Buddy GH-565 (LTF)

RIP Buddy 4-28-2008 ~ 8-29-2022

It is with heavy hearts, the GoldHeart family reports that Buddy’s body was failing and he could no longer get up on his own. Buddy left this world gently, at his foster home, in the loving embrace of those that adored him. Buddy’s last chapter, had to be one of his happiest times as these pictures show, with 2 and 4 legged family members that adored him. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Thank you Buddy for reminding us all that Old Gold is a treasure to cherish… and your heart was always Pure Gold. Thank you to his amazing Long Term Foster Home… Laura, Maia, many friends, and of course his fur buddies. May happy memories comfort your hearts at this difficult time.

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Buddy was placed in GoldHeart’s Long Term Foster (LTF) program in October 2020, where he will be loved and cared for by an exceptional GoldHeart Foster Home for the remainder of his days.

Update from His LTF Family – October 2021 – as Buddy is entering his 14th year:

Mama’s Boy — he’s too precious not to share. From being incredibly protective of toys, food, trash, and (honestly) anything he could grab … he has completely transformed into a loving and gracious companion. Buddy had an issue whenever anyone would get near his toys or things in general. He never got the love and attention he needed when he was young. He was left in a yard most of his life because his owners didn’t know how to properly care for him. Buddy, or as I like to call him, Boo-Bear has been a tremendous learning experience for me. He’s the most friendly dog, but didn’t know how to play with people with his toys. He always thought we were going to take away his “treasures†and get in trouble. I ensured that he has his own toy box in his room with an ample surplus of toys ranging from bones to stuffed animals, all for his choosing! Over the months, my mother and I have worked with him to teach him that we aren’t here to take his things, but rather, to encourage his play with them.
Initially, we wouldn’t dare go near him when he was guarding a toy. Now, we are able to sit with and pet him while he plays. He even lets US PLAY tug of war WITH HIM now! Before, we were terrified of having our face anywhere near his mouth (in a thought of the worst case scenario), but Buddy now licks my FACE and I have no fear. Not one ounce. He understands now that we are here to foster and support him in all aspects of his life. He will never go hungry, thirsty, be cold, stuck outside, or lonely. He has taught me, personally, so much about patience, understanding, and perseverance and I love him so much for that.
We were given an option. Either he would be put down due to a guarding incident or we would take him in as a long term foster. Though we were weary at first, I’m so glad and content with the choice we made. It’s time we stop blaming the wrong end of the leash. Buddy is a happy-go-lucky, goofball of a 14 yr old golden boy that I will cherish every day!
Donations to support Buddy’s care and the Long Term Foster Program will be greatly appreciated. Please click on the donate button below — Thank you!

BUDDY’S BACKGROUND: After being returned to GoldHeart in mid-October, about a year after last being adopted at Age 11, GoldHeart turned to his prior foster home who understood his food/toy aggression challenges. He was originally returned to GH to this foster home in the Spring of 2019, after living with his original adopting home for 11 years, and they claimed they could no longer afford his care. Sadly, he was returned in horrible condition.

Upon his second return, GoldHeart had a trainer go in to evaluate Buddy, and he confirmed that Buddy is a sweet and loving dog who has developed limited possession aggression based on his past experiences with humans (primarily due to neglect experienced in his first home). Without any direct confrontation for his food or toys from humans he is non-aggressive, quite social with people, (strangers) and other dogs. Phew – that was a good thing, because his Foster home has 5 other dogs. Happily with lots of baby gates they are able to manage Buddy’s issues and have agreed to let him live out whatever time he has left with them.

His first owners never ‘saw past’ their own self-serving conveniences and hence he was left outdoors alone, and never ‘felt seen’ by them. Now that he is in a home, has a fenced yard and friends to play with, you can see he is a very happy boy. The trainer relayed that his foster mom has the capacity to manage his behavior very well, and in doing so will be rewarded with a calmer, and loving companion. They are already seeing improvement, and under the calming influence of his foster mom and her daughter, the trainer believes he will learn quickly he has nothing to fear regarding his food, or toy resources.

Buddy has been to the Vet and happily his labs were ok, so he can continue on multiple supplements and medications for severe arthritis. We have also added some items to his regimen to further provide relief as Buddy’s health and mobility is declining. It is GoldHeat’s desire to assure that Buddy is comfortable, happy and loved as he declines. He is so deserving of this, and we are so blessed that his foster family is willing to be sure his last chapter is the best.