due to bleeding in the stomach. It happened very suddenly and took us all by surprise. Fortunately, Gracie never really acted like she was 11. Gracie loved the water and snow. Memories of Gracie jumping off the boat at the beach on Lake Michigan and jumping around in deep snow like a puppy (though we never even knew her as a puppy) will stick with us forever. We all miss her dearly (especially Jackson, our 4 year old GRRAND golden we got 3 years ago). Gracie was a wonderful dog. She had the sweetest temperment of any dog we've ever met (except for her adopted brother Jackson who is equally sweet). We will never forget our 7+ years together. Our lives were made better due to our time with her and she will be missed.

Brian, Karen, and Jackson

In Memory Of...
If you would like to make a donation in memory of a Golden, send it along with a photo and short narritive to:

GRRAND
P.O. Box 6132
Louisville, KY 40206-0132

"If It Should Be"

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Selfishness might stay your hand.
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only -- stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you, too, will see
It is kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

(Author Unknown)

Best Years of Annie's Life
It is with great sadness and a lot of tears that we had to say goodbye our first Grrand dog, Annie. We adopted her on July 17, 2003 and fell in love with her from the moment we met her.
She was probably around 7 or 8 when we adopted her and old age finally caught up with her. She had a few health problems over the years (ACL surgery, 4-1/2 pound tumor/spleen removed, torn up tongue from a sheared off canine.), but she was always a trooper at the vet's and bounced back.
Her mind and body started to rapidly deteriorate after having 2 Gran Mal seizures in October. All the tests and all the medicine she was given couldn't stop the decline and on November 13, Richard and I woke up and both knew it was time to say goodbye.
We have so many wonderful memories of her to cherish. She was the most laid-back and gentle dog we ever had. All she wanted was to be loved. Belly rubs were a favorite. If anyone dared to stop petting her, she gave them her paw to remind them she was still there and hadn't tired out from the attention.
Our other Grrand dog, Maggie, seems to be coping and we are giving her lots of extra attention.
We are so grateful to everyone at Grrand for letting us be the ones to adopt her. I wish we had more years with her, but we're confident that these were the best years of her life.

Sincerely,
Elisa and Richard

Sutter
Hello, nine years ago my wife and I adopted a wonderful Golden Retriever from your organization.

He was a semi special needs dog, had food allergies, had been abused, had fears of thunder storms and loud noises, and had separation anxiety issues.

Over the years we worked through all those, along with medical issues of cysts and tumors, he also had a major stroke two and a half years ago which I brought him back to about 90% of what he was prior to the stroke. The whole time Sutter was a trooper, always upbeat, always trying to do what he liked to do and continually wanting to play and cuddle with any and all that came into his life.

We got Sutter to be a companion to our other Golden whose name was Axl. Axl was a big blonde boy who tried to be overbearing and controlling, but Sutter set him straight on who was the top dog. No damage beyond Axl’s bruised ego.

Those two had eight and a half years together, playing, sleeping, consoling and watching over each other, up until Axl was put down in April this year due to cancer.

Sutter took that in stride, he missed his buddy and had about a week of being lost without him, but he came through it and continued on.

It was not long after Axl’s leaving that my Vet discovered Sutter had a spinal issue, it was fusing and pinching nerves. This along with his arthritis made for a ticklish situation with medication, trying to keep him comfortable without tearing up his stomach. We were dealing with that, fighting an occasional ulcer and treating it.

Well, now the part that tears my heart up, I lost that wonderful little tan man Thursday November 13 at 5:00 p.m. due to kidney failure. I cradled him in my arms, petting and talking to him as his Doctor administered the shot to put him out of his pain and misery, sending him on his journey to The Rainbow Bridge so he can find his buddy Axl and all the other wonderful pets that have gone before.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to meet, keep, love, nurse, and care for this wonderful animal. He is and will be missed terribly.

Kevin Means

Mr. Cooper, a Great Big Gorgeous Boy
Last night, I adopted Mr. Cooper (formerly known as Rey). A very short while later, Mr. Cooper passed away at LVSES Animal Hospital. He was with Jim and Diane (his foster parents) and had great support in his final days and moments. I saw him shortly after his passing. Mr. Cooper just had too much of a battle to survive. His infection persisted and the vets were going to have to operate for a third time. The caring nature of GRRAND members eased the burden on me and Mr. Cooper. GRRAND asked the vets to humanely allow this magnificent Golden Retriever to end his suffering.

Mr. Cooper had such incredible obstacles against him, even before he ate the bedspread fringe. While he was a great big gorgeous boy, he had many medical, neurological, emotional, and physical issues that he may never had been able to overcome to live a normal fun-filled Golden life. My heart just went out to him. I do believe that Mr. Cooper in my home and in Jim and Diane's home found a degree of love and support he had never had in his life before being rescued by GRRAND. Diane, Jim, and I talked last night and we agree that Mr. Cooper did realize that he was loved and at times he would allow himself to actually let you love him. He had many hugs, pats, kisses, and tummy rubs while in our two homes.

It is with deep affection and profound sorrow that I say goodbye to Mr. Cooper. I know everyone was praying and hoping for the best outcome for him. He is now at peace and does not need to fear anything anymore.

These wonderful Goldens enrich our lives, and I wish everyone the best with all their four-legged friends, whether Goldens or not. What a special love they bring to us all.

My special thanks to Debbie for being such a rock to me during this incredibly difficult time; to Cindy and Allie for loving Mr. Cooper and praying for him every day; and to Jim and Diane for helping me grieve last night after Mr. Cooper's passing. I am very grateful.

Love,
Sharon

My precious Gus
My precious Gus crossed over the Rainbow Bridge October 31. He was brought to me by Kim Peters in November 2006. Kim said he had come from deplorable conditions and needed to be fostered. Well, as I said before “that was history”. I decided to adopt Gus about three weeks after he arrived at my home. Rusty (adopted July 2006) and my cat Abby welcomed Gus into our home with open hearts. Slowly, Gus started feeling better and looking like the beautiful golden that he had once been.

About the past 6 months he started having “episodes” which I thought might be small strokes but each time after several days he was ok (but maybe a little less ok than before).
Last week something started happening with Gus. His appetite started really slowing down compared to what it had been. On Tuesday when I went home for lunch to check on him, he was just so very sick. On Wednesday I took him to my vet where he was given a shot for the vomiting and some other medication to hopefully make him feel better.

Well, by Friday he had totally stopped eating and drinking and was getting weaker and weaker. So, I took him back to the Vet Friday afternoon....after an exam and lengthy conversation with the Doctor I decided to let him go. I could not watch him slowly starve to death and become unable to even stand up. I was with Gus petting him and telling him what a wonderful boy he was until he fell asleep for the last time.

Gus brought such happiness to my home…..my kids and grandson loved him too.
In time, I want to open my home to another Golden Friend who needs somewhere loving and caring to spend his or her last years.
I miss that sweet little old man. My vet told me to try to not be too sad because I had given him the best two years that he probably had ever had.

Please consider the senior golden guys and gals when it’s your time to open you home and heart to the most wonderful breed of dog EVER.

Phyllis
Xenia, Ohio

Buddy #19
10/23/08 - We have sad news regarding Buddy. Buddy began having uncontrollable seizures and sadly, had to be euthanized. Buddy was a fantastic dog, but unfortunately, didn't get the lucky break he so deserved. Buddy was just 2 years old, but he had been in a foster home.

A Rock like no other
We are heartbroken because of the passing of our beloved Golden boy, Rock. He'd just celebrated his 12th birthday. He was one of a kind--the best badly-behaved dog in the world. He'd obey when he felt like it, do what we asked when he felt like it and loved everyone because he ALWAYS felt like it. He loved to be outside and would always run to greet the car when we returned from a long trip or when we drove to the end of the driveway and returned because we'd forgotten something. Didn't matter--he was always thrilled to see us at any time. He was a big, block-headed, smiling male whom we wanted to live forever. He left without fear and with great dignity. We're just not sure how we'll get along without him. Besides us, he leaves behind his mate, FRANNIE and younger brother PATCH, a GRRAND flat coated retriever.

Thanks, Debbie

No Longer Apart
It is with indescribable grief that we want to tell you of the passing of our beautiful girl, Frannie. We just announced the death of her mate, Rock, three days earlier. Somehow this is fitting, because it was never just "Rock" or "Frannie" but rather "RockandFrannie" when we spoke of our wonderful Goldens. Clearly she was sick, too, but we think she died of a broken heart when Rocky left us. If you believe in fairly tales, then this was the consummate love story. They'd been together since they were puppies, and I guess neither wanted it to be any different. Frannie was 2 days older, just having celebrated her 12th birthday on Sept.12. She was loyal and loving. She , too, was the best badly-behaved female golden on the planet. At first, she wasn't allowed on the furniture. Then she was. Then we bought lower furniture so she could get up more easily. In the end, we were helping her on the couch to rest. Go figure.

Life's not fair when your two best babies pass so quickly. We are truly heartbroken. Only Patch, the flat-coat, survives.

Thanks, Debbie

The Spirit of Penny
Our beloved big red girl, Penny, passed over the Rainbow Bridge on March 1, 2008. She was our constant companion and best friend. She came to live with us and our then two cats, Buster and Zoe, seven years ago and brought much joy to our lives. We never knew we lived such dull lives until she showed us---she was such a funny girl.

Her history before GRRAND we will never know, but after GRRAND, we will never forget. She helped both of her human parents pass the Delta Society Therapy Dog test. She loved going to Ruth’s work for a visit. Luckily for her, it was within walking distance of our house. Penny was always happy to see her friends and would look to everyone in the office for a belly rub. On special days, she would visit Larry’s elementary school classroom every chance she got and that was often. She was read too by many 3rd graders and during one Christmas program, she was Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. She even put her Therapy skill to work at the 1st and 2nd GRRAND Affair as an official greeter. Yes, she was the one in the tux. Oh, the things she would put up with to be with people.

Penny retired from therapy work and enjoyed all of the best things that could be had in life. Working in the yard with Ruth by supervising digging of holes, trimming plants, always doing all of the work within reach of her swimming (baby) pool. She loved blowing bubbles and digging the water out of the pool. If Ruth tried to take an afternoon nap alone or sleep late, forget the alone part. Penny would open the door with a push and in one leap there was Ruth’s bed buddy for the duration of the nap.

One four letter word could get both her ears up and tail going at the same time. RIDE! No matter how tired she was, she was never too tired for a ride. She would stand between the two front seats and look out the front windshield to take in the entire view of where she was going. The ride often would turn into a walk at the other end. She would walk anywhere in the city and at one time or another probably did. She could be seen anywhere from Valley Station visiting Grandma’s and Grandpa’s to Cox’s Park keeping the waves in the river where they belonged. The Highlands were her favorite place to walk. She knew every alley, street, house that had a dog in the backyard and store along Bardstown Road. After seven years of two walks a day, we probably logged several thousand miles together.

Losing the presence of a girl like Penny from our lives everyday has left a big hole in our lives. Now, she lives with us in spirit only. We miss her not meeting us at the door when we come home and not hearing her loud, greatly exaggerated yawns early in the morning. We knew these were always for our benefit. The simple things, such as her chin resting on our leg, or the look from those big brown eyes for a bite of your banana or peanut butter---are memories we’ll hold onto. The spirit of Penny, who taught us so much, will live in our hearts forever.

You will always be with us,
Ruth Garvey Nix and Larry Nix
(Forever Penny's Mom and Dad)

A leaner, a lover & beloved companion
What can I say about Hunter other than he was the happiest dog who ever lived. Even through the month he was in pain and struggled on our walks to see his beloved ducks (his retriever instincts were quite keen) he always had a smile on his face and wagged his tail harder then any dog I’ve known. He loved everything and everyone. Young. Old. Four legs or two. He was a leaner, a lover, and a beloved companion who exemplified what a golden retriever should be. Wish and I miss him very much. Our home is far too empty without him.

The grace and dignity of Morocco
Morocco, who was originally known as Cheyenne, was my first GRAAND dog so many years ago. He was young, about 18 months old we thought, and so sweet and gentle. We had recently lost Irah, a golden we adopted as a released dog through Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He and Murphy were inseparable, and Murphy was suffering from that loss. We thought another golden would be just what he needed. Little did I know what a profound effect Morocco would have on my life, and the lives of every golden foster dog that stayed with us over the years.
Morocco and Murphy became the “Golden Ambassadors” of Radcliff, Kentucky. Murphy was what I called the “John Belushi” of goldens. His primary responsibility in life was to make you laugh, or at least distract you from whatever negative emotion you might be feeling. Morocco, on the other hand, was the most kind-hearted and sympathetic dog I’ve ever known. Every crying child, every scared foster dog, anyone who was experiencing sadness or loss was guaranteed a “warm lean” or cuddle from Morocco. When I went through all the sadness and pain of divorce and the diagnosis of cancer shortly after, Morocco was always there just loving me when I cried or sitting with me when I needed the warmth and companionship of something, anything that still cared about me.
As Murphy aged and his health became more precarious, Morocco served as his “eyes and ears,” getting his attention and leading him in and out of the house. After Murphy died, Morocco was so lonely that we thought a puppy might do him good. He was unfailingly patient with Magic, who is the epitome of a pest! Magic would bug Morocco to play all the time. I never saw Morocco get impatient with him, even when he would grab Morocco’s foot in his mouth and start walking away…..with poor Morocco hopping after him on three feet!
Two weeks ago on Saturday I was brushing both dogs outside when I felt two growths under Morocco’s chin. By Sunday he was sluggish. On Monday night he vomited twice. Tuesday we took him to the vet who confirmed our suspicions that he probably had lymphoma. We opted not to go the chemo route as, at his age, the short amount of time we might buy him would not be worth what he would go through to get there. Dr. Gullett put him on an anti-emetic and steroids to keep him comfortable and stimulate his appetite. Friday the test results revealed Morocco did, in fact, have lymphoma; a high grade, very aggressive form. By Saturday he was gone.
Morocco died at home, peacefully, in my arms. I have never known another dog with the grace and dignity that Morocco showed. He had more empathy than some people. Vic and Magic and I will miss him in ways large and small. He was a good dog and a loyal friend.

If only humans could be this kind!
We got our puppy Sweetie after she had breast cancer. Someone had dumped her out on the street when they found out she was sick. GRRAND took her in and got her medical care. We knew she was sick when we got her, but she was such a sweetie, we had to get her home.

Through her surgeries, and all her doctor visits, she never complained. And she always glad when someone came into the room.

I am so glad Holly found her on the website. Family should have family around them when they are sick, and when it is their time to leave this world.

We will always love her, and we cannot imagine our family without someone like her in it.

The Koenigsmark/Dutcher family

Sweet, Smart Sarah
Sarah, aka "Mattie", has lost her battle with cancer. She quickly took a turn for the worse and couldn't recover even though we thought she had 6 - 9 months left of her life. Mattie was a beautiful Golden who came to GRRAND from a shelter and underwent surgery to remove tumors which were found out to be a very aggresive cancer.

Mattie was a loving, easy going dog who only wanted to be part of the family. She was so smart. She knew how to open the screen door, go out and do her business, come back in and shut the door back. She was truly amazing! She loved going to the dog park, lounging in the back yard, bringing tennis balls to me and getting kisses before she went to sleep at night.

Although I only had her in my life for a very short time, she will be remembered forever. I will miss you Sarah...love your foster Mom!

Bill's Full Life
Our 12 1/2 year old golden, Bill, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13th. While Bill was not a GRRAND rescue, he actively participated in GRRAND fundraising events over the past few years. As you can see from the attached photo, even in his final weeks, Bill never lost his enthusiasm for life and still insisted on playing fetch with the tennis ball and entertaining his canine friends.

Bill was the love of our lives and will be greatly missed . We were so lucky to have shared his life since he was 6 weeks old. We know he is in happy place and playing with all his old friends.

Our two GRRAND dogs, Rhett and Clifford are also mourning the loss of Bill.

Thank you for everything you do to save these magnificent creatures.

Sincerely,
Sue & Ed

Gentleman Ben, Honorary Golden
On April 1, we had to put our sweet Ben to sleep. Ben was a smooth-coated Collie but had the personality and intense desire to please of a Golden Retriever. He was diagnosed with what a veterinary internist called a “bad guy” form of stomach cancer, and even if surgery had been successful in getting all of the cancer, it would have returned within a few months. Instead of putting him through surgery that at best could have only given us a short time with him, we hoped to keep him comfortable for even a few days or weeks, but on the same day we got the awful biopsy results, he began suffering pain and real agitation, and we knew it was time to let him go.

Ben came to us over 11 years ago, when he was 16 months old. The breeder who had raised him to that point had learned that he carried a gene for blindness, and she was so ethical that she could not knowingly breed possibly blind puppies. She couldn’t use him as a show dog either, as he had one floppy ear, a trait that we found endearing but would have been frowned upon in the show ring. How grateful we were over the years for the gene and the floppy ear (that he mostly outgrew) that brought Ben to us!

Ben lived the charmed life of an only dog for 7 weeks. Until he came to our home, he’d been an outside dog, “running with the girls” at his owner’s home. He liked being inside our house so much that for several days, we had to literally push him out the back door into the yard to do his business—he was probably afraid that he wouldn’t be allowed back into the house. Seven weeks after we adopted him, we welcomed Lily, a 7-week-old Golden puppy. She immediately claimed Ben as her adoptive mother, often curling up close to him and at least once trying to nurse from him. Ben good-naturedly put up with everything she did, except when she tried to take food out of his dish. He made it clear to her with just one growl that she was not to try to take his food, and we never heard him growl again. Lily never tried to take his food again, either, so whatever he said to her was very convincing.

Lily totally dominated Ben, and he never seemed to mind. If he picked up a toy, she’d race to take it away from him, and as soon as he saw her coming, he’d drop the toy. Ben loved other dogs, and any time we met another dog, if its owner said that it was good with dogs, we knew Ben could be trusted to meet it. And he was always a gentleman. He seemed to enjoy going to our vet’s office, because he liked the people there. When a friend’s Labrador Retriever stayed with us for a few days, Ben welcomed him into the house.

I saw a quote on a Collie Rescue website that said something to the effect that “Just when you think there are no more angels, a Collie comes into your life.” How well that applied to Ben. We all, including Lily, miss him so much. He was our honorary Golden Retriever.

Jane, Mark & Lily

Ladybelle - fostering an abused Golden
I never thought I would take in a “second hand dog”. I’ve always heard you never know what kind of dog it will be and what it has been through. We had always gotten puppies for our family pets. My thoughts have changed since my fostering/adoption experience with GRRAND.
We were told about Lady, a female in the kennel who wasn’t doing very well after her owner became ill and the people caring for her were mistreating her. We went to meet Lady with a stuffed frog and some treats. Lady was on anti anxiety medication and didn’t have any structure. We were shown how to massage her for relaxation and she was so nervous, it scared us.
We took her home and introduced her to our dog, Sage. All she wanted was to be physically next to us and be patted. Since she was mistreated there were places she didn’t want you to touch that we learned by trial and error. The first couple of months were very difficult for everyone. Lady didn’t want Sage to get any attention. Lady would show her teeth if we raised our voice to scold her, or when we touched her feet, tail, or hips. I sure wasn’t used to that and I wasn’t sure if I could live with a dog I couldn’t trust. During those months, I don’t even know how many phone calls I made asking for advice on how to help her. Lady seemed like a sweet girl on the inside, but she had such a shield up around her for protection. Gradually, she started trusting us, she let us touch her feet, her tail and her hips. I will never forget the first time she licked my hand. I was patting her head and stopped, she licked my hand asking for me to continue! I said Ladybelle (we started calling her Ladybelle) you give kisses, what a good girl!
We adopted Ladybelle in June, 2007 and we truly felt blessed to have had the experience to love and nurture an abused dog and see how happy she became.Ladybelle loved her stuffed frog, going for car rides and playing ball with her Dad and bossing Sage around.
Just recently, Ladybelle was diagnosed with a mass on her spleen and was bleeding internally. Sadly, she quickly passed away, but I can assure you that she did have a good life for the 18 months she lived with us!!!!

We still love puppies and I have learned you can love “second hand dogs”, too.

Thank you GRRAND !!!!
Mike, Sue and Sage

It's Important to Finish Big
Sweetie has lost her battle in life. She came to GRRAND as a stray from a shelter. The shelter liked her so much and didn't want to put her down, so they contacted GRRAND. Sweetie's stay at GRRAND hasn't seen her in the best of health, as she was arthritic, totally deaf, had several masses, her kidneys were beginning to fail and last, but not least her legs became paralyzed. In her last weeks, Sweetie was in a great home that gave her all they could, and she never asked for anything.

Duke, One Outstanding Fellow
We fostered Duke in November of 2004 and adopted him three months later (with his companion Buster). Duke was very overweight and partially blind due to fat deposits behind his eyes. After he lost weight, he regained all his vision and could spot a deer on the other side of the pasture. He went on to obedience school and won first place in his graduation class. Duke was a very smart, devoted gentle soul, and a very faithful “velcro” golden. On February 14, 2008 he simply did not eat his dinner. We took him to the vet immediately, and x-rays showed he had lung cancer and blood work and a few tumors showed he had lymphoma. He went down hill rapidly and was sent on his journey to the land free from pain. As long as we remember your name, Duke, you will never be forgotten or replaced. One day we will all be together in the sunshine, warm breezes and green meadows. Until that time, you will be missed….and loved….always loved.
We thank GRRAND for connecting us to this wonderful boy for the short three years that he was in our lives.

Karen and Barry, and Duke’s best friend….Buster

Beloved Laya
Ii just wanted to let you know that my beloved Layla (formerly jill) died last night. I adopted her 4/8/05.
The joyous 3 years I had with her transformed her from a frightened 53 pound dog to a happy, loving 96 pound best friend. We brought so much joy into each other's lives. I love her and miss her so much, and I want to thank you for the privilege of being her mom and guardian.

Bobbie

In Rememberance of Lucy
Lucy was born in Kentucky and Blessed our lives for 11 wonderful years. She went to heaven in June and now is running around with all of her friends.
We miss her.
Karen, Bill, Rebel & Bandit

I Loved You Best
It with a very heavy heart and great sadness that we let you know of our lovely Winston's passing. Winston left this earth on the afternoon of September 20th to make the heavens a little more golden. We have been more than blessed by having this amazingly kind, funny, compassionate, devoted and forever forgiving golden heart in our lives. He will be forever misssed by all of us.

I Loved You Best
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...I loved you best.

Stacey, Troy, Duncan, Nolan and Daphne and Winston's best doggie friend ~ Jacqueline

Magnificent Maggie!
Maggie came into my life as a foster dog to temporarily wait until she found her forever home. She was a pretty, senior Golden who was just a sweetheart. She loved to lay next to me, play with her toys and roll over on her back. Of course, she was my shadow. I knew Maggie would be a wonderful dog for a new family, but that chance didn't come about. After awhile with me, Maggie came down with cancer and there wasn't anything they could do for this Golden Gal. She spent the last months of her life in her forever home and she will be sadly missed. Maggie, you were a sweetie!
Peg

William - In Memory
In the fall of 2005, I began looking for a golden friend. I had spent many years rescueing, fostering and re-homing other creatures and thought it was time to find my own golden companion. Despite finding a home for several feline friends, one with diabetes, I was determined to find a canine orphan to join me in life.

On Thanksgiving weekend that year I was privileged to have Willie (or ?William? when he had succeeded in gaining my attention) join me in what was to be too short of a period of time. Willie had been a stray who seemed to have been living on his own for a while. He was not in great shape, He was an old dog with arthritis, low thyroid, flaky dry skin and a sizable bald spot on his backside. But oh my what a special soul he was.

There was not a stuffed toy that Willie did not love (I believe at last count there were 21 of them in his toy box). Squeaking was his passion, as was singing and humming to his heart's content when he was happy?or just because he could. His coat grew long and thick, shiny red, and served as the perfect foil for his beautiful white face.

He taught me so much in a short time - including how to be absolutely, butt-wigglingly, excited that the sun was coming up every morning.

For those of you who would consider befriending a senior dog, please don't hesitate! Your rewards will be many. They are wonderful, calm, quirky, devoted companions who love you unconditionally given a little kindness and attention.

This is my tribute to you, sweet William. I will miss you much.

Until I see you again.

Wendy

Mia
In May of 2004 we began the search at GRRAND for a companion for our young, rambunctious male golden. We went to see Mia at her foster home and instantly fell in love. From the day she joined our home, she fit right in. She was, in fact, a great companion for Murphy, our other golden. She was much calmer and well mannered. She quickly taught him what behavior she would tolerate and what she wouldn?t. They played together often and enjoyed many vacations to Cumberland where they swam together in the lake.

What we didn't expect was how good of a companion she would become to the rest of the family. Mia had such an endearing spirit. She was sweet and sincere. She would fetch a ball as many times as you could throw it. She enjoyed and truly appreciated all the attention she received from everyone in the family. She aimed to please and wanted nothing more than to make her forever family happy. All she wanted in return was someone to hold her paw. She gave paw when she was insecure; she gave paw when she was happy; she gave paw when she was sad or bored; and she gave paw every minute in between.

In January, at 5 years old, Mia passed on with her family by her side and in her heart. What started as a swollen eye and was first thought to be an allergic reaction was actually a very large tumor. Before anyone knew what was wrong with her, she started having seizures. I can't begin to explain how awful it was to see her go through that and not be able to help her. She took many trips to the doctor those last two days. There came a point, when looking in her eyes, that we knew she'd had enough. She was in pain and so were we. My husband took her home and lovingly brushed and petted her. When he carried her out and loaded her in the car, he promised her it was her last trip.

We stood together in the vet's office that had become all too familiar to us. I held her paw one last time as we watched her pain finally subside. There is now a giant hole in our home where she used to be, but our hearts are full remembering the dog she was and still is now in heaven. I had never really understood or appreciated the term I had heard so often at GRRAND, but now I know that Mia found her forever family. She will always be part of us and we will be together again someday. I know she awaits our arrival with eager paw at the rainbow bridge.

The Crail Family

Chips
Chips
November 13, 1993 - January 17, 2007

"Lifetime dogs are dogs we love in especially powerful, sometimes inexplicable ways" - Jon Katz

Until his final 24 hours, Chips enjoyed a life of pure joy and spirited exuberance. An island dog, he relished his daily activities and heartily befriended the humans he met along the way.

Chips touched everyone he met with his abundant unconditional love. His noble face and regal bearing captivated friends and strangers alike. Chips' stout heart and gentle soul will live on forever in the memories of those who were graced by his love.

Carolyn

Max, Our Gentle Giant
In Loving Memory of Max our Gentle Giant.

Max passed away Jan 27th 2007.
Max developed cancer of the neck and throat. He was a faithful, loyal, companion to the end.

The Ballesters

Shelby, our gentle spirit
Our precious dog, Shelby, died this morning of heart and lung failure caused by a rapidly growing cancer that overtook her body in just a matter of days/weeks. No hope for treatment--just make her comfortable for the next few weeks was the vet's advice. Little did we know that 8 hours later she would be gone. But Shelby knew better.? She struggled with her breathing as she slept by my side. She slipped quietly away on the couch. We are so sad but know she didn't have to suffer a long illness. She had a gentle death--befitting of her gentle nature.? We are blessed with the 8 years we had with her.
Shelby was a beautiful Golden mix with the gentlest spirit and a love of life. Shelby was an easy, contented friend whether she was lying on the couch, travelling across the country in our motor home?or sitting for hours watching the minnow tank at our marina where we moved to in Texas. Visitors to our Ship's Storeloved to watch her sit atop the minnow tank and bob for the minnows. We took her everywhere, even Disney World. People would stop and comment on?her beauty wherever we went. Alan wanted a fishing dog and Shelby definitely was that! She would watch the bobber and knew just when a fish was on the line! She was even known for swimming after the ones you threw back. Shelby was our first rescue, before we knew GRRAND existed, but she convinced us how wonderful those Goldens are. When she was ready for a playmate, GRRAND found a perfect match in?Lizzie. They had so much fun romping on the bed at 3 AM. Shelby was never much on squeaky toys but she would steal Lizzie's just to tease her. "Kong" was her favorite toy--bringing it to you to fill up.? She was an expert on getting those treats out--holding it in her mouth and throwing it on the ground over and over until the treats were all?over the floor. All those memories, all those thoughts, we hold in our hearts and will treasure until we meet her again at the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you, GRRAND, for all the work you do to save these precious souls.
Jeanne and Alan and Lizzie

Kelsey, We loved her totally.
On Thanksgiving Day, our beloved Kelsey, who we adopted from GRRAND about six years ago, died unexpectedly, we suspect from a stroke or heart failure. I just want to say what a hole she has left in our home. We've had three goldens over the years, but Kelsey was the sweetest girl of them all. She was fanatically devoted to her toys and in the six years we were fortunate to have her, we bought more toys just for her than for all our other dogs put together. There was no visitor to our home who wasn't greeted by Kelsey with a toy in her mouth and an invitation to play. She loved our cats and has a special buddy in Mose, who regularly curled up by her warm fur for a nap. Because of the allergy circumstances in her first home, we knew that Kelsey had spent a lot of time being crated. However, except for two times she was boarded when we vacationed out of the country, she never again spent time in a crate. We take our dogs with us everywhere we drive, so she had quite a few vacations over the years. When we took her to a local dog park to run freely, she ran around with abandon and tossed her head to and fro...in a pure celebration of "Because I can!" We loved her totally. I'm so glad for the day she came into our lives and am going to miss her sweet spirit for the rest of my life. I'm reminded of James Thurber's (he was a great dog lover, too) essay when he questions why dogs' lifespans are so short. Why, indeed

My Dog Elmo
Over two years ago, something walked into my life that would change me forever. I wouldn?t know it while he was alive, but he would have a major influence on how I lived my life. Not many things in life have this much affect on me, but my dog Elmo had this affect on me.
When my mom came to me about getting another dog, I wasn?t too excited about it. We already had two dogs that kept us busy enough. But after my mother told me Elmo?s story, I knew that we had to get him.
Elmo was a golden retriever foster dog. When we got him, he was about seven years old. He came from the GRRAND association, which shelters golden retrievers until they find a foster home for them.
Earlier in Elmo?s life, he lived down in some family?s basement. The family kept Elmo down in their basement all day and all night. They got away with paying zero attention to Elmo. This went on for a couple of years until GRRAND learned about the situation and rescued Elmo from it.
When Elmo came to our house, I knew that me and him would be best friends. He came to us as a dog that had some very sad tendencies. The first couple nights that we had him, my mom and I noticed a large red, bald spot on left front paw. We thought about it and figured out that he chewed on himself because he was so nervous. I really began to feel sorry for him because he was the nicest dog that I had ever been around.
After a while of staying with my family and I, Elmo stopped chewing on his paw. This was a sign that he was starting to feel safe and us. It was if he was saying that he trusts us. This was truly a sign that Elmo loved his new life and we were happy to have him in our life.
But then came this one night. It was a night that I will never forget. I had put Elmo to lay in my bed with me. As I was sound asleep, I suddenly felt a quick shaking going on in my bed. As I jumped up, I suddenly saw Elmo shaking and foaming from the mouth. Right after I saw this I didn?t know what was going on so I went to my mom.
?Wake up mom. Hurry, something?s wrong with Elmo.? We both raced into my room and Elmo was still shaking and foaming in the mouth. It was such a sad sight because we didn?t know what was going on and were scared to move him, because he wouldn?t stop shaking.
A couple minutes later, he suddenly snapped out of what he was going through. It was very weird because he jumped right up and started walking around. Being that my mom and I were still scared and still confused, we rushed him to the animal emergency room.
While we were waiting in the emergency room, the vet walked out of the office. I She told us that Elmo was epileptic. I had no idea what this meant at the time, but my mother quickly told me that it is someone who suffers from seizures. This was very heartbreaking to me because of what Elmo had gone through his whole life and his past owners probably just let Elmo suffer these seizures.
I felt that this situation brought Elmo and me closer together. I wanted so bad to give Elmo a good life, because I knew what he had been through already. So I began paying a lot more attention to him because he was such a good dog, with a good heart.
Even though Elmo was epileptic, he didn?t suffer through a seizure for about one whole year. But then came a day when he started walking very tenderly and had stopped eating his food. When this happened to him, all he would do all day is lay around and breathe very heavily.
As I watched Elmo, I knew what was happening to him. As much as I didn?t want to think it, I knew in the back of my mind that he was dying. I watched Elmo suffer like this for about a week and then I realized that it would be the right thing to put him asleep. I had always heard stories about people putting their dogs asleep and I always thought that I would never do that.
But I felt that it was best for Elmo to let him go on to heaven, where I knew that he wouldn?t suffer anymore. But that didn?t make it easy for me to say goodbye to Elmo. The night before we had to take him to the vet to be put asleep, I just sat on the floor with Elmo the whole time. I will never forget this night. I wanted so badly for Elmo to live a good life, and it was so sad to see him working so hard, just to get a breath.
The morning came way too quickly, and I couldn?t believe that these were the last hours that I would have with Elmo. Riding to the vet, I sat in the back seat with Elmo and tried to comfort him. All I wanted for him was to just relax, because he had been fighting his whole life.
Then we arrived at the vet?s office. After my mom turned off the car, I just sat in the back seat and loved Elmo. I wanted him to feel loved because he had only had that feeling for just a couple of years. As I carried Elmo into the room, many memories of me and him went through my head. As I laid Elmo onto the table, I saw him look at me. I knew that if Elmo could talk, he would have said ?Thanks for loving me John.? When the vet walked into the room, the tears began flowing from my eyes.
Several thoughts went through my head as I watched my dog move onto heaven. I had realized that Elmo had taught me several things about life. I learned from Elmo that no matter what happens to you in life, you can fight through it. He also showed me how lucky I am. Seeing him go through so much in life, I realized that my life was so easy. I never had to fight anything or worry every night if I was going to wake up the next morning. These are the things that I respected about Elmo.
When I think of Elmo these days, I always think of the saying ?A dog is a man?s best friend.? This was the truth with me and him. I just hope that Elmo see?s how much I really loved him.

Rest Well Truman
Dear GRRAND,

I would like to tell you about our special and beloved Truman. He came to us in Nov. of 1998 when fostered by our friends, Andrea and Stephen. We instantly fell in love with him. He was turned into GRRAND by a young man who could not afford his medical needs. It was unfortunate for him, a blessing for us.

When he joined our family, myself, my husband and 2 cats, Mitsy and Sylvester, he was very timid and terrified of any vehicle with a diesel engine. The cats quickly established their dominancein the house. However, as time went by, Truman and Sylvesterbecame buddies, keeping each other company in the bathroom when it stormed. Truman's confidence continued to
grow and his personality sparkled. He loved playing monkey in the middle with mom and dadand chasing his buddy Kodi around the yard.
He loved the winter and snow making snow angels. He refused to take walks and never
caught on to the whole retriever thing. He loved the lake, but would never get in past his paws. He would just roll around at the water's edge, careful not to get his head wet.

Truman was later joined by our 3 boys. His love and protection of them futher proved Trumanwas more than just a pet. He always had a paw to place on our lap, a great tail to wag and greet us with. As long as there was
son=meone to love on him, feed him and give him treats, he was content. Truman was a laid back dog, never very rambunctious and as someone said the other day,"it's rare to find a dog like Truman." He was the kind
of dog that was special.People liked him even if they didn't like dogs.

So it is with a heavy heart that I write this today. Truman lost his hard fought battle with cancer on July 17,2006 at 715pm. He went peacefully, surronded by those he loved.

We thank you GRRAND for bringing us this wonderful dog. He was not just our
pet , he was our 4 legged child. As our 6 year old said,"he was not my friend, he was my big brother." WE MISS HIM GREATLY!!!!

We give this doantion in Truman's name for goldens who are old and in need of taht forever home.

Heres to you Truman. WE love you and we will walk with you across the bridge someday. You were the best. Rest well our precious friend, rest well.

Sincerely,
Kate, Jeff, Matthew,Rew and Jacob

Noble, loved by everyone.
I am writing to let you know that Noble, the little blind guy, we brought home as a foster dog on Februrary 14, 2004 died on Friday, July 21st.? Shortly after he came? into our home we knew that we had to adopt him as he had found his "forever" home.? Noble truly was a special guy who was loved by everyone he came in contact with, except Sam, our other golden who just tried to ignore him.? Noble's medical?problem?(heart) developed quickly and he enjoyed life to the fullest.? On his last morning he even tricked us into giving him two breakfasts.? Noble was a favorite in the neighborhood, and on our evening walks with Sam, ?people are still commenting on what a sweet guy Noble was.? When we took Sam and Noble to the kennel,??the staff would come out to greet Noble when we arrived,??and when we picked them up they would all come out to tell Noble good-bye always commenting on what a special guy he was.? The only comments that Sam?gets are that he is beautiful, but he sure is active?.? Needless to say we reassure Sam that he is special also.? Thank you so much saving Noble from the animal shelter in Indiana and allowing us to have him in our lives for the past two and a half years.? We never knew anything about his life before we brought him home,?but we know it was not good?.?
Again, thank you,
Linda, Ron and Sam

Brandy
Brandy, our beloved golden girl, gave us nearly 10 wonderful years of love and happiness. Her warm, genuine spirit touched all of us and she never met a stranger. She taught me so much - about living, forgiving, tolerance, patience and what it really means to be a best friend. She lived every moment, right down to the last, to its fullest, and her grace and strength even under the stress of cancer is something I will never forget. Her character only became sweeter and more devoted with age and the obstacles she faced. Brandy wanted nothing more than to please us, and to see our family together and happy. She was my sister and confidante, a companion who knew my secrets and grew up with me. She raised my brother and me well, and I'm sure she is beaming now from Heaven as she watches us begin life as the adults she helped us to become. Brandy is young and healthy again at the Bridge, waiting patiently for us to come home, just as she always did here.

It is my prayer that our donation in Brandy's memory will help other goldens find their forever homes where they can spend their lives as a true member of a family in every sense of the word, surrounded by happiness and love, just as Brandy did. She was our angel and will be forever missed and loved. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Because of her, I know what "unconditional" really means. I pray that everyone could be so lucky.

Amanda, Cathy, Barry and Nick

Cassie's Unconditional Love
In Loving Memory of Cassie Marie Redmond. You gave 14 years to our family with unconditional love. The things we won't forget: the way you laid beside my bed, when you begged for cut up vegetables from the garden, the moments that we shared when nobody else was around, the times that life was hard and you seemed to know just what to do. Although you are gone you will never be forgotten. Till one day we will see you again in heaven.

The Redmond Family

Our Big Red Boy Bacchus
How do you begin to let go of something so precious,so full of life and so very dear to your soul?

How long does it take to make the pain go away?

What tribute can you pay to a king?

I have asked myself these questions and I am afraid I don?t know the answers and I don?t really have much comfort yet? in time? it will come?

Bacchus was our boy? he was part of me and John, we loved him with our whole hearts, he was there for us everyday when we came home, always eager, always loving, just wanting to please and wanting to be loved.

Playing ball and Frisbee with him was a pleasure because watching him in the air was pure poetry in motion. One hundred and one pounds of grace and beauty that was our boy!

Neither of us wants to go home now without the other being there. It is just too painful. As days go by it seems to get a little better, but the lump in my throat won?t go away.

But for now I take great comfort at looking at his big red Orvis plaid bed in front of the fireplace with the perfect indention of his loving warm red body. I have placed his Christmas stocking on his bed along with sympathy cards and flowers sent by those who knew and loved him. He would like that. I look at it his special spot and I weep and I look at it and I smile.

I just want to feel the glory of his presence.
I am at peace knowing he is no longer in pain and that he awaits me and John when our time comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

We love you boy!
You were all THAT!

Just an Old Golden Retriever
By Audrey Thomasson

She was just an old golden retriever.? Her name was Brandy, and for eleven years she was the sole companion of an elderly woman who lived in a bungalow colony in the country. Neighbors often saw the two of them together in the garden.? The woman would be hunched over picking flowers and there was that old dog, close at her heels or lying in the middle of the grass watching her pull weeds.? When the woman died, some relatives came and collected anything they thought was valuable and put a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. Then they locked the dog out and drove away.
Some of the neighbors left food out for Brandy, but mostly the dog stayed near the house that she knew and waited for her owner to come back. A young mother who lived next door noticed the old retriever, but she had never been around animals before and while she thought the dog was friendly enough, she didn't feel it was any of her concern.
However, when the dog wandered into her yard and began playing with eighteen-month-old Adam, she wanted to shoo the dirty thing away. Adam was her only child and the light of her life. But he was having so much fun feeding Brandy cookies she decided to let her stay. After that, whenever Adam had cookies Brandy came by to visit.
One afternoon, the boy's mother left Adam in the soft grassy yard to play while she answered the phone. When she returned he was gone. Just gone. The mother was frantic. Neighbors came over to help in the search. Police arrived and looked for three hours before calling in the state police and helicopters to do an extensive aerial search. But no one could find the child, and as the sun set over the horizon, whispers of abduction, injury or even death crept into conversations.
The search had been going on for six hours when a neighbor, who'd just returned home, wondered where Brandy was. Adam's mother, hysterical with worry, didn't understand why anyone was asking about the old dog at a time like this.
When someone suggested she might be with Adam, a trooper recalled hearing a dog barking deep in the woods when they were doing a foot search. Suddenly, everybody started calling for Brandy.
They heard faint barking and followed the sound until they found the toddler, standing up fast asleep, pressed against the trunk of a tree.? That old dog was holding him there with one shoulder as one of her own legs dangled over a thirty-five-foot drop to a stream below.
Brandy had followed Adam when he wandered off. When she saw danger, she'd pushed him out of harm's way and held him safe for all those hours, even as the child struggled to get free.
As soon as the rescue team picked up Adam, the old dog collapsed. A trooper carried Adam back home, while his mother, sobbing with relief, carried Brandy. She was so grateful to the old golden retriever that Brandy spent the rest of her days with them. Brandy lived to the ripe old age of seventeen.
But this story doesn't end with just one life saved. In Brandy's honor, Adam's mother, Sara Whalen, founded Pets Alive, a rescue sanctuary in New York that takes in unwanted animals, including those designated to be euthanized because they are old, blind, incontinent or perhaps not cute enough to be adopted. While she can't save them all, Sara feels comforted that she can help at least some of them. She knows that if someone had put that old retriever to sleep, she could have easily lost the light of her life: her son.
Today, thirty years later, there are more than three hundred animals in her care, including birds, potbellied pigs, old horses retired from the carriage business and unadoptable pets from rescue groups across the country. The woman who used to think an old, abandoned dog wasn't any of her concern found that every life has value and has become a beacon for thousands of animals in need.