Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon

Crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 12, 2005

Joker (#0001-BN) brought me to Golden Bond Rescue. A year and a half after losing my first golden, Gretel, I saw an ad for "foster homes needed". Losing Gretel had been so painful that I'd vowed never again to adopt — but of course fostering would be different! I asked the foster coordinator for an older, couch-potato-like, easy-going dog. Two days later I was presented with Joker, a bouncing, exuberant, untrained and slightly wild two year old whose family was moving and had to give him up immediately.

Within days Joker won my heart and changed my life. His exuberance never faded, nor did his sweet nature and love for other dogs. He welcomed foster brother Dutch, 10 year old Goldie who became his adopted sister, exceptional big guy Gulliver, extra special Tigger, and adopted brother Koolie. He helped provide respite care for Truman, Ty, Lady, Tasha, and Bruce — welcoming each of them, offering his space, treats, toys, and plenty of play.

Joker was diagnosed with mast cell carcinoma three years ago and endured four surgeries within 18 months. His strength and stamina gone, his well being badly diminished, we turned to naturopathic treatment. Joker rebounded dramatically and for the next year returned to health and great enthusiasm for life. Last September the mast cell returned, along with the dreadful diagnosis of lymphoma. Following three chemotherapy treatments which caused severe side effects, we returned to the holistic approach. My sweet boy enjoyed a good quality of life for the next four months, fighting courageously against two vicious cancers. He passed from this earth on February 12 at age eight.

What an incredible teacher and healer Joker was for me. I cannot describe how meaningful and rewarding my involvement as a volunteer with Golden Bond Rescue has been. I will be forever grateful for having learned about holistic medicine, nutrition, healing, animal communication, and the wisdom that our animal companions bring to us. I take great comfort in knowing that Joker's sweet spirit is still very much with me. Every so often I glance up, thinking that I see my mischievous rascal with one of his prized stuffed toys between his paws as he prepares to methodically extract its stuffing.

Thank you, Joker, from the bottom of my heart, for the limitless joy and love you gave so freely, unconditionally, and constantly. You deeply enriched my life. Koolie and I mourn for you, and I will always love you.

— Susan