Pumpkin GH-996

Pumpkin

Arrived to me September 7, 2016 ~ Departed from me August 22, 2022

I didn’t know it would be our last trip to the park, where you loved to run and roll in the grass. I remember seeing you take your first step on grass. You were six years old, frightened, quivering, and the stench, oh my! I was to be your foster. You came to Goldheart as a retired breeder without records, only the name Rachel, which I changed to Pumpkin. You were shutdown, according to an evaluator; unsocialized with unpredictable potential. And then there were the ear polyps. I adopted you anyway.

It took months, but nothing could have been more rewarding than to see each change: coat from rough and dull to a soft, shiny red; eyes from fearful to loving. Your behavior became that of a real Golden when you started running to greet people, tail wagging, rather than running from them, tail tucked.

I miss your companionship and how you followed me everywhere. I miss your big eyes looking into mine, your snout moving my hand away from some task, meaning hey, lets go. And I miss your paw touching my hand to say scratch my chest. How many months will I expect you to be waiting at the door for me when I arrive home?

You lost your ability to walk, your spine a mess, arthritis everywhere. Although you were a trooper in trying the promising remedies, quality of life deteriorated. Long ago you gave me your trust. I hope I used it wisely in letting you go today. Now you are pain free. You walk, run, roll in the grass at the Rainbow Bridge. When I am with you again, I will scratch your chest just the way you like. Wait for me.

Your Forever Mom, Beverly Clevidence