Sunday, October 17, 2010

Three Years Gone to the Dogs!

Today is October 17th. Three years ago to the day we moved into our house here in the country.  We never thought of naming our property.  But the neighboring farmer told me that it was bad luck not to.  Knowing that the wife of the previous owner had died here, we took that advice.  Lacking creativity, we named our new home "Golden Pines" because of the pine trees, and of course the Goldens.  

But it's been three years. Where has the time gone? So much has happened and there have been so many changes, mostly with our dogs, me on the other hand, I won't admit to having changed or aged!   

We moved into our new home with our dogs, Wendy, Kasey, Josh, Rudi, CarrieAnne, Sheba, Charlie, Logan, and Cubby, and of course CC, the cat.  Just as a caveat I'll add that I continue to marvel that we managed to sell our house without the new owners knowing that we had any dogs at all--It was quite a feat that I do not want to go through again anytime soon!  But if you'd like to know how to get rid of dog-odors, just ask, I am a 'self-proclaimed' expert! 

During the three years since we moved here, we have fostered and placed Peyton, Daisy, Tucker and Patch.  As you know, we are currently fostering The Chub brothers Toby and Bubba. Cowboy, Maguire, Tanner and Hamlet were also dogs that we fostered and adopted, making them permanent members of our household. Young Sam was given to us by a family at church. Did you keep up with all that?  

Not including "Old Sam" from last week, in the 3 years we have sadly had to say good-bye to: 

Logan who left us in March of 2008.  His claim to fame is that he was the least photogenic of any dog I've ever had!  Try as I did I could never get a good picture of him.
Kasey left us in October 2008.  She's the only "girl" we've lost
 Cubby left us in September 2009.  He was only supposed to live a few months and lived 2 years 
 Cowboy left us in March 2010--By far, the goofiest dog I've ever had!  
and Maguire left us in May 2010 such a tenderhearted soul!
In thinking about our 3 years here at Golden Pines it reminds me of the saying "Home is where the heart is." For me its truly become the place where I have around me so much life and so many things that represent me as an individual because they hold memories of my own history--This includes our dogs past and present who will always be such a big part of it.  

51 comments:

  1. Awww, what a lovely post. Yes, I remember many years ago looking around a house that we liked but we were really put off by the doggy smell and they only had 1 dog!! Although it's sad, it's lovely to see the photos on your little angels that have passed away. As I've said before many times...I really, really admire you for all you do for these dogs. Sue x

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  2. It certainly sounds like a home filled with love and life. We wish you many more happy years there.
    Sue

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  3. What a sweet post and tribute to the little fellas who enrich our lives every day. Your home is a home of love, Kim.

    Liz

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  4. If I believed in reincarnation, which I don't, I would want to come back as a "Golden" and live at Golden Pines!

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  5. So much love has come into and gone through your house in 3 years Kim ~ beautiful! And through it all you have not aged a moment ~ excellent ~ I do not think there is any aging when there is enough love! :)

    Hope you are having a beautiful weekend friend!
    xo Catherine

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  6. Congratulations on three years!!

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  7. Thank you for sharing your three years with dogs. I love your veranda and I hope you find time to sit there and rest every now and then. All your dogs are lovely and I am sorry for those you lost, but it is clear to see they were old and I am sure had lived wonderful lives.--Inger

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  8. I imagine you quickly fill any place you are with the magic of your special heart. I know I've said it before, but I am so, so glad the world has you in it.

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  9. Happy anniversary!

    I think your home name is appropriate, and the love you share/d with all those Golden's has removed the spirit of the previous owner. It's all dog vibe now!

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  10. I love the name Golden Pines :)

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  11. Kim, No words can express.............
    I do not know how you could manage writing and posting. So hard to read and see their dear pictures. Please forgive an sentimental old fart

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  12. That's a number of losses in a short 3 years. It must be very hard to keep saying good-bye. It's a good thing they leave such wonderful memories behind to help us over the loss.

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  13. such beautiful dogs....and such a beautiful space for all of you....
    xoxo

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  14. Happy third anniversary. May you have many more. What a great list of best friends you have had. They all were as lucky to visit you as you were lucky to have them for a time. Enjoy today, tomorrow won't be here for a while yet. Who knows what it will bring? My guess is it will bring lots of love, fun and memories.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  15. Beautiful post, we wish you many many more wonderful years at your very beautiful home.

    Sheila & Bob

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  16. Hi Kim,
    I know what you mean. This December will be 8 years in our house and I can't believe it either. We still have the same 3 dogs that have always lived with us, but our Snoopy is about 14 now and altho I hate to think about him not being around anymore, I know sooner or later it will be a reality I'll eventually have to deal with. Very sad.

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  17. Woof! Woof! You certainly found a wonderful home. LOVE the name (we always wonder) ... Happy 3rd Golden Pines. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  18. Hi Kim,

    It sounds a wonderful place you have - especially with so many goldens that have shared it with you. I don't have a problem with doggie odour, but have you ever found a solution to all the fur? With one Golden retriever, despite regular brushing of Riley, and vacumning of our floor his fur is still everywhere (as well as all over all my clothes), and seems to form tundras (like tumble weed if that is the right word). My father-in-law jokes that one day we will have the "finest carpet" in town if I ever let the housework slip. However I'm thinking of getting a GR puppy - so will either have to double my efforts or just live with it with two in the house. What's your solution with so many goldies?

    Happy third anniversary,
    Riley's mum

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  19. What a lovely post Kim!! You are for sure, one of a kind. I would like to know how to get rid of the dog smell, really. Thank you for all you do for those special souls!! Dogs are the best people on this earth!!
    Everybody is saying what a great picture of Mother and me, I think it is a very sad picture!!! I see no happeness in it at all!Do I see it wrong?
    XXOO, Bambi & Fern

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  20. What a wonderful way for all of us to get our arms around your crew; past and present. A great post Kim - There is a special place in heaven for you and Carl....it too will be called Golden Pines.

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  21. Kim
    The hills at Golden Pines have been a part of you in those 3 years. Every butterfly and hummingbird,,, every hoot from the wise old owl,, every blossing tree, every fallen snow flake have been a part of you.
    The land knows your voice and it communicates with you,,, and those wonderful goldens, it is their world too. The past goldens that you had to say goodbye to,,, well I bet you feel them every now and then. And the ones you still have,,,its their home too, their hills.
    Your home is where love is living, past and present,,,,
    Your home is where tears have fallen from your eyes.
    Your home is where you have felt hugs and love.
    You will never age Kim,, because your heart is young and you have memories to remember,,, and dreams to dream.
    What a world you have,,, and we thank you for sharing Golden Pines with us.
    We are the blest ones,
    love
    tweedles

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  22. Sounds like a wonderful three years!!!

    Elizabeth & Luna

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  23. A beautiful tribute to a home, where there is so much love, and a beautiful remembrance of the ones who are no longer with you. You are such a good person - thank you for all you do for this gorgeous animals.

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  24. you are a special person
    you do good
    x

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  25. Such a wonderful post, although sad. Makes me think of our Heidi, she is 10 and a half and ex-racers don't often live much beyond 12.

    You do a fantastic job and long may you continue to live in your home and carry on doing what you do ... :0)

    Shirl x

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  26. Home is where the dog is...

    I bet you have wonderful memories of them all. I look back and think of all the animals I've had and have been lucky to call friends. I wouldn't change a thing about any one of them.

    Sam

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  27. Golden Pines is a home filled with love - you and Carl have blessed it with your presence.

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  28. Loved your pics of all the dear,sweet goldens that have touched your lives over the last three years.Happy 3rd anniversary in Golden Pines! :o)

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  29. Funny about the naming the farm house -- my mom keeps nagging me that we have never named ours. Never heard about it being bad luck. That explains alot! Just kidding of course.

    Although it's always difficult to lose each furry loved one, I always try to remember the good times we shared and be thankful.

    Lovely post Kim. You are one in a million. :)

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  30. Tks so much for your kind remarks on my 100th post...yes, I couldn't believe it when I realized the other day that number 100 was coming up.
    Such beautiful dogs you take care of.

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  31. a heartwarming story of your home and all the goodness that is within the walls. A true shelter for the 4 legged souls who need it.

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  32. A home filled with love and joy! What more could anyone ask of life?
    Have a great week guys!
    Tina xo

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  33. Time goes so fast. I've been thinking about that a lot lately--probably because I have a birthday coming up soon. We moved 4 yrs ago and I can't believe I've already been here that long.

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  34. What a wonderful legacy is being established at 'Golden Pines' Kim.
    If anything Kim this life with dogs will keep you young and unchanged in so many ways.
    Jim

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  35. You have such a lovely home, both because of and in spite of those lovely dogs. How you ever manage to make it dog odour free I'd like to know (I have one old dog and we have some very whiffy days!).

    Lovely pictures of your dear dogs, such sweet little faces.

    xx

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  36. What a lovely post. In these three years, you have planted your roots very deep. And that, in itself, is a blessing.

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  37. This is such a heart warming post! All those beautiful memories!

    Logan looks like my old Garrett. Such a beautiful red! Miss him everyday, I do.

    I love the name of your spread. We still haven't decided on a name yet. We'll know it when the name sounds right, although, the plot of ground the house was built on is called "Narnia". Really, it is..

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  38. An amazing post! The name is perfect, and the golden life seen through your blog entries puts a smile in our hearts. The tribute and notes about the goldens past, brought tears, and then tears of joy for all who have spent time with you and yours. What a welcoming place!

    Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
    Sierra Rose

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  39. Kim,
    Beautiful name for your house.
    I bet the 3 years feels like yesterday.
    You have done a very nice tribute to past Goldens at Golden Pines.
    I don't think you have aged a bit.
    You have just become more "Golden" with that heart of yours.

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  40. Happy third anniversary :o) I think you chose a lovely name for your home! Thank you for sharing all your dogs with us, they all look so happy and well loved :o)

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  41. Golden Pine is a beautiful name for a wonderful home, filled with lots of love. You are so special, taking so good care of your goldens. I'm proud to be your friend, Kim. Sweet post.
    Love,
    Thor

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  42. Hello Kim !
    Golden Pines is the best name you could choose... Your home is full of love...
    Hugs from Alsace.
    Martine

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  43. another super post Kim, reminding us of the doggies we all came to love and grieve for when they left this world.

    Time I find flies by faster the older you get.......

    Gill in Canada

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  44. Time sure flies... this was a wonderful post and such a nice tribute to those waiting at the bridge!

    Wags,
    Zona

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  45. What a wonderful post! And what a gem you are!! What lucky and very beautiful dogs...

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  46. For a new reader, this was a perfect post. Your love of your dogs and your fosters shined through the words. Your ranch is already filled with wonderful memories.

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  47. I think time flies when you are surrounded by so much love and busy giving so much of it, which you have so obviously and beautifully done! Your home is so wonderful - I think your name is apt... perfect! You have so many wonderful (and some sad) memories, and when I think of you, I think of that porch with all those goldens (and wheaten terrier) who love to hang out there with you and your mate! You bring us bloggers so much pleasure too - thanks for the great posts always.
    Hugs xoxoxo
    Sammie's and Avalon's Mom

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  48. This is such a really nice tribute to all of your doggies.

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  49. You have made a wonderful home there at Golden Pines. Lovely to hear about all the dogs.
    Oct 17 I've had the hens for one year -must do a post !

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  50. Girl you are a blessed women to have a man who has so many dogs. What a wonderful home you have and I love the name too. I can't imagine how much time it takes to feed all your dogs plus the fosters when you have them but good job Kim!!!! You truly have a heart of gold.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  51. Pretty babies, every one! Karmen

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!