Trudi was the puffiest little ball of fur I’d ever laid eyes on. She was definitely the alpha female of the litter of Golden Retriever puppies! First one out of the whelping box and always on the go. The cool thing about her, was that I got to be great friends with the couple who I bought her from. They had the mother and kept a a girl puppy. My parents got another girl puppy. Another friend had the dad, and the other 2 boy puppies remained in town. So when we got together for hikes (we all lived in Steamboat Springs at the time) we would have most of the family! A few times we would even contact the boy dog’s owners and get them all together for their birthday. Corny, but a whole lot of fun!
I would have to say those who knew me well, knew how much Trudi meant to me. We would walk each morning, afternoon and evening. Sometimes she would go to work with me. She was never left alone all day. Her favorite thing to do in the summer was “dive” for rocks that I’d throw in the water for her. She wasn’t so keen on balls as she was on rocks! In the winter we would walk to the base of the gondola (at night) and she would “chase” the gondola cabins coming out of the terminal, barking as she ran. Tourists got quite a kick out of her. She would also run up the ski hill and literally slide down on her back. I wish I got that on tape! Then, when she was 7, her brothers came (my children). She was still queen but it took a short while for her to adjust. However, once she did, she would protect those boys with her life. Trudi was in great health until about six months ago when a brain tumor took over. We did all we could. She was with us for a beautiful, most amazing run of 12 1/2 years and I will forever cherish the special memories. I miss her terribly! Thank you, Trudi girl, for being the best thing on four legs that has ever happened to me. You have enriched my life with the most amazing unconditional love I’ve ever felt. And a special thank you to Home to Heaven. You have a wonderful service and such caring people.
Nicole Bargren and Family