Our Rescue Goldens dream of the day when they will be taken home by new owners to begin happy, new lives. To help them realize that dream, we have created a state-of-the-art rescue, adoption and education center. The center allows us to provide improved rescue, adoption and training services for the benefit of Goldens in our care and to provide a resource for public education for the benefit of dogs of many other breeds.

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (YGRR) is considered a leader and role model in the field of breed-specific rescue. As such, it was our goal to create a facility that would become an example of the very best environment for the care, training, and placement of second-hand dogs.

A centralized rescue, adoption and education center has been the cornerstone of YGRR plans since the organization was founded in 1985. We took our first step in 1996 with the purchase of a 21-acre property known as Riverview in Hudson, Massachusetts. Since the prior owners had bred Chinese Shar-Peis there was a small kennel already in place. However, this small facility was not suitable for our needs and plans were made to design and build an expanded kennel and training center. The necessary funding was obtained through an extraordinary Capital Campaign. Construction was completed in 2001. In 2005 the part of the kennel area that housed the original kennel was re-designed as a specialized Senior Center to accommodate the needs of medically challenged Seniors and Special Needs Goldens. Riverview consists of three buildings.

The Alfred and Joy Viola Shelter and Adoption Center (click highlighted text for photos)

The 4800 square foot center contains:

• General Kennels (19 runs)
  • Indoor/Outdoor runs
  • Block walls between runs
  • Recessed trench drains
  • Epoxy floor
  • Radiant heat
  • Independent air circulation system
• Medical Isolation Kennels (3 runs)
  • Circulation system separate from general kennel
• Senior Center (11 runs)
  • Larger size runs than general kennel
  • Individual lighting over each run
  • Separate bathing area
  • Increased number of windows for natural lighting
• State-of-the-art sprinkler and alarms
• State-of-the-art HVAC system
• Four separate play-yards
• Grooming Room
  • Special bathing tub
  • Epoxy floor with drain
  • Drying cages
  • Separate exhaust fan
• Rooms including: Reception, Home Simulation, Adoption, Kennel Manager's office, Intake/Adoption Coordinator's Office, Laundry, Food Preparation, Examination, Restrooms

The Mardi Bemis Perry Education and Training Center (Click highlighted text for photos.)

• 1800 square feet including garage for YGRR van
• Indoor exercise and training and behavior modification area
• Fully heated and air conditioned

The Dr. & Mrs. Charles G. Colburn House

• Staff and volunteers' lounge
• Executive Director's office
• Administrative office
• Kennel Manager's apartment
• Alpha and Omega Room - private accomodations for puppies or other dogs who require special attention away from the general kennel

Also original to the property is a swimming pool. Opened in May and closed down in October it provides wonderful exercise for our young, healthy Goldens as well as our Rescues with orthopedic or weight problems.

This very special facility came about through the efforts of many kind and generous people. We are extremely fortunate to be able to provide a warm and nurturing environment for the many Goldens who enter our program. We thank you all for your gifts of time, talent and support.

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