Sunday, October 2, 2011

In Memory of Raider the RV Dog

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Yesterday during Raider's evening walk he passed away from a sudden heart attack or stroke.
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Yesterday Raider had come to me and put his chin on my the footrest of my recliner to let me know that it was time for his evening walk. He was his usual self with his big happy grin, schmoozing with anyone he saw to get extra love and sniffing everything in sight. The RV Park we are staying at has a nice thick lawn. Next to running on the beach, Raider’s favorite thing was to run on nice lawns. He started running even though he was still on leash. He and I jogged across the lawn. Then he sat town to catch his breath. He got up took step and fell over, his eyes blinked and he was gone. He never made a sound. Needless to say we are devastated!
Golden Retrievers are “people” dogs I have never met one that didn’t love people. Raider perhaps because he was a Rescue was the most affectionate dog I have ever met. When you petted him he would actually lean his cheek against you, his form of hug.
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Raider was always happiest running on the beach!


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57 comments:

  1. RemingtonOctober 2, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this....your family is in our thoughts and prayers....and Raider....'til we meet again....

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  2. Carole October 2, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Oh, that's so sad. Brought tears to my eyes. What a great smile he had. You were so lucky to have had him in your life. All the best to you.

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  3. GigaOctober 2, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Mam też kochanego psa i nie chce nawet myśleć o tym, że może go kiedyś braknąć . Jest mi bardzo, bardzo smutno, że straciliście członka rodziny i przyjaciela. Pozdrawiam

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  4. Grant and Kathy WebbOctober 2, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Translated Giga wrote:

    I also loved the dog and do not want to even think about it, that it can ever be lacking. I am very, very sad that you lost a family member and friend. Yours

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  5. DianeOctober 2, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Kathy and Grant,
    I am so so sorry to hear about Raider. Keep those great memories of him close to your heart. Sending you lots of hugs.

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  6. FinnOctober 2, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    I am so sorry for your sudden loss. I hope it is healing to know tht he passed while doing something he loved. We will be thinking of you here...

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  7. My Mind's EyeOctober 2, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Dear Kathy and Grant...
    Bryan, Madi and I are so very sad....we don't have a word strong enough to express our sorry.

    It was our honor and pleasure to meet you two and your Golden boy last May 2010 and to experience his Golden love in person. He treated us like he had know us forever.

    The last picture of the footprints in the sand is perfect for the Golden California boy he was at home on the sand. He was loved and gave love you endless love for rescuing him.
    Hugs and purrs,
    Bryan, Cecilia and Madi

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  8. My Mind's EyeOctober 2, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    please excuse my typos I'm still in a state of shock...I could delete and do it again but I don't want to do that.
    C

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  9. AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Footprints in the sand along Raider is the perfect picture :)
    (((HUGS)))
    Liz

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  10. DianeTaylorOctober 2, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Hi there omg i found your blog thru a link and cannot imagine what you must be going thru. Raider sounded like the sweetest golden. Rip sweet raider, i hope you just ran your way into heaven!

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  11. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥October 2, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    So very sorry for your loss. So sudden, so sad. Raider was such a handsome boy.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  12. STELLA and RORY from Down UnderOctober 2, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    We send our sympathies to you both on the loss of your beautiful dog. Raider was gorgeous. Wishing you beautiful memories of your golden boy. Love Stella and Rory

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  13. HappytrailsOctober 2, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Grant and Kathy,
    Mike and I are so sorry to hear about Raider! I can only imagine the sadness you all are feeling today. As you might know, we have our Cody (12 years old) and he sounds so much like Raider. They are indeed people dogs.
    Raider was lucky to have such a fine family take him and love him unconditionally. I know your lives are richer for having had such wonderful love returned to you.
    Sending you guys hugs!!

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  14. DexterOctober 2, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Sassy, Buddy, and Zack told me about Raider. What a wonderful guy. I know how heartbroken you must be to lose him so suddenly.

    Mango Momma

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  15. Bill and GailOctober 2, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Oh, I'm so sad for you guys. Raider was a really nice dog.

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  16. UnknownOctober 2, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Dear Grant and Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Raider. I always loved seeing your pics of him and hearing about what he was doing. Miss Mindy, especially enjoyed his comments on the blog. I know how much you will miss him, but hope it won't be to hard on you both. Maybe, just maybe, he has found our little Billy up in doggie heaven. Many hugs and much love to you both!

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  17. JeffOctober 2, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    How devastating for you!! At least it was quick and easy for Raider, but I just can't imagine how shocked you were. I know how a pet can be as much family as your own children; my Sammy is like a son to me. I'll be praying for you as you deal with this painful loss. Beautiful pictures and tribute to Raider in this post. ~Jeff

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  18. Travels with EmmaOctober 2, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. That last picture will live in your hearts forever I am sure. :_(

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  19. kksOctober 2, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Raider....
    such a shock when they go so quickly, without even time to say goodbye...comforting to know that he went so quickly and did not suffer...
    such a beautiful dog...and a lovely tribute to a beautiful soul....
    godspeed Raider....
    xoxo

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  20. chelleOctober 2, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Still in shock.....and still sending you and Grant lots of love and hugs...

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  21. Country Gal October 2, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    We are soo sorry for your loss of Raider . Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  22. Susan StevensonOctober 2, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. How sad for us that our furkids don't stay with us forever, and yet how blessed we are to walk through life with them for a short time. My thoughts are with you at this sad, sad, time.

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  23. SherryOctober 2, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Being a dyed in the wool dog lover and one who has put down two Labrador Retrievers over the years, I feel your pain. Please take comfort in the fact that you gave Raider a loving home. I feel sorry for people who don't love and appreciate dogs. There is something about the relationship between a dog and their human that words cannot explain. May God bless you.

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  24. Doug & JoAnnOctober 2, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    My heart is so sad for you. Sending you love and prayers. JoAnn

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  25. Bill and CathyOctober 2, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I am so sorry. Raider looks a lot like the love of our life, Max, whom we lost 5 years ago. I know Raider and Max are running and playing right now.

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  26. Sue MaloneOctober 2, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    So so sorry for you loss of Raider. He was such a beautiful dog and the shock of losing him so suddenly must be awful. Losing our pets is awful no matter how it happens, and there is no way to be prepared I guess. My heart goes out to you. May you find comfort in the memories of your time together and that beautiful Raider smile.

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  27. Angel Prancer PieOctober 2, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    We hopped ofur from Madi's blog. We are so sorry to hear about Raider. He was a beautiful woofie with a beautiful spirit. Our deepest purrs go out to you.

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  28. Princess JasmineOctober 2, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    So sorry to hear your sad news. We hope Raider is running on the big beaches and lawns across the bridge. Our thoughts are with you xx

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  29. AnitaOctober 3, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    Sending out our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this heartbreaking happening.
    Bronson,Pepper, and Mum

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  30. JillOctober 3, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  31. JillOctober 3, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend, Raider. My thoughts are with you.

    I'm here from Madi and Mom.

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  32. SusanOctober 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I read about your loss on DogDaze. Raider was a beautiful boy! The life is so apparent in his pictures. I can only imagine your shock at losing him so unexpectedly. May God bless you with memories of the joy you shared. I know he is running free!

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  33. SusanOctober 3, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  34. Golden Woofs! SUGAROctober 3, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    Woof! Woof! Golden SAD to hear this. Sending you Lots of Golden Thoughts. Lots of Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar

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  35. Karen and AlOctober 3, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    I am so very sorry to hear about Raider. It was so sudden and I'm sure that was very, very difficult for you, but at least he didn't appear to suffer. I hope that is of some comfort.

    We recently learned what wonderful dogs were. We rescued a beautiful Golden we named Sweet Pea. She was the best dog ever and we loved her. We found her a great home, but I still miss her. They are great dogs.

    Your Raider was a beauty.

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  36. CatOctober 3, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    Hello, we came over from Madi and Mom's blog. We were so very sorry to read about your beautiful boy Raider, we know you must be heartbroken! Please accept our sincere condolences.

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  37. UnknownOctober 3, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    I am so, so sorry to hear of Raider's passing. My most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to you both. There are so few words that one can say, that even come close to helping at a time like this. You'll be in our thoughts!

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  38. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and MomOctober 3, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Madi sent us. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet and member of the family when it's expected, but a sudden loss is too much to bear. Raider will always be safe in your hearts and in the hearts of all who loved him.

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  39. rottroverOctober 3, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    We are so lorry to learn of your sudden loss. Raider was a beautiful boy and what better way to go than doing something you love.

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  40. AnyaOctober 3, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Hi hi....
    We are coming from Madi & Mom
    and we liked the smell post very much !!

    And now we are reading that Raider is passing away
    :(
    So so sorry
    We don't know what say :(

    We are sending you HUGS for all
    and positive power to go on !!!!

    Hugs from Kareltje =^.^= Betsie >^.^<
    Anja

    from The Netherlands

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  41. Tim WebbOctober 3, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    He was such a great puppy! Always so full of silly and looking for petting! I'm going to miss him.

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  42. My Mind's EyeOctober 3, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Kathy and Grant...below I pasted a comment from a Ann in New Zeland who lost her son at a very young age....I thought this was a sweet comment. She often participates in Thurs.
    Theme Song. Cecilia

    "Good bye Raider, 1st Oct, 11. A very special number. May I dare to say, Raider became a pet for my late son. His birthday was 9-29. "

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  43. ANGEL ABBYGRACEOctober 3, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    We came from Madi's to just send you some sweet purrs on the loss of your beautiful Golden. We were so sorry to hear of his sudden trip to the Rainbow Bridge.
    purrs
    >^,,^<
    ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

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  44. HokeOctober 3, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I'm so sorry!!! You will love him always and he will always love you!

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  45. AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Oh my goodness! I am so sorry to hear about Raider!!! Please know that my heart goes out to you and I am sending cyber hugs to you from me!

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  46. The Island CatsOctober 3, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    We were visiting Madi and her mom and she told us about Raider. We are so very sorry!! We send you comforting purrs and headbutts to help ease the sadness you are feeling.

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  47. The Daily Pip October 3, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My friend Madi told me all about Raider ... what a wonderful and beautiful dog. Run free, dear Raider ...

    Your pal, Pip

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  48. Sue and DougOctober 3, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Grant and Kathy..we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved golden, Raider..there are no words to take the pain away just sadness for the two of you...Raider was one lucky dog to have you as his family as you were to have him as your 'golden boy'..
    hugs to you both..even though we have never met...you are in our thoughts..the love of a golden is so special..
    :*(

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  49. Gordon PierceOctober 4, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    We are so sorry to read about the loss of Raider. He was a sweet dog and a good companion. Juanita and I know full well the impact of his departure from your lives and know that he will be in your memory forever.

    You are in our thoughts...

    Hugs,
    Gordon and Juanita

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  50. Ms. ~KOctober 5, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
    Eskimo Proverb

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  51. Al BossenceOctober 8, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    Having recently lost our beloved Max and Checkers I know there are no words to describe the grief you are feeling at the moment. The only encouragment I can offer you is the healing of time. How fortunate some of us are to have felt the love and trust of our treasured Pals.

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  52. Trent and TeresaOctober 8, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    We are so very very sorry for your loss...

    Raider was so affectionate...

    Our thoughts are with you

    Take care...TnT

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  53. RuthOctober 8, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    We recently lost our beautiful yellow Lab, Maggie, just a short 3 months ago. I know the grief you are feeling. I have tears in my eyes just typing this. Time will heal the tears and pain but you will have him in your heart forever. We have our Jackson, our Golden, and he is just that..Golden.

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  54. JOOctober 9, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    Just found your post from T & T and then to find this sad news. My deepest thoughts are with you.

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  55. Laurie and OdelOctober 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Oh, so sorry to read this news about Raider. What a loss, and such a shock. I know you have a big, big hole in your hearts right now; I hope healing will begin soon and you'll be able to smile at the memories of his sweet, fun-loving self. So sorry.

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  56. K and D in the RVOctober 17, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Just read your post - so very sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our beloved Ally near Yuma last spring, and we suspected the same kind of thing, happy one minute, then a quiet close of the eyes and that was it. Raider will be in your thoughts daily for some time, enjoy remembering the fun times you had with him.

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  57. On Da RoadNovember 9, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    So sorry to hear about Raider ... they are indeed like family! Sorry for your loss. :-(

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