A Second Chance

In 2015, SEVA GRREAT established the Golden Oldies love Dog (GOlD) Fund, thanks to the generous bequest of Kathleen A. O’Donnell to promote the care and adoption of senior golden retrievers. The best way to do this is by sharing stories of the seniors adopted or in forever care through SEVA. I found my passion for this many years ago and would like to start by sharing the story of Tassie, my 14-year-old beauty. I have many other tales to tell, but I also would like to hear from others as well so we can edit and feature an article with each issue of GRREAT TIMES.

Dirty and scared was the first remembrance of Tassie when she was rescued by SEVA GRREAT. Transported to a wonderful foster home, this thin cream golden, age 7, seemed not to know much about house manners, human interaction, or timely meals. She was terrified hiding under furniture and running from the leash with her tail tucked tightly under her belly. Her foster wondered if she would ever act like a normal dog—wagging tail, eye contact, and an eagerness to be around her people.

Time passed, and Tassie’s personality began to emerge. She underwent the spay and soon was ready for adoption. Her bio was written, and the spirit of another one of my seniors who had just gained her wings guided me to the write- up. I knew it was meant to be.

Two other seniors were in my home then— Roxy and Max. They nodded their approval at the meet and greet, the foster approved, the paperwork was completed, and soon Tassie found herself in her forever home. This was her second chance.

Quickly becoming attached to me and loving her new home, Tassie wanted to be close and so began to wag her tail nonstop. Her gorgeous brown eyes would melt my heart when she gazed at me, and there was nothing that I would not do for her.

Although seven years of age, Tassie was extremely intelligent. In her sweet way, she also was very willful. My other two seniors were certified therapy dogs and had done a lot of training with me. I eagerly enrolled this gorgeous girl in a basic class only to have my confidence shattered. She wanted no parts of any of that. She saw no point in walking in circles or any other foolish commands unless treats were involved, and even then, she would not always cooperate. Finally, I had my husband and Max join the class; Tassie adored Max, so she was happy to follow him around the training room. Eventually she passed an intermediate class, earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate, decided she knew everything that she needed to know, and quit. There is no other way to word that. She quit, and I learned to respect her decision like it or not.

Over the next few years, many other seniors became part of our family, and Tassie was always there to pay it forward—to help them adjust as Roxy and Max had once done for her. All the other dogs seemed to gravitate towards her, and that is still true to this day.

On November 14, 2021, Tassie turned 14. She is as beautiful and as sweet as ever, and still is helping newbies into our family. Arthritis has slowed her down, but her eyes sparkle, she will engage in play, and she will take short walks to enjoy nature. Thankfully, she no longer presents me with dead squirrels as she once did!

There is no doubt that many would not have wanted to adopt Tassie because she was seven, but fast forward seven more years and she is still going strong. love gave her courage to give so much joy; to me she embodies the wonder of adopting or supporting a senior fur baby.

Please consider adopting a senior; the rewards will be worth it! Your financial contribution is also appreciated as often their medical needs are greater than the ones of the younger dogs, and some will remain as a forever foster home enjoying bliss in the last chapter of their lives. Please mark in your note to have the money designated to Golden Oldies love Dog (GOlD) Fund. Your donations will help other geriatric dogs in the care of SEVA GRREAT.