In Memory of Shasta

“My brother and sister-in-law recently relocated back to Nebraska from South Carolina. The one member of their family unable to make this journey was their beloved Shasta. Shasta passed away during the summer and my brother was devastated. Shasta was a rescue and truly found her dream home with my brother–a great house on a lake, a wonderful man and woman who adored her and two Siamese friends–Itchy and Scatchy. So. . . I’m sending this donation from Scratchy in Shasta’s name.”

Karen S. ~ Lincoln

In Memory of Elliott Cronin

The enclosed donation is in memory of Elliott Cronin (GRRIN ID #98-26). Elliott spent 10 wonderful years with us and brought us great joy. He was euthanized Monday, October 6th, the same month he would have turned 13. Thank you for the incredible service you provide in allowing the Goldens to be a part of our lives.

Sincerely,
Nancy and Mike Cronin and Duke (GRRIN #04-54)

In Memory of Matthew C. Henderson,
Cpl. U.S. Marine Corps

Matthew Henderson
15 May 1979 – 26 May 2004
and his beloved Golden Retriever, Rocket
21 May 1991 – 8 April 2003

The friendship started simply enough – an energetic and fun-loving 12-year-old boy welcomed a gangly, curly Golden Retriever puppy into his home and heart. Matt loved the out-of-doors and was soon introducing his new buddy to his favorite pastimes – exploring, baseball and hunting. Matt taught Rocket (aka Rocky) to fetch, catch Milk Bones and later catch the errant baseball. Rocket assumed a position in the outfield and was, in Matt’s words, a “great center fielder.”

The family plan for Rocket to be an outdoor dog went by the wayside early that first winter. Rocket could be found sleeping on the floor by Matt’s bed. The outdoor games and fun grew to include indoor wrestling matches between the two best friends.

Matt joined the Marine Corps in September 2000, and after his basic and advanced training as a combat engineer, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California. “How’s Rocky doing?” was always one of Matt’s first questions to his family during telephone calls home.

Rocket was taken by cancer during Matt’s first tour, the initial invasion of Iraq, and died on April 8, 2003. Matt learned of Rocket’s death upon returning home. Matt was shaken and saddened by the loss of Rocket, and one of the first things he wanted to do upon returning home was to visit Rocket’s grave.

Matt was again deployed to Iraq in February 2004. He recognized the increased danger and took his job as a squad leader and combat engineer very seriously.

On May 26, 2004, Matt and two fellow Marines were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as they approached. Matt was able to warn the rest of his squad to retreat before the IED exploded.

To the love and friendship between a man and his Golden Retriever, we dedicate this web site to the honor and memory of two best friends – Matt, a true hero, and Rocket, a great example of man’s best friend.

In Memory of Daizee and Gino Henderson

By Kellie Henderson Ramirez

Daizee first came into my life when I was just a teenager. I remember how I devoted all my attention to her (much to the chagrin of my cat, Whisper). She was a good puppy and grew to be a great dog. She loved to aggravate Rocket and hang on his neck and jowls. He tolerated it nicely and was a great “uncle” to her.

Daizee’s funniest characteristic was the curl she’d get in her lip, kind of like Elvis, when she got over-excited, usually when one of the family came home. When she gave birth to seven adorable puppies, she changed a lot and became a much more unique doggie. It was the only litter she ever had the chance to birth, but she certainly was a great mother.

Daizee’s son Gino, who we kept, was originally not supposed to stay with us. Somehow, though, no one really claimed him, and eventually we stopped looking for a new family and he became part of ours. Gino was my man. He was the most lovable, handsome dog I’ve ever seen or known. And I don’t say that only as his “mother.” He truly had a soul. He loved to follow me around the house, whatever I was doing, and although it could be annoying at times, I look back and really miss that.

They were two of the best dogs out there, wonderful Golden Retrievers, and I miss them. I hope one day to have another Golden and hopefully relive some of the joy I shared with Daizee and Gino.

(Gino died on 5 October 2006, prematurely of a brain tumor, and Daizee passed away on 16 October 2007 from old age and the complications of arthritis.)

In memory of Teri

In August 2007, GRRIN lost a great friend and supporter, Teri Osbon-Kitzelman. Teri was an animal lover throughout her life. In 2002, Teri and her husband Mark Kitzelman lost both their senior Goldens within a few months, and they came to GRRIN in hopes of finding another dog to love. Around that time, an area shelter contacted GRRIN about a Golden puppy that had been left tied to the shelter door during the night. Mark and Teri had been planning to adopt an older dog, but somehow this little puppy seemed like he might be a perfect fit for them. When we called to ask Teri if she would be interested in a puppy, she didn’t hesitate for even a second! The first words out of her mouth were, “How soon can we get him?”

Teri brought the little guy home and named him Harry after a grandfather. Harry was a fun-loving, mischievous puppy who loved everyone and enjoyed being the life of the party. Several months later, Mark and Teri decided he needed a buddy, and again they called GRRIN. This time, they adopted a young adult and named him Tony, after another grandfather. Tony was a much more serious dog who had his work cut out for him, trying to keep Harry in line! The two dogs became great pals, but Teri explained that if Harry got too rowdy, Tony would sit on him to settle him down!

Teri always had funny stories about the antics of these two dogs. She loved them dearly, and they made her laugh every day. During her illness, they were her constant companions, spending their time in or next to her bed. After Teri passed away, her friends and family held a benefit in her honor, and per Teri’s request, a portion of the proceeds were donated to GRRIN. Teri had the same joyful, loving personality that we see in our Goldens, and she is deeply missed.

In memory of Toby

By the Pfeiflers

Our dog Toby from GRRIN died today. He was a great friend and had a fabulous 15 years. His heart just gave out. Thank you for bringing him to us.

In memory of Shadow

By the Walker Family – Steve, Angela, Emily, Megan, Sadie, Addison and Christopher

Dear GRRIN,
We wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that our beloved Shadow was put down after finding an aggressive tumor in his mouth. He was loved by our family of seven for a little over eight years. We moved to Colorado about five years ago, and Shadow loved to go to the mountains with us and walk the trails. He enjoyed catching the Frisbee and not returning it. We’ll miss him dearly and want to thank you all for the work you do and for the connection you helped us make with a very dear friend all those years ago. I’ve attached a picture of him from a hike to the mountains a year or so ago. Thanks again!

In memory of Sandy

By Michelle Wright

In her own inimitable style, Sandy – my 12 ½ year old “tough broad” Golden Retriever – has gone on to be with Cody, Boji and Max.

When they get to be senior seniors - that’s what I call the much older ones - we know every day is a gift, but it was still unexpected. Sandy had a great day Saturday with finding bread to eat at the lake (ducks will be fat now without her intercepting their snacks!), McDonald’s for dinner (our weekly Saturday custom), and long naps (with belly rubs) in between our three outings. Everything was as normal as could be, and if I had not been awakened by hearing her unusual breathing at 3 o’clock this morning, I may have just found her gone when I got up. But luckily I was able to be with her as her breathing slowed and then stopped.

Sandy was a rescued dog from GRRIN (#98-30) who had been given up by two homes before I was blessed with her. She had not had an easy life up until then, but as those who know me understand, my world revolves around my dogs, so Sandy’s almost five years with me I tried to make her most wonderful years ever - I think she would agree.

Editor’s note: Sandy was a GRRIN dog in 1998. She was returned to us in 2003 along with another Golden named Boji. The two arrived in rescue as a pair just before the 4th of July. Sandy was 8 years old, Boji had cancer at age 5, and both dogs were terrified of fireworks. Michelle Wright quickly adopted the two and gave them a wonderful life. Michelle is now the proud mother of GRRIN dog Duke (07-30).