Memorial Stories

Losing a beloved pet is never easy. Their impact on our lives cannot be measured, and their memories remain with us always. Sharing those memories with others is a wonderful way to honor your special companion. (The submission form is at the bottom of this page.)


Deuce Walbert (07-206 [Snickers])



Deuce was the biggest Golden Retriever I've ever seen. He was more like a small pony. There was a reason for that: He had the biggest heart of any Golden I've ever known, and I've raised many. Thank you, DVGRR, for bringing him into our family; he was dearly loved.

Submitted by Carole Walbert

Deuce (on left)


Ally Rubinfield (04-071)



We lost Ally today (4/1/13). She was an amazing, "crazy," loving Golden. Her dignity was with her to the end, and we (including canine sibling, Sierra, also a DVGRR girl) miss her already. Ally gave us joy, love, and happiness for the almost nine years that we had her. We are so sad but know that she is resting peacefully. Thank you DVGRR for your gift of Ally!

Submitted by Emily Rubinfield


Junior Zembas (01-013)

In 2001 as part of DVGRR’s transport team, I picked up a Golden at the Neshiminy Mall that was the saddest looking Golden boy I had ever transported. He had only a small amount of fur and had many scabs and raised skin lesions. I carefully loaded him into my car for the trip back to the DVGRR vet. As we drove, he put his head on my shoulder and breathed a big sigh. I looked into those big, brown eyes, and I fell in love. After a stay at Golden Gateway with a few vet visits to get his skin condition treated, I adopted him!

His coat was absolutely beautiful when it grew in fully a few months later. The best way to describe Junior is as the "lovable clown." He was always doing things to make you laugh. He loved tennis balls so much that he would do anything to get at them. You could hide them in a closet on the top shelf, and he'd bark at the closet until you surrendered them. He tumbled furniture, opened cabinet doors, jumped into a utility sink, and destroyed a gym bag to get at a good tennis ball. He has more miles on his paws then some people put on their cars. He loved multiple-hour hikes in the coal mountains after which he would often look like he was wearing black boots from the coal dirt.

Junior added so much to our lives in the precious years that we shared with him. We will miss him dearly, and always smile when we think of him. God bless you Junie, we love you!

Submitted by Jeanette Zembas


The Loss of Two Best Friends

Our perfect Golden match adopted us in August 2008 with the help of DVGRR. Bringing home Buddy #46 (08-164) was a careful and cautious decision made mostly by my beloved husband, three years following the loss of our 15 ½ year old Golden, Clyde, Ray’s best friend and constant companion. The decision was made knowing that Ray’s late stage cancer diagnosis was now in full remission.

One month later, Ray’s cancer would return and so would Ray’s initial regret at having adopted Buddy. Chemo and radiation treatments would hinder Ray’s ability to care for his new best friend, as I continued to work. Well, the care never stopped and over the next 3 ½ years, Buddy inspired Ray to keep moving forward, despite his illness and treatments. Buddy was Ray’s co-pilot in the car – wherever Ray went, Buddy would be seen sitting next to him… rain, snow, or sunshine. Ray and Buddy would become a constant at the local park, feeding the ducks and birds.

In the meantime, Buddy was my Velcro dog, a gentle giant who never left my side, his nose/face permanently planted on my hip, eyes looking upward for pets and love. Our Buddy would be a distraction from the continuing decline of Ray’s life. He was my source of love, support, and golden compassion.

Without warning, following a normal summer evening walk, our Buddy would give his life on July 29, 2012 at age 10 ½ to the same disease that had plagued my Ray for four years now, the dreaded cancer. I was with Buddy as he peacefully passed over Rainbow Bridge. He had placed his large paw gently on my hand as if to console me, a final act of love, devotion and compassion.

Eight weeks later, I would lose my other best friend, my husband Ray, the love of my life for 33 years. A giver until the end, Ray shared the following with a nurse from the hospital the day he was being brought home: “I am going home to die. Sharon needs another dog as much as a dog needs her. After I go, she has to get one. Flowers are a waste of money. My wish is for donations to DVGRR. I don’t know how Sharon would have gotten through the last four years without her Buddy.”

Although I am sad and often lonely, I am also fortunate to have been so loved and blessed during these difficult years. For now, I have become a pseudo mom to Lily, another DVGRR alumni and success story. Lily’s owners and my neighbors, Jane and Brandon, share their gift with me until my golden future arrives. And yes, there will be one.

Golden gratefulness,

Sharon Schultz


Cedric

I first saw Cedric at DVGRR when I came out one day to volunteer and I wasn't looking for a dog at that time having lost two of myt Goldens in the span of 13 months. My previous adopted Golden, Nikky, only lived six months after being adopted and I didn't think I was ready, and then I saw Cedric.

He looked so sad just lying there in the kitchen that I decided to ask questions about him. He was in the kitchen area because he did not like being around other dogs. Shortly after driving home I made the decision to "foster" him on October 30, 2009 and that Christmas he was my gift to myself. I could not imagine my life without him. He was my constant companion and I swear that he understood every word that was ever said to him.

Until November of 2011 he was able to get in the car with the aid of his ramp and his favorite trip was going to the Dairy Queen. The owner always made such a fuss over him as he gave him his sherbet. This past November his legs just didn't work as well so we had to live in the downstairs part of the house so as to avoid the stairs. He had two big rooms to use for play and to do his favorite past time which was watching the birds, squirrels and deer. Most days he was able to take his two daily walks up until almost the end. Part of his daily routine was to lay in the back yard from 6:30-7:00 PM. He just loved to stick his nose in the grass and roll over and scratch his back.

He always looked so happy and contented and I was blessed to have Cedric in my life for almost three years. He was such a loving dog and was totally dedicated to me and I to him. I never once had to raise my voice to him. I know he was forever grateful to be rescued from the streets of Florida and enjoyed his senior years being pampered and spoiled rotten. He rescued me and taught me to open my heart again to a truly amazing dog. He will be forever in my heart and we will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.

- Sharon Jordan



Buster

We adopted Buster when he was 1 year old. We thought, "as long as he's good with our 1 year old son, we will keep him." On the initial visit, my son picked up Buster's leash and led him through the house and backyard with Buster trotting by his side. What followed were several years of having a comedian, protector and dear friend as part of our family.

Buster had the chance to swim in lakes, go hiking and fishing, run in parks, walk through the city and catch flying squirrels that would sneak into the house. He was a loving boy, always there to entertain the kids, teach them responsibility, and greet them as they came home from school. Since I work from home, he was always by my side waiting for my 3:00 break to play ball no matter what the weather. Buster was not a pure bred Golden Retriever - we called him our booby prize. We think he was part Chow because he would "talk" to us when we walked in the door or wanted something. He had a knack for howling at the Fire House siren, even at 4 am.

He went beautifully and quietly on Jan 25, 2012 after leading a full and happy life. He will always be missed.

— Steven Sav


Buster


In loving memory of Shadow  (09-020)

“Golden Retrievers leave a paw print on your heart”

A pair of friendly, warm and loving Golden Retrievers captured my heart at my first Meet and Greet at Golden Gateway in the spring of 2009. Kukla was so sweet and friendly. Shadow was so warm and playful. Now I have so many memories of Shadow…

A loyal and faithful companion, strong, and a good protector. Always greeting you with a smile, hug, and wag of his tail. On one of our first walks through the neighborhood, I realized how much he loved sports balls – when we returned, he had found a small basketball, which remained his favorite toy! Shadow continued to find and build his collection on our walks – softballs, wiffle balls, tennis balls!  

Always leading the way on those walks. Chasing animals out of the yard. Playing a game of hide and seek with Kukla. He was playful, energetic, and always had a toy or tennis ball in his mouth! His favorite things were “Biscuit” …”Walk”…”Biscuit”…”Play ball”…”Biscuit”.

Our special and treasured memories included summer vacations in Cape May, enjoying walks on the beach, exploring the parks on the Point, meeting new summertime paw friends. Enjoying walks in Valley Forge Park, and sharing moments with the deer. Strolling our neighborhood and meeting our favorite friends.

Shadow touched many lives of friends and family and is forever loved and missed. To all his caregivers through the years, thank you for your compassion and love of animals! Shadow, "Of all His creatures great and small, God blessed me with the best of all. Just as I loved you from the start, You'll always live within my heart."

Love, Susan and Kukla 
 

Shadow 09-020


Bodhi (08-188)

Bodhi was only with us for three short years and was an amazing dog. Despite a difficult and harsh earlier life, Bodhi never let that dampen his Golden ability to love. He was an intelligent and loving pup.

Having survived a previous bout of cancer another type appeared in May. After some discussion we all agreed that only the shoulder area involved would be removed and then chemo. Working through that treatment and additional physical therapy and acupuncture he remained active and happy. His quick improvement in mobility and pain levels was the best example of his determination and the positive effect of the PT and acupuncture. He proved to the vet practice that treatment could be modified and result in quality of life. This greatly influenced the vet practice to start a physical therapy program and promote the benefits of alternative medicine. Unfortunately the cancer returned and we lost him on Nov 29th.

 

Thankfully he was comfortable and happy until the last few hours and crossed over surrounded at home by family and friends. He will be remembered for what he showed people could be done, changed a practice's way of thinking about treatment and care especially for senior pups and will be missed everyday.

 -- Tom and Evie Sowinski

Boone (02-002)

Boone (00-002) passed to Rainbow Bridge several years ago but this story written in 2005 illustrates the wonderful spirit of this amazing senior Golden:

Boone (also known as Pappy,) who turned 18 years old on January 27, 2005, is an adopted senior — he has had many homes in his past, but he is surely in his final home now — with the Poslocks. He is truly a golden wonder…still swimming, romping, and simply enjoying life as an old gold!

Boone was born in Florida, January 27, 1987. His family moved to Pennsylvania and then divorced. He went through a few homes and finally was placed by a rescue into a nursing home, where he lived for about eight years. It was there that his mom Lisa met him. Lisa was a nursing consultant at the facility — Boone was the resident dog that was not being taken care of. Boone was 150+ lbs with overgrown nails that curled under his pads and was never fed dog food — just table scraps for the most part.

Boone learned that his future mom, Lisa, really cared for him. He learned very quickly to wait for the elevator door to open in the AM with a "Good Morning my friend!!" followed by a walk outside and some loving. Many nights, the staff at the facility would put Boone on the elevator to sleep alone, as they did not want to be bothered by him. Oh how sad he was. There was talk of having him euthanized since he could barely walk and was very depressed. Boone's mom asked to take him home for a weekend to have him groomed, knowing she would never take him back. His mom contacted the attorney for the rescue that placed Boone, who arranged to get her emergency custody — and it is all a fairy tale afterwards.

The Poslocks adopted Boone — never to return him to the nursing home — and Boone's mom gave up a lucrative contract there, since she kept Boone!! While having a tooth pulled in March 2004, Boone suffered a massive heart attack from the anesthesia. He was resuscitated and continues to do well. He is truly an Energizer Booney!

Boone still brings much joy to the elderly. Going to the nursing facility where his mom now works, he visits the halls with his partner Blazer, a much younger golden also owned by the Poslocks. Truly everyone's golden, Boone is loved all over the world.

Currently, the couch is generally Boone's new domain — where he enjoys long naps and lots of loving from his family.

-- Lisa Poslock

Cassie Brown (2008-169)

October 27, 1995 – June 25, 2011

When Cassie's prior owner died, the family found Cassie snuggled up next to her deceased owner. Because the family could not keep her, she was brought to DVGRR. Cassie grew up and lived on a farm and was fortunate to be a one family dog prior to her arrival at DVGRR.

When I met Cassie in August 2008, I was hesitant to adopt a 13-year-old dog. However, my sister Penny and cousin Lorena convinced me that I needed to adopt her since she was highly unadoptable due to her advanced age. I proceeded to adopt Cassie and because she was 13, she renewed my hope in the Golden Retriever breed as my first three Goldens died from various forms of cancer at age 10 or younger.

Initially, Cassie was not very friendly to Bryn (formerly Lily 2006-145). I took Cassie to the vet for a checkup and learned that she had six fractured teeth with three being infected so the six teeth were removed. After that, Cassie was a much happier dog and was very kind to Bryn. Cassie was definitely the matriarch of the family and Bryn and Lacy Jane respected that.

Even though Cassie had chronic arthritis and was on Rimadyl, Amantadine, Tramadol, and Dasuquin, she remained highly energetic for a senior citizen. While she could not run, she loved to walk around the backyard, the neighborhood, and in the lake. I would have loved to known Cassie as a younger dog. My cousin built a ramp for Cassie from the first floor to the back yard so she would not need to use the stairs.

In June 2011, Cassie became very wobbly on her feet and in a few days, she could not stand on her back legs. My vet advised me that Cassie's back end was paralyzed, probably due to a ruptured blood vessel in her spinal column or a protruding disk. Unfortunately, neither of these conditions are treatable in an older dog and Cassie joined Gower, Maggie, and Bryn in the big yard in heaven. Cassie was four months short of her 16th birthday when she died. She was the oldest Golden Retriever treated by my vet. A miracle dog!

Melanie Brown

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Butterscotch - Beloved Family Member

December 2, 1995-May 13, 2011

Like most of us, I'll never forget what I was doing on 9/11. As a home health nurse, I was seeing a patient first thing that morning, a plumber who had suffered extensive burns on his hands in an occupational accident and who required assistance with meticulous bandage changes on a daily basis. When I finished the job, sometime around 10 am, I was greeted by the friendly, sometimes mischevous, but always eager-to-please face and wagging tail of Butterscotch, almost age six at that time, who had come with me on my rounds that day.

Little did I know how much I would come to need her that day, and for many more days after.

As the horrifying news of man's inhumanity unleashed against his fellow man unfolded on the radio and television news that day, all I could do was turn to Butterscotch, bury my face in her warm scruff and look into her warm brown eyes. Her consistent and steadfast presence were the only thing that got me through that day, and her warm brown eyes enabled me to hold onto the hope that somewhere, somehow, good must still exist in the world, at least through the eyes of a Golden Retriever loved by many, known as Butterscotch.

At age 15, she moved on to a place I don't yet know or understand. But Butterscotch being Butterscotch, will no doubt, be there to welcome me someday, tail wagging. I will remember those eyes, and will hold onto that hope till we meet again, sweet dear friend.

April Krauss

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Bailey

Waiting for Bailey's arrival was the most exciting time of my life. Seeing him as a tiny puppy brought me such joy. Bringing him into our home lit the place with pure love. He was a little ball of golden fur, romping around until he was exhausted, giving puppy kisses and making everyone smile. Every year of his life brought so much love and joy into our home. He was my rock through some very trying times and would just lay next to me and let me hug, kiss, and pet him. Always loving, patient, gentle, warm... his deep brown eyes radiated pure Spirit.

He loved his walks with his Daddy, going "bye-byes," riding in the car with his head out of the window, his "cookies" and all food!!! In puppy kindergarten he wanted everyone's treats and would do any command just to get one! He would sit on his hind legs doing "handsome" and soak up the praise we gave him...always wanting us to be happy. His "spot" was on the sofa or love seat, either curled up in a big golden ball or splayed out like he owned the joint.

Images of him --"running and running" to me after a walk, romping in the snow, laying on his back with all four paws in the air and his "little teeth" showing, completely vulnerable to the world -- play in my head. His passing came quickly and we were so unprepared. Our hearts were broken. He would not want us to cry or grieve for too long because all he knew was Love, pure unconditional Love and bringing happiness and joy into our lives. Our hearts are beginning to heal because of his Love and we know that Spirit in those deep brown eyes is still all around us and within us. To this day this house is his house.

Michelle Murta

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Sweet Simba – A Rescue Dog Success Story

Simba the dog took a round about route to find his forever home but the unlikely result ended up as a notable DVGRR success story. At age 3-1/2 Simba went from a nice family home in Florida to an uncertain future heading north to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. His issue with small animals had marked his record and later cost him his first adopted home. We saw Simba at an open house in June of 2004, but because we were planning a long trip in September we didn't want to adopt then board a dog for a month. On 10/31/04 we came back to DVGRR. The staff introduced us to a few dogs that didn't fit when I asked "what ever happened to that dog Simba?" Those were the luckiest words I've ever uttered since it brought us together with one outstanding dog.

The second bit of luck was the canine companion we had brought with us for a "second opinion," Sparky, our neighbor's Golden. Tagged not good with other dogs, a trait we hoped to avoid, Simba and Sparky proved that wrong and he was off to his forever home.

It turned out to be quite a lucky day for all. Simba an usually large golden with cover dog looks linked up with a professional photographer and a writer/public relations specialist. He made his new parents proud showing off his good looks in a fund raising ad for Golden Gala that turned into a fund raising card, won a Planet Dog photo contest and was featured in Barb's newspaper articles and blog. His gentle nature made him a joy with children and seniors as a "Pals For Life" volunteer; we just kept him away from cats and bunnies. He always made sure our backyard was a groundhog free zone.

He traveled far and wide in our RV including his annual return to home state Florida. He walked over 2000 miles leaving his mark on so many trails. He heard many admirers tell him what a handsome boy he was but never let it get to his already large head. His amazing ball playing skills continued till his last day. He turned 10 on 10/10/10 and had a great run that sadly ended suddenly on Sunday 11/7/10 but he went out on top after a long walk and dip in his favorite creek. For more photos and a message from Simba, go to: http://www.CommunicationsPro.com/blog

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Emma Jane Weatherfield DiRico

My Emma was my best friend, the love of my life. She gave us eight beautiful, wonderful, and joyful years filled with love, laughter and more happiness than we thought possible. She taught me how to love fully and freely with compassion and patience. Emma opened my heart so much that we became a foster family for rescue doggies. This is her legacy that will live on forever. We miss you so much, my precious one.

Run free and wild at the Bridge, my darling, until we meet again. We will love you always, baby girl.

Mommy, Daddy and KirbyJoseph

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Golden Eden Bay

Eden was a special girl. She was a bouncy, happy puppy and remained that way every day of her life. She was kind, tolerant, smart, beautiful. She was everything there was in a golden. When children approached her, she would get down to their level. If it was a smaller dog, she would get down to their level. If I felt down, she would make me laugh or look at me in that way that was only between the two of us. She left us unexpectedly and suddenly on July 27, 2010. I miss her everyday. We honor the life of our special golden by making a gift that will help other goldens.

Edna Gorby

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Shelby

#7 (07-217)

Shelby was nine years old when our daughter, Michelle, adopted her. Then Michelle's work schedule changed and she began putting in 10-12 hour days, which Shelby's bladder couldn't handle. So Shelby began spending her days at our home since we already loved her and she got along so well with our English Cocker, Olivia.

We knew when Michelle adopted Shelby that she had arthritis and we were treating her with meds. She was so good and never complained; she would even try to run, especially when she saw bunnies in the yard. In February, 2010, we noticed she seemed to have more difficulty walking. After multiple vet visits with no improvement, I contacted Dr. Northington, a neurologist at Metropolitian Veterinary Associates in Trooper. As soon as he saw her he suspected something was wrong in the neck area - yes, her hips were bad but this was not a hip problem, it was a nerve problem. He did an MRI and the worst case scenario showed up - a tumor growing in her spinal cord.

The tumor was inoperable, but Dr. Northington put Shelby on high doses of prednisone. After six days we brought her back home and she was walking better than she had five weeks earlier. Sadly, because of the prednisone and the fact she was pretty immobile, she developed pneumonia. We took her to the vet at the first sign of a problem and they put her on a strong antibiotic, but she just didn't have the immune system to fight it. Three weeks later, on March 14, 2010, Shelby got up from where she was lying in the living room, walked out to her favorite spot in front of the dining room windows, lay down, and quietly walked over the Rainbow Bridge. As sad as we were, we were relieved that she died at home, surrounded by the people who loved her so much, hearing the familiar sounds she had grown to love.

She was the neatest dog and we couldn't have asked for any better. When we got her, she weighed 120 pounds and between Michelle and us we had her down to 76 pounds before she got sick. She was good friends with Michelle's African Gray Parrot and our Olivia (Livvy). Shelby was cremated and is now back in the dining room near the window she loved so much to sleep under, in her forever home with the people who will forever love and miss her.

Thank you DVGRR for your compassion and caring for the Goldens that are rescued, especially in giving the older ones a chance to live out their lives to the fullest, knowing they were loved greatly!

Sadly and never to be forgotten, Michelle, Richard and Donna Wiswesser.

 

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Memorial Story Submission Form

Submitting your memorial story to DVGRR also helps support the lives of future Goldens through your $25 donation. We thank you and are sorry for your loss.

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