February 13th, 2005... Mister Farley came to live with me and Miss Daisy. What a marvelous day!
Farley #1168 (age 4) was being temporarily cared for by a volunteer for Golden Bond Rescue, a rescue group in Oregon dedicated to Golden Retrievers. He'd been released to the rescue group by a single-parent family who was struggling to make time for him.
It was chilly and rainy in Eugene, Oregon and I had made arrangements to drive out to the coast to meet Farley and his temporary foster Mom. When Daisy and Farley met, it was as though they'd been friends for life! As anyone will tell you, Mister Farley is everyone's best friend. Even if he's never met you, he's missed you all his life. The immediate bond between Daisy and Farley was perfect, and it seemed Farley was going to fit in with the family just fine. So, Miss Daisy and I drove home with our new friend (who was a bit nervous, by the look of this photo I took while I stopped to get gas in my truck).
There was a noticeable soft tissue lump (about the size of a golf ball) on Farley's right hip, so I made an appointment for him to see the vet the first full day he was with us. Unfortunately, the lump was a cancerous tumor that needed to be removed immediately.
The surgery was successful at removing the cancer, but it wasn't a fast healing process. I can't recall how many times we had to return to the vet's office for follow-up visits, but it was numerous times a week for several weeks while we fought severe swelling. The hardest part for Farley though, seemed to be how silly he felt with the HUGE area of his side and belly that had to be shaved for the surgery. The scar from the surgery was 10 inches long, in the shape of an L. Poor Mister Farley...
Two years later he's healthy and happy. Miss Daisy and Mister Farley are still the best of friends. They do everything together - like two peas.
He's a little grayer around the nose and eyes, but is still as handsome as can be.
And famous too!
This year a photo of Farley is being used on greeting cards that will be sold
nationally with the proceeds going to a non-profit agency that helps
raise and train Golden Retrievers for people with special needs.
Read more here.
Birthday: April 8, 2000
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Golden - like honey
A few of Mister Farley's favorite things:
1. Miss Daisy
2. The hedgehog (a squeaky toy)
3. Napping on the couch, or the big chair
4. Coooooookies
5. Every friend he's ever met ... or hasn't met yet
6. Running! Mister Farley LOVES to chase Daisy!
7. Head rubs
8. The brush... yup, that's the spot right there!
9. Presents! Wrapped in tissue, they're just right for rippin' open!
10. More coooooookies!
You can see more photos of Farley here...
Donate to your local rescue groups.
Adopt a friend.
Volunteer.
You'll be glad you did!
I am!
Congratulations to Mister Farley!
Will you be posting a link to the organization, Anna? I'd like to order cards of Mister Farley to help them raise money.
thanks!
Shala
Posted by: SWJC | April 08, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Such a sweet story..and what a gorgeous fellow! I am so in love with goldens...I have one myself. My Abby will be 4 in April. It seems like yesterday that she was just a tiny ball of energy zooming around here! I think Mr. Farley is one lucky pup to have you as his momma and you are one lucky lady to have Mr. Farley as one of your best friends! Thanks for sharing your story and pics!
PS Don't say cookie too loud...Abby might hear you! It's only her favorite thing ever!
Posted by: Monica | February 15, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Anna, I love your animal stories. Mister Farley is adorable and so handsome. I love all of your animal pictures....especially the Farley/Daisy "give me some sugar" one.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | February 15, 2007 at 01:26 PM
I can see what Miss Daisy sees in him - those big brown "take me home" eyes are beautiful! How fab that he's going to be famous - and for a great cause, too!
Posted by: Bagpuss | February 14, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Thanks so much for sharing pics of Mister Farley. I volunteer at our local Humane Society in town and I'm a pet sitter. So I am definitely a big dog lover and pro adopt vs. breeder buying. I think dogs who are adopted appreciate what they have so much more than dogs from breeders.
Give him a hug from me please! & be sure to rub that special (I call it hoochie spot) right above his tail! hehehe
bobbie Ü
Posted by: Bobbie | February 14, 2007 at 05:17 AM
Give Farley a BIG love from me and a good, thorough sniffing from Bogey - I can't believe it's been 2 years!!! He's such a handsome and sweet boy.
Posted by: MicheleP | February 13, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Awwww...what a lovely story! Mister Farley is VERY lucky to have you!!! :) Snuggles to Mister Farley, Miss Daisy and YOU!!
Posted by: Danita | February 13, 2007 at 05:41 PM
He's beautiful and lucky to have an owner like you!
Posted by: Andrea | February 13, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Mr. Farley I miss you!!! Give him a kiss for me!! *insert sad eyes*
Posted by: Cindy 'Lou Who' | February 13, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Mr. Farley is adorable! I'd give him a big ole hug anyday! Lucky you! Hopefully our family's day will come soon when we can have a new doggy to hug! Congrats!
Posted by: Barb | February 13, 2007 at 04:34 PM
You know how the celeb. magazines have their 50 most handsome list? Well, Mr. Farley is Americas MOST GORGEOUS RETRIEVER!
Give him a Valentine kiss for me.
Posted by: Juanita(Toni173) | February 13, 2007 at 11:40 AM
What a hansome boy Farley is. I have a Golden that I adore named Ozzy. He is 11 years old and going strong. He gets our newspaper everyday with complaint (you can't beat that) and he's my two boys best friend. Goldens are such a wonderful, sweet breed. When we adopted our son from Guatemala, Ozzy made the transition so much easier for him. I could go on and on about Ozzy. Thanks for sharing Mr. Farley with us.
Posted by: Cathy Whiteman | February 13, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Well Anna, Mr. Farley's story has certainly touched my heart! A wonderful love story. Thanks so much for sharing. (I am sitting here with two rescued labs who have filled my life with joy!)
Posted by: Jodie | February 13, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Big Hugs to Mister Farley!! Hope you get lots of cookies for Vday ;0)
Posted by: Tracy | February 13, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Thank you for sharing your beloved Mr. Farley with everyone. Pets make life worth living!
Posted by: Crystal | February 13, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Happy Birthday Mister Farley!!! Loads of hugs and kisses are sent your way -- and maybe a couple of boxes of cookies (the healthy kind of course!). Anna, please give him a big hug from me! (and Miss Daisy too! can't have her feeling neglected!) I miss the big fella!
Have a fabulous day! We are having typical Oregon weather -- rain! -- today. Miss you all, Manetta
Posted by: Manetta | February 13, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Annna,
Thanks so much for sharing the story and photos of Mr. Farley. What a lucky, beautiful pup he is. I am partial to goldens myself, having rescued one, and got all sappy reading your story.
Happy anniversary sweet puppy, and Happy Valentines day to the whole barnyard.
Posted by: CKMom | February 13, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Oh my, "what they all said"!!! There's not much I can add, Mr. Farley is gorgeous, and your pictures are incredible. Animals are just the best companions...so glad Mr. Farley is healed and happy and healthy with Daisy and all of you! Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow, to you and Alan and each and every critter!!!
Posted by: Diane McVey | February 13, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Happy Anniversary to Mr. Farley & Family!!!
:-) He's such a handsome guy! LOL - I know that hedgehog toy you mentioned. My beloved Elsa (husky/lab mix) had one and LOVED it. She would put it in her mouth & just run around the house squeaking it FOR-EVER! Thanks for the memories with your post. Doggies are the best, well so are kitties :-)
Posted by: Anne | February 13, 2007 at 07:48 AM
I have a golden retriever rescue too! From Alaska - his name is Chinook and I soooo love him. He came into my life 5 years ago now and he is my big red boy - coloring much the same as Farley. We are so lucky to have these awesome dogs!!! Give him a cookie for me. :)
Posted by: Laurie | February 13, 2007 at 06:44 AM
I just love seeing pictures of Mr. Farley...how cute....give him a squeeze for me....what a adorable little face!!!
Thanks for sharing him with us.
Posted by: Lynne Phillips | February 13, 2007 at 06:38 AM
Wow! Your Mr. Farley could be the twin of my Butterscotch. The shape of their heads, their expressions, and their color is identical. It's spooky-kind of like someone has been taking pictures of my dog! That sad expression at the top is just like the photo our vet took to keep on record. Be glad you have these photos because my Butterscotch turns 7 this year and her lovely face has turned almost completely white! She still acts like a big happy puppy, but is looking like a geriatric! It's hard to believe anyone could ever part with their golden. These have to be the most loving, loyal, sweet-tempered dogs ever. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Posted by: Susan | February 13, 2007 at 06:30 AM
What a beautiful story. I LOVE that you share your animals & their stories with us. Mr. Farley has the sweetest face! Big sloppy wet kisses to him and Daisy ~ Happy Valentines Day to your whole furry, feathered and human family!
Posted by: Dotty | February 13, 2007 at 06:14 AM
OMGosh...how cute...We adopted a Greyhound..Zack...I love him so much. He is just the best.
Thanks for sharing this story...
Posted by: Kristi Ferro | February 13, 2007 at 05:55 AM
Farley is absolutely the most handsome little devil, isn't he?? He has such love in his eyes! You and Daisy are lucky girls!! And Farley's luck you rescued him!! What a lovely story!!
Posted by: Kimmiebella!! (kimreid_stamper on SCS) | February 13, 2007 at 04:26 AM
All of your fur & feather babies are beautiful! Mr. Farley is an exceptionally handsome guy!! Give him a big kiss for me!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | February 13, 2007 at 03:52 AM
Wonderful story Anna and incredible photos as always. Mister Farley is very lucky and these rescue groups for animals are incredible. One of my clients just rescued a dog. I'm such a sap when it come to animals & children. We'll be adding to our own family in March... off to visit this weekend. *smooches Mr. Farley* I agree with Mom, you are very handsome! *wink*
Posted by: A. Sanborn | February 13, 2007 at 03:18 AM