As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to remember the dear friends and members of our extended family who crossed Rainbow Bridge this year. Some dogs and cats 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 dear friends. So today on behalf of myself and family, thank you dear friends for leaving paw prints on our hearts…

We begin by celebrating the amazing long life of Molly! For 18 years Molly was her Mom’s constant companion through many milestones, highs and lows, and served as the inspiration for her Mom’s custom pet portraits, which have brought comfort to many hearts over the years. It was a joy to watch Brody grow up with human boy, for 16 years they enjoyed grand adventures together. Foxy was just shy of 16 when she was reunited with her first Momma, while being forever grateful to the family who cared for her in the meantime. Hannah turned 15 years old last December, and remained independent to the end! Loyal to a fault, she leaves a legacy of being a mentor to her pups and grandpuppies. May Hannah’s life lessons continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Chloe also spread love and sunshine for almost 15 years, leaving paw prints on the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know her. Angelica spent close to 15 years with her family, who enjoyed doing obedience routines with her, and marveling at how smart she was, especially with food puzzles.

For 14.5 years Kate lived life to the fullest with her trail walks, muddy woggles, and all the while flirting with all of us with her infectious smile and sassy wit. But we all knew her heart belonged to Angel Ernie, who met her at the end of the trail. Alfie celebrated his 14th birthday at the Bridge with his dear friend Bert. Friends around the world will miss him plodding along on his highlands adventures. Rocky made a lot of highlands friends during his 14 years, including Bert and Alfie. He too crossed Rainbow Bridge this year to continue their adventures together. Wiggins enjoyed one last beach romp with his family of 14 years. Lila filled her Mom’s heart with 14 years and seven months of precious memories, that will be cherished always. Before crossing, Gracie reminded everyone to “be kind and love one another.” A life lesson she exemplified for over 13 years. Kes taught us all to enjoy the “simple joys of ball, telly and napping,” and was a joy to all who knew her, as evident in the over 10,000 messages of love her family received at her passing. For 13 years and 2 months, Raya Sunshine was her family’s glue, and leader of the pack, all done with her cherished sassiness. Bella the Pug was a “strong little bug,” in her 13 years bringing smiles to her family and friends. Soleil, who for 13 years was her Mom’s source of sunshine and Dad’s dearest and faithful friend, silently crossed in the night before dawn. Yet Soleil will always be a guiding ray of light to her family, along with Rainbeau.

Morgan, affectionally nicknamed “Monkey Boy,” passed due to cancer just shy of his second birthday. Yet he packed a lot of memories into his brief time with his family. Limpy Lab did not let hip dysplasia slow him down, thanks to the Labrador Welfare group. Remembered for his super ninja skills, he crossed Rainbow Bridge at the tender age of 4. Gilbert, a Helping Paws volunteer, whose life was cut tragically short at 4 years old, had the honor of lying in state at the Minnesota Capitol with his slain family, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. K9 Preacher of the Maine State Police was killed in the line of duty at the age of 2. Having made the ultimate sacrifice for his community, he was eulogized as “more than just a working dog, he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero.” Baxter served as the first comfort dog for the Maine Department of Public Safety, but tragically passed away at 3 years old after being left unattended in a vehicle on a hot day. K9 Garm lived a life of service, before cancer called him to continue his work over Rainbow Bridge.

Rowdy protected the world in his own special way, by joining the Zombie Squad’s mission to make the world a better place. Wilma’s Mom held her paw as she “accepted the job offer to become lead Snoopervisor at Rainbow Bridge.” Jasmin, a graduate of a prison dog program, was the best big sister a Pug could ask for to Petunia Mae. Blaidd was “an amazing boy, the dog that comes into your life possibly once in a lifetime.” Beanie was blind, but guided by love because he saw with his heart, is now running free in meadows. Tank, who was rescued in 2020, spent 5 wonderful years with his family before suddenly passing this year. May they find comfort in the joyful memories of their brief time together. Abby, who was the heart of her family, crossed just as 2025 was getting started.

Azlan had a heart of a lion! We were always deeply touched by Azlan’s generosity in joining us virtually for annual fundraiser walks for nonprofits that we hold close to our hearts. He also taught us the power of friendship, as he crisscrossed the country on adventures, making time to visit many online friends along the way, or welcoming them to his beautiful homes. Azlan turned 11 on December 1st, before crossing a couple weeks later to continue his adventures with dear friends at the Bridge. Cooper also crossed weeks before Christmas, but sent a Golden neighbor to be cared for over the holidays to ease his Mom’s pain. For over 12 years, Cooper was his Mom’s personal Peloton coach, best friend, and constant companion. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him during his walks on the Notre Dame campus, and marvel at his beautiful fur. Rainy preferred to let her brothers Walter and Murray be in the spotlight, but behind the scenes she was the strong, judgmental voice of reason for her family. She was met at the Bridge by her dear brother Jack Jack, and together they are on “a golf cart ride that never ends.” It was an end of an era when Rosie left her parents’ side. She was their best friend, poppet, and Dad’s sidekick wherever he went. But for us, we’ll always remember Rosie as the brains of the operation when on her adventures with Monty, her parents’ granddog.

Violet the Newfy got the world’s attention online with her daily photo challenge. As a therapy dog she also brought smiles to the students she visited. However it was her ability to accessorize with seasonal foliage in her fur that endeared her forever to me. Gone far too soon at 7.5 years old, her legacy continues with “Post a Fav Pic 4 Violet.” Canadian Penny taught us all about her country with fun facts shared every Monday. But it was her sassiness and side eye that made us laugh out loud. Oh those awkward morning walks where she realized she was wearing a matching outfit with Mom! The world honored Canadian Penny’s passing with meatballs, but I’m sure they were no comparison to her favorite meatballs made by her grandmother.

Speaking of Canada, Kuno the Service Rottie was only the second Rottweiler to be assessed and qualified as a service dog by Alberta Canada, and the first to earn the master title in rally obedience with his handler in a wheelchair. The world always cheered them on as they shared each competition, while Kuno personally cheered on the Edmonton Oilers as their biggest fan. However, Kuno’s biggest fan was his Mom, whom he inspired to get out into the world, making so many things possible to her, while educating us on accessibility. Another dog who had important work to do was Tupac. Sent by Spirit Guide Branden, Tupac had the important mission of helping his Mom write her book, Beware When the Cormorants Dance. Not only did he patiently sit by her side as she wrote, he also reminded her when it was time to get outside for a break. With his mission complete, Tupac passed away suddenly at the tender age of 3, just shortly after his Mom’s book was released. Although only here briefly, his big smile and even bigger personality, will always be remembered.

Some friends, who were always thought of in pairs, were reunited at Rainbow Bridge this year. Seamus was one such dear friend. He and his brother Finnegan were one of the first to welcome us on social media, and we looked forward to their daily adventures. From supervising snack preparations including “parsley o’clock,” to chomping snow duckies, cuddles with giant stuffie friends, visits with his grandparents, and patiently posing for photos especially their annual back to school pictures, Seamus was always a bright spot in our scrolling. He and his brother Finnegan introduced the world to “Babushka Friday,” a tradition carried on today by their little brother Murphy. Finn and his Uncle Ben were another duo that lived far away, but always somehow managed to make us feel included on their adventures, whether it be a romp on their favorite beach or strolls at the arboretum. They are now together again going on even more grand adventures, while pausing to enjoy a sweet dessert. Finn, I promise to continue to keep watch for your missing ChuckIt balls across the pond. Maggie and her brother Monte joined social media around the same time we did, and we quickly became best friends, as they shared the adventures of their growing family. Known as the “Cat Whisperer,” Princess Maggie could always sense when there was a kitten who needed her love, and would welcome them to her family. Despite her big heart, Maggie was not a snuggler. Yet she always knew when someone needed a snuggle, thus making them all the more special. This year she crossed Rainbow Bridge to be with her brother Monte, the original “Golden Duo.” HoneySunshine continued her walks with SugarMoonbeam over the Bridge this year. She sent her Mom gold tinted clouds to let her know she arrived safely and is reunited with her sister. Maddie was reunited with her sister Molly. I know she was greeted by many angels, including my Grandpa who enjoyed his visits with her at family cookouts and on neighborhood walks.

Fireball danced into our hearts at the New England Golden Jubilee. He had just arrived at this year’s jubilee excited to perform again, when that dreaded cancer hemangiosarcoma caused him to collapse and need an emergency splenectomy. Thankfully his family was able to get him help in time, and he enjoyed a few more months with them, including his 9th birthday, before dancing over Rainbow Bridge. The New England Golden Jubilee also said goodbye to another dear friend, Pixel, Hero #2652 in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. After helping her parents organize this year’s jubilee, and celebrating her 12th birthday surrounded by friends at Dog Mountain, she passed suddenly from hemangiosarcoma one month later. You’ve probably seen the artwork of John Rasmussen, with Angel Jack welcoming friends to Rainbow Bridge. This year Angel Jack welcomed his brother, Hero #2039 Chief, taken from his family far too quickly due to hemangiosarcoma. Hero #2596 Duncan was always the first to remind us the importance of donating to the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, of which he was a proud participant. But this very good boy was so much more to his friends and family, who remember his gentle soul, patience with posing for photos with simply an eye roll in protest, and devotion to his stuffie Chip the Donkey, who he had since he was a puppy. Duncan will live on in the pages of his Dad’s books, as the inspiration for the Golden Retriever in the Riley King mystery series. For years Hero #2708 Lenny’s Mom has written heartfelt tributes to Heroes in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study who passed. Sadly this year it was his turn to be remembered, as his family’s North Star and true compass. Lenny enjoyed his final day posing for the family’s annual Christmas photo, then collapsed just hours later. May the selflessness of these dogs’ participation the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, and so many more Heroes who crossed this year, make it possible for scientists to someday find the answers to end canine cancer, and help all dogs live longer healthier lives.

The resiliency of some dogs while facing illness was an inspiration to many. Roxy actually had “resilient” in her profile name, thanks to her determination not to let diabetes slow her down. She truly was an inspiration to all with her grace and dignity when confronting her health issues. Her gentle ways, sweet smile, and exuberance for life is dearly remembered. Andi and I shared a special bond, as she too faced Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis. We would cheer each other on with each good eye exam, and comfort each other as the disease progressed. However it was cancer that took Andi shortly after Thanksgiving. Murphy didn’t let kidney disease slow her down, and promises to have a pizza party waiting at the Bridge when her family and friends join her there. Sadie the Golden was rescued by her family, and was “one heck of a fighter.” Her big smile will be missed, as well as her “backyard rollies.” Storm was a sweet angel here on earth, who fought cancer and won, enjoying family time, before it sadly returned. Neville also taught us bravery, as he fought his rare and aggressive cancer to be with his family for as long as possible. He said goodbye just 9 days shy of his 8th birthday. Neville, I didn’t know you long, but you sure left paw prints on my heart with our virtual adventures together. Our neighbor Tucker battled digestive health issues for years while watching over his growing human family. We miss him barking “hello” to us on our daily walks. Ryder, whose zest for life despite his brave battle with cancer, gave him precious extra time with his family. They were able to spend one last weekend together at their happy place, before he crossed at the tender age of 7.5 years. Ryder was greeted at Rainbow Bridge by his cat siblings, Benny and Elsa who suddenly passed together earlier this year. Benny was just shy of 13 years old, and Elsa was 5, yet despite their age differences, they were constant companions, even when crossing the Bridge.

So many friends left us suddenly without time to say goodbye. Betty Ford had a brave but brief fight with hemangiosarcoma. She will forever be remembered as Big Girl Pearl’s patient and loving, “big but smaller” sister. Her smile and kindness is deeply missed. Isaac passed peacefully at home following a brief illness. He will be remembered as a “silly boy who made everyone laugh. Bunnies feared him. And the world loved him.” Silly Billy also crossed suddenly, but whose memory of goofy antics will always bring a smile to his family. Daphne, also known as Miss Sassy Pants, celebrated her 7th Gotcha Day, before crossing over the bridge 2 days later. She will forever be remembered by her family as “the perfect dog,” who loved to socialize. Booker celebrated turning 10, then began his next decade over the Bridge just a few weeks later. Cooper, a rescue from Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue sent by Angel Texas, enjoyed many grand adventures with his Dads before passing just 12 days before his 11th birthday, due to nasal cancer. I’m certain his spirit is running in the fields at Dog Mountain with Texas, by his side. Sophie also left too quickly due to nasal caner, but will forever be remembered for her sassiness, and her determination to protect her family from the vacuum.

Lyla spent her last days being spoiled by her loving family. Memories of her big smile on her final trip to the beach will be held dear in the hearts of all who knew her. Bella Bean was her Mom’s constant companion and heart dog. Huck left his family far too suddenly, due to hemangiosarcoma. However he will forever be remembered for his 9 years of bringing smiles as a therapy dog, as well as for his love of hiking and swimming with his sister Monday. Griffin drifted over the Bridge due to a suspected spleen tumor, when his parents were away. Thankfully they were able to say their heartfelt goodbyes over the phone, thanks to the caring staff at the animal hospital. Rugie packed five years full of fun with his family after being rescued, before leaving suddenly due to acorn poisoning. We only briefly met Coda online, but know that her legacy of love lives on in her daughter, Freya. Lady, a beautiful Australian Shepherd, passed suddenly at 10 years old, to be by her Grandma’s side over the Bridge. Cubby was just 8 years old when he crossed on December 23rd to spend Christmas with his dear siblings at Rainbow Bridge, including Mr. Kitty who passed just as 2024 was ending on December 31st. Also known as Homer, Mr. Kitty was his Mom’s constant companion for 18 years, and welcomed many Goldens into their family. Ginger had an important mission before crossing to be reunited with her first Mom. She was determined to make her Mom’s best friend a cat person. Mission accomplished Ginger! After your passing, your second Mom welcomed not one, but two kittens into her family. Simply known to us as “Boy Cat,” we hold fondly the memory of our dear friend who enjoyed napping in the Indonesian sun, and quietly sitting by his Mom’s side as she read the Bible.

Some dogs accidentally became celebrities embraced by the world. Such was the case of Storm, whose Dad one day posted about him, and soon found the world wanted to learn more about this self-proclaimed “Apex Predator,” who had a heart of a Golden. Never a fan of goodbyes, he preferred hellos with food, and never wasted a single day. As his Dad noted, Storm “wanted to live forever, but didn’t know forever would be so short.” Frisbee gained attention around the world as the devoted dog of late night talk show host, Seth Meyers, who for some unexplained reason had a long running feud with SNL comedian, Andy Samberg. The world wept with Jimmy Fallon as he shared his heartfelt goodbye to his 13.5 year old best friend Gary. It was during the pandemic when Jimmy filmed The Tonight Show from home, that Gary’s simple life as a family dog captured our hearts. We also got to know Diggity Dog during his on camera antics during the pandemic, when his Maine anchorwoman Mom was trying to report from home. Riesy made the occasional appearance on our local news’ outdoor reports with his meteorologist Mom. He passed away just shy of 18 years old, and I’m certain is continuing his outdoor reports at Rainbow Bridge for all those there to enjoy.

Not everyone who crossed this year was a traditional pet. We happened to be passing by when we witnessed our farmer neighbor saying goodbye to his beloved dairy cow who passed suddenly after many years together. We miss seeing her in the field. Arc the owl soared over Rainbow Bridge after Lincoln’s Mom tried to get the injured bird help at their local wildlife center. Arc sent a small owl to let the family know he arrived safely, and to thank them for helping him. We also take this time to remember the wildlife and pets killed in natural disasters this past year. Then there was ChinLee, affectionally nicknamed Bathroom Chicken, who did more than give her family fresh eggs. For 12.5 years she was a beloved family pet, whose funny antics far outlived her egg laying days. This past fall she took up residence in the family’s bathroom to escape the cold outside. A testament to how much this family loved her. A member of our extended family also hopped over Rainbow Bridge this year. Snickers the bunny was rescued at one years old, and passed away at 13, after welcoming many Goldens into her family, including Chuck Billy’s brother, Duncan.

Speaking of family, my littermate Bailey crossed after a decade of devotion to his family. Affectionally remembered by his Mom as “sweet, stubborn, goofy Bailey Boo Bear, the bestest boy,” he was all that an infinitely more. Run free dear brother with Maddie and Cooper, I’ll always treasure our whelping box days together. Another member of my extended family, Poppy, crossed Rainbow Bridge. Eulogized by her Mom as “the ultimate Golden Retriever,” for 12 years she was her Mom’s constant companion and devoted friend, through the highs and lows of life. Her fun loving presence is deeply missed. But I know Poppy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Lupine passed just shy of her 12th birthday. It was her love of life and devotion to her family as a Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and matriarch of her pack, that led her to beat the odds of her probable cancer diagnosis for 26 months! As her Mom eulogized, “she never knew she was sick…until she was.” Lupine’s legacy will continue as the mother of champions!

We lost so many dear friends this year, that it is impossible to include them all in one post. My heartfelt apologizes that many were not included. 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.