GOLDEN BEGINNINGS Golden Retriever Rescue

Why we do it: Oakley

2009-10-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here's an update from Oakley's foster mom, Nancy:

"Oakley was neutered 3 days ago and is recovering. He is not happy that he has to wear the cone. He doesn't lick at the suture area, but the area that was shaved irritates him to no end. That's where he is licking. He even licks with the cone on top of the area just to give him relief. I am going to put some vaseline on the shaved area and see if it helps.

The vet who checked him over discovered that he has cataracts in both eyes. It is kind of unusual for a pup so young to have cataracts. As far as I could tell, Oakley does not have problem seeing even in dim light. I tested him a couple times while crouching at the corner of a room with the lights turned off. He came straight to me with kisses. So I don't really know what to make out of this.

Other than that, Oakley is doing well. He is very reliable when it comes to toilet training. He is a good boy."

Check out Oakley on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_ol4EBZx6k

GBGRR Volunteer: Jennifer N.

2009-09-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

Golden Retrievers are a big part of GBGRR adoption team member Jennifer N.'s family. Her mom had 3 year old Dixie when they discovered our site and adopted Lily in 2005. Well that's all it took to get Jennifer addicted to the site! And although she was not looking for another dog, she followed intake and the adoption stories. In March of 2007, she and her husband, Scott, lost their boy Max to an aggressive spinal tumor. While they weren't read for another dog, Jennifer still followed the site and answered the call to volunteer in May at our annual picnic and reunion. Shortly afterwards, she and Scott adopted Richie!

In addition to volunteering on the adoption team, Jennifer organizes the highly anticipated "senior parade" at our annual picnic.

Jennifer and her lapdog: Richie!

The best of friends from left: Dixie, Lily and Richie

Travels with Van Gogh: Home Sweet Home

2009-08-31T18:55:00.001-07:00

Our boy is home! There will be no more days without food. Hugs and kisses will be plentiful and chances are he'll never get in trouble for ANYTHING! Many thanks to David and his wife for providing Van Gogh with a home full of Goldens and love. It's all easy street from here on out! We love you Van!

David dropped us a note early this morning (apparently Van Gogh is still on Central time!):

"Van Gogh has been home for twenty minutes, and his tail has not stopped wagging. Everybody is getting along great. I'm technologically challenged, but I'll take some pictures tomorrow of VG with his new friends. Thanks to everybody. I've been in rescue a while, but you are as amazing a group as I've ever come across. --David"

Van Gogh and David

A very happy dog!

Travels with Van Gogh: Playtime with Izzy!

2009-08-30T20:46:00.001-07:00

Van Gogh got to hang out with Barb and Jim's Golden, Izzy, and although it wasn't a sleep over, a good time was had by all!

Izzy, a typical 2 year old Golden knew to bring it down a couple of notches when playing with Van Gogh. These dogs are SO smart!!

How many two-year-olds would let a guest play with their tennis ball?!?

Van Gogh and Izzy...friends for life!

Travels with Van Gogh: Almost home!

2009-08-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Pam and Linda met Jim and Barb in Yuma, AZ this afternoon. It was a warm 106 degrees! Van Gogh really loves Jim (he probably knows that Jim has a soft spot for old dogs). He's been such a great traveler and has not once asked "are we there yet?"! Van had a good dinner and played with a tennis ball.

From left: Pam, Linda, Jim and Barb in Yuma, AZ

Saying good bye to Pam.

Saying good bye to Linda.

Hanging out in the Prius! His next car ride will be with his forever family!

From the bottom of our hearts, a GReat big Texas thank you to Cil, Karen, Carol, Greg and Carrie, Pam, Linda, Jim and Barb for helping to make this journey possible. And many more thanks to all the critters who hosted the sleep-overs that made Van Gogh feel like he was part of a family every second of every day that he was on his journey. It's such an honor for us to know so many incredible people who believe in going out of their way to help a very deserving Golden have his very own Golden Beginning.

PS: Stay tuned for pictures of Van Gogh with his forever family...

Travels with Van Gogh: New Mexico to Arizona

2009-08-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Van Gogh made it to New Mexico yesterday thanks to Greg from Austin! He spent the night outside of Phoenix and headed west towards California early this morning. Here are some pictures from his adventure:

Van Gogh and Greg say goodbye and discuss who really won the license plate game.

Checking out the Arizona grass!

Van Gogh with his Arizona girls: Pam

...and Linda.

Loading up for the trip to Arizona and another rockin' sleepover!

Arizona, here comes Mr. Van Gogh!

"I get the WHOLE back seat?"

Catching some more zzzzz's on his new woobie ... cell phone close at hand in case he needs to call Mr. Greg with an update!!

The happy camper.

Van Gogh with Charlie and Sampson, two Arizona Goldens, who much to Van's surprise are JUST LIKE Texas Goldens!

The Arizona sleep-over hosted by Charlie and Sampson: "...ok, so mom said we can watch Air Bud and she'll make us some snacks or we can play checkers, but Sampson ALWAYS tries to eat them .... hey! wanna make a tent?"

Five minutes into Air Bud and the pooch is snoozin' ... sweet dreams sweet boy ... You are so loved!

Travels with Van Gogh: Texas to New Mexico

2009-08-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

We have it on good authority that Van Gogh arrived in New Mexico (Las Cruces to be exact) where he was safely handed over to Pam and Linda for the next leg of his trip. They'll spend the night in Phoenix. Stay tuned for updates from Arizona!

The grass in Austin DOES feel different from the grass in Houston! Who knew??

Nope, the sun feels the same! It's still really, really hot!

"Is Mr. Greg making it look like I have rabbit ears?"

Life really is good for Van Gogh, now! Looks like our cat lover is starting to get his every wish. These sleep-overs are starting to be serious fun!

zzzzzzz, purrrrr, zzzzzzz, purrrrrr

"We're taking this to New Mexico! Does it have a/c??"

Am I the only one hearing Willie Nelson singing "On the road again"??...

GReat news: Van Gogh gets adopted ... and boy is he lucky!! a/k/a Travels with Van Gogh

2009-08-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

You may recall that author David Rosenfelt was in Houston a few weeks ago promoting his newest novel in the Andy Carpenter series, New Tricks. It was released this summer featuring Andy Carpenter, the dog-loving, smart-mouthed attorney and his golden retriever Tara, along with a new character, a Bernese Mountain Dog.

(See David Rosenfelt discuss "New Tricks" and life with dogs on YouTube - click on YouTube to watch the video. The Tara Foundation, which David and his wife founded in memory of their beloved Golden Tara, has rescued over 4,000 Goldens. Currently, David and his wife lovingly take those Goldens too old or ill to be adopted into their home, where they spend their "Golden" years.)

Van Gogh was there at the book signing proudly representing Golden Beginnings when David saw him, asked about him and decided he had to adopt him! This all took about 3.5 minutes!! Since David lives in California, we have been working with volunteers and other rescues to set up transport for Van Gogh. This sweet and deserving dog started his trip to sunny California yesterday and we couldn't be happier!

Van Gogh with GBGRR's treasurer Carol G.'s goldens Holden and Pardner (who graciously hosted a sleep over the night before he started his journey HOME!)

Van Gogh napping on his way from Houston, TX to Austin, TX

Van Gogh with Greg and Carrie - they'll leave Austin before daylight for their drive west to Las Cruces, NM.

More Travels with Van Gogh coming soon so stay tuned!

Why we do it: Van Gogh

2009-08-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Van Gogh came to us from an inebriated, homeless man who was panhandling in a WalMart parking lot in the 110 degree heat. Van Gogh was laying half in and half out of the doors of the WalMart trying to get some air conditioning. The homeless man thought he had found Van Gogh in Victoria (a city about 3 hours south of Houston) but couldn't really remember. One of our volunteers happened to be shopping at that particular WalMart and she convinced the homeless man to release Van Gogh to us. He is missing an ear hence the name van Gogh. Sometime in his previous life it was surgically removed. Van Gogh was very underweight, had intestinal parasites, and severely infected ears and skin. The pads of his feet were raw and blistered from the hot pavement. He has been dewormed and is gaining weight nicely although he is still thin for his frame. He is intact at the moment - we have a vet appt. tomorrow to see if he has gained enough weight to be neutered. If I cannot get him neutered this week and give him plenty of recovery time before his travels next week then it will be up to David to take care of it. He does have a slightly enlarged prostate that our vet feels neutering will help. His ears are no longer infected, the pads of his feet are healed and his skin is recovering nicely although he does still have a few bald and yeasty spots. He is an exceptional gentleman with a very loving and easygoing personality.

Van Gogh is being fostered by Karen H., the director of the Pasadena, TX animal shelter. She brings Van Gogh to work with her every day where he loves hanging out with the cats in their special room. Van Gogh and Karen go on daily walks and she makes him special food because he needs to gain weight. Many thanks to Karen for all she is doing for Van Gogh. He is blossoming under her loving care.

Van Gogh and his foster mom, Karen

Grace (f/k/a Katie) Update and "Where have we been??"

2009-08-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

We're happy to tell you that Grace (f/k/a Katie) has blossomed into a happy confident girl in her new home! Her new family sent us pictures of her at their weekend home (complete with a pond!). Although it looks like she's not the swimming type like her new brother Hayden, she definitely is enjoying the country and her safe new home!

While brother Hayden swims, Grace watches and takes a few notes in case she changes her mind about the whole swimming thing (she does reserve the right to change her mind!).

Hayden may be tired from swimming, but Grace is not and she wants to play!

Time to run around the pond and the girl ALWAYS gets to lead!

In case you're wondering where we've been ... the crew has been very busy getting ready to launch our new website. The last meeting before we go live is Saturday. It looks so good, we can't wait to show it off. Stay tuned!!!

...and Monte makes three!

2009-07-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Monte's intake photo taken in November of 2008:

Monte spent thirty days at Fort Bend County Animal Control after being rescued from inside a foreclosed house where he'd been living without food or water for way too long. When his family left they "forgot" to take him. His GBGRR driver, Lou, kept telling him things were going to get a whole lot better for him as soon as he got to something called a "foster home", where people would feed him and love him and he might have doggie brothers and sisters to play with. Monte got all all of that, plus so much more. He was a very sick dog and there were times when we were certain that he wouldn't live another day. His kidneys had been damaged from all the time without food and water and he had tested positive for both Heartworms and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (not good for the kidneys, either). But foster mom, Shari P. would hear nothing of it and her focus was on Monte's future. There was a time when she thought she was getting him healthy for his future forever family...

Monte saw the vet on May 28, 2009 to check on his kidneys and discuss his heartworm status (he is heavy positive). Monte’s BUN was 50 (normal is 10-20) and his Creatinine was 3.7 (normal is .6-1.2). Because Monte’s kidney counts remain high, it is Dr. Brice’s recommendation that Monte not undergo any treatment to kill the adult heartworms. Monte will remain on heartgard preventative so that no new heartworms can grow. Hopefully, the adult heartworms will die off over time. Monte is very healthy now - he weighs 83 pounds, his coat looks great, and he’s a very happy and loved dog.

The next day, Monte's foster mom, Shari submitted the paperwork to make him officially hers! Shari and her two Goldens, Maddie and Kipper, worked so hard to get him to eat and gain weight and they never gave up on him ... and that counts for a whole lot when a sick dog is recovering.

Recently, Shari took her three beautiful Goldens to Danny Clark's studio in Houston for a photo shoot. That's no simple task, but the pictures came out great and everyone had a really good time.

The photo shoot started with introductions and instructions, but none of the Goldens paid attention!!

Kipper didn't want Danny to stop taking his picture, while Monte patiently waited his turn.

Maddie was a natural!

Maddie, Monte and Kipper

It's hard to say to who is luckier, Monte, Shari, Maddie or Kipper? Some would say that it is a tie!

Whew, that was hard work! Time to go home!

Many thanks to Danny for his patience!

Danny Clark Photography: http://www.dannyclarkphotography.com/

2009 Reliant Dog Show: Goldens and kids just go together!

2009-07-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

We're sad that the dog show is over and are already looking forward to next years' event! Our dogs have so much fun meeting the public - especially the kids!

OK, I'll wear the hat, but ONLY during the dog show!

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported GBGRR!!

Jazz finds a home

2009-07-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

A few days after intake, Jazz was diagnoised with Parvo. She was admitted and thanks to the vets and staff at VERGI, she has made a full recovery. And although Parvo is a horrible virus and often fatal, it's the reason that Jazz is being adopted by a family with children, cats and two other dogs! You see, her new mom was the vet tech at VERGI who helped nurse her back to health! Some things are just meant to be.

Looks like Jazz and her new mom are two peas in a pod!

Thanks to Lacy and Subi for fostering Jazz!!

Dog Show!

2009-07-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

It's our favorite time of the year: The Houston Dog Show is in town!! We participate every year and truly value the opportunity that it provides us to educate the public about rescue and share our experiences of being owned by Goldens! So many people are shocked that there is a need for Golden rescue, but the fact is that a Golden is not for everyone. They are loyal, fun-loving dogs, but they shed, require grooming, exercise, training and they want/need to be a part of your family. Most people reading our Blog would say "yea, so?", but so many people don't research breeds before they purchase a puppy and by the third or fourth month they've had it. The puppy is too active, chews, digs, and won't sleep all night!

Every time we get to talk to someone about this incredible breed, we hope they walk away informed and in a better position to decide if a Golden is right for their family and lifestyle...and if it is, we're happy to make the match and send a Golden to it's forever home.

Pecos (left) and Tatum are ambassadors for rescue and their story is all too typical of what we see day after day. Pecos was found at 6 months old in a Houston shelter, sick and grossly underweight. It took months to get him healthy and trusting of his new family. Tatum's mom was the victim of a backyard breeder. Carelessly bred, she had multiple litters before her third birthday. But the bad times are behind them now and they happily participate in our education program!

A REALLY good day for Katie

2009-07-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Katie hit the jackpot today. She had an appointment to meet a family who was interested in adopting her. They were touched by her story and thought they could give her the loving, secure home that she needed and deserved.

She was shy at first, but always her sweet self. The decision to adopt her was easy, especially after she and Haden exchanged kisses! She's going to a home with another Golden, named Haden, two King Charles Spaniels, a couple of cats, a couple of grandchildren, a mom who works from home ... and the best: a weekend house in the country with a pond!

It's been a blessing to see her transformation and we all look forward to hearing from her family as she becomes the Golden she was always meant to be: HAPPY, SAFE, and LOVED!

Katie (left), Vanna (center) and Haden

Why we do it: Katie, A Rough Start

2009-07-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 26th started with a call from GBGRR volunteer, Joel R. who had a medium sized crate that he and his wife Kelly wanted to donate. Always in need of crates for our foster families, he dropped the crate off at a fellow volunteer's house. We knew it wouldn't be empty for long...

Katie is a sweet young girl with gold eyes. She's warming up to her foster siblings and less than 24 hours with them, she felt safe enough to walk out of her crate and sit in the middle of them, waiting patiently for a treat. She'll walk on a leash (preferably if foster brother Pecos is near) and understands that she needs to take care of business when she is outside. Katie has been through a lot, her introduction to rescue started when she was thrown from a car onto a freeway. Banged up and bruised, Katie is afraid but when she looks at you there is no doubt that she is willing trust again.

Katie's intake picture:

Here's an uplifting update from Katie's foster mom, Joanie P.: "Thanks to the good samaritans who rescued this frightened and scraped up young female golden on the highway and for saving her life..and for reminding us that there are so many caring and wonderful people in this world. Katie is young, between one and two years old, but seems to have spent her short life having puppies. She weighed 54 pounds when she came to us-her ideal weight will be around 60 lbs. She had us worried at first, as she was so frightened that she wouldn't even stand up.

Every new experience would start her trembling, but after just a few weeks with her 3 foster brothers and sister she has become an enthusiastic, happy girl. Her tail, once hidden away, tucked between legs, now wags all the time. She is like a delicate little fawn compared to my dogs, but loves to be with them, and learns daily how to be a golden: stuffed toys terrified her at first, now she proudly carries one around, and even prances! Our vets recommended this period of building her up mentally and physically before she is spayed, but she will soon be ready for her forever home. This gentle girl has learned some basic obedience already, and would love the comfort and support of a family with another dog."

Katie isn't afraid to be out of that recently donated crate, but you will find her in it when it's time to catch some zzzz's. Get ready Katie, life is going to be really great for you!

Thanks to Joel and Kelly for the donated crate that made Katie feel so safe and thanks to Joanie, Travis, Pecos and Shiloh for starting Katie back on the road to recovery. She might not know how many guardian angels she has watching over her, but we sure do and although we call them "volunteers" they're just as special as guardian angels.

David Rosenfelt: A GBGRR hero

2009-07-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

Mystery novelist David Rosenfelt will return to Houston this August for a special event to benefit Golden Beginnings. David's newest novel in the Andy Carpenter series, New Tricks, will be released this summer and will again feature the dog-loving, smart-mouthed attorney and his golden retriever Tara, along with a new character, a Bernese Mountain Dog. David is a great speaker, and has loads of stories about his years in the movie business, and life with 30+ geriatric Goldens! You don't want to miss this event. Food, wine, raffle, reading and book signing: 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the historic residence of the French Alliance in the Montrose area, 427 Lovett Blvd. 77006. Presented by Golden Beginnings and our partners Murder by the Book, The Greater Houston Golden Retriever Club, the Golden Guild , the French Alliance, Bayou City Seafood n' Pasta, and Gone to the Dogs Boutique.

See David Rosenfelt discuss "New Tricks" and life with dogs on YouTube (click on YouTube to watch the video).

The Tara Foundation, which David and his wife founded in memory of their beloved Golden Tara, has rescued over 4,000 Goldens. Currently, David and his wife lovingly take those Goldens too old or ill to be adopted into their home, where they spend their "Golden" years.

David truly is a GBGRR Hero!

Tucker: prayers answered, but more prayers needed

2009-07-06T08:21:00.001-07:00

Here's an update from GBGRR president, Cil H.:

"On June 30th, 4 month old Tucker was diagnosed with a congenital birth defect called PPDH (Peritoneal- Pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia) and it was determined that he had gotten into some kind of poison (most likely rat bait). Here is the link to PPDH http://medycynawet.edu.pl/pdf2009/032009/200903181183.pdf -- but basically the diaphragm is a wall of muscle that separates the heart and lungs from the rest of your internal organs. Little Tucker was born with a hole in his diaphragm which is allowing his liver and body fluids to intrude into his heart cavity. They are giving him vitamin K therapy for the poison but his liver levels are still very high and he is on oxygen.

On Saturday July 4th, Dr. Noaker took Tucker off oxygen. He's barking and playing with his toys, tail wagging and in general acting like a puppy should. He is doing soooo much better. Dr. Noaker did caution me that he may have to go back on oxygen but for the moment he is doing fine. His little body has been busy gradually re-absorbing the blood in his lungs and chest cavity. However, his liver is still putting pressure on his heart. His liver should be in his lower body cavity but because of the hole in his diaphragm it is actually sitting on top of his heart. If he continues to improve he will be well enough for the corrective surgery in a few days. He seems to have gotten over the rat poison, his coagulation numbers are just about back to normal.

And yesterday, we got to go home with Dr. Noaker no less!"

Saying thank you is not enough. Dr. Laurie Noaker, Chief of Staff at VERGI (Veterinary Emergency Referral Group, Inc.), and her staff wouldn't give up on Tucker. He's not out of the woods, yet, but he's got a chance thanks to this talented group of veterinarians.

All tuckered out! Tucker (the little one) taking a nap with his foster family.

Most Patriotic Pet: Bear!

2009-07-04T12:58:00.001-07:00

Here's a great update from Bear's foster mom Susie H:"Happy 4th of July from our neighborhood' s most Patriotic Pet: Golden Beginning's very own BEAR! Every year our neighborhood has a 4th of July celebration complete with a bike, wagon, hat and most patriotic pet contest and parade with a firetruck. We entered Bear, and he won the "Most Patritotic Pet" contest paws down. We made a flag cape out of streamers along with a matching flag paper bag hat. Katie had an outfit to match. Here are some pictures, including Bear with his first place trophy and flag tennis ball prize. He has been back on Rimadyl twice a day since Wednesday, and it is really making a big difference. " -Susie H and family

GBGRR volunteer: Kathy Y.

2009-07-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

After my first golden, Tiffanne, died from cancer, I wanted to adopt another golden. I had just moved to Houston the year before, so I went online to try to find a golden. There it was...a website for Golden Beginnings! I thought "how perfect"...for not only was it a golden beginning for Mattie (one of the "Fab Five"), but also for my daughters and me...new family, new city, new job, and now, a new dog!

I was approached to become an Adoption Team member. I quickly said "yes". I wanted to help any way I could. I was so thankful for the beautiful golden that GBGRR introduced me to. After a few years, I became a member of the hotline team. I still cover hotline twice a month. At the annual GBGRR picnic held every May, my daughter fell in love with a puppy named Holly. She carried that puppy around all day......well, you know who that puppy came home with! Mattie is now 9 years old, Holly is now 4. We also have another mixed dog, Nikki, who is 9 and a cat, Oliver aged 1 1/2. The joy our animals bring us is amazing.

A few weeks ago, I tried my hand at fostering. Trey, an 8-week old puppy born without a paw became an instant part of our family. It was with many joyful tears that he went to his forever home last week. Guess what? I get to babysit him for a few days when his new mom goes out of town this week!

So, I have covered the gamut....adoption team, hotline team, fostering, Meet and Greets, and the proud owner of two alumni! I can not say enough about the kind people involved in this organization! When you become involved in GBGRR, you become one of many wonderful, caring, loving friends who all have something in common.....our love for our goldens!!!!!

Kathy and her daughter volunteering at the 2008 Houston Reliant Dog Show

Why we do it: Frydek (Dek)

2009-06-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

New intake: Dek.

Here is our new boy, Dek. Many thanks to the kind folks out in Sealy who have fed him and slowly gained his trust and to GBGRR Volunteer, Lou B., who made so many trips out there. Lou and GBGRR president, Cil H. took him to the vet and he does have a horrible case of sarcoptic mange, had tapeworms and tested a very light positive for heartworms on a snap test. None of us could believe that so the vet took more blood to re-test. His skin and ears are infected and at 58 lbs. he is underweight but not emaciated. He should probably weigh about 65 lbs. after he fills out. He is a bit groggy in the photos, Lou slipped him a half of an Acepromazine in a piece of hot dog. We were worried about him trying to bolt on us or panicking in the car on the way to the vet. He has no clue about walking on a leash but was very good for us at the vet. It is almost like once someone touched him kindly he remembered what it was all about and at several points was actually trying to curl up in our laps. Poor guy has got to be pretty miserable but he was very sweet.

Dek with his rescuer, Lou B.

This is Dek's "before" picture. Wait until you see his "after" picture!

Grab your Parrot - it's time for Golden Retrieverville!

2009-06-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

...and it's happening this Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Hollywood Frame Gallery.

It might not be the Florida Keys, but when Kathleen Connaughton of Hollywood Frame Gallery is done decorating, you're going to think you're on vacation! Fabulous food from Bayou City Pasta, Margaritas, Pina Coladas and no shortage of Goldens promises to make this event more fun than a trip to the beach!

GBGRR's favorite artist, Jim Tweedy, has created this one-of-a-kind piece of art featuring our favorite breed and he'll be on hand to personalize your copy!

Jim Tweedy must have a Golden Retriever ... where's the other Flip-flop?

For more information, check out the event at http://www.gbgrr.org/

Big brother is watching...

2009-06-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Photo by GBGRR volunteer, Danny F.

Or should we say "Big brother is watching over Sedona f/k/a Artie!" Redhead Sedona, a 4 month old rescued from a local shelter, came into our program scared, covered in fleas and anemic. It didn't take long for foster family Robin and Tom to get him cleaned up and their gaggle of Goldens were quick to teach him how easy it is to feel safe and loved. Two weeks after intake, Sedona was adopted by Don and Sheri - who volunteered with Golden rescue in Maryland prior to moving to Houston. If that wasn't good enough for this lucky little guy, imagine his delight when he realized that gorgeous blond boy Dakota f/k/a Cotton was also part of the package. Adopted by Don and Sheri on the same day, these two boys are clearly already bonded and family has a new meaning! Sadly, Dakota is Heartworm positive and will need to gain weight before he can start Heartworm treatment, but rest assured that there will be a lot of love and support sent his way from GBGRR's volunteers. Don and Sheri, glue down all objects on the coffee table because there's going to be some serious tail wagging in your home!

Tennis balls, woobies, anything will do!

2009-06-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Shiloh is the lucky dog of GBGRR fundrasier, Joanie P. On her daily walks, Shiloh collects lost tennis balls from a tennis court near her home. She takes them home and drops them in a bucket by the back door. When the GBGRR annual picnic rolls around Shiloh's bucket of tennis balls can be seen on the edge of the pond for all the other Goldens to use!

One of the most endearing characteristics of a Golden is their desire to carry things around. At GBGRR, we have no shortage of great pictures of our dogs doing just that!

GBGRR alum, Homer

GBGRR volunteer Tom's boy Jake and his favorite woobie

GBGRR alum, Koa

GBGRR alum, Joy

Camp Grey Hair!

2009-06-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

GBGRR volunteer Ty S. says that Goldens have been running his life for more than 16 years. He refers to his home, which he and senior goldens Sandi and Shadow share with a rotating cast of foster dogs, as "Camp Grey Hair." In addition to fostering, Ty volunteers at events and adoption days, and his dry sense of humor is much appreciated by his fellow volunteers. Ty is also a member of the Greater Houston Golden Retriever Club.

Buenos Dias Chica!

2009-05-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Rescue is not limited to the United States and we at GBGRR are proud to partner with SAMM (Save a Mexican Mutt), a dog rescue and adoption organization in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.

In September, 2008, we received a call from SAMM that they had a young female and asked if we could take her into our program. Transport from Mexico to Houston was arranged and the young blond beauty soon found herself the newest GBGRR intake. She was fostered by Margaret and Bruce who quickly realized that she didn't understand English! Fostermom Margaret could only get the pups' attention by calling her "Chica". Fast forward to present day: "Chica" is now known as Emma. She has graduated from obedience training and has passed her Canine Good Citizen test. A permanent addition to Margaret and Bruce's home, Emma lives with two other Goldens (both are GBGRR alum) and two cats. She's a joy to be around and is often seen at GBGRR Meet and Greet Adoption Days.

Jasper (left), Indy, and Emma (right) ... now that is a good "sit"!

Bruce and Margaret have fostered 14 dogs, 11 of them Heartworm positive and have volunteered with GBGRR for almost 4 years. The both currently volunteer on the adoption team.

Margaret, Emma, and Bruce at a GBGRR Meet and Greet Adoption Day

It's a boy!

2009-05-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Introducing Bailey, the newest member of the GBGRR family! Recently adopted by foster volunteers, Linda and Chuck, this gorgeous 4-month old made his public debut at the Urban Market this past Sunday. This lucky boy joins fellow Goldens Abby and Stryker in a house full of love and fun! Linda and Chuck waited over 11 months for a young male that would be a good fit into their family and it's safe to say that he was worth the wait!

Bailey, practicing his calendar pose. Something tells us, that he's already seen himself in the mirror!

Recently, Linda and Chuck fostered Lucy a one year old with mange. It took over two months to nurse her back to health, but she is now on the road to recovery and has now gone to her forever home!

Dog tired: Another successful Urban Market!

2009-05-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Dublin was dog tired after a day of meeting and greeting the public.

Today was another successful Urban Market thanks to the many volunteers who make this group so great! We spent hours talking about our favorite subject: Golden Retriever Rescue! The Urban Market is a great venue for spreading the word about rescue and we are always touched by the generosity of its patrons.

Dublin always finds the cute girls!

Adoption team members, Glenn and Lynn P.'s Goldens, Tristan (left) and Tinkerbell.

The next Urban Market is in November - see you then!

Hank's Lawn Service

2009-05-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Not all Goldens can be trusted with a riding lawn mower, but Hank appears to have mastered the machine and has started accepting new clients! In this photo, he proudly sports his GBGRR hat. Adopted by GBGRR volunteers, Susan and Rick in December, 2007, Hank is also working on a vegetable garden and his proud family has promised to send more pictures soon!

Only 7 more days...

2009-05-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Only 7 more days until The Urban Market - THE High End Outdoor Antiques Market in Houston! GBGRR is honored to be invited back - 0ur February debut at the Urban Market was a HUGE success and we are looking forward to another event where we get to meet other Golden lovers and spread the word about rescue. For more information about the Urban Market and to get directions, go to: http://www.theurbanmarkethouston.com/

Here are a couple of pictures from the February, 2009 Urban Market:

Reef (above) poses with a fan. The crowd loved our Goldens!

Volunteer Linda B.'s boy, Cody poses for a photo wearing his GBGRR vest (made by the talented Robin D.). Little did we know, but a Houston Chronicle photographer thought Mr. Cody looked handsome, too and his photo was in the paper the next day. After his newspaper debut, we've heard rumors that Cody is looking for an agent in Hollywood! We wouldn't be surprised at all if he went all the way to the big screen;-)

Winston: the best dog that was ever put out on the side of the road

2009-05-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

Winston, beloved Golden of GBGRR volunteers Jackie and Gene O., went to the bridge today. He was 12 years old. Rescued in 2002, Winston was found wandering on the shore of Lake Conroe, his head was swollen and the vet believed he had been hit by a car. His eyes and ears were infected. He had horrible entropia and had to have surgery on his eyes for that. Once he was healthy, GBGRR had him neutered and started him on his heartworm treatment. We was adopted by Jackie and Gene. His favorite thing was sleeping, followed by barking at the neighbor dogs and people passing by. He was happiest at 5PM because that was dinner time! At 9:30 pm each night, Jackie’s husband, Gene would be relaxed in the recliner. Winston would come up to get his back rubbed by moving up and down against Gene's feet.

Winston will be very missed by his family, his foster mom, Cil and the entire GBGRR family.

GBGRR's adoption team

2009-04-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

GBGRR's adoption team: standing from left Glenn, Randy, Bruce, Margaret, Mike; bottom row from left, Lynn, Gina, Robin, Jennifer, Erica and Pam.

It's true that it takes more than a few people to make rescue successful. GBGRR's adoption team successfully matches families with the Golden of their dreams!

The best part of being on the adoption team is receiving pictures like these:

Lisa Scottoline Book Signing

2009-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

GBGRR volunteer, Joanie P.'s boy Pecos really enjoyed Lisa's book signing!

In the middle of a her book tour, Lisa took a few minutes to get some Golden love!

Golden Beginnings welcomed New York Times best-selling author and golden retriever-lover Lisa Scottoline to Houston with a standing room only reception in her honor at her appearance at our favorite independent bookseller, Murder by the Book on Wednesday, April 22, as she presented her latest novel, Look Again. Over 25 million copies of her books are in print in more than 20 countries. Much of Lisa's real life is found in her books, including her love of animals-especially golden retrievers. Look Again is one of her stand-alone novels, but in the Rosato & Associates series, which revolves around an all-female law firm, golden retrievers are recurring characters. To quote from Lisa's website "Nothing can turn Lisa from a professional, career-minded author, to a mushy, sweet-talking, ball-throwing woman like her beloved dogs."

Thanks Lisa!!

New Intake: Hannah ... or is it Cleopatra?

2009-04-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

No, this is not Animal Planet's newest star, it's GBGRR's newest intake, Hannah! A sweet one year old girl who was found as a stray.

She's very shy, but is learning to enjoy life and appreciate the comforts of home - as you can see in the picture above!

Hannah is being fostered by GBGRR foster mom Nancy C. and has two foster brothers, Timber and Snoopy, who will definitely teach her how easy it is to be loved!

Bear: from worried & scared to confident & happy!

2009-04-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Bear came into to our program in late March. He was so scared and nervous at his first Meet & Greet in Old Town Spring, that we asked his foster family to come get him. What a difference a few weeks makes! This boy is happy and confident! He was found as a stray and we don't know what he went through before coming to us. He has two tick borne diseases, both of which are treatable! Go to http://www.gbgrr.org/ for more info on Bear.

This may be the reason that Bear is so happy!

Shhhh, it's bedtime!

2009-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

Simon, Hank, Boomer and Reggie are ready to be tucked in! They're the lucky dogs of GBGRR volunteers Susan and Rick. Not only do they volunteer for us, they also volunteer for Great Pyrenees rescue and Border Collie rescue!

Why We Do It-New Intake: Plato

2009-04-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

We got an email last week about a rescue facility in Southeast Texas that was having to close. They had a young Golden mix and wanted to know if we could take him. Thank goodness we could. GB volunteers Susan and Rick were going to be in the area so they could pick him up and bring him back to Houston where he could see our vet.

He has not had proper nutrition and it appears that he's always been on a hard surface. He doesn't walk on his pads and toes. We are hopeful that a good diet with proper nutrition will correct the problem.

Plato is a young boy, about 6 month old. And to add insult to injury, he has sarcoptic mange. He's being treated for that and learning how to play with toys. Plato is being fostered by GB foster coordinator, Midge L.

Stay tuned. This little guy is on the road to recovery!

Who said tug-o-war is a two dog game?

2009-04-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Maddie, Kipper and Monte sure did enjoy their new present from their mom, GBGRR volunteer Shari P!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Princess Pele romping in the Bluebonnets!

Pele is GBGRR volunteers Robin and Tom D.'s 6 month old Golden. Despite the fact that she lives with 2 other Goldens and a Golden/Border Collie mix who are all older, she is the boss!

From left: Lani, Reef, PELE, and Kahuna

Is that a cat?

2009-04-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I love this picture!! It was taken at Dr. Cooper's Meet & Greet in The Heights earlier this month.

GBGRR Annual Wine Tasting

2009-04-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

The French Alliance in The Montrose

Bear Dalton, always entertaining and always informative!

GBGRR Volunteer, Erica, pours the next wine

We had our annual wine tasting last night at the historic residence of the French Alliance in The Montrose. Guest speaker and fine wine buyer at Specs, Bear Dalton, entertained the crowd and helped raise over $5,400.00 to help our Goldens in need. It was a great night thanks to GBGRR volunteers, golden lovers and GBGRR supporters!

Clover was always home

2009-04-06T18:32:00.001-07:00

Clover went to The Booths as a foster dog, but everyone knew "Miss Happy Pants" was home to stay! She is loved!

Georgia gets the family of her dreams

2009-04-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Beautiful 3 year old Georgia was adopted this past weekend at Dr. Cooper's Meet & Greet in The Heights!

10th Annual GBGRR Picnic: May 3, 2009

2009-04-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

In Goldens We Trust, created by Jim Tweedy http://www.friendlydoggies.com/

Only one month until our annual picnic celebrating 10 years of rescuing deserving Golden Retrievers! For more information, go to http://www.gbgrr.org/

Sophie: February update

2009-02-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Update from Sophie 2/22/09:
Hi, this is Sophie. I wanted to tell you about my Saturday. It started with a visit to the vet's because I scratched my eye. While there I found out that it will be another month before my blood checkup (April 3rd) and I have lost muscle mass in my face. People pay big bucks for what nature did free for me. I may never get the top of my head back (have a pointy head) but I could possibly get my cheeks back. I was a little down after the news. On the way to the Meet and Greet, my foster family picked up a burger for me to eat to lift my spirits. It was good! The Meet and Greet was busy and I got to smell a lot of different things and see another part of the world besides the back yard. I even got a lot of love from strangers! The biggest surprise was a bath! I wasn’t too happy but my foster mom said it was time. I still had that smell from when I was very sick and from not being able to hold myself up when I went potty. The ladies at Haute Dogs and Glitzy Paws in Old Town Spring were very gentle. I look beautiful! The day made me so tired that I slept through the night for the first time since I’ve been here. My foster family was shocked Sunday morning when I ran across the yard and tried to play with my foster sisters. The sisters had a problem with me trying to bit their tails. So what if I don’t know how to play but I am willing to try.

I just wanted to thank everyone for your prayers and good wishes.
Sophie

For more updates about Sophie, go to www.gbgrr.org

Sophie: Best Super Bowl EVER!

2009-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

Foster Update 1/31/09:
As everyone is getting ready to celebrate this weekend with the super bowl, Mike and I would like to tell you about a different super bowl party. Last night, Sophie decided drinking out of the water BOWL was ok and she has done it all day. Just now I was making Satin Balls and decided to give her some. I was hand feeding her when I noticed she kept looking at the bowl. I placed the bowl where she could eat out of it and she ate out of the BOWL! This is awesome. This is the best super bowl weekend ever!

Sophie: Small Miracles

2009-01-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Foster Update 1/28/09:
We have seen small “miracles” since our last update. Her walking has become more steady. She rarely falls and if she starts to, she will catch herself! Her appetite has greatly increased although we still hand feed her, she is eating solid food and loving it!. Just this morning she went to the dog dish to check it out so she may be getting close to feeding herself. Her temps have been constant so we no longer do the subcutaneous fluids. She still is seizure free so the dosage of Penobarbital has been reduced slightly. She is beginning to watch us more and smell every inch of the grass. I was working on the computer and noticed she had come into the room and stayed watching me. She lifts her head and tail. We still have a long way to go but these small “miracles” have greatly encouraged us.

Sophie is making progress

2009-01-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

Foster update 1/17/09:
Sophie is making gradual progress. No fever for almost a week. She will now lap pureed dog food mixed with Pedialyte or Ensure from a bowl and her appetite is improving. We are reducing the amount of subcutaneous fluids. We have also reduced the dosage of Phenobarbital and so far no seizures. However, she‘s still very unsteady on her feet which is troubling. Hopefully, she’s not suffered long term neurological damage.

Sophie update

2009-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

As of today, we can spoon feeder her (a very soft food that goes down easy). Mike thought he saw a (1) wag of her tail and I thought this morning she tried to put the tail up over her back rather than letting it hang. It didn't stay long but we are holding on to anything. She even watched me vacuum which she didn't care anything about earlier. We continue with the subcutaneous fluids which has helped to keep her temp down.

Prayers for Sophie

2009-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Sophie's Intake photo

Foster Update 1/12/09: Prayers for Sophie and the importance of puppy vaccinations.

Sophie is a young Golden Retriever with gentle and loving spirit. Tragically, Sophie is now fighting for her life because she did not receive the recommended set of puppy vaccinations. Sophie has distemper, a viral disease often lethal and sometimes causing lasting neurological problems. Because of this, Sophie has suffered seizures, high fevers, severe loss of appetite and is very unsteady on her feet.

Her loving fosters are giving her round-the-clock care, including subcutaneous fluids to help reduce her fever and using a syringe to feed her liquefied food. Sophie is putting up a courageous fight against this dreaded disease and GBGRR is doing everything possible to help this sweet girl recover so she can live a long, happy and full life.

We are all pulling for Sophie!

Read more about Sophie at http://www.gbgrr.org/.

Monte

2009-01-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

Monte was neutered today and had his left canine pulled (it was a dead tooth) Dr. Diaz at West Alabama said his jaw was kind of loose upon the pulling of the tooth so she put some wire in there and it will stay for a short period of time. The wire will impact his eating so he will be on soft food for that period of time. He will stay overnight tonight at the clinic and is foster mom will pick him up at noon tomorrow. Monte is heavy heartworm positive. The vet thinks he could start his first heartworm treatment in about 10 days if all goes well.

Monte is being fostered by GBGRR volunteer Shari P. who truly is Monte's guardian angel!

2009-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

GBGRR, a non-profit organization founded in 1999, is celebrating our 10-year anniversary. In our first ten years, GBGRR has rescued more than two thousand Golden Retrievers and received numerous awards and grants. GBGRR received the Starfish Award from the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) for our rescue efforts during hurricane Katrina, and in 2008, two of our rescued Goldens won G.R.A.C.E. (Golden Retrievers Achieving Community Excellence) Awards in two different categories at the GRCA Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

We hold a variety of fundraising, public awareness and educational events throughout the year. The highlight is our Reunion Picnic each May, where hundreds of rescued Goldens (and the humans who love them) meet to play, romp, swim, socialize and have lunch, and those dogs in their "Golden Years" proudly participate in the "Parade of Seniors". It's not to be missed! Whether you're interested in fostering, adopting, volunteering or just love golden retrievers, go to www.gbgrr.org to join our mailing list.

Alone in an empty house: Monte

2008-12-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Monte's family left and forgot to take him. He stayed in that empty house for weeks before being discovered by animal control. We don't know how long he went without food or water. He then spent the next 30 days at Fort Bend County Animal Control. GBGRR volunteer, Lou, picked him up from there and immediately took him to the vet. This boy is in bad shape. He's going to a foster home tonight.

Monte is being sponsored by Sherry, Sean and Marisa G. with a kind donation to cover Monte's medical and care expenses.

For more on Monte, go to: http://www.gbgrr.org/