Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies who 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. Our friends 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. Their bright eyes are intent…their eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, legs carrying them 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 friend, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
The stories are listed in ascending order, by their Golden Rescue Number, you can browse them below, or use the search box on the right to search by name.
Brandy, Rescue # 49, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2004. Her ability to show unconditional love & companionship touched all that knew her. She is missed deeply everyday. Here’s wishing that every day is a “snow” day on the Rainbow Bridge.
Kara #71 – came to our family in November, 1994 and was with us until her passing in 2003. She looked after our grandchildren from the time they were born and,actually, the picture shows her “watching over her charge”. She was small in stature but a true lady and was Bill’s constant companion during his battle with cancer.
At 9:45 a.m., February 16, 2007 I held Dudley in my arms for the last time as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully and with dignity to be reunited with his VeeVee. Dudley was diagnosed with lymphoma December 20, 2006 and it quickly spread to his spleen and liver. His quality of life was soon to be compromised when we parted this day. He came into Golden Rescue and into my heart at two years of age on October 3, 1998, abandoned, severely abused both emotionally and physically with lifeless eyes that held no hope, he had shut down and broken in spirit. Dudley and I shared a long journey of healing and I am so proud of his accomplishments, how he overcame so many fears, gained confidence and for the first time in his life he had dignity. We enjoyed a very special love and understanding for 8 years and 4 months. I am so blessed and honored to have shared life with Dudley, he taught me so very much along the way, a gentle soul that will live forever in my heart. Until we meet again, all my love.
It is with such great sorrow, and heartfelt sadness that we add our beloved Murraybear to those wonderful rescued Goldens who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Murray, (rescue #150) peacefully left us on April 12, 2004 after a brave battle of almost 2 years with an oral sarcoma. To his very last day with us, he never missed a meal, or the opportunity for a treat. Our lives have been so enriched, for having this beautiful, special creature as part of our family.. There will always be an empty place in our heart and in our home for our beautiful bear. I will always look for those incredible caring eyes looking out the door as I drive in the driveway, and the closing music for the evening news will always remind me that it is feeding time. He brought so much to our lives, touched so many people…he was truly one of a kind, and we will miss him always. We are so proud that he was able to be part of our family, our lives, for 5 of his 8 years
Chance came to us from an Animal Shelter and was in really bad shape. His adoptive home nurtured him back to health and now, as a Senior Citizen he loves to chase his fur friends in the open fields of Guelph. He is very handsome and loves to have his photo taken.
Rusty unfortunately joined the Rainbow Bridge on Dec. 31/06 after a short battle with cancer. Rusty came to us in September of 2000. His reputation was that of an Escape Artist and truly he lived up to his reputation if the gate got left open to our fenced backyard. Rusty brought our home and pet family an incredible around of JOY and FUN. He had the most loving personality. He taught us all many valuable lessons on unconditional love. Rusty is greatly missed. We very much cherished the 6 short years we had with him. We pray that another golden will come into our lives soon.
Maverick #213 Feb.10/96-Mar.14/07
Maverick was adopted on Oct.09/2000 by Ted, Cathy, Justin and Shannon . He was truly a gift of love to our family. He was a bit of a character! Whenever he was caught stealing a sock, a shoe, a stuffed animal or a cooked turkey, he’d give you this “Who me???” look that made you laugh and love him all the more! His favourite things to do were swimming, going for rides, walks and eating!! Maverick also really loved just being with you doing nothing but enjoying your company.
He really taught us the true meaning of unconditional love. We know he’s at Rainbow Bridge surrounded by love. We miss him with all of our hearts.
It has been almost two years since our Lexi #223 left for Rainbow Bridge and there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of her. She was our “Grand Dame”, our little flirt, our sweetheart. She was everything a Golden should be and more. Lexi was eight years old when she came to Golden Rescue from her heartbroken Mom and we were honoured to adopt her. We loved her dearly and miss her daily.
As soon as Ben jumped up on the door of his foster family's door and we saw his big beautiful golden head we knew we had hit the jackpot. Ben was such a loving and gentle guy, to know him was to truly love him. Ben was our baby for 8 years and we have so many happy memories. He went everywhere with us, he loved car rides, boat rides, walks, cuddles, his stuffed animals, and his own futon bed! We used to call Ben our teenager as he would often disappear to his own bedroom to have a nap on his futon. He didn't even mind going to the groomer and he made his mom so proud when the staff told her that Ben was a customer with the highest rating in terms of temperament. Ben was a true angel and we miss him so much.
This past summer we found out that Ben had a cancer called mesothelioma. This cancer causes fluid to build up on the heart and lungs. It was very aggressive and over a three week period Ben went downhill very quickly, chemo wasn't recommended as the cancer was advanced. The fluid was removed and Ben seemed better but we were told that the fluid would return. We were in shock as it was a case of hearing the very worst news and being told that Ben had days, maybe weeks, even though just weeks before he had seemed totally healthy and happy. Ben went to sleep on August 25 2008, he got some timbits just before and his mom and dad were with him to the peaceful end.
We will always love you Ben. Thank you Golden Rescue for the 8 wonderful years, we are so grateful.
Tia & Ross
My dear dog Rugby (#256) was taken too soon at age nine from sudden complications to his heart from tumours on April 24, 2010. Rugby came into my life in the summer of 2001 as an affectionate, energetic boy who was eager to please. He joined me on many adventures, including a move to Boston in 2004. He was my constant companion in a new city and his loving nature helped smooth the transition away from home. He was happiest with his favourite human friends, long off-leash walks and summers in Muskoka. He loved cheese, peanut butter on toast, his stuffed animals and taking up most of the bed at night. He didn’t like thunder storms, fireworks, loud voices or being alone. His acute separation anxiety, brought on from being left alone as a puppy never really left him, but with lots of exercise and a regular routine it was well managed. He was a handsome dog with a gorgeous light coat and majestic tail. He was patient and kind with young children, especially my niece Brooke. He provided excellent vacuum services to many of her meals. He is greatly missed by his Toronto family, his dog-walker Diane and his friend Hilary. He provided unconditional love and many happy memories which we will cherish forever. Many thanks to Golden Rescue and especially Barb Demetrick for bringing us together. He was my sweet, sweet boy and he will not be soon forgotten.
Amy #267 was a senior Golden about ten years old in need of much care and attention when she was found abandoned. For four years we had the pleasure of her company. She was a wonderful, dog, quiet and loving. Despite having difficulty getting around, she always made the effort to get up for” dinner, or to greet visitors at the door, or to go for an occasional walk, carrying her leash in her mouth. Sadly, Amy passed away in June 2005. What she lacked in physical ability, she more than made up for in spirit.
Gene came to his retirement home in Medonte at the age of ten and a half years. After fifteen months, acute and terminal kidney disease forced us to say “good – bye” . The laughter he brought to the house continues to ring in our hearts.
At 1 P.M. on November 14, 2007 our Beautiful Boy, Sydney, Rescue 326, crossed the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 8 years 5 months and 2 days, and was suddenly gone, like “Sna’ aff a dyke”. We stayed with him throughout that last long night, held him close, gently massaged him, and whispered about going for car rides and walks in his favourite parks. He fought bravely but it was an unequal struggle with cancer, and the call of the Bridge was too strong. We have a great void in our lives, but were honoured and privileged to have shared time with him, and have wonderful memories, photos and movies to warm our hearts. We enjoyed every moment together and always tried to make each day of our all-too-brief 5 years and 3 months more special than the last. Our happiest times were our car rides – we didn’t need a destination, the journey was the important part. Head out a rear window, barking, tail wagging non-stop and bouncing between the left and right side depending on the particular attraction at any given moment. Complete joy. He is resting now, with a favourite stuffed bear, next to his painting and paw print in the family room, where we spend most of our time at home. Rest well, our Beautiful Boy, you taught us so much and filled our days with happiness. You live forever in our hearts. Mum and Dad (Wanda and Sandy)
Sassy #350 – came to us in the fall of 2003. She was nine at the time and a beautiful animal – her size and colour attracted many and she became a familiar sight on our front lawn every day watching the world go by. Sassy suffered a heart attack in the fall of 2005 and we have missed her dearly.
Riley joined us in his forever home Dec. 2002. Riley was destined to be destroyed when a wonderful Golden Rescue volunteer made a mad dash to retrieve Riley from the pound in Lindsay. Riley joined our family to fill the paw marks of Goldenbrae’s Higgins Pride affectionately known as Higgins, Golden Rescue’s # 55.
Riley was a social creature with many friends. His gentle disposition allowed him to mingle with large and small, boisterous and quiet. Riley had a strong dislike for large boats but liked a leisurely canoe ride. He loved to play along the edge of the lake but thought swimming was for fish. Riley enjoyed lots of space both at home and at the cottage to romp and play with his companion Brewster, Golden Rescue’s # 510 who survives him.
RILEY’s battle with cancer has ended. Riley passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge June 10, 2011. Riley you are missed. We were so honoured that you gave us all that you were or could be, a real champion offering companionship and unconditional love. You are truly an angel in disguise.
Gord, Liz and family.
