Amber

Amber came to us when she was about 15 months old. She had been abused and was half starved and severely traumatised. She accepted everything with introverted fear, never showing any anger or bitterness. However any sound or movement startled her, and she was constantly moving to keep from being cornered.

Our other two dogs accepted her, as did our kids and grandkids, but she was not a normal, affectionate goldie looking for attention and food.

GRR told us not to expect much improvement, but over the years she slowly changed. Amber relaxed more, would come to us when called and even hung around when we had visitors.

As she moved into her senior years, change became more rapid. She enjoyed a cuddle, began relaxing and slept more deeply. She trusted us.

When Chelsea our other goldie passed away in 2011, our little Jackie (Russell) transferred her attention and affection to Amber.

Improvement continued, and then we noticed a tumour in Amber’s lower jaw. It grew rapidly and we didn’t expect to have her much longer. So we prepared ourselves for the transition by going once again to GRR to look for another goldie.

Evie, a 20-month-old blondie, came into our home in May 2013, and the transformation effect on Amber was astounding. They were immediately great friends, and for the first time ever Amber became playful, the two of them running around the yard like mad things.

Amber surprised us all, living on for another ten months.

We’ll remember her as a gentle but troubled girl who graced our home for almost 10 years. We think we made a difference in her life, and that she felt our love.