Susan Irwin Veterinary Fund

Golden Bond Memorializes Susan Irwin

It is with great sadness that Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon announces the passing of Susan Irwin on May 19, 2007 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Susan, a long time volunteer with Golden Bond, served a pivotal role in the 1999 reorganization that kept the rescue group alive. Susan carried out many roles from dog evaluator to chair of the 2006 picnic, to vice president and then president for five years. Her most cherished times, however, were spent with her own dogs (Koolie, Joker and Goldie) and the foster dogs she loved so dearly. It would be difficult to find a volunteer who put in more energy to our organization. Susan’s solid leadership steered Golden Bond through years of tremendous change and growth. Susan was a treasure, one not easily found again.

Because of her dedication and countless hours of service, Golden Bond Rescue is setting up the “Susan Irwin Memorial Veterinary Fund.” This fund will be dedicated specifically to dogs in need of assistance from a specialist outside their routine veterinary care. Recently a number of Golden Bond dogs have needed extensive orthopedic surgeries including several total hip replacements. The surgeries and specialist services provided, have given these dogs their only chance to have a decent quality of life. Although we are fortunate to receive discounts from many of these wonderful and skilled doctors, the cost of a total hip replacement or a cruciate ligament repair can often drain our finances. Ultimately, our hope is to be able to take in more orthopedic dogs due to these additional funds.

Our consolation to losing Susan is that she has joined all her special dogs waiting for her at the bridge. The thought of them crossing together brings great joy to our hearts.

Susan, a dedicated volunteer, a lover of dogs, a true friend to us all. We’ll miss you…