We just received this update from Rusty’s (formerly Drew) mom, Deb. Rusty had a tough time of it at first and thanks to Jeff & Cathy Drier of Barkbusters, Deb was able to get Rusty on the right track. From Deb: “Rusty is doing very well.  It's hard to believe it's been almost 3 months since I got him.  He's been a wonderful addition to my home and with the training tips, has been doing much better.  I swear he has some pointer in him the way he fixates on the squirrels and will very slowly try to sneak up on them.  I think the squirrels have figured out he can't get to them and tease him!  His fear of storms hasn't gone away but is more managable.  I took him to the vet to get his weight checked a couple weeks ago and he was at 75 which seems to be a pretty good weight for him.  Between the better food, weight loss, lots of exercise and shedding, he does look like a different dog.  And one added bonus, as he's lost weight, so have I with the additional exercise...I had put some on after my previous golden died and I wasn't out walking as much. I walk him in the morning before work and before it gets overly hot, and then at night if it's not pouring rain, I take him over to the tennis court to chase balls.” Sounds like Rusty has learned how to be a good boy and is truly home!

Barnie, 5 mos., was rescued from a bad situation. He learned the ropes in record time while in foster care with Tommy & Chris M. and found his forever home with Sherry & Robert P., along with human kids Daniel & Ryan. Barnie is having a great time with his new family, and they’ve already signed him up for obedience classes. Good boy, Barnie!

Bear and Buddy, 6 years, were siblings who had lived their whole lives together. Their owner died and the family felt it best to give them to us. They are delightful golden boys – although sporting a few extra pounds – and were adopted together to Bruce & Debbie P. The boys go on two-mile walks every day and enjoy accompanying their humans to work – which is a boutique specializing in high-quality pet products and foods. Debbie says customers have begun to stop in regularly just to say hi to the dogs – obviously, they are a big hit!

Caro is an older guy who has limited sight. Donna and Jim T. love “old gold” (Caro is their third senior golden from GRRMF). When Donna saw his face on the website, she fell in love. She spent the day with him at the GRRMF Reunion, and the following weekend brought him home. Jim adores him, too, and loves the fact that this guy is a perfect jogging partner. Apparently Caro, now Max, never got the memo about older dogs being slow and sedate.

Sage was on her way to Animal Control when a good Samaritan stepped in. She was reportedly pregnant, and her owners didn’t want to deal with it. After an examination, we learned that while she has been used for breeding purposes, Sage was, in fact, NOT pregnant. Whew! We took care of that with a quick spay surgery, and Sage went to live with her foster mom Pam S., who couldn’t let her go. Now called Phoebe, she joins GRRMF alumnus Freeman and several other animals and is enjoying life to its fullest.

Tomlin is one special girl. An 8-year-old stray with one eye that was previously injured, Tomlin had an odd look. She ended up in a shelter and her days were numbered. One caring worker there, Tom, watched in sadness as she was passed over time and time again. He knew what special girl she was, why couldn’t anyone see that? He helped her get safely to GRRMF and even donated some his own money to spring her from Animal Control. We named her Tomlin in his honor. Richard and Nancy S. were looking for a sweet girl to brighten their home, and you can’t get any sweeter than Tomlin. Richard tells us, “She is the perfect lady and walking partner. I just don’t have the words to express how grateful we are to have her.” They are so happy and it sounds like Tomlin is, too.

Kali was a stray found by a caring young man. He took her in and taught her some manners, but he was unable to keep her permanently. Kali was homeless again and was only 15 months old! We stepped in and matched her with Jennifer & Randy O. Kali has three children to help run off her puppy energy and they think she is the best dog they’ve ever met. Kali finally has her forever home.

Young Sebastian had a lonely life. He spent all day and most of the night in a crate inside a small apartment. His family realized that’s no life for a healthy young boy. At foster mom Sandy’s house, he learned to play and romp with the other dogs. Dawn and Richard H. and their golden boy Barley adopted him. Richard writes, “Sebastian is doing great. He is playing up a storm. Barley and Sebastian seem to be bonding really well and even lay on the dog bed together sometimes. The boys love to run in the backyard and fetch the tennis ball or play Frisbee. It’s been a lot of fun.” Now that sounds like a great life for a young golden retriever!

Gwynn H. was looking for a golden to share her days; we though she had just the right home for Savannah. “Savannah is adjusting nicely to her new home and family. She loves her daily walks. She is very calm and obedient. She is such a Velcro dog and loves to follow me everywhere I go. Grant (my son) has become very attached to his new dog.” Now, that’s a happy ending!

Six-year-old Colton, now Buddy, came to us when his family could no longer afford to care for him. He was overweight and needed thyroid meds, so we got him on track. Ken and Susan H. were ready to add a golden to their home after losing their canine companion. Susan writes, “We are so blessed to have Buddy in our lives. He has healed our hearts, and we hope we have healed his. He is finally home. He is a very well-behaved dog, very calm, very loving. He has made many friends in the neighborhood. We have to buy a toy box to hold all of the squeaky toys and Nylabones the neighbors keep bringing for him.” Wow, sounds like he has the right name — he’s everyone’s buddy!

Maddox was owned by a single mom who had lots of children and no time or energy for him. He was fostered by Ann & Jeff H. and learned some house manners very quickly. Maddox was adopted by Jim H. & Kerry M. and their two kids Molly & Ainsley. He fit in with them immediately and keeps the girls laughing with his antics. Maddox, now Max, will soon begin obedience classes and lives within walking distance of the Mt. Dora dog park, so he’s going to have a wonderful life.

Catcher came to us as a stray from a humane society in South Florida. We understood immediately how he came about his name as soon as he landed in his foster home. This young boy is crazy for tennis balls and will fetch them all day long. As long as you’re throwing, he’s catching, and nothing makes him happier! He was adopted by Lisa & James D. and their three kids, who were eager for a play buddy. They got their wish – and then some! His new name is Cooper, and his new folks couldn’t be happier.

We are so fortunate to have Bailey in our home! We love her more and more each day. She is totally a princess at heart. She now hogs the bed nightly (and we let her willingly). Our other dog Leo just loves her as do all our cats. Everyone who comes to visit is crazy for her because she is so cute and loving. Thanks again for all the hard work you all do and many, many thanks for helping to bring Bailey (the Blonde Bombshell) into our home and our hearts!
Rosemarie and Chris G.

Sadie’s story is one for the rescue lovers. A concerned person from out of state found Sadie on the Internet in a Florida shelter. She was confiscated by animal services from an animal hoarder/breeder. She sent the link to GRRMF, who immediately contacted the shelter. She was going to be euthanized the next day, but agreed to hold her until we could arrange transport. Sadie was malnourished and had obviously had many litters of pups. But Donna & Chuck, Sadie’s foster folks, turned her around in no time, and now they have a wonderful gift to share for Donna’s birthday this year. They've renamed her Jade, and yes, it’s true, Jade has found her forever home –what a happy ending to Jade’s incredible journey.

Jeff and Cathy Drier’s Autumn, and Donna and Chuck Graves Wyatt passed the Therapy Dog International testing on Jan. 22.  They are now Therapy Dogs for TDI, as well as volunteers for Hospice in their Compassionate Paws Program, visiting the patients in facilities or private homes.

Autumn: 3-1/2 years old was fostered by Theresa and Bob Bradley and adopted by Jeff and Cathy Drier in June 2005.  Autumn passed her Canine Good Citizen test easily.  Autumn loves going to work on education days and assisting her owners with training clients and dogs in her capacity as a Bark Buster.  Autumn is always smiling and ready to please.

Wyatt:  8 years old was fostered and adopted by Donna and Chuck in July of 2004.  He earned his Canine Good Citizen certification.  He is a regular at education days for GRRMF.  He visits a nursing facility close to his home as well as visiting a facility in Largo for independent, assisted living and an alzheimers unit.

Autumn was a young and beautiful stray who, thankfully, landed in the arms of GRRMF. Tom and Kellyann G. fostered her and thought she was one special girl. Wendy and Fred P. and their trio of boys jumped at the chance to adopt her. Since joining their family, Autumn – now Zoey – has become daddy’s little girl as Fred calls home just to see how she’s doing. Wendy plans to take Zoey to training classes; we’re sure they’ll make a great team! Soon, they’ll be ready to add another GRRMF sibling to the pack.

Austin, age 11, was turned in by his owners when they decided to move out of state and didn’t want a dog tagging along. When he came in, Austin was not neutered and had skin and coat issues due to an untreated thyroid condition and poor quality food. We scheduled the neuter surgery and his foster folks, Tom & Kellyann G., fixed him up. Soon, Austin’s spirit and body began to shine. He was such an easygoing guy with a stellar personality, we knew we needed to find a special home for him. Dave D. has been a GRRMF volunteer for several years but didn’t have an opportunity to adopt a golden of his own. When his situation changed, he put in his application and we matched him up with Austin. The pair are now regularly seen at GRRMF education days and community events. We couldn’t be happier that Austin has gone from unwanted and uncared for to the star of the show!

Simba, 8 years, was returned after several years when one of his humans passed away. He was fostered by Kathy M. and her GRRMF alumnus Christy. The dogs got along fabulously, and when Simba’s health improved enough to be adopted, Kathy couldn’t let him go. Simba enjoys his days retrieving toys and swimming in the pool, playing with his sister and hanging out with mom

Lady, 5 years, was headed for the pound when her humans decided to move. The neighbors thought she was a wonderful girl and deserved a better fate than that, so they took her in and then called GRRMF. She was very much loved in her foster home with Cathy S. and was adopted by Jennifer, Mike & Elizabeth M., who recently lost their GRRMF alum Maggiemae. Jennifer reports that Lady has settled right into their home, has had a great time meeting all the neighbors on walks and is 4-year-old Elizabeth’s new “best friend.” We couldn’t be happier for Lady, but of course, we know the real lucky winners here are Jennifer and family!

Our boys are doing well and are happy. Hard to believe Coda has been with us almost 3 years. He was 9 months when we got him and we fostered him through 2 TPO hip surgeries before we adopted him. He has done well – you’d never know he had surgery. Our other GRRMF boy, Mikie (AKA Midas), just turned 3 and has been with us 1 1/2 years already. We fostered Mikie through an FHO hip surgery, which had to be redone – but now he is doing GREAT and we don’t need to do the 2nd hip! Mikie runs, jumps and plays and does not seem to be in any pain. It is funny that the reason we fostered Mikie was because he needed the pool rehab after surgery. He had no clue how to swim and was so afraid of the pool. Now we can't keep him out. We are always referring people to your web site and encouraging them to consider adopting from you. Thanks for bringing Coda and Mikie into our lives; they are important members of our family.
-- Dianne C. & all

Polly, 7 years, was turned in by her owners, who were moving. From Day One, Polly was well-behaved and sweet as they come. A perfect “wash-and-wear” golden like this doesn’t come along every day, and she was adopted very quickly by Gil P., who had recently lost his GRRMF alumnus Sassy to illness. Gil was very lonely and couldn’t wait to open his heart and home to another canine companion. Polly, now Molly, went home with him and both are enjoying every moment of their new life together.

Lacey and Nash were adopted 6 years ago and, of course, are the most wonderful dogs in the world! I especially want to say how much I agree with all of the articles and testimonials on the benefits of adopting a senior golden. Lacey was 9 years old when she came to her forever home with us, and she is going to be 15 in a couple of months. It's amazing how much she has thrived in her golden years, especially considering her first 8 years were spent living outside with an old barrel and piece of rug as her only shelter. After Leah Wright gave her a happy foster home and helped her through heartworm treatment, she was on her way to enjoying her new life in the lap of luxury. Her GRRMF brother, Nash, who will be 9 next month, is a very funny boy and also loves his life of being spoiled rotten! I want to commend you all for the awesome job you do year after year. The care and services you provide these wonderful pups is nothing short of phenomenal.
-- Lynn O.

Abbey (formerly Angel) is doing really well. She and Prince get along great. Prince patiently lets Abbey go first to be fed or get a treat. The only time he insists on going first is on walks, and then Abbey is happy to follow him. Abbey is just a joy. I can't imagine our home without her. The pictures I'm sending you were taken at a walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Abbey, who as you know is blind, did really well with lots of people and lots of other dogs. -- Betsy

Tara was 5 years old when her owner died and the daughter turned her over to GRRMF. Tara had some skin issues that foster folks Janice and Hank B. got under control with diet and supplements. Her new family reports that she has settled in nicely. Arlene F. writes, “She's so sweet and smart. Her knowledge of commands really surprised me, she's so well-behaved. Tara is adapting very well.” Looks like another great match!

Mattie came to GRRMF along with her brothers Skeeter and Max when one of their owners died and the other was overwhelmed with the care of three dogs. Seven-year-old Mattie needed to lose weight, so mom Kellyann G. made sure she stuck to her diet. Jill and Bruce L. were looking for a companion for their GRRMF dog, Baylor (formerly Woofie, of Sarasota 23 fame). Mattie fit the bill and gets along well with everyone—even the four cats!

Nine-year-old Summer came to rescue when her owner passed away. We expected a sad, forlorn golden girl, but Summer was as sunny as her name. She was overweight, but responded well to the green bean diet. She found a new home with Willa P., who reports that Summer gets along great with her cat siblings. She also says that Summer is down to her goal weight — probably due to her new-found love of swimming!

At just 1 year old, Tycho came to us when his family moved and left him with friends, who turned him over to GRRMF. He quickly found a home with Ellen and Tim B. who call him Tiko. Ellen writes, “He follows us from room to room.  He adores the cats and they love him as well. Thanks again for the time, care and love that you provided to help him make this adjustment so easy.”

Ginny came to us with several lumps that needed to be removed … including a watermelon-sized one on her side that made it impossible for her to walk properly or sleep in a comfortable position. She also was heartworm positive. After several surgeries and much loving care by her foster folks, Charlie and Bert H., our girl wonder found her new home with Charlie and Krissy S. They report, “Ginny is adjusting well to her new home ... She is so sweet, loves to lay around and sleep on our big chair. Thanks again for everything.”

Malcolm and Piper, 12 weeks, were picked up by Animal Control. Both went to live with puppy fosters Chris & Tommy Manley, where they began learning how to live inside a house and the fun rewards associated with being good canine citizens. Scott, Sharon & Sam M. couldn’t decide between the two puppies – so they decided to take them both!