Monday, December 2, 2013

Good-Bye (For Now) to Our Beloved Wendy


~June 2013~
Today was indeed, a really, really sad and difficult day for us. Not only were there gloomy clouds and cold temperatures outside, but it was the same in our hearts. Today, was one that we dreaded, we said good-bye to our precious, precious Wendy.

I remember so well the day we met her more than 14 years ago.  In many ways it seems like such a long time ago, but in other ways, like it just happened.  When we met her she was known as "Amber" and was a wild, young, crazy girl who was almost 2 years old.  I changed her name to "Wendy" after my favorite character in Peter Pan.  I didn't know at the time, but she would become much like her namesake.  When we started fostering for the rescue in 2000, many of the dogs that came to us at that time were from the animal shelters and were young males who had been strays.  Because of that, I began calling them 'the lost boys.'  We would have many 'lost boys' come into our lives, and she was a good mentor and companion to all of them--Just like the 'real' Wendy.  
~Wendy in July 1999~
As the years passed Wendy was there for so many changes in our lives.  She knew our very first cat named Lucy.  She knew Tod, our very first Golden, and was there the night we woke up to find that he had passed away.  I remember looking at her as she sat on the bed watching us, her eyes said that she had understood what had happened.  On that same sad note, Wendy was there the day I came home to my Mom's house after she'd passed away.  How could I ever thank her for the comfort she provided then and so many times through so many losses?
~August 2011~
Yes, through the additions and subtractions in our lives Wendy was there, always the one constant in our lives.  She always seemed the same, never changing, always with the spark in her eyes, and that canine free spirit and independence that in later years would tell me that the rules of the house didn't apply to her--She was right, they didn't. Wendy was our equal.  She was truly my canine sister.  Her life was so intertwined within the fabric of our lives that I barely have a memory of the last 14 years that doesn't somehow include her.  Because of Wendy more than 50 Golden Retrievers found forever families.  Because of Wendy we adopted 15 dogs from the rescue and have given that many senior Goldens a place to call home for the time they have left.  Because of Wendy there is a Golden Pines.
~January 2013~
Because of Wendy, my heart is broken and shattered--But there are no regrets, just a giant hole in our home and an emptiness that will never again be filled.  I will miss Wendy like no other, and she will forever be in my heart and soul until we meet again.

God speed, Wendy-Lady, my girly-girl.  Our candle is lit for you tonight as you journey to the Rainbow Bridge where there will be an amazing reunion and welcome from the many who have gone before you.  Please give them all my message and don't ever forget what you meant to Carl and I. You will be greatly missed but never, ever forgotten, and we look forward to the day when we will see you again, in a place like Never Never Land...  

68 comments:

  1. Kim...oh, Kim...you know you have my heart to he'l you fill the void left by such a wonderful girl...a magical girl, like no other...:)JP

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  2. i completely understand how special she was to you and how much of your heart she took with her today...

    she looks so much like my marigold who was 14 when she left us. she was always an equal in our household - like you described wendy in yours. rule needn't apply...

    bless you as you feel her loss.

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  3. Oh, no - I'm bawling :( I'm so sorry, I know how hard it is to lose a canine soulmate - we love all our dogs of course, but there's always that one that's a little extra special. I recently visited the huge pet cemetary in Hartsdale, which is filled with thousands of graves with touching epitaphs. But the one that spoke to me most simply said "Thank You". I think that might be what you would choose for Wendy...

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  4. Oh doggie, Wendy has left, but she is in a happy place and will always wait for us to join her, and she will alway look upon you and smile!

    The Mad Scots

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  5. Oh Kim. What can I say except that I am so sorry for your loss. How can you continue doing it. I am a wreck right now just typing you this comment.
    I hope God gives you and CArl and the rest of the Pines gang peace this day without your beloved Wendy.
    Hugs, Ana

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  6. Oh Kim... I'm so sorry. I know that feeling that there's a hole where your heart is supposed to be. Wendy was an amazing girl... she was lucky to have you and you were even more lucky to have her. She will shine on in your heart forever, and her legacy of Goldens with homes is incredible. I send you lots of love and hugs.

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  7. My husband is looking at me right now wondering why tears are falling down my cheeks. I'm so glad for all the time you had with Wendy but I know how much harder that must make it to lose her. My heart aches for you guys.

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  8. My tears are flowing for your sweet Wendy. She was an amazing girl that started you on an amazing journey. Hugs to you and Carl.

    Cindy

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  9. Very sad. Farewell sweet Wendy!

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss I have no words that can express my sympathy. Gentle nose nudges to you and your family.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  11. I am crying too. Good-Bye for now Wendy.

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  12. A beautiful tribute to Wendy. Your love was the wind under her wings as she flies to her next assignment. Say HI to Lady for me Wendy. Somehow I don't think she'll need to show YOU around.

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  13. I'm very sorry for your loss of beautiful Wendy! She is forever in your hearts as you both will be in her heart.

    Mo

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  14. Oh Kim...what a sad news......i give you a big hug hope it helps...poor Wendy...poor you...love from me...x !

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  15. Huggies and lickies from us too... Thinking of you all...

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  16. Sad news, even though I knew. I had tears in my eyes reading your Wendy post. I am so sorry for your loss, Wendy was a real sweetheart..Always there for you! You have beautiful memories of her. Sending my cyber HUGS to you!

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  17. So so sorry, Kim....I can't think of anything I could say to make you feel better. ...hope the memory of all the precious good times you've had with your little girl will, one day soon, help soothe the pain...
    Love n hugs

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  18. We are so sorry it was time to say goodbye to Wendy. We wish you peace at this difficult time.

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  19. Dear, dear Kim, My heart is breaking for you. I know how hard it is to loose your "heart" dog. But believe me when I say someday you'll be able to remember her with a smile.



    xo,
    Lynn

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  20. What a beautiful tribute to sweet Wendy! My heart aches for you and Carl. I am so, so sorry.

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  21. Oh Kim....tears are rolling down my face...what a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful sweet doggy....
    Life would not be worth living without them but such a heartache when they have to leave us...
    Please know how many of us out here so understand and are feeling the loss with you today..
    Through your wonderful words on a page we all have fallen in love with your incredible four legged family...
    Much love your way....kisses... pats and hugs to the sky dear Wendy......."

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  22. Thinking of you Kim. I know you have to go through this more often than most of us but Wendy was obviously a very special friend and it never gets any easier. xx

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  23. I am so sorry Kim. From her pictures, we can see what a beautiful lady she was.

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  24. Kim, I'm so sorry. Wendy was truly a life saver for you and for the many Goldens who called Golden Pines "Home". The wonderful memories you have will always be safe within your heart. We will include Wendy in the December edition of 'Our Rainbow Friends' that will be published on January 15.

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  25. I dreaded seeing a post like this from you my friend. My heart breaks for you, soooo hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet, and Wendy was such a sweetheart. Such a lovely tribute Kim, was so hard to read with tears streaming down my cheeks, Big Hugs Francine.

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  26. Oh Kim
    I'm so sorry to read about Wendy's loss - what a wonderful tribute to your girl. May her memories remain with you always.
    Hugs,
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  27. Dear Kim and Carl,

    I left a comment on your FB and I'm going to leave one here too.

    I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can understand how important Wendy is to you and the grief that you are going through…I don't know what to say to make you feel better, all you have to know is that we are thinking of you.

    Hugs to you and Carl.
    The Missus

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  28. So sorry to hear about Wendy. It is so hard when we lose them and I know how special Wendy is to you. Lovely tribute for a wonderful girl ((hugs))

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  29. My heart is heavy with sadness.
    Sending hugs of comfort your way ...

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  30. Such a wonderful tribute to Wendy, Kim. I now see your feelings about her and how she shaped your lives. But I also see a 16 year old dog who had a great life because of you and Carl. Every dog should be so lucky!

    Cheers,
    Stella, Jo and Zkhat

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  31. Thank-you for allowing us to know your Wendy,she was a very special "person".I know what you are going through,I`ve felt the same way over my losses throughout life.But there is always one special dog,& I know Wendy was you & Carl`s special one.May God comfort you & bless you.phyllis

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  32. Wendy will always have such a very special place in your heart. I loved reading about her and how she helped so many 'lost boys' at Golden Pines.

    Special is as special does - just like you, dear Kim.

    Sending love and hugs as you get through these first days without your wonderful friend by your side.

    xxxx

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  33. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm fighting tears after reading this. My deepest condolences.

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  34. I am just so sorry for your loss of Wendy. She was such a beautiful girl. My heart goes out to you and Carl.

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  35. So sorry to read about the loss of Wendy. I am thinking of you and Carl. Sending hugs your way.
    Eliana

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  36. What a loving tribute to your gal, Wendy. You did her proud. I am sorry for the hole she left in your lives, I am sure she will send someone else to ease the pain, though no one could completely fill that hole.

    Hugs to both of you!

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  37. So sorry !!
    RIP Wendy!!
    You had a good life!!
    Sorry Kim!

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  38. hugs
    so sorry for your breaking heart
    thank you for sharing your grief with us...who care about you and all the wonderful dogs that you love

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  39. no words. tears streaming.
    a shattering of the heart.
    love dearest girl.
    just love to you.
    xoxo

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  40. my heart hurts for you. consider this a long hug. ♥

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  41. No matter how many years we are blessed with knowing these sweet souls, it's never long enough...

    so sorry for your loss.

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  42. Oh Kim i'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet, wonderful girl. Much love to Wendy on her journey and to you and Carl...

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  43. Oh Kim, the day you have dreaded is here. Rest in the comfort of your wonderful memories with Wendy till you are together again. Hugs!
    ~Sandy

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  44. Oh dear
    You know what I feel and think at these ( too many ) times x

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  45. Sweet and all knowing Wendy. Rest in peace girl. Kim, you have one strong heart to have gone through this so many times. I thank you and Carl for being such caring and loving people.

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  46. Wendy was a sweetheart and still is, as she will always be with you and living at Golden Pines. As you said, she IS Golden Pines.
    Kim and Carl, we send you our best and can truly appreciate what you are going through at the moment. Take care.

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  47. I saw your post of facebook and I wish I had the words to convey how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My heart hurts for you because I know how much Wendy meant, to you, Carl and the crew at Golden Pines.

    Your tribute to her is beautiful (as I knew it would be) I hope time and memories of your beautiful girl will help bring comfort to your heart. Giant hugs.

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  48. Such a beautiful goodbye to to a lady who has brought you so many wonderful memories. A bit misty here - you simply write so beautifully from your heart. RIP dear Wendy and fly free - there are so many to greet you at the gates.
    Huge Hugs xoxoxo
    Sammie, Ava and Mom

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  49. Oh Kim and Carl
    We are sooooo sorry
    We are sending our deepest love to all of you right now,,,
    we seem to be wordless,,,,
    we know your broken- we are so sorry.
    love
    tweedles and moms

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  50. You did warn us....but it's still a shock. What a wonderful Wendy-lady...

    Hugs to everyone.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  51. I am so sorry that you and Carl have lost a member of your family, but I know that there will be enough of Wendy's fur (dog fur gets everywhere!) in your what you called your "broken and shattered" heart, along with the knowledge of how much Wendy loved you and Carl, to hold your love for her inside your heart until you meet with her again. Take good care of yourself Kim, and give yourself as much time as you need to grieve for Wendy.

    Thinking of you and sending love,
    Riley’s mum.

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  52. Hugs and more, with my tears, as I read of Wendy, and because of her love, so many others have had such wonderful days with you too. Kim and Carl, sending much love as you too will have tears and grieve, a huge loss after 14 years. Take time, with wonderful memories to lighten your heart. Fondest greetings, Jean.

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  53. Oh, Kim...we have no words. So sorry for loss. We are sending you much love and light. Run free sweet Wendy.

    Edgar and his mum

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  54. Kim
    We just cannot stay away--- we visited earlier- but we came back t read again all the beautiful words that you wrote about Wendy- and how you and Carl are feeling- because part of your family is gone,.,,
    and we wish we could help ease the pain you are feeling,,,
    You gave such a wonderful home to Wendy- and she loved you too.

    We are crying and cannot see..
    love
    tweedles

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  55. A wonderful tribute to a beautiful soul. Sending gentle rottie kisses

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  56. Out there a huge thank you is being sounded by all those lost boys and lost girls .

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  57. I am so very sorry. As the guardian of a frail 14 year old, I feel this very deeply. We're thinking of you and Wendy.

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  58. I'm sending all my love and hugs to you. What a long life she lived, how much a part of yours she became. I, like so many of your and your dogs' blogger friends, cried when I read this. This will be hard for you and Carl, but you can smile too, thinking of the privilege of knowing and caring for such a beautiful soul.

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  59. Rest is peace sweet girl

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

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  60. There was a reason I waited to read this post. As I wipe my face from the tears I know that this had to wait for this moment... when I could take the time and feel the heart behind your words. Oh Kim, this is the most precious post ever... Peter Pan was and still is one of my favorite classics of all time. I did not know Wendy's story, though I did know you had her for a long time. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, beautiful tribute!

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  61. I know Rudy was so special to you. Each loss is unique and you have appreciated each beloved dog for their wonderful attributes. But Wendy, sweet intuitive girl, a true heart dog. Nothing can be said to ease the pain. Just know our arms are wrapped around you with love.
    Wonderful post to Wendy, as well as descriptive pictures. I especially loved her 1999 picture compared with her wise face of recent days. Priceless. A life well lived and loved.
    Gus' Mom

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  62. She was a beautiful girl and an angel to so many other Golden's in need.

    Monty and Harlow

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  63. Oh Kim and Carl, we are so sorry to hear this news. Dear Wendy, who meant so much, who was loved so dearly and loved you right back. Treasure her memories. Hold on tight mates. Know you are in our hearts and thoughts. Run free Wendy, run to the welcoming paws of your family and friends.
    No worries, and LOVE, Carol and Stella and Rory

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  64. Tears are streaming here Kim as I read about your loss of dear, sweet Wendy. My heart goes out to both you and your husband. So, so difficult to put one foot in front of the other during times like these. May your memories somehow bring you comfort as you make your way through this. My love goes out to you all. xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

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  65. I just discovered your beautiful blog today...found my way via Ann Hyde's blog who I also discovered today via the Paint Party Friday blog.

    I cried all the way through this beautiful tribute to your canine sister, Wendy. I can relate to the love you feel for your fur-kids as I have two of my own and I just wanted to say that I'm so very sorry for your loss. Wendy has left an indelible footprint on your hearts and the memories of her will live on. Well wishes to you all, including Wendy's fur-family. xo

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  66. Ohhhh Kim! :-( I am so incredibly sorry upon the loss of your precious Wendy! How hard to have to let go of a family member... but especially this time of year. There's no shortcutting it... you have to walk right straight thru the grief in order to come out the other side. I am walking with you, dear friend, in spirit & love. RIP dear Wendy... run free & healthy & young once again... and watch for your Mommy... and me too. XOXOXO

    Love you~ Andrea

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  67. We never forget those we love. R.I.P., Wendy.

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