Chipper's Haven

I am gratefully accepting donations from kind people who would like to help Chipper's Haven achieve non-profit status. Fundraising will then be more feasible, and I will be more financially able to give these special-needs Goldens the full measure of care they deserve. Thank you so much for your help.

t all started with Chipper, a Golden Retriever with a scarred face and missing toe, small in stature, but big in heart.

I was honored to be Chipper's permanent foster mom for the last three months of his life in early 2003. While cancer raged through his body, he kept his endearing "Glass Half-Full" attitude and ear-to-ear smile that melted the most hardened heart.

While losing Chipper to cancer was heartbreaking, in late 2004, when I heard of a terminally ill Golden Retriever in upstate New York who needed a permanent foster home, I didn't think twice. Within two weeks, Trooper was here to live out his days. That's when I realized that my home had become "Chipper's Haven—A Safe Haven for Special Needs Golden Retrievers."

So many throw-away Golden Retrievers need help. My dream is to form a non-profit, 501c3 organization to let me help them.

For now, Chipper's Haven exists in my heart—and here on this Web site.

My sincere thanks to so many people who made this Web site possible:

Pat...for unselfishly donating the creation of this Web site to me.
Devon...for your guidance, patience and hard work designing this Web site.
Christal...for literally being a second mom to all of my furkids.
Karen...for being the big sister I never had. And for giving my furkids such a wonderful gift.
Margaret...for your graciousness in offering to proofread.
Bev...for all the help with hydrotherapy and for your friendship.
Hip Dog...for offering hydrotherapy to all the past, present and future residents of Chipper's Haven.
Jill...for being Trooper's "begging broad".
Gayle/Autumn Valley Golden Retriever Rescue...for entrusting me with Trooper's care.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida...for the gift of Gracie and Opie.
Mid-Florida Retriever Rescue...for the gift of Carson.
Gail...for all you do for these wonderful Golden souls. I WILL make it to Goldstock one day.
Lynda..for taking in three adults, three dogs, and five cats into your home after Hurricane Charley.
Colleen/Healing for Pets...for all you did for Trooper and Maggie...and continue to do for Gracie, Opie and Carson. Thank you for helping to make Trooper's transition so peaceful.
Connie DiNatale D.V.M./Veterinary Acupuncture & Complementary Therapy...for giving my furkids a new lease on life. And for having such a passion in what you do.
To my extended family on the AOL Golden Retriever Message Board and to all the members of "Team Trooper"....I couldn't have done what I did and continue to do without your love and support.

And finally....to my beloved Maggie, Trooper and Chipper...for inspiring me and making me want to be a better person. How I love and miss you.

Web site designed by

Thanks also to

The Golden Retriever Shop