I wanted to share Bud’s happy ending story, though I do hope there is more to come. I adopted Bud from GLGRR on June 19, 2010, so I decided to give him June 19 for his birthday. I was told he was 8 years old when I adopted him. Now, 6 years later, Bud is definitely an old man at 14! I’ve never had a Golden that old, so it has been a learning experience. So far he is healthy for his age, and more importantly, no signs of cancer.
Within six months of the adoption, Bud passed his Canine Good Citizen test and became certified as a therapy dog. We were able to do weekly visits to a local hospital until a couple months ago when I retired Bud. It was difficult for both Bud, and I, to do all that walking.
I try my best to keep Bud living the good life. We may make a lot of visits to the vet, but I’m making sure any changes I see are nothing more than age related. I’ve attached a photo of 8 year old Bud when I adopted him in 2010, a picture of him taken on 6-19-16, his 14th birthday, and one taken a week ago with Santa and Bud’s new sister (adopted this past May). Hopefully, there will be a Santa picture in his future next year! He was adorable back then, but I do love his sugar face now.
Update – July 2018
Two years ago I sent in the story of Bud, a golden I adopted from GLGRR back in 2010 when he was 8 years old. Two years ago he had just celebrated his 14th birthday.
Well, I am very happy to report that on June 19, 2018, Bud celebrated is 16th birthday and is still going strong for a 16 year old. His face is whiter, his hearing is almost gone and he has those old age back leg problems…but he still “runs” in from the yard and is always waiting for his next meal. I’m attaching a photo taken on his birthday. Of course he is wearing his Sweet 16 birthday hat. Also attaching his most recent picture with Santa taken last Christmas, with his new sister adopted a month earlier. Hopefully, there will be another Santa picture this year. And then there’s Bud and his bath which the vet so kindly did for us this spring so Bud wouldn’t have to go to a groomer.
I am so thankful to GLGRR for rescuing Bud and allowing me to spend these last 8 years loving him. The vet thinks Bud is doing good and must have some great genes. Don’t know how much time he has left, but I’m sure hoping I’ll be able to send another update and birthday picture next year!
I think Bud definitely has a happy ending story. I know I do!! –Marilyn King
