Rainbow Bridge

by Roni Sumner

What does one say when the time comes to let go of the girl that stole my heart eight years ago? Very simply one says, “Thank you!”

Thank you, Tassie, my princess and Velcro girl, for placing your trust and love into me and being by my side every single day since I adopted you at age 7 ½ and closed your eyes forever at age 14.8. I was honored to give you the gift of peace and dignity.

During our time together, we walked many miles which you hated, trained together which you also despised, explored many toys and romps with other goldens at their homes where you could bounce like a cheerleader and give your special bark while the others did zoomies. Thank you for those memories.

Thank you for enjoying the pampering I bestowed upon you. You were the only one who actually enjoyed the daily brushing of both fur and teeth and the cleaning of ears; you were the only one who demanded snuggles 24/7. You made me feel so special, so loved—thank you for that.

Over the years old age things surfaced—mainly arthritis and double hip dysplasia. No cancer, no coughing, no lack of appetite, but in the end that was enough to stop a good quality of life.

Walks became impossible. laser treatments, acupuncture, Western meds and Eastern herbs were all used, and they all worked until they didn’t. You limped then could barely move; then came the last day when while you struggled you could not stand, and when I lifted you, you collapsed with the front legs to the side and the back under your tummy. I knew it was time, had known it for a while, but wanted to try one more pill to see if a miracle would happen. I called my vet.

You entered on a stretcher for you simply could not move. Your favorite vet checked you, X-rayed you, gave you an ultrasound, determined it was arthritis and that continued existence would find you lying in your own waste. No dog wants that. The quality of life was not good, so I made the final decision.

Thank you, Tassie Sumner, for coming into my life and a loving me as much as I love you. Even though I gave you the final gift you needed, I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. I love you. Thank you for being you.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ministri family on their loss of Buddy. He was 13-1/2 years old and was adopted from SEVA GRREAT back in 2010. He was a wonderful family member and two of his humans pretty much grew up with him. He leaves a big hole in his family. We are so sorry for your pain. RIP, Buddy.

Sadly, we have lost another forever foster to the rainbow bridge. Daisy was only four when she came to us in February 2019, and, at that young age, we never expected her to be a forever foster. Sweet Daisy had so many medical issues to work through (heartworm disease, a mammary tumor, severe dental disease requiring multiple extractions, etc.) She also had disk disease and spinal stenosis, and later developed cancerous masses in two places. If ever there was a dog who couldn’t catch a break physically, it was Daisy.

Where she did catch a break was with her wonderful foster family, laura Noel and John Collamore. They saw her through all of it and made sure she could live, like goldens do, by taking everything in stride and living as a happy girl. We offer our deepest sympathy and immense gratitude to them. Run free, sweet Daisy, you have earned it.

Ten years ago, SEVA put five year-old Avery up for adoption—the profile read (among other things) “tall, dark, and handsome,” “thrives with others to play with and make him feel comfortable,” “easily motivated with a little food,” “enjoys butt scratches,” and “is looking for a forever home of human companions and a doggy sibling who will love him for all of his days.”

It could not have been more on the mark. When we went to meet him, he spent the first half hour romping and wrestling with Ika, my younger adoptee from Triad GR rescue in North Carolina, so I knew he had to come home with us. From then on the two of them were inseparable. They rolled in the grass together, played tug of war or keep-away, and doubleteamed squirrels or deer. But unlike her, he was as needy as could be, following me everywhere, constantly begging for treats, snuggling next to me in bed, and barking at anything unexpected or scary—from doorbells to moving Christmas displays.

Despite his endearing misbehaviors, and because of them, he was an invaluable, loving caregiver to my elderly parents and a popular (if unauthorized) therapy dog for my students, as well as a continual source of entertainment for colleagues, friends and neighbors. Dogs other than Ika were welcome, especially if their owners had snacks, and he had a good set of walking buddies, Goldens and others.

Even as he aged, kidney problems, arthritis and lar par did not dent his enthusiasm for all his daily routines—he kept things happy and playful until nearly the very end, which came in late June.

We said goodbye to this little cherub tonight. Sophie Jean the jellybean, as she was affectionately called, was one of the sweetest pups we’ve had. Her personality was bubbly and easy-going which made for the perfect combo as an ambassador for SEVA home evaluations. Though she didn’t come to us until the age of 10, she packed a lot of adventures and living into a short time. Because we adopt the seniors, we average only 3 years with each but were fortunate to have her for 4 1/2 years. She loved walks, swimming and camping adventures and never missed an opportunity to stop and sniff the smells; she was also the consummate big sister to lola. As her hips and general health declined over the past few months, we would be seen around town pushing her riding in her little red wagon. Her spirit was willing but the body could no longer keep up. She was never a squirrel chaser but supported lola’s defense of the back yard by trailing behind and cheering “Yay Team Dog”! Though she leaves a huge hole in our hearts, we know she is in GRREAT company with our pack of pups that crossed The Rainbow Bridge before her. When the time is right, she will send another pup to fill her spot and keep lola company. until then, we will cherish the memories we made with her. Although it was such good fortune to have him long, it feels like he left us too soon. I still see his old, grey, hopeful face every time I turn around in the house and—with Ika—miss him terribly.

Yesterday we helped Our sweet Goose to his final resting place. Hopefully it’s a big field or beach where balls are being thrown for him non stop.

Goose came to us from SEVA GRREAT. He was a tough case which we discovered was an autoimmune issue with allergies. He suffered from ear infections and Moms cleanings for years. He was badly neglected before being surrendered at age 5. He was so long in foster care due to health issues, he stayed a long time with us and became a foster failure. But true to Golden Retriever personality, Goose emerged from sickly and fearful to a loving companion in our home.

I am so proud of my family for stepping up to care for him for 7-8 years and proud to be part of a dedicated group of dog rescuers who made Gooses life be one of a happy, loving golden. If you have it in your heart and home to rescue, please consider it. The joy and blessings you receive are unimaginable.

Go get the ball, Goosey! We will miss you.

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