Tuesday Montalvan

Golden Light #6 is Tuesday Montalvan.

Tuesday is a Golden Retriever owned by Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan. Luis Carlos Montalvan is a 17 year veteran in the United States military who sustained serious injuries in the Iraq war. Capt. Montalvan suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder like many veterans. Part of what helps Luis in his journey through life is the presence of a faithful Golden Retriever wherever he goes. Tuesday is a Golden Light for being a service dog for Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan.

Some of the services that Tuesday does for Luis Carlos Montalvan is he senses when he becomes anxious and calms his nerves, helps him walk when he has vertigo, and reminds him to take his medicine on schedule. CBN did an interview with Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan about how Tuesday has changed his life.


The following is a video of David Letterman interviewing Luis Carlos Montalvan with his dog Tuesday.

Luis Carlos Montalvan wrote his memoirs in the book called Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever that Saved Him. Published in the Summer of 2011 it is available to be purchased at Amazon. The book won the 2012 USA Best Book Award in the Autobiography/Memoir and Audiobook Non-fiction categories (Source). The following is a video of the trailer to the book Until Tuesday.

You can follow Tuesday's ongoing Golden Light adventures in the future through Luis Carlos Montalvan's website at www.luiscarlosmontalvan.com or on his Facebook page.

Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

Cinnamon Goes on a Road Trip

Cinnamon Roll #1.

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, I left my home in Pittsburgh and said goodbye to the "Mommy" who rescued me after I was abandoned and left wandering the streets as a little guy. She gave me such a good start in life and I will always remember her. I met my new family and went on a long and fun road trip.

I got to ride in the back seat of a car next to my new brother. I didn't understand some of the energy and anxiety my new brother with autism was expressing in the car, but I didn't bark and let him touch me if he wanted too. I tried to remain calm.

I barked just once on the trip, when I saw a mean looking Rottweiler outside of our car at a rest stop on the highway. I heard an ambulance go by and didn't bark. I also heard fireworks in the neighborhood of my new home and didn't bark. People walking on the sidewalk near our house after midnight bother me though until my parents tell me it is okay.

The trip took all day because of frequent stops and the sunset was beautiful when we were getting close to my new home. When we pulled off the highway into the city where I will live, I stood up in the back seat and looked out the window to see all the new surroundings. When I got to my new home this little cat ran into hiding. She ran so fast I don't know what color she is. I stayed up past midnight and got up at 7am. I can already see I'm going to have to grab cat naps during the day when the family is out doing things without me. Did I say cat naps? I mean dog naps. Until next time.

Cinnamon Roll chronicles special days in the life of the Golden Retriever Cinnamon.

So God Made a Dog

Golden Retriever lovers will enjoy this video called "So God Made a Dog". It's a parody of the 2013 Super Bowl Ad called So God Made a Farmer. 


Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

Henry Gardner

Golden Light #5 is Henry Gardner

Henry Gardner was a Golden Retriever from Scotland. He developed a healing relationship with an autistic boy named Dale Gardner. Henry Gardner is a Golden Light for his contribution to the life of a boy with autism.

Jim and Nuala Gardner had a lot of problems with their son Dale's self-destructive behavior. As they struggled with what they should do, they acquired Henry for Dale, and the dog changed everything. They were able to create a voice for Henry the Golden Retriever to facilitate their communication with Dale and other positive effects poured in over time.

Nuala Gardner wrote the book, A Friend Like Henry (2008) to document the dramatic change in her son Dale (now in his early 20's) as he developed a relationship with their Golden Retriever named Henry. The book is evidence of the positive effect that a dog can have on some children with autism. In Dale's case his dog Henry helped improve his behavior, communication, and self-concept. The following is the YouTube video made to give a brief glimpse at the story of Henry and Dale.

After Thomas was a movie based on the Golden Retriever Henry and Dale's relationship.  Henry is called Thomas in the movie because of Dale's love for the Thomas the Engine character.

The dog in this story called Henry died in 2006, but his legacy of having changed Dale's life lives on. Dale said, "He was my dog and I loved him. He died in April this year (2006) and even though I love our new dog (also called Henry) it was terrible for me. The first Henry was special (Source)."

Dale Gardner's parents are very proud of what he is accomplishing as a well adjusted young adult. After Henry arrived into their life, Jim and Nuala Gardner had a daughter Amy who also developed autism. More information on their family can be found in an article written by Daphne Lockyer.

Special thanks to Henry Gardner for being a Golden Light. The help he gave a boy with autism was a life-changer. Jim and Nuala Gardner were featured on the Autism Light blog. You may read their feature at their page at the Autism Light blog.

Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

Autumn Moser

Golden Light #4 is Autumn Moser.

Autumn Moser is a 9 year old Golden Retriever from Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She is owned by Jason and Melissa Moser. In July, 2012, when Autumn was 8 years old, she was instrumental in finding a missing boy named Scotty (Scott) who has autism. Autumn Moser is a Golden Light because she was able to find a missing boy with autism even though she had no special search and rescue training.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 3, 2012, a little boy named Scott Meyer went missing from his Pierce County, Minnesota home. Scott Meyer was 5 years old at that time and is nonverbal because of his autism. The community searched for 20 hours to find the boy and were concerned because of the hot weather at the time. Jason Moser had his Golden Retriever Autumn come with him as he searched for Scott. At about 8am on July 4, 2012, Autumn led his owner Jason to an area hidden under a tree near a small slope where they found Scott Meyer about a half a mile from his home but near a dangerous body of water (Source).

The following is a news story on the rescue of Scott Meyer by Autumn and her owner Jason Moser.

The Two Little Cavaliers blog praised Autumn's efforts in this way.

After 20 hours of the community searching for the lost little boy it was an 8 year old Golden Retriever with no special search and rescue or other service dog training that eventually helped to find the little boy. A dog that was almost left home because of the heat and no special training. Jason Moser who is Autumn the Golden Retriever’s owner said he decided to bring her in the end because she loves kids and loves giving them kisses (Source).  

Read more information on Autumn finding Scott Meyer at the following blogs and news websites.

• Two Little Cavaliers Blog
• The Daily Golden Blog
• The Star Tribune
• The Huffington Post

Special thanks to Autumn and all the talented and loving dogs who are making a difference around the world for autism. 

Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

This post on Autumn Moser originally appeared on the Autism Light blog on June 18, 2013 and was modified slightly for Golden Light.

Dog, My Friend

When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees. He then made all the animals and all the birds and bees. And when his work was finished, and not one was quite the same. He said "I'll walk this Earth of mine and give each one a name". And so he traveled land and sea, and everywhere he went, a little creature followed him, until it's strength was spent. When all were named upon the earth, and in the sky and sea, the little creature said, "Dear Lord, there's not one left for me." The Father smiled, and softly said, "I've left you to the end, I've turned my own name back to front, and called you, "Dog, my friend".

Author Unknown  (Source).

Dean Koontz Quote

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"Golden retrievers are not bred to be guard dogs, and considering the size of their hearts and their irrepressible joy in life, they are less likely to bite than to bark, less likely to bark than to lick a hand in greeting. In spite of their size, they think they are lap dogs, and in spite of being dogs, they think they are also human, and nearly every human they meet is judged to have the potential to be a boon companion who might, at many moment, cry, "Let's go!" and lead them on a great adventure" (Dean Koontz-Source).

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Note: Author Dean Koontz is an owner of a Golden Retriever.

For other quotes go to the links on the Golden Light Quote Blog.

Marty Becker Quote

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"Our pets lend a touch of grace to our lives. They teach us the real meaning of unconditional love and bring out the kindest and most generous impulses of humanity."

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by Dr. Marty Becker (Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul).

For other quotes go to the links on the Golden Light Quote Blog.

Blair and Tanner

Golden Lights #3 are Blair and Tanner.
Blair is a black lab and is the first non Golden Retriever to be honored on Golden Light. Blair is a Golden Light because she is acting as a Guide Dog to Tanner, a blind Golden Retriever. Tanner is a Golden Retriever who is blind and has seizures. These physical problems put him in a difficult spot to enjoy life. His life was dramatically improved when Blair stepped into be his own seeing eye dog. Tanner is a Golden Light because of how he shows that despite physical obstacles Golden's can live good lives with some special help.  Here is a CNN video of this heartwarming story of Blair and Tanner. 
Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

Sophie Perlzweig

Golden Light #2 is Sophie Perlzweig.

Sophie Perlzweig is a 5 year old Golden Retriever that is a trained autism therapy dog. Sophie visits Floral Park Memorial High School in Floral Park, New York every other Tuesday to interact with autism students who are in the after-school program called Promoting Academics through Life Skills (PALS). Sophie is a Golden Light for the contribution she makes in the lives of PALS students with autism.

Sophie is owned by Roni Perlzweig of Bayside, Queens in New York City. Roni Perlzweig is a math teacher at Floral Park Memorial High School and she has been bringing Sophie to the PALS program at her school since January, 2011 (Source). The following is a video of Sophie's interaction with the autistic students.




Special thanks to Sophie for being a Golden Light. Sophie is a fine example of how autism therapy dogs can help in temporary school settings.

Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

This post on Sophie Perlzweig originally appeared on the Autism Light blog on July 10, 2012 and was modified slightly for Golden Light.

Albert Schweitzer's Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals.

Especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are 

hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;

for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,

and for those who deal with them, we ask a

heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.

Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,

and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

by Albert Schweitzer
(Source)

The photo of Albert Schweitzer is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.

For other quotes go to the links on the Golden Light Quote Blog.

God's Golden Retrievers

God decided that human beings needed a reminder that He was their best friend. While dogs are known as "man's best friend", it wasn't any dog but a Golden Retriever that God chose to reflect His character.  

I am extremely loyal to human beings; I love them each as if they were the only person in the world. My favorite thing to do is spend time with humans and I cry when I am left alone. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I have a kind and gentle temperment. I have the personality and intelligence to rescue people in times of disaster or serve as a companion to the blind or deaf. I am full of compassion. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I love children and instinctly know how to act around them. If I do bite I have the characteristic of a "soft bite". I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I like to retrieve things and give them as gifts to my human. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I have big ears. I am always available to listen. I hear things even when humans don't want me to. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I am large so humans can't overlook me. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I have big, expressive, brown eyes. I see things going on even when humans don't want me to. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I have a water resistant fur coat. I am always ready to serve in any condition. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

I require plenty of exercise. Humans should spend time with me. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

My coat always comes in variations of a Gold color. This is to remind people of the streets of gold in heaven. I am a Golden Retriever. I am God.

One of the most popular breeds in the dog world today, the Golden Retriever's appearance, personality, and standards show that truly God knew what he was doing when he created this animal. The question is whether humans will understand what God was doing.

By Alan T. Stokes (Golden Retriever Owner)

Revised: October 3, 2004

Golden Bridge

An Adaptation of The Rainbow Bridge Story for Golden Retrievers

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Golden Bridge. When a Golden Retriever dies that has been especially close to someone here, that dog goes to Golden Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the Golden Retrievers who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. There are no more ear infections or hip problems for any Golden there. The Golden's are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress that beloved gold head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Golden Bridge together........

Alan Stokes
June 19, 2013

My Golden Retriever

You encourage me to obtain the exercise I really need,
And enjoy walks leisurely but even more with speed.

Born from a genuinely loyal and devoted breed,
You make me feel like I will always succeed. 

What did you want to say to me as your tail happily moved?
I know you love me but I’d like to have any doubt removed. 

You are very friendly to any child you happen to meet. 
Helping to dry crying tears by being so funny and sweet. 

When thunder comes the world gives you such a scare,
It seems you just need to know I’m nearby and care.

It is so remarkable that you’d rather give up your bone,
Then spend one extra moment outside and all alone.

It seems you can never get enough walks with me,
Or the opportunity to chase a squirrel up a tree.

I’m grateful that God above created your kind,
And if you lived in heaven I sure wouldn’t mind.  
    
Inside your big cuddly body is a heart of gold,
Though now you are young soon you will be old.

And when your time comes to leave me I will not forget,
And it will be difficult to have any other dog for a pet. 


By Alan T. Stokes

October 1, 2001

Note:  Written about my 2 year old Golden Retriever, Shalom’s Benjamin Jacob.  A.K.A. B.J

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together........

Author Unknown

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For other quotes go to the links on the Golden Light Quote Blog.

B.J. Stokes

Golden Light #1 is Shalom's Benjamin Jacob (1999-2009).

Circa 2002, B.J. and Alan 

Shalom's Benjamin Jacob (B.J.) was born on January 17, 1999.  Alan and Anne Stokes purchased him from Diane & Joseph Cudo who were breeders who lived in Elk River, Minnesota at the time. He died on December 16, 2009 after a mouth cancer diagnosis. His illness was diagnosed by the caring professionals at Patterson Veterinary Hospital in Mason, Michigan. B.J.'s remains are buried in the Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery in Howell, Michigan in their unmarked field.

B.J. was a mascot at the former Salvation Army Silver Lake Camp in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 5 years. Longtime Golden Retriever enthusiast and camp physician, Dr. William Carr, expressed disappointment one day that B.J. was neutered and wouldn't be reproducing because of the superior personality that B.J. had in representing the breed.

B.J. was a very gentle dog although he weighed in at 110 pounds. He moved with his family wherever duty called and despite his size didn't complain about spending a year in a one bedroom apartment. He was the first Golden Retriever that the blogger of the "Light Blog" Series owned and in tribute to him, he is being named the first Golden Light.

The poem "My Golden Retriever" was written in honor of B.J.

Golden Light Honors the Lives of Golden Retrievers.

Debra Marlin Quote

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Surely if God could look like something of this world that we could all see and relate to, it would more than likely be a Golden Retriever. (Source--Yellowdog, 1997). Added 6/17/2013

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Follow Debra Marlin on Twitter @yellowdogbooks.

Note: This quote was featured on the Quote Light blog page for Debra Marlin (b. 19XX).

For other quotes go to the links on the Golden Light Quote Blog.