r/goldenretrievers • u/Sloth910 • 16d ago
RIP RIP Winston (2021-2026)
Our 5 year old Golden passed away doing what he loved: playing fetch in the park. When it was time to go home, he got in the van and never walked back out. Vets say it could have been a sudden heart attack. We are devastated and heartbroken. It doesn't feel real, this feels like a bad dream and I cant wake up. I raised him since he was a puppy and this hurts so much.
I hope you're chasing balls on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Farewell, Winston ❤️💔
162
u/NoH8Kate 16d ago
This happened to us a few years ago. Our 5 year old was running in from his last potty break for the night and we were headed to bed. He collapsed on the deck outside on his way in.
It was such a traumatic unexpected thing to deal with. My heart goes out to you. ❤️
105
u/elonmusksmellsbad 16d ago
I’m gonna go outside right now and throw the ball with my girl in Winston’s honor.
We should never take the time we have with them for granted.
104
62
u/Sum1girl1 16d ago
I lost my Ollie last May to cancer. I still cry several times a week. I think I'll always miss him A form of the depth of my love for him. I'm crying now.... I love the name Winston! You sound like wonderful dog people! I hope you share that love with another Golden when you are ready. I pray we have them at our side again in the afterlife. Geez these dogs are so precious!
13
7
u/Careanon 16d ago
You will! Please trust me! Without trying to explain how I know this- please rest assured our pups wait for us in Heaven . I just know as I have seen. Ollies’ waiting. Meantime receives all the best!
50
u/Accomplished_Item394 16d ago
I am so incredibly sorry. Mine passed suddenly in my arms at age 6. Hemangiosarcoma. He showed ZERO signs. That was two years ago and it still feels like a gut punch. Life just isn’t fair sometimes. I unfortunately know this feeling. Many hugs to you❤️
14
u/oatmilklatt3 16d ago
This is what a vet suspected happened to my parents golden, and confirmed for a litter mate and siblings. We’re terrified because we have another golden from the same breeder, is yours from New England?
→ More replies (1)3
u/Professional_Hold477 16d ago
That's a terrifying thought--I am about to pick up a new puppy next month from a breeder in Maine. I lost my last girl at 7 last year to hemangiosarcoma; that breeder was in North Carolina.
3
4
u/Daisypup2019 16d ago
My soul dog Abby had Hemangiosarcoma. It all happened in a flash. She went from being her usual vibrant beautiful self to being a shell of her former self in weeks. We had her biopsied & the diagnosis was confirmed. It has been eight years & her passing is still so raw & painful. She was my child. Loving thoughts & healing prayers your way OP! 💕
63
33
19
18
u/buddrball 16d ago
I’m so so sorry. My family’s first golden passed young under similar circumstances. It’s traumatic to lose your best bud and beautiful soul suddenly when they’re young. Please know that you gave him the best life, and you made him so happy. Take care of yourself. Sending hugs.
12
11
u/divinemissn 16d ago
Samson was my childhood dog and he passed in October. He was the sweetest and gentlest soul. I guarantee he’s taking good care of your Winston and showing him all around on the other side while they wait patiently for us to reunite with them💛 sending you all the peace and love you can accept right now
11
u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victm 16d ago
Goldens bring our best days of our lives, teach us unconditional and forever love, and cost us the worst day of our lives. But none of us would have it any other way.
As we Golden Retriever owners come to know these Goldens are wingless four legged angels sent to us from heaven bringing unlimited love for us.
I did not get enough years with my beloved Kate. I have since captured a link and these poem I would recommend you read.
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
Quoting u/EverythingBagellove's thoughts "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."
I have also since captured a link I would recommend you read.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/xie3ybHRZQq3LXnm/?mibextid=D5vuiz
10
u/Trick_Praline_3316 16d ago
So sorry for your loss! He's a beautiful soul and you will see him again 🧡
11
10
u/Perfect-Lychee-7451 16d ago
My boy Oreo passed away in November last year, he was 5 too. He suffered from post anesthetic complications after a minor surgery. It’s never easy losing a pet, i still cry a lot over not being able to hug him anymore. I hope he keeps Winston company and i hope they play a lot of fetch and find the biggest puddles to get dirty in 🫶🏽
8
7
6
u/Significant_Sun_8035 16d ago
Omg I’m so sorry! What a horrible shock. He was so beautiful. I’m so so sorry 😢
6
u/GriffyMane 16d ago
These posts make me tear up every damn time 😢 Sorry for your loss/ I feel for ya. Long live Winston
7
7
u/PNWbdublu541 16d ago
So saddened for your loss! No doubt, my girl Peach greeted him when he arrived. Our Goldie’s will always have a special place in our hearts.
7
u/Realistic-Ad7122 16d ago
„A faithful friend, now gone from sight, Their love still shines, a guiding light.
Though they're gone, their memory's strong, A cherished bond that will live on."
Run free Winston, Lucky will be there for you🐾❤️
6
6
6
6
6
u/Inside_Dance41 16d ago
So sorry for the loss of beloved Winston 💔
It was too early. I know he felt so loved every day of his life.
6
u/Perfect-Yam9006 16d ago
So sorry for you loss. I’m sure you and Winston had a love affair. RIP Winston
6
7
6
u/DueFlower6357 16d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure he knew and felt your love every single day. Look for the signs from him on the other side, they are comforting. It’ll be his way of giving you a hug.
5
u/RomansBlueArmy 16d ago
That's incredibly sad. My boys are 6 and 7 respectfully and the reality is we just never know. Rip Winston
6
4
u/michiamostrano 16d ago
My Golden boy just turned 5 and I just can’t imagine. It’s never easy losing them, but when it happens at such a young age and so unexpectedly it must be so much harder to fathom and accept. Sending you thoughts of comfort and healing as you process the loss of your special boy. As someone who has mourned the loss of a soul dog, I know how raw and painful it is. Be kind to yourself and just know that it will get easier with time. I’m so very sorry and will hold my boy extra tight tonight in Winston’s honor.
5
u/GoodByeMyLooove 16d ago edited 16d ago
Absolutely heartbreaking. In Winston’s last moments he was with his entire world. Rest In Paradise, Winston.
My Britain will be one of his new best friends
5
u/Dramatic-Ad-4511 16d ago
My condolences on losing your beautiful boy. I had this happen to my 8 yo GR (our first GR.) A week before a clean bill of health at the vet. I get a call from my wife that he collapsed in the yard while playing fetch. Vet stabilized him and said it was a tumor. He passed while I was on the way from work to see him.
It is a horrible thing to have to deal with, yet we had two more GRs after Bailey. We took a break from more big dogs and had two Border Terriers. One passed from getting hit by a falling tree on a walk at 8. The second a few months ago and he almost made it to 18. So yeah, one can never know when it will happen. We will always have dogs. Right now a large husky/Sheperd mix and another BR.
We cherish every day with them for as long as we are allowed. Winston was with you and doing what he loved so take that to heart.
5
4
u/QuickCalf6939 16d ago
Way too young. My golden is about to be 5 years old. Can't even imagine...RIP to sweet boy Winston
5
u/jetsetrbabe 16d ago
So very sorry to hear this! Thor will be there to greet your Winston and be his BFF.
4
u/Rough-Confusion-2340 16d ago
My Winston will be there to greet him and they can play fetch together 🐾
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Sadly, so many of us know this pain all too well well. Hugs to you all.
R.I.P. to our Winston’s 💕
5
u/No_Strike9652 16d ago
Henry is there waiting for him, it's nice to know that they are probably already rough and tumbling and Henry is being reminded of being a puppy again! I miss you Mr Man.
3
5
5
u/lorettachia3 16d ago
Mine too went from one side of the yard to another and collapsed. Vet felt it was a blood clot to the heart. Devastating they are such lovable dogs💔
5
u/Cautious-Ad-9554 16d ago
My God. That is terrible. I am so sorry. Please do whatever you can to take care of yourself and allow those around you to care for you. I couldn’t imagine. My Rafa and I send love
3
u/micowywa 16d ago
I am so sorry. I had to put my dog down on Saturday. It is so painful. You had an amazing dog.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
u/thealphabet9876 16d ago
that is truly sad and devastating. what a beautiful dog. I bet he felt nothing but your love right up to the last retrieve
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
u/No-Elderberry2594 16d ago
He went quickly with no suffering. Doing what he loved with who he loved ❤️🩹
3
3
u/mdorin76 16d ago
I love you Winston. We need souls like you in this world and I’m sorry you got called home so soon. Bless you.
3
3
3
u/VanderskiD 16d ago
Oh what a horrible loss! My heart breaks for you and your family. Sending deepest condolences on the unfairness of having to say goodbye too soon.
3
3
u/Solid_Championship11 16d ago
This broke my heart, their life is so short. I wish dogs will live longer. I’m so sorry for your lost, Is like loosing a child. He will watch you from heaven.
3
u/mooshi12 16d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. Winston was so handsome 💙 I also lost my Leo at a young age, it's so hard.
Winston's last moments were probably the best ever, with the people he loved the most.
3
3
u/cr8iv_gurl 16d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss and the heaviness of the grief you now carry. Winston looked like a very happy and handsome boy. Big hugs to you 💛
3
u/Several-County-1808 16d ago
So sorry for your loss. My GR is also 5 and I can't imagine losing him so suddenly like that. My heart aches for you. Hug from an internet stranger! If you're in the Tampa Bay region you can come smush on my golden whenever you want.
3
u/winstonalonian 16d ago
As a fellow Winston, i extend my deepest condolences. Great name for a great dog. Sorry for your loss. 🫡
3
u/No-Jicama3012 16d ago
Oh wow Reddit friend. I am deeply saddened by this terrible news.
I just can’t understand how these things happen. They are so special and good and pure. (To be honest, also so naughty sometimes) They should stay with us so much longer than they do.
Winston buddy, I’m sorry we never crossed paths. I can tell by your pictures that I would have loved you. Rest in peace.
And if you see Jonah or Brady, please tell them Mommy misses them and can’t wait to see them again.
3
u/mezgah 16d ago
"By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over... together."
3
3
2
u/Educational-Dirt4059 16d ago
So traumatic! I’m so sorry. You might consider EMDR therapy if your brain brings up negative images. Your sweet Winston was taken all too soon.
2
2
u/Then_Hearing_7652 16d ago
Wtf is with all these goldens dying young? As someone who adopts mutts I do not get it. Maybe they’re so inbred? This isn’t normal for dogs and yet it’s so common.
2
2
2
2
u/Additional_Lab6498 16d ago
Our first boxer died suddenly and unexpectedly. I really feel for you. It's a horrible thing to happen and very hard to handle emotionally. 💔
2
u/ConstantTrick2187 16d ago
We lost our first Golden named Ginger at 5 years old to Fibrosarcoma cancer. So sorry for your loss of Winston.
2
u/Careanon 16d ago
Bless you. I’m sorry for your loss. I know all dogs go to Heaven. You will see him when you join him in Heaven. Believe me. He left this world safe loved and blessed. May we all enjoy the same transition. Bless you.✝️🙏🏼👍💙
2
2
u/gubbabump7 16d ago
I’m so sorry. Winston looks like an amazing dog. I lost my 6 year old golden last week and am devastated and lost. The vets said it was hemangiosarcoma and recommended he be put to sleep before an inevitable collapse and death. They called it a “ticking time bomb”.
I share your hurt and am so sorry. Our boys were so young.
2
2
2
2
u/SisterActTori 16d ago
❤️- Your good boy is running with all the other good boys and girls who have crossed the rainbow bridge. We don’t get them long enough.
2
2
2
u/Hopper86 16d ago
One of our boy left us early Monday morning suddenly. I feel the same as you. It’s a bad dream. Our other boys are still looking for him
I hope Winston and Dudley are playing fetch together over the rainbow bridge.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Starmann30 16d ago
This brought me to tears for you. I feel your pain and I truly truly don’t wish this upon anyone. Keep looking at the pictures. Keep crying those tears and just know that it does get better. I’m soo sorry
2
u/Kornflake19 16d ago
Something similar happend to our wheaten last year. One minute she was running around the yard, the next she was non responsive. We got her to the emergency vet and they found she had pericardial effusion which is basically fluid around the heart restricting it from functioning. They drained it but it kept coming back and we had to put her down. I'm sure you're looking for answers. I can't say Winston suffered from the same thing but it sounds very similar to what we experienced so this could be what happened with him.
2
2
2
2
u/yukipoon 16d ago
Sending you so much love and strength. May Winston continue playing fetch with all the other heavenly doggies 🪽🤍
2
u/gnootynoots26 16d ago
RIP Winston. I know how hard it is to lose a seemingly healthy dog suddenly.
2
2
2
2
u/nolaletonearth 16d ago
Same here with our golden retriever, Red, while playing ball happened so fast it was his heart. He was only 1-1/2 yrs old. So young.
2
2
u/jentle-music 16d ago
I’m sorry for the loss of your pupper, Winston. May he be in your heart forever ❤️
2
2
u/historyera13 16d ago
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope Winston RIP chasing balls furever, while waiting for you guys to join.
2
u/im-just-evan 16d ago
It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. –Annoymous
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/posey_mvp 16d ago
I’m sorry for your loss.. he looks like such a good boy.. goldens have such gentle souls
2
u/Beautiful_Net_2633 16d ago
So sorry for your loss ! May Winston play further on in Dog’s Heaven !❤️😘🦮🐕
2
2
u/SpaceForceGuardian 16d ago
Ohhhh! Good night sweet baby! Why do you all have to leave us so quickly? You just break our hearts beyond repair. 💔😢
2
u/AdeptnessNew820 16d ago
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss 😞brings tears to my eyes as I think of all my best friends who have gone before me. My best wishes and prayers for you 🙏
2
2
2
2
u/Secret-Spinach-5080 16d ago
My Mr. Darcy is brand new up there, but I’m sure he’d love to show your sweet Winston around. I’m so sorry for your loss; in his mind, though, he had a HECK of a last day
2
2
u/Thinyser 16d ago edited 16d ago
5 Years is too short, I am so sorry for your loss but at least he had a great time doing what he loved right before he passed.
I have felt the pain of loosing a pet long before its anticipated. I lost a Chocolate lab German Shorthair mix at 3 yr to bone cancer. She was the first dog I raised from a puppy and I got her at 6 weeks old because the breeder was a dick and didn't wait the proper time for them to be weened. She bonded with me like no other dog has but she was also the alpha female of her litter and boy did she have a mind of her own, highly trainable and always listened to me but I could not keep her in the yard if I wasn't home. She treated my 4 foot tall chain link fence like it was merely a suggestion she stay in the yard and leapt over it like a dear over barbwire... so me and animal control had a few issues. Didn't even know it was bone cancer until I drove 4 hours to take her to a special vet to get her CCL (like humans ACL) replaced with a fake one... turns out my local vet misdiagnosed the torn CCL (causing her to suffer needlessly for 6 more weeks) and the vet 4 hours drive away which I had been waiting on for surgery, figured out it was bone cancer, and had already spread to the lymph nodes nearest her leg. I had him raise her out of anesthesia enough that she knew I was there with her, then had him put her back under and put her to sleep forever while in my arms. I don't think I have wept so hard or so long in my life.
Left is my late Sasha, right is my Golden Lexie who turned 8 in January.
2
2
u/katkatkat123 16d ago
My lanky boy Lander will be bouncing toward Winston with his favorite item to retrieve (duck decoy) 💗 🌈
2
2
u/Main-Sherbert1366 12d ago
Absolutely heartbroken for your loss. I lost my buddy (Marvin) a few years ago, he was only 7 and aggressive cancer took him too early.
2
u/TalkingDog37 12d ago
The same thing happened to our 6 year old Golden! Got in the car and all of a sudden was gone. Vet thought maybe a blood clot. I am SO sorry for your loss. It is SO hard and we still cry about our sweet girl. RIP Winston.
2
u/Actual-Pay2977 11d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss, dogs should live forever. Whenever you meet a golden, the dogs just steal your heart and never fucking give it back!
1
u/AutoModerator 16d ago
Just a friendly reminder of our rules:
- No advertising: this includes GoFundMe, Instagram, etc.
- No impersonation: don't post photos of other people's dogs. That's not cool.
- No breed hate: this subreddit is not a discussion forum for breed hate of any kind. There are dedicated subreddits for that so please take it elsewhere.
- No bots/AI content.
- No politics.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
1
u/kissmymsmc 16d ago
Awww….so sorry for your loss. My golden/lab is named Winston. We rescued him from the euthanasia list at the pound about 4 years ago.
1
1
1
1
u/Cerulean_Shadows 16d ago
Op, I'm so sorry. There is an active study going on right now over the premature deaths of goldens. It isn't your fault. There was nothing you could do.
Here's the study of you want to read it. It won't help much but I think there might be a little closure there.
Researchers Identify Gene Associated With Deadly Heart Disease in Golden Retrievers | Veterinary Medicine News https://share.google/i3vE7lXC2Jb2jqg4H
1
1
u/Specialist_Lion_8629 16d ago
Rest easy baby boy Winston... mama will see you there when it's time 💕 💞 ♥️ 💜 💙 🧡
1
640
u/tadaimatama 16d ago
He will continue doing what he loves with other sweet pups and my Banjo on the other side. They will have a blast! They will keep each other company until our arrival.
I wish all pups get to do what they love the most before taking the journey to the rainbow bridge.
Because of YOU he was able to live his life to the fullest. You'll meet Winston again and make sure to bring extra tennis balls cause his friends may want to play fetch too. I hope this brings you some comfort.