On Thursday Dickens suddenly became lethargic, thirsty, and lost his appetite. He had trouble getting up and walking. He rallied a few times, enough to make me think whatever it was would pass, but by yesterday evening he was much worse. I called my longtime vet, Dr. Ed, and he said to get him in first thing this morning.

Long story short, Dickens had an extremely enlarged heart that was affecting his breathing; he wasn’t getting enough air. It had likely been developing for some time and only recently became apparent.

Dr. Ed said, “I can’t make him better but I can make him comfortable.” I chose the latter. Dickens died at about 10 a.m. on May 30, 2020, a few months shy of his 10th birthday.

He was the best pal ever, loved and enjoyed by many more people than just me, and I’m grateful that GBR put us together. I’m sure he and his adopted GBR sister Molly (aka Marley, #2421) are at this moment at opposite ends of a rope toy, growling at each other and having a swell time.

 

 

 

 


Adopted August 6, 2011

Dickens dad loves him so much he has created a diaryfor an in-depth look at Dickens’ new life, take a look at Dickens’ Diary.


Dickens Available Story

Dickens #2125Hi! My name is Dickens (#2125). I am a 50-pound active 7-month-old male Golden Retriever. I enjoy going to the dog park and fetching tennis balls until I drop!

I play well with my foster siblings and other dogs, but I will bark at them when they take a toy that I think is mine. I also do not have a lot of experience around cats, but I am very interested in them. I have not been aggressive toward a cat, but I will try to play with them.

I am very loving and like a good cuddle every now and then. I walk pretty well with a leash; I will tug a little at first, but I quickly catch on and stay close. I am proud to say I am housebroken and understand simple commands.

I do occasionally go after items from around the house and run around with them in my mouth. My favorite things to go after are socks and paper towels, both of which I think are a food group. This is something that will require extra attention from my new family so that I do not get hold of anything that is dangerous. Also, a family with small children might not be the best choice for me because I might not know the difference between my toys and theirs. I want to be a good puppy and would love to get some training* to break this habit. My foster family feels that I am a very intelligent dog and that a little intervention and training will go far.

I am looking to be with an active, strong owner with previous dog experience who will give me lots of love!

*Golden Bond Rescue is committed to helping my new owners and getting me the training I need; they will pay for my first group of sessions!

Adoption Fee: $400.00 + $35 microchip fee.