Thursday, November 1, 2012

Good-Bye to TWO Sandy's


Hurricane Sandy hit us full force on Monday night.  Not since we lived in Alaska do I remember being battered with high winds that never seemed to stop.  A lot of trees were blown down on our road knocking out our power around 8:30 in the evening on Monday.  It  was not restored until this morning.

Unfortunately, we did not get through the storm without any damage.  We lost part of the roof on our barn.
And one of our beautiful pine trees was snapped in half.  However, there was no damage to our house, and for that we are grateful.  
Through the storm, I was concerned about our foster boy Sandy.  He'd not had much of an appetite the last several days.  However, it was not that unusual, and he was up and about and was even going outside without any help from us.  Yesterday morning Sandy seemed a bit better and would wag his tail whenever I talked to him, which he always did.  I discussed everything with my contact at the rescue and together we decided that he should be seen by the vet. Tests were done and x-rays showed that cancer had metastasized throughout his lungs and his abdomen.  We decided that the kind thing to do was to send him to the Rainbow Bridge.  There wasn't much time for good-byes. As he lay there, I stroked his handsome face and as I spoke to Sandy, he wagged his tail.  I thanked him for coming to our home just 4 short months ago.  I told him that I loved getting to know the dog that ate ice like it was a meal and practically melted when his ears were rubbed.  I thanked Sandy for what he taught me, that his blindness reminded me to slow down my pace and enjoy the walk. I told him about the other dogs that we'd sent to the bridge that I was sure would be there waiting for him.  
As I held his paw and he left this world for the next, I wished that we would have had more time together.  I hope that one day, when I see him again, we'll have that time.  God speed Sandy.  You will be missed and not forgotten.  

84 comments:

  1. Oh no.... so sorry to hear that Sandy is no longer with you. I know you try so hard to keep these dogs alive. Damn cancer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh my I am crying my heart out...you are an incredible woman...married to an incredibe man
    .....to take these wonderful dogs in and love them till they cross over....Bless you

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Kim, I am so very sorry for this loss; you have given so many such a wonderful, loving home for however long they have. I know Sandy would tell you thank you and not to be sad, that he is running free with his friends now. You have such a heart of gold my friend, bless you for all those pups you take in and care for. May the love you pour out on them come back to you one hundred fold.
    xxxxNoreen

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry to read the news. We will miss you Sandy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am very sorry to hear about Sandy. Gosh I was rooting for that guy. Farewell Sandy.


    Also, sorry to see the damage but I am glad you came though. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. It spreads and grows so quickly, Kim. My thoughts and prayers are with you as always...:)JP

    ReplyDelete
  7. God Bless Sandy, sorry for your loss Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We stopped by to paw our sympathy, soft husky wooos from all of us,

    RA, Isis & NanĂ¼k

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sorry you have said goodbye to dear sweet Sandy, what a lovely chap he was. He was so lucky to have been in your home for his final months on this earth, and quite right he will have been met by his friends.

    ReplyDelete
  10. God Bless you for the loving home you give to these gentle friends! My sympathy and prayers are with you all.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear, dear Kim - there's a special place in heaven for people like you and Carl. I don't know how you do it, but you do and I'm forever grateful to you.

    xo
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  12. that precious, sweet boy found a lot of love in his last piece of life.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry to read about Sandy. It touches a very raw nerve as I'm sure my time with Samba is winding down. We do what we can.
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thinking of you and all your doggles. Hopefully Gonzo and Sandy have just met and are keeping each other in great company.

    ReplyDelete
  15. thank you Kim for keeping him comfortable and giving him a loving home over these past few months.

    Gill in Canada

    ReplyDelete
  16. Farewell Sandy. Your were loved and will be missed.
    My heart is breaking for you.
    Mary (Ranger's Mom)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Kim, my MOM is all teary eyeed, me too. Bless you for all the love and care you gave Sandy and all the ones you care for, you are shelter in a storm for many of them. My prayers are with you.
    Blessings,
    Goose

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Kim,

    We are so sorry, so many have made the Bridge Journey in recent months.
    God Bless Sandy and you for all you do for Goldens.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am glad you guys made it ok through that storm ! I am sorry for your loss , I cried whilst reading this as I had to do the same thing for my old girl Tammy years ago and it still hits my heart , I wanted her to leave us with some dignity and be at peace , she suffered digestive track disease and even though she was hurting she still had a tail wag for us . Thank you for giving him a wonderful life in these past few months !

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have tried leaving you messages over the last few days, but seems like they just hang...
    So sorry to read that sweet Sandy is no longer with you, thank you for giving him a home where he was much loved, and cared for.
    Happy to read the other "Sandy" left without too much damage to your place.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh Kim, I am so very sorry. Sandy was such a beautiful dog and he tried so hard to not let his blindness stop him from living life to the full. Iam crying for your loss. Sandy will be able to be free of pain now and will be able to see again. With love, Lily. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. So sad. We know that his last 4 months were full of love.

    XXXOOO Daisy, bella & Roxy

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am so, so sorry to hear that Sandy has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. I even had a soft spot for that guy. Once again you gave your love and home freely and helped another down that final path. I commend you for the work and love you put into these dogs. How lucky they to spend there final days knowing someone still cared!

    I'm glad you are all well through the wrath of Sandy although I am sorry your property sustained some damage.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So sorry to hear about Sandy. He was so lucky to spend his last months at Golden Pines with people who loved and cared about him. The time together is so short. Run free my pal. Lady will show you around.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My heart breaks and yet I am happy that you chose to let Sandy go peacefully and not wait until he was in unrelenting pain! I believe that the most difficult decision is when to say 'enough' but in my humble opinion, it is much better to act before the dog is suffering needlessly. Sandy was so lucky to have found you and Carl. I sure would love to be at the reunion held for you, when you join all of your furry friends! (MANY years from now...)

    <3

    ReplyDelete
  26. glad you made it through the storm
    soon there will be another new one to care for eh?

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm so sorry about Sandy. Godspeed, beautiful pup.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm so sorry. He was so lucky to have you love him. Sending hugs and love.

    Ssam

    ReplyDelete
  29. So thankful that you are all safe from the storm and I know that "All Dogs Go to Heaven" and you and Sandy will be reunited...

    Praying for God to fill the hole that Sandy left...

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Kim.....my heart is heavy....so sad about sweet Sandy....I thank you for the love you gave this beautiful dog, you are an Angel.......Glad you made it through that horrible storm......so many not so lucky.......Hugs Francine.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ok, I am sitting here at my desk at work crying but my co-workers are used to me crying over animals. At least Sandy had a wonderful life while he was with you and knew your love. You are an angel, I wish more people could be like us animal lovers.

    ReplyDelete
  32. He was special in more than one way, he was fortunate to have you last. He will be missed by more than a few.

    ReplyDelete
  33. OH Kim, I just had the hardest time reading your post. I did not want to read the actual words that Sandy had left.

    My heart goes out to you and your little family at Golden Pines for all the love you give to those who have been left by the roadside (so to speak)

    How you handle loving and losing so much in so short a time, is beyond my limits. Bless you bless you.

    With Love
    Bert and My Vickie

    ReplyDelete
  34. So sorry that Sandy had to leave, but remember he is free of any pain and with all his old furiends and is waiting at the bridge for us to come and join Him.

    Run Free at the Bridge, SANDY

    Your Sad Furiends
    Susie & Sidebite

    ReplyDelete
  35. We are so sorry to hear about Sandy :-(
    You will be missed Sandy.

    Love
    Thor and Jack

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi, I was cruising the web for dog Christmas card ideas and thought of you. Do you just come up with wonderful creative ideas or do you find them online? Hope you have a warm and cozy evening.
    Hugs,Noreen

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kim, you gave Sandy so much care, fun, and a loving home, and you made that final decision with your heartfelt love. The short time he was with you ,he made his way into your hearts and lives, and he will always be there . Glad your home is safe, take it slowly with the cleaning up. Greetings from Jean.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh boy, how do you do it? You are definitely an Angel from God. I did not know Sandy and I can't seem to stop crying. You have a heart of Gold. I am sure that Sandy is up in Heaven knowing that he had the best 4 months of his life.
    Ana

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sandy was such a sweet boy. You can always be comforted in knowing you made his last months the best they could be. I'm also glad that the other Sandy didn't hit you too hard.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  40. What lessons Sandy had to teach all of us. Godspeed indeed, dear Sandy. You made us all richer by your courage.

    ReplyDelete
  41. How can I be crying like a baby for a dog that I never even knew?! But I did know him... Through you, Kim. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to Sandy. I feel the love. I feel the sadness. I'm glad he is out of pain and now at peace.

    That was one wild storm, right? We only lost electric for a day. I am glad you, Carl and the animals are okay!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ahh Kim,
    This one brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet old boy. Farewell Sandy.

    ReplyDelete
  43. What a year of loss this has been for my blogging pals. Rest in Peace sweet Sandy...I'm so glad you experienced all the love at Golden Pines.

    ReplyDelete
  44. what a wonderful tribute to Sandy.....he was so lucky in the end to find his home with you and your pack!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Sandy :o( It is a relief to read that you are safe and sound after the storm though.

    I'm sure Sandy is smiling down on you and always will be.

    ReplyDelete
  46. So glad to see a post up and to know Golden Pine is still standing. Sad to know Sandy had to go to the bridge what an inspiration to be blind and still be able to find the way in your home so quickly.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

    ReplyDelete
  47. We're so very sorry Sandy the GR has crossed the Bridge. But we're glad his last few months were spent with you, surrounded by love and receiving good care.

    Sorry the other Sandy inflicted damage, but glad it wasn't worse. We were really lucky; didn't even lose power. Compared to those poor people in NJ & NY, we're feeling very blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  48. while i'm not at all sorry to see the one sandy go, i am terribly sorry for your loss of sandy. Bless you for taking him in and being with him at the end. my thoughts are w/ you and your pack.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh Kim I am so sorry. Sandy was blessed to have landed in your care for his remaining days. Bless ya

    ReplyDelete
  50. *hugs* and God bless, Kim. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm so sorry Sandy has crossed the bridge, and that you had only four months together, but during that time I know Sandy was loved and cared for - what more could a dog want!

    It is good to know that hurricane Sandy has left you OK (though with some repairs and clean up to do).

    Thinking of you all,
    Riley's mum

    ReplyDelete
  52. tears falling.....
    we are so sorry.
    You give so much love to many,, and they feel it.
    Your love is a gift.
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh.....my heart is broken again....such a sweet boy...you gave him such a happy end.... :( I'm so sorry..It is never easy....never....
    And to have the storm as well...we got clobbered too but nothing like NYC and NJ...I feel so so so terrible for everyone affected...
    Much love being sent your way...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Sandy is in a good place, pain free. It may have been four short months but it was the best four months he's had. Bless you and the gang.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Rest with the angels, Sandy, you have earned your Golden wings.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Kim: Sandy soldiered on, a brave soul who had lost so much, then he found you, and he had the pleasure of life at Golden Pines. Its an honor to give this gift of rest to a dog who cannot be made well, and I am pleased that you did it. Sandy would say thank you, too!

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  57. Woof! Woof! Oh KIM but Sandy had a great life being with you and the Golden Pines Gang.
    Glad minor damage only fro hurricane Sandy. Lots of Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

    ReplyDelete
  58. So sorry to hear you had to be parted from another of your gentle souls.
    Glad you were not too badly affected by that terrible hurricane.
    Take care and big hugs XX

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh poor Sandy, we'll miss you. Reading of your passing brought my peep to tears. She always loved seeing your happy face...

    ReplyDelete
  60. Oh Kim - we're so sorry to read about Sandy crossing the Bridge. May his memories remain with you always.
    Thank God the damage the other Sandy caused wasn't too bad - I know we're very blessed in Philadelphia that the damage was fairly minor.

    Woofs
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm glad that you made it out without too much damage from that scary storm. I am sorry about your barn and the loss of the trees. You are the best foster dog mom that I know! Sandy was truly lucky to have found YOU for his last months. xoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  62. Awe Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy. Even though your time was short, you have some amazing times with him in those four months.

    You did a great thing, not many people would have taken a blind dog with cancer in and given him that time.

    He is safe and free from pain now and I'm sure that Golden Pines crew was there to greet him at the bridge.

    Run fast, run free Sandy.

    ReplyDelete
  63. We are glad that Hurricane Sandy left you mostly in one piece. Roofs can be fixed and replaced. Nature bounces back.

    We are so sorry to hear about your Sandy crossing the bridge. We know our Callie is there greeting him with open paws.

    Slobbers,
    The CheeseHounds

    ReplyDelete
  64. so, so, sorry to hear this! bless you for taking sandy in and giving him the love and kindness he deserved in his last little bit on this earth. run free, sandy!

    edgar & his mum

    ReplyDelete
  65. So very sorry...Sandy was such a good boy. Holding you in our hearts today.

    ReplyDelete
  66. as usual. i am late in getting here.
    it always crushes me so when you lose one.
    and sandy was special.
    what am i saying?
    every one of them is special.
    i am thinking of recently when you allowed him to spend the day with you in his own outing with mom. how happy he was.
    i cannot add to what has been said here about you.
    you know that i think you are a walking angel.
    love,
    tammy j

    ReplyDelete
  67. Dear Kim, how wonderful you are for these dogs that come and spend their old age with you. Sandy was an inspiration to me when Samson went blind. Samson can see again now, but there are no guarantees he always will. I hope it will make you feel better if I tell you that I will always remember Sandy and the example he set for me.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Every time I read a farwell to someone's dog, I can't help but think of my last dog and I cry like a baby. You did a lovely job of honoring Sandy.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Tears here!! We are so sad to hear this and so sorry. You do so much and I know the dogs love you for that. You are amazing!! He had such love his last 4 months and you will always have memories!!

    Love
    Diana, Jazzi and Addi

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh Kim, I am SO very sorry to hear of your Sandy's passing. what a wonderful last few months you provided him ... and he to you..
    Thoughts and hugs to you . And a prayer that the hurt will soon be replaced with peace and wonderful memories.
    Mare

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy...I do believe that my Zippo was there to greet him. It is very difficult to make that decision, but they let us know when it is time.

    So you had quite a time with the Hurricane as well! I sure am glad that it was only part of your roof that was damaged and not the house. I feel so badly for the people in Jersey who lost their entire homes...so, so hard to accept...to comprehend their loss. My SIL hasn't had power all week either. Sure hope you had a generator!!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hey Golden Pines Gang, Jet here. Hi Miss Kim.

    Oh, we're sad on both counts, Sandy's crossing OTRB and any damage you suffered.

    We wish Sandy ease and comfort and hope he encounters our sweet, golden girl, Koko. She will nobly guide him, we just know it.

    As for Golden Pines, we wish you speedy repair and minimum discomfort.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Oh Kim,
    I am so sorry about your Golden Sandy. What can I say...not another loss. How can you stand this continued heartache? I'm thankful that you are safe though. RIP Sweet Sandy. Our hearts are with you.
    Lotsaluv from all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I'm writing as tears stream down my face - I'm so sorry for your loss. Sandy seemed like a wonderful wonderful boy. Sorry for the damage to your barn as well, but you are so right, at least the house is ok.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Oh Sandy... I'm so sorry that you had to say goodbye to him so soon. He was an inspiration to us all, as you are. His spirit showed us all how to keep living even when lots of things go against you. I'm glad that you had the four months with him, and I'm glad that he had you for the closing chapter of his life.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Kim, I have been gone and haven't been in blogland. I am soooo sorry about Sandy. Rainbow Bridge has got to be full of love for you, and you will have such a reward one day when you meet back up with them all.
    Hate that about ya'lls barn damage, but glad that was it and ya'll are safe.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Hi Y'all!

    Rest in peace Sandy.

    Y'all come back now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

    ReplyDelete
  78. I missed this post, and just wanted to send my condolences to you.

    As sad as it is that he is gone, it must be wonderful to know that you gave him such a loving environment in your home.

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am so very sorry to hear of Sandy's loss! There is no "just a foster" at a time like that, and thank goodness he had you!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Sorry to hear of Sandy going to the bridge, it was a very touching post
    Love and hugs Jan, George and Tess xxx

    ReplyDelete
  81. I too have not visited your blog lately but it is only because of time constraints and not because your blog isn't dear to my heart. I love that you foster Golden Retrievers no matter what their conditions may be and I am sure Sandy appreciated the love and attention you gave him. Even though he was blind I'm positive he felt your love for him. He wagged his tail even as he was put to sleep...what a rewarding and heart breaking time that must've been for both of you. You must know that you gave him the best possible 4 months of his life. He might've been put to sleep earlier if you hadn't taken him in!

    ReplyDelete

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