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!
Dogs are angels that walk this earth. Spencer was a very sweet guy. I cried when I first saw that he has passed. He was very lucky to have found you in his last years.
I am so sorry for your loss. Spencer was such a special being who touched so many. He is loved and will be missed. Thank you for sharing him with us. My heart goes out to both of you.
Love,
Eva
What a supremely grand dog who went out with the grandest style possible.
My owner hasn’t cried this much since her beloved Logo died. I know Logo helped greet Spencer as he passed over The Rainbow Bridge and then showed him the best spots in Doggie Heaven.
You two sound like the most marvelous people who lovingly eased Spencer’s departure. He died with such grace. Pictures don’t lie.
Oh my god, it´s a bad new… Spencer will be always in ours hearts!!!
Love,Chloe
I can’t belive it! I feel so pain…I can’t imagine whow you must be. My heart is broken but i never forget him. Me and my family prayed for you and him. A lot of hugs and regards!! Ines
I’ve never seen a dog with such a beautiful, innocent and happy smile before. Looking at his expression, my heart gets warm immediately. You and Spencer are so blessed to have found each other. I’m sure he is happy at the last minute. And we, the readers, are also blessed that you decided at the beginning to share your cherished moments with us. Thank you!
Love
Jin
So sad to see you are gone Spencer. Our love goes to you and Michelle and Sangtar .We will always remember.
Love
Deke, Chase and MindyDarren, Kelly and Travis
Out heart goes out to you and your family. I can’t imagine how you feel, but knowing that Spencer had a great life and made so many people happy, me included, is a bit of relief. He can now continue his journey and will live in our hearts forever. I am sure he and Raja will be the best of buddies!!
Take care and talk to you soon!
Spencer is a very special boy. He is a very lucky boy to have found such a nice home with you. You are also a very special hooman who agree to take in a dog knowing that he is already in his senior years. You make Spencer’s life more special and let him touch more people’s life by spending time to understand Spencer and know his assets and make sure that he can make full use of it to touch more people’s life and to bring smiles to more faces.
Spencer will always be remembered. RIP, Spencer.
Luv
Snowball
that was a beautiful tribute to Spencer and now we feel like we knew him well. we are so sorry for your loss. he sounds like a wonderful dog and it’s obvious how much you loved him. we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and know that you will find much comfort in your beautiful memories.
sad woofs.
from Bailey, Baxter, Brody & Benson
(ok, our mom too)
aw… although we do not have the fortune of having met such a GREAT AND SUPERBLY WONDERFUL dog, reading your post has brought tears to my eyes. He truly sounds like an absolutely wonderful and amazing dog and your love for him has simply shone through your post. Deepest condolences to you and your family and dear spencer will indeed be missed even though we’ve never met him.
We’re sorry about your loss and send our condolences. Thank you for sharing him with us. He truly was a once in a lifetime companion.
Jason and the Fleas (Shelly & Tommy)
I stopped by after seeing the tribute to Spencer on Joey’s blog. Our hearts are with you as you grieve the loss of such a big-hearted, truly Golden boy. The world has lost a true friend and whatever lies beyond the Rainbow Bridge has definitely gained an angel. Sad that his time with you was so short but I’m sure he knew he was loved. Time heals but he will always be remembered.
Big hugs,
Chester’s Mom
Dearest Spencer’s owners,
I read with a heavy heart about your loss, please take comfort that you all gave Spencer a very special and worthwhile life bringing so much joy to the people around you. Spencer will continue to inspire me in my therapy work and I know he will live forever in the hearts of all the people he had touched.
Bravo to you! Spencer can never ask for better owners. Take some time to mourn for Spencer, but not for too long because he wouldn’t want you to be sad for so long.
Take good care, we will be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Love, Dino & Family
My deepest sympathies. Spencer obviously was a tremendous family member. I love the photos and the one of him with 3 balls in his mouth. Our thoughts are with you.
Norwood and Debi
Run free sweet Spencer. You’ve earned your rest. Godspeed.
Love Ruby & Penny
So very very sorry to hear about the loss of Spencer. How our lives are enriched by knowing such wonderful dogs. Losing a dog is unbearably painful and my thoughts are with you.
Martha & Bailey’s mum xxx
We are so very sorry and sad. We’re thankful that Spencer had such wonderful parents to love him, and to share his beautiful heart with all of us. We are broken hearted for you, and you’ll be in our thoughts for a very long time.
Run free sweet Spencer – you have earned your angel wings.
Sending lots of love and hugs to your family.
love
opy
Run free, sweet Spencer, and put smiles on the faces of all our pals who have gone before you, to the Rainbow Bridge! We will keep our paws crossed for your family!
Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches
we came by earlier and left a post but we are not sure if there was an error whilst posting.
we just wanted you to know that we feel for you. we might not have met nor known Spencer as much as some of the puppies have but we are somewhat aware of what he had been through.
When Spencer got sick, we remembered coming over. too bad we never got around too often.. Spencer was one lucky dog, just as you would probably say that you are luckier to have him.
We think that this was part of God’s master plan. When he delivered that senior dog into your arms that fateful day, who would have thought all these wonderful events would come? Spencer was the perfect poster boy for senior dogs. Dogs, who are often left misunderstood and become unadoptable because of the misconception taht they are no longer trainable. No. Spencer, disproved that. Rather, he showed everyone who doubted that senior dogs are just as loveable and trainable as puppies.
You are probably one of the best parents I’ve ever known. People who care so deeply for animals. Who despite your crazy work schedules, made time and extended a whole lot of effort just to make Spencer’s days on Earth a beautiful, meaningful and unforgettable one.
We would like to believe that Spencer had already made his way to Heaven. That he is no longer feeling the hurts and pains of ageing. That he is forever freed of all that prevents him from doing the things he most loved. We are so touched by Spencer’s story that we can just go on. Thanking you for somehow letting people know that life’s pleasures are contained in the simplest package. In the most unusual package. We just needed to open our hearts and love freely.
Spencer taught us that in the very few days that we knew him. He was the best dog and the best dogs deserve nothing else but be in Heaven.
thank you for sharing him with us.
With you in prayer,
Aki, Poopie and Micchi
We send our sympathy to you upon hearing of the death of your golden angel. He seemed like such a sweet soul. He was very pretty too. You made his last days good & it sounds like you escorted him gently to the rainbow bridge. Love, BabyRocketDog and Hootie
We are so very sorry for your loss! Spencer sounds like he was an amazing member of your family! We know he will be missed dearly by his humans. But he knew he was well loved! How wonderful to have spent the last 2 years and 5 months with such a loving family!
Rest in peace Spencer
Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom, Angel Winton and mom Penny
Dear Spencer’s Mom,
We read about Spencer through Addie’s blog and thought we’d drop by. That was a beautiful tribute to Spencer…We’re so sorry we didn’t get to know him before. He sure is a special doggie. Run free, Spencer…we will miss you dearly.
Scottie & Audrey
So sorry about your lost. I read about Spencer from many of my doggie friends. He sure’s a pawsome doggie
Take care~
~ Bae
Dear Spencer’s mom,
We read about Spencer’s passing on the DWB news and wanted to come over and give you a hug. I’m sorry we didn’t have the honour to meet Spencer or get to know him better until now. He sure is a handsome and gentle doggie, loved by many.
The tribute that you paid to your Golden Angel is so beautiful that it brought tears to my mom’s eyes. I am certain the last 2 yrs 5 mths that he spend in your home were filled with much love and laughter.
Our thoughts are with you….
We did not know Spencer but after reading your tribute to such a beautiful family member, we feel your loss and love for him. There are so many who come and go in our lives but there is always that one that has your heart and your soul. You are so lucky to have been in eachother’s lives and I am sure Spencer is at the Bridge still championing all you have taught him and spreading it to others who are willing to enjoy life as he did with you.
Thank you for sharing this special time with Spencer. We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace, Spencer. You will always be remembered and an inspiration to us all.
I have loved the postings of Spencer and feel he was one of a kind of golden retriever. His amazing ability to know who needed him and how -is, indeed, uncanny. And his playfulness (with 3 tennis balls, no less) and more – is testament to his character. The stories you have posted tells us so much about dear Spencer and we will all miss him so much. We are glad that you will keep his memory alive through his blog – tears flow from our house, but we know you are so much more incredibly sad to say goodbye to Spencer’s presence in your lives. We send you huge hugs and kisses from our house to yours. With so many hugs and Love xo Sammie, Miche and Bill
Spencer
Please know you are forever in our hearts. We grieved for you today. Many losses has been ours this year, but yours is a tough one. I hope you are running free and happy at the Rainbow Bridge.
You will not be forgotten’
Trinity & Grandma
We are so sorry that sweet Spencer is gone but know that his memory will always be with you. We are happy that you had each other and that he obviously received sooo much love from you. :) It looks like his last days were filled with fun and lots of snuggles and love. We are thinking of you and thinking of what a great life Spencer had and how wonderful he was to touch so many lives. :)
Nala & Amber
We are so sorry about your loss. Thanks for sharing the Spencer´s life.
He was a wonderful dog. Spencer always will be in our hearts.
Thor and family
Our common friend Meeshka mentioned your lost and I have visited your beautiful tribute to Spencer. He sounds like a beautiful soul who accepted his change of homes late in life and used the change to brighten other lives. Nothing could be a better tribute to the power of rescued dogs (5 of The Herd are rescues).
I have also lost furry friends to the dreaded cancers and know how painful the suddenness of diagnosis to passing is. I smile often at the memories and still, sometimes, shed a tear despite the distance of time.
Take care!
We are very sorry for your loss. It was great knowing Spencer … even for a short time.
It was a great tribute and way to remember the fun/great memories of Spencer. Our hearts our with you.
Sugar and Family
Thank you for sharing your tales and photos of your very wonderful Spencer. What a unique dog, what character, what charisma. Your stories during his life with you convey all this and more.
I lost Gus’s predecessor “Hank” to the same cancer – in an even faster way with no chance to say goodbye. If there is a heaven for dogs, I am hoping Spencer will get a chance for a romp with Hank, who would have loved him, too.
Spencer was a blessing and a joy and was lucky to receive so much of your love that he had to give a whole lot of it back to you and others. My condolenses on your loss.
we’re very sorry to hear about your loss.
we may not know you personally, but we know Spencer’s a gem.
we love Spencer too, through your blog, through his pictures.
our hearts break for you too.
*hugz*
Dear Spencer,
I learned the sad news about your passing through Addie’s blog.
I wish I had known you before, I would love to be your friend.
Where my mom works, once or twice a week, there are therapeutic doggies coming to visit and comfort the long term care patients.
We appreciate those kind hearts, from now on, every time I see them, I’ll be thinking of you.
You make me smile and cry while reading the moving tribute.
You will be missed, good bye, Spencer.
.
Such a beautiful tribute for such a beautiful soul.
He lives forever in your hearts, and in the hearts of those he touched with his beauty.
Until you meet again, across the Rainbow Bridge
Michelle and Sangtar
I didn’t even know your names until today, but after reading Spencer’s blog for almost a year, I feel like I know you in some way, and that you are people I would be proud to call my friends. Your appreciation of and joy in the specialness of Spencer is so apparent in his blog. I can’t imagine that someone would surrender such a wonderful boy, but I am glad that he ended up with people who obviously adored him. I am so sorry for your loss, I found out at work this morning and had to hold in my feelings all day. I came home and gave my dogs big hugs in honor of Spencer. As someone else said, I will leave the link to Spencer’s blog on our blog as long as we have it to honor his memory. Thank you so much for sharing his life with all of his friends, and for letting us share your tremendous loss. I hope you get some peace from the support of all of us who never met him but loved him anyway.
Heidi-Tucker and Daisy’s Human Mommy
I didn’t know Spencer at all, but your story was just so sweet and touching, I felt like I knew him. I am sorry for your loss.
You will be missed but your memory will remain, Spencer. A life well-loved and well-lived.
We are so sorry for your loss:( We know that Spencer loved you unconditionally and what great parents you were to him. He sure made a lot of people all over the world smile. We will always remember Spencer and what a gentle guy he was to all. We will miss you Spencer, RIP.
Love – Dekota and Yukon
Beyond The Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful — lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I’m alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
‘Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Spencer is a wonderful dog indeed. I love all his pictures and his stories in this blog. I am glad that Spencer got to enjoy such a blissful life with his loved ones in his last two years.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Spencer. He was a one-of-a-kind and I loved reading his blog almost every day because I have two rescued goldens! Even if Spencer didn’t post one day, I would take the time re-read old posts because he brought such joy to me. Even though I never had the priveledge of meeting the wonderful guy, I felt as though I knew him and am crying as I type this. He will be truly missed and has fans all over the world. He was a very lucky Golden to have spent his last few years in the loving embrace of wonderful humans. I am truly sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to keep his site active.
We’re so sorry that we never got to know Spencer! What a handsome boy he was and what a beautiful tribute you wrote! Our hearts are breaking for you!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
Although, we never met Spencer, we want you to know that he touched two more hearts tonite – Our’s…
What a beautiful dog & his story is wonderful…
Our hearts go out to you in this very sad time…We are so sorry for your loss…
Abby & her Mom xxxooo
Spencer
I so wish I would have met you.
You seem twuly a vewy special doggie and I’m suwe you will continoo to make hoomans and fuwwkids smile in heaven. My heawt is so sad fow youw family ..they must be devestated, but you left them wif such bootiful memowies..it will always wawm theiw heawts..wun fwee sweet angel doggie
love and smoochie kissses
ASTA
How emotional! Spencer was truly wonderful boy & I too am about to loss my last & very special golden girl! So my heart & thoughts are with you. As someone said they are never with us long enough. I just discovered your blog through Melissa & I guess it was meant to be for me to read & share your story about Spencer.
What a wonderful tribute to him.
Pat & the MT girls
My human mom & dad know how hard it is for you and they say “No matter how or when we lose our best friends . . . their love lasts our lifetime.” We are sad for you but I wish you tail wags & woofs forever ~Moose
We are sorry to hear about your loss, but honored to read about Spencer’s life.
May you find comfort in your memories and love of Spencer!
Our hearts go out to you for your terrible loss. Spencer was lucky to spend the latter part of his life with you guys.
We are also very lucky to have known Spencer through your wonderful blog. He was a very special friend.
Bye bye Spencer, run free…
Love,
Homer and family