Gus 06-212
CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE.
GRREAT's Forever Friends
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
Cooper Davidson
Today, January 22, 2010, my big beautiful red boy went to the Rainbow Bridge. He joined his pals Rosie, Hannah 02-134, Oliver, Sophia, and Timothy, who have been waiting for him. Cooper came to me from Chattanooga where he had been kept outside 24-7, except when he dug under the fence to go to the neighbor’s to get some attention. He was not the kind of dog that would tolerate being ignored. In my home, he pushed the other dogs and the cats aside to be the center of attention, and he was always ready to climb onto a lap if invited. It was the men that especially took a liking to him and would call to him to join them on the couch, despite my disapproval. But what a sweet irresistible cuddly big lap dog he was. I was honored to have been able to provide Cooper with a very happy life in Virginia. Penny 07-024, Ruby Dee 07-086, Kate, and the kitty kats will all miss the boss, but I’ll miss him more. I love you my Coopy. Louise Davidson
Roscoe McFarland-Soderberg
Our youngest Golden of three, Roscoe (GRREAT #07-060) always deferred to the other two. When our 15-year-old could no longer go on long walks, Roscoe always looked back for him. And he was hopelessly smitten with our 10-year-old female, adoringly following her everywhere. Roscoe was the only dog we have ever known to “talk.” When it was time for dinner or walkies, he would stand before us and soundlessly move his mouth in extraordinary contortions, in an apparent attempt to simulate human speech and thereby get quicker results. He was always “there.” During the night, he left his bed to lie on the floor next to his people’s bed. When the first person got up and went into the shower, he followed and stood guard throughout. Wherever you were, Roscoe could be depended upon to join you. His devotion was unwavering and, in kind, he will be forever cherished in memory. Mary Ann McFarland and Steve Soderberg
