Current Residents at Golden Years Dog Sanctuary

Cassidy

Capetown

Cassidy

We heard that there was a lab mix at the Carson ACC that was at risk of being euthanized for being old and having a tumor. Princess, who was first at the shelter as a two month old puppy in October of 2009, was found as a stray in May, 2022. We just lost Crocodile and of course wanted to save another life. So we did. However, we missed the part where the mix of the dog is with a corgi. Cassidy is a super sweet loving 12 year old corgi-lab mix who wants nothing more than to be with you and give kisses. We are hoping to find her a foster home ASAP as we can not let her be loose with all the big dogs at our sanctuary. While she is safe and happy, she deserves to not be kept separated from the other dogs. Please help us find her a foster!

Camel

Capetown

Cassidy

This dog came to the Palmdale shelter on February 16, 2022 as a stray dog possibly hit by a car! He had wounds on his face and front leg. No one claimed him. The shelter cared for his wounds, made him available for adoption and no one wanted him. He sat in a kennel and waited. This large dog did not have much room to move in those little kennels at the shelter. Unlike some dogs, he had no fanfare on social media. No pleas to save his life. He was not unnoticed to us and we were so glad to save him on April 13, 2022. Formerly known as Bear, he has such long legs and moves with such grace, the name Camel seemed so fitting. He is a wonderful dog. He gets along with everyone at the sanctuary, and did so right from day one. Since we consider him to be young, we would love to find him a forever home in which to grow old. By our standards, he is far from old, yet.

Capetown

Love this dog! Capetown, formerly, choco, was dumped at the Castaic Animal Care Center on March 9, 2022. Susan saw him when she visited the care center on volunteer days and figured someone would adopt this handsome, friendly dog. But he was overlooked. A volunteer told us they were concerned as he had no interest and had trouble walking. To honor our sweet Captain, we rescued him on March 20, 2022. He is best dog! Super sweet, friendly, playful. he loves chew toys! He gets along with the other dogs. And walking? He moves all day on our 11 acre farm... he is doing great!

Capulina

Celebration

Capetown

Capulina was brought to the shelter in July 2020 as an owner surrender. She was on our radar, but we passed on pulling her, first to save cheddar, and then to save captain and cupid. After four months, we were finally able to save her. The shelter labeled her "Rescue only" because they said she tried to nip and they could not handle her. At first, we could not either. She was scared just to have a leash put on. We had to put the blanket on her at night without touching her legs. She had to have a leash on her so we could catch her in the yard. Now, She is still guarded at times, but also really opening up. She is loving attention. She can't wait to see us in the morning. She wants attention. She loves to snuggle in bed. This 11 year old heeler mix is finally learning love and joy.

Celebration

This adorable 12 year old hound dog mix was owner surrendered at the Lancaster shelter on May 5, 2021 after being adopted from the same shelter in July 2010. She was so shy and scared, she stayed in a dog house for the first three says at our sanctuary. And then, she realized she was safe and burst out of her shell. she is so happy. She wags her tail, she smiles, she is so happy to be free.

Clifford

Celebration

Clifford, aka Homer is a very sweet 11year old neutered male lab-mix. He was our first foster dog. Homer was at risk of being euthanized at the shelter in 2019. A shelter volunteer asked us if we could pull him. We could not keep him at our sanctuary as we were full, but could not let him die in the shelter. We found him a wonderful home a week after we rescued him from the shelter. Fast forward to 2022, Clifford would escape from his yard when neighbors would set up fireworks. It was not a good situation for Clifford, so we took him back. We were worried about him being a flight risk. However, I think he knows he landed in a safe place and is loving life as one of our barn dogs.

Celsius

She was only given hours to live. Celsius was brought to the SEACCA shelter on May 20, 2022. She had kennel cough. it turned into a bad URI. They wanted her out of the shelter or they would kill her. We had space, but no way to get her out or over to our sanctuary. Thankfully, the rescue world is full of caring helpful people. She arrived on May 25, 2022 and we nursed her back to health. It was touch and go at first as she had quite the fever. Now, Celsius is a happy go-lucky dog. If it were not for her gray muzzle we would not believe she is ten years old! We are hoping to find her a forever home where she can run and play and have the joy of her own family. She gets along great with all the dogs and is very kind and loving. She does have quite a prey drive and can not be in a home with cats or horses.

Casino

Celsius

casino was owner surrendered at the Downey shelter after being a loyal dog for 13 years. Known as Symbah at the shelter, this calm dog had multiple medical issues and was doomed to be euthanized if no one stepped up. We wanted to help him, but we were full. luckily, our neighbor decided to once again foster one of our dogs and we had space to save Casino. He is a super calm, chill dog who gets along with everyone and has made himself at home. Welcome to the rest of your life, Casino!

Cider

Castaway

We heard there was a 15 year old shepherd that was brought in a stray to the East Valley shelter. really? We didn't know anything about him, we just said we would take him! Logan, now Cider, is the sweetest little dog. he has little ears like a sharpei and the face of basenji. Who knows what he is; who he is is fabulous! Happy life little man. Welcome to the best of the rest of yours.

Castaway

Did you hear this story? Old dog thrown into the ravine by a homeless man. Shopping cart dumped on top of him. Left to die in 100 Degree weather. A couple young boys saw him and called the authorities. He was brought to the Ramona Humane Society were he was treated while on a stray hold. Social media went crazy, trying to find a rescue to take him. We could. We just needed transport. Thanks to a wonderful volunteer, he was delivered to us on July 20, 2022. It seemed appropriate to call him Castaway. He was fearful, scared and growling. After one night in a safe place, he relaxed. He wagged his tail and sought affection. he is leery of other dos, and we hope in time he will be ok with other dogs. For now, he has a large place to call his own. We are open to him going out on foster so he can have a warm bed and a family of his own.

Composer

Castaway

Composer

After twelve years, Brownie, now Composer was owner surrendered to the Downey ACC. While he was a model dog at the shelter, did well in his behavior assessment and had little medical issues, he was still overlooked and unlikely to be adopted. So we rescued him and now he can have the best of the rest of his life at Golden Years Dog Sanctuary. Composer is a gentle, kind dog. He gets along with everyone. he loves going on slow walks and just hanging out.

Courage

Cranberry

Composer

In September of 2018, Susan was asked to come adopt "pretty mamma" from the Downey Animal Care Center She was ten years old and red listed to be PTS. She was so shy and scared, she would not lift her head to greet us or to be petted. Of course we would take her! She is now living up to her name. She loves to carry toys around in her mouth. She loves to run as fast she can across the cross country field and onto her bed. She loves to stand guard and protect us. She is one of the most grateful dogs we have!

Cranberry

The Carson ACC listed this dog, Missy, as a 16 year old lab mix. They have the lab mix part correct. No way this dog, now cranberry who we rescued her on December 6, 2021, is 16 years old. She is a senior as you can see in her face and eyes. However, if she is 16, do not let her know! She is so spry and active! she loves to run and play. She gets along great with all the dogs. She is enjoying her life at the sanctuary. We are so happy to give her the best of the rest of her life!

Country

Cranberry

Our plan , September 25, 2021, was to rescue a 15 year old dog from SEAACA. However, another rescue stepped up. One of the networkers asked if we could take a dog that could not walk. We had the space, so of course, we said "Yes!" So "Stetson" was delivered to us, and lo and behold, he could walk! He does have hip dysplasia and his hind legs move together when he runs. He doesn't care! He is obsessed with tennis balls and toys! He almost always has one in his mouth! Carprofen and joint supplements are helping his hind end. He is not quite a senior, which we did not know when we pulled him. our vet thinks he is about 5 or 6 years old. We would love to find him a forever home where he could hang out on someone's couch and have his own yard in which to play!

Casualty

We constantly get pleas from our local shelters for dogs that will be euthanized if not rescued within a certain time period. So often, we have to ignore those pleas as we are full. But when a plea for a 12 year old dog at OC animal care that could not walk came out...we jumped on it! And so we drove to Tustin to rescue Esme on November 5, 2021. We named this incredibly sweet, docile dog Casualty, because she would have been a casualty of the overpopulated system. Now, however, she gets to spend the rest of the best of her life in a loving home!

Curry

Susan was called about getting a dog, named "oso" from north central. She was a little worried, as male dogs can sometimes be aggressive. She was assured, not the case with this sweet 10 year old dog that was caught in the streets. No owner came to pull him from the shelter.. So on a Friday afternoon, Susan drove down to the shelter to adopt him only to find out, another shelter "pulled" him. They put a hold on him, but then never came for him. The next day at 4:50 pm, Susan was asked to adopt this dog sight unseen or he would be pts. Who could say no to that? With the help from Angels for Animals; we saved "Oso"! And,didn't we luck out! Curry is the most gentle, loving, sweet dog...and a chow on top of that! So much for stereotypes!

Candy

Curry

We saved Candy in 2013 after another dog we had for only a few months, tragically, died suddenly. Clive was heartbroken and needed a new chew toy. Candy, a 2008 mix of unknown breeds who we adopted from the Palmdale Animal Care Center, was the answer. She is our Alpha and keeps everyone in line. At 11 years of age, she is a senior now! Ssh. Don't tell her that; her nickname is "fastest dog."

Dogs in foster

Caspian

Caspian had it rough at the shelter. He was brought in as a stray to the North central Shelter on January 13, 2022. He had a URI for weeks and then developed an infection on the suture site after his neuter. He was not recovering well at the shelter and was in danger of being killed. We rescued him on March 5, 2022 thinking he would be a hospice foster. However, he is doing great! His foster mom loves him and he is better from his infections and our chiropractor helped his mobility.

Caesar

Caspian

Caesar, aka Cane, from the South LA City Shelter, was brought in on November 24, 2021 as an owner surrender. He is 12 years old and had tumors on his eye and foot. The shelter removed those tumors, but were worried they were mast cell tumors. The shelter gave him an exit date of January 4, 2022. We scrambled to find a foster, transport and set up a vet appointment. We rescued him on January 5, 2022. He is very happy in his foster home and gets along great with his new furry brother and his foster family. Further cytology confirmed his tumors are not mast cell and he is not terminal! he is available for adoption!

Carter

Caspian

Carter

Carter is the sweetest dog! Some of these dogs just pull at your heartstrings. Carter, aka Domino from the Palmdale ACC, was one of those nice dogs scheduled to be euthanized by the shelter. We scrambled to find someone to foster to adopt Carter, before it was too late. Carter was actually first brought to the Castaic ACC on August 3, 2021 as a stray dog. He was later transferred to Palmdale in hopes of him getting adopted. However, he was losing weight and stressed at the shelter. No one wanted him. He lost 17 pounds in three months and despite pleas from our sanctuary and volunteers of the shelter, no additional medical care was given. Our vet was worried he may have diabetes, but turns out his blood work came back looking great. What he did have was Guardia. He was given the proper medicine and is now doing better and gaining weight! Carter gets along great with large dogs, but should not be a in a home with small dogs or cats. he is the biggest love and goofball. We are hoping to find his forever home soon!

Cognac

Carburetor

Carter

Cognac, Tigger from West LA shelter, was set to die on August 25, 2021. We asked for an extension to find a foster and was given a new deadline of September 9, 2021. At the last minute we found a wonderful couple to foster and Cognac was saved! At 95 pounds, he is a big boy. He is super sweet and mellow. He gets along great with other dogs. We are hoping to find him a forever home where he can live out the rest of his life with love and joy.

Casanova

Carburetor

We love it when people aprroach us and ask us to save a dog they want to foster! such was the case for little Casanova. Quinn, as he was called at teh Carson shelter arrived on June 22, 2022 as a possible hit by car stray dog. he was taken a to a private vet and then brought back to the shelter. No worse for wear, he was neutered, and then like all nice black dogs....sat. No one wanted him. So now he is a loving foster home and hoping for a forever home. he is 8 years young, neutered, and super sweet, hence the name casanova. Save a life! adopt today!

Carburetor

Carburetor, known as Seymour from the OC Animal Care Center, was not doing well at the shelter and on the euthanasia list. He came to the shelter as a stray on January 3, 2021. They noticed he was arthritic, had ear and skin infections and seemed depressed. We had to save him! Since we pulled him, he has been neutered and his skin and ear infections are being treated. We hope is continues to improve with his health. His mental state improved immediately when he left the shelter! He is in a loving home and enjoying life.

Colt

Cha-Cha

Caiman

Colt, aka Dexter, came to us from the South LA shelter on June 24, 2021. Colt is a 9 yr old neutered Staffordshire terrier mix. He is a little guy, weighing in at 47 pounds. He gets along great with other dogs and is living with three small dogs in foster. He was brought in to the shelter on April 21, 2021 as an owner surrender. He has limited use of his left hind, but it doesn't stop him from moving around, playing or being the biggest love. he is currently in foster and awaiting his forever home!

Caiman

Cha-Cha

Caiman

This dog is amazing! He gets along great with other dogs and is very friendly. Unfortunately, one of the dogs at our sanctuary likes to beat up on him. So we would love to find him a forever home. he is currently in foster where he is living with other dogs and cats. Caiman, formerly known as Brownie, is from the East Valley Shelter. This 2007 model was skinny, fearful, and has a tumor on his throat. He was not likely to get adopted. So we stepped in to save him. He has quickly opened up and is very happy now. He is gaining weight and loving life. Unfortunately, his tumor is inoperable, but he is happy and healthy at the moment, and that is all that matters.

Cha-Cha

Constance

Is she not the cutest little thing? Cha-cha, formerly known as Bella, from the Castaic ACC was brought in as an owner surrender on May 28, 2022. A volunteer at the shelter didn't want to see this little dog scared in the kennels, so she asked if we would rescue her to foster. How could we say no?! So cha-cha was saved on June 4, 2022 and will spend the rest of her days with other small dogs and a wonderful foster family.

Constance

Cantaloupe

Constance

We could not find one post on this dog on social media. Had it not been for someone looking for a senior dog to foster, Queen Mary, now Constance, may have perished. Constance was owner surrendered at the age of SIXTEEN on May 25, 2022 at the Harbor ACC shelter. We rescued her on June 15, 2022 after spending too many days in a cold small kennel. She is actually quite healthy for her age, but does have issues with mobility. She has hip dysplasia, spondylosis and arthritis. So does her foster! So the two are doing short walks together to build strength and give Constance the best of the rest of her life.

Cannon

Cantaloupe

Poor Cannon sat in a small cold kennel at South LA shelter for over three months! His name was Kero and he was owner surrendered as an 11 year old on March 1, 2022. Many pleas were sent out for this dog and no one wanted him. His neuter resulted in a hematoma that abscessed on his scrotum. He was sick and was going to be euthanized. We pulled him and nursed him back to health! Cannon is a kind, old, slow moving, sweet dog. While he was loving life at our sanctuary, one of our other dogs beat up on him for no reason. Luckily, one of our neighbors agreed to foster him. he is so close we can visit often, and we know he is in great hands. We plan on giving him the best of the rest of his days, for how ever long he chooses to bless us with his presence.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe, aka Spike an 11 year old chihuahua mix from the West Valley City shelter, was brought in as stray with a possible owner, who failed to retrieve him. Someone who previously fostered for us, reached out and asked if we could save him. So we did! Cantaloupe has a grocery list of medical problems including being over weight, a heart murmur, limited vision, and skin issues. He is getting the medical care he needs and lots of love (but not too much food as he needs to lose weight).

Clinic

Can-Can

Apparently cats are not the only animals with nine lives! meet Clinic, aka pumpkin from the west valley shelter. Pumpkin, a 14 year old chihuahua mix, was brought to the shelter on July 5, 2022. On July 6, they found him lying on the kennel floor, his tongue purple. he was barely breathing. He next few days at a veterinarian hospital. They thought he was in respiratory and/or heart failure. He was not. He was sick, needed medicine, and is on the road to recovery. He is a dainty little dog who does have trouble breathing when stressed. So we found him a quiet, loving foster home where we hope he can enjoy life.

Can-Can

Just look at that face! This is Ban-Ban from the South LA shelter. He was brought in as a stray on August 20, 2021. We couldn't let him die when we heard he was on a 24 hour notice. Of course, we had no plan for him either. So we contacted the shelter and asked for more time. We were given one day. And someone came forward and said they would foster. Yeah! Can can is a lovey sweet dog. He gets along with other dogs and people. We only have a temporary foster for him, so it is urgent we find him a forever home. he is only six, not quite a senior yet!

Cherish

Can-Can

Churchill

Sometimes rescue work gets crazy! We were told about a 12 year old female dog that needed to be saved by 5:00pm. It was 4:41pm. We emailed the shelter and asked for an extension. We were told another rescue was pulling the dog. They did not. The shelter gave the dog until 4:00pm the following day. It was not until about 2:30 pm that we were again contacted and asked to pick up the slack for this other rescue. The foster was on board, a transporter was arranged, and Amy from SEAACA, now Cherish, was saved at 3:59 pm on May 7, 2022. She is living the great life in foster where we are addressing her medical needs. Our foster says she is only fostering until we find her a forever home. Will that be you?

Churchill

Churchill, aka Big Boy from the North Central Shelter, was brought in as stray on March 18, 2022. He had inflammation around his anus. While the shelter did give him medication for his condition, they were not able to heal him. He had trouble sitting down and going to the bathroom. he was medically alerted and was in danger of being euthanized. We really wanted to help him, but we needed a foster. A wonderful person in Oxnard stepped up to care for Churchill in his time of need, and we rescued him on May 1, 2022. He is super lucky and has a most wonderful foster. He is getting the treatment he needs and hopefully, will be doing better in the near future.

Columbine

Churchill

Columbine

Columbine found herself at SEAACA on April 7, 2022. It wasn't long before she was on their euthanasia list. We rescued her on April23, 2022. She is a kind sweet dog who just needed a bed and a home. We got her that! She is in foster and learning to trust people and relax. Columbine gets along great with people and other dogs. We are hoping to find her a forever home soon.

Caldwell

Churchill

Columbine

SEAACA has gone mad, issuing 24 hour deadlines on so many healthy loving dogs! Caldwell, formerly, Emmett, was one of those dogs. He is a super sweet, gentle 10 year old tri-colored dachshund that was set to die because they said he had a URI and was weak in his hind end. He also has some odd scarring on his abdomen as if he had a leash, wire or some other material tied so tightly on him for a long period of time that he has a scar around his entire torso. What torture that must have been! Thankfully, someone reached out and said they wanted to foster him. So of course, we rallied help, got him pulled and into a temporary foster as the permanent foster is in Temecula. As always, our veterinarian checked him out, did a chiropractic adjustment and give him the thumbs up on his health. Of course, he has senior issues, don't they all. But we are excited for this next chapter where he will only know love!

Curtis

Curtis, aka Pilot from South LA shelter, was incarcerated for almost a year! We were going to rescue Pilot in February, but were told he did not do well with small dogs. Live in a shelter long enough, things change! Pilot is great with large dogs, and even has a brother now, a fellow senior! We are so happy a foster stepped up and offered to give him the best of the rest of his life! Way to go Curtis!

THOSE THAT HAVE LEFT FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS SINCE 2018

Clubber

Calamity

Living to be 14 when you are a big dog is awesome! Clubber left us on July23, 2022. According to his bloodwork, he was in "kidney failure" for two years. He didn't care. He just like Winnie the pooh, he lived for food and love. He had his bed and his routine. However, when it was finally too difficult for him to get up, we knew we had to let him go. Clubber was the first dog we pulled after the quarantine. Usually we meet the dog at the shelter first and then do paperwork. The shelter thought it odd, we wanted to meet him before we would agree to save him. Once we saw him walking toward us, wagging his little rump, we knew we would save him. And so we did. Clubber, known as Bam Bam at the South LA shelter, was owner surrendered on December 8, 2019. He was in the shelter for five months; no place for an 12 year old dog. He was very happy to meet all the dogs. Us, on the other hand, he growled at. It took him a few days to realize we were good people. Now, he gets quite pushy wanting to be hugged and petted. What a love!

Calamity

Do you know what happens when a dog is brought to a high kill shelter with a necrotic bleeding tumor? They give it less than 24 hours to live. Calamity, aka Sunny from the SEAACA shelter, was brought in on Friday, and given to the end of the day on Saturday to be rescued or they would kill her. We had space. We found a transporter and we saved her on January 29, 2022. First thing Monday morning, we brought her to the veterinarian's office. She had surgery that day and the giant tumor, along with a second smaller tumor, were removed. She was the sweetest little dog. She was only 7 years old, and while we had her up for adoption at first, no one wanted her. That was fine with us, We loved her. A second tumor grew and we had it removed. Her skin never fully healed as her entire belly clearly had cancerous tissue. A third tumor grew and started to bleed. We had surgery planned for her. Unfortunately, her cancer was greater than we imagined. She died in her sleep. It was peaceful. it was sad. RIP July 22, 2022 .

Crayon

At 15 years of age, Smoke's human died and he was brought to the Lancaster shelter. We had our eyes on him, but could not find a foster to take him and we had no space. He was extremely underweight and a cold shelter was no place for him. When Couch Potato died unexpectedly, we jumped at the opportunity to honor him and rescue sweet crayon. At the shelter, staff gave us a drawing of him made by girl scout troop that was visiting the shelter, hence the name. Crayon was unneutered and had prostate cancer. We had him neutered to help him out a bit. Over time, he gained the weight he needed, but he also developed myelopathy in his left hind leg. His cancer grew and his ability to move waned. He always kept his amazing appetite and we were sure to feed him plenty on the day we had to say goodbye, July 19, 2022

Cindy

Crayon

Cindy is an adorable little chihuahua mix that was found as a stray at West valley Animal Shelter July 21, 2021. She was at the shelter less than a week when they placed her on orange alert and gave her a deadline. If she was not pulled by Wednesday, July 28th, they would euthanize her. Their reason? They said she was in poor health. She is a little senior dog. Of course she is in poor health, but not in grave danger. Our neighbor was interested in saving a smaller dog and stepped up to the plate to foster. Cindy has an amazing last year of life. We saved her on July 27 and she died July 16, 2022. her heart just gave out and she died in her sleep. Her foster said when Cindy wanted something she would walk up to her human, look her straight in the eye and give one Gruff. Live, and death, done were her way!

Cappuccino

We were so saddened by the sudden passing of our dear Cappuccino on June 24, 2022. She died on her birthday. She was 15 years old. She was a barn favorite and had been with us nearly five years! We rescued her from the North Central Shelter back in 2017. We always described her as gorgeous, healthy, happy, and rambunctious. Only most recently did she start walking a little sideways. The veterinarian said it was mechanical and not painful as she still walked and ran everywhere. She wanted to be with us and she was happy. Cappuccino, known as Effie at the shelter, was first in the shelter as a one year old dog in 2008. She was treated for a skin condition, spayed and adopted. Nine years later, she was back again. This time she had terrible oozing wounds over her entire body. She an ear infection as well as a skin infection. She also developed a respiratory infection. For six months , she would show signs of improvement and then get sick again. This was not a good prognosis for an overcrowded shelter! So of course we had to save her! Once free of the stress of the shelter, she responded to the medicine and her skin cleared up.

When we first put her on the website we wrote: at the young age of thirteen going on three, she can be found running around the entire farm! Cappuccino has no idea how old she is, and we don't plan on telling her! That was true until the day she died.

Carl

Cappuccino

Carl truly had the best of the rest of his life with his wonderful foster family. We gave him more than 15 months of life. Carl was a 13 year old lab mix in that was owner surrendered to the harbor shelter on February 4, 2021 at the age of 12. He was originally adopted from the same shelter as cute one year old dog in 2010. Known as "Scooby" he was a super sweet guy that just didn't belong in a shelter. Thankfully, a wonderful couple offered to foster him and we were able to rescue him. Carl always had thyroid issues which we managed with medication. However, in the end he had trouble breathing and we decided the best thing to do for him was to say goodbye.

Crocodile

Cappuccino

Crocodile

When someone tells us the dog was owner surrendered for snapping at their kids, Crocodile instantly became the perfect "c'" name. Meet Crocodile, formerly, Buddy from the West LA shelter. He is a 13 year old golden retriever that was originally adopted from the shelter in 2010 as a one year old who came in as a stray. He was dumped back in the shelter in October of 2021 for aggression. After medical care at the shelter, his behavior changed and he was once again wagging his tail and eager to be friends with staff. He has a tumor under his tongue and that was enough to put poor Crocodile on the kill list. We found a foster and were able to pull him on February 18, 2022. The resident dog of the foster didn't seem to want a companion so Crocodile came to live with us! We immediately had the tumor under his tongue debulked. However it grew back. We debulked it two more times, each time it grew more aggressively. It eventually made eating and comfort difficult. We were forced to say goodbye on June 9, 2022. RIP our happy little guy!

Crusty

Cucumber

Crocodile

Word gets out when a rescue group is at the shelter. A kennel attendant pulled Susan aside when she was looking at Courage and asked if she could look at another dog. Crusty, as we named her, was old, sick, and not even available to the public. She was doomed, except for the fact that we look for those old, sick, ugly dogs to save. So Crusty had a forever home with us! She was at least 12 when we saved her in 2018. While the shelter listed her as 12, they said in her notes, she may be older. She had an auto-immune problem and skin irritations that we treated with multiple medications until we helped her heal. She was happy. Crusty was going strong up until the day we said goodbye. On June 9, 2022, she decided she had enough. She had eaten dinner the night before and went on her nightly stroll. But that morning, she had no desire to eat or move. We loved on her and said our goodbyes. After she passed, Celsius barked at her and pawed at her trying to get her to move. I think Celsius could not believe our matriarch had finally died. Reminded me of the last scene of The Champ. Crusty too, would not wake up. RIP our sweet girl!

Celeste

Cucumber

We really never know how long our dogs are going to stay with us. We rescued Celeste from Downey ACC shelter on October 22, 2021. Lucky for Celeste, her foster wanted to save two senior dogs! Celeste was a ten year old Border Collie mix that came to shelter as a stray on September 9, 2021. No one came for her and she just sat in her kennel being overlooked for being quiet and old. Lucky for her, we like that in a dog and her foster mom was beyond thrilled to give her the best of the rest of her life with fellow foster dog, Cleveland. her blood work showed she was in kidney failure, but could be managed with medicine and diet, for a bit. Unfortunately that bit was only until June 5, 2022 when her body had enough and we made the decision to say goodbye.

Cucumber

When we first saw this 92 pound Staffordshire terrier being wheeled out of the shelter, we thought she looked like a sea cucumber; we had to name her Cucumber. It fits. Known as Beauty at the Carson ACC, they said she was blind and could not walk. They wheeled her out in a cage; so her freedom walk was a freedom roll. She is not blind and she walks just fine. In fact, she loves to run....for very short spurts. We rescued her and Crush on July 2, 2022. She looked more like a pot bellied pig than a dog. Our veterinarian lovingly called her java the hut! She lived on medication to help reduce the inflammation in her lungs and to make her breathing and her ability to walk easier. She was a happy dog and we were blessed to have her in our life for almost two years! She died in her sleep on May 24, 2022.

Cooked

Cooked, formerly Trucker was brought to the South LA shelter as a stray on March 14, 2021, transferred to West LA shelter on June 17, 2021 and then to the East Valley shelter on March 4, 2022. He spent 378 days at the shelter! Due to understaffing, sometimes he did not get out of his kennel for weeks at a time! he He came to the shelter relatively healthy and developed bone cancer in his hip while incarcerated. He was going to be euthanized if a rescue did not step up as they say he can not walk and is in pain. Our own veterinarian said after seeing the x-rays, that he may only have a few days left. We heard about him the day we had to say goodbye to Clutch. To honor Clutch and give this poor dog a decent life for whatever remaining days he has, we had to rescue him! Day one: he is walking fine, eating and does not seem to be in pain. We were so happy to give Cooked he best of the rest of his life. Unfortunately, his cancer continued to grow. After 46 days of love, joy and freedom in a loving environment, we said goodbye to Cooked. RIP May 10, 2022

Comet

Cooked

Comet was so scared when we rescued him from the South LA shelter on October 30, 2021, he had his tail between his legs and walked slung low waiting to be beaten. Of course, we would never hurt him. From that day forward, all he would know is love. When we rescued Comet, formerly Sonic, he had a huge ulcerated tumor. We thought he was a hospice dog. Turns out, we could have the tumor removed! History has taught us that when there is one tumor, there are more. In fact, his tumor grew back and we had to have it removed again. We never know how long we will have to love on these guys, but we intend to give him the love he deserves every day! Sadly, we said goodbye to Comet on April 10, 2022

Clutch

Cooked

Chauncey

One year in the shelter! You heard it right, Clutch, formerly hutch from the South LA Shelter, spent 365 days behind bars! He had medical issues and after one year the shelter, they wanted to euthanize him. We rescued him on January 12, 2022. His muscles were weak, but his spirits were high as he left the building for good! Clutch was a 9 year old great dane mix who definitely enjoyed the rest of his life at the sanctuary, we just never imagined it would be so short! We tried him in two different foster homes when we first rescued him, but they were not the right match. He wanted to be here with us! He loved being around everyone at the barn all day and he got along with all the dogs. He was a very mellow boy and most definitely the best couch potato! Our clients refused to ask him to leave the tack room and often left it open and unlocked so as to not disturb Clutch! We are so glad we could spoil him. Unfortunately, he had tumors on both is prostate and bladder. In the end we had to say goodbye because of bad plumbing. We said goodbye on March 25 2022; three Fridays in a row we said goodbye to wonderful dogs. May April be a better month!

Chauncey

Cannonball

Chauncey

Funny how things happen sometimes. Networkers for the SEAACA dogs posted that this poor dog was going to need out when his chip hold was up as he had a large tumor in his mouth. One of our neighbors and past fosters posted that she was able to foster if a rescue stepped up. So of course we did! We rescued him November 9, 2021, the same day SEAACA sent out a last minute plea to have the dog pulled or he would be euthanized. 22-04124 ( dandy) is now called Chauncey. Surgery was performed and portions of the tumor that are visible were removed. he vet also removed 9 teeth. While Chauncey certainly looked better, he was not in the clear. The tumor was also in his nasal passage making it difficult for him to breathe and he had a cough. Our foster was diligent in caring for him and under our veterinarian's care, we did all we could to keep him comfortable and reduce the speed at which the tumor grow. But it did grow. He enjoyed his long walks up until the day before we said goodbye. It was becoming difficult for him to walk and breathe. On March 18, 2022 we made the painfully right decision to prevent him from any suffering as the tumor was growing and his quality of life was diminishing. We are so thankful to his wonderful foster who understood this was a hospice situation and was happy to give him the best of the rest of his life.

Captain

Cannonball

Captain was a jolly, go-lucky 14 year old lab mix who found himself at the South LA shelter as an owner surrender on September 28, 2020. He was first adopted out of the shelter seven years ago with another lab. The two were best friends. We didn't have room to pull two dogs, but we could not pull his brother and not him. So we enlisted our neighbors to foster one of our dogs so we would have room. And we are so happy we did. We rescued Captain and his brother, Cupid on October 13, 2020. Captain was a true joy to have around, he loved his big dog house, which he didn't share with any of the dogs. He loved to roll around on the ground and just be a happy dog. Unfortunately, he had very bad degenerative joint disease in both hips. We tried everything we could to make him comfortable. We could not. We had to say goodbye on March 11, 2022. May he reunite with his brother and be a dog again.

Cannonball

We love it when people come to us and ask us to rescue a dog so they can forever foster him or her. This was the case for Cannonball, akas Pancho from the East Valley Shelter. He came to the shelter as a stray on September 3,2021; we rescued him September 16, 2021. He was a 14 year old Chihuahua mix with a very large testicular tumor that the shelter could not remove. It surely caused him pain and discomfort. We had an amazing veterinarian who performed the surgery to neuter him and remove the tumor. He loved life with his wonderful foster mom. She called us March 10th and said something was wrong and he was having labored breathing. We took him to the vet the next morning, March 11, 2022, but unfortunately, he died in Susanne's arms while waiting for the veterinarian. He knew love and comfort literally until his last breathe. RIP our wonderful little Cannonball

Cleveland

CrackerJack

Cleveland came to the Palmdale shelter on May 28, 2021 as a stray. This 15 year old lab mix, wrongly labeled as a Pit bull mix, came to the shelter with a wound on his nose and a broken tooth. Who knows what this poor dog went through. But now, he is safe and will live the rest of days with love, freedom and lots of treats! One of our previous fosters asked if she could foster Cleveland. He spent the last of his days in a loving home with another Golden Years Dog Sanctuary foster, Celeste, as well as two little dogs. Being close to 16, Cleveland was slowing down a bit. One night, he didn't want dinner. he had slept most of the day. His foster mom knew something was wrong. She laid next to him in his bed all night as his breathing slowed and eventually stopped. He died peacefully and with love at 2:00am on February 21, 2022

CrackerJack

"Isabel" was our "foster failure"! This 2007 dog sat in a cage at the overcrowded Los Angeles City North Central Shelter for eleven months! We wanted to start fostering for the shelter. In May of 2018, she became our first, and our only foster. We tried to find her a forever home but she, and all the clients at Goldspirit Farm, decided that we were her forever home! Crackerjack was one of the most amazing dogs ever. She not only breaks every stereotype about staffordshire terriers and pitbulls, but she was the biggest love who did not have an aggressive bone in her body! She was always smiling. She loved to roll around on the beds and cuddle with us. Unfortunately, she had a huge tomor on the side of her face and another in her spleen that were inoperable. We kept her comfortable for as long as we could. On February 17, 2022 her body had enough. She didn't want to eat or really move and so we made the decision to say goodbye. She will forever be in our hearts

Cherry

CrackerJack

Clarence

We work so hard to save these dogs and give them a wonderful end of life. We never expected Cherry's time to be so short. It was serendipity that we even saved Cherry. We were supposed to save a dog at the Downey shelter. Had a foster all lined up. When we got to the shelter, that dog was already rescued. There wasn't any other dog at the shelter that really fit our requirements for this foster. Susan opened her email to contact the foster and saw an email from SEAACA that this little dog was going to be killed at 4pm. It was almost 1pm. She then opened her Facebook and saw a post about the same dog. The foster agreed to take her and Susan rushed to SEAACA to save sweet Cherry. Cherry was only at the shelter a couple of days. She had a huge ulcerated tumor where her right eye used to be. For her safety and well-being, we took all the right precautions: blood work, x-rays, cytology of the mass. We had the green light to have her tumor removed. The surgery was a success, but the universe chose a different path for her and she died in her sleep that night. We are heartbroken as we were so hoping to give her more than a week, but at least in that week she knew only love. RIP 2-15-2022

Clarence

Cornbread

Clarence

One of our all time favorite dogs! he had such a great personality and always had a smile on his face. Barney" was at the Harbor Shelter for months. When he arrived at the shelter in April of 2019, he was dragging his hind legs. X-rays showed he had abnormalities in his pelvis and hip sockets, yet he remained in great spirits. We adopted him on July 26, 2019. He has no idea his x-rays show abnormalities as he runs around the farm with his tail wagging. He is quite a talkative soul and likes to bark when he is happy. He barks a lot! Clarence had a splenic tumor and despite all our efforts to keep him happy and comfortable, we had to say goodbye on January 13, 2022

Chutney

Cornbread

We are so happy we could save Chutney, formerly nutmeg 22-01761, from the high kill SEAACA shelter. She is a 12 year old Labrador mix who came to the shelter on August 16, 2021. We rescued her on August 26, 2021. She was riddled with ulcerated masses. We immediately took her to the vet where she was assessed nd and a surgery date was scheduled. She had many masses removed and is now living life of luxury in her forever foster home. We are so grateful to our fosters for without them, dogs like chutney would have perished. Unfortunately when dealing with mast cell tumor, they keep growing. Chutney's fosters gave her 5 wonderful months; the best of her life. We had to say goodbye to her on January 13, 2022

Cornbread

"Patrina" was her name at the Downey Animal Care Center. We rescued her just before Thanksgiving in 2017. Another 2006 model with no idea she is a senior. She has quite the personality! She wants so badly to play, but none of the dogs want to join in when she gestures to them it is play time. Although she doesn't like others getting love when we are loving her, she barges in on other dog's love moments without a second thought. She is a great dog; we find it difficult to believe someone didn't claim her when she was at the shelter. Sadly, Cornbread had a couple of seizures in December. We put her on medicine which seemed to help for a little bit. On Sunday, January 9, 2022 she was having difficulty waling. Susan stayed in her bed with her and just loved on her for a long time. She died peacefully in her sleep the next morning. RIP 1-10-2022

Clive

Couch Potato

Clive was literally dumped from a moving pick-up truck at the cemetery up the street from our farm. In 2012, at two years of age and un-neutered, he was quite a handful. He has mellowed with age, but still thinks he is the Alpha, and loves his job protecting the farm. He is quite the love and the favorite of so many clients at Goldspirit Farm. Clive loved people and being at the barn. He and his best friend, Candy, ran the farm, or so he liked to think. In summer of 2021, he developed cancer in his leg. It grew fast and was in a place where we could not remove it and amputation on his leg did not seem fair to him. We kept him happy and comfortable for as along as possible. On December 4, 2021 we had to say goodbye to our dear friend of nearly 10 years.

Couch Potato

Couch Potato was rescued on August 20, 2021 from Baldwin Park ACC. His name was Buddy and he is a 11 year old Labrador retriever. He was brought to the shelter as an owner surrender on August 3, 2021 for biting his owner when the owner had his hand too close to the open wound on Couch Potato's face. We was made Rescue only with a Waiver because of the bite. HIs wound on his face was an ulcerated mass which the Shelter removed. We originally pulled him to be adopted out. However, it did not work out with the adopters and Couch Potato now lives with us at the sanctuary where he will spend the rest of his days lounging in the sun, relaxing on the couch and living up to his name! It turns out he had a large mass on his abdomen. There was no way to remove it surgically. On Sunday, November 21, 2021, he suddenly declined and was in pain. We managed his pain until the vet could arrive, and unfortunately, we had to say goodbye. We had no idea we would lose Couch potato so soon and are devastated. To honor his passing, we rescued a 15 year old Staffordshire terrier the same day. His name is crayon.

Chunky

Couch Potato

Chunky

Bear, from South LA shelter walked out of the shelter, and Founder Susan Friend thought, what a chunky bear. And the name stuck! We rescued him on March 31, 2021 with Carmello. Carmello was the hospice dog, but chunky was the one who could barely walk. His eyes, nose and mouth were crusted over and skin looked terrible. A good bath, veterinarian care, and bloodwork and now we have a super happy dog. Chunky has a thyroid issue and keeping him on his medicine is helping all his health issues. Unfortunately, in June something happened to Chunky and he was unable to walk. We immediately took him to the vet and after some testing, was determined he had damage to his back. We changed his medicine to the wonder drug called prednisone and he was so much better. He could walk again! We have had dogs with spine and disc issues, we knew we were only buying time. But, it was time we loved with our sweet chunky. On October 3, 2021 only six months after we saved him, chunky died in his sleep.

Crosby

Chunky

Crosby may be the sweetest dog we ever rescued! At only 12, he moved more like he was 15. He has the kindest face, walks very slow, and is a total love. When we brought him to his foster home, it was if he said, "Ok, I can live here now." He checked out his home, meet his four legged friends and found a soft bed to lay on. We are so glad we could save sweet "lucky" from the South LA shelter on February 26, 2021. He was owner surrendered on February 18. Eight days was eight days too many for him to sit in a kennel. A few weeks ago, Crosby was having trouble getting up and using his hind legs. We worked with our vet and changed his medicine which gave him a new bounce in his step. He was one happy puppy! Unfortunately, his body had other plans and he died in his sleep on September 19, 2021

Coral

Crosby

Coral

We were so saddened by the passing of Coral on August 30, 2021. She died from post operative complications after being spayed. Coral was a five year old Dogue de Bordeaux that we rescued from Baldwin ACC on May 5, 2021. She came to the shelter as an owner surrender on April 30. The owner said she had seizures. The shelter sent her to a private vet for the weekend where she did not have any seizures. Being scared, she was a aggressive when anyone tried to collar her or handle her. Therefore, the shelter just wanted to PTS her instead of properly caring for her medical issues, spaying her or helping with her behavior. We had to hustle to find an adopter, transport, and a place to keep her for a few days in order to save her from certain death at the shelter. She was in foster for four months. She was given the medical care and socialization she needed. We were so happy to have her back at our sanctuary and had people interested in adopting her. RIP our sweet Coral

Cecil

Crosby

Coral

Cecil's fosters were looking for a rescue to help Cecil. We were happy to rescue him from the shelter on March 15, 2021. Cecil, formerly, Blue from the Lancaster ACC, came to the shelter as an owner surrender in January. He spent two months being overlooked and would have been euthanized if we didn't step up. His fosters are helping socialize him and teaching him humans are fun to be around. He loves his foster family, but is still leery of strangers. Unfortunately, Cecil became acutely ill on July 10. We hospitalized him for four days for kidney failure. Each night he spent at his home with his loving foster family. His kidney values improved as much as possible. Cecil was feeling better and had a great last four days of life, eating ribs and pulled pork and playing ball. However, he declined rapidly. On July 19, 2021, the decision was made to end his suffering. We are so thankful for his loving foster family for giving him the best of the rest of his life. We had no idea his time out of the shelter, would be so short.

Comfort

Carmello

Comfort was the first dog we rescued completely site unseen. We were not sure of her breed or age (10 year old chow mix). We only knew she was set to be euthanized that day for having a pyometra, or so the shelter thought. We worked with a networker and another rescue to get her out of the SEAACA shelter and to a vet. Turns out she was already spayed and only had a UTI. At the sanctuary, she loved to hang out at the barn. She was very social with everyone, and followed around one of our clients when ever she was there. So naturally, Debra had to foster Comfort. Comfort fit with with Debra's family and naturally became a part of the family. Comfort started having health problems in May. Her family did everything they could for her, but old age won in the end. She died in her owners arms on May 21, 2021.

Carmello

We were shocked when this "hospice" dog we rescued sight unseen came bounding out of the shelter doors. Carmel from the South LA shelter, whom we renamed carmello since we had a carmel before, was an 11 year old full of life hound mix who had nasty carcinogenic tumor on his penis. We asked four veterinarians; they all said it was inoperable. We hoped they were wrong about him being a hospice dog as he seemed so healthy. Then one day, he had trouble breathing, was lethargic and had no appetite. We gave him fluids, fed him by hand and slept by his side. The next day he was back to his normal happy self. The veterinarian said he may have had a small bleed. His lungs did not sound great, but his heart did. She said we could have more days or weeks with him. Unfortunately, that evening, he crashed again but rebounded in the morning. We could not put him through another bad evening and decided to say good-bye on May 20, 2021. We only had him for 51 days. We can only hope they were the best 51 days of his life.

Chatter

Carmello

Chatter

It is with great pleasure and sadness that we save those with cancer and so little time left. Such was the case for Chatter. he died on May 11, 2021. We pulled him on our first venture to the Orange County Animal Center, on January 27, 2021, we saved two dogs: Carburetor and Chatter. Chatter, known as Kenai, was being completely overlooked, even by rescue groups and networkers. He was a very sweet 13 year old dog that had been in and out of the shelter three times over a year. During that time, his weight dropped from 90 pounds to under 60 pounds! Turns out he has cancer. As with all our dogs, we will do the best we can to keep him comfortable and happy. We named him chatter because he loved to talk. Watch videos of him on our you tube channel.

Corey

Caliente

Chatter

You won't believe Corey is 14! Corey was owner surrendered to the South LA shelter in April 2020 for being old. This little dog is full of energy and pep! She is house broken and loves food! We couldn't leave her at the shelter, but she was too small for our sanctuary. So, we found an amazing foster who is spoiling her as she should be! Unfortunately, a year later, her hind legs started to give out. She had trouble walking and could not get up. We made the difficult decision or euthanize her on April 14, 2021. She was loved until the end.

Cashew

Caliente

Cashew was the funniest dog. he barked at nothing and loved to be loved on. He was a wonderful dog. One day, his hind legs just gave out and he could not walk. We took him to the vet and there was nothing we could do. We knew he had neurological issues , and we humanely euthanized him while he sat in Paul's lap on March 30, 2021.

July of 2019, founder Susan Friend LeTourneur, went to the West Valley Animal Shelter just to bring them newspapers. As if she could leave without a dog! She adopted "Mikie" a 12 year old little staffie that would not walk back to his kennel. No matter what they did, or how many kennel attendants tried, he would not budge from the floor of the hallway that leads back to the kennels. He really wanted out. Seems he knew a little about the shelter as he first found himself at the shelter in 2012. He was adopted but then back again in February of 2019. Cashew is the sweetest, happiest little dog; another example of how great staffordshire terriers really are! He gets along great with everyone and just loves being free to roam anywhere he wants.

Caliente

This dog had so much life, and she would not degenerative myelopathy (DM) slow her down. She came to us with a very slight case of DM. She curled her toes and dragged one hind leg when she ran. By February of 2021, she was really dragging both legs. We put her in a harness and bandaged her feet every day to help her out. She didn't care. She still wanted to go in the garden and sit under the lemon tree. When she could no longer manage walking up or down the steps, we knew we had to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest goodbyes as she was still so alive in spirit and her mind. Her body just couldn't help her any more. We said goodbye on March 27, 2021.

Caliente, Pepper from the Downey Animal Care Center, came to the shelter with a tumor on her neck that weighed more than three pounds! She is a fourteen year old owner surrender that came to the shelter on July 19, 2020. The Medical staff at the shelter removed the tumor, providing Caliente much needed comfort! She still suffered from spindlosis and degenerative mylopathy. Sitting in a cement kennel was not the answer for her! At our farm, she has found the strength she needs in her back and legs. They still give out at times, but nothing can keep this dog still. It is great to see her so happy.

CRITICAL

We always wish we had more time. We only had three months to love her. I know she was loved by her foster mom and was given the best of the rest of her life. Her body just gave out, February 9, 2021. 17 years old! Can you believe someone owner surrendered a 17 year old german shepherd? We could not! So we had to rush down to Carson ACC and save her! She was dumped on October 11, 2020 and we pulled her on October 16, 2020. It was a busy day as we also saved Hera from the Castaic ACC. Critical was skinny, had worms and clearly needed love. She is currently in foster where she is getting enormous amounts of love and attention. She is eating, getting the medicine she needs and is enjoying each day. We do not know how many days this sweet old dog has left; but we know each one will be filled with love.

CRUSH

CRITICAL

Sweet Crush would not let cancer stop her from her daily walks and wagging her tail every time her human entered the room. But, it slowed her down until she lay down for her afternoon nap and did not wake up on February 4, 2021. RIP you deserving, loving dog! This poor dog! This ten year old German Shepherd was found on the streets and brought to the Carson ACC with many mammary tumors, including a two pound tumor that hung from her belly like a crushing ball (hence the name). The shelter was willing to remove the tumor and spay her; we had to save her! Known as Darlene at the shelter, she was so shy when we first adopted her, she ran and hid under the dog houses. Now, she wags her tail and comes running to greet us. We are so happy we could save her! One of our neighbors fostered her so we had room to save another dog. Of course, she fit in perfectly with our neighbor's other dogs and became a foster fail almost instantly!

COAL

CRITICAL

CAREBEAR

It is tough when the heart wants to keep on dancing, but the legs can't do the moves. Such was the case for sweet Coal. These old dogs have such big hearts, but their bodies can only last so long. We lost our sweet little man on February 2, 2021 at the age of 16,

This sweet guy really loved his life! Even when he couldn't get up by himself, he yearned for his morning walks. On his last day, he ate well, went for a walk and was surrounded by love as we said goodbye. Coal, (Smokey from Baldwin Park ACC) was owner surrendered on June 13, 2020 for being old and having a tumor, which the shelter removed. .We pulled him in July so he could spend the rest of his days in a loving home. He has sever arthritis in his legs and backs. It is easier for him to canter than to walk. One would think he would have difficulty cruising around the farm, but he cruises all the way up to the barn and loves to visit with the horses.

CAREBEAR

Carebear lucked out with an amazing foster family that catered to her every need. At close to 17 years of age, her body just stop functioning. We had to say goodbye on January 22, 2021 with her foster family by her side. They had her cremated, so they can feel close to the dog they loved so dearly. It's a different world during Covid 19 pandemic. Based on a phone call with the South LA shelter, we decided to pull two dogs sight unseen. Carebear, was one of those dogs. Known as sunshine at the South LA shelter, she was dumped for being old. While she may be 16, she is full of life and spice! She is currently in foster and being the center of attention she deserves in her golden years.

Cheddar

CAREBEAR

Cheddar

After adopting Cheddar we found out she had cancer in her spleen, and maybe her liver. She was a ticking time bomb. We kept her happy for as long as we could. As she started to decline, we gave her sub-q fluids and hand fed her. Her last night, we knew she was dying and we laid with her in her bed. She died peacefully in her sleep on January 15, 2021. This sweet 15 year old dog was found wandering the streets. She was brought to the Downey ACC on September 20, 2020. She has mammary tumors, bad hips and tumors on her legs. We pulled her on October 1, 2020 and can't wait to give her the care she needs to feel better.

Cupid

CAREBEAR

Cheddar

We started the new year with cupid having good and bad days. We did all we could for this sweet dog. However, whether we like it not, it is our responsibility to keep our beloved dogs from suffering. Cupid loved every day he had with us. He will forever be a part of our heart. We said good bye on January 8, 2021. Cupid, known as Fido at the South LA shelter was owner surrendered with his brother in September, 2020. Cupid was not doing well at the shelter. he was shut down. he would not eat, He would not walk. It was clear he was sick. The shelter was one day away from ending his life, then we stepped in! We gladly pulled both him and his bonded older brother, Captain. Then the two of them saw each other was outside the shelter, they wagged their tails and were clearly happy. Cupid's condition improved immediately. He does have a splenic tumor and is on limited time, but we are giving him love and joy every day he is with us. he eats, he walks, he plays, he is loving the best of the rest of his life. Goal met!

Cow

Cooper

September, 2019, at 13 years of age, Cow was owner surrendered at the Castaic Animal care center for being old, blind, deaf, unable to walk and incontinent. While she was old, she had none of those other conditions. She did, however, have a huge tumor on her back leg that looks like an udder from behind; hence the name. She was so happy to be free and able to walk. And walking she did, from one end of the farm to the other and back! She reminds us of Chance, who also did not heed her description of being unable to walk! Thanks to donations, we were able to have the surgery to remove her tumor. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a happy face on a senior dog! Unfortunately, her cancer slowly crept back. We did what we could to keep her healthy and happy. She left this world on her terms on October 3, 2020, over a year after we adopted her.

Cooper

2020 has been a tough year. Each month, we welcome a new dog and say goodbye to old friend. On July 7th, we found cooper in his bed clenching his teeth. He was alive, but clearly something happened. We rushed to give him fluids and called the vet. He responded to the fluids. Color was coming back to his gums. He even sat up. But that recovery was short lived. Susan hung out with him as did his doggy friends. He died surrounded by love. This is our story of when he got Cooper: Sometimes you just "have to" go to the shelter to adopt a dog! That is how we found Cooper. They called him "Jack" at the West Valley Animal Shelter. Copper is a 2008 Golden Retriever. Although at the shelter he was listed as a chow. Jack, as he was called at the Los Angeles City West Valley Animal Shelter shelter, had an owner who never came for him. We were a little unsure of getting a male dog as Clive is a dominant dog. However, in a play group Jack was good with another male dog. We love big dogs, so home he came! Cooper had a little separation anxiety when he first arrived, but has settled in nicely!

Clover

Cooper

Countess

It was a sad morning when Susan went to give the dogs their morning treats and Clover was dead. It looked as though she was walking and literally fell down dead in her tracks. We lost her on June 28, 2020. We gave her two years; we loved every day. She was the happiest of dogs. They called her "Lucky" at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Lancaster. Her paperwork said she was a stray, but she came to the shelter spayed and chipped. Someone owned her at some point. This ten year old dog with cranial muscular atrophy was unlikely to ever get adopted. So we did in May of 2018! She is the biggest love. Although deaf and nearly blind, she is amazing! Her depth perception is off, but can she is able to navigate around the farm and backyard just fine! Once in a while she bumps into another dog, but they all tolerate it!

Countess

Captain Jack

Countess

A week before she died, she was caught red-handed knocking over the recycling can. No denying it was her! Then, on May 26, 2020, she had bloat. She was still wagging her tail and happy. We took her to the vet, hoping we could catch it before her stomach twisted. We did not. We were so sad to lose this 16 year old girl; she was so full of life and so happy, always. Countess, known as Apache at the Baldwin Animal Care Center, was a fifteen year old black lab/pit bull mix. She looked quite sad and pathetic in her kennel, so of course, we adopted her. The day we came to see her, she was diagnosed with Kennel Cough. We were not even permitted to do a meet and greet, for fear of spreading the kennel cough. Once home, even on medication, her cough turned into pneumonia. We were not sure she would make it. It was a long eight days of force feeding her, giving her medicine and subcutaneous fluids and hoping she would pull through. She did! We think she knew there was now love in her life and a reason to carry on! She is so full of love; everyone at Goldspirit Farm loves her. She is clearly happy and grateful for her forever home.

Cotton

Captain Jack

April 6, 2020. After 14 years with us, our sweet cotton passed away after having a stroke. Cotton was one of our longest residents. She came to our farm in 2006 at less than one year old. She belonged to a neighbor, but she was in love with Chester and Cosmo. Every day, despite what the neighbor did to prevent her escape, she would sneak out and come to our farm to hang with her favorite dogs. Finally, our neighbor gave up and allowed her to stay. She has always been one of our favorite dogs. Her joy was wrestling with her "brothers," playing fetch with tennis balls and going to horse shows. Now, like the loyal sheepdog mix she is, she guards the horses every day, and at night she retires to her bed. She has seen many dogs come and go on our farm, including her beloved Chester and Cosmo.

Captain Jack

Captain Jack is a 14 year old neutered male Lab/pit bull mix. We pulled him from the West valley Animal shelter in October 2019. He had a large mass on his back which we had removed. He was adopted out by a very nice woman who had two other dogs. Sadly, captain jack was having more and more difficulty getting up. As with many old dogs, he also had tumors on his spleen. One day he decided he could no longer get up and had no appetite. His time had come. At least we gave him six wonderful months in a loving home before he passed on March 11, 2020.

Crinkle

Crinkle was found wandering the streets by a neighbor; they called us to pick her up in November of 2019. We did, and we took her to the local shelter as is required. We then pulled her after her holding period was up. She was immediately adopted and loved for the last three months of her life. Sadly, Crinkle passed away from cancer in January 2020

Crystal

Crinkle

We were lucky to have Crystal for nearly four years! Even with cancer in her leg and difficulty getting up, she would find the strength to walk to the barn because I and others were there for loving! Sadly, cancer won in the end on March 18, 2020. Crystal came into out lives just before Easter in 2016 when we saw a post on Facebook showing a bonded pair of senior dogs at the Downey Animal Care Center. Crystal and Cinnamon looked sad, scared, and quite pathetic. How could we say no? Sadly we lost Cinnamon in 2018, who we believe was Crystal's mom. Crystal, who we believe is a 2006 model, appears to be boxer and staffordshire terrier with the bark of a beagle. When we adopted her and Cinnamon they had no idea what grass was. They were afraid to go indoors and clearly had never experienced human love. To this day we have never seen Crystal wag her tail but at least she no longer keeps it tucked under herself! Her age is starting to show, but she is still one tough cookie, snapping at the other dogs if they try to share her treats or her mom when it is her time to be loved..which in her mind is all the time!

Cruiser

Crinkle

Cruiser

"Penelope," a 2006 Staffordshire Terrier, was not doing well at the West Valley Animal Shelter. She was depressed, shutting down and had trouble moving around and getting up. Without our intervention, this adorable dog would not be with us now. With a little arthritis medicine, love, and room to move, her arthritis doesn't hold her back. We hoped her name would give her encouragement, and we think it worked! Though her arthritic knees make her very bowed legged, it does not keep her from walking to the barn and back, and cruising around the property every day. She was a fighter up until the end. She had cancer which started on her lip; we treated it for months. Eventually, the cancer throughout her body won, as it always does. We lost her November 23, 2019. RIP my lovebug

Crooked

Charcoal

Cruiser

Susan went to the Lancaster Animal Care Center to adopt a fifteen year old dog who was rescued by another non-profit. Not wanting to leave empty handed, she found Crooked. Crooked was owner surrendered that day; she had not even been evaluated by a veterinarian yet. She could barely walk or stand on her own. We thought for sure we were adopting a hospice dog. It turns out, however, that old dog vestibular syndrome was quite treatable, and fairly inexpensive. She sometimes walked in circles and held her head at a tilt. Hence the name. She blessed us with her presence for 13 months. We lost her to cancer August 26, 2019.

Chance

Charcoal

"Pup" was an hour away from being PTS at the Los Angeles County Palmdale Animal Care Center when we adopted her on November 3, 2018. They said she could not get up or walk; you should see the video of her springing out of the shelter. This 2003, 16 year young dog loved to walk the entire 660 meter gallop track every day! Nothing slowed her down! It is so great to see a dog that was called crippled, walking for hours. She was living it up! Poor chance woke up one morning not feeling well. A trip to the vet's office revealed a tumor in her spleen. We have dealt with that before; we thought she would be ok for a bit. Unfortunately, she was quite uncomfortable that evening. We stayed with her all night until she passed peacefully in her sleep, July 9, 2019.

Charcoal

Charcoal was one of our favorite dogs, and one we saved before Golden Years Dog Sanctuary was incorporated. She was 13 years old when we saved her in August 2016. In 2018 she started having a heart problem. She would fall down and stop breathing for a minute. They should jump back up and run away. If she could speak, we know she would shout out ," just kidding!" We knew her days were numbered. Before our grand opening and open house, we would tell her we were throwing her a big party, and asked if she could stick around long enough for everyone to come love her. She did and they did. Two days later she had an episode and fell down. Her breathing stopped and she did not jump back up and say, "Just kidding."

Copper

We never expected to lose Copper so soon. One minute she was fine; the next she was shaking and her stomach was bloated. She was in pain and it up to us to ensure she did not suffer. We will miss this sweet, happy dog! she was not a planned rescue, but we were always so glad we did! Before we became an adoption partner with the County of Los Angeles, we were prohibited from adopting "rescue only" dogs. Susan went to the Downey Animal Care Center to adopt a dog that had to be an only dog but we did not have the pull rights to take her. We could only save one dog that day. After meeting several dogs, we chose Copper. She is a funny looking 2008 golden retriever mix. Paul calls her "Happy" because she always is! Of course, she is always hungry too! That's dogs!

Cosmo

Copper

After thirteen years at Goldspirit Farm, Cosmo was finally ready to say goodbye. On Thursday February 7, Cosmo he didn't want to eat or get up. We set an appointment with the vet, and gave him a last great day. He had cat food ( what dog doesn't love cat food), turkey and even dog food. He walked to the barn for the last time and put himself to bed for his final good-bye. Cosmos came into our life one day in 2006. he was waiting at the gate as if to say, "May I come in?" At fifteen, Cosmo was the longest four-legged resident at Goldspirit farm.

Champ

Copper

Clouseau

His name was "Muerto" on the owner surrender papers. Volunteers changed his name to "Vivo." When we rescued this 2009 Pit Bull from the Los Angeles County Lancaster Animal Care Center, he could not walk on his hind legs; he dragged them behind. We thought we were going to have to humanely euthanize him. Lo and behold what a little steroid can do! Not only can he walk, but he can climb the steps into the dogominum and even run. at his pace! For two months Champ was loved, was able to be free and wander the grounds, and have lots of 4-legged friends. Unfortunately, his time with us was too short; he died in his sleep only two months after we rescued him.

Clouseau

Cornelius

Clouseau

When we lose one dog, we can't wait to save another. Clouseau was adopted from the North Central Los Angeles Shelter to honor Champ's passing. Clouseau was a ten year old gray staffordshire terrier just like champ. He had four good legs to walk on, but quite a lot of arthritis. He fit in great with all the ladies and gents. He was a sweet soul and we were happy to welcome him into our pack. Clouseau had a grade 4 heart murmur, but it was a sudden bout with cancer in his leg that caused his passing. These darn dogs come into our lives, and we hope to have so much time with them. We were glad to give him his last months with joy and love.

COZY

Cornelius

This sweet dog was so abused when we adopted her, she was afraid to be petted. She came to us a ten year old stray. She was deaf and partially blind. Shortly after we adopted her she was diagnosed with tumors. We didn't think we would have much time with her, but we figured she wanted to live ten years of a good life to make up for her bad life. She lived for over three years with us. One day she heard my voice in the barn, walked from her bed and literally laid down at my feet. She died shortly after that moment. She died with me by her side, cradling her and giving her the love she deserved.

Cornelius

If ever there was a dog that needed saving! Cornelius was owner surrendered at the Los Angeles City East Valley Shelter with a request to put him down! He was 15, semi- crippled, and mostly blind with all sorts of lumps. He looked like a dog that could be in the movie Nightmare Before Christmas! He had lots of spunk! He wanted to get with all the girls. He was Crackerjack's best friend. One night, he just seemed a little off, and the next day he went to sun himself and simply fell asleep. We gave him five wonderful months.

What's in a name?

You may have noticed that every dog has a name beginning with the letter "C." Susan adopted her first dog the day she closed escrow at Goldspirit Farm. She named her Cody. She then saved Chrissy from a life on a chain. Cujo was a 145 pound German Shepherd that Susan found blocking the driveway on a nearby farm. A client convinced Susan to adopt Cali because she had a "C" name and would fit in with the group. Then one morning two puppies were dumped in a box outside the gate. Susan's brother took one puppy who lived to be fifteen. The other puppy was named Oscar. After only two weeks at the farm, this eight week old Old English Sheepdog mix went for a walk over the hill and never came back. It was decided that all dogs living at Goldspirit Farm needed a "C" name. A few dogs have few come through our gates and were adopted out before were given a "C"name. Since 1999 the following dogs with a "C" name have had a short or long stay at Goldspirit Farm:

Cody, Chrissy, Cali, Cujo, C.D, Charlie, Cookie , Chopper, Colonel, Cupcake, Connie, Curly, Clondike, Citty, Chocolate, Caluha, Camper, Carmel, Carli, Cutie Pie, Corky, Charlotte, C.C, Cassie, Coffee, Charity, Cornelius, Charles, CoCo, Chicken Little, Charcoal, Cozy, Catie, Cotton, Cosmo, Chester, Clive, Candy, Cinnamon, Crystal, Cappuccino, Cornbread, Crackerjack, Clover, Crooked, Copper, Courage, Crusty, Cooper, Cruiser, Chance, Champ, Clouseau, Cleopatra, Cow, Curry, Clarence, Cashew, Countess, Calm, Cool, Crinkle, Captain Jack, Clarence, Clubber, Comfort, Crush, Cucumber, Carebear, Clancy Bear, Chili, Colette, Coal, Cowboy, Corey, Caliente, Cricket, Charger, Cane, Carburetor, Chip, Cash-e, Chatter, Capulina, Captain, Cupid, Caiman, Cream cheese, Clue, Carl, Crosby, Coral, Cecil, Cauliflower, Chunky, Carmello, Chase, Corolla, Corbin, Chloe, Casper, Caffeine, Celebration, Cleveland, Colt, Cognac, Campfire, Cinderella, Chutney, Callie, Crayon, Craig, Cherry, Cowabunga, Conrad, Calamity, Custard, Clifford, Comet, Clutch, Country, Chauncey, Couch Potato, Cannonball, Curtis, Carter, Celeste, Caesar, Cindy, Cranberry, Casualty, Caldwell, Crocodile, Capetown, Chandler, Cheyenne, Cooked, Crusader, Churchill, Cherish, Columbine, Camel, Caspian, Calla-Lily, Can-Can, Cannon, Constance, Cassidy, Cider, Casanova, Clinic, Castaway, Casino, Cantaloupe, Composer

golden years dog sanctuary: a nonprofit dedicated to dog and cat rescue.

Current Residents at Golden Years Dog Sanctuary

Cassidy

Capetown

Cassidy

Camel

Capetown

Cassidy

Capetown

Capetown

Capetown

Capulina

Celebration

Capetown

Celebration

Celebration

Celebration

Clifford

Celebration

Celebration

Celsius

Celsius

Celsius

Casino

Celsius

Celsius

Cider

Castaway

Castaway

Castaway

Castaway

Castaway

Composer

Castaway

Composer

Courage

Cranberry

Composer

Cranberry

Cranberry

Cranberry

Country

Cranberry

Cranberry

Casualty

Casualty

Casualty

Curry

Curry

Curry

Candy

Curry

Curry

Dogs in foster

Caspian

Caspian

Caspian

Caesar

Caspian

Caspian

Carter

Caspian

Carter

Cognac

Carburetor

Carter

Casanova

Carburetor

Carburetor

Carburetor

Carburetor

Carburetor

Colt

Cha-Cha

Caiman

Caiman

Cha-Cha

Caiman

Cha-Cha

Cha-Cha