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 ARYIEL, Age 12
Grade 7, Grigsby Middle School, Granite City, Illinois
Best Friend: Bandit, ~2-year-old Golden Retriever
December 29, 2003
Hello, my name
is Aryiel and I would like to write this letter about my puppy Bandit. He is a wonderful
dog and he is very protective of me and won't let boys or other dogs around me. Bandit is
a softtie and would do anything for a bellyrub! He loves to go to the lake and go swimming
or try to catch a duck. Or two!
Bandit looks after me and if someone was trying to hurt me they
wouldn't be around long! We are going to get Bandit a grilfriend so we can have little
Bandits running around the house.
One day the cats were laying around the house when I was letting
him in. They stared at him and wouldn't move. Then after that they were just fine. They
lay next to each other all day now.
NICHOLLE, Age 9
Grade 3, School Lane Charter School, Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Best Friend: Noelle, 2-year-old Golden Retriever
December 27, 2003
My dog is very
friendly and playfull. She listens very well to people. Her favorite thing to do is to
chew bones. She hunts ducks and rabbits. She was born on September 17.
We had her for two years. She loves to run a lot. She goes to the
groomers once a week.
ARIEL, Age 10
Grade 5, P.W. Carlton School, PennsGrove, New Jersey
Best Friend: Daktoa,
3-year-old Golden Retriever
December 26, 2003
My dog Daktoa
is my best friend. He loves me and is trustworthy. He loves to play games with me. He does
not try to hurt any other animal but barks.
He also gets me happy when I'm sad. When we go on a walk he is well
behaved. He gets along with other breed dogs. We have two more dogs and he is the biggest
and he lets them bite him. That's why Daktoa is my best friend.
KATIE, Age 11
Grade 5, Manhattan Country School, New York City, New York
Best Friend: Genevieve, 6-year-old Jack Russell/Italian Greyhound
December 15, 2003
My dog's name
is Genevieve. She's a mutt, not pure, but what do I care? Her personality is weird. She's
scared of everything. Thunder, fireworks, loud noises, car alarms, stomping,
shouting...she even shies from her own shadow!
Her behavior with food is picky. No matter what yummy flavor the dog
food happens to have, she prefers people food. She will not eat dog food unless it is
mixed with people food - not even a single bite. We don't know how to make her stop this
behavior.
Her antics are extremely cute. Genevieve is a very long dog, and she
likes to stretch out. Legs far behind her or in front of her. When she does this, she
oftens puts her cute speckled nose between her front paws and paws at it! It is so funny
to watch, and I think it's really cute!
She also has a lot of talent in singing! Her howls aren't regular, she
REALLY sings, in tune! Her favorite songs are "Happy Birthday" and "We Love
You, Genevieve!"
If I am feeling down, she always comforts me, whether she tries or not.
Just the sight of my wonderful, special dog makes me smile!
KELSEY, Age 12
Grade 7, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Millington, Tennessee
Best Friend: George, 2-year-old Golden Retriever
November 21, 2003
Hi my name is Kelsey
Fortner, and I want to tell you about my best friend ever my dog George. I got my dog
through an adoption agency called" MAGRR" (Memphis Area Golden
Retriever Rescue)
for Christmas. I was sick and home alone and my mom came home from work early and when she
did I heard a loud barking and I ran outside and there he was! He is one of the best
looking dogs ever.
When we first got him he got really protective over my family. One time
the UPS guy came to deliver a package for my dad and there was no one between my littlest
brother and George went crazy (but not like attacked him or anything). My dad had to hold
George while I got the package.
ROSIE, Age 11
Grade 6, Berdune Middle School, Boulder, Colorado
Best Friend: Wishbone, 7-year-old Golden Retriever
November 8, 2003
A dog best friend is
someone you can tell secrets to. Someone who you can talk about your problems to. Someone
who will be loyal to the very end. Someone who can laugh with you and make you happy.
Someone who you can trust in all situations. Someone who loves you and helps you smile
when your sad or mad. Someone who loves you always and forever. And finally, someone who
is your best friend.
That's what you should have with your dog and that's exactly what I have
with mine. Thank you for being my friend, my Golden Retriever.
MICHELE, Age 12
Grade 8, Ramstein Middle School, Germany
Best Friend: GOLDENS Meggie (3 months), Goldie (3 years) & Samantha (2 years)
October 18, 2003
All my life my
family has moved around. We never lived in a place long enough to own a dog. I have asked
my parent's a thousand times why I couldn't get a dog. They just kept telling me that I
might be surprised around my birthday, but every year I was surprised because there was
always no puppy.
Then we moved to South Carolina. I thought this was my chance to prove to my
parents that I was worthy and responsible enough to get a dog. After they told me no
another million times, I fell in love with my across the street neighbors dog. It was also
the first time I ever recognized the most beautiful dog breed ever, Golden
Retrievers.
Her name was Goldie and she was 3 years old. I would stare at her all day
long from my bedroom window. Her graceful movement running along the yard. Her silky and
shiney coat glimmering in the sunlight. I would always play with her, she was like my
security.
Then we moved once again, and I had to try to make new friends. It wasn't
very easy for me. Then one day I saw a girl (about my age) walking a dog. It was easy for
me to recognize the breed, none other than the beautiful Golden Retriever.
The girl (Morgan) and I quickly became friends. I would mostly go over to see
her 2 year old Golden named Samantha. The three of us would have so much fun together. But
then another terrible deed happened, we got stationed to Germany.
I cried and I cried. I wanted to go back to America and see my best girl and
dog friends, but I had to stay there for 3 years. When finally I met somebody who worked
with my dad, and the most happiest miracle happened to me, he owned a Golden.
His
Golden Retriever's name was Meggie. She was a 3 month old Golden, and is
the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. In fact she reminds me of a bear! Anyways, so I
decided to ask my parents a million times more "the big question", and every
answer was no. So I still play with Meggie and have the best time I can, and try to prove
I'm responsible.
I still live in Germany, but I'm going home in 7 months! I hope I can make
new Golden Friends and maybe get one of my own.
KAYLA, Age 11
Grade 6, Geneva Middle School, Geneva, Illinois
Best Friend: Polo, 1½-year-old Golden Retriever
September 5, 2003
My Golden
Retriever's name is Polo. My family and I raised him for the blind. We got Polo when he
was 7 weeks old and returned him at the age of 1. We kept him for a year and socialized
him by taking him almost everywhere we went including the grocery store and the hair
salon. Polo went to my tennis tournaments where he would get a lot of attention. He had to
get used to all kinds of people and sounds. On Memorial Day weekend of 2003 we had to give
him away to be trained. I was so attached and it was hard. My mom always told me that it
was for a good cause though.
Through the year with Polo he was always by my side. Polo played ping
pong with my dad and I and his job was to retrieve the ball. Later this game got renamed
Polo Pong. He would run all around the table watching the ball so he could grab it once it
hit the ground. Eventually he would get tired and lie down. Polo is a very fun dog. He was
always there for me in situations where I was down or needed someone to talk to. He is a
memory I will never forget!
On Tuesday, September 2nd we found out that Polo had been issued
with a blind person. This man from Taiwan arrived with two blind people to get dogs. He
wanted to start something like Leader Dogs in Taiwan. Polo was chosen to work with one of
the people that had come from Taiwan. Polo has to relearn all of his commands like sit and
stay in Chinese. It'll be hard, but he's smart and I know he can do it.
IVEY, Age 11
Grade 6, Snellville Middle School, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Best Friend: Belle, 3-year-old Golden Retriever
June 26, 2003 My Dog Belle My dog
Belle is one and only dog for me. Of course it started when my mom got her for me on
Christmas Eve. Since you use bells on Christmas for your tree or doors and bells had to do
with Christmas we decided to name her Belle. Ever since then Belle has had the time of her
life.
Sometimes me and my mom will take her swimming down at the lake that we
live near because swimming is one of her favorite things to do. Belle loves to run,jump,
and play with me. One our favorite games to play is hide and go seek. I will toss the ball
to the end of my yard and she would run as fast as possible to get it and while she gets
it I would hide. As soon as she gets the ball she drops it and tries to find me. Some of
Belle's worst things to do is take baths and she hates cats.
Belle will always be with me and I will always be with her.
CHRISTIN, Age 14
Grade 8, Berlin Community School, Berlin, New Jersey
Best Friend: Hunter, 7-week-old Golden Retriever
June 18, 2003 Hunter is my
third Golden. He is just the cutest little fur ball! He loves to run around and play with
his brother Rocky and sister Sparkle. He mostly loves to lay behind me when I'm on the
computer and stretch out all four of his legs, he just loves to pose for the camera as
well.
Hunter is so loving that I could never yell at him because he looks at
me with that sad little face when he knows he has done something wrong. But most of the
time he is a perfect little angel that rarely has an accident. Hunter is a great little
guy to have around and I couldn't imagine my life without him or my other two goldens!
ANTHONY, Age 11
Grade 5, Moreno School, Montclair, California
Best Friend: Angel, 3 years old
June 18, 2003
Do you have a best friend that plays around with you when you come back
from school? Do you have a best friend that sits in her bed waiting for you to come home
to school? Do you have a best friend that sleeps by your side when your in bed? When it
comforts you when you're in a solemn mood? When it's always on your side?
I do. Her name is Angel. When I get home from school, she plays with me. I'm in
school most of my day. I hardly even get to see her. But I do. I play with her, give her
baths. She doesn't really like baths. But she behaves. When I get home, I always see that
grin on her face. The first thing I say to her is Hi Angel. But with more expression.
She has a habit for gloating. Every time she walks by a dog, she gloats about her
healthiness. She has light colored skin, with brown and white fur. Her eyes are green, and
she is about 2' tall.
When I'm in a solemn mood she cheers me up, when I'm in agony, she
cheers me up. I love my dog. No dog can take her place . . . no dog. And nobody can take
my place . . . nobody.
LAUREN, Age 12
Grade 7, Dartmouth Middle School, Hemet, California
Best Friend: Toby, 18-month-old Golden Retriever
June 1, 2003 Hi! My name is
Lauren. I have a dog named Toby Gordan. He is special to me because of his personality. If
you are sad, he'll walk up to go, place his head on your lap, and look at you with his big
brown eyes, and you are instantly happy! He is a Guard dog, broom, mop, snuggle bunny,
pillow, friend, and more than you can imagine!
I love Toby because me and my daddy will play rough with him and
he will play rough back at just your speed and ability (He plays rougher with my dad), but
my two younger brothers (two and four) will try and play like us with him, and he knows
that they aren't as big as us.
Toby has long, wiry hair that was white when we got him, but now,
its a beautiful tan color. His teeth can help him when chewing on his dog food, and his
rough tongue helps him eat his favorite treat...CHEESE! If you say cheese, look behind you
and make shure that a 65 pound dog isn't sitting there because he has the greatest ear
this side of town!
I hope that you learned a little bit about Toby and me.
UPDATE: July
6, 2003
GOLDEN BOY
A true story written by
Lauren about her Golden Toby
on his life from his eyes, expressed through hers
Chapter One: The Girl With
Blonde Hair The
day was cold, and the wind blew fiercely outside. His mother and father were in that cage
with his other brothers and sisters, with nothing but clay dirt under there cold, sore
feet. This was the day Gordo was leaving. And so was his brother. It only made Gordo mad
that just because he was out in Apple Valley he would be sold for five hundred dollars. He
was a fifth generation pedigree and had his parents as show dogs.
Then the doorbell rang. A little girl with dirty blond hair came
in with her mom and dad and two brothers. It was so fun getting to play with that girl and
his brother at the same time. He went over and got a toy to chew on, even though it wasn't
allowed. Then he got a good yell from his dad.
Gordo was so scared he wouldn't get chosen, and his brother would.
He heard them talking about taking them both! Was it true? He sat and thought. Then, he
was picked up, and carried into a trunk.
The girl was there, the whole time! Petting and talking and kissing
him! He was given a box to lie in, but, it was too small. You see, Gordo was quite a big
puppy. He defiantly wasn't the runt. He heard them talking about his name. What was the
matter with Gordo? Spot, Sosha, Kobe, Buddy, Toby...Toby? His name was Toby? Well, It was
okay. He soon fell asleep. Chapter Two: New Things
At
his new home, Toby was greeted by a nice women called Mimi by the girl (who's name he
later found out was Lauren). Lauren brushed him with a nice smooth brush till bedtime. He
yawned and was soon curled up on the edge of a nice warm bed. He fell asleep on a full
tummy and a big life ahead.
He was introduced to the new back yard the next morning. It was so
different from his old clay dirt backyard. Grass and trees and flowers and toys and even a
big water bowl! He went over to get a sip, but a big gate was in between it and him. He
whined until he was let over there by Lauren. It was such good water! It had the taste of
his mother's milk. He later found it out to be a swimming pool (which Lauren went in
often). Chapter Three: The Dog of
Dreams He
was on a walk and saw a girl outside with a hose. His mom said something to the girl that
changed Toby's and Lauren's life forever. She said something about Toby chewing up a hose,
and they all instantly became friends. The girl, Hailey, brought out the most beautiful
dog Toby had ever seen! Abby was her name. They barked till their lungs were sore. Then,
they played. They played and went on walks and jumped and lived their life well.
One day, when Toby was on his way to Abby's, he saw her out front
in the grass. She had just had a bath and was being brushed by Hailey. He ran up to her
and kissed her. Shocked, Abby jumped up and sniffed to make sure it was Toby. He kissed
her again. She kissed him too and all of the world seemed to cheer for Toby and Abby.
Hailey, Abby, Lauren, and Toby all went on a walk. Toby was next
to Abby the whole time. There, Toby asked Abby to be his girlfriend. It was the
"Yes," that made him turn into a real Golden Retriever.
Chapter Four: Abby's Stay
Toby
was lying in the nice cool shade with his paw in the water when Abby came over. He was
excited because she was going to stay for a week. Her mom was going to Las Vegas for the
week and needed Toby to watch her. Toby was a year old and still enjoying his birthday
cake from Lauren. It had hot-dogs, carrot peels, yogurt, dog-food from his and Abby's bag,
treats, cheese (his favorite), milk, and weeds. All his good, and weird favorites.
He was with Abby by the pool and they were looking in the water.
He was having fun with the reflection when Abby jumped up to play chase! They were having
so much fun that they didn't even notice that the week was over and Abby had to go home.
He said good-bye and walked back over to the pool and put his paw in the water, still
seeing Abby in the water. Chapter Five: Gettin'
Cleaned The days went by
and he hadn't seen Abby in almost a month. He was very depressed. He didn't eat as much
and talked even less. Then one day he was taking a bath and noticed he was getting washed
extra good. His ears, teeth, and nails were clean and his knots were gone. He was being
brushed very good and was even better looking than he was when he was a pup. It then
dawned on him that he was going to see Abby! He was ashamed that he had not let himself
eat well. Chapter Six: Memorial Spot
He saw Abby
sitting in the front lawn getting her fur brushed, and it reminded him of their first
kiss. He decided to refresh his memory of that day and went over to kiss her. They went on
a walk and Toby instinctively marked! It was his first time, and he had wanted to try it
since he saw his friend Taz, Mimi's dog, doing it so often. He was proud of himself and he
saw Abby mark too. It is their memorial spot. Hailey and Mom scatter flowers there every
time they pass it. Chapter Seven: Bad Instinct
Abby was over and
she and Toby were playing. Then Toby smelt something and had another instinct. He had
never wanted this instinct to tell him...she was in heat. He tried not to, but he had to
be let in. He chased her around the yard and stopped when she finally left. The instinct
left and he went on with his day.
He didn't see her till almost three months went past. He smelt her
when she went on walks on the bike path and she him. Hailey came to see Toby a lot and
once to help Lauren save his life when he fell into the pool and was so shocked that he
forgot how to swim. Hailey came in real handy that day.
Chapter Eight: Helen and
Sugar Helen was a good
friend of Lauren's mom. Her dog, Sugar, was just as sweet as her name. Helen was a very
good hearted, kind woman willing to give you everything at any moment it's needed. Toby
was seeing Abby regularly and walking with Helen often when the world crashed before him.
Chapter Nine: Seriously
Yup. He was moving
away. He was scared. He had lived here most of his life and was going to move out in two
days. Oh my gosh! Abby! He would have to leave Abby! Would he ever see her again? She was
his girlfriend from right down the street and now he would be moving to a different city!
How could his mom do this to him? He was so sad. Then he realized that she was just as
sad.
He spent the night at Abby's, and Lauren did too. They played and
played until it was time to go. They kissed good-bye. Lauren and Hailey cried and hugged
good-bye. He was at a new house that Lauren called "Papa's house."
Chapter Ten: Temecula
Toby saw Abby one
more time and then they moved to Temecula. It was clean and big. His backyard was small,
but the park was so big it made up for having to move away from Abby. He met some friends
and saw some new people. It was fun to see Abby a lot, but, he missed seeing Abby every
day. Chapter Eleven: Hemet?
Yes. He was moving
back to Hemet. He now lives in a to story house five minutes away from Abby and sees her
often. Lauren sees Hailey at a ranch every Saturday and his second birthday is in two
months. He is a happy dog and takes walks regularly.
THE END |
WHITNEY, Age 11
Grade 5, Ridgewood Elementary, West Lafayette, Ohio
Best Friend: Carrie, 6-year-old Golden Retriever
May 12, 2003 A "Golden"
Friend Carrie's first
home was on a farm. There were identical twin girls to love & take good care of her.
But the only reason they owned Carrie in the first place was so she would kill the ground
hogs. It was a horrible place to have ground hogs because they would dig tunnels that the
horses would step in & get hurt. The girls' father got upset because Carrie wouldn't
do her job. He decided that there was no point in having a dog if it wouldn't do its job,
& was going to kill her! So their neighbors, Debbie & Louie King, asked if they
could have her, so the farmer excepted the suggestion. They brought Carrie into their
home, even though they already had two dogs of their own. She was very pleased with her
new playmates. Carrie would race one of them to the spot behind the table to see who got
to sleep there that night! My aunt, who is a friend of Debbie's, talked my family into
getting a second dog, which is Carrie.
The first time I saw her I knew she would be perfect companion! Mom,
Debbie & my aunt talked for a few hours, while my cousin & brother tossed a ball
back and forth. Carrie & I walked around the yard. Of course, that night, we took her
home. Debbie & Louie were crying as we left. Carrie & Buck (our other dog) get
along pretty well. They protect the house really well together, too. We soon found out why
she wouldn't kill ground hogs. She just isn't the killing/fetching kind of dog. She
doesn't even play tug-of-war, or chew on dog toys! Carrie would rather be hugged or held
close to you. It hurts when she climbs on top of my bed during storms while trying to
hide. While breathing really hard, she will try to squeeze behind furniture. On the normal
days, she is pretty lazy though. Or else she follows kids down the road thinking
"Hey, where are you going? Why don't you turn around and pet me?"! They usually
give in. Carrie is a very loving and sensitive dog.
ANSLEY, Age 9
Grade 3, Smith Elementary, Frisco, Texas
Best Friend:
Sonny, 1-year-old Golden Retriever
May 5, 2003
We got Sonny when he was 10
weeks old. He was given to Dallas Fort Worth Metro Golden Retriever Rescue because his
other family didn't want him. Sonny is always happy to see me. In the morning before
school he waits by my backpack while I get ready. Once he sees me put my folders inside my
backpack he runs to the garage door so he can go to school with me. Sonny loves to ride in
the car and takes me to school every morning.
When I get home from school he is very happy to see me. Sonny loves to
jump on the trampoline with me. He loves to play ball and tug-a-war. If I am watching a
movie he will get up on the couch and put his head on my lap and go to sleep. Sometimes I
fall asleep too. Sonny is the greatest dog ever. We eat popsicles together.
SHELBY, Age 11
Grade 5, Twichell School, Las Vegas, Nevada
Best Friend: Cody, 5-year-old Border Collie mix
April 24, 2003
My dog is named Cody. Cody is a girl dog. We got her in front of a
store. They were giving puppies away for free. How she got her name is because my mom was
going to have my little sister Kyli. My mom had two names picked out. If it was a girl,
Kyli, if it was a boy, Cody. After my mom found out it was a girl she named her Cody.
After we got her she became my best friend. We did everthing together
after I got home from school. We took walks, shared ice cream, took naps, watched tv,
movies, and she got up with me when I was sad, mad or sick. She was always beside me. So I
called her my baby. Cody is my first dog I have ever had as my own. She's going to pass on
soon but I will still have those days where she spent time with me. To me that's all that
matters to me is that I had a great dog like Cody.
REBECCA, Age 11
Grade 6, Wellesley Middle School, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Sawyer, 6-month-old Golden Retriever
April 12, 2003|
 When we got Sawyer, he was a tiny
little baby, all of seven weeks old. He had medium gold fur and incredibly sweet brown
eyes. He was eleven pounds and you could cradle him in your arms. I noticed that he was
incredibly handsome and everybody we passed on the street stopped to pet him and ooh and
ahh over his features. There was one thing they all said: "He's gonna be a whopper of
a dog!" And they were right. He weighs six
times as much as that tiny little baby that he used to be. He's still as sweet and
affectionate as ever, though. I get the feeling that Sawyer loves me and would protect me
if I was in trouble. He doesn't care about my looks or my grades or if I get that chorus
solo or not. He just loves me for being me. And maybe because I give him food, too. But
that's beside the point.
CHRISTINA, Age 11 UPDATE
Grade 5, Gulliver Academy, Miami, Florida
Best Friend: Sigdmuend,
14!-year-old Golden Retriever
April 12, 2003
In my paragraph I'm going to write about my wonderful dog Sigdmuend. He
means so much to me because he's always there for me when I need him. That's one of the
most major things I think that you need to have in a dog. People generally want young
puppies but if they met my dog they would change their mind because my dog acts like a
puppy even though he is 14 years old!
Sigdmuend is like the world to me. I always have a pal to play with and
he's always willing to play and go on walks with me. He'll stay in my room for hours while
I'm doing my homework and I can tell that he he enjoys every minute of it because he
always has a smile on his face! I think that every person would enjoy my dog, Sigdmuend!
UPDATE I have had Sigmuend for four great years. He was given to us by a
lady who didn't want him anymore. My favorite dog was a Golden Retriever ever since I
could talk. When I was seven I was given this great dog! He is the best dog to me and
everyone who knows him!
Sigmuend has really great qualities about his. He is very cute, cuddly,
and adorable. My favorite thing about him is that he listens so well. He knows a lot of
commands. It only took him eight days to learn them too. He's very smart! Even though he's
old he still acts like a puppy!
Sigmuend is loved by every member in our family, even our cat. They
have kissed before it was so adorable. You know how cats are supposed to be afraid of dogs
well as you can see not even a cat is afraid of my dog. Sigmuend has grey hair around his
chin and his whole face. But I think he looks very cute with it. All the kids generally
want young dogs because they are cuter but Sigmuend may be old but to me he'd beat having
any puppy, just because of how nice Sigmuend is.
Sigmuend has had some rough times in his life.When he was thirteen
years old he was attacked by two Pitbulls, not saying that they are mean or something but
Pitbulls tend to be a little aggressive. Sigmuend was rushed to the vet and he had to get
surgery on his hip. As of now he has a metal plate in his hip, or else he wouldn't be
standing. I think Sigmuend has went through a lot and I think he's done a great job of
handling it! Sigmuend is the greatest! I LOVE YOU SIGGY!
KELLY, Age 11
Grade 5, John F. Kennedy School, Canton, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Willie, 7-year-old Golden Retriever
April 11, 2003 What My Dog Means to Me
My Dog Willie is a Truly wonderful dog. I have had Willie
for 7 great years and I have cherished every moment I spend with him! Willie is my best
friend and is a very funny and mischevious dog. When I come home from school every day he
is sitting on the porch waiting for me and attacks me with doggie kisses! It is like he is
a real person, he knows when I am sad and when I am happy. Once when I was upset when I
came home from school he came over and cheered me up by playing with me and licking me.
Over the past couple of years I have had Willie I have noticed
something about him. He had developed a bump on his head at the age of 3. My family and I
liked to refer to it as "the bump of knowledge". He was fine for the first
couple of years and acted normally. I treated him like my brother I loved him very much.
He taught me Responsibility, and how to care for someone. I had to walk him twice a day
but I enjoyed the time with him. But then he started acting weird.
At the age of 7 he started waking up in the middle of the night.
Sometimes he would destroy the family room. We took him to the vet and the vet put him on
2 different types of drugs. When the first type of drug did not work we put him on the
stronger drug. I Loved him very much and supported him all the way. I was a little scared
in fear that something would happen to him. Than we found out that he had a brain tumor
and that he was acting that way because he was in allot of pain.
We felt terrible for Willie. The vet had told us we had to put him to sleep.
I was terribly upset and was miserable for days but than I thought. "Would I rather
be in allot of pain each day or live happily in heaven?". Than I realized it may not
be the best thing for me but it would be for him. But Willie Truly did teach me to live,
love, and laugh. On April 8th 2003, Willie, My dog, My brother, My best friend, passed
away. This Essay is to let people know that I Love Willie and I believe that he is happy
in heaven and watching over me. My Guardian angel. So this is to my dog Willie. Willie
I'll always love you! When folks learned
about Kelly's sad tale, many shared their heartfelt thoughts. And, several indicated that
they were lighting candles for Willie to honor his memory. The following beautiful story
was also shared. It has a Golden message for us all . . . .
Eyes
of Love
By Kathy Blue
The call came four days before Christmas. “We have a young boy who needs a Foster
home. His family wants him picked up today.” “Well, I don’t know, I’m
not sure I’m ready. It’s only been a month and a half.” The crack in my
voice and the hesitation gave me away.
 I wasn’t even ready for Christmas let
alone caring for an unwanted boy. Sure I had gone through the motions of putting up the
tree and unpacking the many boxes of treasured keepsakes from years passed. Entering my
home you would think all was well. All the signs of this blessed season were there from
the wreath on the front door to the Manger, representing peace, hope and joy. Yet this
year there was no joy and little peace in my heart. My heart was broken and my spirit
wavering. I had undergone thyroid surgery three weeks ago. My body was mending and I had
returned to work. The pathology report confirmed no cancer. I had received the news
thankfully but it was not my body that needed to heal as much as my heart.
On November fifteenth I had held my darling Sally in my
arms one last time as we gently released her spirit. Twelve years had passed so quickly
from the time I had first held her in my arms. A little ball of Golden fluff all ears and
paws and eyes. Those big dark chocolate eyes that mirrored her soul. She was an
amazing creature and we had weathered many a storm and shared many joys in those years. I
reached for the picture book sitting on the table. My eyes scanned page after page of
happier moments in time. Sally’s first Christmas, snuggled in Santa’s arms,
wearing her tassel hat, curled up in the quilt by the fire after licking snowballs from
her tiny feet. She loved to snowplow and make little puppy angels in the snow. Sally
peeking through the garland on the stair railing, a vantage point she often used to reach
down from to muss the hair on the head of any unwary visitor sitting on the couch. It was
her contented spot when I was busy and there was no lap for her to cuddle in. She could
keep tabs on her world from there. She was a mixture of angel and imp and from the very
first day I brought her home, she filled my life with joy. She was and still is my
Heartgirl.
“All of our Foster homes are full and many
people are away for the holidays. You were our last hope. It looks as if he will have to
stay in a kennel until we can find his forever home.” The words brought me back to
reality and I noticed the pain had returned to my chest. “Oh, no don’t do that.
I have five days vacation left. Bring him on over. I didn’t have plans anyway.”
A momentary concern crossed my mind but I had committed. Oh well, I’ll make the best
of it. No Golden baby should have to spend Christmas in a cage.
An hour later the volunteer pulled up in front of my
house. I went out to greet her. The day was as warm and sunny as my soul was dark and
cloudy. I live in Phoenix now and there is no snow and ice and cold to deal with, at least
on the outside. “Gizmo”, as he was called by his former family, was in the back
seat. He was a year and a half old, a beautiful red gold boy about seventy pounds. Curls
accented his thick wavy coat. We coaxed him out of the car. He was not coming willingly.
It was at that moment that our eyes first met. Eyes can be the window to the soul and this
boy’s eyes reflected a broken spirit. They were not dark chocolate brown but rather
amber brown and they were avoiding my gaze. No one wants to share misery with a stranger.
As he tentatively entered my home for the first time he
carried the burden of all that can go wrong in a Golden’s life. He was abandoned by
those he loved. It seems that they were just too busy now. They wanted to put a pool in
and there was no room for him any longer. Well at least they called Rescue and didn’t
just turn him out into the street or dump him at the pound. His first act of defiance was
to “christen” my Christmas tree. “No, no no, outside ah er Gizmo. Well that
was a stupid name. We’d have to do something about that.
His second act of defiance was to growl ever so softly when
I picked up the woobie I had given him. “No you don’t growl at me. I am
Alpha”. His third and last was to let me know on Christmas Eve that he didn’t
like his kennel and would be good if I just let him sleep on his bed in my room.
The following week we went to Dr. Ferguson’s office
and she gave him shots and evaluated him. Good health and yes he needed THE operation. The
week after that we were busy learning to play ball, what was permissible to chew and what
was not, that belts were for wearing not hitting, brushes could have a kind touch and
baths were fun, halo collars do not come off when they are duct taped and a name befitting
a beautiful red-gold boy would be Russell T, or Russ T for short. When it came time to
have the stitches removed I was standing in the Veterinary office and the technician
replied, “He’s a different boy when he’s with his Mom.”
 Somewhere during that busy
time of getting to know each other an amazing thing happened. I was in the bedroom and all
was very quiet, you know, too quiet in the household of a Golden. I called for him and no
answer. I looked and could not see him, very unusual for my now “Velcro” man. A
momentary panic, did I leave the front door open? Oh my where is he? This is a small,
modest home, not too many places to hide. I quickened my step and rounding the hall
corner, I saw the hall bath door slightly ajar. Something told me to peek in and as I
slowly opened the door, I saw a sight to behold. There, standing on the top of my vanity
was Russ T in a classic pose, chin held high, tail out straight and he was smiling!
He was staring intently at his reflection and apparently, liked what he saw. Then the
amazing thing happened. He turned his head and looked into my eyes. He held my gaze and
his eyes were no longer dull. They were sparkling. He had opened his window and willingly
shared his soul.
By now you have probably guessed that his temporary stay became
permanent. Russ T and I are a family. We continue to live in Phoenix and are active with
Rescue A Golden of Arizona. He has earned his Canine Good Citizen designation and
continues to enjoy his nights by my side, only now, he owns the other pillow.
If you are fortunate enough to have been loved by a Golden
then you know three things. First, G-d loans them to us to teach us how to behave. Second,
the time we have with them is never enough and third, the heart mends and becomes full
when you return love to a Golden. |
September/October
2003 Update: Here at the Land
of PureGold,
one person's sharing of a story leads to another, and then, another again.
| A Letter from Debbie Johnson
“Dear Rochelle, I wanted to thank
you for such a wonderful website. You have no idea how your web-site has affected me and
my family. I am a 45 year old married mother of four who ‘stumbled across’ your
Land of Pure Gold. I read your bio and found myself relating to you. Two years ago I woke
up one morning with arm pain which lead me into a neck surgery that would change my life
forever. I am now on permanent disability. This dras-tic life's experience has made me see
the world in a completely dif-ferent way. I am so much more sensitive and aware of how
many people go over looked in life who are suffering from health problems.
It is through this experience that led me into the search of a
Golden Retriever.
Rather than sit home and dwell on my disability, I want my life to count for some-thing.
And with that in mind I have been on a search to find a Golden Retriever puppy whom would
be trained to become a therapy dog. My vision is to certify her to work with children in
hospitals and abuse centers in my area.
During my search for a good breeder I somehow came across your website on the internet.
Many days I sat at my computer with the tears running down my cheeks reading so many
wonderful stories about this amazing breed. I read some of your rescue stories and sobbed
through each one. I even brought my husband upstairs to sit with me while I read aloud the
story of ‘Gizmo’ who later became ‘Russ T’. We just wept.
By the time we finished reading so much of your website, we knew without any doubt
that this was indeed the dog for us. It was like anticipating the birth of a child as we
spent months searching for our own little angel. I spent endless hours searching for a
good breeder and finally we found one right in our own neighborhood.
We have just brought her home and words can't describe our joy! I wanted to share her
with you since it is really your web-site that really taught us how blessed our lives
would be with one of these little angels. We thought long and hard about a name for her.
We wanted her name to reflect the journey that we have planned for her. Since her life
will be loving needy children we have named her Lullaby. She is eight-weeks-old and her
Registered Pedigree name is Heavens Golden Lullaby. I wanted to share her with you and
thank you for your amaz-ing website. We just can't begin to share our joy in owning our
very own nugget of gold! Thank you for all the hard work it must take to put together such
an amazing site. Our family will never be the same.”
“I recently sent you a picture of
our new Golden baby named Lullaby. I hope you don't mind but I just had to give you an
update. The breeder we used for Lullaby had a little boy puppy left from the litter. For
some reason he was the one nobody wante d. When I found out about that I drove back to her home to take a
peek. Once again I found another Golden treasure. I picked him up in my arms and he just
melted. Not moving a muscle, sitting so calmly letting me cradle him like a baby. He is a
lover boy! So as you might have guessed, I brought him home with me. They are both now
9-weeks-old and they are having the time of there life (and so are we!). As you can
imagine, or probably have experienced, I have my hands full! Meet our new addition,
Sampson. His formal names is Sampson's Golden Glory.”
|
DYLAN, Age 9
Grade 3, Cornado Hills Elementary, Thornton, Colorado
Best Friend: Harley, 7-month-old Golden Retriever
March 31, 2003 My dog Harley is
the best dog in the whole world. I told my Mom that I wanted a new dog, so my Mom took me
to a dog kennel and we looked at lots of dogs, that's when I saw some Golden
Retrievers. I
walked over to about 4 dogs, all of the dogs started licking me and jumping on me but this
one dog kept pulling on my shirt and would not let go. It was like he was saying pick me,
pick me. I picked him.
When we brought Harley home he was only nine weeks old, even though it
was his first night in a strange place, he didn't cry at all. He never ever cries unless
he has to go potty and he never messes in his crate. He is my best friend in the whole
world. I take him for a walk every day unless it is snowing and we play in the backyard,
our favorite game is wild animal. I can tell Harley anything and he never tells my secrets
to anyone and when I am sad he always knows how to make me happy. Harley just graduated
from dog obedience and he was the only dog that got perfect attendance. He is the
smartest, most beautiful dog in the world.
JILLIAN, Age 8
Grade 2, Northside Elementary, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Best Friend: Anabelle,
4-year-old Golden Retriever
March 29, 2003 I think my dog
rules because I know that she will take care of me if something ever happened. My dog is
very nice she has never bitten anyone.
She is pretty. Her fur is gold of course and her eyes are brown. She
likes to run around and lick people. She is the best dog in the world. I love my dog
Anabelle.
ASHLEY, Age 8
Grade 3, P.S. 273, Brooklyn, New York
Best Friend: Butterscotch, 2-year-old GOLDEN mix
March 18, 2003 I saw an
newspaper ad about adopting a dog. The following day was the last day to adopt a dog. Then
I asked my mom if I could get a dog. She said ask my dad if he could take me. He said yes.
That night I couldn't sleep. I was too excited. When it was time for me to go I got up and
got dressed.
The car ride took forever. I was heading for the North Shore Animal
Leage (ASPCA). It was in Staten Island. I did not blame my dad for taking so long. When I
got there I didn't know which dog to pick. Then my mom came holding a dog. I said
"I'll take her."
Finally we checked out of the petshop. I was petting my dog for
most of the car ride. When I got home my mom asked "What are you going to name
her?"I said "Butterscotch!"
THAT IS THE DAY I GOT MY DOG BUTTERSCOTCH.
THERESA, Age 10
Grade 4, California
Best Friend: Moses, 8-year-old Black Lab
March 16, 2003
My dog is a great
friend! He loves it when I take him for walks and when he gets to go places with us. Moses
is as sweet as can be, he will always go up to you and greet you when you go outside. He
is not wild at all, but I don't care if he is wild or not. Moses just loves when you give
him left over food!
The one thing about him is when he gets ear infections, he feels
horrible! But I don't have to worry about that all the time because my other dog Simba is
always there to help!
One time my dog (Moses) was outside with me. I mean I took the leash
and took him for a mini walk and he snuck into my neighbor's garage and stole an avocado!
That's another thing about him! He loves avocados so much! He even eats the seed along
with it! Well I'm done with the paragraphs, hope you like my dog's personality.
LANE, Age 11
Grade 5, Longview Christian School, Longview, Washington
Best Friend: Sugar, 5-month-old Golden Retriever
March 9, 2003
My dog Sugar is
the best thing that ever happened to me. She is gentle and whenever I'm sad, or need
someone to snuggle with, she's always there. When I'm happy, she knows it and is always
ready to play and wag her tail. Sugar is my new best friend and I don't know what I did
before I got her.
Sugar is also very easy to train! We take her to class on Tuesday
nights and she almost always does well. Even when we get mad at her, she still loves and
obeys us. It is fun to teach her new things.
I love Sugar so much and can't wait to experience many more years of
fun with her!
MATEEKA, Age 13
Grade 7, Berry Middle School, Mesquite, Texas
Best Friend: Cody, 5-year-old Sheltie
March 8, 2003 Cody has been my
best buddy since I was 8. He's a 5 year old Shetland Sheepdog, a blue merele one at
that. Cody is like the brother I never had and is a better sibling than my sisters!
Cody follows me everywhere I go, and reminds me of Skip. Everyone in my
neighborhood knows him. He sleeps with me, protects me from angry cats, and loves me more
than anyone. Cody barks to answer my questions, and I understand him! We are extra-close.
I found Cody in a gutter one day after a rain storm on my way home from
the park. He was so small I figured he'd been washed down there in the storm. He was still
young, so we had to bottle feed him. My entire family fell in love, so we kept him.
SHAYLA, Age 10
Grade 4, Stuart Place Elementary, Harlingen, Texas
Best Friend: Chulita, 2-month-old Chihuahua
February 22, 2003
Chuliata is my
angel. I got Chulita after my dogs Mack and Snoopy died of food poison. Chulita didn't
replace Mack and Snoopy, but she comforts me with her love. Chulita's birthday is on New
Year's Day. Chulita is tan and has spots of white here and there. Her eyes are baby blue
that makes her look very loyal.
I think Chulita is very intelligent. Because when I'm down and I'm
discouraged she curls up next to me. And that realy cheers me up and licks me. Chulita is
brave is not scared to take the chance. That's what I love about Chulita.
TIFFANY, Age 11
Grade 6, Parkville Middle Center of
Technology, Baltimore, Maryland
Best Friend: Chadsworth, 1-year-old Shih Tzu
February 21, 2003
My best furry
friend is my 1 year old Shih Tzu puppy named Chadsworth. The reason Chad is so special is
because he was born into a litter of seven, when almost everyone knows that a Shih Tzu dog
usually doesn't have more then about three puppies. Anyway Chad was the seventh one to be
born and when we went to pick one of the dogs he won us over. Not only was it with his
cute looks, but it was also because when my mom had picked him up he licked her right away
and sucked on her finger like she was his actual mother. Another reason he's so special is
(you might think this sounds weird but it's special to our family) when you pick him up
and cuddle him, he lets out this cute little snort and then he licks you like there's no
end to the day. Now I know some people might hate that, but it shows my family and I that
he really loves us no matter what happens.
When I'm really sad, Chad is always their to cheer me up. For example,
when my grandmother had died, my mom and I were so hurt because we were really close with
her. So needless to say we cried allot and every time Chad had sensed sadness, he would
come over and let us hold him and love him until we had stopped crying. I don't know if
that means anything to anybody else but that means a whole lot to me. Oh, and he almost
always looks out for us. When he feels like something just isn't right, he always goes
around to each and everyone of us and makes sure that we are all ok. That's why my dog is
my very best friend.
KAYLA, Age 11
Grade 5, George Washington Carver Magnet School, Montgomery, Alabama
Best Friend: Sassy, 5-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Terrier
February 21, 2003
What is it I love
about my dog? She loves to jump and so do I. She likes food, so do I! If I had to trade
any dog in the world for her, I'd say no! She's too special to me and no dog can replace
her. Not even Lassie. She could be in dog shows but I don't what to be a show-off.
If I were rich I'd give Sassy a room to herself with a playmate! I'm
trying to get her one now! If my dad lets me. When I'm lonely I can always depend on her
to cheer me up!
KELSEY, Age 11
Grade 5, Florida
Best Friends: Cain, 3-year-old
Golden RetrieverS
February 4, 2003
Cain is my baby.
We adopted him after another dog of ours was euthanized. He didn't replace our dog but
gave us comfort. His birthday is Halloween night and he is always wearing a little halo
over his head. But it is no costume, he is such a sweet boy. Cain is dark gold with sort
wavy hair. He has soft brown eyes with so much intelligence.
I think Cain is so special. When I am sad he is always around and
trying to cheer me up by giving me kisses. HE does his best to protect me when people he
doesn't know are around. He also is very gentle and has a great personality that everyone
loves!
KALLAN & SHAELYN, Age 7½
Grade 2, Duitle Elementary, Billerica, Massachusetts
Best Friends: Darcy and Roxy, 2-year-old
Golden RetrieverS
January 18, 2003
Darcy and Roxy
are the best dogs we ever had. Their birthday is December 30,2000. We fenced the yard in
so Darcy and Roxy could run.
Darcy likes to be walked by Kallan. Roxy likes to run and play with
Shaelyn. Darcy also likes to play. We take Darcy and Roxy to the beach. We know this is
funny but Darcy and Roxy don't like to swim.
LIZ, Age 12
Grade 6, Foundation Academy, Winter Garden, Florida
Best Friend: Goldie, 3-year-old Golden Retriever
January 6, 2003
Hi, my name is
Liz and my dog Goldie is not a man's best friend, it is a woman's best friend. Goldie is a
female Golden Retriever and she has very wavy hair and is dark gold. Goldie and my german
shepherd Max get along great. They've even had 2 litters of puppies containing twelve
puppies each. Goldie is by far my best friend. Goldie is not only my best friend but,
she's going to be a therapy dog.
Goldie's favorite seasons is winter and summer. Her birthday is
on October 31,1999. (Halloween) Goldie's favorite things to do is to go on the golf-cart
and on the four-wheeler. When I say "load-up" she knows just where to go to the
golf-cart. Goldie also loves to swim. I've never had such a best friend!!!
KYLIE, Age 8
Grade 3, Richboro Elementary School, Richboro, Pennsylvania
Best Friend: Buddy, 3-year-old Golden Retriever
January 5, 2003
Buddy protects me
if anyone hits me. My dog counts on me to feed him when I come home from school. Everyone
I know likes him. Even my bus driver! Buddy sometimes thinks he's a human and uses his
paws to catch things.
Buddy loves the winter and fall the best because he gets to roll around
in the snow or leaves. I like to write stories and most of them he's the main character.
Buddy's birthday is the same day as mine! Buddy loves to bark at things especially at
animals. Buddy is my best friend!:)
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