03/26/2025
BOSS GCHB CH FoxRun’s Ready, Aim, Fire, BN, RN, TKN, CGCA
Gunner
October 24, 2015 - March 26, 2025
The world became a better place on October 24th, 2015, when Gunner was born. He was one of three perfect puppies born to our sweet girl, Maddie. We loved him from the moment we met him, and he loved us.
He was welcomed into the school as just a puppy, launching what would become a lifetime of therapy dog work with Emma at the school, local organizations, and most recently the summer camp. He absolutely loved laying in the middle of a crowd of kids while they gave him all the attention a dog could possibly ever want. He also could always count on getting a bagel for his hard work afterwards.
He had a plethora of people who loved him, most notably his co-owner and co-breeder Kathi, who he adored. Together they earned his Championship in confirmation and went on to earn Grand Championship and then Bronze Grand Championship status. Throughout our time with him, Gunner earned many titles: Beginner Novice in Obedience, Rally Novice, Trick Dog Novice, and Advanced Canine Good Citizen. He had multiple Best Opposite in Specialty wins, and in 2020 and 2021 Gunner took us to Westminster, taking Select Dog in 2021 in the breed ring.
Gunner was also an Outstanding Sire, with many of his pups going on to be successful show dogs and all of them becoming well-loved family members. We are gratefully surrounded by his kids in our homes today.
As much as Gunner loved the show ring, his time at home was where he truly shined. He loved going camping with Laura and Mark and was able to explore many new places on their trips together. His life was filled with many adventurous days hiking, rolling in his field, and laying in the stream or his kiddie pool. If you’ve met Gunner, you’ve likely also witnessed his love for his bright orange kickball, of which he had multiple. He loved rolling the ball down the hill for someone to kick up to him, carrying it around hooked on his bottom teeth, or rolling on top of it so everyone knew it was his. He was boisterous, always happy, and a steady companion to us.
Last Monday we discovered that Gunner was very sick. We spent the past week showering him with love, bagels, and many, many hugs. This morning, we took him on his final car ride, and held our boy as we said goodbye. He was the best of the best, and our hearts are aching without him.
Gunner’s mother, Maddie, was a part of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a study by the Morris Animal Foundation focused on finding a cure for the cancers that take so many of our beloved family members before their time. If you are able, donations in Gunner’s memory are appreciated.
