(Be sure to check out Louie's adoption announcement and newest update following his Golden Angel Story!)
Oh, thank you for taking the time to read about me. I’m Louie, and even though I don’t look like the typical Golden Retriever with a beautiful, flowing coat, I assure you that my heart is 100% loving Golden. I was nervous about having my picture taken because I know I’m in pretty bad shape with all my bald spots, scars and my “dry eye” condition. I’m embarrassed to have you see me this way. But I also know you’ll understand because I’ve already learned that the wonderful GRRR people see beauty in every Golden – the beauty that shines from within. So I agreed that if I could wear this comfy warm GRRR shirt, I’d pose for some pictures.
My family recently left me at the shelter because they said they “could no longer care for me.” I lived outside alone and never received the medical help I needed. I didn’t eat much and I was always a good, quiet boy but I guess I was still too much of a burden for them. They said I’d had mange since I was born, and now I’m 7 years old. The shelter decided I was unadoptable and placed me on the euthanasia list. I understood what that meant, but even after the life of pain and sickness I’ve had, in my heart I knew there was a better life awaiting me. That life began the day GRRR volunteer Robert Miller (probably the kindest man in the world) came to the shelter to rescue me. I’ve heard that Robert will drop everything to help a Golden in need no matter how sick they are or how bad they smell – even me.
Then off I went to be fostered at Bill and Trish Becker’s home. My life there was unbelievable. I got to live INSIDE where I snuggled up on the couch with my foster mom. She has such a kind voice and gentle hands. I had no idea people could be this wonderful. I felt so special! When Bill and Trish went out of town, I moved in with Ian and Kim Thomsen – more extraordinary people! Ian actually said it was a “privilege and a joy” to care for me. Can you imagine that? Again, I’m being showered with love and treated like the most important Golden in the world. Ever since joining GRRR, I’ve been surrounded by people who love and care for me with such compassion and kindness.
Everyone I met at Arvada West Veterinarian Hospital couldn’t help but fall for me, such a sad, sickly looking, sweet little boy. I was so thankful to be there receiving attention and care that I couldn’t contain my joy. Yes, joy!!!!!!!!!! An emotion I had never felt before. I was gently examined and given all the medical care I had been missing my entire life. Even the eye drops to comfort my eyes made such a huge difference. Dr. Gadd did biopsies on my skin to see if there was anything that could be done. It turns out it’s all scar tissue. Then she did a heartworm test that came back positive. Everyone felt really bad knowing I would have to undergo the painful heartworm treatment, but my attitude was, “Hey, I have the love of the GRRR family to help me through. There’s nothing I can’t survive.” Thank goodness that treatment is behind me now (along with my neutering) and I’m doing well.
How can I possibly tell you how grateful I am? GRRR always says, “A Golden Retriever can change your life.” Well, here I am, one little Golden boy who lived a life of neglect for 7 years in my lonely corner of the backyard, and it is YOU who has changed MY life. I used to dream about a time when things would be better, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine there would be GRRR – and all of you. I have truly found heaven on earth. I’ll always carry the physical scars, but one by one the emotional scars are fading away. Your donations, your kindness and your love are the greatest gifts life has to offer. Because of you, someday soon I’ll find a forever family to call my very own. And every day for the rest of my life I can say, “I’m a GRRR dog now; therefore I am loved.”
LOUIE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!
Louie's new brother, Brock (aka Lucky) is also a Golden Angel alumni. His story can also be found on the Golden Angel page. What a lucky pair of fellows they are to share the same wonderful home!
Here is the adoption notice Louie sent:
Hello--
I would like to introduce myself: I am Louie, the newest member of the Jones family. I was just adopted from Golden Retriever Rescue by Russ and Cathy (aka Dad and Mom) and my Golden siblings, Casey and Brock. I recently had my 8th birthday and have had kind of a hard knocks life, but all that changed when the Rescue folks took me in. They provided a wonderful foster home for me, gave me the medical help I needed and got me back on my feet so that I could find a Forever Home.
Something tells me I am one lucky guy to now call myself a Jones. I think I may already have my new Mom and Dad totally wrapped around my little paw! Convincing Casey and Brock that I am indispensible may take just a bit more time!!
I hope we will meet soon. When we do, please don't let my appearance concern you -- I have a sparse coat and a lot of scar tissue from a pre-existing mange condition that went untreated all my life, until I came to Rescue. My Dad says I am a "swan-in-waiting" as my coat may continue to improve. The important thing is that my personality is 100% Golden, and everyone says I am a love!
See you soon-- Louie
Hi, I’m Louie Jones (Louie Update #2).
Life is good. . . It’s now been about six months since I was adopted by my forever family, and I am thriving. My chronic problems that have always been with me have not disappeared, but they are managed, thanks to consistency and love. My coat is still sparse, and I wear a sweater or jacket when we go on cold-weather walks. Yes, I have my problems, but. . .
Life is good. . . I am loved, and I now have a Dad and a Mom I love with all my heart, and I have a Golden sister and a Golden brother who are the best! When I was first adopted, relationships with my siblings were a little uncertain. I wasn’t sure of just where I fit in, or how I should interact, so there were moments when I forgot my manners. Through patience, structure and love I have learned how valuable all three of us dogs are and how we really are a pack. . . a wonderful family pack.
Life is good. . . GRRR gave me a second chance at life (you might remember that I was scheduled to be euthanized at the shelter and was saved in the nick of time by a GRRR volunteer who came to pick me up). Then I got heartworm, but the wonderful folks at GRRR saw to it that I had all the medical care I so desperately needed and provided me with a loving foster home. Along the way I became a Golden Angel. I am so very thankful for all this care, and my parents are just as thankful, too. GRRR, you and the Golden Angel Fund saved my life and gave me so much in making it possible for me to now live the life I always dreamed of.
