from his foster mom...
Whatever was on Tigger's mind that winter day while he
was chewing his chain apart and escaping from his yard? As he began his journey down the
highway, could he have ever dared dream that this journey would lead him to a new life as
a treasured companion, showered with attention, deeply loved, and even living inside the
house with his new family.
Some good Samaritans (dog lovers, of course) got him
safely into their car and off the highway. And so, the journey continued...Tigger's owners
turned him over to his angels to the rescue. Riddled with heartworm and a half dozen
foxtails stuck into an infected, impacted tooth, this 8 year old golden retriever was
about to endear himself into many hearts. (Thank you, Randy, for treating Tigger for
heartworm.)--During his heartworm treatment, it wasn't all bad for Tigger. He went
on car rides to far away places where Randy's Search and Rescue German Shepards went for
training and practices. And Tigger totally loved the privilege of riding in the car and
hanging out in Randy's house.
With the beginning of summer, and Tigger on the mend, he was turned in to
Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue where he was destined to become a treasured companion. In
the meantime, I had the joy of providing Tigger with a foster home. I don't know that my 5
year old golden, Travis, was so thrilled. The lively Tigger darted ahead to steal the
tennis balls from him. No dog ever before outdid Travis' game of ball playing.
Surely, this 8 year old was feeling pretty good by now.
Late in the summer, as I talked with Tigger's "mom
to be", and told her of this very affectionate, very, very sweet, lively,
pretty dog, I also hesitatingly added, "He is 8 1/2 years old. He does have
mild hip dysplasia..." "Oh, that doesn't matter to me," said Judy. Having
had a Golden Retriever years earlier, Judy was looking forward to another golden without
having to go through the puppy stages, and this golden must get along with her remaining
children at home--the cats. This dog would also go everywhere with them including her
store in town. Just perfect for Tigger!
And so, Tigger, who had the spirit to hold out for the
life he got with Judy and Walter, truly "arrived." He had heaven on earth, with
all the affection and attention his heart could desire. We had no clue that he was
in the last year of his life. This precious, ever so sweet, and never to be forgotten
Tigger, was taken suddenly. The sadness of Tigger's passing is still painful for many of
us, and he is sorely missed.
The door to the human heart
can only be opened from the inside.
anonymous
Thank you Judy and Walter for opening your hearts and your home to
precious Tigger. We know that he loved you just as much as you loved him.
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and from Judy and Walter
- his last, and best, family....
 Tigger came barreling into our lives and my shop
one Sunday afternoon. He greeted the ladies that were taking a quilting workshop with
great affection and, of course, had to see whether anyone had a treat or a tennis ball in
their handbag. He then got introduced to me. He was so excited he gave me lots of kisses
and was just thrilled when we closed the shop and took off in our car. He seemed to know
he was finally getting a loving home.
The first few months were an adjustment (mostly for our
cats), but he quickly settled into a routine of walking our hill many times each day
(never really chasing the squirrels, deer, or rabbits.) He knew that half way through his
walk, we would play "ball." He'd get so excited and we'd play as long as time
permitted and his breath held out. We'd then go to the shop and he'd play host all day to
our customers, who had to sidestep his many tennis balls. If I was talking to a customer,
he'd seek me out and would insert his sweet nose into my hand at my side and just lean on
me until I was done.
He followed me everywhere and slept right next to my
bed. He had his own bed and quilt which we wrapped him up in on cold nights. (He did snore
almost as loud as my husband, though.)
Sometimes he would wake up in the
night with horrible nightmares and cry out loud. We'd comfort him, and in his last months,
he no longer had these episodes which made me realize that he finally knew he was safe and
loved and would never be abandoned again.
Tigger's last day was special. He was about to spend a
wonderful morning at our friend's vineyards when he collapsed. His death was very quick
and absolutely heart wrenching for me. I just think he deserved to live longer, especially
since he was so neglected most of his life. But I am proud that we gave him a few
wonderful months of love. We'll find another Tigger soon and I look forward to capturing
his wonderful aroma again.
My sincere thanks to Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue for
providing me this wonderful opportunity to give Tigger a good home and to my many friends
and customers who sent letters, flowers, donations, etc., in his name.
He truly touched everyone's
heart.
Judy & Walter
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