Adoptions March - June 2003

Koty-I am so excited, I finally got to pack my bags and say good bye to Ross, Erin, Devon, Gulliver, and Dealer. Joe and Trish picked me up and took me home on May 15th, the day their other Golden who has gone to the Rainbow Bridge would have turned 6. It was good for all of us. Joe and Trish have been there for me a lot and I really love them. I was so excited to be in my new forever home that I just wanted everyone to stay awake all night and pet me. I'm still a bit unsure of the stairs, but that is okay, if I act scared Joe carries me. (boy have I got him trained). It is a good thingthat I lost all that weight. Before Golden Bond got me, I weighed 105 lbs.,that is why my knees were so bad. Since coming to Golden Bond, back inAugust 2002, I have been put on thyroid medication, and had surgery on both knees. Wow! do I feel better and now I have a family of my own who love me and think I'm something special. Thank you Golden Bond, Trish and Joe for loving me enough to let me have this wonderful chance to enjoy life. I will miss Dealer and Gulliver, but having a family all to myself is GRRRRRRREAT!!!! More about Koty here.

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Fetch (#365) placed his vote for the adoption when he jumped in the back seat of Lou and Patty's car and wanted to go home with them on their first visit! When they returned for him a few days later, it was a happy reunion. Fetch joins Casey, who was adopted through Golden Bond rescue a few years ago. Casey met Fetch during the initial visit and quickly approved. She especially liked his toys and treats, so thought he would probably be a fun companion. Patty and Lou have chosen a new name, and this beautiful dog is now known as Prince. He will be treated with royalty. Lou has even arranged for a few sessions with a personal dog trainer to help everyone get off to a positive start. These are two fortunate dogs who are sharing abundant experience and affection in their second-chance home. Golden Bond sends hugs and wishes the best for Lou and Patty, Prince and Casey.

Before we got Norbert, we could always count on Daggett to get a little fired up right before bedtime. She would walk over to one of us and nudge us with her nose and give a playful growl until someone started playing with her. Now that we have Norbert that has changed. Usually, sometime during the evening one of them will instigate things by teasing the other. Then, before you know it they are both wrestling around the living room or family room. Sometimes, it's a toy that gets them started. Other times it's just like two little kids, when one pokes the other. This happens literally. Norbert likes to get things started by purposely tripping Daggett by poking his head into her front legs. If Daggett tried to ignore that, Norbert stands in front of Daggett to get her attention and then does it again. Then they are off to the races. Daggett usually gets things started by dropping a toy near Norbert and daring Norbert to pick it up. When he does Daggett wrestles him for it. When we are playing ball with them Daggett will usually only run half way to get the ball and let Norbert get it. When Norbert returns Daggett meets him and starts wrestling him for it.

We try to take the dogs everywhere with us. We have had them to Mt Hood in the snow, we have been out to Cannon Beach with them, and now that the weather is breaking we will be taking them hiking on Mt Hood and out at Smith Rock State Park. Another trip we hope to make this year is down to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Park.

Norbert is so polite and friendly. He is much calmer than Daggett and we are thankful for that. He loves to lay his head in your lap and he loves to get your attention by shaking hands. He never barks and always comes when he is called. He is larger than Daggett but you wouldn't know it by his temperament. We have another dog, CC, which is a terrier mix. CC is about 16 years old and at her age she does not play. Both Norbert and Daggett respect this and also allow her to eat unmolested (usually). But, we also have a cat. And Norbert is enamored with him (Lewis). At first, Lewis did not care one way or the other with Norbert. But Norbert was entranced by Lewis. Norbert would always stare at Lewis and follow Lewis around the house. Now, however, Lewis lays on his side and Norbert nudges him with his nose while Lewis paws at Norbert.

Norbert has really changed the dynamics of our household, so much for the better. Thank you Golden Bond. Bob and Sherry (and Norbert, Daggett, CC, and Lewis)

Angel

5/10/03 - Angel continues to get happier and more secure as each day passes. I think she and Buddy may be in love. Angel and AngelMom had some very special days at the beach. This best girlfriend is a joy to take anywhere. We're all looking forward to better weather and more outside excursions. Angel has a reservation at her ocean front beach home for two weeks in the fall.

One very lucky dogmom, Marsha

Dooney

"Once I was alone
So lonely and then
You came, out of nowhere
Like the sun up from the hills

A weekend in Canada
A change of scene was the most I bargained for
And then I discovered you,
And in your eyes I found a love that I couldn't ignore"

Brandy, have a great vacation and a great life with Linda and Steve.

Just before she left to live with Virginia, Isiah, Emma, and Christian in Medford, her foster mom told

I wanted to write and tell you of my adventures the past few days. It was a very long trip home, but I was especially good in the back seat. Isaiah leaned his seat way back and I could snuggle up next to him and get petted and be close and that made the trip faster. Before we got home, we stopped off at my new Grandma's house and met her - boy has she got a big house and it was so full of great smells! We finally went to our home and I got to meet my new Sister Emma. I have decided that it is a great thing to be in a house with teenagers because they always seem to have time to pet me and love me and they have friends who come over and pet me too. I really like Emma and am looking forward to meeting my other new brother, Chris, when he comes home on Tuesday. I spent my time going between Emma and Isaiah, getting hugs and loves. I am making progress with Isabo the kitten - she was frightened at first when she saw me, and I think she thought I would chase her or hurt her, but I have been on my very best behavior and tried to show her I only want to be friends. I move slowly so that I don,t startle her, and she is getting more confident around me - we may even be friends in a couple of days.

Sunday was such a good day. We went for an Easter dinner in Grandma's car up to the mountains where some of my new mom's family lives. They have a big place out in the woods with lots of interesting things to look at and investigate. There I got to meet my cousin Gabby and she and I had the best time running around her place - she showed me all the great smells. I found several that were so good I had to roll in them. We played all afternoon while the people had dinner. Everyone was very impressed with my manners and what a sweet girl I am and had lots of hugs and loves for me. After dinner the men started putting together what looked like a kennel. I just assumed it was for me, so I went and sat inside very patiently. Everyone laughed and called me out and told me it wasn't for me, it was for something called a chicken - what ever that was. My mom told me I would never have to stay in a kennel like that one again. That made me happy but I still supervised the whole project, just in case - I wan't sure they knew how to put that thing together.

On the way home, I just fell asleep in the car - I was so happy. I had such a good time playing I was just plumb wore out. However, when we got home I had to have a bath because mom said I was all muddy and some of the things I rolled in din't smell so good to her. I was a good girl and really din't mind, the water was warm and that entire rubbing felt good. I would't let her use the hair dryer - it made too much noise, but I liked being dried off with the towel and the best part was being brushed over and over again with the brush. Mom said her arms just about fell off before I thought I 'd had enough. I'm curled up near the heat, drying off and getting drowsy, but I thought I would write before I forget.

Thank you for being my foster mom and taking such good care of me. My new mom said you had to have a heart of gold to take me into your home and heart, and then be strong enough to help me find a family of my own and have to say goodbye. You are very dear to me and I am so grateful for the wonderful care you took of me.
Thank you,
Babs

Babs, everyone at Golden Bond and your former mom, Phaedra, are so happy for you. We hope you'll keep in touch and come to the picnic this summer.

With great sadness we report that Babs cross the Rainbow Bridge October 6, 2004. Read the memorial.

AMOS

Misty

WOW! I'm going to the beach! I'm going to the beach! I'm JAKE (387) and my new family has promised me trips to the beach. What's a beach? They say the Pacific Pond is pretty big. Might even be big enough to use up some of my extra energy. My new folks are LeAnn and Darrell and we live in Wilsonville. I have a big yard with a tall fence around it to explore and play fetch. LeAnn is going to teach me some more rules so everyone will love me more. Knowing my manners makes me love them more too because I know they care enough to want us all to be happy. I hope to see you all at the Golden Bond picnic this summer. Love and thank you, Jake

Beethoven (362), the last of the "cellar dwellers" has finally found his own forever home. He has gone to live in Sherwood with human parents David and Rosemary, and two Scotty "sisters". David wanted his own dog, and preferably one that liked to play fetch. Beethoven (now called "Murphy") wanted his own person, and one that wanted to play fetch - (and no other Golden to compete with!) David and "Murphy" have hours of fetch, and lots of walks with the girls in the house to look forward to. After 7 years of longing for a family, you finally have it sweet boy! Have a wonderful life!

The most wonderful adoption for a long time at Golden Bond is that of Ann (363) and Star (364). These nine year old sisters came from a very grim background and Star is very ill and may not be with us much longer. They have been adopted by Barbara and Tom and Sarah, 13, where they join border collie, Lady; golden, Duncan; Tom cat, Dugan; and bunny, Abby. This family has extended such incredible love, caring and generosity to these two goldens that it's almost impossible to tell the story. An excerpt from Barbara's email says it best (get out your hankies).

"Basically, I wondered if you could make an exception and allow me to adopt Star as well. I understand that it is the organization's policy to not place a dog that is dying. Please allow me a few minutes to explain my request. Throughout Annie's life, the two constant things that she knew, was that she would have very little food, water, deplorable living conditions, possible physical abuse AND Star to keep her company and provide solace. Through the gallant efforts of your organization, both, Star and Annie, have now found what true happiness and true love are for the first time. It seems a shame to separate these two gallant ladies at such a late time in their lives. Granted, separation will come soon, through Star's death. I would like you to please consider a "Hospice" alternative for Star. As a professional, who has dealt with death and dying over the past 20 years, I have found little difference in the grief process by human or animal. What I know to be true, is that through love, caring and support, great comfort can be found by BOTH the person or animal who is dying and by ALL the family members be they human or animal. What a wonderful way for Star to end her life and Annie to start a new life. Yes, Annie will grieve, but, she will have the knowledge that her sister is safe, comfortable, and in God's loving arms, and it will be a natural process that has separated them. "

Who says there aren't angels on earth? Barbara, Tom and Sarah, Golden Bond bows to you in admiration and gratitude. Another note of recognition goes to Darlene, foster mom for these girls since February, for her love and devotion beyond the call of duty . Darlene took them in, nursed them both and, then, was gallantly able to let them go to their new home. Golden Bond could not operate without the dedication and care our foster homes provide for our goldens.

Dan (370) is known as one of our "cellar" dogs because that's where he and three other goldens were kept before being released to Golden Bond. He's now living in style in Lake Oswego with Jim, Elizabeth, seven year old Kelsey and five year old Sean. Dan has an enormous back yard to play and run and he has his own special door so he can come in and out of the house whenever he wants. He's also been promised trips to the beach, park and mountains. Golly, Dan, it sure beats the cellar scene, doesn't it! Have a great time and make your new family promise to bring you to the Golden Bond picnic in August.

Isabelle,

, has packed her bags and moved to Seattle! Michelle, and her two grown children, welcomed Belle into their home with loving arms. Michelle has wanted to add a senior golden to their family for quite some time. She was in no hurry, just waiting for the "right one" to come along. When Michelle heard about Belle, she felt this was meant to be, since "Belle" was the name of her special childhood dog . Belle has now joined Michelle's 5 year old golden boy, Baxter, and their 2 cats, Smudge and Tigger. Belle has deferred to the cats' alpha status, as any good dog in a house with cats knows to do! We know that Michelle will enjoy spoiling Belle just as much as she has spoiled Baxter! If Belle could talk, we're sure she'd tell us "I've been waiting for the royal treatment all my life!" This senior "Southern Belle" has finally found the GOOD LIFE!

Update June 6, 2004

Isabelle is such a strong and stubborn gal. She walked all the way to the water. I was sure I would have to carry her back. It is not a short walk and I just forgot how tired she would be. But she made the walk down and back. It did tire her out but it was a good use of her muscles. I had prepped my daughter to stay with her if it came to that and I would go get the car and find a back road in to save her the walk. Fortunatley it did not come to that.

When she first got in the water, she walked about 2 feet in and sat down. People thought that was cute. I knew she felt unstable on her feet and just folded up. So I lifted her up and gently walked her out into the water. She would turn around and go back to the shore and lay down at the water's edge. So I let her do that for a bit while I threw the tennis ball for the boys. At some point I turned back and she had wobbled herself to a standing position and was trotting down the beach begging for pets. My daughter was trailing behind, making sure she did not go far. Sometimes she gets confused and joins another group, not realizing it isn't us ;-) Anyway, after the boys had had a GReat swim, I got her back up on her feet and walked her out into the water. I got her out to where her feet came off the bottom and let her feel herself float. Once she got the hang of it, she was a paddling princess ;-) Then I realized that I was going to have to get wet as she would paddle out after Baxter when I threw the ball and I wasn't sure she would always turn around... sometimes she just starts to go in another direction and her hearing is just not very good. Whew!!

Isabelle is sleeping it off right now... I think all the dogs are tuckered out in a GReat way.

Update September 24, 2004: Isabelle Crosses the Rainbow Bridge

Please take a moment this evening to light candle for my rescue gal Isabelle. I adopted her a year and a half ago from Golden Bond and she was a beautiful senior golden treasure. To the best of my vet's guess she was about 14-15 at the time she was released to go on ahead to the bridge and run pain free. Isabelle had severe HD as well as Demylenation.. sort of like MS in doggies. It was a steady decline for her but she was loved and cherished for the past year and a half by me, my adult kids Nicola and Chase and by her golden brothers, Baxter and Bodhi.

Isabelle was definitely a strong gal and if her health had allowed, she would have been the alpha. She still reigned with that crown but Baxter has carried some of the responsibility on her behalf. She was strong and stubborn and a trooper to the end. She could no longer maneuver herself up or down the stairs and was losing bowel control in the house on a regular basis. She has gone to Rainbow bridge and as Emily suggested, I am sure that Helen met her with the Limo like sign that said "Isabelle!! This way for senior goldens who were rescued and loved!" I cannot tell you how much it helped me to think of that as we sat curled up on the comforter on the floor of my vet's office, petting Bella and telling her what a good dog she was. I thanked her for making my life have more value and meaning and told her I would be there with her soon.

Our wonderful vet treated us both with respect and kindness (I cancelled the first two appts for this at the last minute as I could not bear to go through with it). She spoke warmly and lovingly to Isabelle as the shot was given and had a pile of dog cookies so Isabelle was happily enjoy her snacks right up to the end. She never met a food item she did not like.

It has been an hour and a half and I miss her like crazy. The boys are unaware at this point, or so it seems to me and it will be fine with me however they handle it. I am so grateful to have shared my life with Isabelle and hope she will visit me in spirit soon, and often.

Thank you for understanding and knowing that her life deserved acknowledgement, and a candle lit to help her find her way.

Tearfully,
Michelle
Baxter and Bodhi
Tigger the kitty

Sadie's (355) new home is on ten fenced acres near Tacoma with Kayli and her family. There she will grow up and have fun with two distant relatives from the great Pyrenees side of her family. Sadie leaves Golden Bond after some much-needed guidance in obedience from Dan Butcher at Charleton Kennels. There she learned that good manners are much more conducive to getting pets, love and treats than knocking over humans because she is big enough to do so and sitting stubbornly on her fanny if she doesn't want to cooperate. We owe a debt of gratitude to Peg in Oakridge and to Kathy Liles in Vancouver Washington, the great Pyrenees rescue person for Oregon, for being instrumental in Sadie's adoption. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in finding Sadie's forever home.

Vancouver is the new home for elegant and brainy Rosie (#375). She has become part of a multi-generation family. Grandma Sara will be home all day to keep her company. Mom, Edrina, is a nurse and hopes to teach Rosie to be a therapy dog. Daughter, Maria is also a nurse and grandchildren, Gabriel and Vivian, are six and three. Nine month old golden, Jasper, also training for therapy dog work, and two cats complete the family. Rosie will be able to do everything from playing with the kids, to visiting sick people in the hospital, to just hanging out with Grandma and Jasper. Rosie, you have a very full life ahead - we know you're up to it.

Read an update on Rosie (#375).

Bailey (146) has joined a family in Eugene where she will play many roles. She will be companion and best friend to her new mom, Kathleen. Her new dad, Richard, is looking forward to many games of retrieve the ball or stick. She expects to help college student and Golden Bond volunteer, Holly, with her homework. There are some pretty big paws to fill as she takes the place left by Toby who recently went to Rainbow Bridge. Toby was also a Golden Bond dog. As if that's not enough, she'll become best girlfriend to four year old golden, Wiley, who has been missing Toby's company something fierce. And, yikes! There's more - a dog-loving feline and two equine critters. Bailey, you won't ever be lonesome again because you're going to be too busy.

Gus (334) will continue living in Milwaukie with his foster parents, Bob and Susie, who have adopted him. The three of them agreed that they have become a family and didn't want to break up the bond that has been developing over the past weeks. Thank you, Bob and Susie for bringing this big boy who didn't trust humans to the brink of a happy new life with his very own humans to love. Mazel tov, Gus.

Hi, guys, OTTO (369) here. My new home is in Salem with Richard, Catherine, Kendra, and Weston. The yard is a dream - BIG, filled with trees for you-know-what, shrubs and open areas. Richard and I are practicing all the rules like sit, heel, stay. He says I'm very smart and learn quickly, but it's really because I'm trying my best to please everyone so I can stay forever. (Yes, and I am pretty smart too!) I especially enjoy playing ball with Weston and meeting a whole bunch of new human friends. I'll miss my foster mom, Diane. She taught me all about things like cars and houses and vacuum cleaners (ugh!). Life outside the horse corral is really great!

Riley (347) has decided he doesn't want to live in Oregon and has moved to Ocean Park, Washington. His new best friend forever is Elizabeth who is retired in this ocean community. He promptly made a new house rule by installing himself on the bed at night. Elizabeth said it was quite a battle - and Riley won! Riley probably had never seen the big pond, so he is looking forward to exploring all the wonderful 'smelly stuff' on the beach. While Elizabeth works at the computer on her loft, Riley has a grand view of the ocean. When the grand kids come on spring break, he'll probably test out their beds too. Oh, wow! Would you say this is the life of Riley?

Loki (333) has stolen the hearts of Cheryl and Alan and Cyrus, 4, and Lilia, 1. Since moving into his new home in Waldport, he's been busy chasing a tennis ball with Cyrus in his new, big yard. When it's time to snuggle, Lilia uses him as a pillow when he rests on "his" part of the big couch. He's been told about a big pond where he will get to play, but we think he's in for a surprise since he probably has never seen the ocean. Loki was sad to leave his wonderful foster family, but when the car door opened, he jumped right in and made it very clear to his new family that he was ready to go home. Cheerio, Loki. Take good care of your forever family.

Fred Flintstone (361) has a family. His forever home is with Steven and Laura and their daughters Stephanie, 10, and Abby, 6, in Lake Oswego. On his first day home, he ran and ran and ran and ran... in between stops for play and kisses with Abby and Stephie. Fred also discovered the hideaway place in the yard of his predecessor, Buddy, and appropriated it as his own. By bedtime, he was a pretty pooped pooch. And then he had the hard decision of whose room to sleep in. He probably had lots of help with that decision. Fred, we wish you a wonderful life with your new family. Adios.