Through their Eyes Photo Contest Winners

 


 

If only we could show our enjoyment for life as our furry friends do. They cannot wait for our eyes to open each morning so that they can get us moving and simply breathing in the wonderful fact that there is a new day greeting us. They easily bring smiles to our faces when they immerse and become one with the beauty of our changing seasons. We hope you enjoy the expressions on our beloved companions' faces below, as they reveal the most genuine emotions in the world.

The winners of this contest garnered over $1000 in prizes from our nonprofit organization and we are hoping that the card collection that they have inspired will help generate some much needed support for the programs we provide, which includes the funding of cancer treatment and research.

Our
BLACK, WHITE & GOLD Life Celebration Card Collection is featured on oversized 5¼" x 7¼" quality classic linen cards and includes linen envelopes and special glossy puppy envelope stickers, all enclosed in a finely textured and shimmering gold linen box. Please click here to learn more.

Rochelle Lesser, School Psychologist
President & Founder

P.S. Thanks Liz, Jackie (and Jackie's mom Jo), Geoff, Sam & Heather for supporting the foundation with your card purchases!


 

Graham Morgan of South Wales

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Gracie Unleashed "This photo was taken at our local beach called Caswell Bay on the Gower Peninsular, South Wales. It's Gracie and the rest’s favourite beach because there's a river running right through it, which goes straight into the sea. As soon as they get onto the beach, they run down the river ending up in the waves, where there are, more often than not, at least a dozen or so surfers. And, this is where Gracie is running towards—the surfers! She ends up swimming alongside the surfers, I think, trying to see who gets the wettest!”

 

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Daisy in the Lake "This is  Daisy's favourite pastime, swimming in our local lake. Summer or winter, warm or freezing cold, the temperature really doesn't matter!"

 

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Daisy by the Lake "Daisy's favourite pastime is swimming in our local lake. Here she is taking a needed breather."
 


Had your post today with all the goodies in it! WOW! some quality stuff in there. Thank you very much, will treasure all of it. — Graham



 

David Mason of Florence, OR

 
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Dogs in Surf (3-year-old Flash, 7-year-old Annie, 1-year-old Sage & 1-year-old Onslow pictured above) "This photo was taken on North Jetty beach in Florence, Oregon. Onslow is in the lead with his Kong, being closely chased by the girls, Flash, Annie, and Sage."

 

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Elwood's Favorite Seat "This is a photo of a 14-year-old Elwood setting in his favorite seat, in anticipation of a run at the beach. Elwood went to the bridge in 2003, just shy of his 16th birthday. He is dearly missed."

 

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Tug of War (3-year-old Dinsdale and 4-year-old Onslow pictured above) "This photo was taken in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, just south of Florence, Oregon. During the winter months, vernal ponds form and provide great places for Dinsdale and Onslow to have fun with their Kong."
 

 

Jackie Evans of Minot, ND


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Best Friends "This photo shows my son, Jeremy, with our 4-year-old Golden, Ali. Jeremy and I were going to a harvested wheat field right up the road, and I knew that Ali would have a blast running around the field. So, when we got there, Ali jumped out of the car and was in WHEAT FIELD HEAVEN! She was romping around the field like you wouldn’t believe—she was so thankful that she got to come along! Jeremy then called Ali over to him, and she took a break and sat with him. It was precious…a true Golden Kodak Moment. : )"

 

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Watching ... Waiting ... He'll Soon Be Home "I remember taking this photo of Brandy solely because I knew exactly what she was thinking, and how it was so obvious how much she missed John (my father-in-law) when he was gone. They were the best of friends—and you simply knew—that John was her everything and visa versa. In years past, whenever we visited my husband's parents, the guys and Brandy would all go on daily walks. But, in 2003, Brandy just couldn’t go on those walks anymore as her muscles ached. So, on this trip to the hills of Grants Pass, Oregon, on this day, my husband, two sons, and John left to go on their walk. Brandy walked out onto the deck and watched them walk down the dirt road until they were out of sight. Her eyes remained fixed on that dirt road leading up to the house as she laid there, watching and waiting for their return. The love that Goldens have for their people just cannot be described in words. But, in this picture you can see through Brandy’s eyes how very much she loved and needed her dad."
 


 

Sam Crews of Akron, OH


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Bliss (9-year-old Jasper's Blue Mufasah 'Blue' above) "We were out walking the lake. That boy loves the snow."

 

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Wide Open (10-year-old Stella Louise above) "I think this captures Stella loving life."

 


I just wanted to thank you for all the goodies and the sweet spirit you bring to this great organization. I am delighted to have been a part of it for awhile. I don't know that you've seen the last of us actually! I made my first card order! Pretty sure I can sucker some family into a set or two also ;-{)! All our best. — Sam and Rochelle Crews
 


 

Heather Murphy of Chandler, AZ


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Lap Dog "Zack (age 5) and his rescuer enjoy daily four to six mile walks in the desert. His owners are just so proud to have this big lap dog in their lives. Zack, formerly known as Bouncer, was rescued by Arizona Golden Retriever Connection and a close up of Zack's face graces the rescue's 2008 calendar."

 
 
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The Joy of a Dog (~7-year-old Woody Edens pictured above) "Woody was Nick's best friend from the first day Woody and Nick met. Nick and Woody played their own games together and especially loved playing glow ball and fetch."

 

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Anticipation! (~7-year-old Woody Edens pictured above) "Arizona Golden Retriever Connection found a new home for Woody after his owners decided to give him up. He was exceptionally well-trained and would not eat the biscuit until he heard the magic word. Sadly, Woody crossed the Rainbow Bridge just a few months after this photo was taken."
 


Rochelle, I was delighted to receive the beautiful card featuring Nick and Woody, plus the extra bonuses of wholesome treats and the certificate acknowledging my winning entry. Piper and Snowbelle, my lab/golden and pure golden, are very happy to get heart cookies as special treats. They smelled so good that I tried a piece myself! We are very careful about their treats, giving them mostly fresh veggies. Wholesome, natural treats without additives are the only other goodies they get. We appreciate your special gift.


 

Geoff Hendrickson of Abingdon, PA


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Sam with Leaves "Sam picked out this pile of leaves during yard cleanup and refused to get up so he got a little deeper."

 

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Sam's Outdoors Snooze"A soft pillow is not necessary for a snooze."

 

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Sam in Charge "We are headed to Sam's private Island for a picnic lunch and some goose rousting."

 

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A Peaceful Sam with his Beloved Duck "Sam prefers woobie pillows."
 


 

Anne Visser of  Dallas, TX


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Eye On the Ball (2-year-old Toby pictured above) — "Toby is a one eyed ball fanatic. He is blind in one eye due to a congenital cataract; however, this 'handicap' doesn't get in the way of Toby's pursuit of the tennis ball. He is a phenomenal ball chaser and we marvel at his athletic grace and skill. These pictures show his determination and his joy at retrieving tennis balls. The soccer field we use is behind a Dallas police substation and next to a Army Reserve Center. Many times we will see reservists and police officers stopping to watch Toby in action."

 

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Contentment (8-year-old Barkley pictured above)
 

 


 

Camille Potts of Santa Fe, NM

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Santa Fe Snowstorm of 2006 (2½-year-old Mila pictured above) — "Santa Fe received an unusual amount of snow at the end of 2006. Mila delighted in running through the heavy snow drifts."

 


Rochelle, thank you very much for the beautiful and fun box of prizes. You did such a nice job of putting it all together and I was happy to receive it. Sometime soon, I will order cards. "Snowfall is Golden" looks fantastic. Camille
 


 

Susie Buchanan of Lake Worth, TX


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Keeping in Step (5-year-old Madison and 7-year-old Pluto pictured above) "Madison the Princess Rose came into our hearts on Pluto's third birthday and they have been in love ever since. She was a rescue dog from Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas and our family will forever be in debt to all the wonderful people involved."
 


Rochelle, thank you very much for the wonderful prizes. Pluto especially likes the new treatbag and treats that came with it. Madison likes the fact that all of the two legged beings all over the world are looking at her picture and just wishing that they could pet her. She works for the human touch rather than food, and she is very proud of herself and her work as a therapy dog. And, I have enjoyed the chance to honor my furry faced children as they have given so much to our family. Susie, Pluto, and Madison
 


 

Marlo Schrader of Southlake, TX


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Water Antics "These little guys sure did love playing on the pool cover once they realized they could make a big puddle of water form."

 

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Winnie teaches her Puppies a Golden's Love of Water "Winnie is a rescue golden from the Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas. She came in at the tender age of two with a litter (her second) of eleven 4-day-old puppies. After fostering her and her puppies for eight weeks and then adopting each of the babies out, we couldn’t give her up, and adopted her. These little guys sure did love playing on the pool cover once they realized they could make a big puddle of water form. Funny thing was it took about three puppies at one time in order to make the cover touch the water so they would all pile up on it. Of course, I would then have 11 little wet and muddy puppies."
 


Hi Rochelle, I received my prize package and wanted to thank you! I love it! The cards are so beautiful! And the Buster’s View book is very funny! I also really love the small Ollie stuffed animal although I can say it’s up on a shelf as my Golden’s think it’s for them! The contest was so fun and I’m still amazed that I placed at all given the number and quality of all of the photos submitted. Thank you for all you do for this breed. Marlo Schrader
 



 



 

Pat Lawson of Queen Creek, AZ


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Seeking Shelter "Teddy is my forever Golden and mentor to Canine Companion Puppies that pass through our lives. He is 3-years-old now and wise beyond his years. Tavi is my upstart 4-month-old CCI assistance puppy in training. The instant that Tavi arrived, he and Teddy were constant companions. When Tavi was startled he would seek shelter under Teddy's long legs. Teddy stands about 29" at the shoulder. As Tavi grows, he still manages to snuggle under Teddy, as in this picture, often. I was lucky enough to snap this photo on an outing in Durango, Colorado. What handsome guys! They truly are T-squared."
 


Rochelle, I have used the art cards a couple of time already and have gotten great comments. They are so unique. Of course the boys loved their treats too. :0)  I love that you did Teddy and Tavi in black and white.
 


 

Mike Kewley of Boylston, MA


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Funny girls, Maggie and Sadie (11-year-old Maggie and 18-month-old Sadie pictured above) "Two wild and crazy girls, Maggie and Sadie, upside down and looking for some attention and looking for a belly rub. Inseparable therapy dogs that love attention. Maggie was diagnosed with cancer in August 2006. Sadie has been her ANGEL from heaven. Check out their antics at Maggie's Therapy Dog page."
 


 


Suzan Morris of Old Orchard Beach, ME


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Logan Living it Up "Service Golden Logan gets lots of off duty time to relax and have fun. Here she's thoroughly enjoying being a dog at Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, Maine.”
 


 

Katie Crockett of Plano, TX


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Sweet Sleep "Flower pup Chrysanthemum."

 

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A Tired Puppy is a Happy Puppy "6-week-old puppies above."

 


Rochelle, I just got my prizes. Thank you SOOO much! I love the cards, and my dogs LOVE the treats. The black and white 'Goldens are...' cards are gorgeous. I'm going to order several of my favorites to frame and put them in a collection on the wall. Again, thank you so much! Katie
 


 

Jane Snell of Newport, OH


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Contentment "Oakley was in her absolute glory eating her ear of corn. We didn't notice it until we looked at the picture, but it looks like she is sporting a pair of 'Billy Bob' teeth."
 


Rochelle, how can we ever thank you? We received the wonderful package in the mail today from you and stood there in awe! Tears filled my eyes, my husband's eyes, and my 23-year-old son's eyes when we looked at the certificate and the card with Oakley on it. We were truly overcome with happiness and pride for Oakley. The cards are beautiful! The Golden cards are so pretty and I almost hate to use them. The little Golden stickers are adorable and will only be used for my VERY special friends. Oakley knew there was something in that package for her. She would have scarfed down the entire package of cheese treats, which she loves, but the handmade little heart treats are her absolute favorite of all. She savored every bite, but we have only allowed her one a day to stretch it out. I am framing the card with Oakley on it, along with the certificate, which will hang in our living room over Oakley's bed . . . only right, don't you think? Oakley says thank you for her treats and all of us say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this heartfelt honor. It truly means more than you know. — Janie
 


 


Liz Watson of Fort Worth, TX


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Come on . . . Fall! (8-year-old Chance and 7-year-old Summer pictured above) — "Chance and Summer are willing the roast to fly off the counter and into their paws. They lay at the entrance to the kitchen side by side with total concentration on the Sunday roast fully believing that the power of four eyes is better two. This was their Sunday dinner ritual even though it never worked, they never gave up. Both Chance and Summer are now at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for their family."


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Mom, I promise there is a squirrel. Annie, a Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas permanent foster, discovered squirrels at the age of 10 and now lives to find one up a tree at the dog park. Once found, she will sit for hours under the tree or follow the squirrel from tree to tree. You have to leash her to get her to come home. She is convinced that if she concentrates hard enough that the squirrel will come down to play with her. But mostly they come just far enough down to be a tease."


Rochelle, what a wonderful gift not only for me but also for Golden Retriever Rescue. I love the book and the numbered print. I am going to donate that to the silent auction as it is gorgeous and I know will bring a good return for us. The cards are lovely and I have been sharing them with friends and family who all agree - they are spectacular. This was such an inspiring contest and all the photos were fantastic. Thank you so much for sponsoring it, and giving us all a chance to showcase our 'kids'.   Liz


 

Deb Robers of Allen, TX


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A Ball Tail (5-year-old Duncan pictured above) — "Duncan's love for life is displayed in a tail that never stops wagging. In this moment, his love of tennis balls has just sweetened this second in time."
 


 

Susana Rivero Wood of Caracas, Venezuela


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Cuate's Determination (2-year-old Cuate pictured above) "This picture was taken at a public beach in Venezuela and while my boy Cuate and I were playing with his beach toy, I accidentally threw it too far away and a wave took it even farther away. Then my swimmer boy went and did what he does best...retrieve! So, this picture was taken while he was on his way back with his loved toy."
 


Rochelle, I loooove the goodies you sent me in that package that I finally got TODAY (2 months after they were mailed). Those exquisite prints and the beautiful card and certificate. And Cuate says WOOF and YUMMI for the treats! Thank you very very much for everything. We feel truly honored to be part of this initiative.  Susana


Take me back to the official contest page.


Your choice — turn off music or keep on.

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