12/01/2025
Yes, there was a first dog. For me and my partner, Adam Dunn, that dog was Golda. In January of 2010, we entered Queensbury SPCA and saw this beautiful golden retriever /(wheaten?) terrier mix puppy in a crate with her littermates, the only golden one. We were told their mother had been euthanized before they arrived. She left with us and was named for a strong powerful woman whose name included the dog's color.
A few weeks ago, on November 10th, Golda turned 16 years old. She is not doing well. Over the past few months, she has lost a great deal of weight and suffered from severe diarreah. After a recent vet visit, dewormer and antibiotic she won't swallow, we decided to adhere to our organization's hospice philosophy and forego further medical intervention at this time. Two days ago, Golda stopped eating (except for an occasional treat). The picture below is our beloved Golda asleep tonight.
Now we are trying to wrap our heads around a life without Golda. We wonder how losing her will affect the dynamic at PiP, as the other dogs have always looked to her as the Alpha, to protect them, enforce limitations and provide direction. One thing is certain though . . . Golda changed our lives for the better and the lives of the many other dogs, temporary fosters and permanent residents, she accepted into her home and ultimately the sanctuary.
