Daisy was in rescue for a day and a half when I had to help her cross the bridge. This precious little fur baby was poisoned months ago and was in kidney and liver failure. For two days our vet tried to save her but she was too weak to stand. Daisy cross the Rainbow Bridge in my arms. I held her and whispered in her ear and gave her all the names of all our other babies that are at the bridge. I asked her to please give each of them one tear and one kiss and tell them how much we miss them. She is running in the fields and the streams with all the energy of a puppy. Sweet Daisy, I'm so sorry I couldn't save you.

Stevi

Auggie headed to the rainbow bridge after a brave and Auggie dog styled battle with cancer. As I write this I can physically feel how dearly dearly she will be missed. She was my heart and soul and my committed companion. She was a trooper to the end and I will remember her courage and her spirit in that battle - but mostly what I think I will remember are the hundreds of ways she made me laugh over the last 11 years.

Auggie was a simple girl - she loved eating, swimming, eating, carrying big sticks, eating, the snow, eating the snow, car rides, eating, and the beach and oh yah - eating!! And her favorite time of day (besides breakfast and dinner) was cooking time!!!! She had season's tickets and front row seats for "Cooking in the Kitchen".....and never missed an opportunity to lay smack in the entrance of the kitchen and watch any form of food being handled in the kitchen - that was her "food channel" and she was a dedicated subscriber!! So she was simple to make happy.

She also was my most committed friend. She could always be found next to me - and was a joy to have around. She made me smile every day and coming home today Marty and I tried to remember all the ways she accomplished that. The way she would fanatically swim in Lake Powell until she was past exhaustion..... and then go for just one more swim!! The way she would capitalize on any eating opportunity and only later discovering that 30 lbs of dog food, a whole vat of Costco red vine licorice, and an entire bag of brown sugar does not make a girl feel very good at all!! She would swim in the Mammoth lakes in the spring until her core body temperature was nearly below freezing and then be bummed when we left and she couldn't swim anymore in spite of the fact that she was almost frozen solid and shaking incessantly!! The way she learned to go off the houseboat slide and do a perfect water landing and let me tell you - there are few things quite as funny as seeing a big black dog hauling butt down a slide into the water right behind the person in front of her - and while she was definitely committed to being right behind you on the slide - she was not well versed in proper playground etiquette when it came to appropriate waiting times between sliders, so pretty much - if you didn't want to get taken out - you had to counted to 5 before surfacing - otherwise you were certainly going to experience a large black fuzzy dog flying into you the moment you came up for air!! Enthusiasm was her forte.

She was a gentle soul - never fought with another dog, never bit anyone, never chased kitties - every bone in her body was made of sweetness and love. She always always wanted to please and as vet tech asked me when they were taking care of her during her most recent challenge of cancer...."Has she always been this nice???" Yes - Auggie was always always that nice.

And she was a trooper throughout her battle with cancer. She had a great attitude and her trust and love was enormous - so she took everything in stride - accepted the cards dealt her - and carried on with her Auggie ways. She impressed everyone with her recovery and outlook. Through it all - she was the Aug Dog!! She was adored by Jazz - her golden sister - and we are feeling a very very empty space in our home tonight. There will never be another one quite like her and I will cherish all the extra months that I was granted to spend time with her. The one thing I promised her when she first got cancer - was that I was going to take her to the beach and take her to Mammoth one more time!! Well, we did it - in the last months of her life - and here are some of the pictures from those two special outings. These memories are very special to me and I am grateful that I could keep my promise to her.

I adopted 13 year-old Tigger on April 26, 2009 from Melanie Bruski's kind and loving care when she brought him to the Best Friends adoption event in Westchester Park in LA County. When first with us he was timid and reticent, and unsure of his role in his new surroundings. Over a period of days, this beautiful creature adapted to our love and the warmth of my and his Golden Retriever sister Daisy’s home and our friends. He then blossomed to King of the Land and became a fierce protector of family and home with a hearty bark when anyone came to the door. Mealtime was one of his favorite activities and he would jump up off the floor in excited expectation. He loved daily walks, rides in the car, special outings to restaurants, and hikes in new places. He welcomed our grooming sessions and asked for more. One troubling development was that he would not eat for 2-3 days at a time every month or so, but then his appetite would return and he was as eager as ever to dine and enjoy his food. The vet thinks he may have had an abdominal tumor which at the end may have ruptured and caused internal bleeding and shock. Please see below for an announcement I sent to all of Tigger's friends today, January 23, 2010, almost 9 months after I adopted him. He was a blessing in our lives, an angel who walked among us and shared his deep soul with me on a daily basis. His devotion to me was evident in his eyes when he looked at me - they shone with love, trust and gratitude.

Daisy was sweet, smart, kind and gentle. She nursed almost 40 rescues back to health and safety while she was with us. She had a natural ability to predict seizures in humans, and pushed her aunt down on the sofa and blocked her to prevent injury as she had a seizure. Daisy would gently slide up to dog after dog when they arrived from surgery and she would lie next to them and comfort them. She helped them to heal and calmed their souls. Her love was limitless and unconditional. She was a happy girl who would swim for hours, loved the beach. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Daisy is greatly missed.

Alexis crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of her foster parents when the beautiful one year old lost her battle with Distemper. She was given her shots at the shelter which made the virus difficult to confirm. Her upper respiratory infection and pneumonia were treated and she was a model patient taking all her meds and loving the constant attention and cuddling. Alexis did so well we were convinced she would be in the small percentage of those that survive but the relentless virus went to her brain. Our hopes of giving Alexis the loving life she deserved were not fulfilled. We will always think of Alexis running through the fields and streams across the Rainbow Bridge with no coughing or fevers and enjoying her friends, our beloved pets that live there.

Sissy arrived over two years ago nearer death than life. She weighed 33 pounds and had a large ulcerated mass on her back, there was no life left in her eyes. Her fur was so covered in urine and feces and she had to be shaved. She had cancer but we thought she could have a few weeks to enjoy being pampered. She began to eat and little by little came to life. Her family decided that she could be fat and never denied her a treat. When she crossed the bridge she topped the scales at 68 pounds and loved every nibble and biscuit of it. In rescue a life is counted from the day the fur baby is brought in. Sissy had a wonderful few years. She was ready to leave and didn't wait for her family to gather and make the final decision. Three hours before her appointment with the vet she quietly slipped away. She now lives at the Rainbow Bridge with all her friends, sisters and brothers and will never be hungry or hurt again. Here's Sissy when she came to us and the beautiful fur baby she became.

Oliver, 2002 - March 23, 2009

Rusty, ~2002 - March 10, 2009

Rusty, a sweet senior, was turned over to our rescue in January of 2009.  He was thought to be around 7 or 8 years old.  Rusty had lived a hard life before a rescue angel brought him to us.  Len and Nancy Bunyan fostered him.  They noticed that he seemed unusually tired at times, so he was under a vet's care for the last several weeks.  On Monday he seemed to be doing better, but by Tuesday evening his breathe was labored for just a short time and he laid down and crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Rusty did not suffer but went quickly and quietly.  He knew the best days of his life under the wonderful care of the Bunyans.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SPENCER
March 1, 1998 - February 17, 2009

Spencer was an Honorary SCGRR dog and we considered him "family". As a big brother to SCGRR foster dogs, Spencer was a wonderful mentor to golden foundlings, including foster puppies Ben and Jerry. He was a certified therapy dog at Northridge Hospital, where he comforted many an adult and child, and he instinctively knew who needed him the most. Spencer was the Will Rogers of Golden Retrievers as he never met a person he did not like, and the feeling was definitely mutual.  He had his own blog and had fans from around the world who would delight in reading about his activities:  http://blog.stickerdog.com/ 

We think that Spencer had accomplished the task that God had assigned to him...which was to have his human mom and dad fall in love with him and complete their family...and to teach the world  "golden retriever love" via his blog and his therapy work. Thank you, Spencer, for teaching us all so much and for giving happiness to so many. Rest in peace Spencer...You sure were loved. 

With Love from the Volunteers at SCGRR     

Gideon Brown, January 2008 - January 19, 2009

On January 13, 2009, Gideon, a small, very underweight one-year old, was rescued from the Lake Elsinore Animal Friends shelter by one of our volunteers, Melanie Bruski. Gideon appeared to have a bad case of kennel cough but Melanie took him to her home anyway to start him on the road to recovery. He was a very sweet boy, she said; he listened well and was gentle and calm. When it was time for Melanie to take him to our boarding facility a few days later, she asked to foster and rep him instead. By the 18th, Melanie felt he needed to see a vet as his "Kennel cough" was the worst she'd ever seen, with projectile sneezing, constant coughing, and lack of appetite, even though he was about 15 lbs underweight. The next day Melanie took him to the vet. His diaphragm was completely torn in two and his liver and his stomach were in his chest cavity.  If surgery wasn't done immediately, he had about 2 days to live. Her vet brought in a specialist to do the surgery that very afternoon, with Gideon having a 50/50 chance of making it. They found that Gideon had lung lobe torsion in all 4 lung lobes.  That means they were twisted in on themselves and he couldn't breathe.  The surgeon found Gideon's lungs so compromised that nothing could be done and Gideon was gently released to join his many friends over the bridge. The autopsy revealed extensive scarring of his lungs due to a long-term infection.

Melanie was by his side and will keep his ashes. For seven days, Gideon had a home full of love and care...most likely the best days of his short life, thanks to a very caring volunteer. Now he no longer is in pain,  can run with the fleetest, jump with the most agile, and...best of all...not hurt.  Farewell Sweet Gideon, you are back with the angels but still loved.

Sarge, August 7, 1995 - December 1, 2008

Jessy chose the most beautiful day of the year to give birth to her nine beautiful healthy puppies.  Just to please everyone Jessy made sure the litter had red and gold and beige puppies. For seven weeks Jessy cared for them and taught them lessons she knew they would need and she chose their future very carefully. At seven weeks and three days, the coordinator from Canine Companions for Independence came to select the most special puppies in the litter.  Sarge was chosen.  He was so proud that he did well on the test and his broad chest and big feet made him perfect for his future job.  He said goodbye to the family and happily went off to CCI School to learn how to be a companion dog for someone wheelchair-bound.  Sarge made everyone proud and learned his lessons well.  He learned to keep his tail straight when he sat or it could get run over.  He learned to brace himself so eventually someone could use him for support.  He proudly wore his yellow vest and enjoyed outings to SeaWorld, went to school with his foster mother, and studied hard.

Then it happened, he grew so big his legs hurt.  The doctor had bad news.  He needed hip surgery and couldn’t stay in school.  Sarge was going home to become a couch potato.  He had no idea how well he would excel at this new path his life was taking. The surgery went well.  First one hip and then the other.  Sarge did his exercises and relaxed.  He was very good at the latter.  He walked, ran and became the best couch potato ever.  Sarge slept on the rug during the day, on the couch to watch television in the evening and between his parents at night.  Yes, he was a good sleeper.

One day another dog arrived and he realized not all dogs had the life he did and she needed to learn not to be afraid, that she would be warm, hugged, fed and loved.  He showed her around the yard, where the clean cool water was, where the toys were and that it was sometimes okay to steal a shoe and run away.  Pretty soon she left for her forever home and another dog arrived.  Sarge became a pretty good teacher and his new career became teaching rescue dogs how to be, well, dogs.

Sarge crossed the Rainbow Bridge on December 1, 2008 at home in his mommy’s arms.  His daddy whispering in his ear that he was perfect from the minute he was born. His wonderful vet was with him.  Sarge never did a naughty thing.  Even the day he ate the couch he was good.  He was safe, warm, fed and loved every day of his life.  His wish is that every dog could be as safe, warm, fed and loved every day of their lives, too.  Sarge is proud to have been a part of rescue.  He will play with his mother and sisters and brothers and all the dogs that crossed the bridge before him and he will wait until his mommy and daddy come for him.  He will he young and healthy and not feel any pain. 

Sarge I hope you know how much we love you. ~Stevi & Dave Martin and Family

Camile, April 16, 2008 - November 25, 2008

Camile came into rescue on November 20th with an intestinal blockage.  She was immediately taken to the vet where x-rays showed "movement." But the next morning she began to vomit and was rushed back to the vet and into emergency surgery.  She had four blockages and the intestine was in very bad condition.  The surgery was extensive and she was in "guarded" condition.  By Sunday, she appeared to be doing well and the entire hospital was in love with her.  Despite her IVs and pain, her tail was still wagging and she wanted the vet to lie down and cuddle with her. Our wonderful vet did exactly that. Early on the morning of the 25th, the vet phoned with a decision to make: Camille had fecal leakage and was in pain and we needed to give permission to put her to sleep.  Against all our hopes and all our efforts, she couldn't recover from four blockages and the long difficult surgery.  Camille crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of her vet
Jennifer.

Ginger Torres, 2001 - October 30, 2008

Ginger Morita, 2002- October 29, 2008

Valor, September 1996 - October 28, 2008

Henry, 1994- October 27, 2008

On October 27th, we lost a rescue. His name was Henry, he was 14 years old, and he was in rescue for about an hour. Our volunteer, Melanie Bruski, picked him up from LEAF (Lake Elsinore Animal Friends). He was in very bad shape so she took him immediately to the vet where he was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease (a swelling of the liver and other vital organs). He also had a fungal infection of the skin, many tumors in his mouth, one on his cheek the size of a tennis ball, and several tumors in and around his abdomen. His ears were completely full or puss and blood. He could barely walk. When the vet palpated his abdomen he screamed...not yelped, not cried, but screamed. He was breathing very heavy, which the vet said is a sign of pain. The vet said his liver especially was very swollen. Melanie asked if he would survive anything (ie. surgery, meds, etc. ) and was told that he would probably not survive anything...his liver was too swollen and he was already too far gone. Melanie made the decision to have him humanely euthanzied. While waiting for the doctors, Henry had a Grand Mal seizure. It was awful to watch him go thru this. He was given a sedative about a minute after his seizure started and he died while being petted and told he was a good boy. Melanie said, "I have used about a box of tissues so far tonight. I will never forget Sweet Henry and his short time in rescue. But I know he will be one of the first to welcome me when my time comes."

For the last hour of his 14 years, Henry was loved.

Red, 1996- October 24, 2008

Joey, 1997 - October, 2008

Miss Scarlett, 1995 - September 8, 2008

Miss Scarlett was a sweet, gentle soul whose owners turned her into the Camarillo shelter because they didn't have time for her anymore. She was 12 years old. Thyroid cancer struck in June and we removed the tumor but it returned in October and had spread too far for surgery or radiation to do much good. Her spirit and love kept her going for far longer than the vet thought possible. She was a love, pure and simple.

Bruin, July 4, 1995 - August 2008

Every person who met Bruin agreed he was an extraordinary dog. From the time Richard and Iris got him as a two-month old pup with rare gold eyes, they knew they had someone special. Out of 70 dogs tested for the ICU therapy-dog program at UCLA, Bruin was one of the 5 chosen (and the only Golden chosen) for the program, and he served for two years. He loved his job as he loved people. Bruin once visited a blind, 99-year old man who hadn't moved or spoken in weeks. When Bruin sat at the bed, the man laid his hand on Bruin's head and smiled. Bruin even got into bed with him and cuddled for a while. Later that evening, the gentleman passed on.

Bruin was always the center of any party at the Alter home, greeting guests and mingling, always the perfect host. He'd perform his many tricks, such as holding a treat or bone on his nose until told "Go," when he'd then flip it in the air and catch it. Bruin was even the ringbearer at Richard's son's home wedding, proudly carrying a basket with the ring in it down the aisle. Bruin loved the water and when the grandchildren came over and headed for the pool, Bruin would take a flying leap into the pool to play with them. He also loved riding in the car, going anywhere and everywhere Richard and Iris could take him.

Bruin was smart, patient, caring, and the alpha peacemaker at dog parks; he kept the other dogs in line. He loved everyone and never met a person or dog he didn't like. Although Richard and Iris adopted Zoey from SCGRRescue to help fill the hole in their hearts, they know they'll never find another dog like Bruin.

Lucy, November 19, 1997 - July 1, 2008

Evening Star's Golden Lucia crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday, July 1st.  Her everyday name suited her better, as our Lucy made all the dogs and people who crossed her path feel at home.  She was a rascal of a puppy who grew into an elegant and loving lady.  Lucy was taken from us much too early at the age of 10 by a very aggressive cancer.  She will be missed by all who knew her.  Good night, sweet Lucy.

Golden Memories

They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true.
We never wanted memories, we only wanted you.
A million times we cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place no one can ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane.
We'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us back one by one, the chain will link again.

--Author Unknown

Ben & Jerry, April 28 - June 30, 2008

At the tender age of 4 weeks, Ben and Jerry were dumped on the doorstep of the Downey Shelter in deplorable condition. Jerry had Puppy Strangles....his lymph nodes were swollen and his skin had sores. Ben came to us unable to walk...he was so weak that he would fall over onto his face and could not stand back up. Through the constant care, feeding, attention, and loving showered on them by their foster parents, Michelle and Sangtar, they seemed to be making full recoveries. But this week, they both took a turn for the worse. As our president announced: "Neither Ben nor Jerry were able to win their battle with distemper.  Our valiant puppies crossed the Rainbow Bridge today where they will have healthy bodies, happy lives and constant love.  We will never forget those wonderful faces.  We weep today for all those who tried so hard and lovingly to see them through their many set backs and we rest assured that every thing possible was done for them."

Monty, 1996 - June 13, 2008

Monty was found in late April wandering the streets in Ventura County, 20 lbs. underweight, and lost or turned out at 12 years of age. But he didn't give up on humans and loved to just sit by your side, chewing a rawhide, or run through the park as long as he could keep you in sight. Kelli Maher fostered him at first, showing him what life with a loving family, two golden brothers, and a basset hound sister could be like. Ed Buck then became Monty's foster dad and showered him with toys, love, and all the chicken he wanted. A surprise diagnosis of cancer took Monty from us too quickly, but at least he had two very loving homes for his last two months.

Monty's Story

I gave them my love for many a year,
I was loyal and good, always full of good cheer.
But as I grew older, their time for me waned,
And I found myself loose, running scared in the rain.

Some men snatched me up, in a kennel they put me,
There were so many dogs, all crying to be free.
I was sick and afraid. Would this be my end?
Alone in a strange place with nary a friend?

But then two angels helped me out of that place,
One took me home, she looked in my face,
“You'll never be lonely again,” she explained,
“You'll have love and food and fun again.”

Another rescue angel then brought me home with him,
We played and hiked and loved each other, life was no longer grim.
But far too soon the cancer took me, it came on me so fast,
My last two months were glorious, with friends up to the last.

So thank you all you rescue angels who take us from the cold,
And give us love and hope again, and peace as we grow old.
--bjk

Bear -- June 3, 2008

Bear, beloved by Stevi and Dave Martin and their family, was an honorary Golden. Bear graciously welcomed over 80 foster dogs into his home throughout the years, helping scared and confused rescues from shelters learn about canine companionship and caring humans.

Request From Rainbow Bridge

by Constance Jenkins
In Loving Memory of Isolde Jenkins

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

OSCAR, 1998 - June 3, 2008

Oscar, fondly known as Schizo, was cared for as a permanent foster for the last two years of his life by volunteer Kelli Maher. When she took him in, she was told the cancer would take him in just a few months, but she did everything she could to extend that to two years. Oscar loved the beach. Kelli's fondest memory of him will be how he always ran to get a toy to give her when she came home....his way of saying, "Thank you, Mom, for giving me such a good life."

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you.

I loved you so....

'twas Heaven here with you

 

Isla Raschal Richardson

ROSEBUD, May 24 - June 3, 2008

Rosebud was born in rescue, attended by caring volunteers, and nutured for her short life by her loving foster parents, Stevi and Dave Martin. Her four brothers are thriving, but little Rosebud was called because children crossing the bridge need little puppies to play with.

Rosebud

When God calls little puppies to dwell with Him above,
We humans always question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache can compare with the loss of one small 'child',
Who does so much to make this world seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires - always calling the aged to His fold,
And so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them and so He picks but few;
To make the land of heaven more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult, yet somehow we must try,
For the saddest word that mankind knows will always be "good-bye".

And so when little pups depart;
We, who are left behind, must realize how much God loves puppies....
For angels are hard to find.

- Author Unknown