Saturday, June 23, 2012

A Hole at Golden Pines is Filled

As you know, with the loss of Sam, I've had a 75 pound golden-sized hole in my heart this week. While no dog could ever take Sam's place, the hole that was left in my heart and our house was filled with a 120 pound (!!) Golden named Sandy who arrived on Friday. It all happened so quickly.  Someone from the rescue called me around lunchtime yesterday and asked if I'd consider taking in a 14 year old boy named Sandy.  When she was reading me the information on him I have to admit that I didn't really hear much of what she said--Other than the original owner had gone into a nursing home and the daughter had been keeping Sandy in the basement and they were unable to afford to pay for food for him--And Sandy is also blind.  With all of that, of course I said yes.  Another volunteer for the rescue agreed to pick him up and meet me and by 4 o'clock I was on my way home with Sandy. It could not worked out better if it had been planned days ago.

Our crew are seasoned pros at meeting new dogs, and meeting Sandy was uneventful--Even Lucas behaved himself.  I think he's in awe of his size; actually we all are, Sandy is a big boy!
I've never had a totally blind dog before.  We've been showing Sandy around the house and this morning he found the water bowls on his own and his way to the back door to go outside.  He's yet to eat a meal, but I am sure that will change.  He and I are off to the vet this morning for a checkup.
Afterwards I am hoping, hoping and hoping that I will have the time to sit, relax and read your news.  It has been a hectic and tiring week and I could use a little escape to your blogs to see what's happening in your world~Thank-you for stopping by to see what's happening in mine!
Enjoy your Saturday!

65 comments:

  1. Welcome Sandy !!! 14 Wow that is impressive!!! Blind too. Poor baby!!! I am almost there too Sandy--blind I am heading that way!! This is the one and only blog I am reading today!!! I'll try to call later today!!

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  2. I have said it beore....you have a heart the size of Texas !
    Sweet Sandy will do just fine in your midst, it looks like the gang has already made him welcome.
    Blind dogs are very smart, once they learn where everything is, and you don't move the furniture around too often ;)
    He's beautiful..
    ~Jo

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  3. Oh...I am thrilled for you and for sandy.....big xxoo from Miss Holly!

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  4. Hi Sandy, Welcome to one of the best foster Mom's in the world. We know you will enjoy your stay.

    Hamish & Sophie

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  5. Welcome Sandy! Another great rescue story. So glad you could step in and help Sandy in his time of need. It takes a big dog to fill a big hole in a heart, Sandy may be just what you need. Tell Sandy hello from all of us.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  6. A big hug and welcome to Sandy:-) With their incredible sense of smell, I imagine they adapt to blindness easier than some other animals would. Enjoy your weekend, you deserve it!

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  7. So happy for you, Kim.

    14 years old! He has definitely had a great life, and now, you've made it even better for him. Hat's off to you. You are a dog's Angel.

    Hugs, Joyce

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  8. Hugs to Sandy from Skoog Farm. Lucky dog, to have moved to Golden Pines.

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  9. good luck settling in, sweet sandy. you're in good hands. trust 'em.

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  10. What a handsome boy!! But you must be emotionally exhausted! Get some rest this weekend, and get to know that handsome new boy!

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  11. You are amazing for taking in Sandy. He looks like such a sweet old boy. I'm glad he is fitting in well in your home so far.

    Cindy

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  12. Welcome Welcome Sandy. My MOM said you are very handsome. She is a sucker for a BIG boy. Your gonna Love Love your new home.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  13. Does Sandy have ANY idea about what a most lucky dog he is??

    Blessings on you and your "accepting" crew for offering Sandy a good life.

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  14. A HUGE bloggy welcome to dear Sandy. He seems to be settling in quickly, thanks to you, Carl and your crew of canines. Wishing him a happy time at Golden Pines, I know he is loved already :o)

    xxx

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  15. My mother has always told me that one door may close but another always opens. Maybe this is the reason why Sam had to go, he knew that another dog was waiting for his spot. You are the most warm hearted person I have ever known. Sandy is one lucky dog to have you, your husband and the crew waiting to give him some love. Good luck at the vet today. Hopefully all the news will be good. Have a good weekend.
    ANA

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  16. Oh wow Sandy is one lucky pup ending up in your care! You have soo much love - you an amazing person! I'm proud to of met you - even if it is only in blog land.
    Looking forward to reading about Sandy.
    Love Leanne

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  17. its happened to e a couple of times too!!!
    something always fills a hole!

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  18. Welcome Sandy, my husband says you are one gorgeous boy.

    We look forward to reading about all your adventures at Golden Pines.

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  19. It's always good to have a new buddy, he will come around, then he be one of the pack. Thats what happened to me, it took about Two months to feel safe with my bestest bubbie, Bites.

    Susie & Bites

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  20. WELCOME sandy!! You are gonna love it there and Kim, you are wondeful to take these dogs in!!

    wags
    Jazzi

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  21. Welcome Sandy. You're a lucky boy to have found your new home. They know what doggies like. You look pretty good for being 14. Let's hope the vet agrees with me.
    Sue

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  22. Sandy is a beautiful boy.

    I look forward to hearing stories about him and the rest of your pet family on your blog.

    Take care,

    Maureen

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  23. Sandy, you don't know it yet, but you are one lucky boy! And you are a beautiful dog, I can't believe you are 14 years old! Kim will take such good care of you and you will love living with all the great dogs of Golden Pine. Welcome!

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  24. he's a beauty! hopefully after the stress of a new environment, he'll learn the route of the house! don't change the furniture this week...not that you'd have time! :) he doesn't look 14!
    good luck, will look forward to his updates!
    xoxo

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  25. Welcome Sandy!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  26. Welcome Sandy ....what a sweet girl....love love Ria...xxx...

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  27. Welcome Sandy!!! I'm so glad you have a new member of your family :o)

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  28. Sandy looks quite happy in spite of it all.
    Bless you for taking him in.
    *hugs* ♥

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  29. Welcome Sandy - hope you can be goofy with Toby. He needs a clown partner!

    ..... (¯`v´¯)♥
    .......•.¸.•´
    ....¸.•´
    ... (
    ☻/
    /▌♥♥
    / \ ♥♥

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  30. You are such a good hearted soul. Welcome Sandy!

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  31. Welcome Sandy. We're so happy he's out of that basement and will be able to lie in the sun and smell all the good scents.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  32. Sorry to hear about Sam. Run free dear Sam.
    Sandy is so lucky to be with you and your crew. He's in good hands and paws.

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  33. Kim, belated condolences on the loss of your beloved Sam and best to your new adoptee, Sandy. Your loving home will certainly be better than the former basement he was living in and now he has humans and dogs for company. Good luck to all of you.

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  34. Sandy adds a new dimension to Golden Pines! He is a beauty. You will learn so much from him....as I did from a blind student I had. They 'see' in a totally different 'light'.

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  35. At the risk of horrifying you and your dedicated readers, I need to admit that when I first started reading your blog I couldn't really tell one golden from another. But the first thing I thought when I opened your new post was "This is a new face - I haven't seen this fellow before!" So I'm making progress!

    Lucky Sandy, to have found his way to you!

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  36. Welcome to your new home Sandy! There is so much love at Golden Pines
    and everyone will just shower you with kisses and huggs and love.
    You are beautiful Sandy- such a beautiful big boy.
    I am so happy that you will help fill the empty hole at Golden Pines.
    Your new momma and daddy will be stroking your sweeet head, and whispering kind words to you,,, and all the furries are saying welcome.
    They will show you around.
    love
    tweedles

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  37. Blind is only a word!

    What a GReat new resident!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  38. First I've been away from blogiing for a while so I am so sorry to read about Sam.

    Welcome to Sandy - I know he has found a place where he will be loved. I'll be interested to read if your pack guide Sandy, as Goldens do so well helping blind humans. I wonder if, by instinct or with training, your Goldens would help a blind dog too to learn the ways of your household?

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  39. I wonder why this post made both of us teary ?

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  40. Welcome home, Sandy.
    "You are simply incredible, Kim!"...a phrase that gains more power by the day.
    With love,
    C

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  41. Bless you Kim, for the endless love and compassion you find for these deserving dogs.

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  42. So sorry to read about dear Sam. Welcome Stanley. I like the photo of him being sniffed. He will have a wonderful home with you x

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  43. What lovely news Kim! Welcome to Sandy.He is going to have a wonderful life with you and all the gang at Golden Pines.
    Sounds like he is settling in very quickly too. :0)

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  44. You are a GLUTTON for punishment!

    ;-)

    I figured somebody better say something or you're gonna get a big head!

    <3

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  45. I have been away and did not know about Sam. I am so sorry Kim!

    Welcome Sandy! You look like one sweet pup.

    Sending you hugs Kim!
    xo Catherine

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  46. Kim~~~Kismet~~~Sandy

    That says it right there!

    Your blind friend is going to make your world 'whole' again...smile!

    LOVE the verandah pic...doodle chin snookums Charlie and the whole lot!

    Mwahhhh~~~Sophie

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  47. What a cutie. And wow, 120 pounds is huge for a Golden!

    Yay for adopting senior dogs! :)

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  48. Kim, Once again your angel wings are all aflutter with activity of taking another sweet boy in. I know that your Sam is smiling down on you and saying well done. You are one incredible lady and I'm thankful for all you do.
    Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

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  49. Some things are destined I am sure. Sandy looks such a lovely chap and is so reliant on you, and thankfully he has a safe haven. Hope you all have a good week ahead.

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  50. What a beautiful old boy!! You are so amazing to give all these old souls a loving home in thier twilight years. Our little old lady cat Maggie is almost blind and she manages fine- still even goes out the cat flap to the toilet.We think that she uses the floor rugs to navigate around because she seems to stick to them so that might be helpful to you? We are careful not to move them and not to leave shoes on the floor etc.Looking forward to hearing all about Sandy xxxx

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  51. OH Sandy, you are so so lucky. To lose your loved one and then to end up in Golden Pines. Life turned from sad and lonely to great possibilities for you seniour years.

    You will find peace and happiness there, of that we are sure.

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  52. He looks awfully good for 14! Can't imagine such a large Golden. Lucky boy!

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  53. God bless you Kim for bringing Sandy home. He's a sweet looking doggie & big! Welcome home Sandy

    Woofs
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  54. Bless you Kim and welcome Sandy.

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  55. I have no doubt Sandy will get the very best from you Kim, as you do with all your goldens.

    Welcome Sandy, you're in for a wonderful time.

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  56. Our Cisco was blind and it was never a problem. A couple little tips (although you may know them!) - don't move furniture, etc. once Sandy is acclimated to it. It will help him avoid bumping into it and potentially hurting himself. Even shoes left in a different spot can be a trip hazard for him. You can still play catch - they sell balls with bells in them. Also, put a bell on one of your quieter slower dogs, it will help Sandy move around and find his way around by following the sound. Good luck and give him a hug from us.

    Sam

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  57. I really do believe everything happens for a reason. sandy is beautiful and what better place for him than in your heart! :-)

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  58. blessings
    and thank you for saying yes
    yet one more time
    hug

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  59. What a triple blessing: for Sandy, for you, and for Sandy's poor owner who can now rest easier knowing his/her beloved boy will be cherished and well cared for the rest of his life. Welcome, Sandy.

    Jed & Abby

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  60. Sandy sure is lucky to have such a good home. He's a beautiful animal and I hope he adjusts very soon to his new home. He's a lovely dog. I also love the beautiful photo of the daylily.

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  61. Once again, Kim you have opened your heart to another beautiful life that will become an indelible part of yours.
    Bless you and Thanks you for taking him in. Sandy is one lucky boy!

    Am sure Sandy will fit right in and be very happy.:O)

    I do keep thinking of Sam and I think those beautiful words tell his story so well.

    Oh Yes! About Sheru.The last few evenings have been very hot out here and when I took him his chilled milk i told him it was from you. Wish he could understand n know you....
    Take care.
    Have a lovely time with your family:O)

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  62. What a gorgeous boy he is and so lucky sharing the rest of his life in the loving comfort he deserves. I do rescue & like you don't like to see them leave, that's why we share our home with 4 Shiddies and 4 Lhasa's.
    I have fostered blind dogs and in some cases deaf also, apart from the obvious I found it important to NOT move things around in the home. They quickly learn the layout, it makes you extra tidy too so the don't walk into the bag on the floor, the pouffe you've had your feet on :0). Blind dogs are amazing they adapt so quickly once they have their bearings. I have 3 high steps down to my garden, it's only ever taken 3-4 times walking them down the steps guiding them for it to click. I'm not so sure I'd adapt so quickly.

    I love Goldies, had 4 of my own, they're waiting at the bridge for us. I've had so many fosters as I'm sure you have too, won't it be wonderful to be reunited with them all plus the family dogs who have blessed our home and life with their presence.

    Peg x

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  63. I can't think of a greater gift to have given Sandy than a home and life with y'all.

    Cheers!

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