Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon

Crossed the Rainbow Bridge December 12, 2011

How do we, who have lost our friend, write about it? How do we talk about the love and special bond we had? Bailey was a significant part of my life for 2 short years. He gave me the gift of his love, when I needed it most.

His Golden Bond journey began in the summer of 2009, when he was 6 years old. His family gave him up. He had jaw cancer,  was going to be euthanasied. Golden Bond rescued him and literally, gave him a new life. It was a life he wasn't going to have. At the same time this was happening to Bailey, my life had turned upside down, with the terminal illness of my sister. The exact day my sister died, I received the first e-mail from Golden Bond about Bailey. He was exactly the right dog, at exactly the right time. He helped me through my grieving.

First of all, he was one very, very big boy. At 101 lbs, he was inches taller and longer than a normal big Golden. I remember being asked "where is his saddle?".  The sheer size of him, made him stand out. The photo I have included, shows him at "full alert" (as my vet describes it). The first time I experienced this, it took my breath away. He was, at that moment, a magnificent and majestic creature. What came inside this package, was a sweet, gentle, and compassionate soul. My family and friends loved him, as did I. Where ever we went, people were drawn to him.

Bailey loved playing ball, going on walks, being in the water, getting belly rubs, having "his" people around and just hanging out on the front porch, watching the world go by.

I knew he had the gift to be a special therapy dog, but I was caring for his old brother, Brooks. There was no time to go thru the training. Bailey did get to lavish his love on a special young man, Michael, who's mother is a friend of mine. Because Michael lives in a private care facility, we could take Bailey to visit. On our first visit, Bailey inspected the wheelchair and Michael, and then smothered his face with kisses. With Michael's squeals of laughter, they became best buddies. Watching them together was amazing. With Bailey's leash held loosely in his hand, Michael walked Bailey to the park and we played ball.  Bailey would sometimes, drop the ball in Michael's lap. He knew he couldn't throw it for him, but he wanted him to be part of the game. The photo is Michael and Bailey on one of our outings.

His old brother, Brooks, had passed in May, at 16 1/2 years old. I looked forward to the years ahead, having just the two of us. We had a wonderful summer, which included a week at the beach. I got to watch him romp in the ocean. But all was not as it seemed. Nasty little cancer cells were forming. In Sept. he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy and lots of TLC, improved his condition, but only gave him a few more months. During his battle with cancer, he lost his best "dog-friend", Ginger. When his time came, it came very fast. On Dec. 12, he walked, a little wobbly, to the car, and we headed for our regular chemo treatment. By the time we got there, he couldn't move, and his big brown eyes said....."I'm done now". With his head in my lap, this big, special boy, peacefully passed. He was only 8 years old. He will live forever in my heart.

Molly

Adopted November 24th, 2009

Bailey (#1932) is my first Golden, and I am hooked. He is a 6 year old, VERY large golden, tipping the scales at 101 lbs, and not one ounce of fat. The term "gentle giant" fits him to a tee. He has an old, wise soul. He is sweet, calm, patient and has a big loving heart.

His original family raised him well and clearly gave him lots of love. They had to give him up. He had jaw cancer which they couldn't treat. Thanks to Golden Bond, Bailey received the medical treatment he needed. He lost part of his jaw and 3 teeth in the process, but is now cancer free. The only thing Bailey knows is that he now has a perfect spot to tuck his tennis ball into.

Bailey has been with me about 2 months. He came into a pretty quiet home, with just me and Brooks, who is a geriatric, 15 year old Welsh Springer. Bailey's new brother is deaf, partially blind and quite unsteady on his feet. If he was human, he'd be in the old folks home, tottering around with his walker. He's a companion for Bailey, but not much of a playmate!! Bailey is very patient with Brooks, but just a tad pushy about getting his loving first.

Ginger is a different story. She is a playful, 8 year old, Yellow Lab, who's Mother is a friend of mine. Bailey must go for chubby blonds, because they sure do have a good time playing and thought our recent surprise snowstorm was just for them.

Bailey loves his tennis balls, (what a surprise). His polite, "inside manners", let loose when he's chasing balls. He's just all boy and all dog. Spring will surely reveal some damage to the garden from 101 lbs charging around in it, (oh well). He also loves his walks (I'm not sure who is exercising whom). He is meeting all the neighbors, both human and canine. I have found his real joy is the river. Romping on the beach and swimming in the water is a real treat. Santa brought him a floating ball for Christmas. How did Santa know?

Bailey's bed is in my bedroom, next to Brooks. His first night here, he knew I wanted him to sleep there....but he'd have none of it. He laid on the floor with just his head on the bed. "Is this good enough?" I laughed, and tried again. The second time, he put his head and front legs on the bed. "How about this?" I had to control my giggles, to try again. Finally he was completely on the bed. "Oh all right, if you insist, but I'm not going to like this!" Now he likes it, and knows, it is his very own special place.

I could tell lots of both funny and tender stories, but there is a story that is much bigger and much deeper, than just another successful adoption. I feel the need to share it. During the adoption process, my younger sister got sick, and was dying. During her short illness, I began to wonder what I was contributing to the world. Golden Bond was aware of the emotional trauma in my life. The very day my sister passed away, Bailey was offered to me. I think Jill suspected he would be the right dog, at the right time. Three days later, when I met him, I knew he was the answer to my "what am I contributing" question. He will be the perfect therapy dog. I know he will bring happiness and comfort to people who need it.

One last note. The very best thing happened only a few days ago. Bailey covered my face with the biggest, sloppiest, wettest, most beautiful, kisses. He was just saying, "OK, you'll do". At that point, I knew it was no longer, "you and me", now it was "us".