Oliver's story exemplifies this season of thankfulness. Oliver is a five-year-old big, blonde boy. Thanks to the care by the staff at an emergency hospital, Oliver was saved. He was brought to the veterinarian's hospital due to vomiting and abdominal pain. After an examination and x-rays it was determined Oliver had a large, grassy obstruction in the jejunum (small intestine) that had caused a perforation. He needed immediate, emergency surgery to remove this obstruction and repair his small intestine. Regrettably, when informed about the serious nature of his condition, Oliver's owner felt she could not afford the surgery and decided not to work out a payment plan. She made the decision to relinquish ownership and care to her veterinarian in lieu of payment.

During surgery Oliver had four feet of his small intestine removed due to the size of the obstruction! After surgery, he recovered very well and was able to eat and drink without difficulty, complication, or pain! YGRR was called by Oliver's attentive veterinarian after a period of healing. She knew we would find him the most appropriate, loving home.

Oliver was admitted to YGRR and given a follow-up examination. He was brought up-to-date on his vaccinations, his surgical staples removed, and tattooed. Oliver continued his recuperation at Riverview where he was found to be a very likeable fellow. The staff knew he would make a special family a wonderful forever dog.

Adopters who were looking to rescue a good-as-gold dog were invited to meet Oliver. They had recently lost their thirteen-and-a-half year old Golden boy to cancer. These special adopters spent lots of time with their dog, even taking him to work every day! They were once again ready to share their lives with another Golden and were hoping for an adult dog who would mesh with their lifestyle. The scheduled adoption appointment went beautifully! Oliver has settled in to his new home and goes to work each day with his family. Together they are thankful and enjoy unconditional love!

The Golden Retrievers at Riverview have much to be thankful for this holiday season due to the generosity of our members and friends. Our Goldens are placed in loving, forever homes and have the assurance of a lifetime of care and support provided by the Mission of YGRR. On behalf of all the Golden Retrievers at Riverview, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Cute-as-they-come Katy is a four-month-old Golden puppy. She was given as a gift to her senior owners after the passing of the family's fourteen-year-old beloved Golden. Although this couple loved their puppy very much, they were hesitant from the start. Not quite emotionally ready due to the unfortunate events that occurred and not truly prepared for the responsibility and time commitment a young dog brings. Katy's former owners did their very best, even bringing her to puppy Kindergarten! Thinking of Katy's best interests, they called YGRR knowing we would find just the right forever home for their adorable girl.

The YGRR veterinarian gave Katy a thorough examination. She was in excellent health and simply needed to be brought up-to-date on her vaccinations and tattooed. While at Riverview this exuberant girl quickly settled in with her consistent surroundings. The staff found Katy to be a typical, playful puppy with lots of energy that was channeled constructively during her stay at Riverview.

It didn't take long for Katy to be matched with her new forever home. A confident and knowledgeable repeat adopter who had a long history with YGRR was called. She had an active lifestyle and the time to provide the exercise and training that Katy needed. Katy now has two new big sisters, Samantha, YGRR, #4239 and Tess, a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross. "The Girls"get along fabulously! This is just the type of special family Katy's original owners had hoped she would find.

Kramer is a three-and-a-half year old friendly Golden boy. He had been lovingly owned by his family since puppyhood. Kramer's family called YGRR due to a divorce situation and a move from the family home to smaller living conditions and a no dog policy. Kramer's former owner said, "He is a very lovable dog. He likes laying his head on my lap when I'm sitting down and getting a pat. He is a great joy."

Kramer was seen by the YGRR veterinarian upon admission to the program. He was found to be Lyme positive and treated with a course of antibiotics. Overall, his health was good, but he was overweight. He was placed on a healthy diet, brought up-to-date on his vaccinations, tattooed, and given a dentistry. Initially, the staff found Kramer to be shy, but he quickly emerged as a friendly boy who loved to retrieve, play catch, and enjoyed toys!

The adoption team went into action looking for just the right family for Kramer. Repeat adopters who are knowledgeable with Golden Retrievers were called. This loving couple has a tender spot for Goldens and has had a long history with YGRR (Pal, YGRR #941 and Cooper, YGRR #2373). They were hoping for another Golden companion to compliment their family and active lifestyle. The ideal match was paired! Kramer and his new family together enjoy a homestead of multiple scenic acres, miles of conservation hiking trails, and access to lakes for swimming! Kramer now gets plenty of exercise and midweek hikes, seasonal weekend sailing in Mattapoisett, and lots of love and attention from his new forever family!