Freedom Found: A Golden Journey Of Love And Belonging
Freedom.
It’s something we celebrate each July, often with flags, fireworks, and fanfare. But at The Pet Cottage, we witness a quieter, deeper kind of freedom—one found in safety, in companionship, and in the sacred promise that no pet will be left behind.
Recently, we were honored to help a trio of beautiful golden retrievers—Marlee (10), Miles (8), and Maks (4)—find their way to freedom after heartbreak.
Their story began with unimaginable loss. A local family of six was devastated when their mom passed away unexpectedly from a rare illness. Just months later, their dad died from a sudden heart attack. Four teenagers were left grieving, and so were their beloved dogs.
Family from Georgia came quickly to help pick up the pieces. The decision was made for the youngest sibling to relocate to live with her grandmother and uncle, while the older siblings stayed in Florida. But there was one heartbreaking hurdle: the dogs couldn’t make the move.
That’s when The Pet Cottage was called.
Miles and Maks
While we hoped to keep all three together, we also knew that each dog’s needs would guide us. Marlee, the oldest at 10, was slower and calmer. She found her perfect Forever Guardians in Nancy and John—longtime golden lovers in their 70s who wanted to give one more golden girl a safe, loving home. Marlee now spends her days gently loved on, with all the comfort and dignity she deserves.
The boys, Miles and Maks, were more energetic and deeply bonded. We worked with our trusted trainer to evaluate their behavior and ensure we could find the right family. That’s when the Myers family came into the picture. A vibrant family of six with two gentle dogs, chickens, and open hearts—they were ready to grow their pack.
With careful introductions at the sanctuary and their home, and guidance from our team, the boys officially made the leap. Now, they’re thriving—running, playing, swimming, and soaking up the joy of being truly part of a family again.
This is what freedom means to us:
Freedom to grow old gracefully.
Freedom to be safe, content, and cared for.
Freedom to run, to belong, and to be loved.
Each pet we place carries a story—of loss, of transition, and of renewal. And each guardian who steps forward helps write a new chapter.
This July, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also celebrate the quiet victories. The kind that wag their tails and rest their heads on your lap. The kind that remind us that love—especially after loss—is a freedom worth fighting for.
If you believe, like we do, that every pet deserves to live out their life with dignity and love, we invite you to join us.
The Pet Cottage
www.thepetcottage.org
[email protected]
561-818-5025, FL | EIN: 47-4011633
Leave a legacy of love.
Our Legacy Circle honors those who include The Pet Cottage in their estate plans, ensuring their love for animals continues to make a difference for generations to come. It’s not just about caring for pets—it’s about celebrating the people whose love makes it all possible.
