In loving memory of Spencer.
March 1, 1998 – February 17, 2009
This is what love looks like, big, true, pure and unconditional. Spencer.
Spencer entered our lives as a foster dog. We had lost our last Golden angel, Raja, seven months earlier to bone cancer. After some time to heal, we decided to foster Goldens for rescue. We got a call late one Thursday in September 2006 that rescue had a senior golden boy but no where for him to go. He arrived at our studio, a large (he was very overweight) beautiful and anxious boy. We were told he was an owner turn in, that he had been trained to be in movies and could apparently hold 3 tennis balls in his mouth at the same time. That turned out to be true.
We instantly fell in love with Spencer and adopted him into our family. He adapted quickly to life with us. He was the gentlest boy with big brown old soul eyes. He loved to greet everyone who came to our recording studio and got cookies from the post lady and the business neighbors in the warehouse next door. He enjoyed many walks daily to local parks and the adoration of neighborhood children.
He was with us on a walk the day we found our dream home and came to all the inspections to make sure it was perfect before we made it our own. He was the fore-dog on our renovations and approved all our landscaping. He became the official yard inspector, making his rounds every morning to see what wildlife had come and gone during the night.
With his gentle giant nature, Spencer was a perfect candidate to become a pet therapy dog. He passed his test with flying colors. Big laughs were had when in the wheelchair test, the gentleman whizzed up to Spencer who didn’t flinch and proceeded to put his big head on the man’s lap once he stopped in front of Spencer. He sat with patients during chemotherapy, he got hugs from doctors and nurses dealing with the stress of the job, he knew exactly how to maneuver his nose close to a hand hidden amongst a jungle of IV’s and tubes for patients in pediatric intensive care. Children with IVs would pretend they had a leash like Spencer and ask if he could stay all day to visit while hugging him so tightly. He willingly endured tiny baby feet kicking his nose to make them smile. He had an uncanny knack of knowing just exactly where to go and who needed him most. As we walked down the hallway he would go to those he knew really needed a hug. I just followed his lead. Often time no words were spoken and he just accepted tears falling on his fur while being hugged. When it was too much for Spencer to walk the many halls of the hospital, he became part of a special pet therapy team that specialized in working with stroke and brain trauma patients. These were people who had undergone a massive life change and were often in the hospital for months. Many of these patients would come to adore Spencer and give him their first smile or word in their long road to recovery. He made them laugh when laughter did not seem possible.
One time he went to visit a hospice and while wandering the halls, Spencer came upon a senior lady sitting sullenly in a wheelchair. He parked himself beside her and maneuvered his head strategically under her hand as he was so expert at doing to get pets. She began to stroke his soft fur and smiled. On of the attendants ran over to us and began crying. He told me that she hadn’t smiled in the year since she had been in the hospice. He was so overjoyed to see her smile.
Spencer could stop traffic. On more than one occasion, someone would pull over and get out of their car to hug him. Complete strangers never thought twice about hugging Spencer and while hiking or on walks many would approach and do just that. He was happy to let the neighborhood kids take turns holding his leash and walking with them. You could often hear the kids yelling “Spencer!” ad soon as they spotted him on a walk. He even went to school to help teach kids about the hospital and pet therapy.
He welcomed foster pups into his home. And though he was a senior and not too happy about dealing with young pups jumping on him and always wanting him to play, he let them. When we fostered the tiny 4 week old abandoned Ben & Jerry, they followed him around like he was their mother. They adored him and would snuggle up into his massive body, all but disappearing in Spencer’s fur. When they were gone he looked for them for days.
Spencer loved to be with us and we took him everywhere with us we could. In his time with us he was rarely separated from us. He loved to hang out in the studio and would make every work day a lot of fun.
Spencer loved to explore new places and we enjoyed his company. He was the perfect beach companion and loved to have lazy days hanging out on the beach. I think he really liked the picnic part the most.
We loved Spencer more then anything. He was one of those once in a lifetime dogs.
We had the best times with Spencer and though we are broken hearted, we can remember so many wonderful times with him. Many people all over the world smiled with Spencer and we are grateful that he has touched the lives of so many.
Although we were only privileged to know Spencer for an all too brief 2 years and 5 months, he will forever remain in our hearts. We will recall the many silly moments, paw pokes, tennis balls and hugs to help heal our aching hearts. Spencer passed away in his own home in the arms of the two people who loved him the most. We would like to thank all of our friends for all the love and support you have sent our way during the time we have had. We will be leaving Spencer’s blog up as a tribute to his life so that maybe even more can smile because of our Golden boy. Please remember one thing about Spencer that made you smile.
Spencer we miss and love you .
PS: If you like this song, it’s “elevation” by U2… go buy it and support the arts!
Spencer, I barely knew you, just from your blog, I will miss you dearly and think about you often. I know you brought so much joy to our world may you be blessed as well in heaven. Run free my friend Love and Hugs Valerie Joey and Kealani
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Spencer’s life with all of us. We know he will be deeply missed. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Luv & Wirey Hugs,
Butchy, Snickers, Ruby, Sylvester & Scuby
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Spencer, it seems you gave him the best last two years of his life. I love the picture with the three balls. I hope that one day once my golden calms down she can walk in Spencers foot steps of helping others and caring for others as much as he has. Take care and always remembered.
I clicked a link on Thoughts Fur Paws and found your beautiful tribute to Spencer. What a wonderful dog! I am so sorry for your loss!
We just read about Spencer. We’re so sorry for your loss. Although this is the first time we’ve been on your blog, his loving gentle nature comes through in his photos. Such a beautiful spirit. You were blessed as was he to share the last few years of his life with you.
Take care.
My heart aches for you, as I know this pain all too well…
May your happy memories of Spencer help ease your loss.
He was a beautiful boy!
They never last long enough,
Kit
A doggy friend of ours named Simba told us of your loss. We are so truly sorry!
love,
shotzi, nicole and joe
I’m holding back the tears as I type this. Spencer’s blog was one of the first I discovered when I entered the blogging world for Simba. His photos, stories, always brought a smile to my face. The tennis ball photos are the best!!
I am truly sorry for your loss – as 2 years is too short – but yes – we all know how loved Spencer was and what a bright light he was in your lives. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Thank you for sharing the joy of Spencer’s life. So sorry for your loss.
Tail wags, the OP Pack
What a beautiful tribute to Spencer! We are so glad you are leaving the blog up so we can learn more about Spencer, as we read through the post. We are so sorry that his time with you was so brief. ~Socks, Scylla, Charybdis & Fenris
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your entry was a touching tribute to a truly one of a kind dog. Spencer lived a remarkable life and touched so many people in the process. He was blessed to have found a loving home with you and the world was blessed for having an amazing dog like Spencer in it. My heart hurts for your loss and my prayers go out to your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post to honor the memory of a family member and best friend. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes to the family.
Love,
Tobi, Blue & Clemmie
To Spencer’s Amazing Parents-
I have been sitting here for about a half hour or so, trying to write something to you, and I just can’t seem to be able to put my feelings and emotions into words! I am truly devastated by this news of Spencer’s passing!!! I KNOW, that his spirit lives on and he’s fine, but I’m still so very very sad! You gave us a chance to personally know and love Spencer through his adventures and I thank you so much for that. His loving eyes and his big heart will never be forgotten, but we will miss him terribly! When I think of Spencer, I picture him with those 3 balls in his mouth and I can’t help but smile. I hope you will keep us posted once in a while and let us know how you are doing. Spencer was so very blessed to have you, but I know how very blessed you were to have him too! It’s amazing how much you can love a dog you have never met, and I will never forget him! God Speed To Our Very Loved Spencer!
Kim, Nicholas, and Holly
Spencie’s Mom and dad…
we have prepared a tribute for your sweet Spencer…
if you want see it…Please…come to visit our blog…
Hope Spencie will see it…it’s all for him and you!!!!!!!!!
lots of love
Today is an extremely sad day. We just lost two kitty friends & bow Spencer too. Spencer was a very sweet natured dog with a gentle heart. A true GR temperament that is! He was a wonderful therapy dog too no wonder so many people just adore him the moment they see his sweet face. We will miss him very much…
Love & Hugs,
Amber & Family
Michelle and Sangtar,
I sit here in my office and the tears will not stop. I was so happy to see Spencer enjoying his turkey burgers and garden last weekend. He looked so happy and content in his final days and for that you should be very proud. He was one very loved dog, worldwide. Even though I never met Spencer, I feel as if he is one of my own and that was because of your wonderful blog of all of his adventures. Not one day went by that Spencer didn’t make me smile! He is now my screen saver!
I hope he is over the Bridge now and seeing many of his friends (especially Ben & Jerry) and all the great dogs that have gone before him. My heart aches for you both. You gave him a world filled with love and he in turn gave that back to everyone he met and touched. He will be missed dearly.
My love to you all,
Stephanie, Gracie & Madison
I am heartbroken for you.
Take care of each other and watch for the sign from your sweet boy… letting you know that he is ok now.
Thank you for loving Spencer.
So very sad – leaky tears – on hearing about the loss of Spencer in your lives. The stories in your posts tell about an incredible spirit who, as you wrote, seemed to uncannily understand how to relate to people (and other doggies too) in pain and what a tribute to any animal that assists others. But Spencer seems to have been a different soul, able to project all his senses into one giant ball and hone in the ones who needed him most. Not only that, he was able to find the place that would warm them the most. Cheers to an amazing, amazing dog. His tricks, his endurance for puppies (!) , his 6th sense for detecting pain in humans – and – his good fortune to have had you to be home with is an amazing story. It’s just so hard to be left behind (as I, too, sniff.). You worte a beautiful memorial. I send you huge hugs and with apologies for going on for so long. We came to love Spencer too.
Peace to you xo
Love,
Sammie and Miche and Bill
A wonderful tribute to a beautiful boy.
We are so sorry to hear about Spencer. We’ll light a candle in his honor tonight.
Princess Eva & Brice
This is a beautiful tribute to an equally beautiful soul. One of god’s best creatures yet, Spencer touched me in so many ways although i never got to meet him personally. I would say my favorite thing about him has to be the three tennis balls in his mouth at one time thing, what a feat!
We are truly sorry that Spencer lost his battle and will be praying for your family every night. Its good that Spencer passed whuile in the arms of the two pepole who loved him the most. He is over the Bridge now, happy, joyous and free, not sick and loving life. Once day you will be reunited with him there.
Jaime, Benson and Gibson
Run free Spencer, enjoy those tennis balls.
{{hugs}} to the wonderful people who gave you those very special two years.
nancy
Dear Spencie…..
you will be forever in our hearts…thoughts…souls…days….
you’re been a special part in our life…you made us happy…we feeling better when read your blog…
we miss you a lot….
mom are crying a lot and we too….
but we’re sure that Spencie is been a very very lucky dog…he met 2 wonderful humans that loved him a lot….giving him the best life we can imagine….full of love…smile…cuddles…happiness….and all the best things in the world!!!!!
this tribute to Spencie’s life is great….because he’s been a special dog for all of us!!!!!
in this sadness day…we’re nearly to your mom and dad dear friends….
if they need us, we’ll be here for them everyday….for all our life!!!!!
If you want….come to visit our blog sometimes…and leave a comment for us…it will be like to have Spencie near us forever!!!!!!!!!!
we’re sure that Spencie is a beautiful angel now…and he’ll be running free in the wind with other dogs angel playing with his favourite three tennis ball and teaching to everybody to catch them in mouth!!!!!!
never forget you dear friends……
Thank your HD and HM for the strength and generosity they showed by
sharing your life with us…even to the end………
Thank you for leaving up Spencer’s page!!!!!we know we will come back often!!!!!!!!
Please let all of us know how both of you are doing…..for us it will be very important and will mke us happy….Thank you for all of the love and care you have given your Spencie!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH…….
RUN FREE SPENCIE………
kisses and licks…….endless………
Paco….Milo….and our mom and dad!!!!
We didn’t know Spencer for very long, just a week or so, but the strength and courage and love the three of you showed is an inspiration. Our thoughts are with you. Run Free Spencer.
just the sweetest dog– thank you for sharing his life with us.
kisses,
tula
…tears…
We are so sorry to hear that Spencer as moved on. He was truly a special dog that will live on in everyone’s hearts forever.
What a brave boy he was to hang on as long as he did. Rest now sweet boy and enjoy all of the pups at the bridge.
Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie and Lucie
Dear Spencer,
My mommy couldn’t stop crying, and I miss you, my friend. You are a very special one, and your life is one of constant inspiration for me and many other doggies too, I’m sure. We know you’ll be well taken care of over at the rainbow bridge. Play some balls, spread more love. You are loved, Spencer.
love,
Latte and family
So very very sorry for your loss! I wrote a comment on the red dog page, but I don’t think it got through. I just came in and saw two posts of Spencer, and was moved to tears. What a character! Although it hurts so much right now, you did such a wonderful thing, and Spencer loved you just as you loved him.
Warm, warm greetings from West Africa,
Esther
Suzuki let me know the time had khome…
Mom is sitting here all leaky eyed fur your tribute to Spencer is furry furry beaWOOtiful!
As Karen Ramstead the musher always says “we spend our whole lives telling our dogs we love them…now we get to prove it to him’
Run free and be healthy khross The Bridge! I’ve got two Golden Khousins there. I never got to meet Sierra or Lexie but I hear they are special….just like Spencer is and will always be!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom Phyll
Spencie:
Our heart is broken.
You had such a great life with your humans, full of joy, love and true hapiness. We are so sorry for your loss… I believe that words will not be able to express how sorry we are.
We knew Spencer through his blog and he always made us smile so much…! He had such a big and boootiful soul!
And that sweet love, tender and care that your humans felt for you…! What a bless. You were a bless, Spencie, and that bond between you and your family too.
You touched so many people with that huge heart of yours!
The link to this blog will remain in ours for as long as we have it.
Thank you, Spencer-Angel.
You are in our hearts, forever!
Pipa, Carla and John
Oh…so much sadness today….we came here from Suzuki’s blog….after just visiting someone else with sad news :o(
Just read your post from beginning to end and cried all the way through, wha a beautiful tribute to your boy, he really was a once in a lifetime dog. Sounds like you and Spencer were lucky to have found each other, my heart is breaking for you.
Love your funny and touching photos, esp. the tennis ball mouth!
Hugs and slobbers xx
Oh, I can barely type through my tears as I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Spencer. We had to help our beautiful Tucker (9-year-old golden who looked so much like Spencer) cross the Bridge two days before Christmas (same awful hemangiosarcoma as Spencer), and our hearts are still shattered. Your blog is one of the most beautiful, tender, heartfelt that I have ever seen. You have such a way with words, and all of the beautiful pictures speak without words. As much as I looked forward to your new posts, I dreaded the day when I would click on your site and see that Spencer was gone. What a beautiful, special, once-in-a-lifetime dog Spencer was. He made people smile and brought people joy … what more can anyone ask for? I am so, so sorry for your loss. I would like to believe that my Tucker boy was waiting at the Bridge for Spencer, and that they are running free and playing together right now. Sending you hugs and golden thoughts …
sad woof’s, sooo very sorry that Spencer lost his battle…u gave him love…That a lovely tribute to a bute ti ful boy…u are in our thoughts and prayers…RIP Spencer, run with the wind..
a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama..
I am furry sorry to hear about Spencer going to the bridge :( It looks like he had an amazing last 2 years of life with you.
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx
He was truly and angel on earth. My heart goes out to both of you and to everyone whose life was touched by Spencer. Rest in peace, old boy.
I am so very sorry to hear about Spencer. I was the rescue volunteer who called you that night…over two years ago and asked you to foster. We had this big boy and no place for him to go. I’ll never forget how wonderful you were….you didn’t even hesitate for a minute.
You are in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
Love,
Linda
HD and HM,
I am truly sorry for your loss of your boy Spencer. I can’t imagine your pain. No words can comfort, but be sure to know that you have shared your love to the world that Spencer brought you and you of him.
RIP Spencer.
Leah
Oh Spencer-
We woke each morning with our 16 golden paws crossed, in hopes that your blog would show your happy tennis ball grin full of life. Today we read that you have traveled over the Rainbow Bridge – where tennis balls are endless, and the bbq never stops. Your 3 ball grin will forever be in our hearts and minds.
Thank your HD and HM for the strength and generosity they showed by
sharing your life with us…even to the end.
Love and Tennis Balls.
4 Golden Boys
Thanks for sharing Spencer’s life with us.
Your tribute is beautiful.
He will be always in me heart.
You are in our thougths and prayers.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
I can not imagine the loss you are feeling and although I am only a recent visitor to his blog I can tell he was an incredible dog. It takes a really special family to foster rescues, even more special is opening your hearts to a senior. I have always loved senior dogs, something about their faces and temperaments which is probably why I adored visiting Spencer’s blog. I volunteer for the rescue where I adopted my moose and know that seniors are often overlooked and I hope others who read this will appreciate the joy a senior dog still has to share (even if it is not for long enough) and give them a chance! He was lucky to find you but I can tell you feel lucky to have found him too! What a good boy,
Dana + Moose
The Bumpass Hounds let us know…we just wanted to say how sorry we are. You were all so lucky to have one another.
Maryann & The Brats
Dear Spencer,
As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said to the Scarecrow….”I think I will miss you most of all”
Deborah Nicolle
SCGRRescue
I was so scared that Spencer didn’t have long, when he had such a wond
erful weekend eating turkey burgers and watching the people he loved the most garden. I am so sorry for your loss. . Words can just not express the pain you are feeling. I think losing such a wonderful boy is one of the very heart wrenching things you can endure. You can take heart knowing that you both gave him the very best life any Golden could ever want. Spencer will always live on in many hearts. A truly beautiful love, with wisdom and kindness coming out of those liquid chocolate eyes. My heart is with you. Thank you for leaving up Spencer’s page. I know I will come back often. Please let all of us know how both of you are doing. Thank you for all of the love and care you have given your babies. They certainly knew they were loved.
Love to you both,
Sophie and Diane
We will miss you Spencer, as will very many more, especially MIchelle & Sangtar. The time we spent with you was the greatest, full of laughs, pets and lots of fun.
You were the best the thing that could happen.
Love,
Gramma and Grampa & Jake
What a beautiful tribute to Spencer! He must have been a very special boy. We’re sorry we didn’t have more time to get to know him better, but we enjoyed reading his posts.
We are glad you have so many happy memories and so much love to remember during his short time with you.
To Spencer’s parents:
What a beautiful and loving tribute to a truly beautiful dog. His soul shone through your wonderful pictures and words, and we came to love him, too. We’re so sorry for your loss. In time, if another dog finds his or her way into your hearts – and happens to have a blog – please let us know. Just leave us a comment at Joey’s blog – where you’re welcome anytime. Thank you for these last beautiful pictures of Joey’s great pal Spencer. We’ll treasure his memory.
In sadness and love,
Joey and family
Mommee’s eyes are leaking. We will miss the stories of Spencer–it is obvious that he was a super-special family member. He touched so many people’s lives and hearts, and his legacy will live on for a long time.
We’ll think of you as you go through this time of grief for your sweet boy.
Wuv,
Gus, Waldo, and Dog Mom
My heartfelt condolences to you both. What a loving and caring home you gave Spencer….and I know he gave you so much more in return. I only stumbled across Spencer’s blog right after my own dog/friend passed over to spirit world. I have so enjoyed the beautiful cuddly pictures of Spencer. He was/is quite a special being. Spencer is in a beautiful place now….I know it. I am sure he is running along, barking happily with my Stetson and other pooches!
Michelle and Sangtar,
We know what what you are feeling. We thank GOD and DOG that Spencer had you and that you had Spencer. We received your package just yesterday. Our dad had told us that Spencer would be leaving very soon for The Rainbow Bridge to be with Chance and Gordon. We didn’t want to believe that he would go. Dad is tough old Navy carrier pilot and he can’t even talk now. There are no words to comfort you or Spencers many friends. We will remember Spencer with a smile but we too will have to grieve for at least a short period of time. We love you both and we love both Michelle and Sangtar and we love Spencer.
– Homer J., Jubal, J.E.B.. Sophie, Shelby Belle, Jack, Abby, Max, Shiloh, Alex, Boru, Jenny, Bill and Ann Marie
oh i am so sorry but also happy that spencer had you two to look after him. we recently lost our black lab that was so so special and your spencer blog was sort of cathargic for me. my hubby couldnt read it as it made him so sad to see spencer and know he had cancer. just remember spencer is up there romping with all the other doggies, just having a ball. probably three lol. he was a handsome boy and something special
my heart is broken , so I can’t imagine what your’s is feeling. Spencer was/is so special. Will always be in our hearts. My hm is crying so I better go see to her, but God bless you and Spencer. God Speed Spencer, my candle is lit for you tonight
Trinity