By Brian Kling | Director of Development
As the number of dogs that are supported by our C.A.R.E. program increases, the money that you donate becomes even more important. Recently, approximately 80% of the dogs in our care are senior or special needs dogs. These dogs can be a challenge to place, despite a lengthy list of approved adoptive families. We are currently on pace to adopt out 14 dogs based on our yearly numbers.
During the last few years, YGRR has gradually seen a decrease in the number of Golden Retrievers surrendered to our program, while at the same time seeing an increase in the medical needs of the dogs that come to Riverview. Many of our Golden Retrievers require longer stays at Riverview for surgery and rehabilitation, treatment for skin, ear, and/or urinary tract infections, etc. We are incredibly fortunate to have highly experienced and knowledgeable staff that provides the outstanding medical attention and care that the Golden Retrievers can depend on as they stay with us at Riverview, our state-of-the-art adoption center located in Hudson, MA. With fewer Golden Retrievers being surrendered, we find that even though some Golden Retrievers have a stay of several months or more with us, we still have room available here at Riverview.
When YGRR was founded in 1985, we were a unique organization. Breed-specific rescues were not nearly as popular then as they are now. In these almost 30 years, we have been fortunate enough to provide loving homes for over 5,000 homeless Golden Retrievers which, if we think about it, is a rather staggering accomplishment. Our dedicated staff, large volunteer organization and most of all, devoted members have made all of this possible.
Roscoe, YGRR #4148, is the oldest Golden ever placed in an adoptive home by Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. This big red boy was surrendered to a shelter at age 15 when his owners became ill and could no longer care for him. The shelter put Roscoe on antibiotics for an eye infection and, knowing it would be difficult to place a dog of this advanced age, called YGRR. The shelter reported that Roscoe had open sores and was missing hair in many places because his owners treated his skin problems with PineSol and chlorine bleach. Roscoe had not been neutered, was deaf, and was not on any type of heartworm preventative.
Roscoe was brought into the program and examined by YGRR's veterinarian who was amazed that Roscoe (other than having an enlarged prostate) was in such good shape for a 15 year old dog. Roscoe was neutered and tattooed and came to Riverview for some rest and pampering. During his stay, he put on 10 much needed pounds and his coat filled in beautifully.
After reviewing adoption applicants, YGRR's Adoption Coordinator contacted a young couple who had recently lost a beloved Golden. They were hoping to adopt a Senior and fell in love with Roscoe when they met him. Roscoe was adopted on February 13th, just in time to spend Valentine's Day with his new family. His adopters have already called to say that they have taken Roscoe on walks in the neighborhood and everyone he meets thinks he is just great. They feel very fortunate to have this affectionate Golden boy and hope he is with them for a long, long time!
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