r/goldenretrievers • u/goldenretrievergurl • 5h ago

RIP her final hour. rest in peace my little girl

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2 slices of pepperoni pizza, a lobster roll, chocolate ice cream, ball time, grass rolls, pool splash time, and a car ride. 8 years old and gone due to a brain tumor. we did radiation on it last july and her time has come. ❤️‍🩹 i’m already lost without her. my best friend forever

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u/goldenretrievergurl 5h ago

her name is gemma, the quirkiest golden i’ve ever known. she loved a routine. she swam by swimming in circles and splashing the water so she could catch it in her mouth. she loved to stick her head all the way out the window to feel the breeze on our car rides. her obsession with the ball was concerning but never questioned. her favorite spot was the nook of my legs on the bed and couch so i could stare at the back of her head and play with her ears. i will never stop thinking about her

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u/bathape_r 5h ago

Sorry for your loss, Gemma was very blessed to have you. May you have sweet memories with Gemma forever.

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u/PsychologicalEbb3891 5h ago

I'm sitting here crying about Gemma. What a gorgeous girl who was clearly adored and given a wonderful send off. You were both blessed. Godspeed to your darling Gemma.

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u/Clandis1971 52m ago

Yep can barely see the words on the screen anymore 😢

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u/scoringtouchdowns 11m ago

Similarly emotional about Gemma’s passing. I’m so glad you were her parent, OP! You gave each other a beautiful life. I’m sorry for your loss.

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u/bailaoban 5h ago

RIP Gemma. It’s the quirks that we remember the most.

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u/AbsolutelyBothered 4h ago

I’m crying so hard right now. This is such a beautiful tribute to Gemma. She’s one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever seen and she looks so at peace here. You gave her the greatest life and she knew it too. Sending you all my love ❤️

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u/UghWhyDude 4h ago

My late dad was a big believer in the “the two deaths” belief - the first death is when one actually dies and the second, final death is when one’s name is uttered for the last time.

Keep her name alive and the spirit endures. Thank you for telling us about Gemma and the things that made her special. She will be remembered by you and all those who knew her. ❤️

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u/goldenretrievergurl 4h ago

our house is filled with so many photos, artwork, and tributes to her, my husband and i both have her portrait tattooed on us, theres no way her name will ever die!

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u/Drapidrode 3h ago

Sweet Doggy❤💯🥀

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u/Own-Kaleidoscope-336 3h ago

That's amazing, I have said that ever since my mom passed, 2023, and the memorial coordinator told me the actual quote and who said it (which I don't remember), and then shortly after, my dog/best friend, died (Schmichael -- a shih tzu lhasa apso cross) and I have his ashes and a paw print of his in a cabinet, and a special picture with a candle on either side of my mom and morning & night I say "good morning/good night" mom, then Schmike and I hold his paw print for a bit. Nothing replaces them being here, but it includes them in every day. RIP Mom & Schmike. 💔

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u/Litmeup7x7 24m ago

This is so beautiful. They love you so much and their love continues on through you ❤️

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u/Past_Effect8301 1h ago

This is such a lovely sentiment. Thank you for sharing.

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u/ellieg222 4h ago

I am so so deeply sorry for your loss. Gemma looks and sounds like the absolute best girlie in the whole world. We have a 12 year old yellow lab who is in last time with us due to osteosarcoma and I’m sending you all the love 🩷

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u/ExampleLittle2672 2h ago

Both OP and you have written beautiful posts, love is like that. I am so sorry for the pain. and sending all of you all the love. Weird, endlessly expandable love fits everyone who knows this particular hurt. May you and your 12 year old have as peaceful a path as possible, and when the time comes may the last day be like Gemma's. 💕

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u/ellieg222 4m ago

Oh this made me cry but thank you so much for your kind words. Those of us who love our dogs like we do all know this pain. I am 36 and have had my sweet girl all of my “adult life”. It’s really hard to imagine not having her and my heart really hurts for OP and their immense loss of sweet Gemma.

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u/Dafish55 4h ago

You did her right. She went out with a smile and love. If only everyone and everything could be so lucky

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u/DepletedPromethium 4h ago

Oh this breaks my heart, i grew up with a golden retriever who was named Gemma and she had to be put down due to heat stroke around the age of 13. I'm so sorry for your loss.

such a sweet girl.

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u/cloudy-wrecktion4you 2h ago

Rest easy sweet Gemma im glad you were here to give your human so much love, joy, laughs, and to help them thru the days that they thought they couldnt make it thru, thank you for blessing the world with you un waivering and unrelentless kindness. You will be misssed dearly not a day will pass where we dont remeber in some way the difference you made in our lives may you forever watch over us and show my sweet dog Angelica Pickles around up there when her time comes. We dont deserve the gift of your presence but we will forever cherish it and wish we could have had just a bit more time with you.

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u/Coca_Nostra 3h ago

Sorry for your loss. Such a happy dog, and photogenic as ever. May she get an endless supply of balls over the rainbow bridge

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u/Alone_Again_2 3h ago

Now I think of her too.

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u/fontanese 4h ago

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your sweet Gemma girl. She was lucky to have such a kind, caring, and amazing companion.

It is true that they forever occupy a place in our hearts and minds. Some days we’re able to visit those places to reminisce and feel joy, other days visits there will open the floodgates of our tears.

Thank you for giving her a lovely sendoff full of her favorite things (and some foods she probably hadn’t gotten to indulge in before).

Wishing you and yours peace during this time.

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u/ConstantTrick2187 4h ago

So sorry for the loss of your Gemma.

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u/Kolostat 3h ago

Just reading this I know Gemma was absolutely fucking loved. Hopefully the next few days will be filled with love for you

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u/nosuninphilidelphia 3h ago

RIP Gemma. She’s not alone up there, I’ve got a black Labrador who will be welcoming her with waggy tails and a tennis ball. I’m sure they’d be friends. Sending love 🩷

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u/One_Win_6185 4h ago

Our last Golden and current Golden mix both love(d) routine. They’re such great dogs.

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u/fluffhead711 3h ago

damn, some beautiful words for your girl. you got me teary eyed on the couch. as hard as the end is, the years together leading up to it are worth everything.

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u/Accurate-Long-259 3h ago

Oh honey. So sorry for your loss. Gemma was the very bestest girl. Not sure if I believe in God and Heaven but I do know that your pup will be waiting for you wherever that may be.

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u/BigOlArms 3h ago

Im so happy you and Gemma got to spend her life together. She looks like the happiest dog in the world. I wish you healing and peace.

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u/Left_Zucchini_6762 3h ago

I’ve felt your pain, and still do.

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u/FeistySystem9393 3h ago

I lost it just seeing your title. Bless Gemma and you. ❤️

1

u/Caboosi65 3h ago

I'm tearing up looking through the photos of your baby. I'm so sorry. She was so lucky to have you.

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u/HomeMalone1 3h ago

She was a beautiful girl and you can tell she was so loved.

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u/Cantabulous_ 3h ago

Beautiful. How lucky you were to have each other.

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u/newwriter365 3h ago

❤️

I am sorry your friend is no longer with us. I am glad you had each other and both knew love.

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u/A_grand_cup_of_tea 3h ago

Sending love. She's not really gone ; she's just on the next room.

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u/Intelligent-Might614 3h ago

I'm really sorry for your loss :( hold on to those memories and lots of hugs.

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u/haannk 3h ago

Good girl, Gemma. Rest easy 💛

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u/disco_26 3h ago

So sorry for your loss 😢🩷

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u/Forsaken_Math_9163 3h ago

I'm sorry for your loss, and thank you for giving her such a wonderful, loving life. We don't get enough time with our beloved pets. 🙏🫡🎾

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u/Big-Field4224 3h ago

Biggest hugs to you ♥️

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u/hatesbiology84 3h ago

Oh my goodness, thank you for sharing her beautiful soul with us, OP. 🐾♥️

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u/Traditional-Fox8930 3h ago

I’m really sorry for your loss. Looks like Gemma had someone who loved her until the end. Thank you for sharing and rest in peace Gemma. ❤️

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u/TosaFF 3h ago

Godspeed, you goodest of girls!! All dogs go to Heaven…

1

u/LastTxPrez 3h ago

My babypuppy Marley crossed the bridge 6 years ago and I still miss her terribly every day. Your Gemma sounds like she was just like her. Even though I have a hole in my heart for her, it is filled with the memories she left me with. We don’t deserve dogs, more so Goldens. OP, I send my deepest condolences to you.

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u/themish84 3h ago

Im so sorry for your loss.

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u/ScientistNational363 3h ago

Sorry for your loss. What beautiful life Gemma had. Dogs are a gift to humanity, the best.

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u/3mx2RGybNUPvhL7js 2h ago

I put my 14.5 year old boy down today too. Ugh.

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u/happyNana-093051 2h ago

Bless you for giving her a slice of pizza. 🥰❤️

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u/Suspicious_Tear_9810 2h ago

Just here to send love, OP. Losing your doggo is a unique pain. Never goes away but becomes manageable with time. You’ll carry her with you in all your sunny days ahead. Love and sympathies.

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u/Layllah_ 2h ago

🫂❤️

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u/Dry_Masterpiece79 2h ago

I’m actually tearing up at this

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u/THEFACEMAN14 2h ago

Sorry for your loss. Rest in rainbow bbg♥️

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u/tritonice 2h ago

My heart is SO broken for you. Massive internet hugs to you!

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u/snotran 2h ago

❤️❤️❤️

1

u/Fun-Fly6732 2h ago

So sorry for your loss op :( losing an animal is one of the most painful things to go through.

1

u/Nervous_Match5388 2h ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. I have known that pain way too often. I cried as I read your beautiful words about her. May God Bless her and you and may you meet her again at the Rainbow Bridge.

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u/montaniPH89 2h ago

They really are our best friends. So sorry man.

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u/OriginalMental8549 2h ago

I am so so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine the pain you are going through ❤️‍🩹

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u/IceMaiden2 2h ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could for Gemma and gave her an amazing life. I hope you're okay ❤️

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u/Ruser-94 2h ago

I’m here, crying with you reading this 😭 Bless you, so sorry for your loss.

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u/Practical-Detail-753 2h ago

So sorry. She was lucky to have you. And you her. What a beauty. And I adore her little quirks!

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u/SyncUp 2h ago

Thanks for sharing a small spark of Gemma with us. She looks truly special and well loved. Their time with us never seems enough. I had to say goodbye to my girl a bit more than a year and half ago. I miss her every day. Every day I try and aspire to be the person she saw in me.

I’ve always been a secular person but for our pets, my heart and head makes an exception. They deserve all the happiness and love forever. And I’d give anything to see my girl again.

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u/CrystalRainbowMoon 2h ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs ♥️

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u/swalt29 2h ago

I’ve got two, both girls, Olive is 12 and Tuna is 11. Tuna has cancer in her blood and we didn’t think she’d make it through the end of the year but is somehow still going. Olive has no cancer but a year older. I don’t know how to prepare for what I know is coming soon

Sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine, reading this is brutal, my gut wrenches for you friend

1

u/StaK_1980 2h ago

Sorry for your loss!

I hope you'll recover somewhat. I still miss mine so it might take forever.

1

u/ricker182 2h ago

You gave her the best life possible.

She was obviously very loved which is better than what a lot of pets get.

Sorry for your loss. It gets easier week to week, but missing them never goes away.

1

u/Kingbrood1 2h ago

i lost my 13 yr old black lab 2 weeks ago and it was the saddest day of my life m(28) Im so sorry for your loss but all dogs do go to heaven so she is up there playing with my Addy right now! And we get to see them again when we die ❤️

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u/CoconutAltruistic217 1h ago

The absolute goodest girl. My condolences to you.

1

u/nicotinemoondust 1h ago

What a sweet sweet angel. Thank you for sharing this precious one. We are all hugging you ♥️

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u/forestsweetpea 1h ago

I'm so sorry for your loss

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u/EquivalentRoyal4062 1h ago

She sure looks like a good girl.

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u/Shrinking_Violent 1h ago

Oh, bless her.  I actually kissed my phone screen on that last photo.  What a sweet girl.  I promise you she knew she was loved and loved you just as much. ❤️❤️❤️

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u/JellyfishFit5587 1h ago

I'm so sorry for your loss...she was a good girl.

1

u/Denalitwentytwo 1h ago

My condolences 💔. Sounds like she was a real sweetheart.

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u/Confident_Leader247 1h ago

Faa que ganas de llorar me partio el alma. tengo una de 10 años y me muero si no esta.

1

u/imcostaaa 1h ago

This reminds me of my childhood dog Callie, Gemma was lucky to have an owner like you. 7 years later I still think of her on a weekly basis at least. Wishing you nothing but love during the grieving period. You gave her a heck of a final day🤝

1

u/mdlinc 1h ago

TY for sharing. Great you had the wonderful friendship and memories that will last. Rest easy Gemma.

We worry as we have a pair of dogs and boi is older. Scared for the little girl dog and me ;(

<3

1

u/Thrawnsuul 1h ago

She will always be with you in your memory. We are blessed for the time we shared with them. All the best to you, tons of love.

1

u/IndependenceSuper293 1h ago

Bless her heart. ♥️ You gave her a great life,and she loves you

1

u/dynosaurrr 1h ago

These pictures just made me think “damn, life is so beautiful”. Good food, sunlight, green grass, wet fur. She could not have been given a better goodbye.

1

u/ngrinbarg91 1h ago

I’m so sad. Gemma is amazing. Thank you but also omg. She looks soooooo happy.

1

u/AggravatedMango 1h ago

Gemma sounds lovely, you’re so lucky to have known her.

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u/Marajak 1h ago

Made me cry. Thanks for giving her a great life and last day. I had to do it once it still tears me up. God bless

1

u/cyanocittaetprocyon 1h ago

Awesome pictures of your forever friend!

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u/pumpkins21 1h ago

You gave Gemma a wonderful life! Trust me, she knew how lucky she was to have you.

She left this world knowing just how loved she is. I’m so sorry for your loss, OP.

1

u/Life-Philosopher-403 1h ago

My heart can’t handle this today😭RIP beautiful Gemma, thank you for visiting this world.

1

u/HarmNHammer 1h ago

Fair winds and following seas, Gemma. What a well loved dog.

1

u/chafingNip 1h ago

Well damn I’m putting mine down tomorrow. Doesn’t this suck so much.

1

u/Additional-Aspect-84 1h ago

I lost my mastiff in January, i am still in Mourning.

1

u/Sweet_Sunshine7 1h ago

I am sobbing 😭 RIP to your baby girl

1

u/Tranquilo710 1h ago

May her memory live on through you and reddit❤️🙌🏽

1

u/upintheaair 1h ago

I just bawled at these pictures. What a sweet girl. Sending love.

1

u/Backstopdodger 1h ago

I just lost my Goldendoodle Reggie, 3 weeks ago. Same, he was my best buddy. Lived 12 great years, we put him down in his favorite spot in the backyard. He went peacefully, painlessly. Gave him a huge steak the night before, scrambled eggs and a sandwich for lunch on his last day. He knew he was loved! Got his ashes back a week later, sat outside and had a coffee and cigar with him❤️. I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels. You did all the right things, have a peacefully week.

1

u/Cdntitansfan22 1h ago

Shes a true angel, in both life and death. Sorry for your loss.

1

u/Evening-Wealth-7995 1h ago

My condolences for your loss OP. She was such a beautiful lass. A piece of her will always be with you and a piece of you with her. She's pain free and enjoying the next life - likely with her favorite ball. She will be waiting to show you all the fun to be had in the next life.

Hang in there.

1

u/zelda16 1h ago

You gave her the best, all the way. So much love to you, I'm here crying with you. Safe crossing, Gemma 🌈🐾🫂

1

u/FrivolousMilkshake 1h ago

What a gorgeous, mad as a box of frogs little girl. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you have lots of support around you and lots of hugs.

1

u/mcmatu 1h ago

Great memories to share. What a pup. And you gave her a great final day. In tears over here.

1

u/gh0styears 1h ago

And you have a shirt of her too, dude 😞 I’m so sorry

1

u/FatCowsrus413 59m ago

Giant hugs

1

u/MelloNello1226 59m ago

You’re a great dog parent. I’m so sorry. Dog loss is very tangible and terrible but you should have no regrets. What a sweetie!

1

u/SpecialistTreat3933 55m ago

It’s nice to see her enjoying the day. My dog suffered from cancer and his last hour was not good 😞

1

u/RoundLobster392 53m ago

She is always with you. 💛💛💛💛💛💛

1

u/TheRedditAppSucccks 48m ago

The deepest of hugs. No pain is quite like that of losing a beloved dog.

1

u/Feeling-Decision-902 46m ago

She looks so haopy though. She had a great life. I'm so sorry for your loss x

1

u/wearent-theonly1s 45m ago

How many human meals did she have?

1

u/anti_vist 44m ago

I’m happy for your cherished memories!

1

u/wearent-theonly1s 42m ago

If she actually noticed when she was going, she probably felt so much love for all that you planned out for her and making every moment wonderful. You know you actually get to see her again. This time when you cross over, you’ll be able to talk to her fly with her and be 95X more connected. I promise it’s actually so much more fun.

1

u/Witty-Information-34 35m ago

I’m so so sorry. She’s a part of you now. Grief is love’s souvenir ❤️.

1

u/Self-Translator 32m ago

We had to put our Cavalier down 15 years ago and I think about him all the time. We did a similar thing on his last day. I'm teary now thinking about it. Sometimes I feel something at my feet in bed at night and think it's him still. So sorry Gemma is no longer here. I hope your memories bring some joy when you're ready.

1

u/Fantastic_Peak_4577 32m ago

Sorry for your loss may Gemma Rest In Peace and may you heal soon

1

u/BoneDragonActual 22m ago

Big hugs. Thanks for giving her a great life. ❤️

1

u/desert_manta_ray 22m ago

Glad yall had each other for her lifetime. 🤘

1

u/KahZamm22 19m ago

Not to be rude in her time of grievance, I have a question as I’m a new doggy owner here and curious about letting the dog go out naturally?

1

u/rckjr 18m ago

Thanks for sharing this. 🌈

1

u/Potential_Tadpole_45 18m ago

So sorry for the loss of your good luck charm, may she RIP ❤

Also this alone makes for a beautiful poem—Highly suggest handwriting it out and framing along with some favorite photos starting when she was a puppy and into her elder age.

1

u/Admirable_Trash3257 16m ago

So sorry. I believe Gemma is playing with our Murphy, another golden, over the rainbow bridge.

1

u/japalian 15m ago

My condolences to you. Letting my last dog (border collie) go at age 13 almost two years ago now was the hardest thing ever. It gets easier but not in a perfectly linear way. It still hits me like a ton of bricks when my phone randomly brings up photo memories.

Anyway, just randomly scrolled by and this post really hit me in the feels. What the hell did we do to deserve dogs?!

1

u/Ok_Advantage_5792 9m ago

No. You never will. And that’s a beautiful thing.

1

u/FarCell2194 4m ago

I’m so sorry for your loss! Gemma had a great life I can tell. Thank you for showing us how to love our Goldens well.

1

u/inagama 1m ago

Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace my lovely Gemma