I've Lost My Beautiful Girl, My sweet Golden Retriever, Peggy is gone Options

[Peggy's Human]

Hi Madi,

Thank you for your kind words and support. It really means a lot to me. Peggy was a special, special girl and we loved her beyond all reason. She was one of the most beautiful souls to ever grace this planet, human or animal and we were so blessed to have her share our lives for more than 5 years.

Please allow me to offer my deepest condolence on the passing of your sweet Ulriich. I read your thread and when I saw ‘I simply adored him, he was my life.’, I knew you shared the same relationship with Ulriich that I shared with Peggy. Madi, I hope you’re doing well and that you are able to think of your wonderful memories of Ulriich with many more smiles than tears. I pray that your life has been going smoothly, with no additional losses and you will be in my prayers.

Thank you again and please take care of yourself.

Peggy

[Peggy's Human]

Dear Gunna's Mom,

Thank you for your compliment to Peggy. Yes, she was a very beautiful girl. Physically, she was very pretty but when you looked in her eyes, you quickly saw how very beautiful she was.

I hope you and your husband's hearts are lighening a bit and I thank you for taking the time to read about Peggy The Dog.

You both remain in my prayers.

Peggy

[Peggy's Human]

Hi Connie,
Thank you for taking the time to post on my thread, even while going through such heartache yourself. You’re a very compassionate person and I appreciate your support. I am so envious about your dreams of Finn and Linc! Usually, I don’t have dreams of passed loved ones. I was the only family member with my Dad when he passed and I was the only 1 who had no memory of him coming in a dream afterwards. I remember going to bed numerous times and telling him, ‘Hey, I was the only one who could handle being there when you passed and you can’t even come to let me know you’re okay?” He got my Irish up, can you tell? With Peggy, I had a dream about her 2 nights after she passed. It was brief and it wasn’t until the very end of the dream I realized she was ‘gone’ but I did awake feeling better. For poor Mom, who’s accustomed to having ‘dream visits’ very shortly after someone passes, didn’t dream of her for almost 5 weeks. She told me that she was aware that Peggy had passed and thought the dream would end quickly, since they’re usually coming to let you know they’re okay and shortly after you’re aware it’s a ‘visit’ and not a dream, they leave. Peggy stayed with Mom for quite a while, until Mom flet better. She thanked Peggy for visiting her and told her she had to wake up to come and tell me about seeing her. It was 2 am, I was still logged on working when I heard Mom come running down the hall to the stairs and then starting to run down the stairs while calling my name. Woman almost gave me a heart-attack. Oh yeah, did I mention she was crying while calling my name?? GEZZZZ. LOL That was finally a turning point for Mom in the grieving process. Once she had the dream, she no longer cried every day.

Connie, you and Linc and Finn are all in my thoughts and prayers. I was stunned when I read your latest event and my heart broke for all you’ve been through. I have to head outside to do some work shortly and will be ‘noticing’ Peggy’s absence every moment. I know you’ll be experiencing the same thing this weekend while you work on your gardens. Maybe the times when we’re most vividly imagining them out there with us, they really are and there and our ‘imagination’ is just a manifestation our instincts picking up on the fact that they’re really there and we just can’t see them. I’m kind of leaning in that direction.

Big hug to you and again, thank you for your support.

Pease take care of yourself.

Peggy

[Peggy's Human]

Dear Moon_Beam and LoveMyMickey,

As always, thank you for your wisdom, kind words and support. The two of you have been so helpful in guiding me along while I find my way through this unpredictable mess of a journey. I appreciate all you’ve both done to help light the way and make my passage less difficult. I’m a bit pressed for time right now but will post again later today. There has been an interesting development with strangely coincidental timing. It looks like Mom and I are going to be welcoming a new family member in the next week or two. We didn’t think we were ready but apparently the universe or Peggy or Dad had different plans for us and even we recognize that this is ‘meant to be’. Gotta admit, life is an unpredictable adventure and you never know what each new week will bring. At least this time, it will be happy news!

You both are in my thoughts and prayers (as always!)

Take care,

Peggy

[Peggy's Human]

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you for your kind words and please never feel you have to apologize to me for not posting on my thread. I see all the wonderful support you give to others who are in much greater need than I. I know exactly what you mean about sometimes just not having the right words. I have the same problem and sometimes, there's just so much you want to say and there's just not enough time to touch on everything. So you move on, thinking you'll come back later but that never seems to happen. That's exactly what happened to me with your thread. I wanted to post something so you'd know I was following your journey and sending you support, but I just didn't know where to start (what aspect of the established thread do you not address when they're all important??). Anyway, thank you for your support. I appreciate your taking the time when you have so much going on (Ms. Daisy is still out there, jumping up and down with her pompoms until you're complete your last final! - STILL CRACKS ME UP!)

I hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend (full of studing for that final, final!)

Please know you and Ms. Daisy are in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Peggy

[moon_beam]

Hi, Peggy, just being able to get caught up on your posts, and want to congratulate you and your mom on your prospective new furchild. How WONDERFUL!! I so do know what you mean when you say that your precious Peggy and your Dad are co-conspirators in bringing this new lifetime companion into your hearts and home. I am so looking forward to sharing your news and all the details with you as you would like to share with us.

Peggy, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Peggy's Human]

Saturday, May 14 was the 11 week anniversary of Peggy passing. Sunday, May 15 was the 6 year anniversary of her joining our family. Friday, May 20 was my Dad's B-day and Sunday will be the anniversary of his passing.

Since losing Peggy, Mom and I have had several discussions about someday getting a new dog to join our family. We both feel we missed out on a lot with Peggy since she was already 2 1/2 when she came to us (and passed shortly after her 8th B-day). We discussed how 'next time', we want those puppy years (or 15 months) to enjoy. We also discussed finding a European Golden since they have a significantly lower cancer rate than American Guldens and have a longer lifespan. We did do some online looking and ohhhhed and ahhhhed over many beautiful puppies but were nowhere near ready to seek out another dog. We really figured it would be toward the end of summer, at the earliest, before we might be ready to begin our quest in earnest.

Last week we saw a dog online that we both thought looked sweet but aside from discussing her physical condition, we did not discuss her in depth. The dogs name is Gilda and she's 1/2 Golden and 1/2 German Shepherd. She was rescued from the South West and either fell out of the back of a pick-up truck or was hit by a car some time before being rescued. The accident injured her shoulder and left her with a limp and a leg that 'flops around' when she runs. The rescue group estimates her age to be approx 15 months.

The day after we saw her pic, she somehow came up in conversation and Mom and I realized that we had both spent the past 24 hours thinking about this special girl and what we could do to help her recover as much functionality in that leg as possible. Her face radiated the same energy as Peggy and we both felt she was supposed to be with us. Peggy was a Golden Retriever and forged a bond neither Mom nor I thought was possible. The next closest animal bond we ever had was years ago, with our German Shepherd named King II. Mom had suggested a couple of times in the past that we should check out Shepherd puppies, as well as the Goldens. So now we find that we're both drawn to a Golden/Shepherd mix that needs a home. Interesting.

The Golden Retriever Rescue organizations in New England make it pretty clear that there is a stringent process that is followed, over the course of several weeks and sometimes months, to ensure their animals are placed in the proper home. We knew this and applauded their desire to ensure doing what was in the animal’s best interest. They also tell you that you may request any animal you are interested in but ultimately, they will decide on which animal best suits your personality and lifestyle. There was very limited information about Gilda on the site so we really didn't have a clue what her personality was like or what fears/issues she may have. However, we knew she belonged with us and spent a couple of hours filling out the application and submitting it that night. When we finished, our online submission took place less than 2 hours before the exact anniversary of Peggy passing. We found that a bit ironic - again, we weren't even sure we were ready for another dog but felt compelled to follow-up about Gilda.

After submission, I received an automated e-mail response listing the criteria for which they would be unbending and stated that if you application didn’t conform to this list, you probably wouldn’t hear back. They also said it could take 7 – 10 days to hear back, if your application was going to be processed. There were 2 items on their list that I did not conform to. I answered everything honestly, knowing they may not like some of my answers and didn’t try to slant anything in order to make it through the initial screening process. I figure that if something is meant to be, it will happen. I refuse to lie just to get something I want – there really is no good reason to compromise your integrity, at least for me. BTW – the 2 things were 1) I have allergies and they don’t place in homes where family members have allergies to animals and 2) While I’ve had several dogs I wouldn’t let off a leash for any reason, I have owned dogs who I would take off leash in very specific circumstances – but NEVER before I knew the animal well enough to predict how they would respond to a sudden event and NEVER before I had earned their trust so deeply that they would bolt FOR ME if they were afraid and needed reassurance (and obviously never anywhere near traffic). After seeing their criteria, we expected to never hear back.

Imagine my surprise when I logged on to e-mail the next day and saw that they sent me an e-mail less than 9 hours after we submitted the application. They wanted to know if I would be willing to reconsider my off-leash policy. I fully explained my position (and reassured them that it would be at least a year before the off-leash was even considered as possibility in certain situations – like at the ocean) and they were assured I was taking my responsibility for the dog very seriously. Next, we spent some time corresponding about my allergies. I made a case for us that since I’m allergic to everything, I’d have to live in a bubble to avoid having them triggered, dog or no dog. And it’s never prevented me from bringing in strays to live out their lives or occasionally seeking out an animal on my own. I’m so accustomed to adapting to my allergies I don’t even think about it anymore. I also pointed out that our preference was to adopt a rescue and if we couldn’t ,we would have to go through a breeder at some point in the future. I also explained that it was specifically Gilda that was driving us to ‘dig in’ because we just knew she was meant to be with us – there was just a look in her eyes that told us she was our family.

Somehow, we presented a strong enough argument, since it’s an adult and not a child with the allergies, that the Committee approved us to move forward. They also acknowledged that everything we specified in our application captured Gilda and what she needed (who knew??)! They thought we were a perfect match, so far. Then we found out that Gilda’s foster Mom is scheduled for vacation at the end of this coming week and Gilda would have to go to a kennel, if she wasn’t placed before then. All of a sudden, the process went into high gear and we were scheduled for a phone interview on Wednesday night (I think it was Wednesday night). We had a lovely chat with the volunteer that called and were approved to move the Home Inspection stage of the process. Usually potential owners have to wait several weeks for that to happen. Our home inspection was yesterday, less than 2 full days after our interview. A lovely woman named Carol came and checked out us, the house and the property. I owe a debt of gratitude to the ducks at this point. The cover on my pool does not meet the standard they require (it will be upgraded when the pool is closed this year) and I expected that to turn into a point of discussion/contention. While we did touch on it, because I brought it up, The Three Amigos (3 male mallards) charmed my guests by swimming around and feeding off the cover while we watched from the deck. I think my guests were amused that the ducks were feeding off the bird seed I had been throwing on the cover all spring.

I received notification last evening, about 2 hours after the home inspection, that we’ve been approved and Gilda will be here next Friday or Saturday! She is currently in Florida and will be transported north during the coming week. Mom and I are THRILLED she is coming HOME! It’s ironic that we found her and followed up on Peggy’s anniversary, made it through some speed bumps that should have prevented us from being an adoptive family and were approved to have her live here on Dad’s B-day. Seriously, what are the odds? I swear Dad and Peggy have a hand and paw in this whole thing. The Rescue people we’ve been working with told us it’s incredibly rare for an adoption to move this quickly but the circumstances dictated the speed and we just seem like a perfect fit. Really, what are the odds of us seeing a random dog online, us not conforming to all the rules usually required and having the process expedited so that full approval and plans to transport are in place less than a week after submitting the application AND while all these significant dates hit? All I can say is, Gilda belongs here. She is not coming in to take the place of our beloved Peggy and never could. She is coming in because we just know she belongs here. I’m attaching a pic of her pretty, smiling face so you can see why we fell in love, without ever meeting her. What a sweet soul she seems to have.

Attached image(s)

 

[Bobbie]

Hi Peggy!

How wonderful!!! You do know that your dad and Peggy the Dog sent Gilda your way, right? Fate? nope - Peggy and dad. Coincidence? nope - Peggy and dad. And I might add, some consultation with King II.

Gilda is the luckiest girl on the East Coast. I know the love, compassion and dedication you and your mom all have for her.

We congratulate you and want to know every last detail of Gilda's homecoming!

Love,
Bobbie, Trevor & Stan

[moon_beam]

Hi, Peggy, congratulations on your new lifetime companion!! Gilda is a very pretty girl indeed!!! And I so oo agree with Bobbie - - this is no coincidence - - this is Divine guidance assisted with the co-conspirators of your precious Peggy, your Dad, and King II. This is so wonderful for both you and your mom - - and Gilda. I am so o very happy for all of you.

How exciting that Gilda will be going to the ocean with you later this summer. And she has a home where she can enjoy the "simple pleasures" of life - - can't get much better than that. I know you and your mom must be filled with anticipation of receiving your new precious furchild - - just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Perhaps your vet will be able to give you some guidance as to help little Gilda with her leg - - perhaps a brace to help give her more stability?

Peggy, thank you so o o o o o much for sharing this WONDERFUL news with us. Please know you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will look forward to sharing your new life with your new little girl whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[LoveMyMickey]

Hi Peggy,

I am soooooo happy for you and your Mom to be getting a new furbaby!....Gilda is truly a beautiful dog. I know she is getting a wonderful home.

That's wonderful that the adoption process was quick. I bet your Dad and Peggy (the dog) told them to "hurry up already!"

Thank you for sharing your happy news.

LoveMyMickey

[Gretta's Mom]

Hi Peggy

Message for Gilda: You, my dear dog, are THE luckiest dog who ever lived! You know you were sent on a mission - like all spirit animals are. Like many spirit-animals, you had to endure some horrible, hurtful and dangerous experiences on your way to your true people. Peggy-the-human's dad, Peggy-the-Dog, King II and the Lord all got together to help open the way for you to find them and they to find you. Alleluia! Another made-in-heaven match made! Your heart is tender. Your eyes shine out your beautiful soul. Your people, Peggy and Mary, have the same beautiful souls. As you know, their hearts are still broken from their Peggy's going over to the Perfect World. They need your kindness, your gentleness, your love. And they will love you with everything, EVERYTHING they have. This week you will see each other for the first time and all of your hearts will be smitten. God bless you, Gilda, and God bless you new mom and grand-mom. Every day will be brighter than the next. We love you all.

Gretta's (and now Rufus's) mom

[sammy]

Peggy,

I cried seeing that precious dog of yours with her tongue all hanging out ready to play! Thank you for the lovely pic. Man these creatures have a hold on us....I think it means....we should live life fully and know we can be with them again! (((hugs)))) to you dear

[sammy]

Peggy,

You make me smile and cry all at the same time!! I just read about you getting Gilda!! I'm sooooo excited for you!!! And I treasure the relationship you have with your Mom, it's my hope that someday my two girls think so highly of me as you do your Mom. Many hugs to you both!

[kaylasmom]

Hi Peggy,

I was just stopping by your thread to say hi. Is Gilda settling in ok? I hope all is well.

Shelby (kaylasmom)

[sad]

Hi Peggy
I have not been around lately due to life getting in the way but am so happy to hear the news that you are getting Gilda. You are right that everything came together so fast that it was just meant to be. Gilda is one lucky doggie and I am sure she is going to love being part of your family. It is so great to hear the good news!

[Cheryl83]

Hi Peggy,

Just to add my joy to the others who have already posted. I am sooooooo pleased for you. It is clear that Beautiful Gilda definately belongs with you. Your Dad and precious Peggy most certaintly knew that she's just what you need to help mend your broken heart. Peggy is jumping for joy right now at the news, she's wagging her tail, so very proud of herself -- her "masterplan" worked out

Please keep us updated. I wish you and your family all the very best; and a long, happy, healthy future together.

Cheryl xx

[Rhapsedy]

Hi Peggy-

What a doll!!! This is 100% fate stepping in with the help of your dad and Peggy, it was so meant to be. I am so happy for you and your mom, I'm sending hugs to both of you.

Love,
Rhapsedy