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 The two new brothers, Ben in the front & TJ in the back. |
 Terry's Family TJ, Scott & Ben |
 Ben & TJ taking a break! |
We bid a sad goodbye to T.J. who passed over the rainbow bridge on January 18, 2002. He will remain in our hearts forever. (Peggi Rodgers - NORCAL Success Stores)
by Terry Bryant
My name is Terry. I was 38 years old two years ago, when Ben came into my life. I have three daughters, and we have always had cats as pets. We have always been the typical "cat people", you know the type. Kitty cat knick knacks all over the house, cat toys here and there, the lingering odor of cat litter.
Then my new husband (not a cat person) and I started talking about adopting an older golden. Scott had previously raised two wonderful male goldens, and they had since passed on. I never got the chance to spend time with Rocky and Yogi, since they stayed with Scott's first wife after the divorce, but I had heard enough stories about "the boys" to know that there is something special about golden retrievers. So, at the age of 38, I was about to become a "dog person".
Scott and I contacted NORCAL, and we began the process. It was about six months after we applied for on older golden that we got the call. A very nice "foster family" in a nearby town had an eight-to-ten year old male that they wanted us to meet. Nobody really knows where Ben came from, as he was found by the local animal rescue people wandering the streets, underweight, dirty and scared. Thank goodness NORCAL came into the picture, because Ben was one day away from being put to sleep, when he was rescued by NORCAL.
As long as I live, I will never forget the day I first saw Ben dog. He was living at a wonderful foster home with several other animals, and it was very obvious that these awesome people had not only taken excellent care of Ben, but they had spoiled him! I have never met a sweeter, cuter, more loving animal in my whole life!! I can't imagine my life without Ben.
I couldn't love him more if I had raised him from a puppy. I feel blessed every day to have the privilege of Ben being part of my family. He has been with us for a little over two years now, and Scott and I have decided to adopt another older golden!
T.J.'s Story
What can I say about a sweet, gentle, loving, adorable dog who came into my life exactly when I needed him? I didn't know I NEEDED another Golden. I knew I WANTED one, but who knew he would play such a huge part in helping me through a very trying time in my life? I have discovered that my dogs have a special way of keeping me centered when I feel like things in my life are getting out of control. It's something in their big brown eyes that tells me that everything will be okay.
T.J. came into our home on March 10th, 2001. Pat and I had made
arrangements in February for T.J. to come over and meet us as soon as he finished
his treatment of antibiotics he had been taking for a liver infection. When
T.J. came to Pat from his home in Oakland, he was very sick, and had been
for quite some time. This AMESOME woman, and her amazing veterinarian were
able to not only clear up T.J.'s liver infection, but they nursed him back
to health, and started him on thyroid medication that gave him a whole new
lease on
life. T.J. turned 11 this past February, and his life had apparently not included
a regular exercise program, and regular visits to a vet. So, he is most definitely
showing his age!
Our first meeting with "Teej" was all it took to decide that this wonderful dog would be spending his senior years here with our family. Some more tests at our clinic ruled out any serious liver problems, and now that he is getting regular exercise and medication, he is so much healthier! T.J. and Ben are the best of buds, and having TWO senior goldens is just what I thought it would be-- a lot of work, and a lot of fun!! Thank you NORCAL for everything you do for these dogs and their families!!!
Happy golden day!!
Terry
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