Golden Beginnings Success Stories

Since we began Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue in 1999, we have saved over 2,000 Goldens.

This was possible only because of the dedication and commitment of our foster homes and volunteers who have given so much to help this beautiful breed.

Like any good cause, it takes money to succeed. We couldn't have done it without the continuing generosity of our sponsors.

Finally, we are grateful for those of you who have (through adoption) given our dogs a new beginning.....
a "Golden Beginning".

Here are a few Success Stories that we would like to share with you:
 

 2010 | 2009  |  2008

2010 - Last Update: July 23, 2010

Cody

 

Our Cody has really come into his own. He is completely over his skittishness with men, is very "golden friendly", and just a joy to have. Jennifer did a great job fostering him! The little boy in the third pic is our grandson, and the two of them are best buddies when we baby-sit for him.

Thank you again for our Cody!
Jency – 7/19/10
 

Scout

Scout is the perfect addition to our family! He and Max have absolutely bonded and love each other. Max is acting like a 4 year old instead of a 10 &1/2 year old and Scout has learned to play Frisbee, ball, fetch with both and a little tug with Max as well as play endlessly with each other. The cat and Scout have also become friends, now she has two boys to nuzzle up against and she takes turns, it's so cute. Thank you soooo much for your patience in helping us find the right addition for our family.

Diane P
7/19/2010

 

Dublin (formerly Trey)
"Proud owner of a prosthetic"

Hi All!
I just thought I'd send you an update on Dublin (FKA Trey). He is doing so well and is 1.5 years old and 85 lbs (and that's keeping him lean for his hips!) Thanks to a wonderful company, OrthoPets, which specializes in dog braces and prosthetics (http://www.orthopets.com/) Dublin is the proud owner of a prosthetic!

It was a wonderful process and he will have this first prosthetic for 2 months and I will send it back in. They will look and see where he puts his weight in the prosthetic and how active he is and make him his final prosthetic. Dubs is getting used to wearing it and has done well, but isn't 100% using it to run on. He does use it to stand on and jump up for his tennis ball.

Other than that Dublin is doing awesome! He has mastered opening and closing doors with a rope and carries the mail in from the mailbox to the house everyday. Once he completely grasps the idea of subduing some of his excitement when meeting new people and dogs he will definitely be able to pass his Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors.

I've attached some pictures of his prosthetic and him wearing it. I just want to thank everyone in GBGRR for their support and giving me Dublin, he is absolutely amazing and makes me laugh daily!

Kate and Dublin
7/12/2010

Buddy

The Story of Buddy

(Buddy was fostered by Ty, an angel to senior Goldens in need, at his home, also known as Camp Grey Hair!)

A little over a year ago a down on his luck little Goldie found his way to the Montoya home. They called him Buddy and after taking him to their vet for some much needed aid they got in touch with Golden Beginnings. Diego Montoya of Subara of America and his family joined in as supporters of GB. Kathy and Cil shuttled him to Camp Grey Hair. With the tireless efforts of Dr. Puksta and staff at Stafford Oaks, Buddy's recovery began. After heart worm treatment, a new diet with thyroid medication would trim 15 unwanted pounds. Then a search for pain management for his arthritic hips began. Several drugs were tried before finding the best combination and for the first time in quite a while Buddy was able to have a relatively pain free life. Through it all Buddy kept his happy, ever friendly and easy going disposition.

Robin made finding Buddy a forever home her personal project and today that goal was achieved. Lucky Buddy is the latest addition to David Rosenfelt's pack and will spend his days in the California sun. A big thank you to Mike and Nadine for making the travel arrangements and letting Buddy have a sleep-over before taking him to the airport for his flight this morning. It was Group effort all the way. My thanks to you all!

Foster parent Ty Smith
6/11/2010

Rosie

I hope you guys are doing well. As you can see Rosie has surpassed Myles in weight and height. Today I took her to a local lake where one of my triathlon buddies is training his vitals to be hunting dogs. We threw the first duck out and Rosie jumped in with reckless abandon. She retrieved the duck and laid it at our feet. We were shocked to say the least. She has never been in water deeper than her baby pool. She continued to work until exhaustion. I let her get a bit too tired and I had to dive in and pull her to shore. As soon as she got on land she dove right back in, so we decided it was time to go see if she could field train. Again, we watched in amazement as she worked the other dogs in the ground. It was a great day and Rosie now has another hobby aside from picking on Myles. By the way she's 57lbs. We're having a good time and she is in a comfortable routine.

Thanks,
Matthew
6/04/2010

Gordon Brown of San Antonio with Annie (formerly Journey)
whom he adopted in July of 2009

Dixie (formerly Bagel)

I just wanted to let you know how Dixie (formerly Bagel) is doing in her new home. First of all, Cooper and Dixie are very happy together, they bonded right away and now they pal around together all the time…so much so that it even makes us a little jealous at times. They love playing together and teasing each other with toys. Neither one of them play with a toy by themselves, they always take their toy to the each other so they can play together. Dixie is a little excitable, but we haven’t had to crate her at all. She and Cooper get free reign of most of the house all day and of course are able to go through the doggie door and play in the yard at their leisure (which is a lot).

We haven’t had a problem yet and I think part of it is due to Cooper’s leadership because she generally follows his lead on everything. Eryn and I couldn’t be happier with Dixie and I know she has enhanced Cooper’s life as well. Here are a few pics we snapped this last week (Dixie is on the right in the first two). Please let her former foster parents know that she is doing great!

G. Scott Myers
1/19/2010

2009

News from Savannah (formerly known as Lori)

Leon and I proudly share with our GBGRR friends that our beautiful little Savannah graduated from Obedience School on November 22, 2009. The first class of the 8 class series, was a little disappointing, but not unexpected, as she remained hidden under my stool during the whole class, panting and drooling. With each class, she became more calm and responsive and showed her true Golden intelligence. What a huge step this has been for our timid little girl!

When we brought her home in September, it took Savannah a couple of weeks to become accustomed to us and our weird schedule; however, with each day she appears happier, more trusting and playful. She loves her new Golden sister, Shiloh, and they play with each other for endless hours and sleep side-by-side on our bed at night. (Well, where else should Goldens sleep?!)

Each night when I come home from work, Savannah, along with our other two canine children, enthusiastically greets me at the door with toothy smiles, hugs and kisses. She loves to lay by me on the couch at night while I watch television and loves to play tug-of-war with Shiloh. They also engage in frequent high-speed chases around our back yard with tails high and wagging. What a beautiful sight it is!

I firmly believe the turning point in our relationship with Savannah for both Leon and I was when we learned to physically get down to her level, either squatting or sitting on the floor, as much as possible when we talk to her. She eagerly responds and enjoys the hugs and praise she receives. We love her SO much.

Thanks for our sweet Savannah!!!
Pat C. 11/30/2009

News from Driller (formerly known as Samson)

Driller (as it stands now...) has been a total joy. He is so mellow and a pleasure to be around. Still working on keeping him calm when visitors or other dogs show up.

Now, for the fun stuff. He's already carried in the paper once. On our walk today, he did very well sitting when I would stop. I would hold up one finger and he sits. Than, I would snap for him to heel. I love using hand signals, because sometimes you want to control your dog with eye contact and hand signals when other people are around. He's doing a fantastic job. So smart and easy to train.

You know he's getting comfortable here now because we're getting the "puppy runs"...when they just go crazy running, running...because they're sooo happy! LOL! We took him for a ride in our Becak and he loved it! He sat so proudly beside me with one paw in my lap. The pictures here was as he was getting out. Maybe, he needs a hat too. I never have to look for him really. I jump up when I realize I don't hear his collar jingling...and he's right at my feet. Great dog, I love him dearly already. Okay, must get back to unpacking, I don't think I'll ever finish!

Linda G
11/24/2009




 

Thanks to Robin and all of you who had a hand in our adopting Yogi at the picnic yesterday.

The Brintons with Yogi's foster family at the 2009 GB 10th Anniversary Picnic

Of course, it's only been 20 hours, but so far, Yogi has been a delight. He is golden affectionate, and is a good boy. Plus, he's gorgeous. I said I wanted a doofy boy, and Yogi fills the bill. He stands in water bowls (much to Donia's, prissy 9 year old Lab girl, dismay), and he has no concept of his big body. If you're lying down, he will walk on you, and lay down right on top of you to get some lovin'. He likes hugs, kisses and belly rubs for as long as you'll give them. This morning I called him to me (in the house) and he came golden bounding, tail wagging, to me with a gwroo gwroo (deep sounding). He is adorable, sweet, affectionate, and doofy. He is a true golden boy. As his web page says, he's just about perfect. We are doing a lot of smiling and laughing around here. And, the girls like him. They seem to know that he is still a puppy, and they cut him some slack for that so far. He likes the toy/bone box, and has to have multiple bones around him so that he can trade off. Last night he got up on the bed for some bedtime snuggles, but when we rolled over to go to sleep, he got off and slept the night by the side of the bed as Matt (foster dad) said he would. We have a small china hutch with a mirror over it. Nancy found Yogi with his front feet on the hutch admiring himself in the mirror. He likes to lie on the kitchen floor and look out at the lake. I think the linoleum is cooler plus he'd like to get in the lake. But he's going to have to have some obedience training before that happens.

Yesterday the picnic was a lot of fun. It was our first. I loved the senior's parade. What a great turn-out. Jennifer did a great job of running the parade and I really enjoyed the bios about the dogs. I had a great time meeting so many of the dogs I've read about on the website, and those who are just loved family members of adopters, rescuers, and volunteers. Plus, it was nice to be able to put faces to the names of GBGRR staff/volunteers.

Our thanks to all of you who make GBGRR the wonderful organization it is. I'm sure there are many adopters that feel the same way Nancy and I do about y'all. We are delighted that we've been able to adopt two wonderful companions because of you. This organization is really at least a cut above other breed specific rescue groups. GBGRR may not have a better heart, but it has a bigger heart. I'm sure any golden rescue group would have rescued Yogi. He's young, healthy loving, and gorgeous. Wendy was a different story. I do not believe that there is any breed specific organization in the area that would have taken our Wendy in except GBGRR. If you remember, she had terrible mange from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail, (Cil couldn't tell what type of retriever she was) infected eyes and ears, broken rear foot, and other flea induced skin infections. She was a pathetic mess. But, her tail was still wagging and she was loving. It took TLC and lots of attention, over a six month period, from Cil H. and Kathleen N. to bring Wendy back to the healthy, loving, wonderful girl she is today. And, she's a Lab not a golden and GBGRR still rescued her. We just love you guys.

Thanks again for everything. Our lives are much richer because of each of you!
 

News from Jake

Jake continues to do just great. I took him to the beach on Saturday afternoon where he met a few dogs to play with and had a grand time chasing birds. He has also had a play date with our neighbor dog Asia and they had great fun. I tried to take some photos of him with Lucky, the rabbit last night, but neither one would hold still very long. They are getting along well and Jake has made friends with the two younger cats. He's still working on Octavian (the cat I call Satan), but I don't hold out much hope there... Satan hates everyone except Michael. He's been coming to work with me and doing well here too.

Best,
Alexandra I.
11/11/2009

News from Lanie

I wanted to give you an update on Lanie and tell you what a perfect fit she is for Mom. We picked her up from Jeff (foster dad) on Saturday morning and took her to Mom's ranch. She enjoyed the trip and Marc and I were amazed that when she hopped out of the car, she went straight up the sidewalk and sat by the door, waiting fur us to catch up. She greeted Mom like she was a long lost friend. We spent the afternoon helping her explore the area around the house. Before we left she was galloping with glee when her name was called.

She follows Mom everywhere she goes. When the caregiver came on Saturday night, she barked and growled and Mom had to hold her back. It may sound strange to you, but this was exactly what we and Mom wanted to hear. We were surprised how quickly she bonded with Mom and the ranch. Mom closed Lanie off in the area where her bed is located (Mom's bathroom...it's HUGE). until the caregiver got settled in her room for the night. Mom said Lanie "patrolled" all night long. Lanie liked last night's caregiver (different woman), who took her for a run on a leash. Yesterday afternoon, Lanie met the cows for the first time. Mom had let her out for a walk and a potty break, and when Lanie saw the cows, shs raced toward them and chased them away from the pond. Mom ran down to the pasture with her leash, called Lanie and she came to her and waited while Mom put the leash on and brought her back to the house.

Mom's showing good judgement with Lanie and Lanie shows every indication of REALLY loving being at the ranch. Mom's not sure how to teach her to leave the cattle alone, but she's going to ask the vet this morning. She's called their local vet first thing this morning and has an appointment at 11 to have her tested and get a refill on her thyroid meds.

Lanie is exactly what my Mom needed. Mom told me she was making sure Lanie had plenty of walking time outside, which means that Mom is, too. Lanie's protectiveness of Mom is exactly what Mom needs to feel secure at the ranch and Lanie seems to naturally take to her new responsibility. I think Mom is safe where she is at the ranch, but the difference is that she now feels safe. She dotes on Lanie and since my step-father's death in June, this is the first time she's had somone who needs her to care for them.

I can't say thank you enough to Golden Beginnings, particularly you and Jeff Paul, for helping us find the perfect companion for my Mom. I go there every other weekend and will take photos of Lanie "settled in" on the next trip. to share with you.

Thanks, again,
Betty
11/7/2009

News from Peaches fka Hannah

We brought Peaches (formerly known as Hannah, Tucker’s sister) home and she was part of our family immediately! Skipper (the blond) loves her dearly and plays very gently with his little sister. Peaches is a very confident, outgoing, little girl and is always up for new adventures. She loves to play tug-of-war with Skipper and she is very good on a leash.

Peaches also can shake, sit, lay down, leave it, take it, stay and we’re working on speak. We love Peaches very much and look forward to the upcoming picnic! Enjoy the pictures!


Sincerely,
Branon and Heather Dempsey
10/30/2009
 

News from Sassy

Good afternoon! I just wanted to give an update on our wonderful little girl, Sassy, or Sassafrass as we've come to call her! She had a slight ear infection which has since been taken care of with the meds to help prevent anything further. She's a whopping 68 lbs. now and has filled out beautifully with her coat coming in at a beautiful red with tips of gold. She continues to be such an integral part of our family that we hate to leave her alone at any time. She now sleeps in the family room on her rug with her Bruce the Moose, Penny the Pig and Snowflake the bear all at one time!! We only use the crate when we travel to our lake house in Austin and then only if she needs to.

She's such a sassy little thing! She loves playing tug with any one of her three stuffed animals and mostly just loves to lay down with Matthew & Emma and be rubbed and loved on by them. She has grown to like watching John Wayne movies with us!

We can't wait to show her off at the next event. You'll be surprised at what a wonderful part of our family she's become. We can't even imagine what life would be like without her. Even Lola our cat has come to terms and will sleep on the window sill above Sassy's bed at night!

Thank ya'll so much her!!

Allison
9/28/2009

News from Tucker

I wanted to send updated pictures of Tucker as he progresses. He is doing WONDERFULLY! He fits into the family as though he’s always been ours. We could not have asked for a better dog!

Thanks so much for all you did to save his life and make him a part of ours. We are truly blessed to have him

Michele, Chris, Casey & Connor G.
9/23/09
 

News from Artie and Cotton

For all of you who met Artie and Cotton when they first came in to GBGRR will love the new pictures! Artie is now Sedona - after the red cliffs of Sedona, AZ. Cotton is now Dakota - after the blond sandstone in the Dakota sandstone layer of the Grand Canyon. Sedona is in excess of 50 pounds and much taller - he can't stand under Dakota any more as he did at the Meet and Greet in June. He is getting over his puppy chewing gradually. Good thing we kept millions of toys for him to chew on. Dakota is about 85 pounds and the heartworm treatment seems to be successful. He has another month of keeping it cool after the second treatment in August and our challenge is to keep him comparatively calm. He has really blossomed socially and he has a very fun and funny personality. Sedona just wants to have fun, fun, fun. We are planning on attending the picnic in November

Don B
9/25/09