Golden Honey

Thinking of you, Honey

2010-04-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

Remembering one year ago. Our hearts are heavy.Though you left in body, your gentle spirit remains with us.
A super trooper, almost 14 years young, accompanying us on all of our adventures.

Always offering hugs and kisses.

Moonlight walkies in the snow.

Peaceful sweet energy.

Always ready to go for a ride as my constant companion.

Thinking of you Honey. Somewhere in the mountain air, with cool waters and lots of furrie pals.

Love ya always!

Missing you with our big hearts!

2009-07-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking of you everyday Honey! With dad in recovery after double hip replacement.

Outside the rehab facility.

Shore of Lake Tahoe. Taking a break at Kirkwood. Beach at Courtwright Reservoir.

Wearing dad's shoes in the camper.

Florence Lake kayaking.

Inverness, CA looking towards Tomales Bay.

We think of you Honey everyday! Miss that sweet, mellow demeanor. Your charm and spirit have a piece of our hearts.

1,000 Goldens Project

2009-06-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING HONEY'S STORY TO THE 1,000 GOLDENS PROJECT. WE ARE HONORED!

Please see http://www.1000goldens.com/featured-golden-retrievers/2009/6/8/golden-retriever-7-of-1000.html to find Honey's story.

Take a look at the amazing 1,000 Goldens site, and learn more about the project! Once the 1,000 Goldens book is complete, 100% of the books proceeds will be donated to the Golden Retriever Foundation, an organization dedicated to Golden research, rescue and education.

To view the dogs who are already part of the 1000 Goldens Project, visit the Featured Goldens section.

Gallery at Squaw Valley - Keoki Flagg

2009-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Dave and I happened upon this wonderful gallery at Squaw Valley USA this past weekend. We were so missing our Honey, a doll of a trip companion. And, excited to see a few ski patrol goldens heading up on the tram to their post mid-mountain at the ski patrol hut.

We then found Gallery Keoki. This is an amazing gallery filled with huge wonderful photographs of the Lake Tahoe area, as well as other sculptures, photos, paintings, and glasswork.

The photographer, Keoki Flagg, did a photo shoot in 2002 for Ski Magazine on ski patrol dogs. The article is called 'Top Dogs'. Many are of golden retreivers, as Alpine Meadows Ski Resort apparently only used goldens for their rescue team. Squaw Valley uses goldens as well as other snow doggies. LOVE the ones above...called 'Nine Golden Sunrise'.

We encourage you to visit Keoki Flagg's website. Wonderful photos.

http://www.gallerykeoki.com

Remembering Honey Time

2009-05-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Some trip photos....ah...miss our Honey!! An amazing companion! With Kristin, x-country skiing around a lovely meadow.

Always eyes glued on a delicious looking snack....

On the shore of Lake Tahoe, near Camp Richardson, a favorite parkie.

With friends, during the last days of the 2008 ski season....

Yum! Thanks for the delicious snow pile!

Always front seat in mom's kayak.
On the shore of Courtwright Reservoir.

Catching sticks with dad at Courtwright Reservoir.

Wearing dad's shoes!

Checking things out from the camper door.

Sticks! At Salmon Lake, Gold Lakes area.

Honey's Rainbow

2009-04-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Rainbow Bridge for Honey! We so miss that little golden face! Thank you Bella, Craig, Bodie & Doyle
theprofessionalsat.blogspot.com

Huge hugs and thanks to our wonderful friends and neighbors, Sammie Golden, her mom and dad. They have been right there with us for parkie times, Honey care, advise, support and hugs!
On today's post, there is a wonderful video of Honey: www.sammiegolden.blogspot.com
Special thanks and hugs to grandpeep, Cam, who made a card, and sat with Honey when she was visiting their home.

Amazing support from The Bumpass Hounds bumpasshounds.blogspot.com for their advice and thoughts through this time. We have read your emails over and over.

Thank you to The 'Splorin' Wolfies for the post on excerpts from Eugene O'Neils dog.
thesplorinwolfies.blogspot.com

An excerpt from a poem Checkers sent to us by Alice E. Chase:

"I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...

checkersthepeekapoo.blogspot.com

We are so grateful to everyone for their support and wonderful comments. We appreciate all the mentions on sites.  We will miss Honey, she was such a special, sweet pal. 
Our eyes will be wet for some time, but we are celebrating her with memories and photos.

Please give all of your furry loves huge hugs from us!  They are so special and bring so much joy.

HONEY LOVE

2009-04-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Honey left us today, she couldn't fight. Her eyes, her breath, her heart....we have been trying to imagine her somewhere beautiful, with lots of sticks, lakes, other furries...waiting for us at some of our favorite places... leaving her spirit here and there with us....

This has been a heart-breaking day. We cannot stop our tears. Dave and I have been celebrating her, crying for her, trying to come to peace with her struggle....and her little body that couldn't fight anymore.

Always a big love for this special golden that followed us on many adventures, comforted us when we were sad, made us laugh at silly things....and waited for us, until her last day.

Honey love.

Spending our time with Honey....

2009-04-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Honey has endured a very rough past two days. We spent some time at the Emergency Vet last night, and will see her new regular vet this morning.

We can hear her pain, her panting....she knows her little heart and lungs have been invaded by forms we would never wish on any living being.

The medications we had hoped would calm her and give her some peace to hold on a little longer do not seem to be working.

We are shattered, heart-broken, and though we know it is time...it is so unbearable to let her go.

Last night we made a little area for her by the window...and this morning we made the paw print...

We slept near her, hugged her and can't stop our tears.

Taking it day by day.....

2009-04-23T21:29:00.001-07:00

With Honey's pal, Dixie....(mom's chocolate lab) who has been helping us care for her. Dixie is 4, but shows compassion and understanding towards sweet Honey.
Yesterday Honey had an ok day and spent some time with Dixie and mom....

Honey even guided herself to sit in the pool on the steps. Cool water for her bones.
A few photos from 2005....memories of great trips, and good times with our super pal....

Loved to bite that Snoopy!
With my brother's doggie, Luna....she is actually a chocolate lab! Such a sweet gal, and smiles at you when she is happy....
I used to be able to take Honey and Luna to work with me, and they patiently shared a giant round pillow!

Special thanks to Golden Samantha and family for that constant, anytime support and help!
And, thank you to The Bumpass Hounds for guidance, YD for mentioning Honey today...and Khyra, Pipa, and others that have mentioned Honey on their site. We are grateful for such amazing pals!

BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE! We really appreciate your support and caring. This is so difficult, as you are never prepared to let go. One more day is a blessing, but every next day becomes more difficult.

Lots of tears, lots of hopes, lots of hugs throughout each next day.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

Our sad news

2009-04-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends, thank you so much for all of your kind emails from our post yesterday.

And, a big thank you to Brind'Amour for Honey's site award! We appreciate all of you so much!

We received some very heart-breaking news this morning from Honey's vet. The radiologist confirmed that her body has been attacked by cancer, and she is now at an advanced stage. We are so sad, as she has been our companion for many years. We are keeping her comfortable, and hope that she will hang out with us a little longer to enjoy some of her and our good friends, and family.

My husband had Honey as a puppy, and as soon as he picked her up, they did a cross country road trip together. Ever since then, Honey has done many wonderful trips. I met Dave and Honey in 2003, and we have been fortunate enough to enjoy lots of trips to beautiful places. A photo of me with Honey yesterday and below is the first road trip I did, with Dave and Honey just after meeting them......

We explored the Grand Canyon....
Bishop, California.....Eastern Sierras
Campground below the Eastern Sierras.....
Camping in Zion National Park......
Honey is a great traveler!

Today, Honey and I will visit some nice parkies in our area. She still has a bit of an appetite, and the vet has given us some medications that should keep her pain low, and hopefully she may perk up a bit.

Aw! This is very sad for us!

Not good news.....

2009-04-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Our dear Honey has been not doing well. We are very concerned. Our vet visit today was not a positive one....Honey has some bone-on-bone spots on her spine, and her left hip. She can barely walk these days. The vet also saw some questionable tumors throughout her little body. We are awaiting another opinion from a radiologist.

Honey and I spent some time at her favorite parkies today, among parkie friends.....and some time with dad.....

Hi from Honey....

2009-04-14T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hi! Just a quicke post with a few photos from this weekend...mom had TWO days off and we went to the SNOW! Mom and dad have been really worried about me, because I have been slowing down quite a bit, don't know why.... I try best I can . I did perk up in the mountains....

Didn't like these furries below...they barked and showed teeth at me and other doggers when passing by!!! Woof.

Below....me peeking out from under dad's chair at Easter service at the mountain lodge.

My hangout between parkie times....in our camper hallway....

Me in the snow!!!! I did ok that day....just a little slow.....but, nice time with mom and dad....

Gosh it's bright around here! And, mom has a question...

2009-04-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

Comfy pillow, but a bit bright. Mom was trying to cheer me up, as it is raining again...means we will have to wait a bit for parkie time. That's ok. I don't mind more relaxing time.

This is me in super relax mode!

Here's from mom:::: Thank you so much for visiting Honey's site and leaving such wonderful comments! We were wondering if any of you have had experience with Adequan or Legend, both are joint lubricant treatments that are being recommended by our vet. We are heasitant because our dear Honey is almost 14! and already on a few medications....we are worried that we will load her up with too much for her little body. Would love any feedback, and in the meantime, we will do a bit of research.

MANY THANKS! Enjoy the day!

When's that summer comin'?

2009-04-02T06:17:00.001-07:00

Lookin' very attentitve, yes? You know there is something that smells delicious up there! I am great and honing in on the goodies, and then lockin' on to them. Very strong jaws. But, first I work my charm.....those googily, sweet eyes, the undeniable attention..."it's all about you, hooman..your're so sweet and nice....I've got lots of time to admire you..." Very patient. Well, ok...if that doesn't work...I try other tactics...a stare-down of the delicious target to come to my level, in conjunction with the googily, sweet eyes...and by goodness! Often I am soon sampling a nibble! Or, if my super jaws can come in contact with the delicious item...I go for it! That's when the I don't hear the hooman say "ah! cute!", but something more like "Aow!!!!!!!" Oh well, got it!
Well, yes, I love sticks! As you can see I was surrounded by them. That is a nice day! Just need my hoomans to relax a little and give me more time to work on these sticks! There's lots of them and just one of me...."ok mom and dad, get it?" I usually don't get enough time, and have to get back into the floatable with mom, or keep walking around.....Mom says things like, "it's so beautiful out!" and I say things like "but, all my sticks!!"

Ok....so, my jaw latched on to something really good one day....that's me, by the lake, being 'scolded' by my hoomans...but guess what! I got that mouse, it was smelly, crunchy and my jaws are good at those sorts of things! I'm quick too. My hoomans didn't realize until it was TOO late. Ya know though, it wasn't that delicious....and doesn't make nice things in my stomach....I'm ok though.

There's me with a BIG stickie. Good stuff....excellent for my jaw exercises...

And me, just riding around....in the floatable...looking for more stickies....

Ok, well it's not summer YET...but winter has a few things to offer.....will just wait for summer....
Chew some cold stickies, roll in the white snowy stuff and be happy about it...

Promo doggies!

2009-03-28T20:30:00.001-07:00

Well...while I was having a super fun time with Sammie again this weekend... mom met more funny furries on the road! Here's one that really likes to bite bicycle tires! Not sure he would make the professional bicycle promo photos....unless promoting edible tires...do they have those? He sure thinks so! Oh, and there's a little gal who loved to ride in bicycle baskets! Well....she's a super runner too! And, trotted all through Golden Gate Park by her mom who was on bicycle. Ah...now time to relax in that basket and make mom do all the work!

Streets are closed to vehicles on Sundays in Golden Gate Park...so EVERYONE is out...especially on sunny days.

Spanky, in pink helmet, is the pro don't ya think! Reading electric bicycle literature and with helmet on and everything! You are good at this!

Well....Sammie and I sure had a fun time PRACTICING! Aspiring promo doggies!? Sam is pretty serious once she has her helmet on. Safety first!!

I didn't do as well balancing the darn helmet...and they wanted me to wear sun glasses too! Good grief! Where are the treats!? I'm working hard over here!! Time for a snack break, isn't it?

We did get to do some 'takes' and they went something like this:
"Look here" "Hold" "Hold" "HOLD!" "Look here" "No here!" "HERE!" "Ok! Cookie!!!!" Whew! .....Guess we are still amateurs....

But, mmmmmmmm. Cookies! Yum!!

All in fun! Cheers from Honey!

Honey pals...and other furries mom meets on the road!

2009-03-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hi from Honey!!! Here is a quickie post....just gotta love these pix! Me with super pal, Luna (aka Louie or Lou). She's a CHOCOLATE LAB! Isn't she a sweetie!
Mom met this golden while on the road with her electric bicycle project. This is Jessie, he hangs out all day with his hooman at the really cool bike shop! Jessie has lots of folks play with him. He was helping mom with electric bike test rides in this photo....or was he playing ball? Hmmmm.
Buddy! Mom said Buddy stole the show at Santana Row! Mom was there with her electric bike team...and Buddy! Supper great fella! Folks were taking lots of shots of Buddy, with Buddy....
Go Buddy!
At a family dinner! Louie's in the back, Dozer has his head up, I'm over past Dozer, and dear Moe is the chocolate lab. Moe is now at the Rainbow Bridge. We miss you Moe!
Dozer. a rescue, once hopped on a passing transit bus!!! Did you have a doggie bus pass Dozer? He has a great forever home, though and does not run onto busses these days, nor hop into folks vehicle trunks, nor other forms of transport, unless with his hoomans....he is still a bit mischevious at times though.
Yes! Me with Snoopy! Who has a bigger nose!?!? Mom loves this shot.

Cheers from Honey!

Sammie is getting better!

2009-03-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hi from Honey! Got to sit with my pal Sammie last night....she is recovering from an intense surgery.... Please send her some get well wishes at www.sammiegolden.blogspot.com She had a pretty unfortunate situation after eating a leather glove!
Sammie, you look so comfy! Sammie's mom bought her an new bed, and it looks very cozy doesn't it?

Well, my mom is home for a few days, and promises me that we are going to spend LOTS OF TIME TOGETHER! Soon, we will go spend time with Sammie again, while her mom works for a few hours. I love visiting Sammie!

Hugs from Honey!

Hi from Honey...it's Friday eve!

2009-03-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hey there....just checking in.
Hoping my pal, Golden Samantha is doing ok. She ate one of her dad's leather gloves! Had a terrible bout with four days of a bad stomach as a result of her glove devouring...and underwent surgery today to remove the pieces caught in her stomach. I hope you are doing ok Sammie!

Me....so glad mom is home! More long days at the new job. But, I get looked after...so, that is nice. Not as nice as just having mom around. It was a pretty evening....so we pulled out the camera.

Storms are moving our way again.

Thanks to all my new doggie pals!
Cheers from Honey!

Great time at Muir Beach

2009-03-16T12:13:00.001-07:00

Hi from Honey! Thank you Samantha and her mom and dad for having me over Saturday and Sunday! I had a GREAT time.
I got to go to Muir Beach! Yea!
Good smells, fresh air, sand in my paws...... I might have eaten a rock, opps! Thought it was a snack...of course.

My mom was worried about me getting caught in the waves, so I kept my leash on just in case..... I look like I have a sash on in the top photo. Funny!

Well....today is another drizzly day....mom and I have been walking a bit in the neighborhood, it's too wet for trails, mom says.... And, I might go to work with her today! Well, it's not that exciting.....but at least I can hang out near her.

Bye for now.
Cheers, Honey

Oh my....gosh this is CUTE!

2009-03-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hi from Honey! First off...a BIG THANK YOU to Sammie and Samantha's mom and dad for letting me hang out with them today. I had a great time. Hope to see you again tomorrow!

And, mom wanted me to post these super funny / cute photos of a baby walking a doggie! Mom said it was a show stopper at the farmer's market..

And, thank you to everyone visiting my blog site. I enjoy reading doggie friend updates too!

Back in my curl up bed....

2009-03-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hi from me! We had a really nice time in the snow! My hips did ok, and I made some snow angels....even saw a cayote. (yikes!)
We went on lots of snow meadow walks, mom and dad got to ski lots, the weather was pretty nice.

There's the mountain....and me, not happy when the mom and the dad go out with those big clunky boots on...but they seem to like it...swish, swish.... Nice day for a cross country ski!!! Found a snow man in the meadow...does it look like me?
There was a doggie with a full hoddie and pants suit! He was jumping on mom's leg, so she took a photo.....
We like to camp at the base of the resort, with other campers...there a photo of me eating breakfast, and some evening parkie in the snow walks......

Now we are home...back in my curl up bed. Ahhhhhh! Nice to be home...but we hope to go back to the snow parkie soon!

Big fuzzy and furry hugs,
Honey

It's me! Honey in the grass....

2009-03-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hey there, it's me! Honey. Just taking an afternoon grass roll near our house. Feels so good. Hey, look at those dark clouds over head. More rain, eh mom?
I have been doing a lot of inside lounging today, so good to get out for a bit.
Mom said the 's' word again...SNOW! Yea, I think we are going to the snow soon. And, it looks to be nice weather, not the usual stormy that dad goes in. Yea! I love the snow with mom and dad, and especially those nice days, when mom is NOT a nervous mom.

Well....mom is off to do something again....dad should be home soon. More parkie time! With dad I hope!

Hi from Honey on March 1

2009-03-01T18:16:00.001-08:00

Hi from me! Mom's home again for a few days, and dad is at the snow again. Mom and I went to a few parkies today in the rain. That was great! I feel more energized when I get to go to lots of parkies.
A few photos of me and Golden Samantha. Cute photos, eh! And, one of me trotting along at the parkie this afternoon...it was between storms. The wind was sure blowing, and the creek was quite high.
Mom has been giving me LOTS of hugs! I think she worries about me. I was having some trouble with my stomach earlier this week. The vet had me taking a lot of different wierd things, that don't taste like my usual crunchy. Mom, I don't need all those things!!!....but now, I don't have any strange things in my food, and my stomach seems to feel better. I just wish my hips would work better.

Lots of love, and thanks to all my bloggie doggie pals!
Cheers,
Honey

2009-02-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well....mom's home the next few days. Yea!!!! Dad went skiing this weekend. I'm glad. He loves the snow. But, mom had to work, and lucky me, I get to stick closer to home. I LOVE the snow, as you know, but LOVE it most when both mom and dad are with me.

Here are more photos mom has in her collection. So....mom is pretty silly sometimes....thinks I LIKE wearing that funny orange itchy thing on my head....but, I know how to shake it off.

Oh! And, I am soooooo happy to have doggie blog friends!! THANK YOU EVERYONE! It means a lot.

Off for a walk with Samantha and her mom!! Yea!! In the rain!

Sunday from Honey

2009-02-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well....It's been RAINY! Very rainy and windy in fact... And, mom just started a new job...with LONG hours. I am so sad. But it's not forever...mom tells me. Hope not mom! Dad's back from his work trip....I LOVE dad, but wish he had more snack smells on him.

I spent lots of time this weekend lounging in my curl-up bed, and hanging out with dad. We watched the Tour de California, where mom was working in the rain. She keeps coming home real soggy.

I am dreaming of summer again....here are some photos I found....

Hi from Honey's week so far......

2009-02-11T09:04:00.001-08:00

Well....Hi! Just had a few minutes to write here....

Monday I went to check out my new potential volunteer job..visiting a home with seniors that do not receive a lot of visitors. I felt really out of place, maybe because they weren't expecting me. But eventually, I did get a few pets, and found LOTS of crumbs on the floor..... Mom said we will try to go by and visit once a week. Maybe we can take a walk on a really pretty trail nearby! Woof! Mom, let's do that!

After, mom took me to one of my favorite parkies. I got to swim! The sun was shining through the trees after the rain, it was lovely. So many great smells and sticks. We often go with our dear friends, Golden Samantha and her mom. Those are really fun times. I LOVE Sammie's mom's pants!!! Guess why?! Treats! I love to follow those pants! I could walk for miles.

And Samantha is AMAZING! She can be standing next to me, staring into the pocket of those pants with me, and all of a sudden, leap OVER ME and is pretty much standing on the other side of me. Our moms always let out big laughs when that happens. Sammie has that great energy!

Yesterday I went to my really nice vet. She is so thorough, and nice to me. But, I guess I am getting older! Grrrr.... More hard tablets to take. And, they are running some tests on a few questionable spots on me. I hope I'm ok!

Oh, and that's me in my curl-up bed!! So comfy!

Cheers.

Hi from Honey in the Powder

2009-02-09T09:07:00.001-08:00

So, we made it to the snow... A bit of fresh powder for me to snoop around in on Saturday. I love the snow! There were other cool doggies up there, some with coats and parkas with hoods! And, some had a doggie pass. Doggie passes donate money to a local cause, and would get me my own season snow pass with photo on it. MOM! I need one of those!!

I had my booties on most of the time, keeps the ice out of my paws. I have good booties.

I love making snow angels, and sniffing around the outdoor patios. Sometimes, if I am not done sniffing, and am being prompted to move on, I just lie down under whichever table I am working on at the time... I need more time folks.

It was a bit icy in some spots. Mom slipped right on to her butt once! You ok mom? And I did a few of my usual, foot-falls-into-snow-hole deals. Good grief, it is tough to get back up I tell you!

By Sunday, I was ready to take a ride home....a storm was coming and dad and I noticed that mom was turning into Nervous Nelly again....time to head home....

Cheers!

Parkie time later...so update blog now...

2009-02-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

Mom said, parkie time will be later...so, I lounged in my curl-up bed for a bit, then remembered I should do some doggie blogging!

I think we are going to the snow later...if mom doesn't "nervous-nelly" out from the little storm!

Oh! I found some travel pix...we might go here again this summer... Florence Lake, a very beautiful place...that's our van we used to take camping...but the timing belt would come off at the MOST INCONVENIENT times, and mom would really freak out... That's me, in my spot in the van with all their stuff! (well, mostly dad's stuff).

Hi from Honey

2009-02-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Cheers! My name is Honey (....sometimes...see below). I am 13 years old. Yea!

That's me getting a snow bath! Dad said I had rolled too many times in the 'not nice' snow. I LOVE the 'not nice' snow! Good smells. I love the snow! And, thankfully later that day we got to go to Camp Richardson at Lake Tahoe for a hike. Lots of sticks. I love sticks! It turned out to be a full moon. Mom and dad were thrilled. And I was thrilled 'cause that meant more time at the beach with my new sticks!

By the way, it wasn't easy to find a blogname, as there seem to be many Honey'ies! Which makes me think that might be why mom and dad have so many other names for me..... I find I am confused when they call out 'scooty' or 'doggers' or 'super trouper' or 'Buns!' or other well toned words. So, I resort to just sniffing my nose their way, and if good smells are in the air, I respond to their calls. (mom usually has better smells than dad, but don't tell dad).

Mom is going to help me post this and find more photos...but I'll sign off for now....