Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.
Golden Retriever Rescue
For the Love of Goldens

In Memoriam: Austin Holder Percival (#277)

Austin Crosses the Rainbow Bridge: Augut 14, 2006

Austin
Dear Golden Bond:

With the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you that Austin — my beautiful 5 year old angel — crossed over the Rainbow Bridge tonight. The cancer had returned (we found out in January 2006) and had really started deteriorating his incredible body. We had him on many different treatments to try and delay the growth of the tumors and to make sure he wasn't in any pain. Austin endured unbelievable odds and he wouldn't give up — he wanted to live, to play, to love and to be loved. So we did whatever we could to keep him comfortable and happy and he lived on. Tonight though, as his bones were so weak and brittle (he already was living with 4 broken ribs!), his back leg broke and that was when we had to make the call. So my baby is finally at peace — running in tall grass, swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, rolling on his back, making other dogs laugh and always keeping a watchful eye on Mommy and Daddy. Our 4 short years with Austin are filled with amazing memories. I know as he watches over us and remembers our trips to the city where we stayed in fancy hotels, trips to the cabin at the ocean where he played with his cousins and got spoiled by his Grammy, his flight to San Diego to spend Christmas with his Uncle, swimming at the river, camping, playing, snuggling on the bed and so much more. I know that these memories will bring him comfort and happiness as they do for all who met him, fell in love with him and will miss him. I like to think of Austin as sort of a rock star who's life has been cut short. His time on Earth ended much to early... but he lived his life to the fullest, gave it everything he had, met a lot of people and touched many lives. Thank you for connecting us with the most wonderful, amazing, inspiring and lovable companion.

Austin Austin Austin

Read more about Austin.

Update July 18, 2005

Austin
Austin (our beautiful Golden Bond boy) turned 4 in April. It wasn't the greatest of birthdays for him as he had been diagnosed with cancer and we had to have his left front leg amputated. Todd (my husband) and I were absolutely devastated... but there wasn't another choice: amputate and he lives or don't amputate and he dies. At any rate, we amputated the leg and Austin has recovered incredibly. You wouldn't even know he had had 4 legs. He swims, plays, jumps, etc. just like his old self. I honestly think that Austin was placed with us for a reason. We were financially able to take care of the surgery, recovery, etc. and his uniqueness makes him even more of an angel in my eyes. If we are home this summer we will for sure be at the picnic, but I wanted to let you know that we are all still plugging along.

We are off to the ocean this weekend (not even the Pacific can slow Austin down).

Thanks so much,
Michele, Todd and Austin

Austin Austin

Austin


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