Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. . .

Hunter Frandsen- 13 yrs. old crossed over the rainbow bridge on November 14th, 2011. There is a hole in our hearts right now. We have had Hunter since he was 3 months old, when we adopted him from GRRMF in March 1999. May he run in Heaven like a little puppy again..........      

Tracy Frandsen and family

Yesterday was a sad day as Phoebe began her journey across the Rainbow Bridge.....
Some of you will remember her story.  Nearly 9 years ago I was asked by Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida(GRRMF) to take in a very frightened 4 1/2 year old little girl who was coming out of an abusive household and her owner was headed to a shelter where she could not take Phoebe.  The GRRMF people assured me this foster placement would only be for " a week or so!" Almost 9 years later..... !  Phoebe had obvious hip problems and when she was examined it turned out she was born with no hip sockets.  Through GRRMF, the great doctors at Oveido Vet Clinic repaired her hips in 2 operations in 2003.  Once healed she became almost a bionic dog, running around the house, chasing squirrels and enjoying her new found mobility.  Additionally, mentally she was a mess because of the abusive atmosphere in her former household and she was naturally very scared and timid.  After several months with me and her adopted big brother, Monty, her personality made a 180 degree turn and she became one of the most friendly and outgoing dogs I've ever encountered.  There was no one she didn't want to become her friend.  She was always so happy.  We always joke about how dogs turn around 3 times before they lay down.  Well, Phoebe literally bounced around, tail wagging before laying down!  Sometimes she would be laying around on the couch or wherever with a look on her face like she was contemplating all the world's mysteries.  She brought so much joy into our lives and others whom she touched.  Additionally, she never seemed to age!  She had only a little bit of gray on her muzzle right to the end and everyone who saw her thought she was maybe 5 or 6 instead of 13 1/2!
Her story emphasizes the wonderful work GRRMF does and their commitment to not giving up on goldens that have some seemingly insurmountable physical or mental problems. Her picture is in the back of the 2011 GRRMF calendar as a "runner up, the one with her head resting on a red pillow.
Now she is across the Rainbow Bridge, waiting..........

John & Cathy

It wasn't supposed to rain last night, but appropriately the heavens shed tears even as my heart did for my beautiful Aurora. On July18th, I had to make the excruciating decision to let her Cross the Rainbow Bridge at over 16 and half years of age. Thanks to Betty W. of GRRMF, she became a part of my family At the age of 7 and a half; we celebrated our 9 year anniversary Memorial Day weekend. I renamed her Aurora after the goddess of dawn as it was the dawn of her new life and she was a tall, regal female. She was the best ball catcher ever- NEVER missed in her prime. Even as her close vision failed, she Would have me toss her a few and proudly carry her ball back into the garage. Aurora preferred people to a canine pack and was quite insistent that everyone pet her. She would look back over her shoulder At me to make sure I saw how she was getting loved on.

Christmas is when I will miss her the most. She slept next to the presents until the big day and then patiently indulged the photo shoot of antlers and angel halos until it was time to open presents. Birthdays were her next favorite, despite the party hats.

At age 14 she was diagnosed with a mega-esophagus. Thanks to the support of volunteer Char B. and the staff of Gulf Animal Hospital in South Pasadena, I was able to implement a plan that kept her happy and healthy. Kim of GAH continued her treatment at lunch time.

Gradually Aurora lost most of her vision, became arthritic, developed a sinus infection (tumor?) that Antibiotics only kept in check and dropped from 75 to 45 pounds (no doubt a victim of cancer like so many of our precious goldens); but she was a brave heart and fought so hard, never losing her voracious appetite. She would still try to go for short walks and would snort indignantly when her legs wouldn't go the way she wanted them to go. A few weeks ago she had a grand mal seizure and spent most of her days sleeping. In the end the neuro-muscular problems became too much.

Thanks Bert H., GRRMF volunteer, and Kim for your advice and your shoulders these past weeks. DRS. Tolksdorf, Authement, and staff at Gulf Animal Hospital, I will always be grateful for your loving care. In the end Aurora was still the best ame for her as she became Princess Aurora, my sleeping beauty.

As a footnote, please do not let age keep you from adopting an older golden. None of my goldens ever began to slow down before age 11.  I was hoping for a 3-4 year old when I adopted Aurora, and never would have guessed that I could have 9 wonderful years with my sweet girl.

Debbie Drapo

It has taken a long time to write a tribute to my beautiful Cashew who went to the Rainbow Bridge on September 25, 2010. She was almost 15. She came to me as a foster in 2004, but decided she was staying. Cashew was incredibly smart and sometimes mischievous. She used to counter surf and steal things very quietly, picking up entire bowls in her mouth, then sneaking into a carpeted area to eat the contents so you couldn’t hear the bowl scraping the tile floor. She could open any door. She liked to be in charge.  She was extremely protective of me, yet very gentle. She always carried something in her mouth to greet me and would “talk” to me when she wanted something. I sure miss my funny little Cashew nut. Tears still fill my eyes when I think of her, but I also smile. Thank you, my beautiful Cashew nut, for the wonderful memories. I know you’re waiting for me along with Casey, Elsa, Ninja, and Tyler.
Your loving Mom.

November 9, 1999 - September 26, 2011


Our beautiful golden girl, Heidi, passed on to the Rainbow Bridge on September 26, 2011. We adopted her from GRRMF right after Christmas in 2008, at age 9. Her time with us was too short, but she added so much joy and love to our lives, we feel blessed and privileged to have shared her remaining years and give her the loving home she so deserved. Rest in peace, baby girl. Mommy and Daddy love you and miss you terribly.

Carol and Lou Glaros

Koda Bear means gift from God, not literally, but she was a gift from God & her Guardian Angels Foxi Roxi & Bubba.  I knew when she & her Brother Boomer came to live with me in May 2011, there was a reason Rox & Bub  had sent her to me and now I know why they did.  It seems they knew she was sick (Splenic Hemangiosarcoma) & they knew I would give her the best care possible.  In her short life she touched so many hearts, doing home visits for GRRMF, education & events.  She came to me as a “pork chop” & left us a beautiful girl. Her Brother Boomer & I miss her terribly & her beautiful smiling baby face will always be a part of our lives & she will never be out of our hearts.
Debbie, Boomer & Joe Cool McGhehey

I received a wonderful gift November 30th, 2008.  I had lost my three legged Golden  the previous year and wanted to continue the therapy work that he and I did together.  GRRMF called me and said they had a very special girl “Nellie Opal” who they thought would be an excellent therapy dog and a wonderful addition to our family.  They could not have matched us any better.  Nellie was 5 years old when she came to live with us.  By the following Summer, she was the newest member of Therapy Dogs International here in Lakeland, Florida.  She loved to work!  She was so proud to wear the little vest that was made for her visits.  We went to the Hospital, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and to a little school that catered to special children.  She was wonderful with everyone
she met.  She demanded attention from everyone she came in contact with and was such a sweet little angel, there was never a problem with Nellie getting all the attention and love she craved so much.  For the last two years, she and I took first place in the Lakeland SPCA’s walk-a-thon raising over $7000 for the local shelter.  If there was a camera around, Nellie was “front and center” all the time.  She loved to have her picture taken.  She appeared to be the picture of health and life was so good with Nellie!!  After all, she was my “BFF”!  On August 22, 2011 that all changed.  All was fine until early evening when she started some very heavy breathing.  I tried to calm her, but she was very stressed. We got in the car and proceeded to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic. This terrible feeling came over me when they tried to help her – I knew.  At 8:45 she crossed over Rainbow Bridge. It was determined that it was “Acute Cardiac Failure”. She never had a symptom.  I sat there with her for awhile and we reminisced over the short two and a half years we had together.  She was only eight years old.

There will be a Memorial Service for Nellie at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah this coming November.

“To My Girlfriend-- until we meet again”
                                                                                              
Ellen M. Ryan

I adopted Indy in May 2009 from  GRRMF when she was approximately 10 years old.  Her foster Mom took really good care of her until I adopted her.  I am sad to report that Miss Indy crossed the rainbow bridge today.   She was such a good, happy girl with lots of will, but her body just gave out on her.   Thank you for bringing her into my life.  She had a crummy life prior to coming to GRRMF, but she sure made up for since then.   I will miss her smiles and always wagging tail.  Thank you for bringing her into my life.  She was a very special girl.

Debra Johannson

Dear GRRMF:

Wanted to let you know that another one of your wonderful goldens was laid to rest on Thursday, August 4, at the age of 12 1/2.  His name was Dyno and we had the privilege of having him in our home for 2 years, 8 months before he went to heaven.  He was an angel as every one of your dogs are, and we want to thank you again for your caring, kind hearts that help give these dogs to us.  He will always have a deep place in my heart, and you can be sure we gave him more love than what he knew to do with!!  Our other golden from you, Sunshine, is 12 and has been with us for over 2 1/2 years also.  She is in good health, and God willing, will be able to spend more time with us.

Thank you again, and when my heart is ready, I hope to be able to adopt again.

Sincerely,

Helen DeWitt

Our Bonnie girl passed away on June 17th from Cancer.  Bonnie was almost 12 and was frisky up until the very end.  Here are the words I would wish to speak to her if I could:

Now you have joined your beloved Byron, sweet girl, and passed from this world to
the Rainbow Bridge on this late Spring day.  You were our last rescue from GRRMF and gave us eight years and 5 months of love and devotion.  A light has gone out of  our lives and out of our home.  I look for your everywhere.  To experience the love of God, one only has to look into the eyes of a precious canine companion.  Thank you for all your love, affection and zest for life over the years.  We miss you so!

Maryanne Ludy

01/18/97-05/04/11
Miss December 2009 Foxi Roxi joined our family May 5th 2000 & went to Rainbow Bridge on May 4th 2011 after a losing battle with cancer. Her arrival was over shadowed by the passing of 16 yr old Dusty her Guardian Angel just 1 hr before she arrived.  Had it not been for Rox that day I think I would have lost my mind, Dusty was my late husband’s dog & losing her was losing another link to Larry.  

Rox & Bubba my other golden had a bit of a rough start when they first met, which surprised me, because Bub was use to being dominated by Dusty & Dusty was a very dominant little girl.  Rox wanted to make sure he knew she was boss.  Rox very quickly became a very important part of our family.. She is the reason I became involved with GRRMF first as a volunteer and later as West Coast Event/Education/ Fundraising Coordinator.  At first Rox attended  rescue events, but I quickly learned she would rather stay home with Bub & get into mischief, she was always the instigator .

From time to time she would do home visits with me & always would help in my decisions to give them a paws up or paws down.  Her final home visit was to the family that ultimately adopted Benjie, giving them not only a big paws up, but a big  tail’s up (her top rating) as well. 

Next to playing with tennis balls, one of her & Bubba’s favorite things to do would be to curl up on the couch or chair and watch “Air Bud” movies.  When I would pop one in they would watch the entire movie without moving.  When the “Air Buddies” came along I thought they would love those movies as well, but I was wrong, when I put one of those on they would watch for a couple of minutes then disappear.  It was only by chance I figured out why they did not like those movies, the dogs talked & to them that was not what dogs were suppose to do.  One day I had the sound turned down very low and they sat and watched the whole movie. 

In Oct of 2010 when she had an eye problem that would not heal it was discovered she had cancer that was not only in her left eye, but had gone into her brain and nasal cavity. After trips to an Oncologist for radiation, and her Ophthalmologist for eye care things did become a bit more normal.  All was going well until the untimely passing of her beloved Brother Bubba March 21st. They had been inseparable for almost 11 years and she missed him terribly.  The cancer had started to spread and things were in a downward spiral. 

On May 4th I knew it was time for her to go to the Bridge.  I know so many of her Golden Friends, Prancer, Dillon, Angie and several Sam’s were all waiting for her with open paws.  I’m sure all of the Golden Gang are all learning all the latest doggie dance moves from Rookie the dancing retriever & in her spare time (if she has any)  she is socializing with her favorite author Trixie Koontz. Today she is happy again running pain free with Bubba and finally meeting her Guardian Angel Dusty.  Roxi  and Bubba were a very important part of my life and my house is very lonely now without them.  They will always be a very special part of me and someday we will all cross over the Bridge together.

Debbie McGhehey

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we share with you our loss of our precious Beau.  He had to be put to sleep on March 20th only 9 days after being diagnosed with splenic hemangioma.  He was 7 ½ years old.

When I took him in to the Vet, I thought maybe he had an infection.  He recently at times didn’t seem as perky and playful as usual, but otherwise seemed fine.  After feeling swelling in his belly upon examination, our Vet took x-rays and confirmed a mass in his spleen and told us she thought it was a splenic hemangioma. She gave him 2 – 8 months to live.  The following morning, she had an ultrasound done, which further confirmed the diagnosis of the small grapefruit-sized mass in his spleen covered in cysts.  She told us that he was already bleeding internally and that a mass was also detected in his chest, and 2 smaller ones in his liver.  She said that surgery would not save him, and that he could die any time now due to the bursting of the cysts on the mass causing massive internal bleeding.  She said if we were lucky, the bleeding would stop for awhile once his belly filled with blood and caused enough pressure in his belly to temporarily stop the bleeding.  She said to just take him home and keep him happy and comfortable until it was clear it was time.  Even though she said it was not yet painful for him, I could tell that night he was becoming distressed and gave him some of Chester’s (our other older golden) pain medicine.  It seemed to help him.  By the next day, he did perk up and his gums got pink again, so we figured the bleeding stopped.  However, over the week, with my husband, Eric, Chester, and me sleeping downstairs in the family room with Beau, we could tell he was growing weaker.  Finally, Saturday evening on March 19th, he laid down when I took him out to relieve himself and he could not get back up.  The following Sunday we said our tear-filled good-byes while covering him in kisses.

He was such a wonderful part of our family and we greatly grieve him.  I remember when I was volunteering for GRRMF, and Lisa Beck, who was fostering Beau, introduced me to him and I fell in love.  He was the most intelligent, funny, goofy, sweet and energetic golden I had ever had – and I LOVED him, and I always will.

Lisa Mcgrew

We are so very sad to tell you that last week we had to say goodbye to our sweet Dakota.  She had bone cancer in her foot and had spread through her body.  We kept her comfortable for many months and when she was having a very hard time getting up and panting often we had to make the heart wrenching decision to let her go, so she would not suffer.

We had her for more than nine wonderful years and believe she was about 5 or 6 when she joined our family.  I can't tell you what a wonderful companion and friend she was to all of us.  Our boys are now 19 and 16 and you can imagine what a huge part of their life she was.  We all had special routines and memories with her and miss her so very much.  Words just can't express how special she was and how much we miss her.

Thanks for all you do for these wonderful creatures.

Best regards,

The Holecek Family
John, Tammy, John and Jeffrey

It is with great sadness that I share that Indy had to be put to sleep today.  Never has a dog brought such joy and happiness to our home.  We adopted Indy on May 12th of 2007 at the age of 7 years.  Although we only had Indy for a short time, she wormed her way into everyone's heart that met her.  Indy was fighting Systemic Lupus for the last 3 years and the disease finally took its toll on her little body.  Her big brother Gus will miss her as they were constant companions along with our cat Bandit.  I wanted to thank everyone at the Golden Retriever Rescue for everything they do to take care of all the dogs that come their  way looking for a forever home.  I'm sure Jerry and I will have room for another Golden in our home soon.

Jerry & Penny Throgmorton
Lakeland, Florida

On December 3rd, 2010 we lost our wonderful friend and companion Mandy to cancer at the young age of 8 or 9. We adopted Mandy on September 3rd, 2006 when we first met her as Crystal at her foster parents’ home in Clearwater , FL. She gave us 4+ memorable years as our Velcro pet. Mandy loved every one of her thirty or so stuffed animal toys and would often entertain us by playing tunes on them. She never damaged any of them except for sometimes wearing out the squeakers.
Though a Golden Retriever by breed, she never really understood “retrieving” – she preferred playing “keep away” or bringing back a different toy than the one originally tossed. Once in a while, she would actually retrieve to our surprise.
She always greeted our friends and neighbors whenever they visited with great enthusiasm and had many other dog friends in our neighborhood. It was very rare that she barked, even at the golfers or sandhill cranes in our back yard. Everyone loved her and she always loved them back.

We miss her very much and will always remember her as the most loving and best dog we ever had.

Ron & Mary Makara

It is with a profoundly sad heart that I must inform you of the passing of my beautiful big boy Harrison.
It was a terrible shock, as he had not been ill at all—even though he was 13 years young.  We were completely blindsided.
The doctor confirmed that he had no life threatening conditions—they think his huge heart simply gave out.
Such a big boy with so much love to give!  He filled my heart with joy from the day we met.  What a great life we had together!!
Harrison slipped away quietly in his sleep on November 10, 2010, at home.  He died as he lived his life—with grace and dignity.
Sincerely,
Cynthia A Bennett

In discussions with GRRMF my wife Julie and I already have a perfect girl named Dakota but we are thinking about being a foster home and it would be a” good thing to do”.
As we got the call that day- there was a perfect golden for our first foster- they were right- His name is Sampson and he is 8 years old. We hopped in the truck and met his foster parents and were glad to help. We told everyone we are going to be foster parents and keep him only until someone wanted to adopt him. A few days later we called GRRMF and told them this foster thing wasn’t going to work out for us- we need to adopt Sampson our selves.
As we spent three great years with Sampson he passed away October 28th, 2010 with cancer in the liver, kidneys and spleen. This was his third cancer. He got through bone cancer and cancer of the mouth but the third one was too much for him. As we cry everyday in grief we try to focus on all of the positive things and joy he has brought to our life. The vacations, beaches, dog parks, shopping, restaurants and riding in the back seat of the truck with his head out the window. He loved to cuddle and follow Julie everywhere she went.  We know we will be with him again someday and If it was only love that was needed, our Sampson would have lived forever!

As we received many cards and gifts from our family and friends, Sampson’s Grandma sent us an angel picture with the saying “I was sad to leave you but sickness I am free. See Mom and Dad- I have an angel watching over me”
Jeff and Julie Metzgar

It is with much sadness and a lot of tears that I am writing you to report the loss of my beautiful Golden Savannah.  My ex-husband and I adopted her in 2004.  She has been my best friend for the last 6 years.  She was always there for me providing unconditional love.  She never expected more than I could give and was so loyal.  I have often told people I'm not sure who rescued who. I have gotten so much more from her then I could have ever given her.  She was so loving.  Everyone she met fell instantly in love with her.  It's unbelievable the number of lives she touched.  She was supposed to have passed in June from Lymphoma but she was a fighter and kept holding on until I had to make the decision to let her go on August 26.  I have had a very traumatic year and all my friends said she was holding on for me.  I believe that's true.  I hope she is happy running, swimming and chasing lizards across the rainbow bridge and some day we will be together again.  Thank you for allowing her to be a part of my life.  The pain is unbearable, but I would never give up the life I had with her and the lessons I have been taught by her.

Thank You,
Karen Ray

I wanted to inform you and Golden Retriever Rescue that we had to put our sweet Cyanne to sleep on August 4th.    Unfortunately, we were told that he had an enlarged heart and he started getting sick a few nights before we lost him.    Paul and I are doing okay, but during the short time we had him, we were so blessed to have him in our life.   His sister Sago, is doing good.  Of course she misses him terribly as they were together their wholes lives.  We took her to have an x-ray of her heart and have some blood work done and everything turned out great.
 
I have attached a photo of him for you to see what a beautiful boy he was-   I hope you have a good week Sandy. Thank you for everything that you do for Golden Retriever Rescue.
 
Love,

Catherine Hudleson & Paul Werden

It is with broken hearts and great sadness that we let you know of the the loss of Baylor (formerly Woofie of the Sarasota 23) on July 6th and of Maddie on August 6th of 2010.

Baylor had a stroke in April but recovered to about 95% which was incredible for us.  However, arthritis was a constant problem for the last 4 or 5 years and we had him to the vet for a checkup when they found Intestinal Cancer.  Old age is what took him from us before he had to suffer from the cancer and for that we will be forever grateful.  He was an incredible dog.  He was "Uncle Baylor" to over 100 foster kittens that we helped Safe Harbor with, never minding that they played with his tail and ears but often slept on top of him for their naps.  He was also great help in cleaning their faces after their bottles :).

My granddaughter thought he belonged to her.  She would take every baby blanket and kitchen towel she could find to cover him up like her baby, and all you would see move were his eyes as he watched her.  He was truly a Velcro boy as he never stopped following me, which I loved.

Maddie was mis-diagnosed with a bacterial virus in her nose and after 3 weeks of treatment and no change, it was discovered that she had a malignant nasal tumor that was too far along for us to treat.  Maddie was returned to GRRMF twice for not being "active" enough which was amazing to us as we had a birthday party with a water slide/bounce house two days after we adopted her and she couldn't get enough of the kids and adults playing in the water or pool.  Every picture we have she is right in the middle of the party.  Such a gentle girl and bonded right away with my husband, most definitely a daddy's girl.

Her cancer took her to the point of not being able to breath when sleeping so we had to make the awful decision to euthanize her. 

We had almost 3 wonderful years with Maddie and 8 fabulous years with Baylor and want to thank you for all you do to save goldens.  If not for you we wouldn't have had our "Oodles-of-poodles"

Regards,

Bruce and Jill Lokay

I just wanted to let GRRMF know that COCO our Golden that we adopted in Nov. 2008 passed away from from cancer. We are missing her very much. She was 11 when we she came into our lives and hearts. She passsed in her sleep and has made her journey over the rainbow bridge.
 
Bob and Connie Madigan

It is with the heaviest heart that I have to tell you that my treasured Marley (formerly Selma)  passed away on July 4, 2010 from cancer.  She tried so hard after surgery, but her body gave out after a week and she let me know it was time.  My other rescue, Madison (formerly Jenny) and I miss her more than words can express, but she's in a better place now and we can't wait to see her again.
The first time I saw her on the GRRMF website in 2003, I knew Marley was special and when we met, we immediately bonded.  Marley was my cuddle bug; happy to be hugged and loved on or just hung out at my feet, and loved wrestling a tug toy away from Madison.  I  want to thank you for bringing Marley into my life and though we miss her terribly, Madison and I know how blessed we have been to have spent the time we had with Marley.

Best Regards,

Kathy Forde (Schlosky)