We're not sure what it is about blind Goldie, but all of the male Dachshunds we've had over the years have always adored her. Little Oscar, who we lost a couple of years ago, cherished her the most. Bailey has since taken over where Oscar left off, and he has become her latest heart-throb. Whenever we take a few minutes after dinner to sit by the wood stove in the living room, Goldie always comes over to lie down on a bed near Alayne. That's the moment Bailey's been waiting for, and in seconds he has skittered from his perch in the kitchen and into the living room to be next to Goldie. He then begins to groom her, carefully and dutifully licking her from one end to the other.
The funny thing is that Goldie has never returned the Dachshund affection in kind. Ever. In fact, she completely ignores her devoted fan club. She'll even -- on occasion, when she's had quite enough of being groomed, thank you very much -- growl at Bailey to say, "I know you have a crush on me, but that's enough, now beat it."
Undaunted, Bailey will stop grooming Goldie but then contentedly lie down next to her. You can see him almost sigh he's so happy to be this close to her. He just knows she loves him back, even if she doesn't ... well ... show it.
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Please keep voting for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day! We're currently in fourth place and still on track to win $3,000 for the animals, but every vote counts! We just slipped from third place to fourth, so please help round up as many votes as you can so we can stay in the running for the $3,000. Ask your family and friends to vote for the ranch, too!
Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.
Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
Another laugh out loud moment....Goldie's hard to get attitude is what makes the little ones love her so much. But, I can see why....she is so sweet & such cuddly gal!!! This also made me miss sweet, sweet Oscar!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | April 06, 2010 at 07:35 PM
Just adorable...unconditional love at its best!
Posted by: Ann | March 31, 2010 at 10:14 PM
How adorable. And funny!
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | March 31, 2010 at 08:31 PM
I loved the story of Goldie and Bailey but I had never read your post about the death of Oscar.
I too am sitting in my office tearing up and hoping no one comes in until I can compose myself. If there are angels on earth then surely Oscar was one. His spirit is still at RDR, snuggling with Goldie and Bailey.
Posted by: Diane B - Snohomish WA | March 31, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Steve - you are the most creative writer and just bring these precious stories to life! Thank you for all you do.
Posted by: Lisa K. of Escondido, CA | March 31, 2010 at 11:59 AM
These postings make my day!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | March 31, 2010 at 11:58 AM
May I say I think this is an excellent post. I just love when you reference previous blog stories. I found myself clicking backwards from Oscar's story. Oddly, somehow I ended up reading your July 5, 2006 post which is the story of how you got Goldie.
http://rollingdogranch.typepad.com/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2006/07/the_story_behin.html
Why have you removed the Gone But Not Forgotten section?
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | March 31, 2010 at 11:50 AM
What a sweet boy! I got choked up reading of Baily's devotion to Goldie. And then when clicked on the link for a previous story about Oscar, I cried again. (I hope no one walks in my office until I've composed myself again.) Thank you for sharing your stories about your wonderful creatures (especially those doxies!).
Posted by: Bridget | March 31, 2010 at 11:49 AM
No conditions with this love...beautiful!
Posted by: boundforglory | March 31, 2010 at 09:17 AM
Goldie must taste more delicious than other dogs! =-}
Posted by: kathy | March 31, 2010 at 07:14 AM
Absolutely Precious! Love the narration to go with this picture!
Sweet Oscar was "One Of A Kind."
Posted by: Doe George | March 30, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Too funny and oh so sweet.
Posted by: Ev | March 30, 2010 at 09:28 PM
We females rarely go for the guy who worships the ground we walk on.....we prefer the ones who are a bit harder to get.....
Posted by: Marla | March 30, 2010 at 09:21 PM