Seven-year-old Dutchess came to YGRR because one of the children in her family was highly allergic to her. This was Dutchess’s second home, as her family had adopted her when she was only 1-year-old. Her family had tried to keep Dutchess despite the allergies by restricting her from the bedrooms, keeping her groomed and using medications for their son. Sadly, they were told that the only solution left was to find Dutchess a new home.

Dutchess had a history of allergies herself. She had also had surgery to repair the cruciate ligament in one of her knees. When Dutchess arrived at YGRR, she had some hot spots and ear infections that were currently being treated. We continued her medications, and we also changed her diet in case she had food as well as environmental allergies. Dutchess’s infections soon cleared up. Dutchess was a very athletic and enthusiastic girl who loved her toys. She was very vocal while she was playing, and she loved to drag all of the toys out of the toy box in the home simulation room and show them off to anyone who was willing to admire them. Dutchess really enjoyed the inground swimming pool at Riverview, as well, and she would retrieve for hours on end if we let her! Unfortunately, the surgery Dutchess had on her knee was insufficient to hold up to her activity level and she became lame. When we consulted an orthopedic specialist, we decided that Dutchess needed a more expensive procedure than what she had previously had. A TPLO was a more complicated procedure that would do a better job keeping her knee in place. Dutchess was scheduled for surgery right away. She then came back to Riverview for her recovery and rehab. Taking it easy was very difficult for Dutchess, especially as her knee healed and she experienced less pain. Dutchess had to be content with walks and sessions in the pool, which features a beach-type entry that allows orthopedically challenged and senior dogs to safely enter the water. Due to the scar tissue in her knee from her multiple surgeries, Dutchess could not be allowed to exercise as enthusiastically as she might prefer. Besides swimming, Dutchess could also enjoy walks through the woods. The ideal home for Dutchess would continue this regimen.

Happily for Dutchess, she now has a wonderful home with an adopter who is committed to giving this fun-loving girl the care and attention she needs! Dutchess enjoys walks on conservation land, and she will also get to swim and retrieve from the water, as well. She shares a home with a 10-year-old cat and will have company most of every day. She also has plenty of toys, which she can show off to her heart’s content. Dutchess and her adopter are all smiles from now on!

Dutchess thanks you for your support. YGRR was able to address all of Dutchess’s health issues, thanks to your generosity. Thanks to you, dogs like Dutchess receive orthopedic consultations and any necessary surgery and rehab prior to being adopted. Dutchess reminds you that our 25th Benefit Auction takes place today, right here at Riverview. All of the proceeds benefit the Rescue Goldens and help provide us with the means to give the dogs in our care whatever medical attention they need. Dutchess and all the Rescue Goldens encourage you to bid high!