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Big Dogs That Shouldn't Be Big We are often asked whether many of the Goldens admitted to YGRR are abused or neglected. Very few of our dogs have been deliberately harmed, but many of them have been inadvertently mistreated by owners who allowed them to become extremely overweight. Extra weight is bad for a dog's health, but it is a condition that can be corrected. Here are the stories of a few “big dogs” that were brought down to their to the correct sizes by their dedicated adopters. Sweetie Pie,
YGRR #2874
Living alone, except for three VERY spoiled cats, Rochester, Mehitabel and Aloysuis, I hoped I could provide her with a good home. On May 13th, I picked her up (actually I had to have a friend lift her into a van as she was too fat to climb in). She seemed perkier and happy to leave the hospital. I have only two steps to enter my house and she managed these. She was welcomed by the cats. It was love at first sight. They snuggled up to her and she showered them with kisses. On our first excursion outside she managed to walk down the driveway, about 100 feet and collapsed. After some time we made it back to the house where she promptly lay on her huge, new fluffy pillow and slept. It had been a long hard two weeks for her. Over the course of the next six months, we increased our walking ability to about two miles a day. On the advice of Dr. Audrey, her diet consisted of fresh green beans, carrots, squash, broccoli, apples and pears with about 3/4 cup of good quality dried food, twice a day. Her personality blossomed and slowly but surely she started to frolic, play with other dogs and lose weight. Many days last summer she spent swimming in the ponds we have in town, together with other dogs. The end result was that in November, her weight was down to 71 pounds (a 43 pound loss - almost 40% of her body weight) which was the goal set by Dr. Audrey. She could climb stairs, jump on the sofa and actually run after a tennis ball (as opposed to waddle). She is simply PERFECT. She loves people and snuggles up to them, leaning her body against them, lifting up her head, allowing anyone to pat her neck and ears. She constantly smiles and moans ever so gently when her tummy is rubbed. I promised her that when she had reached her goal weight, I would take her to our local groomer. The enclosed picture was taken the day she was groomed. She is a very proud and confident girl and just delighted with her hairdo. No one at Dr. Audrey’s could believe she was the same dog that had been surrendered in April. I am hoping to get another Rescue dog soon, both for companionship for her and another bundle of joy for me. To say I am smitten would be an understatement. I often bring her to work where she acts as a guard dog, barking her greeting to all and then nestling up to them for love. I had a carpenter friend of mine measure her height and make her a feeding and play station. The bowls are just the right height for food and water and the lower section contains SOME of her favorite toys. Both she and the cats love it. I am sure you have received many pictures of wonderful Goldens. I felt you should know the history of SWEETIE PIE to fully appreciate this picture. I had her picture made into Christmas cards so all could enjoy my precious girl. I think of all the people in the world and all the dogs, how very lucky we were to have found each other. Miracles really do happen. Bubba, YGRR
#3057
We are happy to report that the excess 25 pounds have disappeared and stayed off, save for the few pounds he regained while we were adjusting his thyroid medicine. We are grateful for your advice on snacks -- both Bubba and Dillon love their crunchy lunchtime carrots!! His coat is now a lustrous color and his tail has grown into quite a little plume! The itchiness and the flaky skin is completely resolved and he happily gobbles down his food with a teaspoon of wheat germ. He loves being brushed daily. When I clipped his nails for the first time, I was so anxious! I had no idea how he would react. What a shock when he let me clip every one without so much as a flinch or a tug. He was just laying on the deck and smiling at me. I was so proud of him that I had to call John at work to tell him. Everything from ear cleaning to bath time to his Mummy's relentless pursuit of coat knots and tangles, is a breeze. The only thing I can honestly say he truly dislikes is thunder and even then, he just quietly climbs into the tub and doesn't come out until it's over. Dillon is also his brother's biggest fan. He loves to be near his pal and Bubba has responded by making it his mission in life to make sure Dillon’s ears, eyes and face are scrupulously and sparkling clean. Several times each day, Bubba settles down with Dillon and licks him. At first we couldn't believe our eyes. If for some reason Bubba gets distracted or stops too soon, Dillon responds by gently pawing Bubba on the head -- and off he goes again! Bubba has turned out to be the perfect boy for us. Every night when he curls up on the couch with us, we ask each other, “How did we get so lucky?” Lacey, YGRR #2976
We are so very grateful for your gift of adoption to us and keep you in our prayers for every success in the lifesaving works you are doing for this wonderful breed of dog. Lacey attended her first obedience training class with me and I was so thrilled to have the trainer say to me, “I would have thought that dog and you had been together all her life.” Physically Lacey is doing well. On thyroid replacement and on a diet these 2 1/2 months, she now weighs 71.4 pounds -- a loss of sixteen pounds! Her veterinarian is very pleased with the improvement in her skin and fur as well. Her ear infections are at bay currently, but twice the problem has resurfaced, requiring more treatment. Her stamina, vim and vigor are all returned as evidenced by the games she loves to play and the wrestling she loves to engage in with our son's yellow lab. She hands out plenty of love to our grandchildren as well. We offer our heartfelt thanks once again. By the way, Lacey is now sleeping in our bedroom or just outside our door in the hall -- a big jump considering how being kept in a basement in her former life made her think that being upstairs was wrong. Bailey, YGRR
#2909
He certainly is much friskier. His hip is doing fine and he moves around much better. He loves his stuffed bunny and enjoys swimming on occasion. Bailey has been a wonderful addition to our family. In the photo enclosed, we were taking the Christmas wreaths off the windows and removing the big red bows. Bailey collected all of them in his mouth. He also loves to collect socks. He never chews them -- just collects them. Bailey is definitely a people person dog. He keeps my mother in law company during the day. She is a stroke patient who is confined to a wheelchair. He makes her smile and laugh. He is a truly great addition to our family. Thank you so much for matching Bailey up with our family. He is just the perfect match! Click here for information on obese dogs.
Let the Dogs decide Who to Adopt! In the YGRR pre-adoption paperwork, we encourage prospective adopters to have an open mind when they visit our kennel for their adoption appointment. Those who arrive without any fixed ideas or requirements are sometimes surprised when they let the dogs decide on who to adopt! Maddie, YGRR
#3001
Sue had one more female that was child and small pet friendly, “Would we like to meet her?” Maddie, YGRR #3001 pranced out to meet us -- she was 14 months old! It was love at first sight for everyone but me. Knowing I would be the primary caregiver, I felt that a young dog would not be a good choice. After running around and showing off, Madeline sat at my feet, gave me her paw and would not move. She had chosen me. Maddie is just wonderful. She comes to work with me and greets all the customers with a paw and a smile. Everyone loves her! I guess a young dog was just what the doctor ordered. We walk four miles a day. I have lost 65 pounds and I feel like a new woman. We are complete again and could not have made a better choice for our new family member. Murray, YGRR
#3014
We had only had female dogs before, but after reading all the literature supplied by YGRR, we decided that either sex would be fine. Our home interviewer said she didn't think we would have to wait long as we were quite general about the sex and age of our anticipated “new addition.” A few weeks after we were approved, the long awaited call came. Sue had two males about 18 months old for us to be interviewed by. When we arrived at Riverview, a family before us had already settled on a dog and we were the third appointment of the day. We were so sure there were no dogs left and we would go home empty handed. Well, there is always hope. Sue informed us that the family before us was actually taking a senior Golden and there were THREE boys for us to be checked out by! (The third dog she thought had been placed already so she hadn't told us about him when she called.) The first two dogs came out one after the other. Both were quite handsome but somewhat unruly and neither seemed to be interested in us or to “click.” Sue's introduction of “Murray” to us was that his owners had turned him in because he wasn't affectionate and wasn't what they wanted. That seemed a little odd being a Golden Retriever and all, but every dog has the right to be an individual. Sue also told us that Murray was underweight and needed a dietary supplement. Out came Murray. He gave one sniff around the fenced yard and came right up to Ron. He very politely stood up on his hind legs, put his paws on Ron’s shoulders, then laid down, rolled over and offered his belly to be rubbed. Hmmm, not affectionate eh? I guess it's true that dogs pick YOU out . . . Well, it's been six months now. I had to ask Ron when the actual adoption day was because it seems we've had Murray forever. Murray is little what his profile stated. Contrary to what his previous family said, he DOES have favorite toys (maybe they never gave him any). He is VERY affectionate and greets each family member as they come home with a big dance, a toy in his mouth and sings away for several minutes. We do notice that sometimes when we come down in the morning he cowers and we have to reassure him that it is okay for him to let us know that he wants to go out. He doesn't like to come upstairs unless it's thundering outside. He is well mannered in every way except that he doesn't like other dogs when on his leash. We'll take him to obedience school soon. Murray is very smart (don't we all say that about our dogs?). We're sure he'll love it, especially the jumps in the advanced obedience classes when he gets there, as he is quite athletic. At home he likes to lie with his front legs crossed very regally. Animal shows on TV are a favorite and he loves to watch himself in any reflection. Speaking of reflections, he loves to chase them and flashlight beams are a real favorite. He chases snow, snowballs and snowflakes. He was a little sad when we took him to the groomer’s. We think he thought he was being given up again (in 3 years we're his 3rd home) but he gave us a tremendous greeting when we picked him up. He has gained ten pounds and doesn't need the dietary supplement any longer. Yup, he's a keeper! Gem, YGRR
#3101
I had gone to Riverview two weeks previously to meet a companion for Brandi, my 2 1/2 year old female Golden and myself. Brandi did not like the two dogs we were introduced to. So my trip was not wasted, I was told about a dog that had been returned after an unsuccessful three day adoption. The minute I saw Gypsy, I knew she was “the one.” Brandi was agreeable - she did not hide behind me like she did with the two other introductions. Since Gypsy had “issues” with the family that returned her, I was not able to take her home that day. She was to be reevaluated. I was called three days later to be told she was set to go. She had not repeated the behavior that caused her to be returned. Gypsy was originally surrendered to YGRR because she was a “wild” dog. Although she is not an angel, she is smart, affectionate and funny. She and Brandi get along very well. When they get tired rough housing, you will find them resting side by side. I tell anyone who will listen my adoption story. Thank you for bringing us all together.
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Yankee Golden
Retriever Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded
in 1985. Adopt
A Golden • Surrender A
Golden •
Rescue Stories About YGRR • Join YGRR • Special Events • YGRR Store
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Sweetie Pie was
surrendered to YGRR in April, 2000 as her owner was going into assisted living
and could not keep her. She is a small Golden girl and, when surrendered,
she weighed 114 pounds. It appeared from her records that she had never seen a
vet. Dr. Audrey removed two huge growths, one on her tummy and the other on her
back. I first visited her at Fremont Animal Hospital on May 7th. She would not
raise her head and her tail was hidden between her legs. She was
uncomfortable from her operations and seemed very depressed. She had just come
from a home where she was given all the food she wanted, had little, if any
exercise and generally was a “couch potato.” From there, she had been put in
a crate, operated on and probably did not know what to expect next. She refused
the cookies I brought.
We cannot begin
to tell you how much we love our Bubba. He has charmed, surprised and delighted
us! As you know, we lost two dogs in a very short amount of time last year and
our remaining Golden, Dillon, was beside himself with loneliness. Almost six
months ago, Bubba walked into our house, picked out a dog bed and settled right
in. Since then, he has melted not only our hearts, but also those of all the
neighborhood children, the mailman, the vet and the family. People always ask
the same question, “Is he smiling?”
It was truly love
at first sight the day Jim and I were introduced to Lacey. She has brought all
the beauty and companionship and pure enjoyment we could have hoped for. Judging
from the way she romps all over our yard, delights in her toys, picks up her
leash to tell us it's time for her walks on the village green, we think we have
given her a special new life.
Bailey was
adopted in late August, 2000. He's a nine year old Golden with a thyroid
condition which is under control. Bailey was very overweight when he arrived at
YGRR. We were told that he weighed 123 pounds. We are proud to say that Bailey
now is down to 92 pounds from the 103 he weighed when we adopted him.
We adopted our
previous Golden, Kelly (Kibble #944) at the age of 7 in 1990. We enjoyed nine
wonderful years until her passing in 1999. After such a great senior experience,
we wanted to try again and had an appointment at Riverview in July, 2000. Ten
year old Hope was wonderful, but she decided we were too much family for her.
We had lost our
Golden Retriever “Misty” of 13 1/2 years in April. Ron, who comes home in
the afternoon, was especially at a loss to enter an empty house every workday.
We knew we were getting too old for a puppy, and since we both work, it wouldn't
have worked out anyway. We decided to check into adopting a Golden Retriever as
we knew what wonderful dogs they are!
It has been one
year today since I brought Gypsy, (formerly Gem, YGRR #3101) home with me. I
cannot believe how fast the time has passed.