To paraphrase a quote from Elizabeth Stone, “Having a child is like forever having your heart go walking outside of your body.” When that child grows up with a pet, that companion earns a pretty prominent place in your heart as well.
Our Golden Retriever “Spencer” filled that role in our family.
Spencer lived to the ripe old age of 15 years and he and my daughter Jessica grew up very much together. They were the best of buddies.
Jessica used to take Spencer on “Pet Parades” at our Ski Club “Craigleith” in Collingwood Ontario.
He was one of a kind, and was so extremely friendly and gentle that kids were always comfortable around him, even though like most Golden Retrievers he was often bigger than them.
Jessica continues to have a love for animals today and I’m confident much of that came from her attachment to Spencer in those formative years growing up.
With their love of water Golden Retrievers have a thick coat to help them handle cold temperatures. This is pretty helpful living in Canada.
Spencer loved taking walks in the snow.
In fact, Spencer was so gentle he enjoyed taking walks with me and our cat “Whiskey.”
https://www.johnwordsworth.ca/pets/whiskey/
Our neighbours got a real kick out of witnessing a 100-pound Golden Retriever walk with a cat in two feet of snow. I was there too of course herding the crew.
Spencer’s veterinarian, Dr. Warren, told us Spencer needed to lose weight. Spencer never did, regardless of how much we tried to talk him into it. He maintained that 100 pounds right up until the end.
My wife Janet and I had so many memorable times with Spencer. We know he was part of our family, since he’s in so many of our holiday celebration photos. He truly was one of a kind.
Anyone who has slept with a pet nearby knows the beautiful sound of their long ‘sigh’ as they settle down for the night. Even after having had a great day, and with the clean slate of another excellent day coming up tomorrow, dogs just like to sigh at night as they’re getting comfortable. It just becomes part of the routine.
Spencer was a great companion for Jess, great company for Janet, and the best buddy I could ask for… just a big loved part of our family.
Spencer passed away in my arms on January 4th 2005. He was a not a companion, not a dog, he was simply a great friend.
He was always with me through difficult times. I lost a great FRIEND. He was special. The 100 pound Giant!!! I miss him dearly.
Jess and Spencer loved playing in the snow together.
Here’s Spencer getting a belly rub from Janet, something he could never get enough of.
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