Gus 06-212
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GRREAT's Forever Friends
Ginger Twaddell
Ginger (GRREAT #07-158) came into my life from GRREAT in 2007. From the first day I brought her home until she passed away she was nothing but a pure joy. She was the happiest and friendliest dog I have ever seen. She loved running outside, long walks, car rides, and any food she could grab at her eye level. Her tail would wag so hard that whenever she got too close to a neighbor’s door they thought someone was knocking on the door! She loved locking her gaze upon a squirrels and birds and sometimes even an object moving in the distance that she later discovered upon further inspection was just a piece of paper. To her family and Dutch, her brother Golden, she was the “Possum Queen” and “Tomato Princess.” Ginger loved all the people she encountered in the neighborhood, all of the family members that cared for her, and even her veterinarian. Above all she showed me attention, affection, and love everyday. Nothing can replace the special place Ginger has in my heart. I will never forget the joy she brought into my life or the amazing loyalty she showed me. I pray that she rests in peace. Jim Twaddell
Ruby Dee Davidson
“So sweet” is how little Ruby Dee (GRREAT #07-086) was described by all who met her. She charmed so many people with her gentle way and boundless love, and was present at many GRREAT events to spread her Golden joy. At the recent GRREAT 3K Walk, she was a darling princess in her sparkly white party collar, mingling with everyone and easily completing the walk, despite her 15 year age. Ruby Dee came to GRREAT as a very sick dog who was not expected to survive, but she became healthy and brought smiles wherever she went over the next 3½ years. It was especially heart-warming to watch her interact with nursing home residents, always bringing them such happiness. Ruby Dee, I’ll miss you walking with me to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper in the morning and the mail in the afternoon. I’ll miss your quiet presence among the other dogs and the cats. I’ll miss you snuggling next to me at bedtime. And mostly I’ll miss your incredibly sweet face always looking at me so adoringly. I will love you forever and ever and ever; you are my very special little angel. Louise Davidson
Sadie Bowen
Sadie (GRREAT #01-196) passed away on November 2, 2010 after being diagnosed three days before with a fast-moving cancer that had enveloped her spleen and liver. In August, she tore her ACL, had surgery at Southpaws, rehabilitated for three months, and never complained at all. But we were concerned that she never built back the muscle in her leg; now we know why. Sadie was the greatest friend a human could ever have, and was certainly one of the most loved. She lived life to the fullest, enjoyed friends, and was our constant companion, accompanying us on journeys from Nova Scotia to Florida, Texas to Alberta, and Michigan to Ontario. As one of her friends wrote, “I can’t remember ever meeting a dog who was so irrepressibly cheerful, who radiated happiness as much as she did.” She is sadly missed, not only by her parents, but by all of her friends. Dawn & Marshall Bowen
(101105)
Morgan Gray
In memory of Morgan (GRREAT #05-006), a true gentleman of a dog. With love, Steven & Richard. Steven Gray
Ebbitt Erbele
Ebbitt (GRREAT #07-048) was my sixth foster and I fell in love with him, so I joined the ranks of foster failure. He was diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome and GRREAT paid for his surgery performed by Dr. Walker. The surgery helped Ebbitt to have 3 wonderful years with us. We will remember how he was like a puppy when he ran off leash or played in the snow. Ebbitt would sing a “Woo Woo” and dance in anticipation of a meal, greeting a family member or friend, or if he was promised a ride in the car. He was the one who followed me here, there, and everywhere. He was the one who waited for me while I got ready for work. Ebbitt passed away peacefully on July 20, 2010, in his favorite spot by the front door. He was loved greatly and brought us much joy. Sue Erbele, David Breininger, Ryan and Erin Shumate, donation by Emilie Danco
Ollie Landis
When Ollie (GRREAT long term foster dog #10-023) arrived, he had been called Smiley. He didn’t respond to the name, but it certainly described the look on his face, and his happy personality. He was rescued from a shelter in southern Virginia, described as a Golden, but his origins didn’t matter to his foster home. Jane and Mike Landis loved and cared for Ollie, trying to free him from pain. Ollie suffered from severe arthritis. Despite therapy, acupuncture and lots of caring and love, it was still hard for him to move around. He loved his tennis balls, and was given the opportunity to play ball every day – Jane sat on the floor and rolled the ball so he could retrieve it. He was an angel sent to earth to be with his foster home for a brief period of time. Ollie made those who met him realize how precious life is as he welcomed each day with his smile. He was a lucky boy to have lived with them, but Jane and Mike feel that they are the lucky ones to have been blessed to share his last months with him. He gave so much joy and love to his foster family, and we know he is watching over them from the Rainbow Bridge, happy that they ensured his life with them was perfect. Robin Heinecke
Holly Bakalich
In memory of Holly in tribute to her final journey to the Rainbow Bridge that brought our family to GRREAT, and as a foster home we have been blessed to find other Goldens their forever homes, including Ben who we adopted in January 2010. She was our special Golden brought into our family in 2001 to distract us from the emptiness we felt with the loss of a family member. She immediately took all our attention and brought so much love and laughter into our lives watching her grow from a puppy into a beautiful Golden full of life. She was obsessed with tennis balls and would try anything to get you to play with her, from dropping her ball into the dryer while you were emptying it, placing a wet ball behind you when you were sitting in a chair, or just staring at you with a ball in her mouth begging you to play. We miss her every day and cherish the memories we have with her, from holidays, boating on the bay, and being the Grandpup to her favorite family member who she adored. We will always love you Holly. Debbie, Jerad, Fallon Bakalich, and Grandma
Jasper Scher
We don’t know how old he was or who he belonged to. We just know that one day in July, 2008 this old guy was found wandering the streets in rural Virginia very sick and alone. An angel brought him to GRREAT and he lived out the last one and half years of his life well loved and cared for. No one knew his name; that didn’t matter since he couldn’t hear well. Jasper (GRREAT long term foster dog #08-130) had his ‘issues’ – he was cranky with dogs (all neighborhood dogs parted ways with him); he was large and clumsy and decrepit (when he fell, he just rolled over for tummy rubs), and medically challenged (the list is too long to discuss). But he was always a gentleman and gave limitless love and devotion. Look into his eyes and see the sweet soul he was. What a gift it was to foster an old guy like Jasper. He will always be remembered and loved. Linda Scher, and Alan & Mollie Dickerson
Bailey Soya
We had the privilege of being Bailey’s (GRREAT #02-259) forever family for almost eight years, after adopting her at age four. Bailey was a gentle, loving, sweet “soul.” She’d greet you with a wagging tail and a toy or bone in her mouth. Our angel will be missed by many and remembered as a special dog and a loving companion. She brought us licks, love, and laughter. She was so tolerant when the kids would dress her in all types of outfits. We didn’t need a fenced yard because Bailey never roamed far from family; she was always by my side. We’ll miss the jingle of her collar as she woke us with her loving eyes saying “feed me.” Oh how she loved to eat! Our Bailey Girl will live in our hearts forever. Thanks for the happy memories. Jim, Elaine, Daniel, and Anna Soya
Jake Dickerson
In loving memory of our Big Red Dog Jake (GRREAT long term foster dog #08-147). He will always be remembered as the dog that would flop over on his back for a tummy rub as soon as he met you. Jake lived for tummy rubs. We will never forget his curly hair, white face and the strange looks he could give you. He was loved by both his families, Jan Brown & Greg Russell and Alan & Mollie Dickerson. He will always be in our hearts and never be forgotten. Alan & Mollie Dickerson
