So fast. We never know when they will leave us. We had to let my sweet freckled boy go on Tuesday. In less than two weeks he went from being a "normal" 12 y.o. senior with a frisky attitude... to being virtually paralyzed in his rear quarters. Two trips to his regular vet, and then an MRI with an excellent veterinary referral group (neurology) revealed a very large inoperable tumor on his spine. Nothing could be done...

This is his story: Reggie came to us as "Buddy" on Friday, March 24th, 2005. He was our first foster dog for GRIN (Golden Retrievers in Need) and also our first boy. We were excited and clueless. Rescued in December 2004 on his last day at the shelter and heartworm positive. The shelter thought he was a senior dog. As of March 2005 he had been in the GRIN system for close to 4 months.... several foster homes... and a stay at our boarding veterinary. The last foster home loved him dearly, but they had a bird and had experienced a "there were feathers" incident! The bird survived. "Buddy" was clearly a lab/golden mix with somewhat coarse and stiff fur. We had a brand new fence. Half chain link and half decorative iron. "Buddy" climbed that fence to escape SIX times in the first two weeks we had him!

Fast forward... and you will find one of the most loyal dogs we will ever know... a true gentleman with his elder sister Duchess, learned how to appease Emma Rose the Queen, and helped train young Kirby. Oh yes... and he loved his "mama" the best. He leaves a very large Reggie-shaped hole in my heart.

Carol and Jerry and Kid Kirby