Anna- June , 19th 2011
Anna crossed over the bridge on Saturday, June 19th 2011. Anna came to us when a good Samaritan found her wandering the streets in the Santa Rosa Valley. She was extremely emaciated, very old and generally in bad shape. The good samaratin contacted us and we agreed to take Anna in. We knew Anna’s chances for adoption were not great, so we decided she would be a permanent foster girl. She spent the last 4 months of her 13 plus years finally having a good life. She received daily pain medication to control the considerable pain she was in, was fed a healthy diet, and most importantly was loved and not left to roam the streets. Everyone that met Anna, remarked that they couldn’t believe what a happy girl she was given all she had apparently been through. In the last weeks, Anna’s pain seemed to increase faster than we could control and she no longer could stand or get up without any assistance. It was obviously Anna’s time. Anna wagged her tail to the end and smiled when her suffering was finally over. Rest in peace Anna!
JEWELS, June 1998 - Dec. 15, 2010
Jewels arrived in rescue with a hairless rat tail and leather nose due to an untreated thyroid condition as well as an "infected" toe that turned out to be a cancerous tumor. A toe amputation and thyroid meds took care of her medical issues and she developed the softest coat and full-plume tail that would be the envy of any show Golden. She arrived with her name as well, and nothing could have fit her better. Jewels became the ambassdor for FFGRR and loved to go to events. She would smile so hard at everyone, baring her teeth and wrinkling her nose to the point of sneezing. Her other big love was her tennis balls...but rather than play fetch, she preferred to play tug-of-ball once she brought it back, planting her butt on the ground, bracing her forefeet and refusing to give it up. As the companion of the FFGRR webmaster, Jewels suffered seasonal costume pictures, tolerating them but never smiling then. In spite of that, as one friend reminded me, I was never out of her sight if she could help it. One time, we were apart for three days, and she could hardly contain herself when we reunited. Jewels was with me only 18 too-short months when liver disease took her, but she was my soul mate and my love. Jewels, you've left your pawprints forever on my heart. ~Barbara K.
ABBEY MARIE, Oct. 25, 2010
Abbey Marie was the love of Ben's life as well as her family's. Ben is a tri-pawd Golden who has declared himself to be the Fairy Dawg Brother of our rescue dog, Courage. We never had the chance to meet Abbey except through Ben’s postings on the internet, but we learned to love her just the same. Abbey was diagnosed with cancer very recently and lost her brief battle. We all mourn the loss of one more beautiful Golden in the prime of her life to this terrible disease. We mourn not for Abbey who has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is healthy and pain free, but for those who now have hearts broken by loss. Our deepest sympathy to Abbey’s family and all who miss her.
BUDDY, 1999 - Oct. 21, 2010
In loving memory of Buddy:
Our time with Buddy was short; however, we had three wonderful years with him. Buddy had a keen sense when it came to food, and would always be looking for his share. He was a amazing dog and he greeted everyone with a big smile. When we got Buddy, he loved to play with his tennis balls. Then one day we bought him a plush monkey, cow, and a frog that all made animal sounds. He fell in love with them and threw them all over the house. His favorite thing was to go get the mail, and as soon as he heard the keys, he would be at the door waiting for you. He was always around and gave you a warm feeling of ease when you saw him or talked to him. We feel he enjoyed his three years with us as much as we loved our time with him. He was deeply loved and will be missed. ~Elaine, Tom & Katlyn
Buddy was given to us as a wonderul and playful one-year-old. All of my children and I quickly fell in love with him, and he became a very important part of our family. He loved to have snacks, that is for sure, and he loved to go for walks! One thing that became clear was that Buddy was so very loving and loyal to all of us. And we were always greeted by him with a big smile! When I had to move in with my ailing mother, I was completely broken and so very sad having to find him a new home. The rescue took such care in finding the perfect home for Buddy and this sure has helped me these last 3 years to know that Buddy was in a wonderful home and so well loved. I was talking about him still with friends the night he passed. There will always be a special place in my heart for Buddy. ~Kimberly
BARNEY, 1998 - Jan. 26, 2010
Barney, the rock star dog--he was adored and loved by all. He was the Bruce Springsteen of the neighborhood! Everyone, humans and dogs, loved him, but the girl dogs loved him the most. The very little ones would jump up high to give him kisses. Barney was just a super cool dude dog, with a very mellow, sweet disposition. He came into Rescue after his former family left him tied to a pole for 3 days. A neighbor fed him during that time and turned him into Rescue. Thank heavens we found our way to each other! From the very beginning, he fit into our lives so easily, most especially with Athena, a special needs little red girl, with whom he played ever so gently. Then came Tommy and he, too, was taken in by the dude. Barney was a much loved companion to Athena and Tommy and me. ~Sarah C.
IRIS, Feb. 8 - May 22, 2010
Iris and her 3 sisters were brought into rescue May 16th, 2010 at just 3.5 months of age. One after another they started falling ill with the Parvovirus. With a sad heart and tear-filled eyes, we let Iris cross the Rainbow Bridge just 6 days later. The Parvovirus was just too much for her little body to fight. We did all that we could to sustain her and give her the assistance that her body needed, but it wasn't enough and rather than let her suffer any longer we made the decision to let her go gently. Iris endeared herself to her foster family in the few shorts days she was with us. We will miss her and her shiny brown eyes. ~Ruth D., foster mom
BUTCH, Dec. 24, 1994-April 24, 2010
Butch was surrendered to us April 3rd due to illness in his owner's family. He was deaf and had poor vision and limited mobility. Yet Butch showed he still had a decent quality of life and could smile and enjoy his stuffed toys. Jim S. fostered Butch and gave him a very loving, caring home for his last few weeks. Butch was able to keep Jim's Golden, Bode, from trying to escape. Bode became Butch's caretaker, watching over him, cleaning him, and being his constant pal.
We discovered Butch had a collapsed disc at the back of his spine and infection in the spinal bones, causing a great deal of pain. He also had calcification of the prostate, indicative of prostate cancer. Our deepest thanks go out to Jim S. for giving Butch such care and attention. Butch passed at 4:30 a.m. in Jim's arms.
Molly, 1999 - February 28, 2010
After being fostered for a short time, Molly fit so well with the other Goldens that she soon became an honorary Golden and a member of the family. She was also a velcro dog that soon made the backseat of my car her very own. Molly was very vocal and bossy. She let me know when she wanted "her" window down in the backseat, wanted her food, and when she wanted to go for walks. Although she was a senior when I adopted her, she kept up with the youngsters just fine until the day she passed. This big dog on short legs with huge ears, enormous feet, and a deep "woof" drew a lot of attention when we went on walks. I will never forget my Bossy Molly. Thanks for keeping me in line for your last 3 years. ~Kelli
THISTLE,
~1997 - February
5, 2010
Thistle was rescued in the fall of 2007 from a shelter where he had been taken by his owner to be euthanized.
Although initially I fostered Thistle, I quickly adopted him...he so obviously needed help and love as he had little reaction to any stimulation. It took a long time for him to show his true self, but finally he wagged his tail, ate sufficiently and became interested in the outside. He watched my other dogs explore the orchard, and with tail held high, he started sniffing, scratching and finally even eating persimmons that had dropped.
Thistle thrived, interacting with the other dogs and visitors. He slept peacefully by my bed each night. He will be missed as he was a quiet, loving friend whose background may have denied him all he deserved, but he gave so much to my household.
~Pat M.
PEACHES, ~1999 - December 7, 2009
Peaches had a very hard life for her first 8 years... grossly abused to turn her into a guard dog, neglected, tied in a yard while she watched other animals steal her food. Luckily, neighbors turned her owners in and Peaches found her way to rescue and a foster home with me. We laughed when we took her to her first adoption event...she growled and bared her teeth at anyone who approached, not so subtly letting everyone know she wasn't going home with anyone but me. So Peaches adopted me and I adopted her. Deep inside she lived up to her name...she was a sweet, sweet peach, but she couldn't overcome her fear and food aggressions. When her sister Scarlett died, Peaches took over as foster mom and welcomed fosters into our home as best she could, although she still felt any 'chew' they had belonged to her. I hope the nearly three years she had with me made up for the horrible years that went before. I love you, Peaches. ~Barbara K.
TIKI, November 30, 2009
Tiki
I have an ache inside my heart
It feels as though it is broken apart
My sweet old girl, I loved you so
But I knew I had to let you go
You brought joy and you were sunshine
So happy to be here and you were mine
You needed me, I took care of you
You gave me happiness and love so true
So many things with you were not well
But you didn't care and it was hard to tell
You had such a special and kind little soul
Without you, I just don't feel whole
You made me laugh with your silly ways
I was blessed to have you so many great days
Now you are somewhere far above
I hope you can still feel my love
Your body now matches your mind and heart
So find your wings and get a fresh start
But never forget that you're always with me
In my heart you always will be
I love you
Love, Breezy
LUCKY
Lucky was a rescue dog owned and loved by the H. family: Heidi, Jeff, and Lucky's beloved kids, Maddie & Sam.
REAGAN, 1999 - November 26, 2009
A Golden Retriever/Irish Setter, Reagan was our fun-loving goofy boy. He joined the family in 1999 and hailed from Kings Bay, GA. Reagan added much joy to all our lives with his silliness and snuggles. He loved to play with his toys and could be found relaxing on the patio in the early morning hours. Reagan's favorite place to spend the day was on the arm of the couch where he could oversee the activities of the house. His favorite toy was anything that squeaked and he loved all treats! ~Mike & Liz D.
Reagan was Mike's buddy and shadow at home, and Liz called him the heart and soul of their family. Thank you, Reagan, for the joy you brought to so many.
| MEMORIAL GARDEN AND WALL
For a $25 donation, you can pay tribute to your furry companion who has gone ahead, and have his/her name inscribed on the wall. Click on Donate and note the name and tribute for the wall in the Comments area of PayPal or include with your check.
 Maddie
In Loving Memory of my Maddie.... who brought such comfort to my friend during her journey to wellness. Thank you Maddie for bringing her such happiness.
Jewels
Ambassador to FFGRR and beloved companion of Barbara. See story at left.
Daisy
In memory of a dear friend's Daisy by Becky R.
Abbey Marie
Beloved by Ben.
BUDDY
An exceptional Golden who brought love and joy to two families. See tributes at left.
BARNEY
Beloved companion of Sarah C. See story at left.
IRIS
Our littlest angel that stayed with us just 6 days. See her story at the left.
Butch
Our first Golden lost in rescue. See Butch's story at the left.
Molly
An honorary Basset Retriever who fostered many a Golden Retriever.
Thistle
A gentle, old soul who found love and a better life in his last few years.
Miss Scarlett
She gave them twelve years of love and loyalty,
They gave her up...."No time for her anymore."
Rescue angels brought her to me.
Both ancient souls we were, our bond intense.
Six months, disease appeared--hopefully removed.
Four months later, back--too invasive to defeat."
One more month," the doctor said.
Miss Scarlett just ignored him.
"I'm not ready to leave," she sighed.
"It took too long to find you."
For ten months more, Scarlett continued
to fight, to live, and to love.
My valiant girl.
I still love you....Your Mom
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown was our first rescue. He was the quintessential gentle senior golden who just wanted to be loved and have a soft place to lay his head, love, something to eat and mostly love. We miss his gentle spirit, one that asked very little in return. ~Ruth & Vince Di G.
Lucy
Evening Star's Golden Lucia's everyday name suited her better, as our Lucy made all the dogs and people who crossed her path feel at home. She was a rascal of a puppy who grew into an elegant and loving lady. Lucy was taken from us much too early at the age of 10 by a very aggressive cancer. She is still missed by all who knew her. We love you, sweet Lucy.
~Ruth & Vince Di G.
Indie
Beloved feline companion of Sam & Katherine
Tiki
The joy and love you have given me will stay in my heart forever. R.I.P my sweet Tiki dog. Go get your wings. I will always love you! ♥ ~Breezy S.
Peaches
A little bundle of sweetness buried in a fearsome-acting exterior. No more arthritis now, Peach; you're a happy, romping puppy again. ~Mom
Koa
Koa was my beautiful, courageous boy who was pure love. He was a "show quality" puppy who was diagnosed with severe genetic hip dysplasia when he was 10 months old. His "respectable" breeder offered to exchange him for another puppy and euthanize him. At that very moment I became a rescue person and he was my constant inspiration! Koa and I chose to have several very expensive surgeries which were highly successful and he went on to do agility and run to his heart's content up until he was taken way too young by a horrible cancer. My only solace is that I cherished every day I had with him. Over the years, he was the consummate host to many visiting rescue dogs from Labrador and Golden Retriever rescues and he would always share his toys and treats and let them sleep in his bed and he seemed to bond most with the dogs that had been through the worst. He was regal in a way that cannot be explained by words. He taught me so much! If we could all be more like Koa, the world would be a peaceful place indeed. ~Heidi T.
Marley
Marley was known by everyone who met him as "canine perfection". He was such a wonderful dog that people often complemented me on my skills as a dog trainer but really it was just that he was perfect from the start and I had little to do with it. When I started law school, I asked my parents to dog sit until I was settled and when I came home to get him, they flatly refused to let me take and stated that they simply could not live without him. So I had to do the right thing for him and let him live out his charmed life on the beach on Maui. I was already a devoted Golden lover before Marley but he managed to turn the entire family into Golden fanatics. He will always be missed! ~The Thorson Family
Reagan
A Golden Retriever/Irish Setter, Reagan was our fun-loving goofy boy. He joined the family in 1999 and hailed from Kings Bay, GA. Reagan added much joy to all our lives with his silliness and snuggles. He loved to play with his toys and could be found relaxing on the patio in the early morning hours. Reagan's favorite place to spend the day was on the arm of the couch where he could oversee the activities of the house. His favorite toy was anything that squeaked and he loved all treats! ~Mike & Liz D.
Red
Red was a permanent foster. During the two years I had him, he welcomed many fosters, making them feel comfortable during their stay. Red was like the grandpa in his rocking chair watching over the youngsters, telling them to "knock it off" from time to time. His smile lit up any room. Red suffered a stroke and struggled valiantly for four months to stay with me, knowing how much I loved him and would miss him. ~Kelli M.
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