Hi G.R.I.N.,

Here is an update on Sadie's second year with us. 

She is a very happy, content dog. She's as sweet as can be and is getting along well with our other dog, Reggie. They are beginning to play and snuggle at times. She loves car rides, running free in the park, and especially her times up at our cabin when she can wander the river's edge and explore under the boathouse.  She's quite the swimmer!

 

I have attached her latest picture with her new bed and bone! She loves them, though the bone's a bit torn up already!

March 2008

 

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I would like to start out by saying that the former owners of Sadie made the ultimate sacrifice! People who have owned Golden Retrievers previously know how much attention and exercise Golden Retrievers need, and that they are INSATIABLE!!! If you have never owned one, it can be very difficult. We went through two pairs before we felt we were fairly informed on what makes a Golden Retriever a good dog. So, we requested to adopt a dog that was around 5 years of age, to be a companion to our 5 1/2 year old dog. The previous owners were very loving indeed to realize that Sadie needed more attention and exercise.

 

So, Sadie arrived. I thought this would be fabulous for my grieving dog - WRONG! First of all, we needed to help Sadie come to TRUST US. Imagine leaving a home after five years and not know what is happening. We were very patient, firm, and loving with Sadie. We worked hard at breaking some bad habits and were able to give her PLENTY of exercise running free in safe places! It has taken almost a year for our first dog (Reggie) to begin to enjoy Sadie and it has taken that long for Sadie to trust Reggie enough to "play" with her! However, I can truly say that from day one, Sadie touched our hearts. With plenty of patience and gentle, but firm love, Sadie has become a part of the family. She has calmed down and MOST of her bad habits are broken.

I would like to recommend to ANYONE who has the time and patience to work through the emotional traumas of a dog's past to adopt a grown Golden Retriever. They are over-bred and we need to absorb those that are already born! How nice it was to not have to housetrain her and teach her not to chew or dig! There are so many positive feelings that come from making a "better" life for an animal and I can truly say that Sadie is a happy, content dog. She is well adjusted and both dogs are kissing each other now and playing quite often! We LOVE her!

Sincerely,

A happy G.R.I.N. rescuer

 

By Kitsy C.
January 2007