Thursday, December 31, 2015

Onward to 2016!

The last day of 2015.  Looking back, just as so many of you have also had, we've had our share of  loss, heartache and happiness.
~A rare view of our resident Barred Owl~
Of course I can't help but reflect on our losses.  Each had its own personal sadness and sorrow.  We said good-bye to four dogs in 2015....

The lovely little Cricket.
The gentle and easy-going Beau.
The charming, silly and handsome Gus.
And the endearing and carefree Buddy
The subtractions brought additions.  We fostered our first senior boy for Lab Rescue, welcoming George in the spring. I just couldn't let him go, reasoning that he shouldn't have to go through another change in homes, so he became a permanent addition.
We got to meet Lexi from the Golden Retrieve Rescue and helped her find her way to a forever home where she's truly a star!
Then of course there was the arrival of Bella, who despite her diva-moments, has a gentle and joyful soul.
~Bella~
And lets not forget the five kittens that were living behind the gas station in my town.  I volunteered to foster them when no one else would.  It introduced me to someone from the SPCA who found homes for all of them.  We've since welcomed two more kittens from the rescue, and still have "Flurry" (Jack-Frost) in  residence.
At the end of the summer we welcomed the ever patient, quiet and affectionate boy, Dusty.   
Lastly we have welcomed Sherlock, who I call Reggie, from Lab Rescue.  His story is still being written, Will he stay, or will he go? But he's looking so much healthier these days, don't you think?
~Sherlock, or Reggie as I call him~
Of course there was the loss of my brother, John, in February.  The sale of my family home in the spring.  The celebration of my nephews wedding in July. Each event brought me closer to my brothers and reminded me of the importance of family.

Through those good and not so good times, there have been the antics and mischief of the star of our household, Todd.  His energy and high-spirit have made us laugh, cheering me up through the not so good times of 2015.
Yes, every star has its supporting cast, and needs an audience and there's no question, our house has a great collection of co-stars.  Together they ALL teach me so much.
~A few of the co-stars at Golden Pines~
One thing is that joy can and should be found in the simple things in life.
~Charlie's new toy, or is it Todd's?~
The dogs remind me not to worry about the past or what's behind you -- But to instead focus on what's in front, and enjoy the moments, and live in the present. 
And to bound through life with a smile.  
Happy, Happy New Year from all of us at Golden Pines!!

37 comments:

  1. Thank you for all you do for all of these pups and those to come, you are a wonderful person! Happy New Year!

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  2. Lifting a large soda in a toast to you, Carl, and your household - May you have a better year than last with less tears and more cheers.
    Happy New Year!

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  3. Happy New Year to you and your husband plus the furry gang at Golden Pines! You truly have a brave and loving heart in taking care of these pups and cats on a daily basis.

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  4. Wishing you all at Golden Pines a wonderful 2016 :-)

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  5. Happy New Year with love from Oregon

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  6. Happy New Year to you all, furry and human, at Golden Pines.

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  7. All Good wishes to you, to Carl, and all the family at your home, losses, sadness, memories, new arrivals, much the same down here. Have a truly great 2016 .

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  8. Oh, you've had quite a year! We hope this year brings lots of happiness and health to all the members of your (fur) family. Happy Sweet '16!
    oxox
    Daisy

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  9. Hello, oh what a year you had! I just love seeing all the cute dogs. Adorable photos. I am still missing my Goldie Girl. I wish you all the best in 2016! A very Happy, healthy New Year to you, all the furbabies and your family!

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  10. The level of rescue work you do is just mind-boggling and most of all, HEART-WARMING and INSPIRING. My rescues Sophie, Zoe, Ludwig, Red, Hadji and the ferals and I wish you all good things in 2016 and beyond!

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  11. A great New Year for you. Unfortunately, when you rescue senior dogs, you have to say good bye too soon but it's best that the dog go out a winner.

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  12. And all have been loved celebrated and acknowledged.

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  13. this is a pure gift to read on this first day of the new year.
    full of furry beauty and your own look at life.
    would that my own way of looking always measured up!
    we love you dearest bean. a simple fact.
    almost goes without saying now.
    but not quite.
    XO♥

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  14. What an eventful year. We hope 2016 is a bit less hectic for you. You've been able to love some wonderful characters though.

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  15. Beautiful post as always Kim. Your home is a revolving door of love and commitment. Blessings in the New Year!

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  16. Such a sad year with so much loss and yet you are able to focus on the good and rejoice in the wisdom of dogs.
    XOXO
    Happy 2016!

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  17. you bring the blessings into your home. :)

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  18. Happy New Year to you and your brood. Hoping you have a very peaceful year ahead.

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  19. Happy New Year Kim, your post brought sad and happy tears to my eyes. Hope 2016 is good to you all, much love and laughter.Hugs Francine.

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  20. Happy New Year to you, Kim and all of your family! You really have had a rough year in many ways. So many goodbyes. Yet, you find a way to keep your shining spirit and adopt/foster more dogs (and cats) who need you. I'm so glad that George is going to stay - he has incredible brown eyes that shine with gratitude. So many are grateful to you, and Todd adores you!!! Happy New Year!

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  21. Lovely post, Kim. Happy New Year to you and all the family, human and canine. Oh, and feline too.

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  22. You are an angel to so many Kim...may you be blessed with good fortune this year. I'm so glad that George is going to stay with you...he reminds me very much of my Big Guy...I miss him so! Happy New Year!
    Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

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  23. What a touching post!!! Mom says she doesn't know how you can deal with all the losses, but at the same time she realizes the joy all those beautiful souls you bring into your life at Golden Pines bring to you. We understand the pain of loss too AND the joy of sharing our lives with the humans we love so much.

    Thanks for visiting our blog today and we send you wishes for joy and happiness and many blessings in 2016!!!

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  24. I have said it from the first time I visited your blog, you have a heart the size of Texas. Thank you, thank you, for your giving soul and never ending compassion towards these beautiful animals needing a place to lay their weary heads, and know they are wanted and loved in the twilight of their years.
    Wishing you and Carl a Happy and Healthy New Year, filled with much happiness, peace and contentment.
    ~Jo

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  25. Again, thank you for all you do.

    I loved all the pictures, but I was amazed that George was smiling. :)

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  26. That's quite a house full! :o)

    Wishing you a very Happy New Year full of good health, peace, and lots of treats!

    PawHugs...

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  27. Happy and healthy New Year to you as well, Kim!...:)JP

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  28. Happy New Year Kim and Carl and all the co stars at Gold Pines.

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  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  30. Happy New Year Kim, loved seeing all the pack. Each and every character brings joy to you all. Wishing you a year filled with joy, laughter, love and peace!
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  31. Wonderful post with many things happy, some sad . . .
    I love following you and meeting your forever doggie friends as well as those who have brief stays . . .
    I look forward to each of your posts!
    Happy 2016 . . .

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  32. Truly the circle of life Kim, is in full action at Golden Pines.. So many "see you later",, and some welcomes too..
    We wish you and Carl and all of Golden Pines a wonderful new year,
    love
    tweedles

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  33. A belated and blessed happy new year to you too!

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  34. Good morning, you have such a lovely blog! I wanted to tell you that this week, I published a musical Bloggers Dogs' remembrance slideshow for dogs who crossed the rainbow bridge in 2015. A number of your dogs are among those honored in the show including Buddy, Beau and Cricket. Gus who passed in May is also honored but through a typo, the wrong blog name is beneath his name, Hope you'll forgive me. Please follow this link and you can see the show I am very sorry for your losses, these are beautiful dogs and must have been so happy in your country setting! Love, Carol, Peaches & Paprika (March 12 posting see below for link)

    http://peachesandpaprika.blogspot.com/2016/03/2015-dogs-remembrance-slideshow.html

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  35. Hello, oh, what year have you passed! I just love watching all the cute dogs. Lovely photo. I still miss my Gaudi girl. Good luck to you in 2016! Happy New Year and good health to all babies and your family!custom printed blanket

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