GRREAT (703) 620-6593

Close Icon
   
Contact Info     Available Dogs Special Needs Dogs Donate Now

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.  

CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE.

GRREAT's Forever Friends

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)

Share
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

Share
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

Share
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

Share
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

Share
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

Share
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

Share
Posted on
06-22-2009

Bella King

In memory of Bella King who lit up our lives for 10 years since we adopted her at 2½.  Bella was our exercise coach, security guard, friend and constant companion.  She brought us energy and entertainment, and she even babysat the other family dogs.  More than anything, she rounded out our family.  Bella, the whole family misses you, but at no time more than when we come home and you’re not there to greet us at the door showing us your latest discovery.  Thanks for sharing your life with us.  Love, Marcia and Norman   Marcia and Norman King

Share
Posted on
06-05-2009

Ross Lisse

Rossy (pictured with Zoe the cat) was our beloved Golden Retriever who lived to be 14 years old.  We knew he was the one for us from the first moment we met him when he was just 12 weeks old.  He was a cute little fur ball who grew into the best dog we could ever ask for.  To say he was a bit of a maniac for the first few years of his life is an understatement.  His funny prance, his fear of balloons, his love of tennis balls, his obsession with cheese… we miss everything about that quirky little cuddly guy.  He brought us more joy than I can truly articulate.  He was our best friend and it is hard to imagine our lives without him.  The only thing that seems to bring us some solace is knowing in our hearts that we could not have loved him any more.  Amanda Dice, for Ken and Tracy Lisse

Share
Posted on
05-31-2009

Rudi Robinson

We adopted Rudi  (GRREAT #97-175) after meeting him at his foster home in February 1998.  According to his foster parents, he was found as a stray in King George, VA and GRREAT took him in as a foster dog.  The first year after adoption was a challenge for both Rudi and us.  Rudi went to “dog school” and we were immersed in Rudi’s joyful, typically Golden Retriever ways.  We quickly learned that if Rudi slipped off the leash, you would most likely find him either in the nearby creek or at a neighbor’s house begging for dog treats.  In turn, Rudi learned basic obedience such as how to walk on a leash without pulling your arm off.  All in all it was an unforgettable relationship that we hoped would go on forever.  Unfortunately, Rudi succumbed to cancer on 5/26/2009. He was loved by all of us and we miss him greatly.  Conway, Martha, Martin, Silvia Robinson

Share