Brinkley

(Jan 2001 – May 2012)   Named after the dog in the Tom Hank’s movie “You’ve Got Mail,” Brinkley  (GRREAT #01-148) touched many hearts. We fostered Brinkley after he suffered a shattered femur, broke the plate, and then began rehab at the vet’s office under heavy sedation. He was but 10 months old at the time of the accident, and his military family could not afford the necessary care, so GRREAT took over care responsibility. We took Brinkley from the vet and nursed him for 2 ½ months. This required separation from our previously rescued Golden named Comet. Once Brinkley was well enough to socialize and the boys worked out who was the “Alpha” dog, the boys got along marvelously. We were privileged to keep Brinkley. Brinkley had an all-teeth smile that scared some but endeared most. We retired to a golf course community in NC and Brinkley became a famous “retriever;” some might even say, “Thief!” Brinkley retrieved golf balls, golf gloves, and hats from unsuspecting golfers plus a knee brace from a tennis player’s hand. Most people tried to hide obvious objects but Brinkley was not deterred. Multiple times I had to go home, wash an item, and then return it to the owner. Unfortunately, Brinkley was diagnosed with anal sac carcinoma on Oct. 7, 2011. The disease sapped his muscular strength but not his spirit. We enjoyed 8 precious months with Brinkley before he went to the Rainbow Bridge on May 27, 2012. He was our friend and companion. We will miss his face every morning at our bedside. There is nothing like a Golden!    (120627)