Gus 06-212
CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE.
GRREAT's Forever Friends
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
Cassie Laudenslager
Cassie – Our beloved Muffin girl – you are always in our hearts. Deb and Art Laudenslager
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
