Gus 06-212
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GRREAT's Forever Friends
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tally Jessee
Tally was our prim and proper dog. She would not be caught laying down with her paws uncrossed. She would lick faces (humane and canine) until she was satisfied they were clean. She just knew that if she sat up on her bottom and put her feet in the air (crossed of course) that she would get attention. Tally was almost eleven but you would never know it to look at her. If she was doing something she should not be and you caught her, you didn’t even have to scold her- she just knew. I would imagine a lot of this was her Golden Retriever side coming out. We love you Tally and you are already greatly missed. Samantha Jessee
Big Mack and Maverick Rigsbee
I adopted the “Big Mack” (left) from GRREAT in 2003 because when I saw him at an adoption day, he was so funny and full of life. Mack was a big red Golden and somewhat of a prankster. My wife still recalls when he brought a dead possum to the back door to present to her. I will always remember how he danced when I announced “chow, chow, chow,” for feeding time. He was always so surprised to get a treat or to be petted for nothing. We lost the Big Mack in November 2006. We got Maverick (right) when he was 10 weeks old. He jumped right up into the SUV and never looked back. He knew he had found a home. Maverick had many names, Nug, Nugaletto, Maverico, or anything that fit the occasion. He would always come regardless of what we called him. I can still recall him scooting down the stairs of our home as a young pup, barking the whole way. Even though he tolerated the Big Mack at first, he always made Mack feel at home and grieved Mack’s loss. We lost Maverick at the ripe old age of 13 the first week of October this year. God certainly got two good boys when he got these two. Tom and Becky Rigsbee
(081107)
