You were only 8 weeks old and we and Aunt Stacy brought you home on 9/17/2009. We stopped on the way home and had to pick up your very first toy. Pink Puppy. You had to leave us on 9/21/2020. As with everything, life catches up.

From the day we brought you home there was no question you were one of the most Golden Retrievers of all time. The first time I rolled the tennis ball for you, you chased and brought it right back to me. Right then we knew we were all in love. It was the beginning of many walks and travels together for the three of us. We were officially retired so we were together 24/7. We traveled all over the West in our RV. We hiked together, mountain biked together and even swam.

When we moved from Seattle to Phoenix we had your very own cement pond installed. It was always exciting to see you take your big belly flop leaps off the granite water feature into the pool to get the ball. You were so courageous. You were highly competitive at racing us in the pool for the tennis ball. As great a swimmer as you were we never had a chance at winning.

A little over a year ago you developed kidney disease and were told you only had a very short time. But you made it another year until you just couldn't go any further. During that time frame I developed my own battle to deal with and you became Mom's Girl. I just didn't have the energy to help as much.

When the time came to let you go, we found a vet who would come to the house so you would be most comfortable as possible. You left us while your Mom held you in her arms and comforted you to the last.

We can only hope we'll all meet at the Rainbow Bridge and cross together. I'm sure Abby, Little Abbey and Ginger will be there to gather you in when you arrive. Be patient and we'll all be back together soon.

We love and miss you more than you'll ever know.

Ron Rathnow and Chandy Karlen.