Hayden
Okay, obviously Hayden is not a Golden Retriever, a Standard Poodle, or a Goldendoodle. In fact, he doesn't have anything to do with our breeding program, other than filling the important role of "Grandpa" for the puppies. But it seemed a shame to make a website about our dogs and not include him.
My husband and I bought Hayden shortly after we were married, and immediately fell in love with his charming personality. Hayden has placed first in a local obedience competition, and third in an advanced obedience competition. He also earned his CGC certification in June of 2008. His obedience, intelligence, and intuition with people seemed to make him a perfect candidate for therapy work---basically he just seemed like too good of a dog to keep to ourselves!
Hayden regularly visits patients in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in some hospice cases, patients' homes. He works for VNS of Kokomo. He is nine years old now, and his health isn't the best, but nothing makes him happier than being able to go visit people and show them unconditional love.
Due to his ever-declining health, Hayden has retired as a therapy dog, and is now just being spoiled rotten at home. He's given us a few scares, and we know that he doesn't have a lot of time left, but we're very thankful for every day that we have with him!
Hayden passed away on Monday, October 17, 2011. We were able to be with him, and it was very peaceful. We all miss him a lot (the dogs and cats included!) but we are glad that he isn't suffering anymore.
"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there [in Heaven], I believe he'll be there." ~Reverand Billy Graham
We believe that therapy dogs are a demonstration of the way that God loves us---He loves us all, in spite of our problems, our appearances, our handicaps, our past, or our conditions.
~For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16~
My husband and I bought Hayden shortly after we were married, and immediately fell in love with his charming personality. Hayden has placed first in a local obedience competition, and third in an advanced obedience competition. He also earned his CGC certification in June of 2008. His obedience, intelligence, and intuition with people seemed to make him a perfect candidate for therapy work---basically he just seemed like too good of a dog to keep to ourselves!
Hayden regularly visits patients in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in some hospice cases, patients' homes. He works for VNS of Kokomo. He is nine years old now, and his health isn't the best, but nothing makes him happier than being able to go visit people and show them unconditional love.
Due to his ever-declining health, Hayden has retired as a therapy dog, and is now just being spoiled rotten at home. He's given us a few scares, and we know that he doesn't have a lot of time left, but we're very thankful for every day that we have with him!
Hayden passed away on Monday, October 17, 2011. We were able to be with him, and it was very peaceful. We all miss him a lot (the dogs and cats included!) but we are glad that he isn't suffering anymore.
"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there [in Heaven], I believe he'll be there." ~Reverand Billy Graham
We believe that therapy dogs are a demonstration of the way that God loves us---He loves us all, in spite of our problems, our appearances, our handicaps, our past, or our conditions.
~For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16~
Holly (6 months old) with Hayden (4 years old).
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Hayden meeting the next generation of therapy dog.
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Hayden visiting his favorite patient.
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Holly and Hayden, taking a break from playing to say, "What's up with the camera, Mom?"
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Hayden sees a chicken!
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Hayden meeting Holly.
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Natalie walking Hayden at the park...or Hayden walking Natalie at the park.
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That's right...Will's got the best pillow in the house.
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Hayden (1st place) at an obedience competition with Riley (3rd place).
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Hayden, in his final days, with tobyMac helping to keep him warm.
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Um...can I come in now, Mom?
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Who're we visiting today?!
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Best buddies, enjoying the sunshine together.
Roadtrip!
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Love.
He would kill me if he knew I put this picture up. ;o)
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Watching over his bike-riding kiddos.
Keeping him comfortable in his last days.
Holly, Hayden, Indy.
Welcome home!
Obedience lessons...at Christmastime.
In a long sit-stay.
"Wanna come out and play?!"
Such a wonderful boy.
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Waiting on the school bus, for Natalie's first day of school.
My babies at the park.
Hayden with his adoring public.
I don't think one dog could be loved much more than this.
My guy.
"You think you're really funny, don't you, Mom?"
"Something smells good!"
Hayden is in a sit-stay...but that chicken running around is awfully tempting.
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