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Success Stories for 2004 |
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Success Stories for 2004 |
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Huckleberry
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Hi, my name is “Huck”, short for Huckleberry, and I am 3 years old. I love my new forever home. I came to my new home in November of 2004, but it has taken a long time to learn this computer thing. I live with my mom, dad and sister. Some things I get to do are: play catch with tennis balls and Frisbees in good weather, chase my laser light inside and outside or just go for walks and meet people. My favorite place to sleep is in mom’s lap in the recliner. During the winter dad would change to throwing snowballs instead of tennis balls. If the snowballs get too big for me then I bite them down to size then return them for another throw. My sister had a traumatic brain injury accident many years ago, so I get to be a therapy companion friend for her. My family gives me so much love, I can’t help but give it back. I am very thankful for GRRACE in helping me find my new forever home. Love, Huckleberry |
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Zeke |
Many of you probably remember Zeke, as he was on our adoptable page last year for quite a while. He came to GRRACE with no manners and boundless energy, and we knew right away that he would need a very special permanent home. As his foster Mom (for the second half of his stay in foster care), I always said that I was determined to find this unique dog the absolutely perfect new home, and he could stay with me and my other 4 dogs for as long as it took. Well - you guessed it - Zeke soon wound up becoming a permanent part of my family! Now at 2 ½ years old, he is finally starting to get some manners and calm down a bit - although he can still play hard and roughhouse with each of my other dogs in turn, and have plenty of energy left over! He's finally being allowed some freedom in the house when I'm gone, and his only bad habit (now that he's gotten past the constant counter-surfing!) is going shopping in the sink. I often come home to find silverware strewn about the house, and I can't help but smile and shake my head. I actually find myself doing that a lot since adopting Zeke. He is a sweet and wonderful dog, who has even won over the hearts of close friends and family who originally thought I was crazy for keeping him. He is truly one of the goofiest, clumsiest, but also most loveable Goldens I've ever had! |
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Shelby |
I adopted Shelby in August of 2004. She was surrendered due to a case of bladder stones that her owner could not afford to treat. I met her at her foster mom’s house and later took my 12 year old golden to meet her there. She came home with Calli & I that night and immediately became part of our family. She loves hugs, cuddling and just plain being a golden. Soon we will be moving to my mother’s home so I can help care for her and as sad as it is to leave our home, Shelby and Calli will have a large fenced in back yard and will get lots of hugging and petting from their Grandma. I don’t like to think what might have happened to Shelby had her owner not surrendered her to GRACE but I am very thankful to her for doing so. She just recently turned 7 and every day with her has been a joy. Thank you to GRRACE |
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Tanner |
We have had Tanner since the fall of
2004. He is our third Golden. Our first Golden (who we had raised from a
puppy) died two years ago from lymphoma. We adopted a senior girl from a
resuce group in Tenn. After one wonderful year she died from leukemia
We knew we wanted another resuce Golden. I had
my mind set on another older or senior Golden. But Linda sent me a picture
of Tanner (who was about 14 mos old) and his face was sooooo appealing. I
met him and brought him home the same day.
He settled in very easily. Our 10 year old Lab
and he have become good friends. Tanner loves to play and so does his
housemate---though not quite as much or often. Tanner has figured out when
and how long Raskin (the Lab) will play. Sometimes they just like to sleep
next to each other.
Tanner is a very smart boy and learns very
easily. He is so much fun---and so curious about what is going on around
him. Our 14 yr old son and he are wonderful buddies. My husband is
delighted with Tanner and loves his interest in what is happening. Tanner
loves to run with me. Shortly after we got him I introduced him to the
gentle leader, and he is a perfect gentelman when we walk or run. He is so
great with other dogs and people.
Adopting from a resuce group is such a
wonderful way to get a Golden. Thank you Grrace!
The Holdings
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Bart |
Hello..all. Haven't talked to everyone in so long...but wanted to give you an update on Bart! Remember Bart? He was one of the "black" goldens we adopted 21 months ago. I don't have a digital camera, but Bart is big. He weighs about 105, and is so beautiful. Everyone thinks he looks like a flat coat retriever. He is the best part of our day, when we get home from our daily grind...(oh and our children) Bart is still very much a big puppy...wants to play all day, and the chewing has subsided....(thank goodness, but still loves socks!) He has been such an asset to our house. Bart still thinks he owns the house, and whatever is out that looks like it could be fun to play with, its fair game to him. He is starting to mellow a little. Every morning he lays on my lap, before he goes out to play, ( remember 105 or so pds) This is a ritual he has started..And he totally licks my husbands bald head, every day. He has done that since the day Jennie brought him to our house. He is so fun, and has such a great personality. Loves the water, and loves to play soccer...he is pretty good at this also. Well, just wanted to let you know, that we love Bart,,and thanks for letting us adopt him..... 12/29/2006 - We finally got a picture to send! Bart is now 3 yrs old and 120 pounds of pure sweet! Thank you! |
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Peyton |
Hello, my name is Peyton. I came to my forever home approximately seven months ago. Since that time I have had a lot of fun playing with my boys, Andy and Mike. I never want to let them out of my sight, even at bedtime. I love to run around outside and play with my four-legged sister, Nikki (Siberian Husky), play catch with my dad, and play tug-of-war with Andy and Mike. Needless to say, I usually win tug-of-war. My mom loves to rub my ears (which I like a lot too). Life is wonderful for me! Thank you GRRACE for my forever family. |
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Duke
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Duke
came to GRRACE as a very much loved boy who's owner was no longer able to
care for him. He was the first dog for GRRACE in 2004, and is still
number one in his new life!!! Duke's mom says he is a real love and has
become good friends with their kitty! (he even shares mom's bed with her
and the cat). In addition to Duke's new mom, he has a doting human aunt
and cousin who thinks he's the greatest! Duke loves his toys and always
has something fun in his mouth. It's a Golden life alright!
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Hank and Phoebe |
Hank and Phoebe Ferrell
Hank and Phoebe are both GRRACE rescues, and they are now our wonderful
children. We have had Hank a couple of years, and he is now around 8
years old. He came from a family who had to move to a "no pet" apartment,
and he is just the best. After losing our 12 year old Chloe to cancer,
Hank moved up to the "lead dog" spot... no, wait... that would be Mom's
title... I mean the #2 spot. Hank is one of those dogs that you don't
have to worry about, as far as open gates and leashes. He is loyal to a
fault, and just a GOOD dog.
Then there is Miss Phoebe. Patty really enjoys the fostering process, so
for a while, I actually thought that we would lose her to a good home.
But of course, she captured our hearts. She is SOOO cute, that she can do
no wrong, even though she is only 1 year old and likes to explore and
play. To our amazment, she even got Hank to play Tug of War the other
day... and Hank NEVER plays. They are best of friends and rarely are
apart. When we first got Phoebe as a stray, she had HeartWorm and was
pretty scrawny. Now she is well and beautiful. Thank you GRRACE for our
golden family.
Steve and Patty Ferrell
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Chance |
Hi! My name is Chance and I came to my
forever home six months ago. Since that time, I have had many exciting
adventures. I get to ride in the car a lot, and life in northern Indiana is
full of surprises. I get really excited when our car passes Amish buggies;
I don't know whether the occupants of the buggies intrigue me more or if it's those HUUUGE dogs that pull the buggies. My new home is in the country and there are rabbits, cats, birds, and I'm sure that there are skunks in the area sometimes. (I'd love to catch one of THOSE things in my yard!) During warm weather I get to lounge around the pool. I even have my own chaise to lie about in, but I jump onto Mom's chaise everytime she gets up. My new life is going well, and I'm thankful for GRRACE. I have my new people pretty-well trained, and I'm so glad that my wonderful foster dad, Brian, let them adopt me. |
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Luke |
Hi, I'm Luke! I am doing so well in my forever home. I have learned to sit and lay down and I'm working on "stay." I really like to be right next to mom and dad at every moment, so that one's kind of hard for me. I've also gained a few pounds and boy do I look good! I like to chew a lot, too. I mostly remember to only chew on my own toys so I don't have to stay in my crate all day anymore. I didn't like that very much, but I know I have to go in there every once in awhile. I love the walks and car rides and other adventures that mom and dad take me on, but mostly I like to cuddle (oh, and wiggle, too). I also love to get in the bathtub, which mom lets me do in the mornings (but shh... don't tell dad). Life for this golden is great! |
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Sam and Harley |
Hi...I'm Sam...the distinguished
gentleman on the right! I want to introduce you to the guy on the left,
Harley. He's the newest member of the "Golden Elder Statesman Club" at
our house. His family had decided to "put him to sleep" and a kind person
and GRRACE came to the rescue. At first, Harley was just going to be my
foster brother. However, it soon became apparent that this was the best
place for him to be forever. Harley must know that I'm deaf, because when
he wants my attention, he comes up and licks me right on my nose! Harley
lost a hind leg when he was a puppy and he was chained outside. He
wandered away and was found 6 days later. The chain had cut off the
circulation to his leg and it had to be amputated (ouch!). My job is to
keep Harley moving outside and to encourage him to get up on all 3 legs
and run around. My collie brother, Yukon, helps me out with that job. We
keep telling Harley he is here forever and we think he's starting to
believe us!
Hi...I'm Harley...the 10 yr old good
looking teddy bear on the left. My buddy Sam has been great at accepting
me into the family and looks out for me. We like to take naps together
and our family keeps saying we "look like bookends." Sam told me he was
left at a shelter twice before he ended up here. I can't figure out
why other than he wasn't cute like a puppy anymore and is deaf. My 3
legs get quite a workout trying to keep up with him because for 12 years
old he runs so fast! We might be old and not "puppy picture perfect" but
our forever family thinks we are easier than puppies and the best ever.
Our mom works with special needs students and we will be classroom
visitors this year. She says we can help out the kids when they see that
we have some challenges, too. Our forever family says that "old gold is
beautiful gold" and they hope our story will help someone else to decide
to adopt a "senior"!
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Sofie |
Sofie, This sweet six-year-old female is our fourth GRRACE Golden and she’s been a wonderful addition to our family, which includes Amy, a 10-year-old GRRACE girl. After a few weeks of introductions, both girls are fully acquainted and Sofie's individual traits are becoming apparent. She’s more vocal than Amy, loves to sleep against walls like Hunter, our first GRRACE guy, and can’t wait to chase tennis balls in our backyard. Amy and Sofie walk easily together on leashes and are well mannered when meeting other dogs and neighbors. We adopted Sofie because of her wonderful nature and, more important, because she seemed to be a more difficult Golden to place due to her allergies, which are easily controlled with medication. Sofie's foster mom and her daughter took such good care of her and will remain in her life. Sofie has a big family to give her lots of love. Penny & Fritz (Amy, too) |
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Elliott |
I am Elliott!! GRRACE found me as a baby. It started out rough. When your dog mom won’t take care of you at four weeks, and your first people abandon you at the animal shelter…it makes for one sad puppy. Then came GRRACE! Michelle picked me up (she thought I was the best puppy) and took me to Marcie (who fell in love with me and took total care of me when I became VERY SICK). Marcie has three goldens and I learned such good manners and potty training at her house, plus she said I was exceptionally smart…and loving…and cuddly…(and hurry and find my forever home before she has FOUR goldens!!) At the same time I was looking for the perfect forever home, a family in Anderson was looking for ME! Can you believe the timing? Their two-year old golden had just died after Christmas and they were heartsick and missing her. They wanted years and years with a golden, and here I was a mere pup looking for years and years with the perfect family. My new mom found GRRACE on the internet, and then Marcie found them, and we are like a storybook beginning and ending all in one. I have the golden life!! My mom and dad ADORE me, play with me, take me for all kinds of rides (bought me a seat belt which I thought was a little much), buy me tons of toys….and (listen to this) let me sleep with them on THEIR bed in the morning! I also have three terrific big kid siblings. My college-grad sissy has an eleven-month black lab/German shepherd named Champ, and we have one fun and rowdy time! She teaches us shake, wave, high five, and “go team.” I have a nineteen-year old boy and he thinks I am the best! I feel so smart when I visit him at college (who needs puppy kindergarten!). His college is far away and that means road trips for me. Then there is my thirteen-year old boy. He is all about sports, so I am going to the ballpark this summer! He has lots of buddies, and now… so do I. Sometimes, we just hang out together after school and watch TV, and I like that, too. Thank you Michelle and Marcie for believing in GRRACE and helping goldens like me “live happily ever after.” I’ll come see everyone at Petsmart outings (always need new toys and treats) and I can’t wait for the picnic in September. Life is good!! |
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Sonny |
Don't forget about me! I can't have my brothers and sisters showing me up...it's me Sonny (Originally Fins)! I am having such a great time and learning so many new things. I just turn 16 weeks and 37 lbs. My mom says that I am such a little girl...loving shoes and always looking in the mirror. Don't you love my pretty collar? I hate to be without it! It jingles as I prance around the neighborhood on our walks and everyone tells me how cute I am! We start puppy classes on Saturday and my mom thinks I will be the best in the class since I am already so well behaved. It must be because my foster mom, Jenny was so good to me from the beginning! Well...off to chase my tail...my favorite hobby. Hope everyone else is having as much fun as I am! |
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Guiness |
Hi everyone! Look at me, I am the very first success story for 2004. Not bad
for a lad of 8 weeks of age. My name is Guinness (I was originally named
Lafayette) and while I may not look like a Golden, there is much Golden in
me since my mom is a Golden. My human mom has no doubt of my heritage just
by the way I act. She says I am calm, affectionate, quiet, funny, smart and
the best puppy she has ever had. As you can see I get along with the
grandkids very well, and I also have 2 kitties here and another dog to play
with. You just see 2 of the grandkids I have to play with, but there are
many more, what more could a young pup ask for. I am not old enough to have
much of a story to tell yet, but I will try to keep everyone updated from
time to time. I would really like to thank My foster mom, Jenny for the
wonderful job she did getting me and my brothers and sisters off to a good
start in life. She was just wonderful and anyone that has any of us pups
will probably agree.
12-16-04 Yesterday I looked out the kitchen window and there was our Guinness, (one of Gracie's black puppies who now weighs 85 pounds and is a big as a bus) who's always chasing squirrels up the trees and stalking birds, lying on the grass. He was staring intently at something small right by his front feet. Oh no, I thought, he's caught a chipmunk again! So I grabbed a roll left over from last night and ran out with a plastic bag to put the poor little dead thing in. As soon as I opened the door, that dickens Guinness picked up the poor little dead thing and raced around the yard with it in his mouth. "Guinness, come! Wanna treat?" He came and sat down next to me. "Drop it!" I said. He opened his mouth wide. I was prepared for the poor dead thing to drop out. |
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Luna |
Remember me? I’m one of the holiday pin-ups from 2003. You knew me as “Cheeseburger”, but my Mom has named me Luna. I think that’s because I can almost disappear in the dark, and she thinks I’m her night light. I love my new brother, Bentley. He’s the best. He puts up with my puppy pranks but lets me know when I need to be a good girl. Today I went outside in the snow for the first time that I remember. I could push it all around with my paws and my nose. I kept sliding back and forth and back and forth across the deck pushing the snow in front of me. What fun! Every day we ride in the car to Fort Ben to take a walk. I know a lot of the smells out there already. Mom says that I’ll see Lafayette (Guinness) my brother this next week. I can’t wait. |
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Jake |
HI, My name is Jake. I have a new home now thanks to GRRACE. I have
an older brother to play with and learn from. I am so happy in my new home. They have brought me out of my shell. I can trust people more now. They have a big back yard for me to play in. Life is good, thank you GRRACE... |
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Maizie |
Maizie is doing wonderfully well her new home! This picture is from the Mutt Strut a few weeks ago. We are having so much fun. She loves going for walks on the Monon every day and going to the park early in the morning where she can run off her leash and chase the tennis ball. She's become great buddies with the neighbor dog and they get together a few times each week to play. She is a terrific traveler, and now that the weather is nice, she frequently asks for car rides with the convertible top down so she can feel the wind blowing through her hair! I am so happy to have Maizie as part of the family and just wanted to let you know how well she's doing. |
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Ben |
This is Ben! Ben came to GRRACE as a young dog with no training, and a heart of pure Gold. He made a rather easy transition to his forever home, which included two Golden siblings. Daily swims and games of fetch are favorite activities in this Golden house of fun! His family wonders, "Will he ever stop growing?" Poor dad tries to get into bed in the dark only to find that his pillow is full... with Ben's head! Everyday is a new adventure, he keeps his family laughing and returns their love "ten fold." To see where Ben came from to where he will spend forever makes him a true Success! |
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Charmer
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Hi everyone - Charmer (aka Charly) here! Life is great here! I get more than enough hugs and pats
daily, not to |
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Kera |
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Emme |
Hi GRRACE. It's me - Emme! I just thought I
would drop you a line to let you know how I'm doing. I love my new family. Hank, my Golden brother (also a Grrace rescue dog) welcomed me into the house the day I arrived. I like to hang out with him, but, he is fairly rowdy and wants to play all the time. What a silly boy. We like to stretch out on the living room sofa together. Sometimes our boy, David, squeezes in with us. David calls me a sausage, as I still am on the plump side. There is just more of me to love! My mom says we'll be going to Michigan this summer where I can swim everyday. I'll get in shape then. Well, I have to take a nap now but, I'll write again soon. |
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Sam |
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Laura |
Remember me? I’m Lady Laura, and I have been at my forever home for about 2 months now. My new family consists of my mom, Ann, my 2-legged sister Jenny, and her boyfriend, Ryan, my golden sister Joey and my cat sister Crickett (check out our pictures on the “Photo Gallery page!). It was a rough start at first; the vet found 3 tumors on my legs and I had to have them removed. But I got a lot of attention with my stitches, Mom even slept downstairs with me for 2 nights so I wouldn’t have to be by myself at night! I’m now all healed, and I’m on medicine for something called ‘arthritis’ and I feel GREAT! Jenny calls me “Grasshopper” because when I get excited about going for a walk or going outside, I jump up and down on all four legs! Since then, we have been having so much fun!! In my short time here I’ve already had lots of adventures. Ryan takes me to a place called ‘the farm’ where I get to run in the fields with Joey and my 2 dog-cousins. I can also chase chickens and ducks, play with my new 3-year-old niece, and swim in the creek. It is so much fun! And Ryan lets me ride in the John Deere Gator if I get too tired so I can still be close to everyone. I've also been to Dale Hollow Lake twice, but it was too cold to go swimming; Mom promised I could go next summer though. I’m adjusting well to my new house…At night I sleep with Mom, I usually give her about ¼ of the bed ‘cause I need my sleeping space! She says we may have to get a king bed so we all fit! During the day I stay out in the house with Joey and Crickett and we hang out together until everyone gets home. Then it’s off to play ball or walk or go to the park. Sometimes I just lie out on the deck for a few hours and watch the world go by. A couple weeks ago we went to the park and played with 12 other goldens from GRRACE; it was so fun and I can’t wait to do it again. Well, I could go on and on about all my new adventures, but I will stop for now because it’s almost dinnertime and if I miss it, Joey will eat my food! I wanted to say hi to John and Linda and to Mrs. Jones; thank you so much for taking care of me and for letting me join this new family. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! Love, Laura |
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Harlie |
Harlie has adjusted so well to our family and fits in perfectly. She tucks the kids in at night and gets them up for school every morning sometimes earlier than they would like. She loves going on long walks everyday and sitting outside watching the neighborhood kids play. She is so sweet and is very spoiled. We are so happy that she is a part of our family. |
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Ruby |
Our family wanted to share our GRRACE success story. Ruby (the darker golden in the picture) came to live with our family in July, 2004. Her foster mom said she had been rescued by GRRACE after seven years with a breeder. We're not sure of her history beyond that, but she was very hesitant and fearful for the first couple of weeks. She would run into a corner and not move. After receiving much love from our family, which includes three girls, ages 9,6, and 3, plus a 12 year old golden sister, she seems to have become truly happy. She no longer is hiding in corners, having picked out "her couch" and sleeps on Mom and Dad's bed most nights. She is a happy giver of snuggles and kisses, and makes funny purring noises when she is quite pleased with belly rubs. When she gets "pets", we swear she is smiling. There are few things in our world better than the love our goldens get and give. Thank you GRRACE for the wonderful addition to our family! |
If there are any omissions or corrections please let the webmaster know and corrections will be made.
Updated January 31, 2007 08:00 PM
