As 2021 comes to a close, we are pausing to remember the dear friends who have crossed Rainbow Bridge this year. Some dogs we have known all of our lives, while others we were just beginning to know. Many we never met in person, but yet by welcoming us into your lives through your posts and comments we have come to consider them dear friends. And yes, some were cats who we were honored to call friends. So today we thank them for leaving paw prints on our heart.

Some gained their angel wings far too soon as puppies, including Islay who was just 16 weeks old and beginning her grand adventure. Ellie, Mollie and Brody were also tragically taken far too soon, while Sydney and River tried their very hardest to overcome health issues, only to realize their young bodies would serve them better with angel wings attached.

Other dogs lived wonderfully long lives. Including Augie, the world’s oldest Golden Retriever, who passed away just weeks shy of her 21st birthday, on March 31, 2021. Teddy, a Yorkie / Schnauzer mix also crossed Rainbow Bridge at the amazing age of 20. Marley spent 16 of her 18 years with her adoptive family, and after 17 years Sonny left this world knowing he was the “best Beagle boy.” Tula, our 15 year old neighbor, who was always quick to greet us, is dearly missed as well. And then there were Patsy, Bailey, New Forest Dog, and Hunter who were all just starting to enjoy all the prestige and benefits of being teenagers. However, as Sijan so eloquently reminded us, the circle of life continues, because when his Great Grandfather, Peak, took his last breath, 5 of his great-grandsons were taking their first breath.

We owe a great deal of thanks to the dogs who answered the call to serve. Retired police dogs K9 Havoc, of Bangor, ME; K9 Xello, of Grover Beach, CA; and K9 Mackey of Peru, IL, final end of watch came this year. Not all police dogs were fortunate to retire, K9 Kitt, of Braintree, MA, and K9 Jango, of Bakersfield, CA, were both killed in the line of duty. John D used his powerful nose to help find people, both living and dead, as a search and rescue dog. He also helped researchers to detect the scent of multiple forms of cancers. Rosie proudly served for 12 years as the mascot for the Annapolis Coast Guard, and passed away just shy of her 16th birthday.

Ty Blue also served his country. Through the important mission of Operation Delta Dog, he worked as a dedicated service dog assisting a Veteran. Friday also dedicated his life to being a service dog, and sent special signs to his Mom to let her know he is still watching over her from Rainbow Bridge. We only knew Friday briefly as he shared his Carpe Wag’em adventures, but we consider him to be a dear friend. Thank you for sharing Royal River Park with us. We’ll forever rename it in our hearts, “Friday’s Park.”

Sammie invited us all along to share in her “Great Adventure.” Along the way she helped others, not only through her work as a therapy dog, but also as a Hero in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Far too many Heroes in this study crossed Rainbow Bridge this year, many of which after bravely battling cancer. Dogs everywhere thank you for sharing your struggles with veterinarians and researchers, so that hopefully someday other families will not have to walk the journey of cancer with their beloved dogs.

We’ll never forget Deefor, who celebrated with us when Asa received his benign lab results, while at the same time facing his own sad diagnosis. Deefor passed away just a few days later at the age of 10. Lionel fought bravely against a disease caused by a tiny but deadly tick, but sadly succumbed to his diagnosis of Lyme Disease. Charlie was “never sick a day in his life,” and enjoyed many wonderful adventures with his brother Takoda. We were all shocked and saddened when after one such adventure he quietly slipped across Rainbow Bridge. Then there was Rosie, a true fighter, who despite insurmountable odds was on the road to recovery before her body just gave out. Rosie’s legacy will go on through her pups and granddogs. Nika overcame a life of hardship to become a therapy dog. However, because of the abuse she endured early on, despite her big heart wanting to stay and continue her mission as the No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry 2 ambassador, her poor body couldn’t. Nika, you taught the world what it means to forgive and love, and the power of second chances, thank you.

Speaking of big hearts, Scout became world famous simply by giving free hugs. We can all take comfort knowing Scout is greeting our loved ones with hugs as they cross Rainbow Bridge. Zenith touched many lives with his unique perspective, that on the day he passed he was trending. We’ll never forget his “popcorn hoodie,” and know in our hearts he’s also enjoying bacon, cookies, and waffles from his hoodie bowl now. In 2014 we tuned in to the Today Show to watch as Wrangler, their “Puppy with a Purpose” train to become a working dog. Wrangler proudly served with the Connecticut State Explosive Detection Unit before succumbing to liver disease at just 6 years old. We also said goodbye to another puppy that we watched grow up before our eyes on TV, Bo Obama. Bo joined the First Family at the White House, as a puppy promised to their children for enduring the rigors of the campaign trail. He was shown by the press on more than one occasion dragging President Obama behind him as he ran to greet his adoring friends, and made countless children smile as he helped Michelle Obama read stories to them. Bo passed away quietly at home surrounded by his family at the tender age of 8 1/2. Champ Biden knew his way around Washington DC even before becoming the First Dog. At 13 years old, the quiet statesman brought smiles to the country to finally have a dog back in the White House, even if his younger brother, Major, did steal the spotlight most of the time. I believe no matter their affiliation, all dog owners can relate to the Bidens’ tribute when they eulogized, “In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion.”

Other dogs lived quiet lives, but meant the world to their humans. Ziva was happiest running free at Dog Mountain. Tyson can best be described as an “empath and guardian angel.” Otto left to join his cousin Bella over Rainbow Bridge, while Big Bear’s soulful eyes and gentle ways will always be remembered here, and memories of Brinkley’s loving, caring sweet ways will be treasured, as well as Hannah, who will always hold a precious place in her Mom’s heart. We were just getting to know, Chilli Boy, and his adventures in Switzerland, when he passed away suddenly. He filled his Mom’s “life with joy and hope” as he “stood by her in better and worse times.” Angel Lennon slipped away over Rainbow Bridge so quietly, that we didn’t get a chance to say a proper goodbye. Then there was Crazy Uncle Leo, the uncle we all wished we had. Our dear friend, Rainbeau, was greeted by her Mama Ari, when she crossed Rainbow Bridge. Rainbeau stoically faced her illness with grace and dignity, and not so much as a whimper, because she didn’t want to upset her constant companion, Mom. And Summer’s gentle ways will live on in her many pups and granddogs. Speaking of pups, we were just getting to know our friend Mosby, and enjoying his trials and tribulations of training his new little brother, when he crossed Rainbow Bridge surrounded by his loving family. As his Dad calculated, they had “4,700 wonderful days together, but only one bad.” Thank you Mosby, for sharing a few of those days with us.

Now we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge our feline friends who also strutted their way over Rainbow Bridge in 2021. Cecelia Ophelia Vidalia Onion had a very big name and the personality to match it! This sassy and classy cat left her family with many cherished memories at the age of 16 years old. Skippyjon started this life as a feral cat, but eventually became a forever friend, passing away at 15 years old. Milo bravely endured many health issues, but his poor little body couldn’t take anymore, so traded it in for angel wings. Whiskers passed away with her human brother holding her paw. And Lauren, who was the sweet companion to Gus Gus and Barclay’s grandpa, also slipped away on quiet cat paws this year. Then there was Eddie, a cat who by all accounts thought he was a dog. Eddie’s canine brother, Nitro, passed away just a few weeks earlier. Now their adventures together continue over Rainbow Bridge.

We also said goodbye this year to members of our extended family, including two rabbits. Khalisi crossed Rainbow Bridge to be with Chuck Billy’s brother Duncan, and shortly thereafter her sibling hopped over too. Another member from our extended family, Tiny the Goat, ran across Rainbow Bridge this year, without so much as a goodbye to his loving family. Asa’s last memory before leaving our Momma Sage’s home was sitting and watching Tiny in his pen. Perhaps we can thank Tiny for Asa’s big heart wanting to be friends with every animal he meets. Tiny the Goat was there to greet another dear member of our extended family, Kizzie. Kizzie was just a puppy when Chuck Billy was in the whelping box at their home. As her Mom eulogized, “10 years is not nearly enough, but the last 3 weeks of her life were her happiest,” as she swam, went on boat rides, and enjoyed favorite foods while facing her grim diagnosis. Kizzie, please give Sage a cuddle from us.

Some very dear friends simply wanted to make the world a happier place. Flossie Mae was one of our first friends on Facebook, and helped us navigate this strange new world of social media with her page. At the tender age of 6, she handed over her page to her siblings as she gained her angel wings to be with Bubba and her Daddy Jackson. “Wonder Dori” joined her family at the “senior” age of 7 in 2013, and quickly became the leader of their pack, using her wonder powers to help spread the message of the importance of adopting, while also teaching us the power of hope as she bravely faced her illnesses. She flew over Rainbow Bridge wearing her cape, not knowing that two months later her sister Maggie would be joining her. Maggie was just shy of her 15th birthday, and wanted to be with her best friend again. Thank you Dori and Maggie for sharing your adorable photos with us, we will miss your precious smiles.

Linus was “just an older pup looking for friends and love.” He started his life under difficult circumstances, but went on to leave paw prints on hearts around the world. On a day when the headlines were focused on the Presidential Inauguration, we awoke to find our dear friend trending, as the world mourned his loss. Linus was not ready to say goodbye though! It was our honor to host a visit with Linus during his #LinusLivesOn world tour, where he gleefully enjoyed all the things he could not do in his life. Thanks Linus for going on a bimble with us.

Darbi Jo also “just wanted to spread a little joy.” Mission accomplished my dear friend. Every day our Mom would look forward to her tweets. Often they were beautiful photos with inspirational quotes, words that often resonated with Mom, and gave her the boost she needed. Other times, she made us laugh out loud with goofy Golden puns. Darbi Jo is proof that one life touches many others, when as her last selfless act she created a fundraiser page for the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime study. At last check, she raised over $7,000, so that someday dogs will longer healthier lives and not have to say goodbye to their owners. Darbi Jo, thank you for holding such a special place in Mom’s heart. Best wishes on bug patrol over Rainbow Bridge, but please continue to guide Idgie as she continues your mission to spread a little joy.

Now not everyone gained attention on social media by being a sweetheart. His given name was Jackson, but the world knew him as Meanie Head, thanks to his younger brother, Hugo. At 17 years old, this pint size pup had a big attitude, and was not afraid to stand his ground to keep his Golden brother in place. Yet we know deep down this tough guy loved Hugo dearly. Whenever we look at the stars, we know they shine for you, Meanie Head.

Ladd taught us the power of never giving up hope. A 5 time cancer survivor, Ladd and his Mom Kathy met every challenge they faced with grace, dignity, and love. And along the way he won the hearts of everyone he met, and was a local celebrity always seen with carrying his dear stuffed animal friend, Chance the Dog. Ladd made such a huge impact on his community that Mayor of Nashville made a proclamation that June 12, 2021 would be “Ladd Carter Day” in recognition of his rich legacy of “love, resilience and grace in his 11 years of life.” In his short life he traveled to 28 states with his Mom, spreading smiles and awareness of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, of whom he was named an honorary Hero. Bless you dear Ladd, it was truly an honor to call you my friend.

Speaking of traveling, Ladd wasn’t the only one to see the country. Our friend Cheez-It proved that not only dogs enjoy car rides, cats do too! He traveled cross country from Maine with his family on numerous occasions! He enjoyed the scenic vistas of Utah, visited Disney World, and even crossed the boarder to Canada, visiting Prince Edward Island! His only complaint was driving over the Rockies made his ears hurt. Closer to home, we shared a fondness for car rides to our favorite local haunt, the transfer station. However, all this aside, what truly will always stand out in our memory of you, Cheez-It, was the wonderful relationship you had with your canine brother, angel Smudge. Mom will never forget the day she first saw you being carried by him, and you not minding it at all. I hope together you are continuing your quest to answer the call of adventure by exploring every area over Rainbow Bridge by each other’s side.

Speaking of exploring everywhere together, our feisty, flirtatious, mischievous friend with a flare for fashion, Priss packed a lot of living into her 13 years, before running over Rainbow Bridge to be with her partner in crime Bogey. Priss, your adventures with Bogey are the stuff that legends are made of! And who can forget your stylish outfits to celebrate every holiday, especially Mardi Gras! Rainbow Bridge will never be boring now that you two are there to get the party started, and keep it going 24/7. But please, keep taking time from your fun schedule to whisper mischievous ideas to your new siblings Beauregard and Pennylane as they “train” your parents.

Now whereas Priss was full of mischief, our friend Pippi was perfect, or at least that’s what she claimed. Dear Pippi passed away just shy of her 14th birthday. Perhaps she knew she had to go then, because her grandmother would soon need her there. It must have been a joyous reunion for them to be together again. But please keep sending those wonderful signs to your Mom that you’re both watching over her. Also, any chance you could whisper to me how you somehow managed to eat an entire bowl of food, but leave the peas?! That trick was sheer brilliant! However, I am glad your Mom eventually got the hint, and served your favorite chicken nuggets instead. Pippi, although you lived on the other side of the globe in Australia, we will always consider you one of our closest friends.

“And then this happened.” I never met Sara Cooper in person, but I consider her a dear friend. That is what made Sara so special. Her warmth and kindness made everyone she met feel like a close friend. Her awesome sense of humor, pure kindness, optimism, grit and determination will always hold a special place in Mom’s heart. Diagnosed with ALS, she was quick to point out, “I have ALS, but ALS does not have me.” And she meant it! Sara met each new stage of her illness with grit and determination, and when most would look inward, she made it her mission to help others facing the same diagnosis. Sara loved pink and great shoes, and I know she and her beloved dog, Pretty Baby, are dancing their way over Rainbow Bridge together. Thank you, Sarah, for teaching us to always stay positive, and never let life’s challenges slow you down. We will carry your message of kindness and hope with us always. We promise to #BeMoreSara!

We lost many dear friends this year, that it is impossible to include them all in one post. However, to everyone who experienced a loss, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you dear friends for sharing your adventures with us, we’ll always treasure your paw prints on our hearts.