Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon

Crossed the Rainbow Bridge: Augut 14, 2006

Dear Golden Bond:

With the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you that Austin (#277) — my beautiful 5 year old angel — crossed over the Rainbow Bridge tonight. The cancer had returned (we found out in January 2006) and had really started deteriorating his incredible body. We had him on many different treatments to try and delay the growth of the tumors and to make sure he wasn't in any pain. Austin endured unbelievable odds and he wouldn't give up — he wanted to live, to play, to love and to be loved. So we did whatever we could to keep him comfortable and happy and he lived on. Tonight though, as his bones were so weak and brittle (he already was living with 4 broken ribs!), his back leg broke and that was when we had to make the call. So my baby is finally at peace — running in tall grass, swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, rolling on his back, making other dogs laugh and always keeping a watchful eye on Mommy and Daddy. Our 4 short years with Austin are filled with amazing memories. I know as he watches over us and remembers our trips to the city where we stayed in fancy hotels, trips to the cabin at the ocean where he played with his cousins and got spoiled by his Grammy, his flight to San Diego to spend Christmas with his Uncle, swimming at the river, camping, playing, snuggling on the bed and so much more. I know that these memories will bring him comfort and happiness as they do for all who met him, fell in love with him and will miss him. I like to think of Austin as sort of a rock star who's life has been cut short. His time on Earth ended much to early... but he lived his life to the fullest, gave it everything he had, met a lot of people and touched many lives. Thank you for connecting us with the most wonderful, amazing, inspiring and lovable companion.

Update July 18, 2005

Austin (#277) (our beautiful Golden Bond boy) turned 4 in April. It wasn't the greatest of birthdays for him as he had been diagnosed with cancer and we had to have his left front leg amputated. Todd (my husband) and I were absolutely devastated... but there wasn't another choice: amputate and he lives or don't amputate and he dies. At any rate, we amputated the leg and Austin has recovered incredibly. You wouldn't even know he had had 4 legs. He swims, plays, jumps, etc. just like his old self. I honestly think that Austin was placed with us for a reason. We were financially able to take care of the surgery, recovery, etc. and his uniqueness makes him even more of an angel in my eyes. If we are home this summer we will for sure be at the picnic, but I wanted to let you know that we are all still plugging along.

We are off to the ocean this weekend (not even the Pacific can slow Austin down).

Thanks so much,
Michele, Todd and Austin

Adopted November, 2002

Believe me...this photo is from just a few of the 20 rolls we have taken of Austin (#277). We think he is absolutely gorgeous and we love to bring him everywhere because people just fall in love with him and afterall...I am a proud new mom. Michele.

Austin has a new home with Michele and Todd. We think this active 13 month old may have met his athletic match with Michele, who is a triathlete. Austin has been going for five mile runs with his foster Mom, and just loves it. She also works out of the home, and will be able to keep an eye on young Austin. Both Todd and Michele really liked Austin from their first look at his pictures on the website, and their in person meeting confirmed he was the dog for them. In his first couple of days in his new home Austin has already been running twice, and they went to the river to cool off and go for a swim. Austin's foster Mom said they are in love with him already, and a perfect match for each other.

Autsin''s Available Story

Hi, my name is Austin (#277) I am a very sweet 13-month-old neutered male. I weigh 65lbs. My coat is very silky and honey golden in color. I like kids and get along very well with other dogs - my foster brother and I play for hours at a time. I also like camping, hiking, and going for rides in the car. I can take treats very gently and am not food obsessive.I love walks, chasing balls, and chewing on bones. I tend to eat toys and plants; so don't leave me alone with anything I can pull apart, because I might try to swallow it. I am housebroken and am proud to say haven't had an accident in my month long stay in my foster home. I will make it clear (with my cold wet nose) when I need to go out in the morning. My foster home has a "doggy door" and I've mastered using it during the day.I need someone who will provide lots of love and consistent obedience training. I don't know very much yet, but am eager to learn. "Come", "Sit", and "Down" make up the extent of my vocabulary. I need plenty of exercise because I have a lot of energy. My foster mom takes me running with her, and I love it! I am working very hard to learn to walk politely on a leash.I want to live with you, but will need supervision and shouldn't be trusted alone in the house with your new furniture. I am still learning not to get on the couch, so I will need consistent behavior from you until I learn what I can and can't do. I am still very much a puppy and a wiggle worm. I can hardly sit still because I am desperate to please and be loved. I am typically very calm in the house, and settle down quickly after new people arrive. However, I do have some lack-of-confidence issues and tend to bark at any new or unusual noise. Usually it is just a quick "woof" or two and then I'm done. I also get so excited when my people come home that I can't stand it. I am learning not to jump up when they come home, or when I meet new people, but it is very hard not to do so, so please be patient with me. With help from you, as I get more socialized, I know I will become more self-assured.If you help me learn my place in your family, I know I'll outgrow my "puppiness" and be the best dog you've ever had.