Simba and Teddy Arrive at Golden Pines

Not long after Jack Jack was adopted, we welcomed 8 year old's Simba and Teddy to our household. 

I was reluctant to take them because Teddy and Simba are definitely young for our household - And there are 2 of them. I agreed to take the pair only when after several weeks of trying, the rescue's Foster Home Coordinator was unable to find another foster home for them. I have to add that *She* spent a lot of time, explored every option, left no stone unturned and still came up with no one who would take them. *She* really tried. 

The two were given up because of household allergies - I guess it took 8 years to figure that out... But Simba and Teddy will be with us until at least the first of the year because Simba must be neutered before they will be made available for adoption. And, unfortunately we don't have an appointment for that until mid December. 

~Simba at the vet, not afraid of how much he weighs~

But all that aside, Teddy and Simba are really nice, easy going and good natured boys. We are beyond grateful and thankful that most importantly they are both getting along with our crew. Which was and always is, my first and biggest concern. 

As I write this, I feel like the dust has settled on their arrival at our house. And as we celebrated Teddy's 8th birthday on Tuesday, I'm grateful Simba and Teddy are both safe, and we have the chance to know these two boys, and be part of their story. 

~Teddy's birthday cookie that was shared with his new packmates~

A Happy Loss

We did have one more loss at our house recently. But it was a happy one. 

Our foster boy Jack Jack was adopted by the most perfect family -- And I know this with all certainty, because they previously adopted another foster of ours.

~JackJack on the day we met~

Longtime readers may remember Iva. Our 'big girl' that was adopted in March of 2024. 

~Iva - June 2023~

Sadly, this girl with the biggest of personalities passed away this past spring. (Hemangiosarcoma of the heart) It was without question, a heartbreaking loss. I don't think that "R&R" could have loved Iva any more than they did or have provided her with a better home and care because Robyn is also a semi retired veterinarian.

~Carefree, fun and silly Jack~

In July, R&R felt their girl Lady was lonely for a canine friend and that it was time to fill the big empty spot left by Iva. They reapplied to adopt and soon they were meeting a boy that they felt was a fit for their home. With the Golden Retriever Rescue that I foster for, the foster home makes the decision about who adopts their dog. For a reason too ridiculous to mention, they turned down R&R. ....grrrrrrr..... 

The rescue's Adoption Coordinator contacted me and let me know what had happened and she asked if I'd maybe consider one of my foster's for them. Given his age (8 years old) Jack Jack was the only dog I thought might be a fit for them. He wasn't quite ready to be adopted because he was having problems with a partially torn cruciate. But because of how I feel about R&R, I called them anyway.

~On our way to meet R&R~

Fast forward through e-mails, phone conversations, text messages, our both driving nearly 2 hours (one way) to meet, their falling in love with Jack Jack, as I knew they would, waiting through a couple of appointments with a vet and an orthopedic specialist, and their annual family vacation, the day finally arrived for them to officially adopt Jack Jack. Whew ..... what a journey. 

~Adoption day for Jack Jack!~

But R&R could not be happier having Jack Jack as part of their lives. He could not be with a better family and I could not be happier for them. I'm beyond grateful that it all came together. And at the end of his first day with them, Robyn sent me a photo of Jack napping in Iva's favorite spot -- We all know that he could never take Iva's place, but in so many ways, he was already filling the spot she left. ❤

~Jack Jack snoozing in Iva's favorite spot~

~Iva napping ❤🌈~