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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
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

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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

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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

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Posted on
05-11-2009

Shelby Collings

To honor Shelby (GRREAT #03-209), the cherished Golden girl and first GRREAT dog of Ken and Mary Collings.  Shelby was especially sweet and loving, even by Golden standards.  She came into and filled the lives of Ken and Mary in 2003 at the age of 6, and for the next 5½ years she brought them boundless joy.  I met Shelby only once, and it was after her diagnosis of cancer.  She was so happy and friendly that I never could have guessed that she was not a perfectly healthy dog.  Shelby learned to be a happy Golden dog in the Collings home, figuring out that carrying stuffed animals and chasing balls were great fun.  While her passing has left a big hole in the hearts of Ken and Mary, the many wonderful memories they have of their beloved girl will surely fill the emptiness and heal their hearts.  Shelby will be greatly missed.  Louise Davidson

Mary and Ken Collings lost their beloved Shelby after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was diagnosed in December 2008 and stayed with the Collings until May 7, 2009.  She brought love and joy into the world and will be missed forever.  Marie Lavallee

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Posted on
05-10-2009

Casey Dowling

Casey was our beloved granddog.  Although we were not able to see Casey very often, we knew that she knew us.  Each time we would visit she would go directly to the back of our car and retrieve the same stuffed frog toy.  We will miss her.  Robert Dowling

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Posted on
04-28-2009

Brady Stricker

This is in honor of Brady, our “Granddog,” who belonged to the Stricker family in Catonsville, MD.  He came into a house with 2 children, but helped bring up 2 more from infancy.  Brady was without a doubt the sweetest, best behaved, and most patient dog we have ever seen.  He died in April at the age of 12. He was much loved by all and will be much missed.  Dave and Kay Larson

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Posted on
04-27-2009

Merckx Dougherty

 In honor of Merckx (right), brother to Scout (GRREAT #06-103, center) and Cocoa (GRREAT #07-031, left).  We love and miss you!!  Jennifer, Jim, Abigail, Lily, Scout and Cocoa Dougherty

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Posted on
03-02-2009

Bailey Dickerson

My wife and I first saw Bailey (GRREAT ID# 08-121) at a GRREAT Adoption Day in Annapolis. We had planned the day to look at Goldens, and had looked at a few when we met Bailey. After seeing him we started to leave and looked at each other and knew Bailey was the one. He was the most lovable dog we had ever met – 13 years old with a white face and always happy. You were his best friend from the moment he met you. He became part of the family from the first day. Everyone we met loved him. However, 3 weeks later he became sick. We took him to the vet only to find he had cancer. We were told he had only a few months to live. I don’t know what Bailey’s life was like before he came to us, but he was loved and pampered by us until the day he passed away. We knew when we took an older dog he would not be with us long, but we could give him what every dog always needs – LOVE. Bailey died Feb. 28, 2009. He will always be missed. He gave us more that we gave him.  Alan and Mollie Dickerson            

 

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Posted on
01-31-2009

Sam Clift-Layton

I was lucky enough to be Sam’s dog walker. I had the privilege of seeing him and his roomies Buddy and Max every day. Sam was every bit the older brother to Buddy and Max. He was very calm, regal and slightly aloof, which made him all the cuter when he got excited and playful. Sam’s favorite thing was to catch balls thrown to him. He quickly learned how to “speak” and was in the process of learning how to “whisper” (bark softly) when he became too ill to go on. Sam was a loving, good-hearted boy who is dearly missed by those of us who knew and loved him.  Jill Freifeld

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Posted on
01-31-2009

Katie Dawson

This donation is in honor of GRREAT rescue Katie Dawson, 97-158.  Katie was rescued many years ago and given a great home by Don and Kim Dawson.  She was a great dog, playmate to our dogs, and loving companion.  She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.  Katie brought such joy not only to the Dawsons, but to all who met her.  She was a big part of the neighborhood, and everyone knew her.  Katie was always the social butterfly, enjoying as many biscuits and treats as she could gather from everyone!  Shelly and Mike Windsor

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