"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers
They will not go quietly,
the dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.
"Sometimes it helps just to know someone cares...and I do."
Author Unknown
Send us your Golden tribute or memory and we will publish it here. You may attach a photo in .jpg format (maximum width 500 pixels). Click the email link below to send your memory or tribute:
SULLY
We adopted Sully in February 2000. LCGRR brought him to our house in Hampton, SC. We moved to Texas in January 2004. Sully got very sick last week with pancreitis. The vet here in Rockport, Texas did everything he could to save him, but Sully died on Saturday, June 14, 2008. My husband Mike and I are devastated-who knew a dog could be so beloved? Thank you for your organization. We had more than 8 years with the best dog we could ever have. Fortunately for our sanity, we adopted a second golden-Bo-last October. He's not Sully, but he's great in his own right.
Sincerely,
Caril and Mike Baker
ABBEY
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Abbey, on May 12, 2008, our beloved Golden Girl who was adopted from LCGRR six years ago. Abbey never met a stranger, including all of the foster dogs that came to stay with us. We will never forget her, Tugger, and Bailey wrestling together on the living room floor, for hours on end. Every dog that we fostered, Abbey accepted and tried to become their friends, even the ones that were not used to other dogs, she helped them become socialized. Sadly, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, three weeks before she went to the Rainbow Bridge. We know that her and Tugger are again wrestling and entertaining anyone who will watch. She will always be in our hearts and remembered as our 'Awesome Golden Girl'.
Mary Wentland
Garry Wilson
JORDAN
May 5, 1996-April 14, 2008
I never knew how much a dog could smile until I adopted my beloved Golden Retriever, Jordan. I keep his wonderful memories close to my heart and the wonderful stories I was able to share with him while he was here with me.
He met plenty of friends (2 legged and 4) along the way and touched everyone's heart with his humble generosity of love he gave to everyone and never knew a stranger. From 'Grandma's Summer Camp' (spending days at times at my mom's) to riding on the jetski with me - his enthusiasm was contageous.
Our theme song became "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson because he loved to travel so much!
His eyebrows always showed that he eagerly questioned, "Where are we going now, Mom?" with every time I grabbed my keys – and always beating me to the door! Car rides were his absolute favorite, and I swear he knew where he was the closer we would get to our destinations. The beach was a must in the summer - making sure he managed to roll in the sand atleast once before getting back in the car. He loved to run like a crazy dog and once he tired himself out - would fall asleep next to me in the sand. It was our bond that no one else could provide.
I will miss his long drawn out yawns in the morning, the beat of his tail as I spoke to him, the way he closed his eyes in the sun smelling the fresh air, his smiles for every picture taken, the way he hid in the tub during a thunderstorm, barking at me when he knew i had a Frosty Paw for him, cuddling on the couch, listening to him snore, his excited barks when he wanted playtime, the way he looked at me like i was crazy every time we moved, and his winks when i stared at him.
I know in my heart, that my dog loved me - because I loved him just as much. He will always be in my heart and I look forward to seeing him again. I do believe that he is in a better place and will run freely with others he so loved. I only hope that I can find the strength to get past the pain - and learn to smile for the precious gifts of companionship and love that he gave me everyday. He was my best friend.
HUNTER
Hi Linda,I just wanted to let you know that Hunter went to heaven on April 1. We adopted him from you all back in 2001, and he was around 5 years old then, so he was approximately 12 when he passed away. He was a good and patient dog, and a dedicated momma's boy. I have attached a pic of Hunter (aka Mr. Greyface) from about six months ago. He loved that duck, and fancied himself quite the brave "Hunter" and adventurer, but in reality, he was just a tad chicken-hearted. That is about the limit of the wild game he could handle! He adored his mommy, loved his daddy, and tolerated the cats with the proper amount of deference they required. He was golden through and through, and we will miss him terribly.
Thanks, Sheri
KATIE
With great regret, I'd like for you to know that Katie, adopted December 2001 in Charleston, recently passed away. She was a remarkable dog and had such an impact on our family. We miss her dearly. I'm proud to have offered her our home and am grateful to your rescue.
My regards,
Francois Cady
MAGGIE
We just wanted to let everyone know that yesterday we lost our Maggie. Although she is gone, she will be in our hearts forever. We have such wonderful memories of all the times the 3 of us have spent together and we realize how lucky we truly were.
MILLIE
Family and Friends,
As she touched so many of your lives I thought you would want to know that on Wednesday morning we said goodbye to our precious Millie. Our little angel was like a bolt of lightening that struck us with an enormous amount of joy and happiness in such a short time. I will never forget the first time we took her to the beach, one big giant sandbox....a diggers dream! Not such a big fan of the water; those waves were bigger than she was. Next came her trip to Colorado. It was jam packed as she got to meet the rest of her family and was introduced to the miracle of snow. After she figured out not to eat the yellow stuff, she was good to go. She would run across the snow, hit a soft spot and fall a few inches into the powder....you could almost hear her laughing she was having so much fun. I will have to say, I think her all time favorite was the boat. Millie spent hours on the bow of the boat standing up over the water as if she were Queen of the Ocean. My personal favorite memory of Millie was how she started out our mornings. I would roll over, open my eyes to look at her and she would be sprawled out on her back with that tail wagging so hard her entire back end would shake. Her tongue was soon to follow as she would start licking the air in anticipation of the hugs and kisses that were headed her way. She brought a love into our lives that we had never known before and will cherish forever. As my heart breaks that she is no longer with us I am thankful that she is in a better. I don't know what heaven is like but for Millie, I picture her running on the beach, flying across the ocean and snuggling with loved ones for eternity. We will never forget Millie's incredible spirit that beamed through her beautiful brown puppy dog eyes each time she looked at you.
Thank you all for your love and support. Alison and Will
GRANDPA AND AMBER
March 2003-February 2007
Sue was on a mission to relieve some of their strife.
By finding a dog that would once again bring some joy to her parent’s life.
They looked at some, and a few came and went,
But for her parents, they just were not meant.
Meanwhile, a Golden Retriever in a shelter she lay.
Waiting for that special person to take her away.
Found by the Golden Retriever Rescue Society,
A foster home with no other dogs was the only place she could be.
So far, they could not find some place for her to go.
Until she was fortunate enough to meet a lady named Sue Barrineau.
So, onto Mt. Pleasant she was taken.
Where she was meant to live, there was no mistaken.
Apprehensive at first, not knowing if she would stay.
The Whitlocks knew this was their dog after only a few days.
She fit right in and to the name Amber she did respond.
And with Bubba the bird, she even did bond.
Always by Grandpa’s feet, waiting for a treat.
Unless she could get a ride in the convertible jag on the street.
Some years would pass by, and in a nursing home they now did reside,
But one thing was for sure, Amber remained by their side.
Amber made herself at home at Brighton Gardens of Greenville, there was no doubt.
She would wait by the elevator to let herself in and out.
But other than that, with Grandpa she was always there.
Whether in his jazzy or relaxing in a chair.
You see they had a special bond that no one could break.
They shared a love for one another that was a special keepsake.
Faithful and loyal, his companion and friend.
Amber would be with Grandpa until the end.
And the day finally came that Grandpa’s health did fade.
And in a hospital bed is where he laid.
And Amber just sat and waited for his return,
But this would not happen, she soon would learn.
So, old and gray with a grieving heart,
A few days later Amber also did depart.
A time of sadness, a time of pain,
But inside our hearts, their memories will remain.
And although they are not here with us on this land.
I know they are together walking hand and hand.
Written by Julie Ann Barrineau March 14, 2007
This poem is dedicated to Norris Whitlock (November 9, 1918-February 19, 2007) & Amber His beloved companion
TAMMY
Tammy was rescued from a shelter and has been in our rescue family since May 2006. Everyone in the rescue loved this sweet gentle soul. She had major medical problems so we felt it was best that she was placed in a permanent foster home to live out her life. She was loved by her foster mom Susan and her foster brother Jack until the very end. It breaks our heart to say good bye to our sweet girl. She has joined some of our own goldens at the bridge to now run and play with no pain and suffering. A special thank you to Cindy, Andy and Susan for giving her the love she missed growing up.
BELLE
Dear Belle,
I can't believe that its been 2 months since you made your trip over the rainbow bridge. How beautiful that trip must have been. I know that wherever you are your golden light is shining the brightest.
Sometimes I question the past but, then I see you standing at the front door wagging your tail saying "hurry up dad! " you were an inspiration to so many people and a true miracle. Most of all you were an angel to me and a lifelong soulmate to your mom Shelby. Everyday I see you in Shelby’s eyes and I know that you are looking down on us. I promise to take care of your mom until you are together again.. Most of all I promise that I will see you one day and I know that you will be waiting at the door. You will always be daddy’s girl.
We all miss you.
Love, Daddy Shelby, Dante and Brandy, Granny, Grandpa, Courtney and Lindsey, Aunt Debbie, David, Amy, Chandler and Justine Aunt Terri, Sarah and Andrew
I would like to thank everyone at LCGRR for the privilege of adopting Shelby and Belle. I am a better person for getting involved with such a wonderful cause. I hope more people will get the chance to get involved and help with LCGRR. Finally, I want to say thank you to Linda for everything she has done for me and the girls and know that you are a special person.
Sincerely
Kevin P. Taylor and the Basham family
SULLIVAN
Sullivan has joined Jessie and Ben at the Rainbow Bridge but not before he touched so many hearts. He has given love and laughs to many in the rescue and thanks to Mary H., Kevin, Patty and Mary W. and to Colleen who gave this spirited guy a great home. We will always remember his antics and wonder if he is getting into the garbage or counter surfing in Heaven. I'm sure he thanks all the wonderful volunteer that was nice enough to leave cakes and loaves of bread on the counter so he could have his tasty snacks. Sullivan will be missed and certainly not forgotten.