Naming Tribute

We have been graced with the companionship and love of several Goldens who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge: Nikki, Sandy, Teddy and Magic. We have three more living with us now: Tucker, Peter and Tory (Magic's Grandson).

Nikki was our first Golden. He was very smart and loving. The great joy, love and companionship he brought into our lives made sure that we would always be "Golden People."

Sandy was our second Golden. We got her when Nikki was about fifteen months old. She was about a year old at the time. She wasn't an official rescue dog but the lack of attention she had been receiving made her seem like one. Sandy and Nikki became best friends and died from cancer at age 11 1/2 only three months apart. The length of their respective lives differed only by twelve days.

About seven months later we missed canine companionship too much and brought Teddy home. Teddy came from a conformation breeding and we thought he was the most beautiful Golden we had ever seen. People walking by our house would stop and ask what kind of dog he was. They didn't know that was what a Golden should look like. Teddy was an absolute delight to have in our life. He was smart, beautiful and loving; he was a great companion to both of us.

About a year before Teddy died at age 8 from a stroke, we brought Magic home. Magic was to be our first "show" dog and he exceeded our wildest expectations. He was exceptionally beautiful as well as very smart and quick to learn. It was his immense desire to please and give love and affection that made him exceptional. He liked to help with yard work (he carried branches cut from trees down to the house) and carried groceries to the kitchen. He would look so happy and pleased with himself when he did these things. Magic like everyone, both people and other dogs. When he heard his name, his face would light up with joy. He concluded his career as Am/Can CH Keane's Celtic Incantation CD OA OAJ before he died from hemangiosarcoma at age 8 1/2.

We work for a company called, "Healthways Inc" and our senior leaders have urged us to give in some way to a needy organization this holiday season. Our co-worker, Kim Irwin, recently lost her beloved Golden Retriever, "Sundance," and we unanimously decided to donate to an organization that helps Golden Retrievers. This donation is a team effort and comes from dog-loving folks that live in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Arizona that are collectively called the TNT District. We love the idea that one of your newest rescued dogs will live on with Sundance's name. Thanks and have a happy new year!

Yesterday night my good friend and hiking partner passed into eternity. Yes she was a dog, but us pet owners become so attached and in love with our dog, cat or horse. They sense our pains and joyful times. As we get older they get much older, ten of our years is seventy of theirs, just isn't fair. Personally I thought Pumpkin had another three to five years, but it wasn't to be as cancer in her made her ill as the days wore on. I first saw Pumpkin when my friend Frank believed his dog Aspen needed a friend. I helped Frank pick out and name Pumpkin. After a few weeks Frank was getting tired of Pumpkin whining at night and asked me to take her for the night. Pumpkin and I watched a Dog Training movie on a sixty inch TV. Pumpkin moved back to Frank's and later so did I. Pumpkin and Aspen soon were taking walks with me after my night audit shift. On 4 July Pumpkin and Aspen joined me on a trip of a 14er, Pumpkin made it all the way while Aspen got lost chasing Marmots, but found his way back to camp. Later Pumpkin and I shared the tent during a wicked thunderstorm, it was the last time she got scared of storms and the beginning of our adventures. In August Frank moved and gave me Pumpkin, we moved to Euzoa Bible Church on 6 Aug 1998. Thirty acres of land with a stream and pond, Dog heaven with dogs all around, plus chipmunks. In 2001 she met a handsome Golden Retriever, Toby. They became best friends for life. I was always jealous of their relationship, but Toby was a good friend. My Pumpkin hiked twenty six 14ers, plus a few 13ers and always shared my tent, my couch and bed. Monday I took her to the church and then Fran's. She was happy to see Toby and Rip, she was looking great. Then Tuesday came, she couldn't get up, I picked her up and put her in the car and knew she was in pain. After dropping her off, I sat and wept, went to work and then after a half hour went back to the hostpital. Later, I watched the people at the Pet Care Clinic give her the best care and love. Dr. Christine was in tears as she talked to my sister Kristin, also a vet, about Pumpkin's chances. I called my friend Fran, Toby's owner, for my dog's farewell. After Fran's prayer just before 6, Pumpkin passed on. Toby and another dog came in and said goodbye and gave me comfort. I'll spread her ashes near Toby's house in the summer. Now I know another grief. Thanks Pumpkin.

This past week we lost our Cindy to cancer; she quietly reached the Rainbow Bridge and got rid of her pain. Cindy was 10½ and was “our best girl” for all of the years she was with us. As with all Golden Retrievers, she enjoyed life and loved to be with her family, no matter what was going on. She seemed to feel the more family close to her the better life was.

Cindy loved to lie beside you quietly hoping to get a pet; if one didn’t come soon enough for her, she would “encourage” you by rubbing against your hand as a reminder that she was still there and still interested. Outdoors she could be very comfortable lying in the sun, going swimming, or diving into a snow bank. A fine game was to chase a thrown ball but not bring it back until she felt the time was appropriate.

For Cindy there was nothing better than a quiet walk early in the morning to get her day off to a great start. A ride in the truck was perfect at any time; it didn’t make any difference where. The best finish for the day was her “Greenie” treats an hour or so before bedtime.

We miss our Cindy terribly and hope another Cindy will bring a new family as much love, joy, and affection as our Cindy brought us.

We got Nikia when she was a year old and instantly fell in love with her. She loved to go for a ride and loved attention. 12 years with her was just not enough. We miss her so much.

We adopted Remy from GRRR in September 2002. His people had left him in the back yard and moved away, which we could never understand. We are so very fortunate to have had him the last 7 years of his life – what an absolute love!

Remy had been losing muscle tone for some time, and had been diagnosed with some cancer in his mouth. This morning he threw up twice, was confused and distraught. He would not get up to go walk, even just to go outside – I had to help him. We took him to the vet who did an ultrasound and found massive tumors in his abdomen, so we sent him over the Rainbow Bridge. We will all miss him very, very much.

When our first Golden died at 16, my wife and I were pretty sure there could not be another. Then one night on the way home from a business trip, my wife met me at the airport with a "little brown" surprise. Daisy Mae charmed us from the very beginning. Daisy Mae was not a typical Golden during her youth and even into middle age. She was close and loving to the immediate family but very skittish with others. She was terrified of thunderstorms and actually ate her way through a door during a storm. She could predict a storm hours before it hit. We felt so very sorry for her as only the strongest of drugs would allow her to rest at those times. No amount of love could console her.

As Daisy Mae aged she became the warm and loving companion we Golden lovers all know. She was a special companion for me and we spent days walking the trails throughout Southern Colorado. The only thing she loved more than going on a walk in the park was the ride in the car to get there. It seemed that Daisy Mae suffered from more than her share of relatively minor health issues but nothing that was ever critical or life threatening. Then just a couple of days before Christmas in 2007, she became very ill - throwing up, listless and rather disoriented. Our vet and the emergency vet could only guess at the cause. The only thing they both knew was she was in a great deal of pain. Our last night with Daisy Mae will live with us forever. We spent most of the night in front of the fireplace, and then cuddled in bed. We had hope that maybe she was turning the corner.

She died in our arms the Saturday before Christmas with her favorite toy between her paws. She was only 10 1/2. I still tear up even after more than a year. We celebrated her life on the one-year anniversary of her death by hanging her Christmas stocking filled with special treats in the park at her favorite place where she rolled in the snow during the winter. The note attached invited all passers-by to share a treat with their loved ones.

She was special to us and to those who really knew her. Her memories will always live on in our hearts. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have a Golden in their life know they are truly gifts from some special place. We know Daisy Mae will be waiting for us by the bridge at the end of the rainbow.

Spencer crossed over the Rainbow Bridge quite some time ago, but not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I adopted Spencer (sitting) and his brother Barkley (lying) from GRRR on Oct. 10th 2001. That is the day my life changed forever with abundant blessings of unconditional love and joy. Spencer was a very gentle, loving boy who had an affinity for special needs people. Whenever he saw some one in a wheelchair he insisted on being allowed to say hello. He would approach in such a gentle way that no one was ever afraid. More often than not, tears of love would fill every one's eyes as Spencer softly and cautiously laid his head in the person's lap. He was truly a special and beautiful soul. Spencer's brother Barkley at age 14 is thankfully still with me, happy as ever and doing reasonably well considering his age.

Rookie was a beloved member of the Wilday family. He was very blessed to spend his years with 3 active boys on a lake in Littleton. He will be missed by all who knew him.

From the moment we saw her bouncing up and down in her cage at the Atlanta Humane Society we knew we had our work cut out for us. Arden was so full of energy that it took 6 months and a few electrical appliances with very short cords later to figure out that she needed a brother to calm her down. After that Arden and Louis were inseparable. Christened as trail and rugby dogs, both made friends easily and loved to accompany their moms wherever they went. Running loose in the gym at the end of a triathlon, going home with strangers in Atlanta, floating downstream at a creek crossing, getting lost with their moms in the North GA mountains, and surviving a rattlesnake bite in California, are only a few of the memories that we will cherish forever. From the day we took Arden home until the day we had to say good-bye she taught us how to enjoy the simple things in life with no expectations. Every trail we hike, every mountain we climb, you and Louis will be there with us by our side. Arden, you were our Gift.

She was "the best girl," our Brandy. That's what we had carved on her Rainbow Bridge marker. Our first Golden, we became completely smitten with the friendly, loving breed. She graced our lives for 12 1/2 years, came to work daily and insisted on carrying the keys to open the door. While our hearts heal, we hope a GRRR dog will carry her name as a tribute to our always smiling canine, Brandy Girl.

We adopted funny and loveable Tally when she was 1 1/2 years old and her ten years with us were almost always a joy. I'll never forget her sitting and barking at our new front loading clothes washer for a full five minutes - she wouldn't move! Another unforgettable event occurred just outside our garage. Tally spotted an elk calf and decided to chase it. Well just as she was 15 feet into the pursuit, mama elk lowered her head and rapidly moved on Tally. Tally did a 180 and raced to the safety of the garage. She left the elk alone after this thrill. What a fur face doorbell she was - no one could approach our home, even us, without her announcement. We sure miss her! May she have fun in doggie heaven.

Shelby is the Golden who warmed the hearts of Beth, Brent ,Grayson and Jack everyday. Shelby and her brother Clyde have been such an important part of the family for the past 11 years. From an adorable puppy to a full grown Golden, whose favorite place in the house was the family room couch, she filled the home with her unconditional love. She was so protective of all the family members, always being by their sides. Losing Shelby has been very hard. Naming a rescued Golden in honor of Shelby is a beautiful and special way to keep her close to our hearts. Thank you for your wonderful organization.

It was a very sad day last spring when Daffodil Ann departed life too early at age 11 due to complications from diabetes. Her quirky personality and considerable “doggie charm” won the hearts of all who met her. It is my good fortune to have one of her black female pups fathered by a border collie mix.

We would like to make this donation in memory of “Tanner”. In August our family lost Tanner at the age of seven. He was a wonderful companion and had all the qualities that Goldens are famous for. Two of his favorite pastimes were running free in the mountains and playing in the snow. We miss him very much.

Steve & Beth Hopkins

In loving memory of Abbey Katsaros/Hammond. Her life filled ours with love and companionship for 12 years. Kind, funny and always happy. The three of us shared a love for each other that will always be fondly remembered. We never knew the possibility of a mutual love and respect that we found in the sweetest animal imagineable. She made us laugh daily. She was always there to share in our joys and sorrows. Always to be loved, never to be forgotten.

The Conifer Crew lost Carmel, a.k.a. Princess Wiggle-Butt on Monday, February 18, 2008. She was our second Golden in our adult lives and came to us in October of 1998 from GRRR.

We were at the Minneapolis airport waiting for our plane home when Judi, our pet sitter, and our Vet both called. Missed both calls going through security and when I called the Vet she had just passed away. The Princess had been fine, making snow angels last week, before we left. She was having a great time at Judi's - she is caring for her father and Carmel would spend hours by his side getting attention! Yesterday she had breakfast, went out with the boys, and just collapsed. She passed away in Judi's arms shortly after she reach the Vet's. The Vet kept her for us to say goodbye and told us when we got there that she had a massive hemangiosarcoma involving both the spleen and heart. She was such a trooper though, we never even knew. She did have instances of slowing down, but even the other week when we went to the dog park, she was having way too much fun to come home. And at home, she would burst out of the house and play in the snow with the boys.

Our hearts hurt, but I just know she is giving Samson a run for his money - I can just hear him sighing, oh Mom, it was so peaceful without her bouncing all over me! Carmel taught us the importance of living every moment to its fullest!

Brady was all the reasons people love Goldens. Beautiful, so so sweet and loving. At 7 years, Brady left us way too soon and we would be honored to have another Golden carry his name.

GRRR was so saddened to get this recent message from Cheryl: 3 weeks after Brady died, his father, Tucker just didn't want to be here without Brady and left us. It's just taking me awhile to get back to normal. I am attatching the picture of Brady and one of the two of them so someone besides me sees their special connection.

Maggi-Loo's Delaney Sparkler (AKC name). While we feel we lost our sweet Delaney too early, we are so thankful for our time with her -- her spirit and love enriched our lives greatly. What a treasure!

Honoring Kelly, "brother " of Delaney who died last year. . .We are a family that has included Goldens for 30 years, but Kelly was our first male Golden, and he was our first rescued Golden. With his sweetness and his gentle spirit, he gave us so much, and he taught us so much. Losing him to cancer at age five has been almost unbearable. Like Delaney before him, we will always cherish our memories and our good fortune to have had Kelly in our lives.

Rocky joined our family in August of 1993. He was originally known as "Tailman" because of the shaved hair on his tail, the breeder's way of identifying him. We searched for an appropriate name and decided on Rocky because that was the year the Colorado Rockies came to Denver. He brought much joy and companionship to us. Goldens are the best!

Eight years ago, there was a very sick, 6-year old Golden Retriever found abandoned in Colorado Springs with no tags. He spent 10 days in the pound, contracted kennel cough and was scheduled for euthanasia on the next day when GRRR rescued him. They named him 'Lucky' and we were the most fortunate people in the world to have him find his way to us. We live in the mountains and spend much of our lives on dirt roads, hiking and biking trails, backcountry ski trails, and rivers. Boy, was it hard on him at first. Besides the altitude and being ill, his pads were like a baby's bottom! He was so weak and it hurt to watch him try to walk. But, he got better and better and became a strong mountain dog, going on many adventures during the rest of his life. He lived up to his name a second time, having survived a stroke four years ago in which he lay motionless on his death bed for four days. Again last year, he survived being run over by a car as he was sunbathing in a friend's driveway. He taught us such lessons about courage, will, and unconditional love. He was a sweet, gentle spirit who blessed our lives for far too short a time. The only thing Lucky couldn't overcome was old age. He recently passed away naturally with us by his side. If another "Lucky" Golden shows up in need of a name, please let the luck be passed on.

Hello great folks at GRRR. My family would like to donate a naming tribute to my sister Carol's dog Moose. Moose left us for the rainbow bridge this December after a sudden short bout with cancer. He was 13. Moose lived a great Colorado dog life with plenty of hiking Jeffco trails, xc skiing in Steamboat, camping trips, swimming in the creeks, and lounging in the sun. Moose was a gentle soul that could be a little wild at times, but was always loving. He was usually found with is buddy Woody (yes another golden). We hope the name Moose can bring another dog all that enjoyment! Best wishes for the new Moose and Thanks to our Moose for all those great years.

Montana, who was known around his circles as Monty, was an easygoing, laid back fella, who, like most Goldens, loved his walks and the attention of the people he loved. He could swim all day and protect his house and yard all night. He left behind a legacy of loving, mooching, sleeping and playing, but most of all he left behind a family who loves him, misses him and will never forget him.

This Naming Tribute donation is a Christmas present for Nathaniel O. Schaefer (Nat), who is the owner and best friend of a rescue Golden named Thunder. We love Nat more than anything in the world and wanted to show him how much, by having a rescue Golden named after his beloved friend Thunder.

From Nat: Our Thunder came to us from GRRR in 1999 (number 99-014). He is getting on in years, but as loveable as when we first got him. Do keep up the good work. Sincerely, Nat

"Mac" In honor of my Uncle Tom McClellan and Grama Doris McClellan, I am making a donation for the naming tribute in the name of "Mac." Both my Grama Mac and Uncle Tom touched many lives, as will a newly rescued Golden. For all the happy memories they gave me, I know there will be a Golden named "Mac" creating more happy memories in their name.

We are making this donation in memory of our beloved Golden "Doogie." He passed away in August from hemangio sarcoma. We would be very honored if you would name one of your rescued Goldens Doogie, in his memory. Doogie was a sweet and gentle soul. We miss him terribly as does our other Golden, Kirby. Please use this donation for the Golden Angels in need.

Winona was my first dog and got me into the wonderful world of Goldens and rescue. She was far too smart and trained me well. She was loved by many, known by all, and missed terribly.

GRRR's New "Chloe" named by Clarence & Elizabeth Ellsworth in honor of their Golden, Chloe.

GRRR's New "Murphy" named by Malcolm & Janet Orton in honor of their Golden, Murphy.

In honor of Bonnie & Klyde, pictured above, and Coach Woody Hayes. Sally Monroe & Family are sponsoring the name Woody for the next rescued Golden. Bonnie recently passed away from splenic cancer and Sally picked the name because it is not only a great dog name, but it is also the name of Sally's favorite football coach - Ohio State's Woody Hayes. Sally's whole family was blessed with Bonnie & Klyde in their lives for the last 13 years and this is a tribute to Bonnie & Klyde to exemplify how much they meant to them. Bonnie & Klyde will always be with them and play a special part in their lives.

Donation for the Naming Tribute program in the name of Bert, our Golden whom we adopted 15 years ago and passed away in October. He was a true "Bert" - full of energy and mischief and all those wonderful attributes that make up a Golden! He is missed by Tim, Sheila & Rufus, whom we adopted from GRRR two years ago this month. Thanks much!

Corinne. Loved by Linda Doerksen. Corinne was my very first Golden and she was the flower girl at my wedding.

From Stephen Mitchell: Our Friend, Gloria Gossard, is 84 years young and became younger still last year when she adopted "Aspen," a 6 year old Golden from GRRR. We think that a new GRRR rescue should be named, "Gloria."

Bill Barrett & Krista Dixon's Gunner. We often reference Gunner in conversations but looking back in our albums for pictures of him sure did bring back a flood of memories...and a few tears. When I look at how much our Goldens take part in our lives it's pretty incredible. Please tell everyone at GRRR thank you for us!

Stacy and I lost our Molly Sue thyroid cancer 2 1/2 years ago and Louie's recent diagnosis (making Louie one of GRRR's most recent Golden Angels) really hit home having gone through it with Molly. Molly Sue's spirit continues to carry on. In fact, it was our loss of Molly that prompted us to adopt our first GRRR dog, Carson, and to volunteer for GRRR. Because of her, I have been able to help so many. I sure wish you all had been able to meet Molly. She was the best.

I called Hattie my little "Walmart greeter" because she greeted everyone at Chatfield with a smile. We visited children regularly at Swedish Hospital. The kids LOVED her and always commented on her white eyelashes. She was a babe! Oh, how I miss her so,

I am making this donation as an anniversary gift in honor of my husband, Jim, and our first Golden, Jenny. Not too long after Jim and I got married, I promised Jim that we could get a dog after we bought a house. Jenny was not a GRRR dog, but still was a rescue dog. She was so sweet and loving, that she made a Golden lover out of me. After losing our dear Jenny to liver cancer, we found GRRR. The rest is history and Mary has helped us adopt our next three Goldens from GRRR. That is why I would like to honor Jim and Jenny with this donation and request that one of the new rescue dogs be named Jenny.

Maggie (a/k/a Sweet Maggie May) was our first female golden retriever. She was part of our “first generation” of golden children – we got her brother Bailey right after we got married, and Maggie 3 years later. We (Kathy) actually picked out our first house based on the size of the backyard. Maggie was never without a blue racquetball – there was nothing she’d rather do than have you throw her ball. She even slept with one close by just in case someone would be available to throw it for her. We lost our Maggie to cancer when she was 7 years old. We’d lost Bailey a year earlier from leukemia and Maggie missed him terribly, even though we got her a puppy, Sam. Maggie’s cancer was in her heart – we think she never recovered from her broken heart after Bailey died.

Maggie was a very special golden, but then aren’t they all? Thank you Debbie Davis and GRRR for honoring our Maggie in such a meaningful way.

Booker was adopted by my parents at the age of two, and he had that old-soul quality from the beginning. He was a sweet, laid-back Golden who was happiest near his people and who was loved by all who met him. My parents lost Booker at much too young an age in October 2007 after he bravely fought his cancer with chemotherapy treatments. Booker was almost five. Booker, you are missed by my parents and your Golden sister, Penny, very, very much. May the second rescued Booker be as blessed in life as you!

It was with many tears and a heavy heart that we had to send our "Special Golden Girl Maya" to heaven. She waged a hard battle with a brain tumor, with her usual grace and dignity, she did her best until the end. The 19 months she was with us was all too short, but in that short time she brought more joy to us than most people can experience in a lifetime. Maya was a special girl and every time she had a seizure it broke our hearts for her. When it was determined it was a brain tumor and the probability that it would be benign was in her favor we thought we could make her life more comfortable. That was not to be. Just as she was one in a million, so was the fact that her tumor was rare and malignant. With Maya we had many wonderful times. We traveled cross country not once but twice and she was always happy to ride. Everyone who met her commented on the fact that she always looked like she was smiling, and she was. She loved to go to our property in the mountain just to walk around and enjoy the quiet and was happy to lounge in the shade. Though our hearts still ache, we rejoice for Maya and take comfort in the fact that she is now free from the earthly constraints of disease and is now running free, happy and healthy with her Golden brother Andy. Thank you GRRR for the gift of Maya Faith.

On the behalf of my loving parents, Bill and Inge, I am making a donation for the Naming Tribute program in the name of Honey in honor of our second Golden. Honey could not be missed with her large stature, bigger heart, and her habit of walking herself with her leash in her mouth. We had to put her down just over two years ago. I hope her namesake will bless another Golden with a good life and a great home just as the first Honey had.

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