goldens in need

Unfortunately most pets, including Golden Retrievers, are often abandoned due to health concerns.  Almost every Golden we rescue needs medical attention of some kind - whether it's vaccinations, a spay or neuter, tick or valley fever medicine, cancer removal, or more. Your charitable donations go directly to ensuring the health and well being of every Golden we rescue.

Here are some examples of how your donations help.  

Page Last Updated 
 Monday, July 12, 2010

Help PUMPKIN
with your
generous donation

I tried to get to the front of the kennel but I was too weak and the other puppies kept knocking me over.  When the nice lady stepped into the kennel, I moved out of the way.  I was skinny, limp and I had an open wound on my shoulder.  The other puppies were much prettier than me.  Who would choose me?

But then, in an instant, she bent down and picked me up – she chose me!

She carried me out of the kennel and I thought for sure she’d put me back once she got a good look at how pathetic I looked.  Instead, to my amazement, she said, “you’re safe now and you are NOT going back in that kennel!”

I was so exhausted that all I could do was lay my head on her shoulder – thankful to be given a chance.

I was taken to a nice doctor who said I had a not so nice disease called Parvovirus (Parvo).  He cleaned & stitched my wound and inserted this funny little tube to drain the infection.  I was then taken to a special Animal Hospital for around the clock care.

They started an IV and gave me much needed fluids, medicine and rest.  I had so many visitors – I just couldn’t believe all the love and attention I was getting.  My visitors kept telling me to be strong and fight the bad virus.  I felt I owed it to my rescuers to try very hard – I at least owed them that after they pulled me from that awful “prison”! 

I am getting better now but I will still need lots of care like vaccines, lab work and a spay surgery when I’m a little older and healthier. 

Approximately 80% of puppies that get Parvo will die if they don’t receive prompt and adequate treatment.  The Parvovirus attacks rapidly growing cells.  In puppies, those cells are in the gastrointestinal system and the heart muscle.  It also wipes out a lot of white blood cells so the ability to fight other infections is really compromised.  Adult dogs have very few rapidly growing cells – that’s why true documented cases of Parvo in adult dogs is not very common.

There is no cure for Parvo and there aren’t any approved anti-viral drugs that target this disease.  There is only supportive help to the body systems that are attacked.  This can include IV fluids and electrolytes, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, medications to control vomiting & diarrhea and nutritional support.   This type of care means being in a place with 24 hour staff that can monitor any sudden changes.  This can be VERY expensive.

I don’t know what “bills” are but I’ve been told I have few big ones!

If you can help AZGRC offset the costs for my life-saving treatment, I will be most grateful!!

To learn more about Parvo Virus go to: www.vetinfo.com/dparvo.html

Estimated  expenses:   $  2,000 +

 ruby, 6 year Female

funds raised:  $    20

Help ruby
with your
generous donation

Ruby came to AZGRC in January of 2005. She was an owner surrender that was given up because of no time for her. She was a sweet dog and was quickly adopted by a great family that loved her very much. Unfortunately in November of 2009, she tore a ligament in her back leg and the family was unable to afford the corrective surgery. Ruby was limping and in pain so the family did the right thing for Ruby and relinquished her back to AZGRC. Ruby went to a foster home that was willing to take on the surgery and the rehabilitation that Ruby needed. Ruby has lost 13 pounds and is now starting to use her leg consistently.  If you can help AZGRC offset the cost of Ruby’s surgery, Ruby would give you a big “woof” of thanks.

Estimated  expenses:   $ 2,300

Ruby is currently in her forever home with her new forever family.

Help rosie
with your
generous donation

She was a stray that ended up at the Westside shelter. She was put on the euthanasia list because she was slow to get up.  Rosie was a senior dog that had given her love and loyalty to a family only to have her life scheduled to end in a cold scary place all alone. AZGRC decided that she had a lot more love to give and a lot more life to live.  She had to be completely shaved because the mats on her were down to the skin.  She weighed all of 36 pounds and every one of her ribs showed. When she went to her foster home all she knew was she needed to get back to her family. Her loyalty to the family that abandoned her did not wane.  After a few days she settled in with her foster family and her foster brother, Casey. Then one night, she made a gagging noise and her back arched. Her astute foster Dad knew it was bloat. (See our health and education page for more information on bloat. http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm)

Bloat is one of the most urgent emergencies a dog can experience. Rosie was rushed to the Emergency Vet and was in surgery within the hour. She came through surgery with flying colors. She actually did better than most dogs half her age. Rosie is now putting on weight and growing in the most beautiful silky fur. According to her foster Dad, she is a living doll. Thanks to her Foster Dad, Rosie’s life had been saved twice. Soon Rosie will be ready for adoption. Can you please help offset the expense of giving sweet, loyal Rosie another chance at life?

Estimated  expenses:   $5,100.00

Rosie is currently in foster care and available for adoption

tupac, 2 year Male

funds raised:  $   100

Help tupac
with your
generous donation
 

To love a dog so completely as to give him up for the right reasons is Tupac’s story.  His family was going through some life changes when Tupac developed a hematoma on his right ear.  They could not afford the surgery to repair the painful hematoma so they contacted AZGRC to surrender him.  Tupac’s hematoma was one the worse that the vet had ever seen. The blood was already turning fibrous and if left untreated the ear would have shriveled up. Tupac required two laser incisions to allow the ear flap to drain and begin to heal. After 3 weeks with the ear making progress but still filling with blood, he required a second procedure.  Through all of this Tupac has been the most sweet, loving, playful Golden Retriever. Can you help us cover the expenses for giving Tupac  a second chance?

Estimated  expenses:   $ 1,173  ($973 for the first surgery,  $ 200 for the second surgery)

Tupac is currently in his forever home with his new forever family