By Linda Hartman

(Vincent's update follows his Golden Angel Story.)

Hello, I’m Vincent and I’m pleased to meet you. I’m quietly writing this because it’s late and my wonderful foster mom is sound asleep. Life with her has been incredible. She just loves me and accepts me the way I am. Granted, I’m a pretty charming fellow, but I came to GRRR with a lot of medical needs. Do you like my name? I was named after Vincent Van Gough. I’m not too artistic but I am creative. The real reason for my name is I’m missing a piece from one ear. Mind you I’m a lover, not a fighter. You won’t find a more kind-hearted Golden.

My “stray time” was over at the shelter when I overheard one of the workers call Mary Kenton at GRRR. “Mary, we’ve got an emaciated, old stray Golden here. He’s got something wrong with his skin and he’s pretty miserable. He’s never going to find a home in this condition. His days are numbered. Can you help?” When I heard that “never going to find a home” thing I have to admit I was pretty scared. I knew I wasn’t the perky, young healthy kind of companion that most people are searching for, but I always hoped in my heart that someone would come to my rescue. And then, miraculously, that’s just what happened! Shortly after that phone call, a wonderful rescuer named Buzz showed up. He quickly evaluated me with his kind eyes and said, “Of course we’ll help you.” In a flash I was in his care and being whisked off to the vet for a complete medical evaluation.

At Arvada West Animal Hospital I met Dr. Carpenter, his terrific staff, and Mary from GRRR. I wanted so badly for all of them to love me that I managed to muster up the strength to get my skinny little body into a sit-up position and beg for a cookie. Instantly their hearts melted, so I got several cookies! I was diagnosed with a severe yeast infection of the skin. No wonder I was itchy and smelly and in such discomfort. I was sent to my foster home with my own pharmacy of medications, shampoos and conditioners. I was also neutered. My foster Mom, Peggy, tenderly cares for me and describes me as a lover and a snuggler. She’s been giving me a bath every other day to help my skin infection. Here I get lots of food to fatten me up and how I love to eat! I think everyone likes me. They keep calling me their “precious boy.” I’m feeling much better now. Dare I say I’m even rather handsome? And, I can play fetch as well as the young ones.

I still have bad memories of my past and being left outside. Even after being with Peggy for three weeks, I still slump down and try to hide behind the door if I think I might be left outside. I keep forgetting there is no way this sweet lady would ever leave me outside by myself. Peggy doesn’t understand why anyone would ever leave me outside since I am a perfect boy in the house and I never disturb anything. Peggy thinks I was dumped out of a car and that’s how I became a stray. I have this weird behavior when we go out to do something and are returning to the car, I run up and plaster myself onto the door. She said it just breaks her heart to see me try to hold on to the car when there is no way anyone will ever leave me behind again.

My life sure has turned around since I met the kind people from GRRR. Until now, I’ve never known what real love is and I’m feeling good for the first time in a long time. My medical bills have been expensive and I’m hoping you’ll read my story and help me out some. I’ve learned that rescue is about saving lives, but it’s also about enhancing the quality of life. I’m now regaining my health and strength thanks to the folks at GRRR. Now it’s time for me to find my forever home. If you happen have a place for me in your life and heart, here I am! I’m all yours and I’ll love you forever.

VINCENT'S UPDATE FROM DON POPE

 

Vincent and I have been good buddies ever since I picked him up from the Rescue. He is a very happy dog and has done well recovering from his skin infection and loss of fur. It has grown back nicely. Vincent is a kind and sweet dog and gets along very well with other dogs. He has put on weight and is about the right size now.

 

I walk Vincent twice a day and he is the perfect gentleman. He sleeps a lot at my feet during the day as I work from home. He really looks forward to his walks and still loves playing with the tennis ball. We are heading on a road trip to North Carolina tomorrow and since he loves to ride, it should be a good trip; heartworm and flea and tick medicine already applied. We hope to see all of you at the Spring Fling! Thanks to everyone who helped with Vincent’s medical bills.