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Gus 06-212

Gus 06-212

We honor our furry forever friends who have gone on to the Rainbow Bridge and who eagerly await us there.  Your tribute on our Forever Friends page will memorialize a beloved pet, and at the same time help rescued Golden Retrievers in need of medical care and new loving homes.  We are happy to post tributes to dogs, cats, and other critters. A minimum donation of $50 is requested. The inspiration for GRREAT’s Forever Friends is Gus (06-212), who sadly passed away at the age of five.  He came to GRREAT in November 2006 and was adopted by his forever family the following month.  Very suddenly, and tragically, Gus passed away  four months later.  He is fondly remembered as our first Forever Friend. To add your pet to our Forever Friends Tribute Page, please visit the submission form here.  

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GRREAT's Forever Friends

Posted on
01-11-2010

Simba Sachs

In loving memory of our devoted Simba  (GRREAT #02-079) who we adopted at age 4 and passed away January 3, 2010 at the age of 12.  We gave him a home filled with lots of love and he returned that love every day of his life.  He was the “king” of our street and the classic alpha male Golden.  He loved his home filled with stuffed animals, toys, and treats but most of all he loved his family.  The tremendous void in our hearts will be tempered only by all the wonderful memories of Simba as part of our family.  You will always be loved and missed Simba boy!   Bonnie, Howard, Lauren and Jamie Sachs

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Posted on
01-05-2010

Mattie Steffen

Mattie’s humans had already had two Goldens when a family member introduced them to Mattie who had been found wandering in the woods.  She got her name because of her matted coat.  The vet thought she was probably only a year or so old.  She crossed the Rainbow Bridge much too early at the age of six just a few days after Christmas.  She hung on strong through the holiday, enjoying all the attention she got from her visiting human siblings and their children.  She was a sweet and loyal girl who loved playing with tennis balls, walks to Bull Run, and just being a loyal friend to her Mom and Dad who miss her very much.  Kristen Steffen

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Posted on
12-26-2009

Bailey Simanek- Kochan

In memory of our beautiful friend Bailey (GRREAT #98-167)  who shared his happy life with us.  Bailey was a smart and loving gorgeous Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix who was 6 years old when we adopted him.  He lived a healthy long life until he passed away at age 16 in the summer of 2008.  He inspired me to paint this portrait.  He will forever be in our hearts!   Kristin Simanek

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Posted on
12-26-2009

Annie Clark

In honor of Annie, who was a very special member of the Clark family.  She is missed very much by those who loved her.  Annie brought happiness to everyone who met her, especially her proud parents.  It won’t be the same the next time we visit Bob and Bonnie’s home, without Annie there to greet us at the door!  Stephanie Ross (Annie’s aunt)

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Posted on
12-18-2009

Kelly Baker Oot

In memory of Kelly, a book shredding puppy who became a wonderful dog.  She adored people, other dogs, and even a pet guinea pig.  She was a classy girl with sophisticated tastes, she loved sweet potatoes, apples, and poached salmon.  She logged thousands of hiking miles, loved the beach, the mountains, and swimming across the Potomac chasing ducks.  We were lucky enough to have her to 15 incredible years.  You will always be loved and missed Kel!  From Malee, Lisa, Lesley, Jean, and David.  Malee Baker Oot

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Posted on
12-18-2009

Dixon Benner

In memory of Dixon, our wonderful Golden Retriever who died much too early, at age eight and a half.  He was loving, fun, and very goofy.  He adored his daily walks, his kitty housemates – Georgia and Willow, visiting with his dog friends, and swimming in his “grandparents” pool.  He warmly welcomed baby Alden two and a half years ago and was a great playmate.   We miss him every day.   Rebecca Benner

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Posted on
10-25-2009

Portia Lampert

In memory of Portia (GRREAT #07-198), a grand lady with an even bigger heart who gave so much love to all of us.  Portia came to GRREAT with giardia, lick granuloma, and laryngeal paralysis. With the help of GRREAT, she overcame the first two ailments and managed the third.  Ultimately Portia died from Cushing’s disease, attendant diabetes, and an enlarged heart.  These diseases did not define Portia, only the boundaries within which she sought out all living and dead creatures; befriended all humans, small and large; and cherished her toys, especially “baby.”  Even to the end as Portia investigated the yard late at night, she would raise her head and tail, and hoarsely bark at … who knows? … the moon, bats, or wind whistling through the trees, or maybe all three.  Her paw prints are forever on our hearts and we are so grateful.  Shawne Lampert

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Posted on
09-25-2009

Chelsea Bottomley

For Chelsea Bottomley from her friends Aida, Lee and Duncan.  Chelsea was a gentle, courageous, sweet Golden.  A gracious lady.  Her mother and dad (Susan and Dick) devoted incredible efforts to care for her and provided her with so much love.  Her sister (Bailey) was a faithful companion who looked out for her and kept her young for so long.  Chelsea will always be remembered.   Aida Leroy

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Posted on
09-20-2009

Maxwell Pinette

In memory of Maxwell Pinette, a gentle Golden who always lifted our spirits. He was most happy spending time with his family, especially his “parents,” Joanne and Rick, and playing and wrestling with his doggie friends. He loved taking walks and swimming in the lake with his mom.  And he was his dad’s best buddy, always by his side. Patient and calm, Maxwell was a Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog who loved to spread joy to those who often needed a smile.  Sadly, Maxwell had to leave us far too soon, but he lives on in our memories.  We love and miss you, Max.  Good boy.  (written by Philip Pinette, son of Joanne and Rick Pinette). Joe and Virginia Fry

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Posted on
09-20-2009

Link Kupferberg

Link was an abandoned dog I rescued from a hunt club into which he wandered in 2001.  He was about 2-3 years old.  He became my best friend and near constant companion over the next 8 years, and I had to put him down July 28, 2009, as he developed cancer of the spleen.  He was incredibly intelligent and expressive, and loved every person and dog he met.  He never liked cats very much, and he loved to hunt squirrels.  I will miss him dearly–a part of me is gone forever.   Paul Kupferberg

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