Augie will celebrate the holidays with her new, devoted family thanks to the "lifetime safety net" policy provided by YGRR. Our mission is to find a permanent home for each dog surrendered to our program. If an adopter is not able to keep the Golden, the dog must be brought back to YGRR. Augie is a ten-year-old Golden girl who originally entered the program at four years of age. At that time, she was surrendered to YGRR due to her owner's failing health and immediate hospitalization. A couple was found for this petite girl and they provided her with a happy home for six years.

Her adopters recently had to return Augie because of family health issues. Augie was brought to the YGRR veterinarian where she was given a thorough examination and complete geriatric workup. Overall she was in good health, with the exception of being overweight. So, Augie was placed on a healthy diet to lose a few pounds. Augie got along very well with everyone at the facility, canine and human!

A semi-retired couple was called who had adopted nine-year-old George, YGRR #4318, in 2006. George found his way to YGRR as a result of the determined efforts of an animal control officer who took George's owner to court in order to remove him from a neglectful home situation. Upon meeting Augie, it was love at first sight for George and his family. Now Augie lives a blissful life with her forever family in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She is happiest when playing with her new boyfriend, George, or snuggling up with "Dusty" the cat!

On behalf of all the Golden Retrievers waiting for their forever homes at Riverview, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This holiday season is certainly a happier one for Lucy now that she has her new forever home! Lucy and her brother, Woody, lived in an unusual home situation after their owner was permanently admitted to a nursing home with a debilitating illness. For a time the dogs lived unsupervised in the house and used a doggie door to go outdoors that led to a yard with only an invisible fence! They received periodic care and feeding from a visiting family member who could not bring them to her home. The attorney in charge of the owner's estate recommended the dogs be surrendered to YGRR where they would receive the best, secure care and then placed in a safe and loving home. Lucy's owner and the family member agreed with the attorney. This special five year-old Golden girl and her brother were admitted to the program and on their way to Riverview.

First, Lucy was brought to the YGRR veterinarian where she received a thorough examination. X-rays were called for due to a decreased range of motion in her right elbow. She was found to have osteoarthritis and was discharged with a weight reducing healthy diet and nutritional supplements. She happily settled into kennel life while waiting for just the right family!

New adopters who had recently lost their senior girl were hoping to have the pleasure of owning a rescue Golden. This experienced couple have realistic expectations about dog ownership and thoroughly understand the nature of a Golden - - and have a securely fenced backyard! They were told about Lucy and could not wait to come and meet her. When they arrived at their scheduled appointment, they immediately loved her to pieces! Lucy's new owners recently called thanking YGRR for allowing them to adopt Lucy. They think she is a wonderful, delightful and precious dog. She is doing great and enjoys napping on her new orthopedic bed! Now they all enjoy daily walks and giving their happy girl innumerable belly rubs. Merry Christmas to Lucy and her new forever family!

Sweet Kelsey found himself in need of a new home when his owner was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She kept Kelsey as long as she could, knowing that YGRR would send someone to her home to pick up Kelsey when the time came. It was a great comfort to her to know that Kelsey would be cared for when she was gone.

When eight-year-old Kelsey was brought to the YGRR veterinarian, he was given medication for ear infections, neutered, tattooed and put on a diet since he weighed in at 124 pounds! He was given a much needed bath when he arrived at Riverview and then settled into his comfortable kennel in the Senior Center.

A special adopter was found who knew Kelsey would need time and patience as he transitioned to another new environment. His adopter knew as soon as she met Kelsey that he possessed all the Golden traits that would make him a very special boy. Kelsey is now doing very well in his new home and is gaining confidence each day. His adopter is retired so Kelsey spends very little time alone. We know this is just the type of home Kelsey's original owner would have wanted for her very special Golden companion.

Sadie is an eight-and-a-half-year-old red Golden girl. She was purchased as a puppy and lived with her family that included young children until personal and marital problems no longer left time for her. Faithful Sadie began feeling anxious as the tension mounted in the house. Her owners called to relinquish Sadie knowing we would find a forever home that could give her the time and attention she needed.

Sadie was brought to the YGRR veterinarian upon admission into the program. She was given a full geriatric workup which included blood work and x-rays. Upon exam, Sadie was found to have two fatty lipomas. These were excised, she was given a dentistry to remove excess tartar, she was brought-up-to-date on her vaccinations, and tattooed. Sadie was also found to have bilateral hip dysplasia. She was discharged with antibiotics for the excised lipomas and, due to her size as well as hip issue, the YGRR veterinarian recommended a low calorie diet that included nutritional supplements for joints. Sadie came to Riverview to recuperate. The team found her to be a fine resident, easy to handle, and good with other dogs.

Sadie was placed on the Active Adoption List. Repeat adopters of Sally (YGRR# 2217) were called to meet Sadie. This active couple was hoping to adopt another senior girl both for companionship and enjoyment of their outdoor romps. They have the time and energy to devote to Sadie. All went well at the scheduled adoption appointment. Sadie now has a lovely home and is rarely left alone since there is always someone home. She enjoys daily walks, hiking in the woods and in the warmer months endless swimming outings in a beautiful lake! What a perfect ending for sweet Sadie.