As Good As Gold . . . Meet Ellie

Ellie is a two-year-old Golden Retriever that had a life-threatening liver deformity. It would have killed her if she didn’t have medical intervention. As Good as Gold was the only golden retriever rescue in the country that offered to help her. As Good as Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois was the only Golden Rescue in the country that offered to help her.

They are an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of unwanted, abandoned and abused Golden Retrievers, one of the many fine groups detailed at our foundation site.

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Unbelievable work for our Goldens

Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue is doing some incredible work. Their mission is to find loving, lifetime homes for all Southern California Golden Retrievers in need, regardless of conditions or circumstances. On March 16, 2011, the rescue received eight beautiful angels rescued from Taiwan. Here is that story.

Golden Gracie goes viral: A Soldier’s Joyful Reunion

It all started in September 2005. This was the day (now) Captain Andrew Schmidt came back from a 5 month tour in Kandahar. It turns out Golden Retriever Gracie had been in an Alexandria, VA shelter for 4 months and was literally days away from being euthanized when the Schmidt family adopted her.

The video got renewed hits after a remembrance collage had been created, which included Gracie’s warm homecoming for her dad. And, the family was invited onto the Today Show.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Andy did not feel he got to say all he wanted to when he appeared on the Today Show, and has provided many updates to his Youtube site.

UPDATE: (11-13-2009) – This is crazy. I posted this years ago along with three other clips of wife in Haiti for my parents to see (Jen does medical missions in Haiti and runs a clinic in Cap Haitien). They still have like 400 hits a piece. This clip had like 30,000 hits two days ago. I’m not quite sure where this attention is all coming from. [EDIT: It appears to have started at Mentalfloss.com]. Oh, and it was filmed by my wife Jen in our front yard in Springfield, VA.. Gracie is six now. She’s asleep at my feet as I’m typing this.

UPDATE (11-14-2009). O-kaaaaay. This is getting crazy. They ran this on the Today Show today. I’m not a public person … this is getting a little intimidating.
I’m glad that this clip of Gracie has made so many people happy. If it makes you smile, it’s a good thing. But please remember the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. My buddy Steve Taylor who is in Iraq wrote me to say that it bummed him out, because it reminded him of how much he missed his dog …

FINAL UPDATE (11-15-2009) Again, thanks for everyone’s kind words. Yes, we did a short (2-min) spot in the Today Show this morning. They were nice, but I didn’t get to say what I wanted to say about my friends deployed or the many Guardsmen overseas right now. But it went well (do a Google for Capt. Andrew Schmidt to see it).
We were contacted by another news outlet, but we declined. We’re 17 minutes into our 15 minutes of fame. We’re private people, and these things can get out of hand. For one, I am a staff officer in the Air Guard (even though I am past enlisted) … there are tens of thousands of combat arms soldiers and Marines on their third+ 12 month deployment down range; I’m only gearing up for my second. I don’t want to be made a symbol for something that I don’t deserve to be. You have to be careful, because you have no control when you go on TV unless you are very, very savvy (I am not). Or you get crazy and end up building a UFO weather balloon in your back yard.

FINAL FINAL UPDATE (11-16-2009) — I forgot to say this earlier, but if you ever want to get a dog, go to the pound. Pound dogs will always appreciate what you did for them. Save a life, adopt a mutt. Mixed breeds rule. Gracie was on doggie death row — she had been there for four months — when we got her. She was days away, and she’s been the best dog and a vital part of our family for the past five years. It’s funny that a little dog that was found abandoned in a pen in West Virginia, completely neglected, could put a smile on so many faces.

FINAL, FINAL, FINAL UPDATE (11-18-2009) I wanted to point out two things that have happened as a result of this. First, Kong Toys, which makes those wonderful little rubber dog toys with the peanut butter, reached out to me so that they could send a basket to Gracie (spoiled). That’s nice, but I give the plug because they asked for my friend Steve’s parent’s contact info so that they could send a ton of stuff to them to help them look after his dog Maxine, since he’s overseas. We had some talks about how we could build a program where when Guardsmen get deployed the company can do something for the pets left behind. Hopefully more to follow that.

Second, I reached out to the Alexandria, VA, animal shelter to let them now that Gracie is one of theirs. They saved her in 2004. They were elated — those people have a tough job, and if it picks up their morale, then great. I also told them that they could use it in any way for marketing or promotion purposes, full rights. Hopefully more to follow on that as well.

Finally, I don’t want to be a jerk on this, but I see that a lot of people are ripping this video and posting it as their own because it’s viral. Then they sell ads on it. Not cool. Linking is fine, but saying that it’s your own is not. You have to fill out a form with Google claiming it as your intellectual property. If you see this somewhere else (usually with a title like “Dog goes crazy”), then I didn’t post it. [Not everyone who has reposted this had had bad intentions, BTW. Some are cool people who wanted to publicize it. But some are thieves. I know, that’s clear as mud].

Drew needs our help

Puppy Rescue Drew

We recently received a request for help from Cil Henson, President of Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. Honored with the GRCA National Rescue Committee’s 2009 Starfish Award, Cil takes calls night and day, 7 days a week, as she truly leads by example.

Cil is in desperate need for help in raising funds for a young puppy rescue named Drew. He started  a 6-week regimen of  therapy and rehabilitation on November 4th, but the rescue only has $200 toward the $1800 cost.

I have a bit of experience with dogs that have special needs, who go on to help others deal with their own challenges. Just check out the story of Therapy Golden Retriever Polar.

Drew is a typically happy puppy who thinks everything in the world is fun and everyone in the world (human and canine) is great! Cats are fun to chase as he scoots around the house, and if he is fitted for a cart soon – as is hoped – look out!

He’s a tough little guy with an amazing amount of spirit, and all of that is in his favor as he copes with his somewhat limited mobility. He sees no reason why he should have to sit still and so he does everything in his power to follow his big foster brothers and sisters around the house and in the backyard. He’s fearless and smart, and willing to explore anywhere and everywhere.

Drew has apparently had a progressing neurological problem since birth or shortly thereafter that reached an acute stage, but he is on medications now that will hopefully stop the infection in its tracks and allow him to live a healthy life. He may need some physical therapy or rehabilitation to see exactly how much of the damage is permanent. He’s not expected to regain full use of his rear legs, but appears to be a great candidate for a cart.

Currently, Drew is staying at the Veterinary Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic with Dr. Robinett every Monday through Friday for the next 4 weeks. It was hard to leave him there when Mondays come, but Cil knows he is in good hands.

Drew has begun chiropractic, electro-acupuncture, laser therapy, and range of motion treatments, and after the initial massage session, fell asleep and slept through most of the rest of the treatments. He is being kept in the reception area behind the desk at the clinic, and has been going home with Dr. Robinett at night.

Here is Cil’s recent November 6th update from Dr. Robinett.

Dr. Robinett is very excited about the progress Drew is making. His stifle joint (on the good leg) has already improved from a 5 degree range of motion to a 30 degree range of motion during the exercises.  They are using the underwater treadmill to partially float him when they do the range of motion exercises and are getting great results.

Drew has already started to bond some with Jerri and is following her around, and is now already protective when someone comes into the clinic – he barks to be sure they know someone has come in!

They are all impressed with his spirit and with his willingness to do whatever they ask of him. Dr. Robinett is already feeling pretty optimistic about his outcome on the good leg. The other leg will still be a challenge, but they hope to start seeing at least some results with that leg soon as well.

Keep up with everything Drew at his page at the rescue site, as Dr. Robinett will be taking photos and videos in order to document his progress from start to finish. If you’d like to donate to Drew’s rehab costs, click here.

Yes, one person can make a difference.

Golden Angel Gabe

I received a very special email today from Liz Shames. She has been a supporter of our Land of PureGold for some time. We initially came to know Liz through her son, Christopher’s Golden Retriever Gabe, a CCI Service Dog.

Tragically, Gabe succumbed to bone sarcoma in January 2009 at only 7 years of age.

In Gabe’s memory, Liz went on to start a small dog rescue in North White Plains, NY named Angels Wings Rescue. Amazingly, she runs it on her own, calling it the “little rescue that could”.

I love how Liz came up with the name for her rescue. It was spurred by a photo she had taken of her precious guy Gabe for the family’s 2008 Christmas card. Of course, we know he was always an angel, even without wearing those huge angel wings.

Well, today we learned that Liz’s rescue was involved in a wonderful transport mission.

As of last month I had saved and placed 47 dogs from death row in kill shelters in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Ohio. I had been asked last month to help save a pit bull named Buttons at the Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter. He’d spent his whole life of two years at the shelter. No one adopted him because he was deaf, NOT because of his personality as he was just the sweetest friendliest goof ball.

The policy at the shelter changed and dogs only have 45 days before being destroyed, with Buttons first on the list to be killed this week. He was too great a dog to let that happen. We were at our wit’s end and HAD to find a way to save him. A whole group of people from across the country networked. A rescue in California named Angel Dogs Foundation accepted him into their deaf dog program.

Buttons, deaf 3-year-old pit bull, mugs for camera at City of Mt. Vernon Cntr for Animal Care July 4, 2010. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

I took Buttons (now named Indie because I thought it was better as he was freed on Independence day) home to foster. He was great and got along with my handful of dogs in this house. Yesterday, I took him to JFK where he flew out to California. The local paper was at the shelter when I went to pick him up (check out the article here).

Angels Wings Rescue is ALWAYS in DESPERATE need of foster parents, crates and most of all, donations, no matter how big or small. Rescue is a money losing deal but the love and pride I get for saving a wonderful life is priceless. These dogs are loving sweet dogs who have found themselves dumped at kill shelters through no fault of their own. Rescue/shelter dogs are as good if not better than any other dog you can find. They are so motivated to learn and you can find ANY kind of dog you want, purebreds included. I can almost always find a dog someone is looking for waiting in a horrible kill shelter just waiting for death to come, which in the case of many southern shelters, is in unspeakable ways.

If you want to help Liz Shames with her wonderful mission, please contact her at AngelsWingsRESQ@aol.com (and tell her that Golden Mom Rochelle sent you).

Adopt A Golden Atlanta’s Jasper needs a home

One and a half year old Jasper is the March Orphan of the Month at Adopt A Golden Atlanta. Sadly, he’s been with the rescue since August 2009, as he is a special needs dog who has a form of anxiety that makes him eat cloth or fabric.

Medication helps his anxiety, and he would ideally be a good dog for a home with a calm environment with lots of exercise and someone who is at home during the day, preferably with no children and a consistent routine.

He is a lovely, proud dog that loves to lay at your feet and will be your constant companion. He has to stay on his meds, at least until he feels totally safe and secure in his new home, which may be months or years. He loves to run and swim.

Golden Retriever Rescue Rufus, orphan in need of a home

Golden Rufus has been through a lot and waited a long time for the right family, who will be very lucky to have him. You can meet Rufus (and other adorable orphans) at the Buckhead PetsMart during Adopt a Golden Atlanta’s Adoption Day, this sunday, February 7th, from 10 am to 2 pm! Need more info? Call 404.DOGLESS (364.5377).

Golden Retriever Rescue Jake … what a boy!

Don Hamer, 67, of Mill Creek affectionately warms and dries his dog, Jake, after the 4-year-old golden retriever finished playing in the water at Martha Lake Park in Lynnwood on Tuesday. Jake is a lot more than a pet. Hamer, who has epilepsy, believes Jake is capable of warning him of a seizure up to 45 minutes before it happens. Dan Bates / The Herald

I just love this story about Don Hamer and his rescued Golden boy Jake. Jake knows he was a lucky guy to be adopted, and is attached like glue to his dad. Don learned that the hard way when he returned from a trip without him. Poor Jake had scraped the fur off of 2 legs and barked himself hoarse.

Hamer, a soft-spoken, wiry 66-year-old retiree, says he adopted Jake in Albany, N.Y., Hamer’s former home, when the dog was 4 weeks old in late 2005. A friend told Hamer about a nearby adoption fair featuring dogs rescued from Gulf Coast states after Hurricane Katrina. That 2005 storm displaced thousands of people and separated pets from their owners in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Arriving at the adoption event, Hamer says he saw hundreds of malnourished and sickly dogs packed into shipping containers. He remembers seeing seven golden retriever pups and their mother. One of the pups was separated from the others. “I saw his mother had pushed him out of the litter,” he said. “She wouldn’t let him nurse.” He adopted the dog that day, nursed him to health and named him Jake.

The issue of seizure prediction, however, remains a cloudy one as most report that dogs with this ability have only developed it over time, the talent actually discovered accidentally. In 1998, Roger Reep, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of physiological sciences at the University of Florida, surveyed 77 people between the ages of 30 and 60 who had epilepsy. The survey asked about their quality of life, medical status, attitudes toward pets, ownership of dogs, and their pets’ behavior prior to and during a seizure.

Only 3 out of the 31 felt that their dogs seemed to know when they were going to have a seizure (10 percent). Another 28 percent said their dogs stayed with them when they had a seizure. According to his research, the behavior seems to occur spontaneously and may occur in as many as one in ten situations when the owner is having at least one seizure per month. Dr. Reep concluded that reports of seizure-alerting behavior in dogs should be viewed as credible, but with caution.

Learn more about these types of assistance dogs here.

Happy New Year (Golden Retriever Rescue style)

I recently received an email from Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue about their new calendars. But, honestly, the best part of the message were the Goldens sharing their own New Year messages. The problem is, they do not look too happy about the celebratory hat-ware.

Click on me to order a calendar!

A GReat way to support Goldens in need

The second annual, FULL-COLOR-THROUGHOUT, 2010 Golden Retriever Puppy Mill Rescue Team Calendar featuring Goldens rescued from puppy mills all around the country is now available! This calendar like last year’s, was produced by the award-winning producer of the 2008 Dog Writers Association of America’s best dog-themed calendar in the country! And, this year, the calendars are only $12 each!

Just go to http://www.grpmrt.org/order.htm to order.

The Bumpass Hounds . . . continued

oh my goodness!

About a year ago I blogged about The Bumpass Hounds (and Kitties), shown above.

I continue to be in awe of Bill Stevens, the dude in charge of this bunch. As of Nov 11, 2009, the bunch is as follows:  Homer J.,12-year-old rescued Golden Retriever; the senior member of the pack. Jubal, 10-year-old Golden; JEB, 9-year-old Golden; Shelby, 6-year-old Golden; Jack, 5-year-old Golden; Abby, 4-year-old rescued Yellow Lab/Golden mix; Max & Shiloh, 3-year-old Landseer Newfoundland brother & sister; Radar, 1-year-old, blind from birth, rescued red Golden puppy; Alex & Boru, 7-year-old Maine Coon cats; and Jenny, 6-year-old rescued tortie “Ragamuffin” cat. The Bumpass Hounds rescues dogs come from Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Santuary (AHGRR) in Delray, West Virginia.

AHGRR pulled Homer out of a shelter. If they had not rescued him, he might not be here now. He is the oldest animal in The Bumpass Hounds and he has “special boy” seniority privileges. They rescued Radar from being put down because of his birth defects and he is a thriving normal pup now; well as “normal” as a blind pup can be.

I just love old Homer, something about his noble endearing face, I guess.

You can visit Bill and his bunch at their blog. Just tell ’em Rochelle sent you.

I was so tickled by Bill’s latest video. Usually his videos show Radar annoying his fur family members, but the cookie clip just was so cute. It was described at Bill’s blog this way:

Every morning after we have our breakfast dad goes off to the salt mines and leaves mom to give us our morning chewies for about 5 minutes of that elusive peace and quiet. However, when he gets home from work, and frequently on weekends, dad will hold muster of the troops for treat call . . . We are usually required to have our butts on the ground in order to receive our ration. Dad usually conducts roll call and sometimes he screws it up. In this video you’ll hear him initially refer to Homer when actually it is J.E.B. receiving his cookie, thus explaining the second call of Homer’s name. Sometimes it’s confusing with 8 or 10 dogs and Homer and J.E.B. are almost identical twins except that J.E.B. is golden and Homer is red; J.E.B. has a blue collar and Homer has a green collar, however, they’re both males and they are both dogs. Well, here’s a video clip of an afternoon cookie distribution formation. Note that Shelby Belle outsmarts the dad and is able to collect two cookies by stealthily, and quickly, placing her mouth at the end of dad’s hand when Homer (the real Homer) is supposed to be receiving his award.

Golden Rescue Kaycee — what a GReat story & video

Kaycee is a purebred Golden Retriever who spent 9 years in a puppy mill producing litter after litter of puppies for a commercial breeding operation. She was thankfully rescued by Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota and is now in a foster home as she awaits adoption.

The following video is just incredible (now working as it was taken down and then posted again). I only wish I could take in this special little girl. She is a true Golden treasure and any family would be lucky to have her.

If you are interested in giving Kaycee a home where she can live out her remaining years surrounded by love, please contact Placement@ragom.org.

Please give Golden Rescue girl Beetle Bailey some love – Updated

UPDATE: I am not happy. Bailey is being crushed in the voting. She’s competing against 1,000s of dogs so it is hard to see who is winning. But, I know of specific dogs that are leaving her in the dust. They are getting free radio air time or mentioned in web media to buoy their status. Bailey started out strong on the first day and now everyone has forgotten to vote again, as votes are needed 1x daily. Please check out her incredible journey and think about helping with a few moments of your time. I really think she doesn’t have a chance as there are dogs this weeks with literally thousands of votes.

A 12-week contest (now in its 10th week) that began on August 1st, 2009, has been awarding semi-finalists (one per week), each receiving $500 each. The Top 4 finalists will be chosen by the public from these 12 semi-finalist winners. The 3 runner up finalists will each receive $5000, and the grand prize winner, taking home $1,000,000 will be chosen by the judges from the top four finalists on Thanksgiving Day. Pretty exciting, huh?

Well, I have a very special senior sweetie named Bailey who needs your vote. Her dad, Greg Korycki, has been a huge rescue supporter and has been involved in several puppy mill operation rescues. Just look at this incredible “Rags to Wags” story.

Beetle Bailey was a 9 year old, skinny 42lbs, non-spayed female Golden who was diagnosed with diabetes and had lost her sight. She also evidenced several tumors which needed to  be removed.  The owner realized that he wouldn’t be able to take  care of her and surrendered her to a Golden Retriever Rescue.

Fast forward, it was Golden Rescue who gave her eye surgery and her sight back, got her diabetes somewhat under control, rid her of the multiple nasty tumors, and had her spayed. And, while involved in her spay operation, they found even more tumors in addition to the others below and around her shoulders.

Every Golden Rescue has a Beetle Bailey. I think she’s been through a hell of a lot.

Greg and his wife adopted this young lady about 2 years ago and what a character she has been, even through all of this. They adopted her right before her eye surgery and waited for her recovery.

Since this past January, she has been battling chronic ear problems,
hyperparathyroidism, had an operation due to her high calcium levels, and had four different type bladder infections one after another, Finally, her diabetes glucose curve seems to be under control.

The family has had so many ups and downs, but through this she has been a trooper.

Greg has a house filled with rescue Goldens and Kitties. And, it looks to be one incredibly happy family there in Austin, Texas.  I sure do hope you can take the time to vote for Beetle Bailey. It will only cost you a few moments of time. And, please do pass this on to your friends and family, and especially other Golden Retriever lovers.

Many of the previous winning dogs’ owners are bloggers, facebook users, twitterers, etc.. This has generated many votes for their entries. Greg does not use any social media so he is really struggling. That is why I am trying to lend a hand here at my blog and via my twittering.

Here is the exact photo that you will see at the contest page. Click above on Bailey’s photo or go directly to http://bit.ly/4tWKLx. Then, click on REGISTER TO VOTE. They will ask you for your email address and to make up a password (the contest will NOT sell you address and/or use it to send advertisements). This is to help keep the voting honest as people were using multiple addresses from the same computer in previous contests.

After clicking on ENTER, you will be sent back to Beetle’s picture to VOTE. The contest for Bailey will run from Oct 4  Sunday 12:01am thru Oct 10 Saturday 11:59pm. It would be great if you could vote the allowable once a day. I am heading over now to record my vote.

Send some love for this sweet girl. She really does deserve it.

Golden Opportunities at Homeward Bound

This year almost 1,000 Golden Retrievers will arrive on the doorstep of California’s Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary. Sadly, many are refugees from the foreclosure crisis and some are too old or too sick to be adopted out.

Founded by Jody and Mike Jones, Homeward Bound is committed to helping dogs, regardless of age or health condition. This wonderful organization takes all of them in and an amazing army of volunteers sees to their needs. They are hosting an event this Saturday to show off some of the dogs and raise money to pay the thousands of dollars in vet and care costs. You can read more about the “Kibble & Bids” here.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

The foreclosure crisis has increased the number of available dogs and the group is holding its first ever “Newshound of The Year” to increase awareness and introduce the public to some of their top dogs up for adoption. Want to vote in this friendly competition amongst Sacramento’s various media? Just click here.

Fields of Gold

The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue (GRCGLAR) is the oldest Golden Retriever rescue organization in continuous operation in southern California. They have taken in over 2,000 Golden Retrievers since 2003 with an all-volunteer force numbers, over 120 strong in six southern California counties. Although ready to help any Golden in need, the commitment to the neediest cases, the old, the sick and the injured, remains unparalleled in the rescue community.

Folks who are forced to relinquish their dogs due to death, divorce or financial downturn know that GRCGLAR has the experience, knowledge and expertise to make the best possible placement for their dog, and the organization’s stability provides their dog with the best possible safety net and assurances for a lifetime of help and protection.

Enjoy their beautiful video that has been created to provide more visibility for the rescue.

Sure needed Golden Burt’s story to brighten this sad day

Golden Retriever Burton "Burt"

I just received a funny, quite doggy tale from Scotty Richardson. Scotty actually submitted a prize-winning entry, Goldens ─ Behind Bars, in our very first contest here at the Land of PureGold.  Scotty currently [9/2009] has four Golden Retrievers, and they have all worked up a storm, doing some mighty fine therapy dog work. You must check out his canine comedian tale, “Burton, Killer Watchdog!“

Burton is a rescue, or a placement depending on whom is asked. He came to us at 18 months with—issues. With our other “used dogs” we’ve always been able to get them over their quirks. But not Burt. We love him dearly, but Burton was sent to us from on high as a trial. Burton is nearly 9 now, and there is no sign of mellowing.

Burton picked up a habit from our dearly departed “Fecal Gourmet”; Peggy Sue. Peggy Sue got gourmet status from only eating her own turf tacos. Never the other dogs. Perhaps she was afraid of germs? Burton is not nearly as discriminating but twice as sneaky. Mostly he cleans up after Porkchop. This is partly because Porkchop does the “old dog defecation” meaning she has to walk as she poops, leaving a 30 foot trail of little turdlets difficult to find in the grass. A couple of times I’ve watched Burt, hoping to scare him s***less, literally.

Keep reading the tale of Burton here.

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I just received a funny, quite doggy tale from Scotty Richardson. Scotty actually submitted a prize-winning entry, Goldens ─ Behind Bars, in our very first contest here at the Land of PureGold.  Scotty currently [9/2009] has four Goldens, and they have all worked up a storm, doing some fine therapy dog work. You must check out his canine comedian tale, “Burton, Killer Watchdog!”

Burton is a rescue, or a placement depending on whom is asked. He came to us at 18 months with—issues. With our other “used dogs” we’ve always been able to get them over their quirks. But not Burt. We love him dearly, but Burton was sent to us from on high as a trial. Burton is nearly 9 now, and there is no sign of mellowing.

Burton picked up a habit from our dearly departed “Fecal Gourmet”; Peggy Sue. Peggy Sue got gourmet status from only eating her own turf tacos. Never the other dogs. Perhaps she was afraid of germs? Burton is not nearly as discriminating but twice as sneaky. Mostly he cleans up after Porkchop. This is partly because Porkchop does the “old dog defecation” meaning she has to walk as she poops, leaving a 30 foot trail of little turdlets difficult to find in the grass. A couple of times I’ve watched Burt, hoping to scare him s***less, literally.

Golden Retriever Rescue Sam . . . The continuing saga

August 20 to 23, 2009 Update

Golden Sam & Foster Brother Jessie

(23rd) Sam is doing great!! His energy is increasing daily!! He is eating better since we switched his food to something he likes!

We went on a short walk today and he got to see his four puppy friends! It was very difficult to keep him calm through that and he was very mad that he was not allowed to play. He has not lost his personality at all. He still makes us laugh every day. Now that he feels better, his curiosity about life seems to have increased.

– – – – – – – – –

(20th) Sam is HOME! We’re not sure who was more excited; Sam to see his foster parents, or them to see Sam! Sam is feeling good! He will continue medications and then should be weaned from them in 2-3 weeks. If all is well after that time, he will be transitioned to a fairly normal diet. Like many of us, he will require Pepcid from now on, but from where he’s been and where he’s headed, that is easy!!

Now the work begins as he is monitored for signs of complications and trying to keep a one year old dog, that has been kenneled up, from running, playing and jumping on things!

August 18, 2009 Update

Sam’s surgery has been completed and he is in recovery. His liver shunt was, indeed, inside the liver and was the largest this Doctor had seen. He is hopeful that Sam’s liver develops more blood vessels over the next couple of days. His liver pressure was at the high end of normal, so he was given an aspirin to slow clotting at the site of the coil.

He will be monitored 24-7 for the next two days and we will find out the next step then! Let’s hope Sam continues to recover well. He had no seizures, etc. that can be early complications, which is a good start. If all proceeds well, he will be released Thursday to return to his foster home.

August 3, 2009 Update
I just learned that enough money has been raised so that Sam can have his surgery, which has now been scheduled for next week. Here is what has been reported at his blog:

A big thanks to all of you who made donations to enable GRRACE to provide surgery for Sam! We are all very thankful for your generosity, kind thoughts and prayers!

Sam is holding his own. He has good days and bad days. He spent the night at the vet’s office last week receiving IV fluids which helped perk him up a bit. They also changed his antibiotics which has reduced his vomiting to become less than a daily experience.

On his good days, he plays like any other young golden boy. He is quite social and spent a few hours with his foster Golden brother at doggy day care for the experience and playtime and we’re happy to report he did great and really enjoyed himself! On his bad days, he doesn’t have much appetite and has bouts of vomiting. Through the good and bad, he remains a happy, loving boy.

The surgeon at MSU has his prior vet records and we plan for his surgery to be scheduled the week of August 10. He will spend a few days at their animal hospital while he recovers and will be closely monitored. We will keep this site updated with his progress! Please keep Sam in your thoughts and prayers!

_________________________________
When I read this latest rescue story, my heart just about broke. I really hope folks can pitch in so that he can have the life-saving surgery that is needed. I know my check is in the mail. Here is his story from Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education, Inc. (GRRACE) in Indianapolis, Indiana

Sam is a special needs Golden boy that is just over a year old. He has spent most of his life in the shelter; adopted and then returned due to a liver condition called PSS (Portosystemic Shunt) that his adopter could not afford to correct. There was something special about Sam that the shelter immediately recognized, so GRRACE was called instead of having Sam euthanized.

Sam’s body cannot filter toxins out of his blood. He takes daily medications, which help control (not cure) his condition, but the medications make him feel sick. He cannot eat protein so he cannot build muscle properly which decreases his energy level and endurance.

Sam needs to have surgery to correct the PSS. Once surgery is completed, he can live a happy, healthy life. His surgery must be completed as close to one year of age as possible, so time is of the essence. The cost for surgery with pre and post surgical care will be about $3,000.

Sam is a true golden personality. He loves everyone he meets; dogs, cats and most of all PEOPLE! He is a very smart boy who loves walks, car rides and his big basket of toys! When he’s out on his walks he will actually sit down if he sees another dog or person approach, in the hopes they will pet him and play. He is also the biggest cuddler his foster parents have ever met! If you sit down close to Sam, you’d better plan on him taking up residency in your lap!

Sam is just a lovable, sweet, happy boy who we would like to provide the opportunity to live the happy, healthy life he so deserves.

Golden Retriever Sam may soon be on his way to good health! – Updated

August 18, 2009 Update

Sam’s surgery has been completed and he is in recovery. His liver shunt was, indeed, inside the liver and was the largest this Doctor had seen. He is hopeful that Sam’s liver develops more blood vessels over the next couple of days. His liver pressure was at the high end of normal, so he was given an aspirin to slow clotting at the site of the coil.

He will be monitored 24-7 for the next two days and we will find out the next step then! Let’s hope Sam continues to recover well. He had no seizures, etc. that can be early complications, which is a good start. If all proceeds well, he will be released Thursday to return to his foster home.

August 3, 2009 Update
I just learned that enough money has been raised so that Sam can have his surgery, which has now been scheduled for next week. Here is what has been reported at his blog:

A big thanks to all of you who made donations to enable GRRACE to provide surgery for Sam! We are all very thankful for your generosity, kind thoughts and prayers!

Sam is holding his own. He has good days and bad days. He spent the night at the vet’s office last week receiving IV fluids which helped perk him up a bit. They also changed his antibiotics which has reduced his vomiting to become less than a daily experience.

On his good days, he plays like any other young golden boy. He is quite social and spent a few hours with his foster Golden brother at doggy day care for the experience and playtime and we’re happy to report he did great and really enjoyed himself! On his bad days, he doesn’t have much appetite and has bouts of vomiting. Through the good and bad, he remains a happy, loving boy.

The surgeon at MSU has his prior vet records and we plan for his surgery to be scheduled the week of August 10. He will spend a few days at their animal hospital while he recovers and will be closely monitored. We will keep this site updated with his progress! Please keep Sam in your thoughts and prayers!

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When I read this latest rescue story, my heart just about broke. I really hope folks can pitch in so that he can have the life-saving surgery that is needed. I know my check is in the mail. Here is his story from Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education, Inc. (GRRACE) in Indianapolis, Indiana

Sam is a special needs Golden boy that is just over a year old. He has spent most of his life in the shelter; adopted and then returned due to a liver condition called PSS (Portosystemic Shunt) that his adopter could not afford to correct. There was something special about Sam that the shelter immediately recognized, so GRRACE was called instead of having Sam euthanized.

Sam’s body cannot filter toxins out of his blood. He takes daily medications, which help control (not cure) his condition, but the medications make him feel sick. He cannot eat protein so he cannot build muscle properly which decreases his energy level and endurance.

Sam needs to have surgery to correct the PSS. Once surgery is completed, he can live a happy, healthy life. His surgery must be completed as close to one year of age as possible, so time is of the essence. The cost for surgery with pre and post surgical care will be about $3,000.

Sam is a true golden personality. He loves everyone he meets; dogs, cats and most of all PEOPLE! He is a very smart boy who loves walks, car rides and his big basket of toys! When he’s out on his walks he will actually sit down if he sees another dog or person approach, in the hopes they will pet him and play. He is also the biggest cuddler his foster parents have ever met! If you sit down close to Sam, you’d better plan on him taking up residency in your lap!

Sam is just a lovable, sweet, happy boy who we would like to provide the opportunity to live the happy, healthy life he so deserves.

Rags to Riches Rescue Story Contest – Golden Retriever Tripp – Updated

There are too many champions of rescue to count. The job they do is a noble one and often not as rewarded in our society. Yet, we all know that the main rewards are very much emotional in nature. To thank these wonderful folks who provide intake, fostering, and adopting, I have created this special prize-filled ($500+) rescue story contest.

After alerting his family to a fire in the house, Tripp, a three-legged dog, received the Golden Retriever Club of America’s G.R.A.C.E. award, given to rescued Goldens with significant and exceptional accomplishments.

I am looking for irresistible tales that capture your dog’s wonderful ‘rags to wags’ transformation. You know, those truly compelling stories that reside only in the heart (click here to enter).

We have our very first entry, entitled “Unconditional Love”. It details the story of Golden Retriever Tripp, a dog who has already been included at the Land of PureGold due to his heroic efforts. We actually have close to 100 Golden heroes, with new tales added all the time. You can find them here.

Tripp’s lovely mom, Ellen Franklin, just shared this tasty anecdote with me about Tripp. Enjoy!

I cannot tell you how honored we were to be able to go out there and accept the GRACE award.  Tripp got to fly inside the cabin with me and slept all the way out there!  While we were at the airport getting ready to fly home, many people came up to us and said “That’s Tripp!!!  I saw him on TV last night!”  The captain of the plane even announced him as a celebrity hero and everyone clapped for him.  Of course after that, he got little sleep going home because he had to visit all the passengers on the plane.  He is such a hotdog!

Once again, I give our thanks to you and to RAGofAZ.  His story continues to gain notoriety.  He was recently honored at one of our elementary schools as a community hero and of course the children fell in love with him.  He goes everywhere with me and everyone seems to know him.  He never meets a stranger!  He continues to warm the hearts of many and I truly believe he is an angel in disguise!  (a spoiled rotten angel, but an angel, nonetheless!)

Please do share this fun news with others who help provide our beloved furry ones with second chances.

Rescue is a great and really noble way to obtain a canine companion. First, it allows you to give a dog a great home. And, it often allows you to avoid the pains of puppyhood by adopting an adult dog. But, it takes a special person to try and repair the bad times that rescue dogs have often experienced. For this reason, rescue adoptions are often very serious business. That is, you must prove that you have the time to make the necessary commitment. You also must show that you are a kind and caring individual who can provide intelligently for this needy guy’s or gal’s health needs. To thank our many important rescuers and adopters, we have created this special rescue story contest.

We are looking for irresistible tales that capture your dog’s wonderful ‘rags to wags’ transformation. You know, those truly compelling stories that reside only in the heart. Folks need to communicate just why their rescue dog deserves to be King or Queen for the Day. Please join us in our fun new contest, Cece Kent’s gorgeous Cambridge Collar & matching Cambridge Lead — a set valued at $180 — awarded to our grand prize winner. Cece Kent’s dog fashion line offers a fine touch of elegance, with this gift truly befitting a lucky canine king or queen. Other wonderful prizes from our Foundation Store round out the total $500+ prize package for our top ten tales. Click here to see our entries as they arrive.

Golden Sam needs our help

When I read this latest rescue story, my heart just about broke. I really hope folks can pitch in so that he can have the life-saving surgery that is needed. I know my check is in the mail. Here is his story from Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education, Inc. (GRRACE) in Indianapolis, Indiana

Sam is a special needs Golden boy that is just over a year old.  He has spent most of his life in the shelter; adopted and then returned due to a liver condition called PSS (Portosystemic Shunt) that his adopter could not afford to correct.  There was something special about Sam that the shelter immediately recognized, so GRRACE was called instead of having Sam euthanized.

Sam’s body cannot filter toxins out of his blood.  He takes daily medications, which help control (not cure) his condition, but the medications make him feel sick. He cannot eat protein so he cannot build muscle properly which decreases his energy level and endurance.

Sam needs to have surgery to correct the PSS.  Once surgery is completed, he can live a happy, healthy life.  His surgery must be completed as close to one year of age as possible, so time is of the essence.  The cost for surgery with pre and post surgical care will be about $3,000.

Sam is a true golden personality.  He loves everyone he meets;  dogs, cats and most of all PEOPLE!  He is a very smart boy who loves walks, car rides and his big basket of toys! When he’s out on his walks he will actually sit down if he sees another dog or person approach, in the hopes they will pet him and play. He is also the biggest cuddler his foster parents have ever met! If you sit down close to Sam, you’d better plan on him taking up residency in your lap!

Sam is just a lovable, sweet, happy boy who we would like to provide the opportunity to live the happy, healthy life he so deserves.

GRRACE is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization so all donations to help with Sam’s expenses are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. Donors will recognized on our website with their names listed as “Friends of Sam” (unless you request not to be). Checks can be mailed to GRRACE, PO Box 513, Plainfield, IN 46168. Please note “SAM” in the memo of your check and include your name and complete address so a donation receipt can be provided.

Do you have a friend or family member who is a Golden lover?  Maybe they have a birthday or anniversary coming up and you just don’t know what to get them?  A gift to Sam in their name is a wonderful gift idea!  A card will be sent to them to tell them of your gift!

‘Rags to Riches’ Rescue Story Contest

There are too many champions of rescue to count. The job they do is a noble one and often not as rewarded in our society. Yet, we all know that the main rewards are very much emotional in nature. To thank these wonderful folks who provide intake, fostering, and adopting, I have created this special rescue story contest.

I am looking for irresistible tales that capture your dog’s wonderful ‘rags to wags’ transformation. You know, those truly compelling stories that reside only in the heart. Folks need to communicate just why the rescue dog in their story deserves to be King or Queen for the Day. Please join in our fun new contest, Cece Kent’s gorgeous Cambridge Collar & matching Cambridge Lead — a set valued at $180 — awarded to our grand prize winner (click on photo for supersized image). Cece Kent’s dog fashion line offers a fine touch of elegance, with this gift truly befitting a lucky canine king or queen. Other wonderful prizes from my Foundation Store round out the total $500+ prize package for our top ten tales.

Please do share this fun news with others who help provide our beloved furry ones with second chances.

Click here to see our entries as they arrive.

Rescue is a great and really noble way to obtain a canine companion. First, it allows you to give a dog a great home. And, it often allows you to avoid the pains of puppyhood by adopting an adult dog. But, it takes a special person to try and repair the bad times that rescue dogs have often experienced. For this reason, rescue adoptions are often very serious business. That is, you must prove that you have the time to make the necessary commitment. You also must show that you are a kind and caring individual who can provide intelligently for this needy guy’s or gal’s health needs. To thank our many important rescuers and adopters, we have created this special rescue story contest.

We are looking for irresistible tales that capture your dog’s wonderful ‘rags to wags’ transformation. You know, those truly compelling stories that reside only in the heart. Folks need to communicate just why their rescue dog deserves to be King or Queen for the Day. Please join us in our fun new contest, Cece Kent’s gorgeous Cambridge Collar & matching Cambridge Lead — a set valued at $180 — awarded to our grand prize winner. Cece Kent’s dog fashion line offers a fine touch of elegance, with this gift truly befitting a lucky canine king or queen. Other wonderful prizes from our Foundation Store round out the total $500+ prize package for our top ten tales. Click here to see our entries as they arrive.

Golden pup Tucker needs our help

Golden Retriever Puppy Tucker

Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue needs our help. As soon as I saw Tucker and learned his story, I rushed over to provide a donation.

Tucker came to us with his sister, Hannah from a backyard breeder in the Huntsville, TX area. Our volunteer in the area, Marjorie, had been watching this breeder sell litter after litter from the back of his truck parked at the local Wal-Mart. Marjorie talked to the guy several times trying to talk him out of the puppies and learned they were being kept outside under his porch. The pups were dirty and flea infested. Finally there were only 2 pups left and since no one seemed interested in them, the breeder was willing to let Marjorie take them. When we got the puppies, we noticed they were lethargic and not acting like typical 12 week old Golden puppies. A trip to the vet found them to be full of intestinal parasites. After de-worming, Hannah perked up and began to feel and act like a normal puppy.

Tucker, however, became more and more lethargic. Another trip to the vet for blood work and an ultrasound showed Tucker had some serious problems. An ultrasound showed his lungs and chest cavity were full of blood and fluid and the poor little guy was struggling to breathe. The ultrasound also showed us Tucker had a rare birth defect called Peritoneal-Pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH). The diaphragm is a wall of muscle that not only helps push air in and out of the lungs but also separates and protects the heart and lungs from the rest of the internal organs such as the stomach, bowel, liver, etc. Tucker was born with a hole in his diaphragm allowing the other organs to intrude into the cavity with his heart and lungs. PPDH is correctable by surgery but our little boy was certainly too weak and ill to withstand surgery. In addition, Tucker’s blood was not clotting properly and he was bleeding into his internal body cavities.

Further diagnostic testing revealed Tucker had probably gotten into rat poison. He was immediately started on the antidote and started receiving plasma infusions. The first 3 days were really tough and we were not sure if he was going to make it. Tucker was in an incubator receiving oxygen and intravenous fluids and meds. It was an effort for him to wag his little tail for us. But on Day 4, he showed a small improvement and the next day brought even further improvements. His little body was doing its best, along with the antidote and plasma, to recover from the effects of the rat bait. His blood was now coagulating properly and his body was re-absorbing and dissipating the blood and fluids in his chest cavity and lungs.

As the blood and fluids cleared from his chest cavity, the vets were able to get a better picture of Tucker’s organs. What was originally thought to be a hematoma on his heart turned out to be his liver putting pressure on his heart. When Tucker regains his strength he will require the surgery to put his internal organs back in the right positions and repair the hole in his diaphragm. The surgery for PPDH is expensive and risky and can only be performed at Texas A&M or at Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital. We are doing our best to raise the funds for his surgery. After a week of emergency care at VERGI he his almost strong enough for the surgery. Tucker will not be able to have a normal life until the surgery is performed and it must be done quickly before his heart or liver are permanently damaged. This sweet little guy has struggled so hard and has come so far that we just can’t give up on him now. If you would like to contribute to the cost of his surgery, please click here or you may mail donations to GBGRR, P.O. Box 17848, Houston, TX 77224-9848.

Golden Retriever Zeus needs a new family asap

Zeus is an 11- year-old male Golden Retriever who found his way to Adopt A Golden after his owner passed away. The relatives simply took Zeus to the animal shelter on a weekend. We were notified and knew that a senior golden who was totally confused and bewildered at being left there alone would not do well in 95 degree weather in a building that was not air conditioned. One of our volunteers dropped everything and went to get him out. She probably saved his life. She took him home for the night and he got along great with her Goldens so he’s a good boy. He went to the vet and he was pronounced healthy. He is still confused and needs a new family fast.

Zeus was well cared for and loved and it certainly shows through his great manners. He is good with cats and other dogs. He deserves a great forever home! For more information on Zeus, click here.

Zeus is an 11 year old male Golden Retriever whose owner died. The relatives simply took Zeus to the animal shelter on a weekend. We were notified and knew that a senior golden who was totally confused and bewildered at being left there alone would not do well in 95 degree weather in a building that was not air conditioned. One of our volunteers dropped everything and went to get him out. She probably saved his life. She took him home for the night and he got along great with her goldens so he’s a good boy. He went to the vet today and he was pronounced healthy. He is still confused and needs a new family fast.

Oh my, are these puppy orphans adorable!

May Orphans of the Month, Bogey and Caddie, are six-week-old Great Pyrenees mix puppies. They have the brighest blue eyes you will ever see and are extremely laid back for puppies. Bogey is the boy and is distinguishable by the black spot on his back and his crooked tail. Caddie is the girl and is smart and playful. Both will make a great addition to any home, and were snatched up very quickly by some very smart dog lovers.

A Golden Lady needs our help – Updated 2x

JUNE 4 UPDATE:

LADY IS DOWN TO 134 POUNDS and is really doing well! She has tons of personality and is just one of those funny, sweet goofy goldens. She craves and loves all the attention she can get. She is able to lie on her side now and sorta get into the “belly rub position “( long way to go to be able to roll over on her back but definitely a step in the right direction) and when we comply with her request she just grins ear to ear with her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth. She LOVES kids. One of our volunteers took her kids to see her and we have never seen her so excited and happy.

MAY 31 UPDATE: I was so thrilled to receive this email today from Adopt a Golden Atlanta’s founder, Lauren Genkinger.

We have received $260 from your volunteers in just a couple of days. Thank you!  She is immensely better and seems to feel much better. We know it is impossible and an allusion but it looks like all the weight has come off her face. She can now open her eyes completely which is a major improvement. Now that her eyes are actually open we discovered she has the longest, thickest eyelashes we have ever seen on any animal or human. They are so long they curl up like she has used an eyelash curler. She is a very sweet dog and will nudge you to death to keep you petting her. We are going to repeat all of her bloodwork this week to see what her medical improvement is. She can certainly move better and can make it outside now. We can tell she is so happy not to have to soil herself… she is getting her dignity back.

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My heart just about broke when I saw this sweet girl. She hardly even looks like a Golden Retriever given her current appearance. Here is her story from Adopt a Golden Atlanta.

Meet Lady, a sweet and beautiful 7-year-old girl. She is the dog we see all too often. She is the product of years of indifference by uncaring owners who now discard her as if she was worthless when they, in fact, brought her to this point. Right now Lady is very sad and not feeling too well. We tell her not to give up because even though she doesn’t know it she is one of the luckiest Goldens ever because she is now out of a home where she was neglected and her health was compromised for lack of receiving simple, medical care. We tell her this is not her fault.

Lady, like many dogs has low thyroid functioning. A diagnosis that can be managed with an inexpensive medication given on a daily basis. We don’t know how long medical care has been withheld from her but at this point the lack of it has caused multiple problems for her and borders on abusive treatment. First she is extremely overweight with an estimated 85 lbs. to lose to get to a normal weight. She weighs 147 lbs! If she was a human who was supposed to weigh 140 lbs, she would weigh 350 lbs and would be 210 lbs overweight. Her cholesterol level is 900 when it should be 180!

As a result of her obesity, her joints are painful and swollen and she can barely hobble short distances after caregivers help her to her feet. In addition, she has hip dysplasia which adds to her mobility problems. She has horrible ear infections that appear to have never been treated and can lead to permanent damage and/or deafness as well as pain. The skin on her belly is infected and burned presumably due to her inability to come to a standing position and thereby having to lie in her own urine and feces. In addition, her owners had her completely shaved and her coat is coarse and dry due to not only the thyroid problems but to poor nutrition.

Lady is a kind girl who seems to neither ask for or expect anything. She will rest her head in your hands and look at you as if just that simple gesture is unknown to her and then she’ll close her eyes as if she is just worn out. If you are standing nearby she waits with a resignation that can only be from being accustomed to being ignored and she will soon lie down because she cannot stand very long.

Her owner’s parting words were, “Well, she’s not much of a prize but maybe someone will want her!” Quite frankly, we have no tolerance for that kind of cruel attitude because Lady is worth far more than that and we definitely want her– and, we know that somewhere, a wonderful home is waiting for her. First, we have to plan her rehab program with our vet’s guidance and in time she will be just like Cinderella! We have promised her we won’t let her down! In the meantime a lot of fairy Godmothers are standing by to teach her that she is a princess and very special— something she has never experienced before. We have renamed her Lady because we want no part of her former life associated with her and we felt that it reflected just what she is- a real lady!

A lady who needs your help today. She will have to stay at the vet for 4-6 weeks under a strict diet and movement program. She will go on loads of medication. Once she sheds some of her weight and can move without 3 people guiding her, she will need to go to swim therapy — the only exercise her joints will be able to tolerate.

We have started a Lady fund to raise $2500. Please give to this girl and show her that people can be kind and have huge hearts. Lady will be looking for a forever family someday and we will keep you updated on her progress. Oh, and one more thing: when Lady was still able to sleep in her crate, the house cat would join her and sleep on top of Lady. Lady loves cats and other dogs. All we have left to say Lady is: Bibbity Bobbity Boo!

UPDATE WEEK 1: She is slightly better. She didn’t even look up, she doesn’t respond to her name and looks like she feels miserable. She was in her crate, lying down. Kept talking to her and petting her under her chin to force her to look up. Finally got her to look at me and sorta got a smile. She is so fat her eyes are just slits and we don’t know how well she sees. After much talking and petting, she struggled to her feet and painfully walked over, slowly wagging her tail,sat down and offered her paw. We don’t think she has ever experienced human kindness and still — the spirit of a Golden is there under many, many pounds and years and years of neglect. She is on pain meds , antibiotics for her skin infection, ear meds and thyroid meds. It will be at least 3 weeks before the thyroid meds have gotten to the proper level in her blood to influence her weight loss.

5/29: LADY HAS LOST 11 POUNDS! YOU GO GIRL.

I just made a donation and will be closely watching to see how Lady does. She deserves so much more.

Please click here to make a donation.

We have received $260 from your volunteers in just a couple of days. Thank you!  I will be posting a new update on Lady shortly.