"Sherman” Ambrose.  Sherman was the most amazing Golden we ever knew, (and there have been quite a few in our lives). He was a four-legged person whose beauty, honesty, intelligence, patience and kindness were apparent to all who met him. There was never a soul that Sherman met who didn't get a genuine tail wag. When we had foster Goldens living with us, he would take them by the paw and make them feel wanted, loved and respected. At the end of his life (a way too short 10 years) after suffering through surgery for removal of a cancerous mass and all of the painful rehabilitation, he never changed his outlook or attitude. He loved and was loved by all who knew him...he went to the rainbow bridge with his tail wagging and a smile on his face. He tolerated us humans gladly and we are better humans for having had Sherman in our lives; he will be missed every day for as long as we live...  Jan Ambrose
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"Murphy” Aaby.  In memory of Murphy Aaby…who could not let you leave the room without laughing. His sense of humor and human insight were irreplaceable, and his family and friends are better after knowing him. We would have kept him forever if we could, but we’re comforted knowing he’s now playing with Maxey and Jenny, keeping them laughing as he hangs his tongue out and lays like a frog. We love you Murphles (right)…and Sunny Bunny (left) says hi!  Donett, Jim, Kate, John, and Sunny Aaby
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"Corey” Messenger (GRREAT #02-128).  Corey came to us on July 22, 2002.  He came so far from the insecure, shy, uncertain guy we adopted to a fierce protector (well, until you opened the door and he'd lick you to pieces - especially a food delivery person).  We'll miss the way he crinkled his lip when he knew he was begging, his love of tearing napkins or paper towels into tiny little pieces, how he'd pull the stuffing out of a toy just to get the squeaky, his howling when he thought no one was home, how he'd collapse on you if you sat next to him on the floor....the list could go on and on. Most of all, we'll just miss him. We had to make the heart wrenching decision to send him to Rainbow Bridge at 1:00 am on Sunday, July 11th. He went peacefully to sleep with us by his side.  Patricia Messenger
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"Ginger” Twaddell (GRREAT #07-158).  Ginger came into my life from GRREAT in 2007.  From the first day I brought her home until she passed away she was nothing but a pure joy. She was the happiest and friendliest dog I have ever seen. She loved running outside, long walks, car rides, and any food she could grab at her eye level. Her tail would wag so hard that whenever she got too close to a neighbor's door they thought someone was knocking on the door! She loved locking her gaze upon a squirrels and birds and sometimes even an object moving in the distance that she later discovered upon further inspection was just a piece of paper. To her family and her brother golden Dutch she was the "Possum Queen" and "Tomato Princess." Ginger loved all the people she encountered in the neighborhood, all of the family members that cared for her, and even her veterinarian. Above all she showed me attention, affection, and love everyday.  Nothing can replace the special place Ginger has in my heart. I will never forget the joy she brought into my life or the amazing loyalty she showed me. I pray that she rests in peace.   Jim Twaddell
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"Ruby Dee” Davidson (GRREAT #07-086).  "So sweet" is how little Ruby Dee was described by all who met her. She charmed so many people with her gentle way and boundless love, and was present at many GRREAT events to spread her Golden joy. At the recent GRREAT 3K Walk, she was a darling princess in her sparkly white party collar, mingling with everyone and easily completing the walk, despite her 15 year age. Ruby Dee came to GRREAT as a very sick dog who was not expected to survive, but she became healthy and brought smiles wherever she went over the next 3½ years. It was especially heart-warming to watch her interact with nursing home residents, always bringing them such happiness. Ruby Dee, I’ll miss you walking with me to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper in the morning and the mail in the afternoon. I’ll miss your quiet presence among the other dogs and the cats. I’ll miss you snuggling next to me at bedtime. And mostly I’ll miss your incredibly sweet face always looking at me so adoringly. I will love you forever and ever and ever; you are my very special little angel.  Louise Davidson
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"Sadie" Bowen (GRREAT #01-196)  Sadie passed away on November 2, 2010 after being diagnosed three days before with a fast-moving cancer that had enveloped her spleen and liver.  In August, she tore her ACL, had surgery at Southpaws, rehabilitated for three months, and never complained at all.  But we were concerned that she never built back the muscle in her leg; now we know why.  Sadie was the greatest friend a human could ever have, and was certainly one of the most loved.  She lived life to the fullest, enjoyed friends, and was our constant companion, accompanying us on journeys from Nova Scotia to Florida, Texas to Alberta, and Michigan to Ontario.  As one of her friends wrote, "I can't remember ever meeting a dog who was so irrepressibly cheerful, who radiated happiness as much as she did."  She is sadly missed, not only by her parents, but by all of her friends.  Dawn & Marshall Bowen
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"Morgan" Gray (GRREAT #05-006).  In memory of Morgan, a true gentleman of a dog. With love, Steven & Richard.  Steven Gray
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"Ebbitt” Erbele (GRREAT #07-048).  Ebbitt was my sixth foster and I fell in love with him, so I joined the ranks of foster failure.  He was diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome and GRREAT paid for his surgery performed by Dr. Walker.  The surgery helped Ebbitt to have 3 wonderful years with us.  We will remember how he was like a puppy when he ran off leash or played in the snow.  Ebbitt would sing a ‘Woo Woo’ and dance in anticipation of a meal, greeting a family member or friend, or if he was promised a ride in the car.  He was the one who followed me here, there, and everywhere.  He was the one who waited for me while I got ready for work.  Ebbitt passed away peacefully on July 20, 2010, in his favorite spot by the front door.  He was loved greatly and brought us much joy.  Sue Erbele, David Breininger, Ryan and Erin Shumate, donation by Emilie Danco
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"Ollie" (GRREAT long term foster dog #10-023).  When Ollie arrived, he had been called Smiley.  He didn’t respond to the name, but it certainly described the look on his face, and his happy personality.  He was rescued from a shelter in southern Virginia, described as a Golden, but his origins didn’t matter to his foster home. Jane and Mike Landis loved and cared for Ollie, trying to free him from pain.  Ollie suffered from severe arthritis, despite therapy, acupuncture and lots of caring and love; it was still hard for him to move around.  He loved his tennis balls, and was given the opportunity to play ball every day, Jane sat on the floor and rolled the ball, so he could retrieve it.  He was an angel sent to earth to be with his foster home for a brief period of time.  Ollie made those who met him realize how precious life is as he welcomed each day, with his smile.  He was a lucky boy to have lived with them; but Jane and Mike feel that they are the lucky ones to have been blessed to share his last months with him.  He gave so much joy and love to his foster family, and we know he is watching over them from the Rainbow Bridge, happy that they ensured his life with them was perfect.  Robin Heinecke
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"Holly” Bakalich.   In memory of "Holly" in tribute to her final journey over the Rainbow Bridge that brought our family to GRREAT, and as a foster home we have been blessed to find other Goldens their forever homes, including Ben who we adopted in January 2010.  She was our special Golden brought into our family in 2001 to distract us from the emptiness we felt with the loss of a family member.  She immediately took all our attention and brought so much love and laughter into our lives watching her grow from a puppy into a beautiful Golden full of life.  She was obsessed with tennis balls and would try anything to get you to play with her, from dropping her ball into the dryer while you were emptying it, placing a wet ball behind you when you were sitting in a chair, or just staring at you with a ball in her mouth begging you to play.  We miss her everyday and cherish the memories we have with her, from holidays, boating on the bay, and being the Grandpup to her favorite family member who she adored.  We will always love you Holly.  Debbie, Jerad, Fallon Bakalich, and Grandma
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"Jasper” (GRREAT long term foster dog #08-130).  We don’t know how old he was or who he belonged to.  We just know that one day in July, 2008 this old guy was found wandering the streets in rural Virginia very sick and alone.  An angel brought him to GRREAT and he lived out the last one and half years of his life well loved and cared for.  No one knew his name; that didn’t matter since he couldn’t hear too well.  Jasper had his ‘issues’- he was cranky with dogs (all neighborhood dogs parted ways with him); he was large and clumsy and decrepit (when he fell, he just rolled over for tummy rubs), and medically challenged (the list is too long to discuss).  But he was always a gentleman and gave limitless love and devotion.  Look into his eyes and see the sweet soul he was.  What a gift it was to foster an old guy like Jasper.  He will always be remembered and loved.  Linda Scher, and Alan & Mollie Dickerson
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"Bailey” Soya (GRREAT #02-259).  We had the privilege of being Bailey’s forever family for almost eight years, after adopting her at age four.  Bailey was a gentle, loving, sweet “soul.”  She’d greet you with a wagging tail and a toy or bone in her mouth.  Our angel will be missed by many and remembered as a special dog and a loving companion.  She brought us licks, love, and laughter.  She was so tolerant when the kids would dress her in all types of outfits.  We didn’t need a fenced yard because Bailey never roamed far from family; she was always by my side.  We’ll miss the jingle of her collar as she woke us with her loving eyes saying “feed me.”  Oh how she loved to eat!  Our Bailey Girl will live in our hearts forever.  Thanks for the happy memories.   Jim, Elaine, Daniel, and Anna Soya
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"Cooper" Davidson.  Today, January 22, 2010, my big beautiful red boy went to the Rainbow Bridge.  He joined his pals Rosie, Hannah 02-134, Oliver, Sophia, and Timothy, who have been waiting for him.  Cooper came to me from Chattanooga where he had been kept outside 24-7, except when he dug under the fence to go to the neighbor’s to get some attention.  He was not the kind of dog that would tolerate being ignored.  In my home, he pushed the other dogs and the cats aside to be the center of attention, and he was always ready to climb onto a lap if invited.  It was the men that especially took a liking to him and would call to him to join them on the couch, despite my disapproval.  But what a sweet irresistible cuddly big lap dog he was.  I was honored to have been able to provide Cooper with a very happy life in Virginia.  Penny 07-024, Ruby Dee 07-086, Kate, and the kitty kats will all miss the boss, but I'll miss him more.  I love you my Coopy.  Louise Davidson
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"Cassie” Laudenslager.  Cassie – Our beloved Muffin girl – you are always in our hearts.  Deb and Art Laudenslager
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"Roscoe” McFarland-Soderberg (GRREAT #07-060).  Our youngest Golden of three, Roscoe always deferred to the other two.  When our 15-year-old could no longer go on long walks, Roscoe always looked back for him.  And he was hopelessly smitten with our 10-year-old female, adoringly following her everywhere. Roscoe was the only dog we have ever known to “talk.”  When it was time for dinner or walkies, he would stand before us and soundlessly move his mouth in extraordinary contortions, in an apparent attempt to simulate human speech and thereby get quicker results.  He was always “there.”  During the night, he left his bed to lie on the floor next to his people’s bed.  When the first person got up and went into the shower, he followed and stood guard throughout.  Wherever you were, Roscoe could be depended upon to join you.  His devotion was unwavering and, in kind, he will be forever cherished in memory.  Mary Ann McFarland and Steve Soderberg
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"Simba” Sachs (GRREAT #02-079).  In loving memory of our devoted Simba who we adopted at age 4 and passed away January 3, 2010 at the age of 12.  We gave him a home filled with lots of love and he returned that love every day of his life.  He was the “king” of our street and the classic alpha male Golden.  He loved his home filled with stuffed animals, toys, and treats but most of all he loved his family.  The tremendous void in our hearts will be tempered only by all the wonderful memories of Simba as part of our family.  You will always be loved and missed Simba boy!   Bonnie, Howard, Lauren and Jamie Sachs
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"Mattie” Steffen.  Mattie's humans had already had 2 Goldens when a family member introduced them to Mattie who had been found wandering in the woods.  She got her name because of her matted coat.  The vet thought she was probably only a year or so old.  She crossed the Rainbow Bridge much too early at the age of 6 just a few days after Christmas.  She hung on strong through the holiday, enjoying all the attention she got from her visiting human siblings and their children.  She was a sweet and loyal girl who loved playing with tennis balls, walks to Bull Run, and just being a loyal friend to her Mom and Dad who miss her very much.  Kristen Steffen
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"Bailey” Simanek- Kochan (GRREAT #98-167).  In memory of our beautiful friend Bailey who shared his happy life with us.  Bailey was a smart and loving gorgeous Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix who was 6 years old when we adopted him.  He lived a healthy long life until he passed away at age 16, in the summer of 2008.  He inspired me to paint this portrait.  He will forever be in our hearts!   Kristin Simanek
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"Annie” Clark.  In honor of Annie, who was a very special member of the Clark family.  She is missed very much by those who loved her.  Annie brought happiness to everyone who met her, especially her proud parents.  It won't be the same the next time we visit Bob and Bonnie's home, without Annie there to greet us at the door!  Stephanie Ross (Annie's aunt)
(091226)

"Kelly” Baker Oot.  In memory of Kelly, a book shredding puppy who became a wonderful dog.  She adored people, other dogs, and even a pet guinea pig.  She was a classy girl with sophisticated tastes, she loved sweet potatoes, apples, and poached salmon.  She logged thousands of hiking miles, loved the beach, the mountains, and swimming across the Potomac chasing ducks.  We were lucky enough to have her to 15 incredible years.  You will always be loved and missed Kel!  From Malee, Lisa, Lesley, Jean, and David.  Malee Baker Oot
(091218)

"Shelby" Collings (GRREAT #03-209).

Mary and Ken Collings lost their beloved Shelby after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was diagnosed in December 2008 and stayed with the Collings until May 7, 2009.  She brought love and joy into the world and will be missed forever.  Marie Lavallee
(091205)

"Portia" Lampert (GRREAT #07-198).  In memory of Portia, a grand lady with an even bigger heart who gave so much love to all of us.  Portia came to GRREAT with giardia, lick granuloma, and laryngeal paralysis.  With the help of GRREAT, she overcame the first two ailments and managed the third.  Ultimately Portia died from Cushing’s disease, attendant diabetes, and an enlarged heart.  These diseases did not define Portia, only the boundaries within which she sought out all living and dead creatures; befriended all humans, small and large; and cherished her toys, especially “baby”.  Even to the end as Portia investigated the yard late at night, she would raise her head and tail, and hoarsely bark at ... who knows? … the moon, bats, or wind whistling through the trees, or maybe all three.  Her paw prints are forever on our hearts and we are so grateful.  Shawne Lampert
(091025)

"Maxwell” Pinette.  In memory of Maxwell Pinette, a gentle Golden who always lifted our spirits. He was most happy spending time with his family, especially his "parents", Joanne and Rick, and playing and wrestling with his doggie friends. He loved taking walks and swimming in the lake with his mom.  And he was his dad's best buddy, always by his side. Patient and calm, Maxwell was a Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog who loved to spread joy to those who often needed a smile.  Sadly, Maxwell had to leave us far too soon, but he lives on in our memories.  We love and miss you, Max.  Good boy.  (written by Philip Pinette, son of Joanne and Rick Pinette). Joe and Virginia Fry
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"Link” Kupferberg.  Link was an abandoned dog I rescued from a hunt club into which he wandered in 2001.  He was about 2-3 years old.  He became my best friend and near constant companion over the next 8 years, and I had to put him down July 28, 2009, as he developed cancer of the spleen.  He was incredibly intelligent and expressive, and loved every person and dog he met.  He never liked cats very much, and he loved to hunt squirrels.  I will miss him dearly--a part of me is gone forever.   Paul Kupferberg
(090920)

"Bella" King.  In memory of Bella King who lit up our lives for 10 years since we adopted her at 2½.  Bella was our exercise coach, security guard, friend and constant companion.  She brought us energy and entertainment, and she even babysat the other family dogs.  More than anything, she rounded out our family.  Bella, the whole family misses you, but at no time more than when we come home and you’re not there to greet us at the door showing us your latest discovery.  Thanks for sharing your life with us.  Love, Marcia and Norman   Marcia and Norman King
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"Ross" Lisse (with Zoe the cat).  Rossy was our beloved Golden Retriever who lived to be 14 years old.  We knew he was the one for us from the first moment we met him when he was just 12 weeks old.  He was a cute little fur ball who grew into the best dog we could ever ask for.  To say he was a bit of a maniac for the first few years of his life is an understatement.  His funny prance, his fear of balloons, his love of tennis balls, his obsession with cheese….we miss everything about that quirky little cuddly guy.  He brought us more joy than I can truly articulate.  He was our best friend and it is hard to imagine our lives without him.  The only thing that seems to bring us some solace is knowing in our hearts that we could not have loved him any more.  Amanda Dice, for Ken and Tracy Lisse
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"Rudi" Robinson (GRREAT #97-175). We adopted Rudi after meeting him at his foster home in February 1998.  According to his foster parents, he was found as a stray in King George VA and GRREAT took him in as a foster dog.  The first year after adoption was a challenge for both Rudi and us.  Rudi went to “dog school” and we were immersed in Rudi’s joyful, typically Golden Retriever ways.  We quickly learned that if Rudi slipped off the leash, you would most likely find him either in the nearby creek or at a neighbor’s house begging for dog treats.  In turn, Rudi learned basic obedience such as how to walk on a leash without pulling your arm off.  All in all it was an unforgettable relationship that we hoped would go on forever.  Unfortunately, Rudi succumbed to cancer on 5/26/2009. He was loved by all of us and we miss him greatly.  Conway, Martha, Martin, Silvia Robinson
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"Casey" Dowling.  Casey was our beloved granddog.  Although we were not able to see Casey very often, we knew that she knew us.  Each time we would visit she would go directly to the back of our car and retrieve the same stuffed frog toy.  We will miss her.  Robert Dowling
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"Brady" Stricker.  This is in honor of Brady, our "Granddog," who belonged to the Stricker family in Catonsville, MD.  He came into a house with 2 children, but helped bring up 2 more from infancy.  Brady was without a doubt the sweetest, best behaved, and most patient dog we have ever seen.  He died in April at the age of 12. He was much loved by all and will be much missed.  Dave and Kay Larson
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"Merckx" Dougherty.  In honor of Merckx (right), brother to Scout (GRREAT #06-103, center) and Cocoa (GRREAT #07-031, left).  We love and miss you!!  Jennifer, Jim, Abigail, Lily, Scout and Cocoa Dougherty
(090427)

"Bailey" Dickerson (GRREAT #08-121).  My wife and I first saw Bailey at a GRREAT Adoption Day in Annapolis. We had planned the day to look at Goldens, and had looked at a few when we met Bailey. After seeing him we started to leave and looked at each other and knew Bailey was the one. He was the most lovable dog we had ever met - 13 years old with a white face and always happy. You were his best friend from the moment he met you. He became part of the family from the first day. Everyone we met loved him. However, 3 weeks later he became sick. We took him to the vet only to find he had cancer. We were told he had only a few months to live. I don’t know what Bailey’s life was like before he came to us, but he was loved and pampered by us until the day he passed away. We knew when we took an older dog he would not be with us long, but we could give him what every dog always needs - LOVE. Bailey died Feb. 28, 2009. He will always be missed. He gave us more that we gave him.  Alan and Mollie Dickerson
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"Katie" Dawson (GRREAT #97-158).  This donation is in honor of GRREAT rescue Katie Dawson.  Katie was rescued many years ago and given a great home by Don and Kim Dawson.  She was a great dog, playmate to our dogs, and loving companion.  She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.  Katie brought such joy not only to the Dawson's, but to all who met her.  She was a big part of the neighborhood, and everyone knew her.  Katie was always the social butterfly, enjoying as many biscuits and treats that she could gather from everyone!  Shelly and Mike Windsor
(090131)

"Sam" Clift-Layton.  I was lucky enough to be Sam's dog walker. I had the privilege of seeing him and his roomies Buddy and Max every day. Sam was every bit the older brother to Buddy and Max. He was very calm, regal and slightly aloof, which made him all the cuter when he got excited and playful. Sam's favorite thing was to catch balls thrown to him. He quickly learned how to "speak" and was in the process of learning how to "whisper" (bark softly) when he became too ill to go on. Sam was a loving, good-hearted boy who is dearly missed by those of us who knew and loved him.  Jill Freifeld
(090131)

"Tally” Jessee.  Tally was our prim and proper dog. She would not be caught laying down with her paws uncrossed. She would lick faces (humane and canine) until she was satisfied they were clean. She just knew that if she sat up on her bottom and put her feet in the air (crossed of course) that she would get attention. Tally was almost eleven but you would never know it to look at her. If she was doing something she should not be and you caught her, you didn't even have to scold her- she just knew. I would imagine a lot of this was her Golden Retriever side coming out. We love you Tally and you are already greatly missed.   Samantha Jessee
(090115)

"Big Mack" (GRREAT #02-028) and “Maverick” Rigsbee.  I adopted the "Big Mack" (left) from GRREAT in 2003 because when I saw him at an adoption day, he was so funny and full of life. Mack was a big red Golden and somewhat of a prankster. My wife still recalls when he brought a dead possum to the back door to present to her. I will always remember how he danced when I announced "chow, chow, chow," for feeding time. He was always so surprised to get a treat or to be petted for nothing. We lost the Big Mack in November 2006. We got Maverick (right) when he was 10 weeks old. He jumped right up into the SUV and never looked back. He knew he had found a home. Maverick had many names, Nug, Nugaletto, Maverico, or anything that fit the occasion. He would always come regardless of what we called him. I can still recall him scooting down the stairs of our home as a young pup, barking the whole way. Even though he tolerated the Big Mack at first, he always made Mack feel at home and grieved Mack's loss. We lost Maverick at the ripe old age of 13 the first week of October this year. God certainly got two good boys when he got these two. Tom and Becky Rigsbee
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"Amber" Uslaner (GRREAT #00-227).  We lost our lovely lady, Amber, Friday, September 5, 2008.  Amber was a free spirit who loved nothing more that to "escape" occasionally and wander the neighborhood and sniff all the good smells.  She took a little unauthorized walk Friday afternoon and her body was found by the Humane Society.  Our wonderful, kind vet diagnosed internal organ failure.  She'd undergone surgery only four weeks ago for two growths that both were benign and was doing so well, which makes this so sad.  Amber was much loved by all who knew her, wonderful with kids and especially adored our son and his friends.  She had favorite places to spend time but just loved to be near and to be able to nuzzle a hand to be petted.  Amber and I did a number of home visits for GRREAT and she was a worthy ambassador.  One visit I particularly remember was to a home with a child who had some special challenges.  Amber intuitively understood this child and watching her respond to him was a revelation.  She had my undying love but also my respect for her innate kindness.  Amber was, like all Goldens, special.  She came to us aged four and half years old and she leaves us at the age of 12.   Debbie, Ric and Avery Uslaner    
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