Reggie
Reggie
Hi All,
It is with a heavy heart that I send this email. Reggie was one of the most
amazing goldens that I have ever had the opportunity to meet. He had a spirit
and strength in him that I had never seen before.
We got a call from the Schertz Animal Shelter December 29th, 2007 letting us
know that they had an old, very neglected, very skinny golden that could barely
walk and was clearly not well and could we help. Margo called me and off I went.
I couldn't believe what bad shape he was in. Horribly matted and dirty, he even
had mats all along his back. But he looked and me and had the most gentle and
kindest soft brown eyes that I had ever seen. I fell in love with Reggie right
then and there. Off we went to my house. For 4 hours Reggie and I sat in the
garage on the floor and he patiently laid while I cleaned and cut and shaved and
bathed. He was so grateful for the kindness. He could barely walk and his back
end was so weak. And of course he was heartworm positive. The vet estimated his
age at about 10. He stayed with me for two weeks and after his first hw shot
Suzette and Margo and I had a few discussions during that time wondering if he
was going to make it and if we needed to just euthanize him. The doc put him on
prednisone and Reggie slowly but surely started to improve. He still had issues
with his back and hips but the vets suspected it was more of neurological issue
rather than hip dysplasia. He went to Lonnie Swanson's to foster and she helped
him through the rest of his treatment and of course, Lonnie fell in love with
Reggie as did everyone who met him. As a matchmaker, I wondered who could
possible want an old golden with so many medical issues. He needed a truly
special home.
I knew Raquel Brown was the perfect mom for Reggie the moment I saw her
application. Most people that apply for a dog from GRR want healthy, perfect,
young, etc....but she was looking for a dog that needed her. She was a
veterinarian and had money and heart to help an old golden in need. I could
believe it, I had the perfect match for her and prayed that when I called her to
talk about him she would consider taking him. When I talked with her the first
time she didn't hesitate a moment even with all the medical issues, back
problems,etc. She said of course I will take him and of course I will help him.
That is when she secured herself a forever spot in my heart.
For one and half years Reggie had a wonderful like with Dr. Brown and her
family. She gave him all the medical care he needed, took him to Dallas to see
specialists and he got stronger and healthier. She took him to the office with
her most days and Reggie quickly charmed the staff and everyone around him. As
he continued to improve his spunk and sense of humor came out and the staff
would find him sometimes in the lobby, walking around loose, greeting patients
and guests. Of course he was supposed to be in the back, but Reggie would find a
way through a door, or knock down a baby gate. :-)
In all my years of matching for GRR, I always considered this one to my best
match. It was perfect and Dr. Brown and Reggie had a great time together and I
will be forever grateful for her giving him a wonderful year and half.
We will miss and always remember you, Reggie. You were truly a special dog.
Enjoy the Rainbow Bridge, Sweet Boy.
Tracy