My Sally

Dear GRREAT,

Today I said goodbye to the GRREAT- dog, Sally.

Sally became a part of our life in May of 1997. After our son, Joe, adopted Sam, we agreed to become a foster home for rescued Goldens.

Sally was already nine years old when we took her in. She was put on medication for allergies, a thyroid condition, needed drops for her eyes and ears, and was susceptible to yeast infections which had already scarred the whole underside of her chin. Her hind legs didn't operate quite right and one paw turned under when she walked. Her head hung down always, as if she were embarrassed by her appearance. As instructed, we took her to the showings for several months in a row until it was obvious that no one would be willing to adopt this old girl.

Each morning after her breakfast- medicines and an outside break - we would enter our "clinic" where Sally would lay down while she patiently allowed me to examine her and treat those pesky "red spots" which were forever occurring on her skin, then the drops in her ears and her eyes.

Sally wasn't very much on exercise, but, now and then I could get her to actually "gallop" a little on the driveway (I guess because of her allergies, Sally preferred a hard surface- like concrete or macadam rather than grass to walk on.) She seemed to tire quickly.

She showed her affection by just lying nearby in whatever room I happened to be in and greeting me with a wagging tail when I came home. A few times, just a few, she gave me her paw for no apparent reason.

My Sally got ill and had to be put down.... I asked to be there when it was done. I held her and stroked under her chin which she liked so much, while the medication took affect and she peacefully went to rest.

My wife, Alma, and I want to thank the people of GRREAT who gave us the opportunity to get to know this great dog, Sally, and for the genuine affection and understanding care given to Sally by Dr. Weidinger, Dr. Cork, and the entire staff of the Denbigh Animal Hospital in the past and especially during the last few days.

Although she didn't belong to us... and most referred to her as "Poor Sally"... I will always remember her as, (and I know she felt like), "MY SALLY."

Sincerely, Tom S