BOOMER
(2005)

We adopted Boomer (05-119) in August 2005.  We just wanted to let you know that he is truly a "GRREAT" companion.  He is a great hugger, always wrapping his head around your arm or leg.  He loves to have someone sit on the floor with him, he throws himself down and practically lays on your lap.  Our oldest son, who lives near by, has a bull dog named Pookie.  Pookie is a little over a year old, and very energetic.  Boomer, who is seven, loves to have Pookie come over to play in his backyard.  Pookie runs with him and tries to grab his ears.  Since Boomer is so much taller than she is, he only has to raise his head to keep her from grabing them. Boomer is actually our second GRREAT dog.  In 1990 we adopted Kadie from GRREAT.  She was a companion for our male golden, Rudy.  Kadie did not have a number from GRREAT, it was probably before you started assigning them.  She and Rudy both lived to almost 14 years old.  We waited 4 years before we adopted Boomer, and he was well worth the wait!

submitted by Sue Gunyon

COREY
(2001)

Here is Corey with Santa.  We've had him for 3 1/2 years now.  He is a loved member of our family.  He makes us feel safe and secure by watching out for us and we in turn watch out for him.  He loves going with us no matter where it is -- a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the beach or even the soccer field.  He is a true velcro golden who does not leave our side.  Where we go he goes--EVERYWHERE!!  He was so shy and insecure when we first got him, but no more.  He pretty much gets along with everyone he comes across be it animal or person.  He is a GRREAT addition to our family and was a tremendous comfort to us when his canine "brother" Smokey passed way at the age of 15

submitted by Tricia Messenger

Meet Marty
(2004)

I first met “Marty” at the animal shelter in Martinsburg, WV (hence his name) on Monday, December 22, 2003.  I agreed to pick him up and transport him to Blue Ridge Veterinary Hospital in Purcellville.  He had been hit by a car on Friday evening.  His injuries were so severe he could not stand, not even to relieve himself, so he also suffered the indignity of having to urinate and defecate on himself.   

Both of his hips were broken (in four places), his lungs were bruised and most of the skin on his belly and private parts had been scraped off (from the impact with the car and being dragged along the highway). The vet who treated him that night at Blue Ridge referred to it as “road rash.” 

On Friday, December 26, Marty had surgery to repair the four fractures in his hips.  The left hip was so severely damaged that the joint had to be removed and the right side had to be plated and screwed back together.  But by Monday, December 29, he was ready to leave the hospital and I decided to be his foster mom.

After weeks of confinement except for toilet duties, Marty was able to hobble around on 3 legs.  In an effort to reduce the pain he was obviously experiencing, GRREAT purchased a TENS device (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation) to use twice a day for 30 minutes each.  I also did “stretch and pull” exercises 3 times a day.  Throughout this entire recovery process, Marty has been a most compliant and cooperative patient.  Stretching his left leg is painful and he’ll look at me as if to say “please stop that – it hurts.”

By five weeks after surgery, Marty had not regained the use of his left leg.  He still could not bear any weight on that hip and his toes curl under, which could be a sign of neurological damage.  His surgeon is hopeful that, in time, the nerve will regenerate itself and he will eventually regain use of his leg.  However, the muscle mass in his left leg could be so diminished by then that the nerve won’t have a muscle to move! If Marty does not regain use of the leg, he faces amputation.

Instead of taking a “wait and see” approach, GRREAT has elected to seek an alternative method of therapy for Marty.  He is receiving PST (Pulsed Signal Therapy) in an effort to reduce the scar tissue, which will help eliminate the pain and thereby increase his range of motion in his left hip.  He is also doing underwater treadmill therapy 3 times a week, which forces him to use and move his left leg.

At the time of this writing, Marty will now bear weight on his left leg, even with his toes curled under.   I’ve noticed a slight flex in the leg muscle when he occasionally straightens his left foot and uncurls his toes.  It leads me to believe that this alternative therapy is working and that Marty will regain the use of his left leg sooner rather than later!

Needless to say, Marty’s hip surgery was costly, but GRREAT was well aware of that fact when they elected to rescue him.   Surgery had to be done and it was.  But five weeks later when Marty had not regained use of his leg, GRREAT could have taken a “wait and see” approach and hoped that “in time” he would regain use of his leg.  But they didn’t – instead, they elected to seek alternative therapy for him, at considerable cost, and as Marty’s foster mom, I am most grateful.  

Many people have been touched by Marty’s story and there are two people that I personally would like to thank for their donations toward his care.   Chief Brad Sheppard at the Berkeley County Animal Shelter made a $100 donation to thank GRREAT for rescuing Mart!  If it had not been for the Chief releasing Marty to GRREAT when he did, Marty probably would have given up and quietly slipped away to the Rainbow Bridge.

I also would like to thank Joy Scrimshire for allowing me to bring Marty to her home and meet with her vet so Marty could receive acupuncture treatments.  Shortly after meeting Marty, she made a donation of $205 to go toward his care.

If I could write a check to GRREAT to cover ALL of Marty’s medical expenses, I would gladly do so, but that just isn’t possible.  But like Chief Sheppard and Joy, I will donate what I can. 

UPDATE:  On March 10, 2004, Marty received his biggest and best donation of all.  We are pleased to announce his adoption to a loving and dedicated family that has adopted from and generously supported GRREAT in the past.  They will follow through on his continuing rehabilitation and possible surgeries.  GRREAT, however, continues to be responsible for all costs for Marty's past surgeries, rehabilitation and care.  A large portion of those bills have not yet been submitted  by the medical providers or paid by GRREAT.  We continue to seek donations to cover these expenditures.  Marty is a startling example of the needs we must meet in our rescued goldens.  He is, unfortunately, just one of many.  We encourage you to be generous and aware of this as you continue to help us with your donations.

--submitted by Foster Mom Fay Jenkins

Rosie
(2001)

I

Submitted by Robin Youngren

Jason
(2001)

I adopted Jason (01-137) from GRREAT in August 2001.  His previous history was sketchy.  In fact little was known about him, other than he had been tied outside his entire life, which was estimated to be one year.  Jill and Bob Kurtz spent two weeks with the blonde beauty as his foster family and with their keen observation, were able to give me insight into his behavior. 

Jason had a very difficult time relating to people in general.  He only knew one way of socializing and that was to be very “rough and tumble”.  He would automatically try to roll you on the ground and nip at your clothes (almost every outfit we have from last summer bears proof of this).    He was afraid of doorways – it took me nearly 20 minutes to coax him through the local pet shop door to buy him a treat.  He was afraid of running cars and especially shy of garages.  From what we could tell, he was probably neglected for long periods to time and left outside.  Interaction with humans most likely was in a “rough-house” type of play.  He was probably punished for trying to enter the house, thus the fear of doorways.  He may have been locked in a garage for long periods to time, resulting in his fear of the garage.  Never having been inside, he was unfamiliar with stairs.  Many dogs who come to GRREAT have experienced horrible physical abuse.  As far as we can tell, this was not the case with Jason.  However, neglect leaves scars as well.  He looked Golden, but his true Golden heart was hidden. 

I have to say that the biggest challenge for Jason has been learning to interact with us without rough play.  Right from the start my three children and I started “love therapy” sessions.  Twice a day for ten minutes we would stroke his head and say “Nice Love, Jason, give nice love”.  It sounds simplistic, but it really worked.  Eventually he learned to give “Golden Kisses”.  He even began to like to have his belly rubbed.  And then came the day when I saw his Golden smile.  Then I knew his past was behind him and he had found his true Golden heart. 

I am enclosing a picture of Jason with our other Golden, Lucy.  They are inseparable.  If Lucy is not within sight, Jason will let out a pitiful whine until he finds her.  I want to thank everyone at GRREAT from rescuers to application-approvers to tattooing committees for giving dogs like Jason a second chance.  I can’t imagine how sad his life would have been if someone had not rescued him.  But more sad would be my life without my Golden Boy.

Submitted by Anneliese Johnson

Buffett
(2002)

Buffett (02-225, originally called Gizmo) is part Golden and part Collie (and we think now a little Chow in his eyes). He had spent his entire 2 years of life on the eastern shore of Maryland with a family who seemed not to have very much time for him. So friendly and affectionate he was! The hair on his neck was as soft as cashmere. This was the dog for us and ended up adopting Buffett that day.  After bringing him home and having a few friends stop by to shine over our new family addition, it became clear that there was only one name for this dog, Buffett. My wife and I are big Jimmy Buffett fans and we had thought of Buffett as a dog’s name but the dog had to be cool. He was cool!!! Personality, Character, Charisma, he had it all.

 We have now had Buffett for 4 months.  He is the center of attention!!  He is very smart and learns quickly. He spends his spare time at the dog park in our neighborhood playing with his friends, Linus and Druid. We believe that he is so very happy in his new home and neighborhood. But more than anything else, he has added a wonderful and much needed piece to our family and home. Our home is a much warmer place now because of Buffett and I think he believes that as well.  THANK YOU GRREAT!! 

--Submitted by Heather and Rick Carter

Rusty
(2000)

When I adopted Rusty (00-032) at the age of 10, he let me know on day one that he expected breakfast at 6am and dinner at 5pm, biscuit at 7pm and so on. He was incredible! I quickly adapted but initially felt a little unsure that I was little more than a provider. There didn’t seem to be any bonding going on. But as time passed, slowly and in little ways, Rusty began to look for affection and has become what we jokingly call a ”marshmallow.” From coming from a home where he was abused and seemed to shy away from people, he has grown into a very warm pet. For my family, and myself he has helped pull us together as a family. After a divorce and the usual problems raising teenagers, Rusty has provided a focus where we all can forget our troubles and enjoy playing with him or simply sitting with him on the couch watching TV together. Since Rusty has a lot of stomach trouble, he is on prescription food and cannot eat anything but his special food. Consequently, his treats all take the form of stuffed animals, especially ones with squeakers. The photo shows him with one of his favorites. He has enriched our lives immeasurably! Thank you, GRREAT!

--Submitted by Mary Ambrosio

 Cody
(1995)

Cody (95-131, originally named Ray) was the only dog we fell in love with at an adoption day, but he was not with a foster family, he was with a handler.  The GRREAT organization was not as well organized at that time and no one knew much about this dog except he was a humane rescue.  We took him home that day.  A week later our wall-to-wall carpeting in the den was a mini putt-putt course from all the holes he chewed in it.  We put in wood flooring and stuck with him (or he stuck with us!).  Cody grew up with our then 7 and 2 year-olds.  He was what my brother called our adopted child.  He alone has brought  joy to our family as would a third child.  He has his moments but who doesn’t?  He has welcomed three foster dogs into our home and never growled or grumped when they took his toys and often the attention away.  GRREAT gave us a great dog.  Thanks to all for doing what they do.  Cody is only 7 and we have many more years of love left with him. 

--Submitted by Lynn Shine