Ramblin Goldens
From Our Family to Yours
MEMORIALS
To date, we have not had the misfortune of any of our own "babies" going on to Rainbow Bridge, but we do know of two dogs that were related to ours.
Below I have listed three special dogs that have touched many lives and below that some words of wisdom to help those that have lost their beloved pets.
GIBSON
I received an email back in September from the Vivian family that bought a puppy from our February 04 litter. I am not sure quite how to word this, so I will attach his email here:
September 17, 2004 Judi; I just got back into town. I have been out for 3 weeks. I am devastated. I lost Gibson in a helicopter crash. When the helicopter dropped, the rear door popped open and he fell out the side, and the helicopter rolled over on him. He was alive for a few minutes and I laid there with him. I could not do anything for him. I am crushed and have tears in my eyes as I send this note to you. It has been a week and I am one sad individual. He was such a loving dog. I did not really know how else to tell you. He was a beautiful dog with a great personality. I miss him tremendously. I buried him under a huge rock cairn. He was just too young to die like that. I am truly sorry. Gary. |
The above photo is of Gibson out on one of his many trips with Gary in August of 2004 to the tundra of the Northwest Territories.
I want you all to know that in no way do I blame Gary for Gibson's death and I feel very bad for Gary and his family. I too am very sad that one of our puppies is gone, but Gary and his family are first on our list for a new puppy in the spring! He has told me in another email since then, that his wife is forbidding him to take the new puppy up in a helicopter. I am sure that Gibson loved his life and the fun he had going in the helicopter out to remote areas of the Northwest Territories helping in Gary's work as a Geologist! I am happy to know that Gibson was so loved and that he was not alone when he died.
WHITNEY
WHITNEY - November 19, 1992 - November 23, 2004I received an email from Doris (breeder I bought Cody from and also owns Max) notifying me that Cody's grandma passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2004, just 4 days after her 12th birthday! Although I didn't know it, I was there on her birthday when I dropped Max off after his testing and got some great photos of Whitney.
She died
peacefully at home after her morning routine. She showed no signs
of being ill and enjoyed a great long walk in the bush just the day
before she died. She lived a long and happy life and is the
matriarch of quite a clan! She will be sorely missed, I am sure!!In Memory of Montana LeBlanc
Montana lived with a very dear friend of ours and enjoyed many walks in the bush with our dogs! He also spent time here when Chris and Steve went away for any length of time. He was a sweet old soul and loved being around the hustle and bustle of our crew! He was a fighter until the end! He will be sadly missed by all that loved him.
Montana on the outside of the fence waiting for a treat at last year's (2004) Golden Reunion
Words of Wisdom
"Dogs are our link to paradise.
They don't
know evil or jealousy or discontent.
To sit with a
dog on a hillside on a glorious
afternoon is
to be back in
nothing was
not boring - it was peace."
-
If
Tears Could
And
I’d
Walk Right Up To
And
Just this side of
heaven is a place called
Author Unknown
I know that it must
be different,
now that I am
no longer here.
I realize how
much I was loved
and how all
of you did care.
I know it will be
hard at first
when you look
around for me.
Expecting to
find me in my bed
or beside my
favorite tree.
Someday you will
begin to see,
although
it'll take some time,
the happy
times you shared with me,
the memories
are yours and mine.
I'll remember
you, my family,
and how much
you meant to me.
So please
don't grieve and don't be sad,
it was just
my time to leave.
If You Could See Me Now…
"If you could see me now... I am
walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now... I am
standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now... You'd know
I'd seen His face.
If you could see me now... You'd know
the pain's erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave
this perfect place.
If you could only see me now."
Another Heart Wrencher:
|
9/11 Welcome at Rainbow Bridge
On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were. An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for? We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special puppy or kitty in the Heavens. On September 11, 2001, a request rang out for pups and kitties not waiting for a specific person to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each one wondering what the assignment would be. They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the animals, as all animals do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them, "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever." One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the firefighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the police officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love." Then all the animals, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share. |
......And yet another,
I got this one in an email from a fellow breeder and just had to put it up on my site - it came at a tough time for us just having lost my father-in-law to cancer on May 6, 2006. We will miss you Poppa!
A Dog's Purpose - (from a 4 year old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the
rest to God. AMEN!
