I wanted to let everyone know that we put Goldie down this morning. Goldie was not her usual friendly but shy self. She had been acting strangely for a while and losing weight. Although she wanted to be near the family, she would snap or move away if touched. The vet could not offer any treatment that might help. We don't really know what caused her problems other than our efforts seemed to make no difference and she just continued to get worse.

I should add that in recent days, both Linda and Bas came near to getting bitten by her and only good fortune prevented any serious injury. Very sad end to 2001...

Jake

My sympathies - that's always such a hard thing to lose a member of the family, for they are that. Remember her tonight - it's not the same, but a good memorial helps.

Anita

Dear Jake and Linda and children,
I also would like to extend my sympathies to you. I realize that I am a newbie here on the boards but it seems as if you all are an extended family.
She was loved by you and by many of us here on the board and she will be missed.
Freddie

My sypathies as well, it is hard to say goodbye to a pet you loved, especially in a time that should be filled with joy. Both Angela ans myself hope 2002 will be better than the last day of 2001.

Jake & Linda,

So sorry to hear. A tough decision always.

We hope that 2002 is better all round the globe. 2001 has been a rough haul!

And thank you for BT and the cams. Keeps a lot of us going!

All the best,

Bill & Cheryl

Thanks for the support.

Here are a few Goldie Cam Pictures:

Good by Goldie..we'll miss seeing you on the webcam

Our hearts are heavy for you. Very sad to lose a member of the family. A beautiful photo of Goldie - thanks for sharing. All the best in 2000 and 2. Cheryl & Aubrey Ferguson.

Dear Jake, Linda and family, So sorry for the news I have lost several pets over the years. When to let them go is a difficult decision and not easily made. May you have as many good memories of Goldie as I have of my friends past.

Goldie, our friend at the gate, this one's for you!

Jake, Linda and the kids...

SO sorry to hear of your sad news. It is very difficult to make the decision you did, but you made the right one. Goldie shouldn't have to suffer.

Hopefully, 2002 will be a better year for all of us. I hope the kids are doing ok.

jake, linda, yana and bas...i am so sorry for your loss...as i sit here bawling, i will miss goldie's virtual presense at the gate...as i am sure you will as well...

I'm with you Cynde. It's like my best freind say's, dogs and cats give you all the loving you could ever want, but only for a little while. Goldie you will be missed.

It's all about unconditional love...Goldie gave that to Jake, Linda, the Kids and even to us BT'ers out here in CyberLand. She must have been in pain to have snapped at her loved ones. Our hearts and sympathies go out to you. It is so hard to lose a loved one. May you all comfort each other at this time and love each other to pieces....to include the four-legged members of the household, too. Hugs all around...that's the prescription for all of you right now. Carole and Joe

Jake, thanks for posting the beautiful portrait of Goldie for us. I have added her to my "slide show" screen saver...she is amongst good company in our home. Carole

Jake , Linda & the kids,
Sorry to hear of your loss-- It is one of the hardest decisions to make-- as we most recently put our family cat "Kinky" of 16 years down last month. Just to know that her pain was gone helped us. Being around friends and family tonight will surely help.
Happy New Year!!!!
Klosses

Sorry to hear about Goldie. Losing a family member hard anytime.

We know Goldie is not really gone...just morphed into one of the beautiful birds that perches so gracefully on the gate...only to fly when she wants...gone but never forgotten.
Here's to a New Year friends... :-( :-)

Jake,Linda, Bas,Yana,, Sorry, I get more upset with animals than people sometimes...they don't know whats wrong and neither do we in these cases...Wish we could help.....better days are coming....

Jake, Linda. It is never easy, she must have been very distressed to threaten family. We had our eldest pointer put to sleep a six months back and a friend sent this to me. It's sad but it makes you feel better at the same time.


If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Don’t let your grief though stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You’d not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend
And please stay with me till the end,
Hold me close and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close we two these years,
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.

That is beautiful, Brian. Carole

Jake, Linda & family

So sorry to hear you lost Goldie.. I know it's upsetting, but from what you've said, it was the right decision. I hope the kids are doing OK..S

That's so sad about Goldie. She was such a sweetie the times that I saw her.

Jake,
I'm so sorry about Goldie - she seemed such a sweetie, and changes like that are so heartbreakingly perplexing. It's so hard when they can't tell you what's wrong!

I'm sitting here crying for you, Linda, Bas and Yana. And remembering the sweet doggies I've had to say goodbye to in the past. It's never easy.

Jake, Linda, Bas and Yana,
I am so-ooo sorry about Goldie. I know she will be sadly missed by all and happy memories of her will be locked in our hearts forever. I am greiving for and with you.

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (author unknown)

Dogs go to heaven, and cats, they go too
and bunnies and guineas and fish that are blue

and bright feathered budgies that chatter at dawn
whose voices you hear still long after they're gone.

and tiny grey mouses with black button eyes
and white cockatiels that say no! & g bye!

some day I will join them, I know in the end-
our vapours will mingle and eternity spend......

We'll have smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts
for we'll all be together and of one we'll be part.

but today I go forward, yet carry the past
in the fondest of memories and love that will last.

Jake and Linda, I too am very sorry for you and the kids. We just a got a new boxer puppy Friday night after having to put our 14 year old springer spaniel to sleep this past summer. My husband insisted he would never have another dog after losing Freckles. But we got Oscar for our son and he has quickly won us over. We understand the sadness of losing a much loved pet. Take care, Denise

I too am a new BT'er but would like to extend my condolences. Things like this are never easy, and I am very sorry for your loss.

How upsetting for you both. I completely understand, a similar thing happened about 3 months ago with my parents' 2yr old dog. They had had him since a puppy, he was loved and looked after and treated extremely well, but he just became more & more unpredictable and ended up turning on the family snapping and being aggressive for no reason. It became a complete worry and like Goldie was also put down.

It is so sad when decisions like that have to be made, as they are still a member of the family and it is hard. But sometimes it is for the best as they become a liability.

What a beautiful photo of Goldie, the best way to remember her.

As we go into the New Year, you help remind us that we're all part of one big on-line virtual family which supports one another in times of need.

Thanks again everyone.

Jake

Dear Jake & Linda,

We are sorry, it will not be the same when we knock on your door in February.