In 2012 an NRGRR volunteer went to an adoption event where she met this regal looking, amazingly sweet, seven year old Golden boy, Duncan. He had been used as a "stud", in a backyard breeding operation, and his owner no longer had any "use" for him so she wanted him gone. Luckily, NRGRR came to his rescue, and out of that backyard pen he came. She was a newbie at this whole dog rescue thing, and just felt incredibly lucky to be allowed to take him home with her.
He never, ever met a stranger; canine, feline, or human. His eternal happiness was his high. The countless fosters that came through her home were always able to accurately gauge his personality as they would become buddies in less than 24 hours. All our trips to yoga class, to favorite restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, trails, etc were always full of compliments about his sweet and friendly demeanor, and regal looks. You could take this guy EVERYWHERE!
His cancer diagnosis came a few days before his Golden sister's (Nina) death, and he became completely paralyzed less than 24 hours after Nina passed away. The bucket list items his Mom and he crossed off gave him much joy. The beach trips, ice cream, steaks, pizza, trail walks, park visits, restaurants....... there was a smile on his face. As long as he had a smile they would keep going for another day. Finally the dreaded moment came...