Gold Ribbon Rescue Adoptables

Sad news at our house this morning...Tipsy is gone...we put her to sleep this morning. Its lonesome around here without our serious little 14-year-old sweetie.

Tipsy was picked up stray by Town Lake Animal Center, emaciated at 41# with severe hotspots covering both thighs & her hips. She had giardia (a contagious intestinal parasite) and congestive heart failure. During the first few weeks, we really didn't know if she would survive. I've included a photo of what she looked like, when she moved in...and how pretty she was later on.

Tipsy was friendly & quiet, and she adored napping on piles of soft dog beds like a princess. She was very, very selective about food...turning her head & refusing to eat until we put delectible tidbits on top of her food..."All right, now I'll taste it." We served her morning medicine on an animal cracker smeared with cheese -- she trained us quickly & well. ;-) Tipsy's best friend was GRR's Milly...also 14. Milly played nursemaid, licking Tipsy all over...worrying over her...pestering her...while Tipsy did her best to pretend she didn't notice. We laughed & laughed as the scene replayed every evening after supper.

Tipsy gained 9# since December 6th. Her skin healed & her fur grew back. She enjoyed Reiki sessions & brushing & walks. Sometimes when she felt especially perky, she joined the gang on the 5:00 Dog Drive, 6 Goldens & an Irish Wolfhound cruising the neighborhood, lovin' life.

Toward the end, Tipsy grew anemic & then in a week, a lump near her spine grew the size of my fist. Her vet suspects sarcoma, which is cancer of the muscle or bone, which had reached her spine so that she could no longer stand on her own.

As I look back on our brief time with her, I am so thankful. Gary & I are glad & happy that GRR brought Tipsy to us. She was a wonderful gift, and a special friend.