Sadly, our sweet Sadie Rae went to the bridge today.  Mike and I were with her when she went. This very sweet girl will be greatly missed.

Kathy H.

Sadie Rae's Foster Mommy

7/18/08

 

"The Mystic Moose"

6/19/08

My heart is very sad to have to tell everyone that my old boy, Moose, has gone to the Bridge.  For the last 14 years he has filled our lives with laughter, joy and love.  Moose came to us in 1996 from the Houston SPCA when he was about 8 months old, a big skinny, gawky, clumsy boy with massive feet and a huge personality. He was in good physical shape but absolutely starved for attention.  Any kind of attention was better than being ignored so one of the very first things he did was to eat my husbands’ wallet (credit cards, drivers’ license & all).  Over the years, he ate my taxes, (try explaining that to the IRS), a large bundle of automotive wire, my checkbook, innumerable pairs of shoes,  $300 dollars in cash, part of the staircase, an industrial size package of baking yeast (with toxic results), the inside contents of the barbecue pit (also very messy), a whole pot roast, a whole meatloaf, a whole turkey carcass, more sticks of butter and loaves of bread than I can remember and an unbelievable amount of cardboard from coat hangers, paper towel and toilet tissue rolls.  Moose had an absolutely uncanny way of knowing the one thing that you did NOT want him to have – and then of course he would chew it to shreds or eat it entirely.  That was the source of his nickname, The Mystic Moose.  He also read the Tarot cards and did Pawlm readings at the Dog Show for GBGRR.  Moose had a huge golden heart full of love for everyone.  As he matured, he was a gracious and forgiving host and was the patriarch to an incredible number of foster dogs.  Moose was a teacher and a goofball mentor who did his best to pass on his vast store of Woobie Lore to all of my foster dogs.

 

Moose loved his early morning rides with my husband, Thomas – he knew when it was the weekend and would lay in front of the door so there was no chance that he might be left behind.  He was my husband’s “shop buddy” and spent hours supervising whatever project was underway and hoping for a small taste of beer.  Even better, was a beer left unattended that he could spill and have all to himself.  The last few years have been hard for Moose, due to the laryngeal paralysis, he had a hard time breathing and getting around.  He would forget that he was not able to do the things that he used to and we didn’t have the heart to remind him.  Early this morning, sometime after 4 am, Moose left us to join Mai Tai at the Bridge.  Our hearts are broken and we are missing him terribly but we are so very blessed that we were able to celebrate life with him for 14 years. 

 

Cil H.

6/19/08

 

"Ferris"

"Xena"

5/20/08

"Charlie"

5/16/08

I adopted Charlie (first called Houston) from you on March 10, 2006. I had to have him put to sleep this past Friday, May 16, due to cancer of his pancreas and liver. He was a wonderful dog and worked with elderly people at an assisted living center. He also was wonderful with children. I felt as though he had been trained for this kind of work before I got him. He was in fairly good health until very near the end, as the cancer developed rather quickly; he did not suffer. I was with him at the end whispering that he was a good dog and that I loved him.

 

Thanks again for giving me over two years of total love,

Ross Jones

5/18/08

 

"Shiner"

3/8/08

"Winston AKA Webbie"

3/31/08

 

Dear Fellow Golden Lovers,

 

Thanks for all of the words of kindness and support.  Winston (aka Webster or Webbie) began his journey to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon at about 4:30.  I was with him on the floor, with his head in my lap, holding his paw, when he received his injection...he just slipped quietly away to a place where he can run and play with vigor and where they will never run out of dog biscuits. As some of you may remember Webbie was completely deaf, and maybe because of that he never made a sound the entire time that he was with us...never a bark, a whine, a yelp. But, like all of his Golden relatives, he wanted to be near you and he did his best to please you.  Even though he was only with us for a short time, we treasured him and many tears have been shed to mark his passing.  

 

 

Lou & Kathy B.

3/31/08

"Frost"

3/17/08

Sadly, Frost went to the Rainbow Bridge today.  The heartworms had taken their toll on this sweet boy and he just couldn't overcome all the damage they and his previous owners had done to him.

 

-------

 

Thank you to all of you for the wonderful beginning you gave Frosty/Marley. He was such a sweetheart and certainly deserved worlds better than he'd gotten for the first couple years of his life. He did experience a couple weeks there where his energy and spirits were high, he was discovering new favorite things like walks and car rides (he even got one Sunday, I'm so glad). His favorite "thing" of all was my boyfriend, Rodney, whom Marley was obsessed with! He certainly tried very, very hard to be a lap dog. He adjusted to his crate and even slept out many nights and was an angel. In the end, he went downhill quickly and the heartworm was too severe to survive. He charmed everyone we met with his affection, regal posture, prancing and lovey-ness, and had a handful of doggie pals we would meet on our walks. He came far in a short time, and I'm so glad he got to know the good stuff and good people. In the end, I told him how sorry I was that people had been so rotten to him and that I was glad he'd gotten to meet really good ones in the form of Penny (the lady who found him), Cil, Pam, Danny and Rodney and me. I told him how much he was loved. I think Mai Tai greeted him in Heaven. Thank you all again for your unending generosity, courage and caring. I'm going to try to post a couple pics to remember him by.

Lisa, Frost's Foster-to-Adopt Mommy

3/17/08

 

"Mai Tai"

Cil's Party Girl

2/13/08

"Duke"

Duke came to me as Hastings in September of 2002.  He was very well behaved and always eager to play and walk.  We had many good times together.  Even after he lost his sight 2 years ago, he was ready to walk every time.  I bought him a beeping ball to fetch and he would eagerly go after it "looking" for it with his ears.  He was a wonderful, loving companion who is greatly missed.  He joins my other 2 Goldens, Max and Stormy, and my border collie, Tippy, at the bridge

 

Hank Klein

1/19/08

 

 

"Bailey" Kessler

Waiting at the Bridge for Mom, Amy, December, 2006

"Austin"

"Amber"

8/29/99 - 12/7/07

On December 7, 2007 we lost our beautiful Golden Girl, Amber.  It was to a very sudden, unexplainable and apparent heart attack.  She was our very first Golden Retriever and we got the mother lode.  She was pure gold with a happy smile and a sunshine disposition.  The vet said in a human, a heart transplant would have been the only thing that would have saver her; and we know it would have been impossible to find a big enough heart to hold all the love she gave to us.  Because of Amber we became involved in Golden Beginnings, thought GBGRR we found Reese.  We have to believe that was the big plan-Amber led us to Reese so we wouldn't be alone when she had to leave.  She will stay in our hearts forever.  We love you Amber.

 

Toni, Jim, Reese & Pix

12/10/07

 

 

 

"Major"

My family adopted a Golden Retriever from GBGRR almost six years ago. He has been the light of our life. Unfortunately, on Friday, November 2nd we had to put Major to sleep. We spent six wonderful years with him, we loved him, and he loved us. He made friends and became my best friend. After so many years of bumps and blunders and golden times, Major was diagnosed with diabetes. We had to a choice to make and we chose to try to live with the disease. And we did, for eight months. Sure it was difficult, but it was beyond worth it. His life was glorious, full of fun times, trips to the river, out to the farm. He was a regular, fun loving Golden. Suddenly, he became very ill. He refused to eat and lost all of his desire to live. We took him to the vet to find out that his lover was failing and he didn't have much longer to live. So we made the choice to put him to sleep rather than make him suffer so we could hold on for a little while longer. By the time we made it to the vet he couldn't even stand to getout of the car. He was euthanized right there in the car. He wasn't afraid and he seemed to realize that we would be ok without him. As the vet administered the drug, we talked to him, and petted him, and told him how much we loved him. He simply laid his head down and closed his eyes and it was over. All of the suffering and pain was done. We took him to his favorite place, the river, and buried him on my uncle's property. Major will never be forgotten in our family and we thank you so much for finding him for us. Just six years ago he was a stray called Pilgrim and now he is a part of my family, never to be forgotten.

 

If anyone owns a golden and is facing diabetes, please have them contact us. We would be more than happy to give much needed advice. We learned so much through this experience and we only see fit to pass that information on to another family that needs it.

Thank you so much Golden Beginnings. Your program really made our loves a Golden experience.

 

Sincerely ,

Kaleigh Coleman

& The Coleman Family

11/4/07

 

 

"Frasier"

We just wanted to let everyone know that we lost our buddy Frasier to cancer on October 1, 2007. The good news is that he didn't seem to be in much pain, just got a little weaker over time. We found out just 1 month before that he had cancer and then found out that it was not only in his throat and lymph nodes, but also in his lungs and who knows where else. Hobie, Shyner and Phantom are all adjusting ok.  We miss having Fraiser around the house, but are happy that we had the time with him that we did.

Kim and Jason Ellis
10/16/07

"Sadie Sue Mitchell"

May 1995 - October 3, 2007

Our beloved Sadie Sue went on to the Rainbow Bridge on October 3, 2007. Sadie was one of 12 puppies born to a Golden mother and a Black Lab father and came to live with us when she was six weeks old. Sadie looked like a yellow lab, and had a 'Golden' heart.
 
We are saddened by her leaving and grateful that her spirit is free once more. She joined her Golden brother 'Apache' May 1994-November 2004 (adopted from Dallas GRR) and big sister 'Susie' May 1993-November 2005 (rescued from a shelter in East Texas).
 
Sadie leaves her three younger siblings. Luke (aka Trooper adopted from GBGRR January 2005); Jake (aka Laredo adopted from GBGRR in June 2006) and Daisy Mae (abandoned at UP Railroad yard, adopted November 2006), and her human family, Wilma,

Mark and Gail Mitchell of Nacogdoches, Texas.

We love and miss you Sadie Sue. You have earned your angel wings.
 

"Boomer" and his buddy, Gypsy

Our beloved Boomer, who had been fighting lymphosarcoma, has gone to join Tandy (our first golden) at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

Boomer came to us in April 2006, as one of a group rescued from a puppy mill in Oklahoma. He must have been terribly abused since he was terrified of people. However, Sophie and Annie (our GBGRR Goldens) soon taught him not only to trust and love us, but also that life could be fun. Boomer made up for all of the toys he never had in the 2 ½ years at the puppy mill – he constantly carried as many toys as he could stuff in his mouth.

 

We will miss Boomer’s gentle spirit, loving eyes, and beautiful, prancing walk. We are thankful to GBGRR for rescuing him so that he finally had his home and family who adored him. Boomer has truly blessed our family.

 

Attached is one our favorite photos of Boomer with Gypsy, our foster who was adopted last month. Boomer and Gypsy, who both had been abused in their earlier lives, were kindred spirits, who bonded immediately. Boomer was an immense help in teaching Gypsy and leading her to her forever home and her Golden Beginning.

 

Mike and Nadine P.

9/16/07

"Shadow"

8/24/07

"Moses"

Our sweet, goofy Moses reached the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. We feel blessed to have had him in our home, even if it was for such a short time. It’s also such a shame that such a great dog was deprived of being in a loving environment except for the last phase of his life. He will be missed by all in our house, including our dog-hating kitty that has been looking for him for the last couple of days since he went into the hospital.

 

Margaret, Bruce, Jasper, Indy and Millie

Moses Foster Family

8/16/07

"Sampson" and his little sister, Ellie

Our beloved Golden Retriever, Sampson passed away unexpectedly last Friday, August 10^th.  My husband adopted Sampson from Golden Beginnings in December of 2002.  Sampson who was around three years old at that time was the perfect companion for his much older Golden Retriever, Remington.  Sampson and Remington had a lot of fun together playing chase and wrestling.  When Remington passed away at age 15 just 3 years ago, Sampson was a bit lost.  Luckily he didn’t have to wait too long for a new little sister.  When my husband and I were married I brought with me a one year old West Highland Terrier named Ellie.  At first we didn’t know how they would play together, but instantly all worries were lost.  Sampson was so careful and protective of her, just like a big brother.  They had so much fun wrestling and playing together as well as snuggling.  They were the perfect odd couple that we enjoyed watching with amazement.

Sampson was such a large presence in our home.  He was always ready for an ear scratch or belly rub, but most of all he just wanted to be as close to us as possible-even if that meant trying to sit his 85 pound self in your lap. His happy go lucky spirit and funny little antics when he was ready to eat or go out will always be remembered.  He was one of the sweetest dogs we have ever been lucky enough to have known and it goes with out saying that we will miss him greatly.

We love you Sampson.

Dad, Mom & Ellie

8/15/07

"Cowboy"

5/29/07

"Murray"

Hi, my name is Carla and we adopted Murray, a Golden senior in March of 2004.  The moment my husband and I seen him we fell in love with him.  He had the most beautiful red coat I had ever seen.  Murray was more than anyone could have asked for in a companion.  He loved everything and everyone.  His heart was made of gold.  

Murray was terrified of thunder…the sound of thunder would literally make him go crazy if he was left alone.   Thanks to our wonderful vet, on days when the weather was bad I would call and they would always tell me they have Murray’s spot ready.  So I would drop him off in the morning on my way to work and he would go hang out with the vet staff during the day until I got off work.  The entire staff loved Murray…I knew he was in good hands when he was with them.  Each time I would pick him up he had a new bandana on…and boy did he look handsome.  He was defiantly an eye catcher. 

 Murray was such a joy in my life.  When I would walk through the door he would run to his toy box and drag out all the squeaky toys he had and would carry them throughout the house squeaking them…he was like an oversized puppy. 

Murray loved life…he was so happy all the time and it showed with the huge smile he would have on his face.   

On May 4, 2007 Murray lost his very short battle with cancer.  We didn’t want to take Murray back to the vet and our vet wanted the best for Murray too so he came out to the house to put Murray to rest.  Murray was at home in his comfortable surrounding where he had no stress.  Right after he had passed I placed his head down and there was that smile.  He was at peace.  My heart still breaks for him everyday.  It’s hard to go home and not have him there.  He made a bad day a good day.  We only had Murray for a short time but he blessed us in so many ways and is greatly missed.  I could go on and on about what I miss but what I miss the most is the noise of his small fan in the bedroom next to his pillow, the smacking at dinner time and his smile.  

Thank you GBGRR for the special gift of Murray.  I can’t even express how grateful we are to have had the chance to have Murray in our lives.  Also, I wanted to let everyone know the importance of adopting a senior dog.  So many senior dogs are overlooked because of their age and they are the ones that depend on us the most.  Having a senior dog was the best, even though the time was short it was all worth it.  Murray loved us and he knew we loved him…I couldn’t have asked for anything better.  Murray is my angel.  

Carla & Chad R.

"Parker"

Hi, my name is Karen and we adopted our precious Golden, Parker (when Sheri Anderson headed your organization) about seven years ago.  He passed away yesterday and we are devastated.  We will never have an animal bless our lives in a way he did. He deserves the best heaven has to offer. I never felt worthy of having such a wonderful pet in my  life. Here is how we felt about him and I included a photo.  Thanks

 

 

To: Parker...May 10, 2007

 

You came to us with selfless, unconditional love...not knowing what your future held. You were a gentle giant with a  golden coat, regal stature and soulful eyes.

 

You never asked for anything other than a good tummy rub, a good meal, and the chance to chase a cat or a deer (which you would never harm.) You tolerated little hands with exceptional grace.

 

Thank you for sharing your life with us and allowing our children to experience such loyal companionship.

 

I already miss your sounds in the middle of the night and your tail bouncing off the floor whenever anyone entered the room.  Even at your last moment, you strained to wag your tail to let us know you knew we were there.

 

There will never be another you, Parker. You are in our hearts forever.

 

Love, Mom, Dad, Layng, Quency and Grace

"Ginger"

To All at Golden Beginning Members,

 

My husband Ron and I signed up to be foster parents in May 2004. Our first foster was a beautiful elderly lady named Twilight. I picked her up from Cindy in Magnolia. We went through heartworm treatment and some other unusual instances with Twilight. She loved to put her nose where bees would find it. We ended up being foster failures and adopted Twilight in September of 04. At that time we had five four legged kids in our home and felt that is all we could handle until we moved to our property. We renamed Twilight and she has been our Ginger since. Ron and Ginger were inseparable except when he went to work. She was his shadow, she loved our walks and in most cases she would decide which way to go. She actually would choose if she wanted us to go left or right or straight depending on where we were in our subdivision. She was everyone's friend.

 

We lost Ginger in late February to breast cancer. We and our vet first thought it was a mastitis of her breast and at first treated it this way, but after a week of the strongest antibiotic and so no signs of improvement we tested further and understood it to be cancer. Even though we tried treatment the cancer spread fast through her right breast and down her back leg. Her leg swelled so badly that Ginger had trouble standing or sitting. She got to the point that she would not eat even though we were feeding her cooked hamburger meat, mashed potatoes or anything that we thought she would eat. Our vet finally told us that we could either continue the treatments but felt that Ginger would only suffer or we needed to make the hardest decision and let her fall to sleep. Ron and I felt that the latter was better for our Ginger and so we let her go to sleep peacefully in our arms. Where we live we were able to bring her home and bury her on our land. We have a memorial set up for her. Ron has fenced off the area where we buried her and we had a dog statue with her name made and is sitting at the head of her grave.

 

Thank you Golden Beginnings for allowing us to become foster parents and to also give us the most rewarding feeling of adopting a precious angel.

 

Our lives will never be the same.

 

Ron and Cindy G.

4/17/07

"Isabelle"

Isabelle became very ill last week.  She couldn't keep anything down, food or water.  She was 16 going on 17 and Julie Ann Duty and the other vets at rose/rich felt considering her age and the possibility that it was some type of blockage or cancer, she might not survive an operation.  So, she went to the Bridge on last Wed.

It was very sad for us.  Especially, since we just lost Sadie in July. It's very quiet around here.

Orin & Ronna L

3/13/07

"Finnegan"

Finnegan:

When you came to me you were lost.

When you came to me you were confused.

When you came to me you were covered in fleas

When you came to me you were all matted

When you came to me you had hope. It shone in those bright eyes with the brilliant amber flecks.

 

You wanted only a few things.

To be part of my pack.

To be touched.

To be patted.

To be loved.

To play.

To chase.

To walk.

To run.

 

Oh how you loved to run.

Like the wind. Free and without bounds.

 

But we humans failed you.

Failed with the medicine to keep you healthy.

Failed with the chemicals to cure you.

And in the end failed with the drugs that ended your short one and a half years.

Wherever you are now, running free in that golden field, with your deep red fur shining, when you look down on me, know that you were loved. By me, by the vet, by the techs, by the receptionists.

We all loved you.

The pack misses you.

But we were human.

 

Written by Finnegan's Foster Dad

2/2007

"Chula"

1996 - 2/6/07

Our beautiful and sweet Chula recently crossed over the rainbow bridge where she has promised to wait for us. We adopted her in 2002 at a difficult time in our lives. She was there for us in countless ways and we will never ever forget what she taught us about love, gentleness, patience and tolerance. She absolutely was the best doggie on the planet and we are forever grateful to Golden Beginnings for bringing this special jewel into our lives. WE LOVE YOU, CHULA .... WE ALWAYS WILL. We miss you so much. -The Parrish Family

"Bailey"

1995 - 12/28/06

Hello -

It is with a very heavy heart that I write to tell you that Bailey Kessler went to Rainbow Bridge on December 28, 2006. I am so sorry that I am just now telling you, but my grief was overwhelming and until now I just could not draft this email. My heart did find comfort in knowing that there was a joyous reunion at the Bridge when my sweet Bailey-girl was reunited with Rusty and Bogart, two other GBGRR babies of mine who went before her.

Bailey is a special girl for GBGRR. She was the first or second dog rescued by Sheri Andersen. I like to think that Bailey (fka Becky to GBGRR) inspired the formation of GBGRR when she was found lost and alone. She leaves quite a legacy! :-)

Bailey was my constant companion for more than 7 years helping me through countless curve balls life tossed my way. I truly could not have made it without her friendship and fur therapy. Lymphoma took her from me at the age of 9 1/2, which was way too early. (I was lucky enough to have Rusty for 13 years and Bogart for 14 years so I really should not complain, but mentally I was not ready to lose her at such a young age.) The cancer progressed so very quickly and when I said good-bye to her it was time.

She is greatly missed every single day and getting used to a dogless house for the first time in 23 years is terribly hard to accept. I know my heart will heal and when it does I will adopt another Golden friend.

Many, many thanks for everything you do for Golden rescue. You are angels! I will send a note and picture for the website soon.

Much love and prayers,

Amy Kessler

(Rusty, Bogart and Bailey at Rainbow Bridge)

2/6/07

 

"Wendy"

6/1996 - 1/2007

May Her Spirit Live in our Hearts Forever,

Elizabeth & Gary M.

"Shadow"

We wanted to let you all know that Shadow lost his fight with cancer on Christmas Day. He bravely fought this horrible disease for 6 months. We tried all the treatments available to him, but nothing could put the Lymphoma into remission.

 

In January 2004, Shadow successfully passed his Canine Good Citizen test. He was an Animal Assisted therapy dog with Caring Critters for a little over 2years making days brighter for children at LBJ Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital.

 

Anyone that met him fell in love with him. We will miss him terribly.

 

Jackie S.

1/2/07

"Patches"

Patches found us, through Cindy at All Aboard and GBGRR, in June 2002 at the approximate age of seven years. It is impossible to know how things were for her during those first seven years but when she entered the GBGRR system she had hook worms, heart worms, whip worms, hot spots, hair loss, skin infections and she was hypothyroid. All of these afflictions were treated and when we met her, Patches was the most loving dog ever to cross our paths. She loved to hug, had the fastest and busiest tail in the west and the greatest affinity for tennis balls. Had we been so inclined, I believe we could have enrolled her with the NBA because she could dribble a ball with the best. Over the years we (Patches, that is) found balls at the tennis court, on the street, in the park. We didn't ever have to buy her tennis balls, she seemed to conjure them up, to the point where we must have had four dozen balls. She found tennis balls we didn't even know were lost and chased them, ever so slowly, up to four days ago. Over the years, her back legs had given her a lot of trouble and on Tuesday she decided she had had enough and she crossed the rainbow bridge. She loved us well and we loved her too!

Margaret and Larry O'Brien

12/21/06

"Arnie"

Today is a very difficult time for Stacy and I.  It was time for our precious Arnie to go to the Bridge. He fought a great battle and overcame so many hurdles in his life. Stacy and I feel very privileged to have been a part of his life. He touched us in so many ways that we will never be the same.  Please keep Arnie in your prayers. It is comforting to know he is waiting for us at the Bridge- I know ready to give us his next order.

 

Our gratitude and thanks to everyone at Golden Beginnings for allowing us to be a part of such a special dog's life.

 

Barbara & Stacy Holly

11/23/06

 

 

 

"Ramses"

A Legend in his own Time

2000-Septmeber 26,2006

It is with great sadness and heartache that we must tell our family and friends that our wonderful Ramses died today.  He was suddenly struck by an unexplainable illness that took his life.  He was a wonderful friend and companion, not to mention a fisher-dog with a legendary reputation.  He will be missed immensely and forever seen stalking fish from the bank or floating in Canyon Lake.  Ramses was a true dog, who will be an asset in heaven.

 

Bob, Susan, and Trevor H.

9/29/06

I wanted you all know that my Libby lost her long battle with an enlarged heart. She crossed over on July 7th, 2006. She was a great joy and a large part of my life. One of the reason that I bought a house was because the apartment I was in would not allow dogs of her size.

Scott B.

9/27/06

As most of you know Sugar, our senior citizen foster/adoptee, has been in failing health for several months.  Sugar had a tumor removed about two months ago and the pathology came back that it was malignant. The vet told us that the cancer had most likely spread to one or more internal sites.  For the past several months we have been giving her pain medication and generally trying to make her life as pleasant as possible.  During the past several days she has become lethargic and refused most of her food.  This afternoon her breathing became labored and at 5:15 pm she passed away.  Her paws were held and her head stroked by the humans that had come to cherish her so much.  She will be buried under her favorite live oak tree in the back yard, next to Sandy, who died about six months ago.

 

We look forward to seeing her again at the Rainbow Bridge, with her youth and vigor fully restored.

 

Lou B.

9/4/06

Dear Everyone,

We lost Sadie to internal bleeding on Tuesday 8-8-06.  She had a lovely morning with me supervising the building of 14 chairs.  In the afternoon she slipped into a lethargy and off we went to the vet.  I was always worried that the brain tumor would cause her pain or neurological problems (and she was having those). Internal bleeding had not crossed my mind but I guess this was a kind way to quickly slip away.  I can't tell you how much we will miss our pistol of a dog...she gave me a run for the money  : )  The house is already way too quiet.  No one is sneaking in the kitchen garbage, racing me to the door, doing the dreaded upside down puppy dog in the front yard or stealing my ribs.  My family will still be talking about Thanksgiving when she stole an entire pie, ate it all and left the crust.  She was a great member of our family and will be sorely missed!

 

Jody B.

8/10/06
 

Sadly, Ziggy's heartworm infestation was too much for him and he succumbed to them 8/3/06.  His foster Mom and her daughter came home to find he had passed away. They are devastated and absolutely heartbroken.  He was a heavy positive and we were doing a split treatment but the heartworm damage was just too severe.   They have buried him in the yard next to their beloved Emma.  Bless him, he was a sweetheart and deserved better than that. 

 

 

Our hearts are so very heavy today because our beautiful Elldree (alias Honey) passed into Spirit this afternoon after a heroic 15-hour battle against the acute pancreatitis that brought her down suddenly at 8:30 last night (Saturday). She was a most extraordinary being. She loved lights; lights on the ceiling, reflected light and sunlight on the carpet - especially when moving leaves outside made changing light patterns inside. Her gorgeous coat sparkled as if the ends of her hair were coated with 14K gold. In the sunlight, she was a sight to behold. Then there was the time during her first days with us that she would stand staring at the outside of the coat closet in our living room for long periods of time. Search as we might, we could find nothing, either in the closet or out, that struck us as something that might keep her attention fastened so intently for so long. We would call her away, and she would come for pats and loving, feeding, walking but, inevitably, she kept going back to stand in the same place fixated on the closet.  Finally, I opened the door to the closet and said in a loud voice, half in jest:  "OK, will you please come out of there, as you're driving our dog crazy! You are welcome to dwell in the house with us and don't need to hide in our coat closet!"  After a few moments, Elldree relaxed and walked over to plunk down near us and it never bothered her again. Like her namesake, and our Nimue who came before her, she could see into other worlds. We are so grateful that part of her life's journey was spent with us. We love her deeply and miss her terribly. Tristan is sad and looking for his playmate and we put our arms around him and each other and imagine her with us forever in our loving circle.

 

Glenn & Lynn P.

7/16/06

Dear All,

It with great sadness in our hearts to have to let everyone know that our Sadie had a massive heart attack and passed away last night. She was 12 years old. We had just come back from a party and all of the dogs were out at the gate to welcome us home and we found Sadie laying on the ground not breathing.  I tried to call to her and got a foot to move and then one last "whoosh" of breath and then she was gone. 

Sadie was one of the original dogs that helped to found GBGRR.  Although, not a rescue, she was there on the spot to welcome all of the new rescues that we took into our home, in those first early days. 

She's now at peace and will be sorely missed, but we know that she'll be waiting, with all of our other dogs, at the bridge for us to join her.

We loved her so much.  She is going to be truly missed.
 

Orin & Ronna L.

7/5/06
 

We lost our sweet Saydra on Friday, June 23rd.  She became critically ill in her crate and the vet could not save her.  So, we made the difficult decision to put her down. She was only 6 years old.

We adopted Saydra 3 years ago as a companion for our male Golden, Rex.  We loved every minute we had with her.  She blossomed from a shy, skittish girl into a confident princess.  She loved everyone and bestowed doggie hugs on those who were very special to her. 

She was very sad when Rex died about this time last year.  We are comforted knowing that she and Rex are playing together until we join them across the bridge. 

She is greatly missed by her mom, dad, and bubba, Jasper.

My gentle soul has left my side, taking with him an enormous portion of my heart. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.

 

Cindy M.

5/19/06

Dear GB, I want to give you an update on Robin, an Oldie Goldie that I adopted from you last summer. I had to put him down today due to illness. My goal was to keep him comfortable and when the bad days outweighed the good days I would do the humane thing. He lived a good long life and it was my honor and privilege to have him in my life for this last year. He truly was the sweetest dog I have ever met. He will be missed.

My sister commissioned a painting of him and gave that to me for Christmas. It captured him perfectly so he will always be with me.

Regards,

Michelle P.

5/17/06

On July 9th we adopted Annie ("Tootsie") and loved her like there was no tomorrow.  Tonight our precious loving girl died of cancer.  I came home to find her unable to walk.  Xx-rays showed cancer of the pancreas and stomach.  She had hemorrhaged into her body cavity and died in our arms with help.  She did well right up to the events of today.  She just seemed tired lately. Our hearts are totally broken and we will grieve her forever.  I would rather have had my beautiful Annie for 10 months than to never have had her at all.

 

Warren and Susan H. 

5/16/06

 

"December", "Amber" and "Skylar"

 

 

April 17, 2006

 

Dear Golden Beginnings,

 

       We are mailing to you two donations: one is from our children Tim and Christy, and one is from my husband and I.  Both are in memory of our Golden-Yellow lab mix December Hubbard who died on April 1st of this month after fourteen years of love.

 

        December was our only dog who was not rescued.  My son, who at the time was 14 years old, begged and begged for a dog, as only he could, having raised "begging" to an art form.  As he promised to feed it, walk it, and clean up after it, I found my heart changing towards dog ownership.  Warren, my husband, a true dog lover, agreed if ONLY the dog would live in the house and be part of our family.  I had never loved dogs and found them annoying at best.  Hard to admit today as I write this to Golden Beginnings!  A co-worker had two sets of dogs, Goldens and Yellow Labs, who were their field trial dogs.  They cross bred accidentally and had 7 red labs and 7 blond labs.  After picking out a five pound, five week old red lab for our son's Christmas gift, he named her "December."  I believe it took me exactly five seconds to fall in love with her.  Of course, Tim had loved her forever it seemed, and never let her feet touch the floor for weeks.  She doubled in size each week that first month, and grew to be a 98 lb. Golden-Lab with a barrel chest and strength galore, like her 115 lb. father.  She went to work with Warren everyday at his warehouse and was adored by one and all...UPS drivers, mail carriers, customers. 

 

    December was our loving but persnickety dog.  She loved to be petted, but only at her bidding.  The WHEN and WHERE of petting were guarded carefully by her.  She loved her food a certain way or she would not eat.  We were well trained!  She liked to have choices regarding treats.  Only after offering her two treats would she carefully consider the choices and take her favorite (for that day.)  Sleeping on our bed each night until her first birthday, she stopped suddenly and slept on the floor near us.  Obviously we were taking up too much room on HER bed, and she was moving on to greater freedom. 

 

        Tim and December wrestled and played until Tim would be worn out, but rarely did December tire.  In high school when Tim ran cross country and track, often December became his running partner.  Keeping up with her kept improving his time!  She played "hide and seek", chase, and loved to learn new tricks.  Her love of people and children was astounding.  Our neighbors had a one year old baby that December adored, and when Amy came out to play December ran at her as fast as she could and then would stop on a dime before running Amy over. They were friends!  Being a pillow, December would offer up her body to any child who needed a rest.  She would quietly rest while the child slept on top of her.  Her gentleness amazed me.

 

        When we rescued our first Golden "Skylar" from the SPCA four years later, December was incensed.  Every opportunity she had, she attacked him, leaving teeth marks in numerous places.  Eventually, she grew to love him as her greatest play-mate just as Tim left for college.  The two of them ran through the house playing chase, wrestled everywhere...on couches, beds, floors, rugs, grass, you name it.  Their favorite place, however, was the master bedroom bed.  When they would finally exhaust themselves, the bed would be totally destroyed and covers strewn everywhere around the room.  The two went on several cross-country trips with us and LOVED being in the car all day.  Skylar was happy in the hotel beds, but December would sleep on the floor, facing the doorway, with her nose on the door frame.  She missed her own bed each night. 

 

        The one thing she loved the most was riding in the car to the Bayou, going off leash and galloping along the path.  Each morning when we awoke, she stared at me with burning eyes until she heard me say, "Yes, Cem, we are going to the Bayou in just a minute."  Then she would lie down and wait for the moment of departure.  She was always the last dog to go down the path, because she wanted to explore and smell everything; however, on the way back to the car, she insisted on first place, leading us all safely.  She had her favorite seat in the car, and Skylar had better not sit in it, either! 

 

        Suddenly, we found ourselves watching the years slip away to 10, 11, 12, 13.  Her sight diminished and then disappeared; her hearing was lost, and she lost strength and power.  The dog who could pull Skylar through the house on the end of a rope, could barely climb the stairs or rise from a nap.  When we first began to help her up, she was humiliated and let us know it was not appreciated, but soon she accepted our help lovingly if not happily.  She lost control of her bowels and chewing "chewsies" became painful, so we found thinner and easier treats.  God made carpet shampooers just for December, I think.  Her wonderful sense of smell compensated for her loss of other senses.  Sometimes she fell when she still tried to run on the Bayou.  Some days, at the very end, she skipped going to the Bayou in the morning, so we made a second afternoon run just for her.  Our hearts could barely speak the words that she was slipping away.  Tears would flow at the very thought.  Last summer, we adopted our precious Annie (Tootsie) from Golden Retriever Rescue because we knew her days were dwindling down and we would all need the comfort of another sweet, loving dog.  Kathy Belling (I thank God for her) was her foster mom and kept Annie for us until we found her.  December accepted Annie with grace.  So did Skylar.  As Annie and Skylar bonded, December would lie quietly on her bed.  Sadly, we watched her lose weight, begin to stumble and grow weak as she passed her 14th birthday.  But, she never lost her love of the Bayou.  She would actually run and be free of all that time had taken from her.  Everyday I told her that the Lord would come for her and take her to Heaven soon and she would see us there again.

 

        On April 1st, just as she so loved to do, December ran on the Bayou and suddenly collapsed with a heart-attack.  Although we couldn't believe it, she came back from unconsciousness and survived, but had lost all strength and ability to stand.  We took her to the nearby animal hospital and gave her the help she needed to slip away from her pain.  It was such a wonderful time to hold her, to kiss her, to tell her how much we loved her, to thank her for her love and devotion.  She buried her head into my chest and waged her tail several times.  Her leaving us was without physical pain, in the very end, but her eyes said, "Please let me go.  I am tired.  I don't want to leave you, but I can't stay."  

 

        All our hearts are broken, even Skylar and Annie.  Skylar knew she was dying on the Bayou and laid down next to her, back to back and stayed with her there until we went to the hospital.  We all miss her at every turn, at every meal, at every drive in the car.  We miss her when we go to sleep at night and when we awaken.  We miss her when we laugh and when we cry.  I see her next to me in the kitchen begging for a bite, and I see her when I pass her favorite spots in the house.  I see her at her water bowl and feed dish.  I see her everywhere.  But I love to "see" her in Heaven waiting for us, young again, full of energy, with regained sight and hearing, and playing with all the children there.  My favorite vision is  her running with strength and joy on the Bayou and riding in the car with her head out of the window.  Then, I miss her the most.

 

        Annie is our new gift from God.  Her love and utter sweetness are such a comfort.  Thank you for her.  Thank you for rescuing her.  December could leave more easily knowing Annie would be here to help fill in the terribly painful void.

 

        When you receive our family donations in the mail, please receive them in December's memory.  She taught me to love dogs, and that half a Golden is better than no Golden at all.  She taught me to love all of life a little more deeply.

 

We love you all at GBGRR!

Warren and Susan H.

Tim and Christy S.

Skylar and Annie

Here's a picture that I took a few weeks ago of Bud, showing his support for Humble High School....Go Wildcats! Our beloved gentleman, Bud died unexpectedly this week of what we've come to know as hemangiosarcoma. He was 10 years old and we feel blessed to have been able to adopt him from the SPCA. We've had Goldens for over 20 years and when my husband and I first started dating, he expressed an interest in getting a dog. He wanted either an Afghan or a Golden Retriever. I'm so happy he chose a Golden, because Afghans require more grooming and hair care than I do.  All of us who have discovered the love, companionship and wonderful personalities of Goldens know that each one is special. Bud was no different. He wasn't a typical Golden who liked tennis balls or even retrieving. He was a companion. If you saw my husband, Bud was by his side, off leash. They walked to Starbucks for their daily coffee and water break. Bud would wait outside under a table for Warren to return. We never feared him running away, because he wasn't leaving Warren's side. Everyone who met him, came to love him. He and my husband used to participate in an Humble/Kingwood area short run each summer. They won each year they participated. Vendors would approach us and tell us  how well behaved Bud was. In fact we had been approached several times about testing him to become a therapy dog. We never took the time to do it, because we knew that despite a test, he was therapeutic for us. In the years we had Bud, he tolerated several dogs that we kept for friends when they traveled and all of the fosters he shared us with. When we adopted Chloe from GBGRR, it seemed as though Bud would ask our permission to teach Chloe manners. He always knew he was top dog despite Chloe's antics to be the Alpha. He let her have her way most of the time, but he'd keep her in check with a low muffled growl. We miss him terribly, but know that he is at the Rainbow's Bridge healthy again.

 

Thank you for your support during this time.

 

Kathleen and Warren O.

3/29/06

"Arthur"

Arthur passed away during the night last night. He was a great dog and I will miss him alot.

Cindy M., his foster Mommy

2/20/06

GBGRR,

I have very sad news. Gunnar passed away on December 27. One Saturday morning in mid-November, he threw up, and since he had not done that before while he lived with me, I called Dr. Taylor for an appointment. He was able to see him that morning, and after an exam, blood tests, and an ultra-sound on Monday, Gunnar's diagnosis was cancer of the liver.

I elected to have chemo done and his care was transferred to Dr. Theisen at Central Texas Veterinarian Specialty Hospital. He received his first chemo shot that Monday afternoon, and one each week thereafter for four weeks. He was doing well and I was hopeful that he would be able to live six months. He received his strongest dose of chemo the fifth week, and for a few days, it seemed that he was healthy again.

He was scheduled for his sixth shot the Wednesday after Christmas. On Monday, 26th, Dr. Theisen admitted him to the hospital for further tests. He was growing weaker, unable to stand-up by himself and eating only a small portion of the pureed chuck roast and baked custard that had sustained him during the chemo. The tests showed that Gunnar was bleeding internally, probably from bleeding ulcers. Dr. Theisen said that one of the functions of the liver was to protect the lining of the stomach from gastric juices. She gave him a 25% chance of living another four weeks. He was put to sleep on Tuesday.

I wish it could have turned out differently. He was a love, and I miss him very much! So does Snoop, my male basset. They had become companions and Snoop continues to look for him. Gunnar was cremated and his ashes will be returned to me.

I appreciate your letting me adopt him. Golden Beginnings does wonderful work.

Gay Y.

12/30/05

It is with so much sorrow that I am letting you know that our sweet old GUS that we adopted from you earlier this year, has gone across the RAINBOW BRIDGE and is once again, young and full of life in a better place.  He was a very special friend to me and loved his daily  treat, always woofing at me, even though he could not see and hear anymore.  If possible mention him in your memorial page, he brought joy to our senior citizens during his last months of life.  Thanks to Faith and Madeline who took him for his final trip in the car and stayed with him until he was gone, I took him on his last outdoor walk. 

 

Sue Martin

The Forum at Memorial Woods Retirement Center

12/8/05

 

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I write to tell everyone our former foster Gus has passed away. Gus was taken in by a wonderful woman when she found him wandering her neighborhood. She, like the rest of us, had too many dogs of her own to keep him and turned him into GBGRR. How she cried when Stacy came to get him.

 

Gus was a senior dog and we assumed he would live his life with us. When The Forum in the Galleria was looking to adopt a dog for their residents, we knew it was the perfect forever home for Gus. His social schedule became so full they also adopted Chrissie.

 

Although they only had Gus for a few months, they provided him with all the love and care a golden could ever want.

 

We are so grateful to The Forum, their residents and staff for giving Gus such a special home. Stacy and I will always fondly remember him walking around our house with his leash in his mouth and woofing to us at meal time..

 

Barbara and Stacy Holly

12/8/05

 

It is with heavy heart and deep sadness that I tell you my precious Max lost his short battle with hemangiosarcoma yesterday.  While I will miss his constant companionship and abiding love, I have 10 years of wonderful memories to cherish forever.  He brought much joy, laughter and spirit to my life, and those around me - he was well loved during his life. While it never easy to say good bye, I know he is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge and is happy and healthy again. 

 

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time -

 

Midge & Duncan

9/17/05

It is with a very sad and heavy heart that I wanted to let everyone know that my beautiful Golden angel boy, Sunny, went to the Bridge on 9/23/05 after my vet found a tumor which was in-operable.  There is such a deep, empty space and loss that our Sunny filled with his dances, his smiles, his excitement about life, and his unconditional love which he poured over all of us each day that we were blessed to have him...

Sunny's life changed when he became such an important part of our family. Because Sunny was so depressed after his owners decided they didn't want him any longer, I opened my heart to this special Golden boy, and he came into our home and became part of the family immediately.  From day one, Sunny loved and always gave back so much - through his smiles, and his generous spirit, Sunny made sure that we always felt his love and his gratitude.  Sunny blessed our family every moment of the day...  He was my Golden angel.

I would like to thank Sherri A. for making our journey with Sunny possible. Because of her love, care and concern, we had many wonderful years with our Sunny. And Sunny had the loving home he so deserved...  Thanks, Sherri...

Sunny's brothers and sisters miss him terribly as do I, and we all know that one day we will meet our Golden angel again... Till then, my friend, run with the angels and feel our love!  You are free!

Danita, Annie, Maestro and Rhoda   
 

Our Rosie passed away last week, not long after being diagnosed with cancer. Although we had her for a short time, she quickly became a special member of our family. Now there is a big emptiness in our home and in our hearts.

I called her my big sweetie because she was so affectionate and loving. She always had to be near one of us. Even at the end, she looked around to make sure we were both there. The last words she heard me say, was that she was my big sweetie and I loved her.

The time I miss her the most is early in the morning while having my coffee on the deck. Every morning she and I would go out back, and after she did her morning business, she would come and sit as close as she could next to me, then rest her head on my thigh. She was just a big sweet heart.

Rosie was a special friend and companion, who will never be forgotten. She will always have a special place in our hearts.

Chris & Donna F.

7/11/05

 

It is with very heavy hearts and great sadness that we wanted to let you know that today our sweet Boudreaux went on ahead of us to the Rainbow Bridge. Despite the tremendous odds against him, Boudreaux fought the good fight without complaint and with a kind of courage and dignity and sweetness that was extraordinary. In the end his medical complications were just too much for him to overcome and the kindest thing we could do was let him go on to the bridge.

 

We will always be amazed at Boo's great sweetness and friendly nature to all who met him, greeting everyone one with a big wet kisses and tail wags. Boudreaux's sweetness was such a remarkable contradiction to the cold and cruelly indifferent world from which he came to us. Our one small comfort is that Boudreaux passed from this world surrounded by people that loved and cared for him. Although Boudreaux was only with us for much too short of a time, he will always hold a very special place in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

 

If he could, I know Boudreaux would want to thank each and everyone who sent their prayers, good thoughts and support with big wet kisses and giant tail wags.

 

Boudreaux, our great and beautiful Golden friend, you will never be lost again.

 

Barbara and Stacy H. (and Boo's special pals Whoopi, Dozer and Arnie)

6/18/05

Our Precious Darling Baby Girl, Arizona (Muffy) has very reluctantly gone to the Rainbow Bridge. She was only 6 years old on 5 May 2005 (we brought her home to be one of our family on 5 May 2001). Her quiet, courageous, heroic fight for life was so awesome.  She did not want to leave us. She endured so much pain and suffering to her sweet body, but she never uttered a wimp, cry, nor complaint. She loved her Mama dearly, and adored her Daddy.  God blessed our lives for 4 good years with her. She gave us so very much love, joy, and companionship. She always had a smile on her face and bright, sparkly eyes. Arizona Bockman has left such a void in our family. Her 2 Golden sisters are grieving her, as much as John Wm and I grieve for her. She will never be forgotten, and we pray she'll be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Her Daddy and she had a saying: "Goldens Rule!"

John Wm and Frankie Jim, Colorado, Missy, Apache and Mona Bockman

5/23/05