Princess is a friendly three-year-old blonde Golden girl who lived anything but a fairytale life. Princess' second family rescued her after a state agency removed the dog from an abusive, neglectful neighbor. This loving family took Princess in as a temporary solution. Unfortunately, these kind people were not in a position to keep Princess because they were in the process of moving and pregnant with twins. They called YGRR knowing we would find Princess a loving, safe, and stable forever home.

Princess was seen by the YGRR veterinarian. At her health visit she was brought up-to-date on her vaccinations and tattooed. The YGRR staff found Princess to be a high energy girl who happily greeted everyone. Princess settled into the kennel quickly during her all-but-brief stay. Princess was soon placed on the active adoption list. This sweet girl was going to need a home with dog savvy owners who could set clear parameters and provide consistent, loving training. Adopters were called who were looking to adopt a young, active female Golden.. This family came highly recommended by the YGRR Home Visitor. All went well at the scheduled adoption appointment. As soon as they met Princess, they could see she was a special girl! Princess now enjoys three walks a day, her own fenced-in backyard, and a life that fits her name!

Big Boy Bailey! Bailey is one-and-a-half-year-old red, large youngster. Bailey was surrendered to YGRR in August because his family was away from home long hours and could not give him the attention, training, and exercise he required. His young family included a toddling two-year-old and, due to their very busy schedules, they felt their lack of time was unfair to their big boy. His previous owners described him as a great dog that needed lots of exercise.

Bailey was given a thorough exam by the YGRR veterinarian. Upon examination he was found to have a skin infection and was placed on antibiotics to treat this issue. Bailey was also neutered and tattooed. Bailey was then brought to Riverview where the staff soon found Bailey to be a very high energy and happy-go-lucky dog. He needed consistent handling and had much to learn about good manners. This 87 pound youngster had not attended any obedience classes or had any training. Bailey received reliable handling, the exercise he needed, and began putting well behaved manners into practice. Bailey thrived and blossomed in a structured and predictable environment.

Bailey made wonderful progress during his stay at Riverview. When Bailey was ready for adoption, the Adoption Coordinator called a knowledgeable family who was looking for a special Golden companion and invited them to meet Bailey. This compassionate family has had a lifetime of Goldens and was once again ready for a good-as-gold furry family member. All went well at the scheduled adoption appointment! Bailey is now known as “Charlie.” Charlie is adored by his forever family and continues to make solid progress with learning! He is currently enrolled in a few private obedience lessons and will soon move on to a weekly class! Charlie’s new family has the time to channel his energy with exercise and training. Big Boy Charlie now looks forward to long walks on the beach, his fenced-in play yard, and solid training!

This is the story of an undeniably, exceptional dog who touched the hearts of many here at YGRR! Indiana is a handsome five-year-old Golden. Last summer "Indy" was surrendered to YGRR because his owner was moving out of the country and could not take him with her. He had recently fallen ill and his constant care, coupled with her move, was too overwhelming. He had lived with teenagers and was described as having "a heart of gold." His family was very sad to say goodbye to their ill, but brilliant boy!

Upon surrender Indy's previous owner reported he was on a number of medications for seizures. When Indy was admitted to the YGRR veterinarian, he was in a drowsy, zombie-like state and was found to be toxic on double the normal doses of potassium bromide and Phenobarbital. It was noted on Indy's medical records that his previous owner had asked her homeopathic vet about Lyme disease since he was lame, lethargic, and not eating. Neither her vet nor the large ER hospital he was admitted to for cluster seizures did a Lyme* test. YGRR's veterinarian immediately tested Indy for Lyme. He came up a strong positive and was put on doxycycline. Indy's long-term health plan included very close monitoring of any seizure activity, slow weaning off the potassium bromide, and a maintenance dose of Phenobarbital. A subsequent health visit was scheduled for a later date that included tattooing and neutering.

All went very well for our incredible boy! Indy received first rate care under the diligent watch of the Kennel Manager and devoted staff at Riverview. Indy's epilepsy quickly came under control and he did not have a seizure from the time he was admitted. In fact, within a short amount of time, this extraordinary Golden did not resemble the overmedicated dog that came into the program. Indy flourished into a striking dog. He was noted to be a sweet, spirited, and affectionate boy who was a pleasure to be around.

After many healthy and happy months, Indy was placed on the active adoption list. It was going to take a very special family to match such a special boy! Such a family was found who came highly recommended by the YGRR Home Visitor. This warm and loving couple was invited to meet Indiana. This dog-savvy couple has a long history with the Golden Retriever breed, have owned several Goldens, and have the time and attention to give a dog. Currently, Indy enjoys long walks, playing ball, and his lovely fenced-in backyard. Our good-as-gold Indy can now look forward to the happiest of days spending time with his forever, loving family.

*(Lyme disease can also affect the central nervous system and have a possible result of seizures).

This is the account of one very special senior! Benji is an eight-year-old large, red golden. He was surrendered to YGRR in August because his owner was moving and the new home did not allow for pets. Benji was described as a laid back, gentle giant by his previous owner. Under the skillful direction of the YGRR veterinarian, Benji was given a thorough examination. He was a complicated case because he had many medical issues. First, he was very thin. When Benji arrived he weighed in at only 67 pounds! He also had a skin infection over most of his body and a urinary tract infection. Before leaving the veterinarian hospital Benji was given a much needed dentistry and was tattooed.

Benji then came to Riverview with a long list of health care instructions. He had antibiotics for his skin and his urinary tract infections. Instructions to increase his food intake were also written. Benji had a good appetite, but even on six cups of food a day, he did not put on weight. This was a cause for concern and the Kennel Manager weighed him daily to chart his progress. Another serious health issue concerned Benji's tail. His previous history indicated a prior fracture of his tail. Upon surrender his tail was seriously ulcerated and bled regularly. Benji was in constant pain and continually chewed at the ulceration. In the best interest of Benji and his long-term health, it was decided his tail be amputated. He healed beautifully and it was as if he had never had a long Golden Retriever tail!

After a short time, Benji had another health visit. Our thorough veterinarian diagnosed Benji with a chronic bacterial overgrowth in his intestinal tract that had never been detected by his original owners. He was prescribed the appropriate medication to take care of his uncomfortable intestinal tract ailment as well. Over the many months of meticulous care, Benji's health significantly improved. His skin and urinary tract issues were treated and cleared up quickly. His new and improved tail was shorter, finer looking, and very healthy! And finally, once his bacterial overgrowth was treated, he gained and kept his appropriate weight for such a large boy. Indeed Benji was a complicated case, but well worth the time and effort!

Benji flourished into a happy, healthy boy who became a real favorite of the kennel staff. When his health issues were resolved Benji was ready for adoption. Repeat adopters of Zoe (YGRR #2903) were called who were looking for an older, gentle dog. This caring couple wanted to provide a forever home for Benji. They have the time, enthusiasm, and proper environment to give a big dog. Benji is now enjoying happier, healthy days with his new, loving family!