We'll Miss You, Sophie

Three years ago AGA found Sophie standing in the middle of US41. Someone had thrown her out at the Chattahoochee River on Thanksgiving! She had had several litters and was in heat again. She had heartworms and terrible ear infections. We found her the perfect home with a loving family. That's her on the right taking a nap next to her brother and best friend AJ. We were sad to get the following letter from Sophie's mom and dad this morning and want her family to know our thoughts are with them. We thank them for giving Sophie a wonderful home FULL of love - what she deserved! We are comforted knowing that Sophie is now happily playing with the other AGA rescues who crossed the bridge before her.

Dear Adopt a Golden,

Wanted to give you an update on our dear girl Sophie. She came out with us when we moved to Denver early this year. Soph loved it here- cooler weather, less humidity, more parks to sniff in. She lost weight and got a skip in her step. Surprisingly and heart-breakingly, she developed a sudden case of GDV on Sunday night. In spite of the fast trip to the emergency room, her case was bad. They took out part of her stomach and thought there could be damage elsewhere, but weren't sure on degree. She seemed to do well for the first 10 hours following her surgery and then took a turn for the worst. Sophie, our beautiful girl, passed away late on Monday night. I can't tell you how heart-broken we are, and how confused her brother AJ is without his big sis to follow around.

But most mostly we are thankful. Thankful to have shared three glorious years with a creature whose constant, loving companionship brought joy to every day we shared with her; whose loyalty meant that she would climb stairs to find her pack in spite of severe arthritis and shower us with abundant, loving, maternal kisses; who faced all of her ailments and life's trials--including abandonment--with fortitude and grace that makes the rest of us look bad.

Thank you for the work you do and for sharing the joy of Sophie's life with us. You change not only the lives of the dogs you work with, but the hearts and days of all of us who are fortunate enough to adopt.

Warm regards, Kristy and Jonathan