NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue | Memorials and tributes

As much as we love them, the time comes when we have to let our special friends go. While they will live forever in our hearts, sometimes we want the world to know about them too. NGRR lets you create a lasting Memorial to those companions or people who made a special difference in our lives or the lives of those close to us.

NGRR also lets you create a Tribute to special friends, human or canine, to celebrate an event, or otherwise honor them.

There are two ways to create your Memorial or Tribute:

Simple Donation: Donate by cash, check, or credit card using the online donation form. Select Memorial or Tribute from the dropdown. Be sure to complete the fields for an acknowledgment if you want us to send one. Follow through with the payment directions if you use a credit card. We suggest a minimum donation of $25

Website: You can create a Memorial or Tribute with pictures and longer text to show up on this page like those shown below. Make a donation using our online donation form as described above. Follow through with the payment directions if a credit card is used. Then, in addition, send your text and images to [email protected] where we will create the page for you. We suggest a minimum donation of $25.

A Special Gift

As a special gift to all the dogs who have gone before, one of NGRR's very special friends has a poem to share with us. Many of you have asked for a link to The Rainbow Bridge Story.

Those we miss we will always remember.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY TRIBUTES

Kris Williams

Kris has been the ultimate dog angel in our area. As of now, Kris has lost three dogs in the past year due to cancer and I just wanted people to know how much she loves these dogs and cares for them. Every time she loses a dog, it is hard it knows what to say to her except THANK YOU.

Rosie Mann

"In honor of my fabulous big sister, Pat Lynch, and for all the Goldens whose lives are safe and warm during this holiday season and throughout the year because of her talents and huge heart in creating the NGRR calendar each year. Her Wheaten nieces and I love her so much for everything that she does for NGRR."

Connie Koehler
Connemar Wheatens
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Dan Hershkowitz

Happy 50th Birthday to the greatest (rescue) golden retriever dad, Dan Hershkowitz!

Karen Lyons

Vaughn Trimble

This donation is given in tribute to our dad, Vaughn Tribble. Vaughn is a loving father of a 1-year-old golden retriever named Brody. He holds a special place in his heart for golden retrievers and previously loved golden retrievers Kirby and Duffy. Vaughn loves the unique personalities of each one.

Alison Martin and Family

BELOVED PETS

12.2023 Tribute to Willow

Willow was 2 when she came to us as a foster. It didn't take long to know that we wanted to be her forever family.
When she first came to us, Willow was eager to shake hands, sit, stay, and come, but she couldn't swim. We put her in the pool, and she sank like the Titanic. We taught her to swim like you would a child, after which there was no lake or river she didn't want to swim in. Willow loved chasing after ONE ball and would never bring it back. She loved walking but had a certain route she wanted to walk. If we went a way she didn't want to go, she would just stop and dig her front paws in. She would merrily continue where she wanted to walk with a bounce in her step. Willow loved treats and took them so gently out of your hand. She loved car rides and floating on inner tubes. Willow even floated down the Deschutes River through Bend, Oregon. We took her kayaking, and she loved jumping off boats to swim with her family at Lake Almanor. Willow was our beautiful brown-eyed girl.
Forever Loved,
Ingrid and Steve Wittenberg

12/2023 Tribute to Charlie

"We adopted Charlie in 2003. We were told he was 3 years old, but he was more likely 5. He had never been inside a house and the look on his face when he was brought in and shown his beds in the living room and our bedroom was priceless. Charlie spent the next 13 years being his best self as if to show appreciation. He was a remarkable dog and companion to our family. He was his best when being introduced to very young children as if he knew he was going to be their first dog experience, and he would sit perfectly still while they got up the nerve to pet him. He was happiest on the trails, especially when he could smell a misplaced tennis ball left by another dog, and find it in the deep brush to bring back as a treasure to present to me. Or backpacking with us in the granite landscape of the Sierras, hunting out marmots in the cracks between rocks. Or on the beach. And especially in his home surrounded by his "people." He will always be a part of our family."

Forever Missed,

The Kass Family

Tribute to Molly
Molly, you were beautiful in body and soul, loved and appreciated by so many humans and other dogs during your almost 15 years. We have wonderful memories of you: as a certified AKC therapy dog, your weekly visits at schools (where children read to you, pet you, and felt your calmness); the joy you brought to the seniors you visited weekly; our trip together to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, our adventures traveling across the country with stops along the way (including taking you to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame); your silly antics, such as chasing and catching bubbles in the air, pulling up and eating mouthfuls of grass (with roots and dirt), and our daily routines of 2-3 walks and playing with toys. You were as sweet as could be, and we miss your loving licks. Your spirit is with us, and we will always hold you in our hearts.

Julie & Burt Mabel

The Story of Cabo
How a crazy series of coincidences led us to our newest (unplanned) family member — from abandoned doggy in Mexico to living the good life in Danville.
By Dina Mitchell

We had no plans to adopt a second dog, but an extraordinary series of coincidences occurring within 48 hours led us to our newest family member, Cabo
Here’s how the story begins…

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Kora, my 12-year-old BFF border collie rescue pup, and I step out of our daily routine. Kora and I walk every day, typically at our nearby Sycamore greenbelt. However, on this day, I want to return a book to one of those cute Little Free Libraries. I look on the app to locate a nearby one, and Kora and I take a drive to find it. After finding the box and returning the book, I decided to take our daily walk from here since the library box is located right oﬀ the Iron Horse Trail

As I walk, I meet a woman with her 2- year-old, large dog. She introduces herself as Gail from Pleasanton, recently retired. She has also decided to walk somewhere new that day, inquiring whether she is in Danville or Alamo. The point of these details is that neither one of us regularly frequents this spot, yet here we are on this particular day at this particular time. Gail and I talk about our dogs, and I mention that Kora is 12 years old. She then turns to me in a serious manner and says, “I’m going to give you some unsolicited advice. You need to get a second dog." She goes on to explain why, citing three reasons. “First, the older dog can teach the younger dog. Second, it is nice to have memories of the two dogs together. And third, there is such a hole in your heart when your pup dies; having another dog brings life to an otherwise quiet household.” Gail shares she had recently lost an older dog and says she was so bereft that it had been diﬃcult to get out of the house for weeks. She did not have her new dog at the time but wishes she had. We walked and talk for about 15 minutes, with her continuing to impress upon me the importance of getting another dog. When we part ways, she looks at me with intent and says, “You need to get another dog.”

I get in the car and turn to Kora and say, “Well, that was weird!” It was a very odd experience because this random person that I was just meeting was so adamant about giving me advice. I was not oﬀering any encouragement to the conversation since I had no plans to get another dog.

A few minutes later when I arrive home, I’m looking at my iPhone and something takes me to the NextDoor app. The first post I see is from a woman named Adrienne who is fostering a dog looking to be adopted. I often see similar posts, but this was literally the first thing that popped up within minutes of this out of the ordinary exchange, so I think maybe it’s a sign In the NextDoor post, there is a photo of “Daniel” (we changed his name to Cabo once we adopted him), a 2-year-old golden retriever mix who had been stranded on a beach in Mexico. I notice that the dog in the photo looks a lot like Kora’s BFF Piper, so I think maybe Kora and “Daniel” would get along. Fueled by my unusual encounter with Gail, I message Adrienne to express my interest. She says a lot of people have already asked about him but advises me to fill out an application on the Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue (NGRR) Website.

I’m thinking that perhaps it is not meant to be since so many people have already expressed their interest, but I go ahead and fill out the application anyway because of “the sign”. At this point, I haven’t even told my husband that I am filling out an application to adopt another dog. I’m just rolling with the curious events of the day, but not really thinking anything is going to transpire.

Within a few minutes of filling out the application, I see a notification pop up on the Crow Canyon Country Club app from my friend Nora asking if anyone is playing pickleball that night. A woman named Adrienne responds to the message, and a lightbulb goes oﬀ! The woman who posted on NextDoor is the same Adrienne with whom I play pickleball. I didn't know her last name to make the connection. Now this is getting weirder! This has all occurred within an hour of meeting Gail I let Adrienne know that I'm the Dina she knows from pickleball who was just inquiring about “Daniel”. This connection helps boost our application to the top and a “meet and greet” with Cabo is scheduled for two days later. At this point, I figure it is time to tell my husband. After explaining the strange set of coincidences, my husband, despite not previously wanting a second dog, is also unable to deny the signs. There’s just one final piece of the puzzle. Kora needs to approve. Kora likes all dogs but plays with only a few. If we are to get another dog, it has to be a dog Kora plays with, not just tolerates. Two days after these coincidences, Cynthia Stevenson, the Area Coordinator for NGRR, comes to our house with Cabo. As soon as Cabo enters our yard, Kora excitedly greets her potential new brother, and they immediately run oﬀ together to play. It was sibling love at first sight.

To go from “no plans to get another dog” to having a new dog within 48 hours, there is no denying that fate or serendipity was at play. If I had not decided to return a book to the Little Free Library at that moment in time, I would not have been on a diﬀerent walk to meet Gail from Pleasanton dispensing unsolicited advice. Without Gail, I would not have given the post on NextDoor a second glance. If Adrienne had not replied to the pickleball post right after I had been in communication with her on NextDoor, our application for Cabo would have been just one of many. All the stars were aligned for Cabo to join our family! And honestly, adopting him has been the greatest blessing for Kora, David, and me.

As if we don’t already have enough coincidences to this story, there’s one more. Before adopting Cabo, we already had a trip planned to Cabo San Lucas three weeks after he joined our family. NGRR had given me all of Cabo’s paperwork, including documents from his time in Mexico. During our travels, I was able to connect with those involved in his rescue and learn more about his story.

Here’s what we know - On December 1, 2022, Cabo was left tied to a pole outside of the Sandbar restaurant on El Medano Beach, the main beach in Cabo San Lucas. I know I said there weren’t any more coincidences, but while we were standing in front of the restaurant at the pole where Cabo was tied, a vendor came by selling dog collars! We felt like it was another sign, so we bought a collar for Cabo to wear from his hometown.

Doris, the Sandbar restaurant owner, is the one who saw Cabo tied to the pole. She contacted her friend Aida who works for the Fierito Vet Clinic/Rescue, to see if the clinic could take him. We spoke with Aida, and she told us that she brought Cabo to her clinic to evaluate his health, give him his shots, and assess his temperament. He stayed at the rescue facility for a few days as standard protocol to see if anyone came looking for him. He was not microchipped. After about a week, Cabo was placed in a foster home. Cabo kept escaping from their yard so the family returned him to the facility in early January. Cabo was just about to be adopted by a local family, but the wife was diagnosed with cancer, and they decided they could not adopt him after all since she would be going through treatment.

Aida has a connection with NGRR, so she contacted the organization see if they could take Cabo and find him a home. Lucky for us, NGRR said yes. Aida has some good friends who live in Vacaville, California, and travel frequently to Cabo San Lucas. Coincidentally (hmmm, Cabo seems to have a lot of luck on his side), the couple just happened to be in Mexico heading back home in the next couple of days, so they oﬀered to be his chaperones on their flight to the U.S. on January 12th

Once Cabo arrived in Northern California, he was placed in two diﬀerent foster homes, each for a week—the latter week with my pickleball connection, Adrienne. Cabo still enjoys frequent play dates with Adrienne’s dog, Kevin, a fellow golden retriever rescue dog and Cabo’s first friend in the U.S. It was heartwarming to learn the story behind where our Cabo is from and know more about his rescue. He went through so much prior to finding his way to us, his forever home. And, who even knows what his life was like before he was abandoned. When he was found, he was skin and bones. He has now gained some weight and has a clean bill of health.
There were so many people along the way who cared enough about this one dog’s life to help him go from abandoned pup to living the good life. We thank all of them, and we thank everyone who helps the many dogs (and cats) who need rescuing.

I hope to some day run into “Gail from Pleasanton” again so I can thank her for changing our lives. My heart breaks to even think about life without Kora but knowing that Kora is connected to Cabo through shared memories brings me great comfort. Additionally, one benefit Gail didn’t mention is that Kora has much less separation anxiety when we leave her since she has her little brother to keep her company.

It has been three months since that fateful day on the Iron Horse Trail. Cabo is an amazing dog, already learning so much. He is the best snuggle bug (we call him our 55-pound lap dog). When he crawls into my lap or sleeps next to me, I feel an immediate sense of calm and a nurturing boost of restorative health. We comment every day on how grateful we are to have him in our lives. Some may think he’s the lucky one, but we know we are…

So, what is this story about? This story is about being willing to change the course of our lives when a new path presents itself. It’s about being open to the coincidences that come our way. It’s about the value of community connection. It’s about the importance of a single life. It’s about love. All of this is the Story of Cabo

The Story of Cabo
How a crazy series of coincidences led us to our newest (unplanned) family member — from abandoned doggy in Mexico to living the good life in Danville.
By Dina Mitchell

We had no plans to adopt a second dog, but an extraordinary series of coincidences occurring within 48 hours led us to our newest family member, Cabo
Here’s how the story begins…

Dora was a sweet Golden angel, much loved by everyone who knew her, especially her Mom and Dad, Jill and Jason. She enjoyed spending her days with her Boxer sister, Emme.

She left this world too soon on April 19th, 2023.

Mariana Kopacc

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole,” said Roger A. Caras. A golden retriever named Max made me feel whole. He faithfully loved me until he took his last breath during the 2020 global pandemic.

Max loved the water. On eying the Pacific Ocean for the first time, he jumped off a huge boulder and landed safely before racing across the sand and jumping into the surf. He chased rabbits alongside the American River in Sacramento, swam after the birds in the Carquinez Strait on Benicia’s waterfront, and waded in the Russian River near Guerneville, California. The jangle of a leash or the word “walk” never stirred a response from Max. When it was time for a stroll, he silently followed my lead. I could drop his leash and he would stay by my side. Max insisted on the full measure when it came to walks. Once we were out the door, we crossed the point of no return. If I tried to cut short one of our walks, he would play dead. No amount of coaxing would get him to move until we continued in a forward direction and completed our route. When my long commute to work made our twice-daily walks impossible, I hired a dog walker. He followed her to the front yard, but as soon as she tried to take him away from the house, he froze and refused to move. He pulled the same trick when my cousin Donna visited and tried to take him on a walk while I was at work. With his nose pressed into a corner of the living room, he was the guardian of the house and wouldn’t go anywhere until I returned.

Max hated crowds. “Nope, not today,” was his motto when it came to large groups and noise. Nevertheless, like stage parents, my boyfriend Nick and I organized The Golden Retriever Marching Drill Team, a group of dogs and owners who, until the pandemic, walked in the annual Winters Youth Day Parade. Max shivered with fright when I tried to nudge him into the parade. He hurried back to the front porch to watch from a safe distance. He just wouldn’t walk the parade route and so he became the honorary drill team manager. I suspect he had been bullied when he lived with five other dogs as a puppy. He’d been in a fight before he surrendered and came to me with abrasions, puncture wounds, and lacerations. Max had food issues. The kibble in his dish always disappeared eventually, but only when I wasn’t looking. Like poor Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, who didn’t get to play reindeer games, Max must have learned as a puppy to wait to eat until the coast was clear. He didn’t stand a chance when a stray cat came to visit and never left. If the cat climbed on the sofa, he got down. Max left her alone when she curled up right in the middle of his large circular bed. If she nibbled from his food dish, he walked away. Before I began teleworking, Max met me by the front door every day at 4 p.m. when I got home from the office. After the stay-at-home orders, he maintained his routine, waiting in the same place at the same time each afternoon, ready for our walk. While I teleworked, Max followed me from room to room, napping while I sat at my desk. Sadly, the day came when he could not rise on his own without help. He was thirteen. For as long as possible, we kept up our routine visits with Nick who lived 30 miles away. Max got more and more reluctant to get in the car and did so with a lot of help. He would put his paws on the floor of the backseat and remain in that position until I lifted his backside and pushed him up into the car. On what turned out to be his final trip to Nick’s house, Max stepped out of the car and collapsed on the street. We carried him to the house on a makeshift stretcher fashioned from a blanket. After that, Nick visited Max at my house more often. Max spent his days cuddled on his bed, with his teddy bear, in the living room. I brought his food and water close enough so he could reach it without getting up. One afternoon Nick and I carried Max outside on a quilt to give him another day in the sun. For eleven years, Max had routinely sauntered to the bedroom at 9 pm., but toward the end of his days, he was unable to stand. I held up his back legs and walked him, wheelbarrow-style, to the bedroom. Each morning, about an hour, after I started my day, he rose and found me in the dining room, my home office. On a Wednesday morning, he stayed in the bedroom. When I checked on him, he was alert and smiling as always, but his bed was wet. He’d never had an accident in the house. Alarmed, I called Nick and we took him to the vet. An x-ray showed he had massive arthritis in his spine. The vet assured us she found no other specific problems. I sensed Max was afflicted with something more serious than normal aging. My mother had died of pancreatic cancer a decade before. Max’s body seemed to be shutting down, the way my mother’s had during her final days. Max stopped eating. On a Thursday, he drank water when I put the bowl so close to his big chin that he could extend his tongue and lap it up. On a Friday, my friend Joan came to say goodbye. “Oh, Kristine! He hasn’t blinked since I got here. He’s not going to make it through the day.” I called Nick who made an appointment with a veterinarian. An injection could help Max pass away peacefully. I had to get Max to the clinic. Joan, strong and kind, helped carry him to the car on a blanket. “He always loved car rides,” she said, casting a positive light on those dark moments. As I drove along the highway with Max in the backseat, I listened to his shallow breathing, until I could no longer hear him. I pulled over, jumped out of the car, opened the back door, and gave him one last hug. He was gone.

I drove to Nick’s house, and we took Max to the veterinary clinic. The vet techs came to the car and carried Max inside.

A week later, Max’s ashes came home in a small wooden box with his name engraved on a nameplate in a beautiful script. When the time is right, we’ll scatter Max’s ashes at his favorite sites: Carquinez Strait, the Russian River, the American River, and the Pacific Ocean.

His passing leaves me with sweet memories but also a hole in my heart. These days, whenever I pass a body of water I fondly remember how much Max loved taking a dip and never missed a chance for a do-it-yourself baptism

Max was my best friend for eleven golden years. I miss him so much. Goodbye, old friend.

Kristine Mietzner 2020

About “Red” Bert almost 20 years ago

Bert was a Dog so Golden & Red,

He would lay at night by the side of our Bed.

He might snore & kick and fuss in the Night,

But by morning to the ready at the first sign of Light!

To him, the Tennis Ball was a God!

It meant more than digging up dirt or fresh sod.

He would chew and suck on the Ball’s yellow flesh,

To be chased in the Vineyard was as to be blessed!

To crunch & swallow any kibble or food,

Would catapult him to a state of joy and good mood!

The dream then the act of being happily fed,

Would return him to the comfort of his L.L. Bean bed.

John and Marcy

Badger Emery

Badger was an amazing, fun-loving Goldendoodle, who we all loved. He brought us happiness, joy, sunshine, and many laughs because of his antics! Badger was a wonderful dog who loved his human family deeply and they loved him. He lived a glorious life and one that was blessed. We miss you.

Maureen and Chris White

Ms. Robyn Byrd

Robyn has been a devoted friend to Goldens for many years and we make this donation in appreciation of her hard work and dedication on the job. In honor of Robyn Byrd, a caring and compassionate person, and wonderful colleague

Jeff Weiss

Jamba Kessler

Jamba Kessler was a "once-in-a-lifetime" dog with an unmatched personality and zest for life. Martha and Rick first fostered and later adopted him through NGRR after he was rescued from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. As the hurricane came through, Jamba had gotten stuck on his home’s porch where he remained for 9 days before rescuers found him. “A wild boy with a personality that was endless”, he was always looking for the next great adventure even if that meant only a downtown walk. At age 10+, he was focused enough to earn 4 AKC obedience titles and was still attending class up to three weeks ago and loving it.

Although Jamba has departed this world, he will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Wishing RIP to Jamba and sending love to his "mom", Martha. September 2018
Love,
Dori, Morisa, Stephanie, Shahla, Yun-Ting

Our most loyal and loved Cotton age 12 came to us as a foster at 4, he tried three homes and kept coming back to us, we are the lucky ones, he was a hoot.
Cotton was our most loyal friend he will be so missed. Sweet Cotton!
The Beard Family

In memory of our beloved best friend and family member Bosco. A dog who epitomized the Golden Retriever character in each and every way with his unconditional radiant love and loyalty. They say we can learn a lot from our dogs: patience, happiness, loyalty, love, trust, and companionship…all things that our sweet "Bosco Boy" had. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think about him and miss him.

Bosco: We miss your joyful trot, couch cuddles, wiggly greeting with a mouthful of toys, your big smile, wagging tail, and always having you right by our side. You really were the best dog a family could ever hope for...We were the lucky ones. We love you, Bosco, and will forever miss you. XOXO

Sincerely,
Tenaya Stine

For the love of dear Henry, who kept our Monday writing group entertained, on our toes, amused, and laughing for years, from coast to coast...

He was a cherished mascot and a loving companion to our class, rain or shine.

Henry, our pens will flurry on, and remember you always, sweet friend.

--Wight's Concord Creative Writers

Sok (right) was a wonderful companion and epitomized the Golden nature. An avid swimmer, his serious side came out when helping emotionally disturbed children deal with their issues. He carried on a wonderful line of Goldens from his father, Abraham, and bred extensively with Canine Companions for Independence (Santa Rosa) and Guide Dogs for the Blind (San Rafael).

His son, Benjamin (left) was another energetic lover. Lymphoma cut short his life just before he was to start his breeding career.

Both are still missing after the years.

A special thanks and recognition to Dr. Ruth at CCI who was pivotal in both their lives and instrumental in bringing us together.

--John Graykoski

You could not have been more loyal or appreciative of our affection and care. You found your forever home, and we found pure love. Thank you for all your teaching. We love you.

Love, Mom (Susie) and Jim Glueck

Malcolm was loved by all and wherever he went..at home, at the office, on vacation, or just walking down the street. He greeted every person and every other animal with that golden smile and with the tail wagging. He left us all too soon but everyone is a better person for having spent time with him.

Thank you.

--Joyce Shiarella

We didn't have Shiloh for 9 years she had us. Gentle and sweet, when he wagged his tail his whole body wiggled. And when you hugged him he would lean into you. And he had the most elegant prance.

Shiloh never let us forget to play, always eager to fetch or tug with his grungiest toys. He was king of the bubble chasers. Oh, and a skilled counter surfer without a shred of remorse for the occasional filched sandwich.

There wasn't a time when Max or I lay down for a nap that Shiloh didn't make a beeline to plop down beside us. That was just his job.

And Shiloh was the best friend of Emily Rose, our Black Lab mix. They were inseparable. She misses him, as we will always miss him.

With gratitude to our loving companion.

Lucy, Max, and Emily Rose

Lili Marlene, a Loving member of the Nyren family crossed the Rainbow Bridge on April 7, 2012, at age of 10

Lili came to us through NGRR, an abandoned stray with a lethal infection, heartworm, and evidence she'd recently had puppies. NGRR paid for her heartworm and other care and Lili became our fourth golden adopted through NGRR. She was special for her dainty and feminine nature, love of snuggling, and warrior princess nature when water or squirrels were sighted. In the mornings, she would jump into our bed and hug me while staring deeply into my eyes. Until late in life, she had no use for other dogs, until our fifth Golden, Sunny of Hollywood, taught her to play. She is deeply mourned. Eve Nyren

In memory of Betty Barkus (nee Rovetta) January 31, 2002-July 7, 2010

A loving family member of Kris Williams, Trigger, and Simba

Click here for the full story.

Video

Video by Paul Bliss - www.blinc.net, music by Suzanne Ciani - www.sevwave.com

Memorials and Tributes

A Special Gift

FRIENDS AND FAMILY TRIBUTES

BELOVED PETS

The Story of Cabo How a crazy series of coincidences led us to our newest (unplanned) family member — from abandoned doggy in Mexico to living the good life in Danville. By Dina Mitchell

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

About “Red” Bert almost 20 years ago

Video

Please Wait

The Story of Cabo
How a crazy series of coincidences led us to our newest (unplanned) family member — from abandoned doggy in Mexico to living the good life in Danville.
By Dina Mitchell