Sweet Goldie Goodbye ...
Goldie left us today.
Goldie was a shepherd-something who lived with us for 14 years. We found her at the local shelter, skin ‘n’ bone, with scuffs and scars all over her legs. She’d just had her insides taken out in a combination hysterectomy and aborting the cubs she was carrying. She cowered at everyone and gave strong vibes about having been abused. She feared men in general, especially gardeners, yet welcomed my husband’s and son’s non-threatening approach. She couldn’t even hold her head up. Nobody knew her age but the folks at the shelter assumed she was young because her teeth were good.
We had lost a dog and my husband was hurting for a replacement. Her pleading look up into his face from her cage said it all. She was ours within the flash of some paperwork and a credit card. It took two days for her to lift her head upright, and for those first two days she lived under my desk. We named her Goldie because of her golden brown coat.
Once she decided to trust us, we all had a wonderful life together. Goldie became “Mama Dog” to our three cats. We introduced her to a local trainer and it was an almost instant mutual love affair. Goldie became a favorite “assistant trainer” to other dogs in the trainer’s pack, especially the puppies. She was kind, patient, and gentle with children and new pets we brought in. She was loved by countless friends of our daughter and son and always knew how to be well-behaved.
Later on when our son started his band, she became a fixture of the little side room they made into a rehearsal studio. She’d come in, find a place to lie down in the middle of them while they were working on new material. Later, whenever my husband would sum it down to the piano, sure enough, there’d be “Music Dog” stretched out in a choice spot just a few feet away.
She soon started catching treats in mid-air by anyone who’d toss her one (or six...). She herded the kids and the cats, and alerted us whenever she heard someone coming up the walkway. And she modeled our son’s band’s custom bandana on the band’s Facebook page. And she loved plain Kefir, which kept her insides working nicely, and chasing squirrels.
A few months ago, literally overnight, we noticed a “balloon” of fluid about fist-size on her left side. Took her to the vet to get it checked. Insulinoma, they said. We had medication to give her and monitored her carefully, making sure she got plenty of water, fresh air, gentle walks, and lots of love. Which she happily returned many times over. Smart, obedient, stoic, and devoted. Loved her kitties (the puppies she never had), and everyone we counted as a friend. Sweet gentle soul.
She headed off to the Rainbow Bridge late this afternoon, in a beautiful, quiet, peaceful fade-out. Surrounded by we who loved her and even the vets’ staffers who knew and loved her too.
It’ll be mighty quiet around here now...
Sweet soul. We’ll miss her and love her always. Goodbye Goldie. Safe passage.
Just had to share.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Godspeed Goldie
animals are such special members of a family, she was lucky to have all of you and you were all lucky to have her to love.... R-I-P Goldie.. 
so sad!
My tears are for you, my sister (whose dog dies in Sept), my friend (whose dog died two months ago), and for me (my healthy dad suddenly died in his sleep 3 1/2 months ago) and my little dog (who is 16 and doesn't have much time left either). There isn't enough Xanax in the world to stop my tears from flowing lately. I have so much empathy for your loss. The loss of my other furbaby was the worst thing I ever experienced until my dad died. Please take care of yourself. Sniff, sniff. I need more tissues! 
Most folks need a Goldie type of love whether they know it or not. And every Goldie needs a Calimary family to love them.
Thank you for sharing your love of her - this is such a sweet, touching tribute.
(I need a tissue.)
She was quite a jewel for your family. I still miss every one we've lost and it's amazing how their memories stay around - and they're all good ones!
Thanks for sharing her lovely story and tribute.
KY..........
Goldie will be running and playing on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge until it is time to reunite with you some day. Blessings on this special dog, and blessed sweet memories for you.
it's hard 
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you -
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you
~Isla Paschal Richardson
Saying goodbye to a fur baby is so difficult. My Snowy is declining and one of these days I will have to say goodbye to her, too. I start bawling just thinking about it.
Thank you calimary.
...bless your hearts.
Safe passage, Goldie.
I've been there... I'm grateful for the love given for such a precious and limited time, despite the pain. I know you are too.
precious soul and you were so lucky to have and deeply appreciate each other. The love inside you will stay a companion, that’s what’s happened for me...
Between Goldie and your family is magical. You were both so lucky to have found each other.
The loss of a dear pet is always heartbreaking. RIP Goldie
I hope you find comfort in the memories she left behind.
This is one experience I'm sure most of us here can share with you.
If you haven't already, read "The Art of Racing in the Rain". It's wonderful.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lovely post
at the loss of Goldie. She sounds so wonderful, the finest 4 legged family member, and devoted companion and loving heart for cats and kids, who also knew a few tricks. May she rest in peace, and may your heart heal. I know you will never forget her. . Peace.
what a great tribute to her. glad she had a wonderful life with you.
no words....
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Goldie. She sounded like a great dog.
I wish you and your family comfort and peace through this difficult time. It's hard saying goodbye to our cherished pets.
R.I.P. Goldie
She found a pack of angels in your family, and you found an angel in her.
The Tikkis
it's heartbreaking to say goodbye to those we love
i'm glad that you and goldie found each other and loved each other
you'll find each other again
