Woody Grimshaw Baker
Woody, our first Golden, passed away before Christmas, going peacefully to Rainbow Bridge on 20th December. We were devastated and not looking forward to telling our daughter, his best friend, when she got home from school.
We had a wonderful 13 and a half years with the giant, stinky, forgetful, old polar bear and we loved him so much we had to get more pals for him via IRR. Our two IRR ladies, Hollie and Harper, like us humans will miss him terribly.
In his younger days he was well behaved, fun and cuddly, our surprise daughter came along when Woody was one and they loved each other straight away. It was a bond that both
Darren and I wish we would have had in childhood!
Helayna named him Polely after her teddy bear and it stuck with him all his life! Even people who we did not know, called him a big polar bear!
When he was about 8yrs and Hollie came into his life, he would often look at us in despair, his eyes pleading as if to say, “I was okay on my own”. We hoped Hollie would keep him young and keep him company but he really didn’t like it at first, reluctantly giving up his bed or favourite sunbathing spot when Hollie decided she liked it better!
After he realised that his telepathic look for help wasn’t going to work, Woody got used to being a big brother and tried to show this naughty new dog the ropes in our house. He tried, but failed, as Hollie was a lost cause. He did, however, reap the benefits of Hollie’s counter surfing and bin opening skills with a look that just simply said, “it wasn’t me!”
A few years later, when Lorraine suggested a perfect addition to our house, along came Harper, young energetic and full of play! Woody never did “play fighting” but Hollie loved having a new sister that would play with her whenever she wanted.
Harper totally changed the dynamics in the house so Woody became a substitute dad, Hollie was mum and Harper the inquisitive and playful child!
Woody began to settle with Harper a lot quicker than he had with Hollie and he loved snuggling up and sharing his bed with Harper. It was truly lovely to watch and reminded me of cuddling with my Granddad when I was a small girl.
These last few years, with three dogs, husband didn’t leave as he threatened and it worked out really well. All of them have their own characters, good and bad habits, but they have all been equally lovable and very much loved.
In later years, Woody became a gentle old man, stinky and acquiring odd quirks. He never became boring, that’s for sure.
We will all miss him and, hopefully, there will, one day soon, be three ruffcateers again in our house.
Goodbye cuddly polar bear, Woody
Fly high on your new angel wings and fare you well as you cross Rainbow Bridge xxx
