Monday, May 2, 2011

Sandy Arrives at Golden Pines

When I agreed to let Sandy come here, I was told that getting her to us wouldn't occur until at least the middle of the week.  But the sun and the moon lined up perfectly and I think before I could change my mind, a ride for Sandy to my neck of the woods was arranged.

I met the transport in Frederick Maryland at a local McDonalds.  I was told that Sandy hadn't eaten the night before and very little that morning.  She's on medication for an intestinal problems, so it was thought that this might be the reason for the lack of appetite.  However I had an appetite and decided I would grab something to eat on the way home. Sandy had been laying in the back of the van, and went I pulled up to place my order, suddenly Sandy was standing there wagging her tail, ready to give her order.  Obviously she's been to a drive-thru before!  I shared a little of what I had with her and she and I are now good friends!

Introductions were met with a few growls from Sandy, but otherwise its been a quiet evening.  Sandy is used to being an only dog and living in the group home will no doubt be a little of an adjustment for her.  But she's a sweet little lady with spark and a continually wagging tail!

Medically, I don't know what will happen.  Sandy has cancerous tumors called 'epulis,' in her mouth.  That's why her upper lip and teeth look a little uneven. She also has some other ongoing health issues and last year the vet and the previous owners were going to euthanize her, why they didn't, I don't know.  But what I do know is that Sandy doesn't feel well.  She's very slow moving because she does seem to have a bit of arthritis in her hips--So when she did something she never had done before such as snapping at a child that fell right on top of her, was that a reason to send her away?

42 comments:

  1. Sandy is such a beautiful girl, and she's so lucky to have you as her final home. You so understand these ailing and elderly dogs. Life hasn't been very kind to Sandy but she's finally with you, and you will give her all the care, understanding and love there is to have.

    I hope she settles in soon and starts to enjoy all the gifts of love and companionship that you, Carl and the 'gang' have to offer.

    xxx

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  2. I am so happy to read your blog. It reminds me that there is so much compassion around. After 13 years I know she's now in the right place .

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  3. That is absolutely no reason to send a dog away :(( People are so egoistical and don't take responsibility.

    I am so glad there are people like you, who take in such "dangerous" dogs. She will have a good life with you for sure. I just hope her health problems are manageable and that she can have a pain free and comfortable life.

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  4. She's lovely! That kind Golden face just shines through! Thank you for giving her some lovin' and kindness during her senior time!

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  5. I'm sure she snapped at the child because she was in pain when fallen on, poor thing. You are an angel of mercy and Sandy is lucky to have you. Good luck with your mission!

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  6. She's a beautiful girl, it's such a shame when people give up their pets as if they are just disposable toys.
    That being said, I have no doubt her 'golden' years will be spent in the bosom of your family, loved and cared for with the best of your capabilities.
    Bless you.
    ~Jo

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  7. ah sandy is very pretty and pleasant looking! her little face is so cute and looks like my nugget. i am super happy she found you. people are mean. i would never send her away. she was just trying to protect her aching body. there is one family that comes to our house who is the same way. no matter what a kid does, the dog should not react. well, not under my watch. my dogs are in their home and well, all kids should behave and be respectful. i am very glad that family only visits twice a year. :)

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  8. Welcome home Sandy. Three years ago we had an Airdale Mix who also had cancer in his mouth. We had a growth removed once and things looked good. It ended up getting to other parts of his body. You never know what is going to happen. She is fortunate to be with you. Who knows, maybe she is going to love being with her sisters and brothers.

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  9. God bless you Kim and Carl for bringing Sandy home. Thank God she'll be able to spend her last days with good compassionate people - and maybe make friends with your gang.

    Woofs
    Nadine & Neeli

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  10. I'm hopeful Sandy will find some happiness at Golden Pines == at this last stage in her life. :)

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  11. I wish more people would have your compassion and understanding of whats needed with an old or poorly dog- I do find it hard to understand how you could part with a dog you have owned for years-just because it is poorly and old and a bit snappy-she has certainly found a lovely loving home with you.

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  12. Kim, you are a hero for what you do. When I hear rescue stories of some of the reasons dogs are sent away, I could strangle some of the people. Thank you for giving that sweet girl a final home.

    Heidi, Tucker and Daisy

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  13. Just keep up the good work and keep an ever watchful eye on both child and Sandy when they're together. Neither one should get hurt.

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  14. She's lovely! I think Sandy and Hamlet would make a handsome couple...

    Bless you for giving a loving home to the old girl!

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  15. She's a cutie! Glad she ended up with you.

    I'll never understand how people can give up their senior dogs. Very sad...but then again perhaps in cases like Sandy's it's the dogs that win?

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  16. Sandy is now in her true home and I know that you'll cherish her.

    People don't seem to think of pain and veterinary ailments as a reason for snapping. K once snapped at me when I touched her belly. The next day, we figured out that she had a nearly fatal case of pancreatitis.

    I am disgusted with Sandy's first owners but so glad that she's with you.

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  17. Welcome, Sandy, to the best possible group home you could ever imagine... Full of love, care and compassion, the likes of which are extremely rare...

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  18. Boy are you lucky, you just added more Golden Love to your house. Tell Sandy "Welcome" from us. She will learn to love the pack, it just takes some getting used to a higher level of activity.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  19. We are so glad she is with you. Why people cannot understand that dogs feel pain and can react in a negative way due to this is beyond me.
    Sandy you are home.


    Sheila & Bob

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  20. Oh bless her. You've done the right thing Kim, she is finally in a home that will give her all the love and attention that she needs for the rest of her days. Sue x

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  21. Kim, you have a big and generous heart. I am very sure Sandy is in good hands. Give her a big kiss for me.

    Love,
    Homer

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  22. Poor old girl. Dogs so often take the blame for human bad behavior. We've very glad you were able to take her. We wish her well.

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  23. What a sweet lady. We're so glad she's with you in such a wonderful home, that tail will be wagging non-stop. As for getting rid of her after her snapping through pain - as the saying goes "the more I see of people, the more I love my dogs". xx

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  24. Kim,
    I'm sure Sandy won't take long to settle i with the crew.
    They may even help her along with some companionship and your love she is in great hands.
    Thanks again for being the special angel that you are.
    Give Sandy a hug for me.

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  25. Give that sweet Sandy a big huge hug from me darling....achhh she is so sweetie....love Ria....xxx...

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  26. Very kind and compassionate you are to be caring for Sandy. I had a yellow lab named Sandy as as kid. She was happy and lived a long happy life on the farm.

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  27. Sandy is a sweety and couldn't have found a better,more loving home to spend her final years.You have the BIGGEST heart Kim. :0)

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  28. Oh, what a face, love her already! How could anyone not? I hope she settles in nicely and keeps Hamlet company on the porch.

    XXX

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  29. how many labs have you got now my friend?

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  30. I am so glad that Sandy has gone to live with you and will have love and care for the rest of her days. It is a shame that Sandy’s owners sent her away, when clearly her reaction was just a reaction to pain and being asleep at the time - not an intentional attack.

    I’m always saddened and annoyed by headline news of “dog attacks child” “vicious dog attack” etc and reading how the dog should be or has been put down, because it’s often not until the end of the article, if at all, answers to three questions that always should be asked first are given. The questions are:

    *what was the dog doing at the time?

    *what was the child doing at the time? and

    *where were the child’s parents (or other adults who could suggest appropriate behaviour around a dog) at the time?

    I’ve never seen headline news of “child torments and teases dog for ages, tries to ride on its back like it was a horse and pull it’s ears and only then was then bitten” instead the media here always prefers to blame the dog and ignore the parents that let their child behave inappropriately. Only very rarely is the dog the reason why the incident happened, so for Sandy, although her owners no longer want her, I am thankful that she was not put down and that there are kind people like you and your family for her.

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  31. Hi Kim, What a wonderful story-I think you are truly an angel. What a beauty she is!!! I know with the love and care you give her she will live out her days in joy.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  32. Sandy, it is my pleasure to meet you! You will have a very good life now with no worries at all. You are in great hands. Enjoy your new home! Kim, give her a soft gentle hug from us 3 up here in Nova Scotia! Thanks.

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  33. Well, God has blessed her to have you..she is a beauty! :D

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  34. I'm so glad you have Sandy and that she will have a life as comfortable as possible.

    NO, one snap at a child from a dog in pain is not a reason to send the dog away. Both you and I have known such people, though. They are pet "lovers" when all is well but are not willing to assist an elderly dog or a dog with medical problems.

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  35. bless you. hugs and bones for the whole pack.

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  36. THEY SENT HER AWAY?!! I am appalled! How stupid and thoughtless and selfish and small-minded can people be? Oh, I just despair sometimes. Whatever happened to living up to the commitments we make to other creatures?

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  37. It's like looking at Khousin Merdie!

    McD's in Frederick and Hagerstown must SO rokhk!

    Hugz to ALL of woo!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  38. I think I know how Sandy is feeling, and wanting right now.....
    Contentment, peace and love.
    When were sick and don't feel good, don't we all want love?
    When we have been sent away and abandoned, don't we wish for someone to find us, and whisper sweet things in our ears and tell us everything is now going to be okay?
    I know that is what Sandy is feeling, and I know that because of you and Carl, she has found all that she needs at Golden Pines.
    love
    tweedles

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  39. She looks like a really sweet girl and personally there are plenty of children I feel like snapping at too Sandy! We "older" girls are done with child-rearing and deserve to have our quiet times now.
    Tina xo

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  40. You are amazing. There's not much else to say. :)

    Thank you for being so selfless!!!

    Jill (Zona's mom)

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  41. She is a beauty Kim. We are very sad about her medical problems. Our prayers go out to her to continue a wonderful quality of life at Golden Pines....as if there was even a doubt!!! :-)

    Easton sends a big paw cross and woof

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