Here Comes Molly!

Molly will be my first female golden rescue.  She is due to arrive this afternoon after a trip to the vet.  I am very excited to have her and take care of her.  Someone saw her pushed out of a car by a man.  A woman in the neighborhood took her in, but actually left her out...... outside that is.  Molly has been outside for the last week......maybe all her life?  Nothing much is known about Molly.  That is where I come in.  I will evaluate her and treat her like a princess and then Rescue a Golden will find her a loving forever home!

More to come........

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow.......

Waiting For The Forever Family To Arrive

Jack is a very good boy!  Of all the dogs I have fostered so far, he is the one that has made the biggest transformation.  All the time, patience, love and belly rubs was worth every minute.  His fears have diminished and he now is a happy, playful and loving pup.  What better reward is that?  Soon his forever family will be here to pick him up and promise him a life of stability and love.  I know his fears will totally disappear and he will become an awesome companion. 

I can't help the tears that fall.  Jack captured my heart and I will always lovingly remember him and the special time we had together.

The Jack Attack

Poor Jack.  A couple days ago he was out on his walk with me around the neighborhood when he must have stuck his nose somewhere that a bee thought it didn't belong.  He didn't wince or cry so I was not ever aware of what happened.  After our walk we came inside and I went back to work and Jack took a nap.  When Jack woke up and came over to me for a pat on the head I couldn't believe what I saw.  His head was ten times the size it normally is.  OMG!!!  His lips were blown up so much they looked like miniature balloons that might pop, and his eyelids almost completely covered his eyes.  Yikes!

After scrambling and making a few calls to the rescue people, we were quickly off to the emergency room.

 Jack had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite.  He spent the night in the hospital.

Sleepy After A Tough Night

Fearful Jack

Even though it has only been a few days since Jack arrived, it seems like weeks.  He needs A LOT of attention.  He is a good dog, well trained and loving, but he also has many fears that really cause me to stop and think about what kind of life he lead before.  One thing that is strange is he is afraid of the garage.  When I open the door from the house to the garage he cowers and shakes.  Then he will crawl on his belly when I encourage him to come out.  Weird!  Also, when I open the car door he wants to bolt.  It takes a lot of sweet talking and reassuring to get him in the car.  Once in though, he is fairly happy.

We have a glass front door off our family room and when the sun shines just right there are reflections in the glass.  Well, you guessed it, Jack sees his reflection and barks up a storm!!!  This morning I started to figure it out.  Whenever I took a sip of coffee he would go crazy at the front door.  Hmmm.....then I realized that my movements were also reflecting and causing the ruckus.

Shadows after dark cause poor Jack to jump and run - especially his own.  It is sad to think of him out foraging on his own at night.... he must of been one scared pup!!!  Sometimes I wonder where these stray dogs sleep at night.  Do they keep roaming all night or do they curl up somewhere?  No wonder they are always on guard.  It is just plain sad......

The the thing that is difficult for me is that Jack wants to be next to me all the time.  And I mean ALL the time.  It can start to wear on a person.  The closer to me the better.  Yesterday, he pushed open the bathroom door when I was in the shower and since the shower doesn't have a door on it he decided to join me!  Sometimes a girl needs some privacy!

It is also difficult to leave him home alone so I have not been going anywhere.

Will there be anyone interested in meeting Jack on Super Bowl Sunday?  This remains to be seen.  Will he be friendly if someone comes to meet him?  Stay tuned........

Jack Has Arrived!

I picked up Jack yesterday late afternoon from the vet.  He was a little more than dazed and confused.  Jack was neutered that morning and unfortunately it didn't go as planned.  He now has a long incision on his belly that looks painful.  It is going to take some extra time and care to heal.  Poor guy!

Nurse Helga is taking care of Jack

Well, Hello Jack!

Jack is very gentle and sweet.  He is friendly and beautiful.  Hopefully, he will start to feel much better today.  Last night was a bit tough.  Jack cried a few times.  I don't know if it was due to pain or something else.  When he was rescued he was with another Golden on a busy street.  Maybe he misses his best friend or maybe it was his brother.  It really is sad to think that someone just dropped off this beautiful animal to fend for himself.  Life will get better.  Love is just around the corner!

Waiting for a new life ........

A Golden Named Jack

Jack will be arriving at my doorstep on Wednesday.  He was found as a stray on a busy, busy street with another golden.  All attempts to find the owner were exhausted. 

I am told that Jack is a three year old male who is well trained and beautiful.  It won't take long for him to be placed with a loving family..........

Stay tuned and come back Wednesday!!!!!!!!!  I am the one who is LUCKY!!!

R.I.P. HODGE

Hodge never made it to me.  His seizures became too much for him and he is now at the Bridge.  Rescue A Golden tried to save him, but he was too sick.  Rest In Peace, dear Hodge.

Coming Soon........HODGE!

My next mission (should I decide to accept) is a handsome golden named Hodge.  He has seizures and his owner turned him in.  It is my mission to get his seizures under control with meds so that he can be adopted to a forever home.  Yikes! 

I accepted.

Toby Found A Forever Home!!!!

Hip, Hip, and Hooray!!!  Toby was adopted today!!!!  It just goes to show that even if you are in your Golden years there is still love waiting for you!!!  All my best to you Toby!  You totally rock!

Toby!!!!

Woody - Short Timer

Scared Pup

Sad and Lonely

Lots happened on December 2, 2011.  I was called to care for a golden that was found in an east valley shelter earlier in the day.  Since I was only planning to be in town for two weeks I didn't expect to have time to foster until January.  Well, I couldn't refuse a golden in need so I gladly opened my home and heart to Woody (his given name by RAG).   He was on the next bus to my front door.  I was excited with anticipation!  Later that night my Mom fell and broke her other hip and was rushed to the hospital in Oregon.  Yikes!  Now what do I do?  I am glad to say that it all worked out.  Woody still came to my home and Steve took care of him for the day when I flew up to Oregon.  My mom is recovering well, too.  Sometimes you can do it all......

Woody stayed with us for about one week.  It wasn't very long, but long enough to wish he was mine.  He was a gift   With his calm and trusting ways it was easy to take care of him.  His cries soon stopped and his tummy filled up.  Our twice daily walks were always an adventure as Woody loved to explore.  One thing of interest was...... he walked like a coyote!  Hmm!  I asked him who he had been hanging out with, but he wasn't about to give any secrets away. 

The groomer worked for hours cleaning and combing and cutting off mattes of hair.  After what seemed like eternity Woody emerged an absolutely beautiful and glorious pup!  With a bandana around his neck he pranced out of the building as if saying "Hey!  Look at me!  I feel like a million bucks!"

Life Is Getting Better - Waiting For Dinner

Woody made it to my wall of fame in no time at all.  With his regal and independent ways he stole my heart.  It didn't hurt either that he was housebroken, used the doggy door whenever he needed to go out,  slept well at night, and was loving and affectionate.  The only thing Woody wanted in return was to sleep on the family room couch! At first I wasn't sure I wanted him there, but then I decided it was fine.  He earned it!  I have lots of pictures of him on the couch.  Woody the couch potato!!!

It didn't take long before some nice fellas wanted to "meet and greet" Mr. Woody.  They came over on a Sunday and one hour later they were taking him home.....his forever home.  I have no doubt he will live a long and happy life!

Saying a Last Goodbye

It's Tough Watching Him Go

Toby

Toby is a sweet jolly twelve year old pup.  I was asked to go to his foster home and take pictures of him.  His photo shoot was a blast.  Some of his expressions were priceless.  Check it out!!!  These are just a few of the over one hundred pics I took of him.  How could someone give up such a special guy?????  Lets hope he finds his forever home.......

Toby - Photo Shoot Tomorrow!!!

I have returned to AZ for a couple weeks before Christmas and I am ready to get to work and have some fun!  Because I am here for a short time I have volunteered to take photos of a golden retriever named Toby who is in foster care.  He is 12 years young and his pics on the website .....  ummm, lets say they aren't taking advantage of his best features.  A little good lighting, brushing, some funny jokes and good angles may just do the trick! 

Check back in for the finished result and just see if  YOU  don't want to adopt this amazing Golden!!!!

Tatum Came Back!

Tatum (Simon) with Pink Pig

Tatum is back!  Except now he is called Simon.  His new owner had to go out of town on business and I was asked to care for him while she was gone.  I had a secret wish to see him again and to spend more time with him, but I didn't expect to have him back at my door in just a couple of days!  I was granted an extra bonus week and it has been absolutely awesome!  He cracks me up!  Simon is quite the dog!  He obviously feels terrific and loves life.  You would never know that his toe was recently amputated due to cancer the way he jumps, runs and plays!

In a few minutes,  Simon's new owner will be coming back to pick him up.  Life works in mysterious ways.  I am a lucky gal.......

Goodbye

Today is Goodbye Day

Well, the day has come.  It always does.

Tatum is one fine Golden.  He is a GREAT dog!  This morning he made me laugh so hard.  He was laying outside by the pool and I was still waking up in bed.  Our door going outside was wide open for Tatum to go in and out.  Suddenly, we heard a rustling noise on the other side of our fence.  He jumped up startled and next thing I knew he was galloping full speed and with one amazing jump, landed in bed next to me.  (My bed is one of those extra high off the ground beds)  We were eye to eye and nose to nose.  Tatum is so big ...... and he is a scaredy cat.  Oh, my!  What fun!  Then he jumped off the bed with sheer joy and started running wildly fast all through the house.  He jumped so high into the air - virtually impossible for a dog his size.  I was in awe.  This was my golden rescue with a newly amputated toe from cancer.  Wow!  Next, Tatum grabbed his pink toy pig and flew out the door like lightning! (yes, pigs can fly!)  I ran out after him afraid he might hurt himself.  He then began to run around the yard in circles, only pausing long enough to see if I was watching.  Abruptly, he stopped, cocked his head and focused intensely on me. Uh, oh!   My mouth dropped wide open and then I froze. Tatum reared up on his hind legs and with reckless abandon he took one giant lunge and sped towards me with pure love in his eyes.  He was running as fast as he could leaping and bounding with excitement and happiness and in full force.  I held my breath terrified, but smiling at the same time.  It was an electrifying moment like none other.  It was his gift to me.  Tatum dodged me at the very last minute, as if he was Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and I laughed and laughed and laughed so hard, deep from within my soul.......until I started to cry.  Here are the tears I told myself I wouldn't shed this time.  He is magic.  He is special and he is saying goodbye.

Tatum

Meet Tatum (aka Rex)

Tatum!

Meet Tatum!  He is a lovable, handsome, sweet, muscular, and well-behaved fellow!  No kidding, he has the biggest paws I have ever seen on a Golden.  A gentle giant that only wants to please.  He was found as a stray in a small town in Northern Arizona and turned in to the Humane Society up there.  Someone called Rescue A Golden and next thing he was transported to Phoenix.....soon to start a new life.  Of course, he had a few bumps along the way as many rescue dogs do.

First off, Tatum was shaved.  I don't know all the details, but they told me he had skin problems.  This shave left him looking like a lion.  The fur around his head was left and since his head is big it only accentuated the lion look.  Someone even left the very end of his tail furry.  Roar!

Yesterday, I picked up Tatum from the hospital after he had his first bandage change.  Unfortunately, while he was in the care of his first foster family, he started limping.  Turns out.....it was the big "C".  Yep, he developed toe cancer.  Poor guy!  The vets amputated his toe and a few days later he came home with me.  No wonder Tatum feels a bit insecure!  He follows me everywhere I go and I don't blame him.  It is time for a little happiness for this fine boy.

The good news is, I found out today that Tatum's cancer has not spread and that he only has about a 15% chance of a recurrence.  No further treatment!!!  Because of the good news, a nice lady wants him to spend the rest of his life with her.  Cool, huh?

I have Tatum until Tuesday of this week and I plan to love him and rub his tummy and scratch behind his ears as much as he wants!!!!  And......give him a real good shampoo!!!!

Dasher (aka Mr. Peepers)

Dasher

On Danner, On Cupid, On Dasher!!!!  I think it goes something like that....

This is Dasher and he is definitely not a Golden Retriever.  He came to me for a very short time through the Pixie Project.  Dasher was found walking on the side of a road in Somewhereland,  California.  A lady picked up the little scared guy and searched for the owner in the nearby town.  Without any luck she decided to pack him up and  take him to Oregon.  Unfortunately, the Oregon Humane Society was unable to accept Dasher for whatever reason.  That is when he ended up at the Pixie Project and Amy Sacks in Portland Oregon.  (Amy is the lovely young woman who rescues cats and dogs that need forever homes. )

I took Dasher in on a Friday for the Pixie Project.  He is a sweet fellow and things went just OK for us.  Dasher has some abandonment issues (do you think???) and needs to learn to get them under control in a setting other than a house.  He is back with Amy learning important people manners and behavior so that he will find someone to love him and care for him and have the life he deserves.

Ramblings And Odie Update!

Greetings!  I know it has been quiet here at Shelley's Golden Rescues, but I plan to return to rescuing in October.   I will be making some occasional short trips back to the Valley of the Sun and if an opporturnity arises where I can be of some help, I am ready and willing to help out a Golden friend!  Stay tuned on that front. 

 GREAT NEWS!!!  Odie was a winner last night in the "Cutest Golden Contest" and will be featured in the Rescue A Golden Calendar!!!  I know he wants the month of April, but we shall see if he gets his wish.  (April is the month he was adopted in to his forever home)  Someone else was voting big time for him other than me and that is what pushed him into the winner's spot.  ($1.00 a vote)  This contest went on for many weeks where each week voting started back at 0.  Odie won out over 200 other Goldens!!!!  Yeah!  Team Odie all the way!!!  You can see I am soooo happy!  Calendar anyone?

I am fortunate that Odie and Sampson's forever moms have stayed in touch with me.  What a great feeling to follow their journey.  Here is a little story on Odie.......

Odie has lost about 25 pounds and seems to have developed a bit of a stubborn personality.  My take is that he is definitely feelings his oats and loving life!  How great is that?  The other day after his nice long evening walk he came home still feeling frisky.  Maybe he was just hot, but he jumped to everyone's surprise into the bathtub with his 4 year old "brother".  I guess at first it was funny, but then it was messy and stinky.  Odie is now signed up for obedience school!  Ha Ha Ha!!!  Funny!  Before he could barely even get in the car,  now he is jumping into bathtubs!!!!  I say "way to go, Odie"!

Please give YOUR furry friend a hug today and check back!


 

Old Golds

 The other day I was asked to go to the vet hospital to photograph two new "Old Golds" that were just brought in and rescued.  Fourteen year old Sammie was turned in by his owner who was about to be deployed and twelve year old Lewis was found as a stray.  As it turned out both goldens were smelly and not so good looking.  They had bad teeth (and breath) and more than a few warts.  It was up to me to capture their "inner beauty" and have the pictures posted as available for adoption.


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First, was Sammie.  He was very sweet and friendly and LOVED getting out of the hospital for his photo shoot!  He rolled in the grass over and over.....all the way down the hill.  He was full of smiles and just wanted to kiss me and my camera!  We had a blast!

Sammie

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Next, was old Lewis.  Now he was a different fellow and very camera shy!  Even when I did get a shot of him he looked like his eyes were closed.  After a short while he started warming up...once he realized that this was kinda fun.  Part of the problem could have been that Lewis didn't know his name was Lewis.  No one knew his original name so he was given this one.  He probably was wondering what this funny lady was doing rolling around in the grass and calling him Lewis.  For all we know his name is Fred!  Lewis is a good boy and deserves to live out the rest of his life in a loving home.

Lewis

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So, the really awesome news is that both these "Old Golds" had their new pics put up on the available for adoption site and.........have been adopted!  Right away they found a home!!!  This is just the best news!!!!  YEAH! 

Lewis

Sammie

Back On All Fours

UPDATE:

Sampson was successfully adopted by a loving family in Tucson, Arizona on April 26, 2011.  He has every hope of living a long and happy life.

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It was very difficult  nursing Sampson back to health, but I did it!!!!  I have accomplished my goal and he is doing awesome.  He loves the gourmet meals of chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese and pumpkin that I have been feeding him everyday.  Sampson now has a spring in his step and a happy heart.

Yesterday, some really nice people came over from Tucson to meet Sampson.  He dazzled them and won their hearts.  They want to adopt him and it looks like it is a perfect match.  So, transport called and Sampson is scheduled to be picked up tomorrow.  Another transition, but I believe this is Sampson's forever family and he will have a wonderful life!

Between A Rock and a Hard Place

 "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."           -Will Rogers  

 

I got a call yesterday that Sampson was ready to come home from the hospital.  Yeah!  When I picked him up he was all wobbly and sedated and he looked terrible.   Maybe, on his last leg...... it was a tough afternoon and night not to mention the ride home.   Of course, I should have anticipated stomach problems of another kind. Then I received the news the family that was to adopt sweet Sampson changed their mind.  Transport was indefinitely canceled.  Sampson no longer had a loving forever family waiting for him.  And. I have a plane ticket to Oregon.    Ok.  This is where I tell you that I am having a very difficult time with the situation.  It is really tough.