📣 We’re now on LinkedIn – Let’s Connect!

Adopt A Golden Atlanta is now on LinkedIn! Follow us to stay updated on our rescue efforts, success stories, volunteer opportunities, and behind-the-scenes insights. Please help us grow our network by connecting with us and sharing our page with fellow dog lovers, professionals, and potential partners.

Every connection helps us get one paw closer to more forever homes! 🐾

Click here to connect with us today!

💛 A Message from Our Founder Emeritus

I never thought I could retire from Adopt A Golden Atlanta, but I did. And looking back, all those postponed plans were worth it. For those who know me, you know I’ve always had a hard time letting go. I’m a bit of a control freak, and stepping back from this amazing organization seemed impossible. But having Patti Dickey to lead AGA into the future has made this transition not only possible, but joyful.

We are incredibly fortunate to have the strongest Board of Directors in our 22-year history. Their passion and dedication have given me the confidence to take a step back and enjoy this next chapter.

Of course, I still catch myself trying to jump in, old habits die hard! But seeing how seamlessly Patti and the Board are guiding AGA forward fills me with gratitude and pride. Patti, an accomplished attorney with a background in family law, brings not only professional expertise but also a deep understanding of the heart behind our mission.

Together, we’ve built something truly special. And I believe, with all my heart, that the best is yet to come. When I see the difference we make in the lives of our Goldens, there’s nothing more rewarding. It’s instant gratification, pure and simple.

Thank you for allowing me to live this dream, for supporting our new leadership, and for letting me embrace the joy of slowing down, with a Golden or two always by my side.

Forever grateful,

Lauren

🐾"The Woof Report"

AGA’s Blog Series

Have You Checked Out The Woof Report Lately? 🐾 Fresh Tips & Golden Wisdom Await!

The Woof Report, Adopt A Golden Atlanta’s official blog, is your hub for all things Golden! 💛

Packed with helpful tips, seasonal advice, and feel-good stories, it's the perfect resource for every Golden Retriever family.

📬 Catch up now: https://adoptagoldenatlanta.com/resources/golden-news/

Be sure to check back often, we’re always adding new content tailored to you and your Golden! 🐶✨

What Is Dog Dementia?

Signs of Canine Dementia and

How To Help Your Dog

While senior dogs can live good, enjoyable lives with their pet parents, getting older is not without challenges. Dogs can develop dementia, also called cognitive dysfunction, as they age. 

Key Takeaways

• Dog dementia is like Alzheimer’s disease in people. Affected dogs may act confused and forgetful. Dogs with dementia have age-related damage to their brain.
• There is no cure for dog dementia. Cognitive dysfunction is managed rather than cured.
• While dogs don’t necessarily recover from dementia, they can show improvement with nutritional, medical, and behavioral support.

Read more about Dog Dementia and signs to look for HERE

Recent Adoptions!

💛 August Was Full of Golden Moments!

August was bursting with heartwarming new beginnings! From shy seniors to bouncy puppies, each Golden who came through our doors this month found the perfect family waiting for them.

One adopter even surprised us with a handmade sign that said “Thank You for the dog" - a gesture so thoughtful and sweet, we’re thinking about making it a permanent fixture in our newsletters. 💛

Take a peek at a few of our favorite adoption stories from August, you might just smile as big as we did!

🐾Howie (Formerly Tuscany)

The only boy in a rescued litter, Howie started off timid but quickly embraced the good life. His new parents, lifelong dog lovers, were smitten right away. Now he’s a Chastain Park regular, full of confidence, and soaking up love, toys, and adventure in his forever home. Bonus: An AGA volunteer recently spotted him living his best life out on a walk in Chastain Park!

🐾Murphy

This 1-year-old English Cream pup was surrendered with love when his busy family knew he needed more time and attention. He didn’t wait long—Murphy instantly bonded with his new family’s teenage daughters and playful Golden, Ford. Now they’re an inseparable duo chasing tennis balls and making joyful mischief together!

🐾Cooper (Formerly Sunny2)

One of two “Sunny” girls at AGA, this sweet pup found the perfect home with a playful lab named Cooper. Though he was unsure at first, Cooper quickly warmed up to his new sister. Now they chase balls, play tug-of-war, and enjoy squirrel-watching together. Sunny2 is thriving and loving her new life!

🐾Cotton

At 10 years old, Cotton came to AGA after her owner could no longer care for her. After nearly 2 years with a devoted foster, she found her perfect match at Meet & Match. Cotton is now enjoying long walks and constant companionship with her new mom and dad. She's still the alpha—and very much adored.

🐾Clark (Formerly Miller)

At just 6 months old, Clark’s energy was a bit too much for his previous home. But he’s found his match with a new family, a big fenced yard, and a playful dog brother named Copper. Now Clark and Copper are the ultimate duo—playing, cuddling, and keeping watch from the windows together.

🐾Penny (Formerly Chianti)

The tiniest of four Golden mix pups saved from an overcrowded shelter, Penny quickly won hearts with her loving personality. She now lives with a mom who takes her to work and two kids who adore her. Penny is the center of attention, just how she likes it, and is already spreading smiles everywhere she goes!

Help Us Help Goldens:

Easy Ways to Make a Big Impact

Looking for meaningful ways to help Golden Retrievers in need?

Here are some simple and impactful ways you can support Adopt A Golden Atlanta:

NEW PARTNERSHIP: 🐾 Visit Our Chewy Wish List – Help us stock up on food, toys, and essentials our Goldens need most!

🐾 Volunteer Your Time – Join our amazing team and make a difference in a Golden’s journey.

🐾 Visit Our Amazon Wish List – Send much-needed supplies directly to our dogs!

🐾 Honor a Beloved Pet – Add their name and keep their spirit shining on our Memory Wall.

🐾 Attend an AGA Event – Meet fellow dog lovers and support our mission through fun community gatherings.

🐾 Use iGive When You Shop Online – Choose AGA as your charity and turn everyday purchases into donations.

🐾 Walk with Wooftrax – Whether with your pup or a virtual one, every step earns funds for our Goldens!

🐾 Donate to help in our rescue mission – Help us care for our rescued Dogs and others facing medical challenges.

🐾 Check for Company Match Programs – Double your impact by seeing if your employer offers donation matching.

🐾 Make a Tribute Donation – Honor a special person or pet, and we’ll send a thoughtful card or certificate.

🐾 Shop with Kroger – Connect your Kroger account to AGA and support us with every grocery run.

🐾 Spread the Word – Follow us on social media and share our posts to help more Goldens find loving homes.

Every action you take helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Goldens in need. Visit www.adoptagoldenatlanta.com to learn more and get involved!

Dog Pictured: Kopitar, TD6

Golden Gala

Save the Date: May 1st, 2026

Adopt A Golden Atlanta’s annual gala is fast approaching, and we’re looking for passionate friends like you to make it shine:

• Sponsor this unforgettable evening: Showcase your brand, help offset event costs, and support our lifesaving rescue work.
• Donate items for our silent auction: Unique experiences, gift baskets, art, travel perks, your contribution helps us raise vital funds.
• Volunteers with gala experience needed: Whether you’ve organized venues, managed silent auctions, or coordinated events before, we’d love your help to ensure this night is seamless and special.

Your involvement means more Goldens find loving homes. Learn more and get involved here: Goldens Are FURever Gala - Adopt A Golden Atlanta

Thank you for helping make this gala a night Goldens, and their people, will treasure forever! 💛

Orphan of the Month:

Finn

Hi friends, it’s me, Finn Pup… I’m a 7-month-old Golden boy with a big heart, a love for water, and a gentle soul that’s still learning to trust. I came to AGA when I was just 4 months old, and a wonderful family gave me a beautiful start. I learned how to be housebroken, walk on a leash, and play kindly with other dogs. Best of all? I discovered how much I love swimming, splashing around is pure joy for me!

Even with all the progress I’ve made, I’m still figuring out how to feel fully safe. I can get nervous in busy or loud environments and need a calm, patient home where I can continue to grow at my own pace. A predictable daily routine really helps me feel safe and secure, I do best when I know what’s coming next. With structure and consistency, I can better manage the big world around me.

My ideal home would be quiet, with a gentle person and a confident doggy sibling (or two!) who can show me the ropes and help me feel secure. I have so much love to give, and with time, understanding, and a steady rhythm to my day, I know I’ll flourish. If you’re someone who believes in second chances and has room in your heart for a sweet pup still learning that the world is safe, I’d love to meet you. Love, Finn Pup

Read about me here

🏈 Game Day "Pup"corn Chicken Bites 🐾

A touchdown-worthy treat your pup can enjoy while you cheer on your team!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (no seasoning)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional)
• Dash of turmeric for a healthy kick (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Roll mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and firm.
5. Cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pro Tip: These freeze well too, perfect to make ahead

for all your football weekends!

Discover Dog-Friendly Events

Around Atlanta 🐾

Looking for something fun to do with your pup? Atlanta has an exciting lineup of dog-friendly events coming up that you won’t want to miss:

• Barks and Bites: BeltLine Doggie Crawl (ongoing through November) — A one-mile BeltLine restaurant crawl featuring pup treats, bite-sized snacks for humans, and giveaways from local pet businesses, plus a prize drawing. Great for dogs who love strolling with their humans!
• Annual Upper Westside Pupfest Woofstock (September 6) A lively canine celebration with DJ Steve, vendors from Fetch Park, WAG-A-LOT, and Woof Gang Bakery, cooling stations, and fun giveaways.
• Splish Splash Doggie Bash (October 4–5) Let your pup swim and splash around with other furry friends! Sessions are scheduled throughout the weekend, so be sure to reserve the time that works best.
• Oktoberfest at Fire Maker Brewing Company (October 11) — Celebrate Bavarian-style with dog-friendly brews, food, live music, and games—lederhosen encouraged!
• Rescue Dog Games – Atlanta’s Dog Howl-O-Ween Festival (November 1) A spirited Halloween-themed festival with costume contests, dog games, adoptees from local rescues, vendor booths, and a kids’ play area!

These events give you and your fur companions the perfect opportunity to get outside, meet fellow dog lovers, and celebrate the playful spirit of our Goldens.

The group meets virtually on Zoom most Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 PM. There is no charge for participation. Reservations can be made by contacting Robin at 404-308-8731 or emailing rchisolmseymour@yahoo.com. She is happy to help.

Check Your Dog

Once a Month on the 14th!

Facts about Cancer

in Dogs

​Did you know that 1 in 3 dogs will be diagnosed with cancer? 50% of those dogs will die from cancer. In humans, there are 1.5 million new cases of cancer each year, but in dogs, there are 6 million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year. Dog cancer prevention is key to a long healthy life with your dog.

Checking your dog once a month for lumps and bumps or any abnormal behavior is key in the prevention of any health issue with your dog.

We recommend doing it on the 14th of every month. Monthly checks mean extra pets and love for your dogs while bringing peace of mind to you! If you are starting with a young dog, this time will also prepare them for their future vet wellness visits.

Now, how exactly do you do this?

Start at their nose and work all the way to their tail. Make sure you are in a familiar, low-key environment where you and your pet can do this without distraction. In other words, not during dinner time or when you expect the mailman to be buzzing by the house.

Also, make sure you keep a journal of each of your

Check Your Dog days so you will have notes to

compare with should something arise.

Every bit helps and here are even more ways you can make a difference:

AGA now has both an Amazon and a Chewy Wish List, making it even easier to support our Goldens directly!

From food and grooming supplies to toys and daily essentials, every item on these lists helps us care for the Goldens waiting for their forever homes. Your generosity ensures they receive the comfort, nutrition, and love they deserve.

💛 Shop our Wish Lists and make

a difference today:

If you would like to contribute gently used items, please email marketing@adoptagoldenatlanta.com to coordinate details

with the subject line: AGA Items to Donate.

You are the driving force behind AGA saving goldens.

Honor a golden, memorialize a loved one, and help with Heartworm treatment; every dollar counts, and no donation is too small!

Other Ways to Donate:

PayPal: Adopt A Golden Atlanta

Check: Adopt a Golden Atlanta | P.O. Box 420256, Atlanta, GA 30342-9998

Tenasity is Atlanta’s leading Canine Behavior Specialists. We excel at improving owner/dog relations while directly enhancing the lifestyle of the dog owner(s).

With over 21+ years of training experience, we have identified key characteristics in normal canine behavior patterns that have allowed us to create and implement a system that entails practical training methods which we guarantee will produce lasting results.

Our 24-hour pet hospital is located in Sandy Springs just off of Roswell Road in Abernathy across from the Sandy Spring Tennis Center.

We serve much of Georgia and the Atlanta metro area, including Roswell, Woodstock, Marietta, Smyrna, Tucker, Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Alpharetta.

Your Security Matters

Adopt A Golden Atlanta takes your privacy and security seriously. We never solicit donations via cryptocurrency or collect sensitive data like Social Security numbers. All donations should be made through secure, trusted platforms like PayPal or Venmo.

If something doesn’t seem right or a link looks suspicious, please contact us directly before giving. We’re committed to keeping your support, and our community, safe.

Suspicious solicitations can be reported to INFO@ADOPTAGOLDEN.COM.

Read more here