All Posts & Articles

  • Where can I buy a 2023 YGRR Calendar? - These are the locations carrying our 2023 calendar this year! Better yet, Click Here to Purchase the Calendar Online We regret that we are unable to take phone orders this year, due to system issues. Thank you for understanding and your continued support! Massachusetts Acton – Erickson Grain Mill Orleans – Snows Home and Garden […]
  • dog rescued from flooding YGRR rescue partner rescuing dogs from Ukraine - ROLDA is right next to Ukraine We recently worked with ROLDA to bring some dogs to YGRR. The ROLDA Dog Rescue Team is working tirelessly right now to help Ukrainian pets. Situated so close to the border, ROLDA is in a unique position to co-ordinate and conduct multiple missions to find and rescue pets.This position […]
  • Adoption update: Ryder, YGRR #5819 - Hi folks at YGRR, We adopted Ryder a year ago, 3/1/2020, and he has been such a wonderful part of our family ever since. He was so nervous we first met him in the family situation room that we were worried that the adjustment would be a struggle, but it really wasn’t. After a few […]
  • Roscoe, YGRR #5955 - Hi, Everyone – Just a quick note to let you know that “Roscoe Bear” is doing very well. In fact, he’s doing great! We’re just hanging out indoors on this cold, wet and windy Friday…but it’s all good. Lots of bonding time. ❤️ Roscoe is adjusting well to his new home and is quickly getting […]
  • Happy Birthday, Katy! - I have adopted 4 lovely Golden Retrievers from Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. My 3rd is Katy who was adopted at the age of 4months. She came from a breeder in RI and I have her birth records. Yesterday on April 24th, my “baby girl” turned 14 years old !!I took her to Polka Dog Bakery […]
  • Adoption update, Junior - We’re in Upstate New York visiting my parents and Junior is LOVING all the snow here. He even went cross country skiing with me and loved it so much. He’s such a sweet bubs and has such a huge heart. Everyday we  just feel so lucky to get to love up on this pupper. Thank […]
  • Adoption update: Baron - “Baron has been enjoying the laid-back life here. He loves his bed or the carpet in the bedroom at night. He’s such a simple dog, he loves food just like his brother Luke. When we wake up in the morning he’s dancing for breakfast and in the evening he’s dancing for dinner. Baron is a […]
  • Adoption update, Dusty - Dusty (as he now goes by) is doing great. He is settling in very well though wasn’t too happy this past week w the very cold weather! We tried some dog booties as he was getting the frozen paws issue, but he wouldn’t keep them on…lol. I imagine this weather is quite different from Turkey. […]
  • The Surprise Inside: When one dog turns into 11 -  Late last spring, just days before she was to fly with four other rescued Golden retrievers from China to the U.S., Freedom plopped down in her kennel and gave birth to 10 puppies. It was a surprise to everyone but Freedom. We brought the other four dogs to the U.S. and found them homes, but […]
  • YGRR’s Molly featured in Seacoast Bark Magazine - Follow the link below to read about YGRR’s Molly. Molly’s adopters share the story of her 6,000 mile journey from China to the U.S.and commentary from YGRR Executive Director Allyson MacKenna. Seacoast Bark Article
  • Anny’s story -   Dear YGRR Supporters,   About a month ago we launched our Summer Appeal which featured the story of Anny, one of our dogs from China.  If you did not receive the Appeal, misplaced it or just want to read it again please click on this link:     Anny’s Story and appeal Thanks to you […]
  • Loki’s Story - Meet 10-year-old  Loki. On September 14, YGRR received an urgent call to pick up a senior dog. We sent the request out to our wonderful volunteer team, and we were able to respond quickly to this plea for help. What our volunteer found was heartbreaking. A sweet senior guy that had an open wound, was […]
  • YGRR’s Ralph on Boston’s WAAF Monday’s Mutt Segment - YGRR’s Ralph made his debut on Boston’s 107.3 WAAF radio today for their Monday’s Mutt segment! Here are the links to watch Ralph strut his stuff on air. Ralph is available for adoption. Please review our adoption information and apply online if you would like to welcome Ralph into your home! https://www.facebook.com/waafrocks/videos/10156008448888285/ https://waaf.radio.com/ For adoption […]
  • Safe and Happy Fourth of July - Time for the big and beautiful firework displays throughout our communities! This can be a stressful time for many dogs because those loud boomers can be frightening for our canine family members. There are many things we can do to help lessen the stress and help them through. -Closing all windows and doors in your […]
  • International Dogs Video -    
  • YGRR on Fox 25 Boston! - On March 29th, a crew from Fox 25 Boston came to Riverview to interview Executive Director Allyson Mackenna and Adoption Coordinator Devon Sprika about our international rescue efforts.We have many international Goldens making their way to Hudson over the next few months, so it was perfect timing to have Fox 25 to visit us. Below […]
  • Rescues from China - On November 12, 2015, YGRR welcomed our first 3 Goldens from Turkey.  Since then, over 100 international dogs have found loving new homes here in New England.  As all of our adopters can attest, these dogs embody everything that is so special about our breed. We are excited to announce that YGRR is expanding our […]
  • Callie, now Emmie, adoption update - Callie (now Emmie) Update! “It has been 7 weeks since I brought Emmie Mae, (formerly Callie), YGRR #5510 home and I am amazed at how well she has transitioned to our home. She is a delight and has filled the past few weeks with smiles, laughter, joy, and happiness! Everyday, she grows more confident in […]
  • China Dog Rescue - YGRR Goes To China – by Devon Spirka and Lucille Brooks The planning stages of all this started about 6 months before we flew to Beijing, China and brought back our first three Goldens. When taking on a rescue effort like this, there are lots of legalities and logistics to figure out before-hand in order […]
  • Rescue – Before and After Video - This video was played at the 2017 YGRR auction. It clearly shows the extensive love and care each and every dog receives when they come to Riverview. Without your generosity, we would not be able to do what we do. Thank you for allowing us to help dogs in need.   Before and After Video Auction […]
  • YGRR Benefit Auction 2017 - SPECIAL EVENTS YGRR Benefit Auction! Save the Date:  Saturday, April 29, 11:30 AM – 4 PM Boxborough Regency in Boxborough, MA (Exit 28 off Route 495) If you are planning to stay overnight, please mention YGRR when making your reservation with the Boxborough Regency for a discounted rate.   Please join us for YGRR’s annual […]
  • Volunteer Transport from start to finish -   An Odyssey of the Mind, and Soul By Brian Kling, YGRR President Four and a half years ago, in 2012, we drove up the driveway at Riverview to meet a dog that we didn’t know, hoping that he would like us and want to come home with us.  We had lost our only sweetheart […]
  • YGRR Volunteer Program - Dear YGRR Members and Friends,  Each year, hundreds of YGRR Volunteers provide thousands of hours of service in support of various facets of our program including: — Providing Home Visits for prospective adopters — Transporting incoming dogs from shelters/transfers to our participating veterinarians — Assisting with website maintenance — Supporting Staff with administrative and retail […]
  • Turkish Rescue Goldens - Since the start of our Turkish rescue efforts during November 2015, YGRR has taken in a total of 30 beautiful Goldens in need from Turkey. Our efforts are continuing, as we help Goldens make their way to the United States. YGRR expects to be welcoming 18 more of the Turkish Goldens in a few months. […]
  • - Sophie #5261 Sophie was rescued from a shelter in Turkey after the puppy mill where she lived was shut down by the government. Little did Sophie know that this was the first step in a journey of almost 5,000 miles to a new life in the United States. Sophie arrived in November and came out […]
  • YGRR Wins 2015 Purebred Rescue of the Year Award - We are excited to announce that Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue has been named the winner of the 2015 Vanderpump Purebred Rescue of the Year awarded at the 61st annual Pro Plan Showdog Awards in New York City. YGRR was chosen, in part, because of our dedication and commitment to the medical needs of all dogs […]
  • YGRR Wish List - Welcome to the YGRR Wish List page! The following is a list of items that we currently need. We will update the list as the need for a particular item is no longer valid. If you shop through Amazon Smile, where we have a wish list, (YGRR Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue) we will receive 0.5% […]
  • Mack #5174 - Mack was 11 when his family could no longer keep him. Mack had a history of chronic ear problems.  He was taken to the vet for the most recent complication, an ear hematoma, and his family realized that they would not be able to continue to give Mack the medical treatment he needed.  Mack’s family […]
  • Mariah #5262 - Happy Holidays from Mariah #5262! Mariah arrived in the United States on November 12 as one of the first group of Golden Retrievers YGRR rescued from Turkey.  In Turkey, there are hundreds of homeless Golden Retrievers who are either in overcrowded shelters or who are living on the streets and in the forest.  These dogs, […]
  • Brandon #5104 - Happy Thanksgiving from Brandon #5104!   Brandon was 2 when his family lost their home and could not keep him. Brandon was described as a big puppy who loved to be involved in all his family’s activities.  He still had some puppyish habits like jumping on people, chewing things he shouldn’t, or accidentally knocking over […]
  • Abygail #5105 - Abygail was 8 when her chronic allergies, which caused constant skin and ear infections, became too much for her family to afford. They wanted Abygail to get the best medical treatment so she would be comfortable and healthy, even if that meant letting her go to a new home.  She was described as a phenomenal […]
  • Bailey #5142 - Bailey #5142   Bailey was about 2 years old when a kind-hearted Samaritan took her in. Bailey was not well cared for, and once this individual met her, she could not leave Bailey in her current situation. Although she intended for her family to give Bailey a loving home, she soon discovered that Bailey had […]
  • Millie #5156 - Millie was 1 ½ years old when she came to Rescue. Millie was not the bravest of Goldens, and her personality was just not the right fit for her family’s lifestyle. They wanted Millie to have a quieter home where she would be happier. Since we take great care to match each dog to the […]
  • Rosebud #5044 and Muffin #5043 - Rosebud and Muffin were surrendered to a shelter in Vermont because their family could no longer afford to care for them. The shelter was inundated with animals, many also turned in due to financial constraints. YGRR had worked with the shelter before, and they knew we would be able to take these 4-year-old littermates into […]
  • Cayenne #5066 - YGRR received a call from an emergency animal hospital in New England. A 4-year-old dog named Cayenne had been brought in after being struck by a car. Cayenne’s owners only had him for a week and were playing with him off-leash when he ran into the road. His new family could not afford the surgery […]
  • Welcome to the new ygrr.org! - Greeting Golden friends! Welcome to YGRR’s new website!  We hope that you find the new design friendly and helpful!  Please visit often and don’t forget to visit Golden Goodies.  Please share with us what you like and how we can improve the site so we may continue to update it as needed. We’ll be adding […]
  • Sofie #5161 - Sofie was seized by an animal control officer because she was living on a chain that was less than 2 feet long. Although there was a bucket of green, scummy water nearby, Sofie was not able to even reach it. The owners did not attempt to get Sofie back after she was seized, so the […]
  • Heat Stroke - Could it happen to your Golden? With the hot temperatures of the summer months, it is extremely important to prevent your dog from overheating. Dogs cannot tell you when their temperature rises and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient shelter from the sun, adequate water to drink, and a way to […]
  • Pets and Pests - by Sue Averill with Dawn Burke, DVM There are many tiny critters that would like to use your dog as a food source, home, mode of transportation, or all of these together. Some are mild irritants, and some can be life threatening. Flying insects are seasonal pests here in the Northeast. Fleas and ticks are […]
  • Heartworm Disease - by Sue Averill with Dawn Burke, DVM Here in the Northeast, warm weather brings the mosquitoes out of hibernation. Infested mosquitoes transmit heartworms to dogs that they feed on. Untreated, heartworm is fatal, so prevention is vital. Veterinarians will require an annual heartworm test prior to dispensing heartworm preventative. Administering a preventative to an infected […]
  • Gastric Dilation / Bloat - by the Editor, Golden Times This is a true veterinary emergency. Bloat with a possible stomach twist (torsion) is one of the most dangerous intestinal disorders known in canine medicine. The exact cause of canine bloat is unknown; however, it is believed to be brought on by abnormal stomach function. The stomach becomes excessively dilated […]
  • Lyme Disease - by Dawn Burke, DVM Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete (spiral shaped bacteria) Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to dogs from the bite of an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). The first case of Lyme disease in dogs was reported in 1984. Besides causing arthritis, Lyme disease can also affect the kidneys, heart, and […]
  • Dog Obesity - by Sue Averill Overweight dogs that have conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and over-angulated joints, (pasterns, hocks and stifles) suffer greater pain, which causes a greatly reduced quality of life. Obesity in dogs can cause stroke, diabetes, shortness of breath and heart attacks. An overweight dog may have certain conditions that would be exacerbated […]
  • Merlin #5188 - Previously Featured Adoptions – April 2015 Merlin was 8 when his family could no longer keep him. Merlin had been with them since he was a puppy and was a true member of his family. Sadly, two family members suffered from severe allergies. After ignoring their doctor’s advice in an effort to keep Merlin, they […]
  • Odie #5173 - Previously Featured Adoptions – May 2015 Odie was 8 when his family could no longer provide for all his medical needs. The family had diligently tried to care for Odie’s allergies and constant barrage of skin and ear infections, but they had a child whose medical needs also had to be met. The financial strain […]
  • Abbey #5157 - Previously Featured Adoptions – May 2015 Abbey was 12 years old when her family had to move. They had owned Abbey since she was a puppy, but they could not take Abbey with them. They were extremely worried about her because of her age and also due to the fact that Abbey was blind. After […]
  • Brady #4535 - Previously Featured Adoptions – May 2015 Brady was 1 ½ years old when he was surrendered to YGRR because he was too exuberant for his family. His owners were physically unable to handle him and described him as an overgrown puppy. They recognized that they were unable to meet Brady’s needs and they made the […]
  • Choo Choo #5190 - Previously Featured Adoptions – May 2015 Choo Choo was 5 when her family could no longer keep her. They had recently had a baby, among other changes, and the demands on their time and finances became too much. Choo Choo was described as the friendliest dog, who loved everyone she met. She was spending most […]
  • Barney #4700 - Previously Featured Adoptions – April 2015 Barney was 5 years old when his family could no longer give him the time he needed. His family wanted him to get the exercise and attention they couldn’t provide, so after looking into all their options, Barney was soon on his way to YGRR. Barney was a healthy […]
  • Cody #5184 - Previously Featured Adoptions – April 2015 Cody’s family could no longer keep him due to allergies and other health concerns within the household. Cody was a very exuberant 7 year old. He needed a lot of exercise and attention, and this wasn’t possible with the current circumstances. His owners made the difficult decision to let […]
  • Spyke #5180 - Previously Featured Adoptions – April 2015 Spyke was 5 when his owners could no longer care for him due to an accident in the family. His family wanted Spyke to have a home where he could get all the attention and exercise he needed and was accustomed to, so Spyke was soon on his way […]
  • Brody #5141 - Previously Featured Adoptions – March 2015 Brody was 2 ½ years old when his family surrendered him to YGRR. Brody was very much a part of his family, but he had been diagnosed with a genetic knee condition. His owners took him for an orthopedic consult and learned that Brody would require surgery on both […]
  • Shadow #5187 - Previously Featured Adoptions – March 2015 Shadow was 12 ½ years old when his owner could no longer care for him. Shadow’s owner lived in a split level home and the only way outside was by using the stairs. Shadow had some arthritis and he was also blind in one eye, which affected his depth […]
  • Windsor #5117 - Previously Featured Adoptions – March 2015 Windsor came to YGRR at the age of 3. Her family included 3 very young children and it was difficult to give everyone the time they needed, especially since Windsor was an extremely active Golden girl who required a great deal of attention and exercise. Her family wanted her […]
  • Zoey #5110 - Previously Featured Adoptions – February 2015 Zoey was 3 when her family was moving out of the country for work. Her family thought they had found a new home for her, but at the 11th hour the potential new owners changed their mind. With no time left before their move, Zoey’s owners were very relieved […]
  • Lenny #5143 - Previously Featured Adoptions – February 2015 Four-year-old Lenny was brought to YGRR when his family became overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising 4 kids under the age of 4. They loved Lenny and wanted him to get the care that they were unable to give him with all the demands on their time. Lenny was […]
  • Millie #5156 - Previously Featured Adoptions – February 2015 Millie was 1 ½ years old when she came to Rescue. Millie was not the bravest of Goldens, and her personality was just not the right fit for her family’s lifestyle. They wanted Millie to have a quieter home where she would be happier. Since we take great care […]
  • Maggie #5172 - Previously Featured Adoptions – February 2015 Maggie was 12 ½ when her owner could no longer keep her. Despite his best efforts, he could not find a suitable place to move that would accept large pets and did not have stairs that Maggie would be unable to get up and down. He was very concerned […]
  • Angel #5154 and Sunset #5155 - Previously Featured Adoptions – February 2015 Angel was 11 and Sunset was 10½ when their owner was hospitalized and no longer able to care for her girls. A caretaker went out of her way to make sure Angel and Sunset were cared for until a placement for them could be found. This was especially important […]
  • Mya #5181 - Previously Featured Adoptions – January 2015 Mya’s owner moved into senior housing and could not take her with him. Mya was 7 years old and had been part of the household since she was 3 months old. Her owner had hoped that a relative could keep her, but that was not possible. Wanting Mya to […]
  • Miloh #5152 - Previously Featured Adoptions – January 2015 Miloh was 3 ½ years old when his family had to give him up. Miloh had a history of allergies that caused skin and ear infections. His family was finding it difficult to keep up with his needs. They wanted him to get all the attention and care he […]
  • Tucker #4757 - Previously Featured Adoptions – January 2015 Tucker was 5 ½ when his family had to move under difficult circumstances. Their apartment had been broken into several times, making it unsafe for humans or dogs. The family moved out, but they could not find another suitable and safe place within their budget that would allow a […]
  • Berklee #5096 - Previously Featured Adoptions – January 2015 Berklee was one year old when her family had to give her up. Berklee lived with owners who adored her, but she had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips. Her family included a special needs child, and meeting everyone’s needs was not financially possible. Wanting Berklee to […]
  • Finnegan #5150 - Previously Featured Adoptions – December 2014 Finnegan was 2 ½ years old when his family had to find him a new home. Finn lived with an autistic toddler who had been frightened by a neighbor’s dogs. Despite the family’s best efforts, it became clear that the child was now too scared of dogs to live […]
  • Gracie #4916 - Previously Featured Adoptions – December 2014 Gracie was 9 when her family could not keep her. Her owner was suffering from health problems and there had also been a death in the family. Gracie suffered from severe skin problems herself, and her family was convinced that no one would be willing to take her. They […]
  • Fitch #4856 - Previously Featured Adoptions – December 2014 Happy New Year from Fitch! Fitch’s owner moved to an apartment that would not allow dogs. Fitch was 4 years old and had been part of his family since he was a puppy. Fitch had been staying at a boarding kennel since the move, but his family could not […]
  • Terrific Twosomes - from Golden Times, Winter 2003 From time to time, owners surrender not one, but two Goldens to YGRR for placement. Once the dogs have completed their veterinary examinations and arrived at Riverview, our professional staff sets about evaluating whether it is in the dogs’ best interest to remain together. Each decision is made by analyzing […]
  • Promises Kept #1 - by Wendy G., Executive Director, from Golden Times, Winter 2003 It has always been the policy of YGRR to allow dogs to stay with us for as long as it takes to find an appropriate home. It is one of the ways in which YGRR is different from many other rescues and shelters. YGRR and […]
  • Charlie – YGRR #01 - Great News for Senior YGRR Goldens by Joan Puglia, President and Co-Founder, Spring 2003 Golden Times Yesterday Eighteen years ago, on April 23, 1985, we admitted our very first rescue Golden. He was a thin male stray estimated to be eight or nine years old. His future looked very dim because his time was up […]
  • Russ, YGRR #3525 - One Very Brave, Determined Golden Boy by Wendy G., Executive Director Most readers have become familiar with the photo of Russ who has appeared as a special orphan in our Golden Times Magazine and on the YGRR Web site. Russ’s story has a happy ending, although no one knew that the road to find his […]
  • Some Beneficiaries - Some Beneficiaries of YGRR’s Look Beyond Time Fund In 1996, Robert and Barbara J. established YGRR’s Look Beyond Time Fund with a very large donation. The stated purpose of the Fund was to provide financial support for the care of senior Rescue Goldens, those age eight and older. Barbara and Robert wanted to make certain […]