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Meet FREEBO and Golden Garbo,
inspiration for this very special contest. Freebo, gifted singer, songwriter and musician, has been
greatly inspired by his Golden girl, Garbo. At 13½ years of age [as of June 2004], she
doesn't get to tour with her dad too often. But, when Freebo performs in his home area,
Garbo joins right in (as she is doing in fact with the song playing right
now!).
Freebo has
always loved dogs and been in awe of the joy they seemed to have when he didn't and the
constant love they were always so free to give. Inspired by his beloved Garbo, he created
this Dog People CD, dedicating it to every dog, past and present, who has
helped to make a better life for its people. Although an accomplished musician, Freebo
only just began performing his own music. He has been sharing this creative awakening by
providing seminars and learning camps, believing we all have some measure of creative
spirit. Just click on this album cover to order!
Being
creative and capturing that Freedom and Spirit of Gold, folks were asked to submit a photo that
represented the theme in their verses. And, Freebo shared his own advice that the words in
the verses flow from one's own experience and
perspective. It
was easy in this contest and every entrant was a winnereach
receiving a Land of PureGold Tasseled Bookmark and Spirit of Gold Award to celebrate their
participation. Our Top
Creative Artist received Freebo's The End
of the Beginning & Dog People CDs. She also was invited to a Freebo concert to
be honored. Our Next Five
Leading Entrants each received a Dog People
CD.
Freebo Contest Winners
Pure Gold Guidance
By Leslie Schwarz
Williams Lake, B.C. Canada
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I feel that I need a bit of a prelude to this verse I am sending. My
Golden, Kora, 15½ years old, left me January 10, 2002. Last Friday,
was one year for me. I have had a very difficult time with this, as
it was my decision to say goodbye to her and hold her until her
heart stopped at 11:20 AM that morning.
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I came to you this morning, in
memory of, our first year apart I asked you for your blessings, if I should make a new start As the house is feeling empty still, without you by my side Though I could not replace you, Kora: your beauty or your pride Your eyes looked down upon me, as if in fact to say;
"Mom; I'll always be beside you, I'm never far away Just look into your heart and find, the answers that are there because you get a puppy, doesn't mean you no longer care I know you miss me so much, and your tears do always flow But today, you must move forward, and try to let me go For your heart is plenty big enough, to add another love A puppy wouldn't take my place, for I am up above And so that is why, that on this day, I'm sending angels down To guide and watch a mother dog, give birth; safe and sound Today will hold your memories, the Sweet and the Bitter It will be the day I left you, & the birth of a new litter So take this pup and love her Mom, the way that you love me Then maybe you, can be at peace, your heart again set free."
Then as, our conversation, began to fade away The phone did ring, the Breeder said, "Guess what came today?" Although the puppies were not due, for yet another week, They came that day, all healthy: So Golden and so sweet Yes; this is a story, but it is only wrought of truth Can't wait for little Kasha: for the loss of her first tooth And so begins a journey, the training and the strife But I am glad, to be a part, of the beginning, of new life. |
I have recently been in contact with a close by breeder who had a
couple of litters due in January, however I was feeling unready,
until January 10, 2003, when I went to Koras' photo and ashes which
sit on our mantle, and I asked her how she would feel about a new
puppy and to please give me a sign of any kind. I know this sounds
crazy, but puppies arrived that very day, a week ahead of schedule.
I don't know if that was her sign or fate or what, however, I am
getting a new Golden puppy on February 28th.
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This Old Friend of Mine
By Keith Maynard
Hamilton, New Zealand
Verse 1 At first bird chirp he breaks my
sleep I don my gear and I hit the street I hate to run at this lousy time But I love him so This old friend of mine
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Verse 2 He never says a word to me But in his eyes I always see Just what it is he's trying to say He'll always win my heart that way |
Verse 3 Holes in my shoes and holes in the
hose He'll chew anything that's under his nose Dig up a bone and cabbages too Run over wet concrete Yeah, you can guess who
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Chorus My Dog, My Mutt, My canine friend He'll never cheat me or try to pretend A four legged hustler, a floppy eared fool He's never abrasive, rude or cruel And I love him so This old friend of mine |
Verse 4 A scoundrel, a rogue, a menace, a
knave A loveable mate, so loyal and brave Sit at my feet with his head on my knee And beg for the goodies I've got for tea |
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Verse 5 They say a dog's a man's best friend He'll stick right by you till the end No matter if you're rich or poor He'll be your mate for evermore
Verse 6 The lessons we could learn from them And show our love for our fellow men Regardless of their age or race It would make this world a better place
Final
Chorus My Dog, My Mutt, My canine friend He'll never cheat me or try to pretend A four legged hustler, a floppy eared fool He's never abrasive, rude or cruel And He'll never forsake me This old friend of mine
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Puppy Thoughts
By Lori Cacciatore
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Im going somewhere,
where could it be,
I just know that its someplace new, My hearts beating fast; Im panting a lot, and Im taking in the view, My first car ride, my very own toys, food and drink,
and something that comes in two!
Two people love me; yes they do and how funny they can be! Dont they know that the paper on the ground was beckoning to me? Why all the fuss? This tastes good! Hey dont take it away from me!
How I love the pats, kisses and hugs, I even get to play and tug; here comes a yummy
treat! Now whats that thing Mom calls a brush; it feels good and makes me look rather
spiffy and neat, Mom and Dad shake my paw and they tell me Im smart and sweet!
Im discovering this great world of ours; Mom and Dad sure look out for my safety,
I dont know how I came to live in this place; I just know that Im very happy! This home filled with love, I cant get enough; this is where I always want to be!
I dont understand a whole lot yet, but know the meaning of Puppy, oh how we
love you! Im off to nuzzle and cuddle them close, because you know I just love them too! Gosh Mom and Dad sure get all misty-eyed when they say those words Golden
Rescue.
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My Funny Brother
By Jon Tobin
Woodstock, Illinois
(photos by Laura Tobin)
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Mom (Laura) submitted this
entry for her 12-year-old son Jonathan. Currently about three to four-years-old, Tristan
came from rescue to the Tobin family in September 2001. He arrived at a very sad time,
though, as the family had lost their two elderly Goldens as well as Laura's dad between
March 2000 and June 2001. A tough time for all, Tristan has been a true Golden blessing
for the entire family.
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I have a brother
Who is like no other,
cause hes got four legs and a tail
He really loves me,
And its because hes got a heart as big as a whale
He is really funny, He jumps like a bunny
When you hold his food bowl up high
The mailman will meet him
And he likes to greet him, cause he is never shy
He likes to have his tummy rubbed And doesnt mind baths in the tub He loves to hear go for a ride?
He doesnt care how far we go, Sniffing breezes as they blow
Hes happy just to be alive
By day he snoozes in the chair, Flat on his back, feet in the air we laugh at him, but he doesnt mind
At night he sneaks into my bed And snuggles up right by my head,
He talks to me with eyes so kind
Tristan made us so happy
We used to cry so sadly cause we missed our golden pals
I could never love another til I met my golden brother
the one with four legs and a tail! |
Pure Gold
By Marti Brown
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Two feet two, eyes of brown
Always happy never
frowns. Loves everyone around, That's my little Carly
Brown.
Hair of gold, teeth of
white, Makes everyone feel
alright, She never wants you
out of her sight.
Golden heart, Golden
soul, Ageless spirit that
never grows old. Loves to run loves to
play Wears a little grin
all day.
She's so sweet oh so
fine, I will love her till
the end of time.
Hold her in my heart
so dear She lets me know there
is nothing to fear. That's my little Carly Brown. |
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My Golden Angel
By Amy Lively
Dublin, Ohio
Kisses from an angel Will surely make your day.
I have a golden angel Who loves to run and play!
She's always glad to see me,
No matter how long I'm away. She licks my tears and comforts me
When things don't go my way.
My golden angel brings such joy,
She always makes me laugh. She loves treats & bones & children,
Though she hates to take a bath!
She is the kindest, gentlest soul
I think I've ever seen. At night, I kiss her on the nose And wish her the sweetest dreams.
I pray she lives a long, long life And keeps me company.
And when it's time for her to go, A real angel is what she'll be. |
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Enjoy these Additional Entries
My Golden Sunshine By Catherine Morales of Miami, Florida
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My sunshine Rustie, what can I say You came to me when I was sad one day. My sadness left when I saw your sweet golden face, Now in my heart you have made a place.
You make me laugh, you're always by my side we have such fun together when you seek and I hide.
I watch you sleep upon my bed, I scratch your tummy and rub your head.
You are the most loving dog I've ever known unconditional love to me you have always shown.
I hope we have many years left together, For the memories you giving to me I
will hold in my heart forever! |
Heaven Sent By Jill Brickman of Tucson, Arizona
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Cassiopea, my little star that
shines on all who see His vision for your future as a messenger of therapy.
To all less fortunate, sick, alone and longing for a touch of Golden love through angel eyes touching souls that yearn for much.
The unconditional gifts youll give with open wings of love, like the constellation of your stars reach throughout the Heavens above.
Cassiopea, my little star His mission you'll complete as you sprinkle your light of Golden dust into hearts of those you meet. |
My Golden Boy By Trish Biro of Brantford, Ontario Canada
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My Golden Boy is a gift from up
above, Who taught me the true meaning of love. Unconditional, unselfish and true, He cheers me up when I am blue.
Ever so patient, ever so kind, He brings to me a piece of mind. With eyes so sparkling and sincere, He eases me of all my fears.
When times are tough, And things get rough He is there by my side, Strong and faithful each stride.
At night he sleeps at my feet. So trusting and caring each time we greet. So warm and so gentle with his special love. My Golden Boy from up above. |
My Letters about Golden Guides By Rebecca Kragnes of Minneapolis, MN
G |
is for gentleness which
is one of their Canine arts, |
O |
is for
the openness
residing in their hearts. |
L |
of
course is for the love distributed with ease. |
D |
is for
desire
they have for touch, for praise, to please. |
E |
stands
for the efforts which they make for us each day. |
N |
is for
the naughty
times when mischief is their way. |
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R |
is for
their readiness to follow our command. |
E |
is for
their energy while they do the task at hand. |
T |
is for
their tresses from pale blond to deep, deep red. |
R |
is for
their ravenousness since most love being fed! |
I |
represents
innate
ability to dry many tears. |
E |
is for
their empathy and silky, floppy ears. |
V |
is velvet softness
which describes inside and out. |
E |
is effervescence when they play and romp about. |
R |
is recurring
forgiveness, through loyalty they're bound. |
S |
is sensitivity to
action, mood and sound. |
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I feel so privileged to have
Wynell, my Golden by my side, She and two previous Goldens have been both my friend and guide. I get quite emotional each time I realize, The magnitude of their gift to me their service as my eyes. But I'm more than a dog guide user. I know there are many others, Who along with Golden guide handlers like me are known as "Golden Lovers." I've written letters about Golden Guides, and I can hardly wait, To share them as I do predict Golden Lovers will relate.
Just wanted to tell you that I went to see Freebo
last night, and he is of course every bit as good live as he is on
the CD's. I got Phil two CD's, so he could have them at the office
without depriving me of them. But that's not the best part. I
actually got to play with Freebo on a couple of songs. When we first
met, my husband told Freebo that if he needed a keyboardist, there
was one in the house. Freebo gently but graciously said he didn't
know if it would work because of the different styles. I told him I
was pretty adaptable. He went over and tested the piano, and the
lower notes of it just stunk! Still, I reassured him that I could
work around them as I had worked around many an out-of-tune key. He
was a little nervous when he called me up for D.O.G. (my favorite on
the Dog People CD) saying we hadn't rehearsed and kind of indirectly
apologizing for anything that came out of the piano. He was brave
enough to give me the solos. It wasn't the easiest piano to play,
but I made it work for me.
I think he was a bit surprised. He
had a couple of other musical guests, and at the break I suggested
that we all come back for a jam session at the end. He brought us up
for "Trouble" (my favorite song from the first CD). He was going to
try to tell me what to play and I just sort of took off, and he said
"Yah!!". People told me that the saxophonist was looking over my
shoulder trying to figure out what he was supposed to play. The Sax
guy is probably really good when he knows the music, but he couldn't
improvise very well. Anyway, I just had a blast. I hope Freebo will
remember playing with me, because I certainly will remember having
the opportunity to play with him. I also gave him a copy of both of
my CD's.
Freebo came up to me soon after my husband, our dogs, our friends and I
arrived. He gave me this big hug and really made over Wynell. I normally gently admonish
people about doing that without asking, but Wynell was handling it so placidly and
professionally that I couldn't bring myself to say anything. Ginko Coffee House is
intimate, and that meant crowded. My friends and I found a place for Wynell to lie out of
the aisle on the floor to listen to the performance. At one point she was sleeping and so
tangled in the leash from rolling over that I simply had to drop the leash and trust her
to lie still as a stone which she did. My husband Phil took his German Shepherd guide
Wanetta out of harness, because he didn't plan to go anywhere with her until it was over.
I knew that I might be called upon to perform, so I wanted Wynell to be ready. She laid on
that hard wood floor in harness for about five hours (including the performance and a meal
before hand) bless her big Golden heart! |
Working up to the piano was difficult both times because of how close together the chairs
were. She stopped several times until people moved a chair out of the way. Wynell is often
in performance situations with me, so she was very familiar with the routine once we got
to the piano. She sat and laid down when I commanded her to, and that was that until I
told her to get up after each song. Freebo asked me how old she was (4) and how long we
had been together (7 months), during the show right before I played D.O.G. He also asked
if she still had a way to go in her work or if she was just about there. It could have
looked as if we were struggling, but that was an odd situation for her. She did very well
given the circumstances. In answering his question, I said she was pretty much there. He
hugged me
after both songs.
There was a line during the break between the two sets, and I went
up to get Phil's CD's. Wynell is used to lines and is usually so
good about them, but last night she was sniffing my friend's shoes.
I was puzzled, because she's usually not a sniffer in line and while
working. That's when I knew. Wynell drinks the majority of her water
late in the day. I think she knew we were right by the door and was
trying to tell me she needed a break of her own. It's a good thing I
followed my intuition, because man did she have to go! The people in
line were nice enough to save my place as I went out to relieve her.
Wynell's reaction each time we left the coffee house was
interesting. It was so crowded in there that sometimes she had a
hard time knowing who to follow. I could almost hear her saying,
"Beck, I am really doing my best, but this is not easy!" But when we
left and had wide open spaces outdoors, her pull increased, and I
felt her confidence go back to normal. |
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