This page was shamelessly stolen from Golden Rescue South Florida an organization dedicated to saving the world, one Golden at a time and my dear friend Cyndi without whom I would never have met this wonderful 'Old Gold' Belle.  Thank you for letting me be a part of such a great group of caring people and for letting me fail at being a Foster Mom, this time...

RAINBOW GOLDENS

Belle was found wandering the streets of Lake Worth, she was malnourished and filthy.  It took 5 baths to figure out exactly what color she was and it turned out to be a beautiful reddish gold.  Her head was bigger than her body, she was so skinny.  I took her in as a foster dog so she could wait for her future permanent home in comfort.  The poor girl got beaten up by my cat on a regular basis though and she was petrified of him.  After being with us for 2 weeks I wandered out one morning and saw both Belle and the cat curled up together asleep on her dog bed and knew that Belle had already found her permanent home.
 
One month after she celebrated her 2 year anniversary with us, Belle was diagnosed with bone cancer and given one month to live.  About 2 months later it appeared that although late, the doc's words were going to come true.  She was lethargic, uncomfortable and couldn't get up off of her bed.  I put her collar on and of course no well dressed Golden leaves the house without her bandana...in this case the Rescue League's pink flamingo one....and with help of a neighbor carried her out to the truck.  I cried all the way to the vets, thinking that her time with us was way too short and how wrong that was.  As I went to open the back hatch there was a regal looking Golden Retriever standing there surveying her surroundings.  She then jumped down on her own and walked to the door of the office with me.  To say that I was amazed would be quite the understatement.  The girls at the vet's were waiting for us with tears in their eyes because they knew her story and what we were there for.  When she walked in and saw them she must have known what was happening because on her 3 good legs she dragged me back to the door twice.  Now understand....after she jumped out of the truck like that there was no chance that she was going anywhere other than home with me for some cookies and play time with her adopted Golden brother, Dreyfus.  However while we were there I did want the doc to check her out.  I guess she didn't understand that part of it and kicked up the biggest fuss I've ever seen.  She placed herself between me and the vet and bumped me backwards toward the door, when that didn't work she barked at me and then grabbed my hand in her mouth and proceeded to pull me to the door.  In the end it took 3 people to lift her up onto the table and hold her down while the doc examined her.  She had an infection and that was probably bothering her more than the cancer!  So after getting a cortisone shot and some antibiotics we set off for home to celebrate!   Evidently there's magic in that pink flamingo Rescue League bandana!
 
I'm happy to say that 4 months after the diagnosis the cancer has not grown appreciably and she's still loving life, chasing lizards, barking at the dogs next door and sleeping on Mom's bed.  Belle's story just goes to show the resiliency and will to live and play that these precious Goldens have.  They are truly a gift.

Cyndi's note:

Dec 20th, 2004 Belle lost her battle with Bone Cancer  I can never thank Sali enough for taking in Belle and loving her so much.  All though I don't think either Belle or Sali had much choice.  It was fate they spend this time together.

 

Today is Dec 20th, 2004

We say a prayer for Beautiful Belle. Belle was a Tropical Dawg rescue. Rescued by Sali. Today she lost her battle with bone cancer..

I am so proud to be part of a group that raises money for K9 Cancer,  We must never take our eye off that ball.

But today is about Belle.

Goodbye my sweet girl, your sweet smile will always be in our hearts and memories.
Here I am snoozing on the couch about 8 days before my journey to The Bridge 12/20/2004 10/16/2004 Snoozing with my buddy IndyKat and Dreyfus

Mmmmm....Mom gives the greatest presents!

           

 

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."
"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."

-Author Unknown

 

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