Dear Dr. Forslund and Staff,
It is with a sad heart but wonderful memories that I write this letter to you.
We adopted our Golden Retriever “ Beau” in March of 2011. He was brought over to our home by his foster mom with the Retriever rescue. We fell in love with him at first sight.
Beau was afraid to come through the front door way, he would cower when you raised your arm to put your jacket on to take him for a walk. He didn’t know how to get in or out of a car. I shuddered at the thoughts of what his previous life was like before he came into our lives. But he was ours now and we knew with love, affection and trust he would leave his past behind. We were spot on. Beau grew to trust everyone that he came in contact with, all of our friends and their children just loved this sweet boy. He learned to love rides in the car and hung his head out of the window to let his cheeks flap in the wind. He’d love to go to the dog park and to chase the ball, he wasn’t interested in the other dogs, only their owners and would cruise past each one receiving love, affection with each of their kind touches.
Dan and I were recently married and we have children of our own, but none together. Beau brought a new level of love between us, a gift we thank him for daily. We would sit and admire this amazing dog and wonder how we got so lucky.
Beau was surrounded by those who he loved and who loved him when it was time. Todd, our wonderful friend who would dog sit Beau when we would travel. Our amazing neighbor Teresa and her beautiful Golden Retriever “Riley” she was Beau’s girlfriend, were seated next to him, giving him love. Dan and I held his head in our hands and we knew with his one deep breath that he was ready to leave and it was ok to let him go.
Although short lived, our life with Beau was perfect. As ugly as the cancer was it was fortunate his struggle with cancer was extremely short and his suffering was minimal. When we knew it was time to transition him into his next life, it was Dr. Forslund, who came to Beau’s need. The prompt response when we needed her meant so much to us. Her kind demeanor, gentleness and explanation of what was going to happen gave all of us a kind of peace that was so needed.
Dr. Forslund came to our need at the last moment. We weren't sure when it was time to send our handsome Beau to his next life. Dr. Forslund was so professional and compassionate and truly knew how to approach the situation. Dr. Forslund approached our Beau with love, care and affection.
The day after, Beau was gone, Dr. Forslund called us to see how we were doing and if there was anything we needed. We have received amazing support from her since and we just want to say,
“Thank you”
Patti and Dan Singer
Laguna Niguel