In 2005, Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue celebrated its 20th anniversary. True to its objective no Golden has ever been denied admission because of age or medical condition. Over the years we have encountered many extraordinary medical challenges.

One of our earliest Rescues, Buddy, YGRR #485 was an emaciated 9 month old puppy with multiple injuries resulting from abuse. In a new surgical procedure done at the Cummings Tufts Veterinary Hospital his leg was wired and screwed together. Following recovery he walked with hardly a limp.

In more recent years Macks, YGRR #3723 came to Riverview unable to get up from a sitting position. The only way he could move was to mimic a seal. After 5 surgeries he finally could stand, walk and run.

In 2005 Devin, YGRR#4167 was seriously injured when he was run over by the family SUV. A rear leg, front leg and tail were fractured. Turned over to YGRR he was taken to Angell Memorial Hospital where he underwent several surgeries. A young Golden at only 11 months, his rehabilitation went quickly and he now has a wonderful forever home.

While not all medical problems are as extensive as these, the main goal has always been to ensure the Rescue Golden would have a comfortable life. Following appropriate veterinary treatment, each Rescue is returned to Riverview for recuperation and rehabilitation prior to being made available for adoption.

In the early years it was more common for YGRR to have more younger than older dogs in the program. The appearance of older dogs was once a seasonal event, now it is all year long. Since most adopters were reluctant to consider an older dog, these "white faced" seniors waited and waited for new homes. Recognizing the special quality of these dogs, YGRR established two programs.

Comprehensive Assistance for Rescue Elders (C.A.R.E.) provides financial assistance with outstanding medical expenses to families willing to adopt a Golden age 10 and over. As Goldens age, they naturally slow down and some may require steady and sometimes expensive medical monitoring and treatment. With this assistance available adopters can now enjoy the companionship of these sweet, sedate oldsters.

Much has been made of the advantage of older folks owning and caring for pets.

As more of us reach retirement age we find we have the time to care for a pet but perhaps not the energy for a puppy or young dog. The Senior to Senior Program pairs adoptors 70 and over with Rescues 10 and over. Along with the benefits of the C.A.R.E. program , the adopters receive assistance in transporting their dog to and from the vet or groomer and, if necessary, boarding at Riverview. A win-win situation....caring owners sharing their lives with mature pets.

Many years ago one of the goals of Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue was to build a special facility that would help house those Special Needs and Senior Goldens who required more intensive care than those in the general kennel. In the summer of 2005 the original kennel was re-designed for this purpose. The runs in this area are larger to allow for more area for the dogs to move around, are individually lit, the floors are heated and windows were added to provide natural light. It is with great pride that we view the completion of this center.

It often happens that the goals set by organizations may be altered and lose their focus over time. With your support we have been able, over these twenty years, to remain true to ours. We know that the future will present us with many new challenges. Together we will continue to meet them.

Thank you all for everything.

Joan and Susan

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