A Dog Named Brady

Once upon a time there was boy dog named Brady, who had a crappy life, for most of his dog years. He lived with many owners for various reasons, but collectively they had little time or money to care for him. So as it happens to many dogs out there, he was sent to a doggy rescue organization (thank you God) only after several attempts by his owners to end his life prematurely.

We first learned about this sweet boy through Caitlin who was working (thank you God) at the time the owners tried to put him to sleep. The vets decided he was not a candidate and referred him to the Golden Re-Triever Rescue, Inc in New Jersey. Immediately following his placement in a foster home, we contacted the organization and asked permission to provide Brady with a home. Of course, being the great organization they are, this was major process to go through, just to adopt him. But we knew we had to have him, so we filed the paper work, endured the lengthy screening process (home inspection included), and eventually Brady found his way into our home (He had found his way into our hearts long before he had even left his last home).

Brady was an eight year old Golden who had a few health issues and because his last owners could not afford his meds, he came to us in a rather untidy state. His fur was missing in many spots, he had horrible skin which left him itchy and red, not to mention sore, and he did not smell pleasant. So we got him immediate care, got him washed up, and back on the right meds, and on a proper diet (he had more allergies than I could ever list here). We provided him with extra love and soon learned that he loved to be loved.

Within a short time, he was back on track, and was beginning to look a bit more dapper. Unfortunately, within a short time, his health began to fail again, and he started having seizures. After a brief stay in the hospital, he was back at home, and again on track. At his age, we were told that if the seizures returned, the chance of a tumor in the brain was probably the reason. And at that time, we would have to make a major decision as to how to move forward with his health care.

Brady lived with us for six months and in that short amount of time, we came to love him as if he had lived with us a life time. When it was time to make the decision, we knew we would eventually have to make, it was not easy. My heart still aches today for that sweet boy. But I know that we gave him the best six months of his life and when he got to heaven, he looked dapper (his hair had grown back and he had a healthy coat). I know that he and our first Golden, Tyler, are there playing together, and that makes things a little easier for all of us. It’s so easy to love a dog. Always consider a rescue.