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Golden Tales brings you all the latest news from Gold Ribbon Rescue. |
| | A Message From Our President | | |
Hello friends,
It has been a busy summer. We brought in 12 dogs last month, matching July 2024. Our intake numbers are running slightly lower YTD compared to the same time last year. It feels much busier this year as we have had more people traveling and some more complex intakes. We continue to bring in more dogs being rehomed by their owners versus dogs from shelters. Adoption and foster applications are averaging about 50 per month. All of our volunteers are working hard to achieve our goal of finding the perfect homes for all the dogs in care.
Golden Rtrievers thrive on more than belly rubs and backyard zoomies—they’re smart, curious, and love a good mental challenge. Whether you’re fostering, adopting, or simply spending time with a Golden, brain games can turn everyday moments into playful learning. Puzzle toys like treat-dispensing balls or snuffle mats are perfect for busy paws. Hide kibble in folds or compartments and watch your pup problem-solve with glee. For a DIY twist, fold treats into a towel or stack cups with a surprise underneath.
Scent work is another Golden favorite. Hide a treat in one of several boxes and let your pup sniff out the prize. It channels their natural instincts and boosts confidence. Training games like “name that toy” or simple agility setups at home (think cushions, tunnels, and hula hoops) can engage both body and mind—plus, they deepen your communication with your furry friend. Best of all? These games aren’t just fun—they’re moments of connection.
As our 2026 calendar auction ends, we thank you all who have participated and look forward to all the great photos that will fill up the pages. Be sure to RSVP for our next The More You Know webinar on Leash Walking and Reactivity Toolkit taking place on August 27th.
Warm regards,
Michelle
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Do you have questions or comments for the Board?
We value your input. Please send a note to the GRR Board and include Questions For The Board in the subject line. We hope to hear from you! The next GRR board meeting is September 20, 2025.
Do you know of a Golden in need or one to be re-homed? Please always remember to contact our intake team or call our Hotline at 512-659-4653. Our social media pages aren’t monitored for posts of dogs in need.
| | Calendar Auction Extended Until August 3rd! | |
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The clock is ticking!
Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on a Gold Ribbon Rescue 2026 Page! Showcase your Golden and help raise money for dogs in GRR’s care! You can also purchase Thumbnail photo spots.
Click here to start your bidding.
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August 27th
6:30-8:00pm
Tips & Tools
for a Calmer Canine Experience
See Spot Behave will be hosted by Gold Ribbon Rescue. Join us to discover practical strategies that make walks more enjoyable-for both you and your dog. Learn how to handle leash reactivity, navigate distractions, and build confidence with tools you can use right away.
Attendance is limited - RSVP early!
Our webinar series are free to our GRR community.
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To enter the meeting, tap or click:
meet.google.com/izm-nvkm-mny
OR
Dial-in: (US) +1 502-547-4466
PIN: 627 515 936#
RSVP to michelle@grr-tx.com
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About the Webinar Series
GRR is partnering with See Spot Behave, one of our preferred training partners. We're bringing a monthly webinar series to help our foster families, new adopting families and the GRR community to be better prepared: to be the best dog enthusiasts they can be.
There are a variety of topics planned, ranging from "Integrating a New Dog into the Household", "From Rowdy to Calm", "Centering Excited Dogs" to “Safe Holidays and Celebrations”, plus many more!
Join us!
| | Volunteer Orientation Webinar | | |
Please join us for a high-level overview of Gold Ribbon Rescue. All are welcome to attend to learn more about GRR and volunteer opportunities available.
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams Meetings
Please send RSVP to Susan if you are planning to attend.
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Webinar Details
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 220 317 896 690 0
Passcode: Ce9V3Bv9
Dial in by phone +1 689-206-0321
Phone conference ID: 958 590 190#
We hope to see you there!
| | | Fun in the Golden Sun Raffle Winners | | |
Congratulations to Sharon and Bob Piechnik (Nelli) and Susan and Dan O'Reilly (grand dog Ziggy) who were winners of a beautiful custom oil painting of their pet by artist Michele Choate. Many thanks to Michele Choate for her generous offer of two original oil paintings to benefit the incoming Goldens of Gold Ribbon Rescue.
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"Big thanks to Aunt Hara for giving Ollie the best weekend while we were away! He had a blast and came home happy and relaxed. Respiting is such a wonderful way to volunteer with Gold Ribbon Rescue—you get to care for a sweet pup like Ollie for a few days when their foster family needs a break. Whether it’s a weekend or a week, it's a huge help and a rewarding experience. Just ask Aunt Hara!" Rick
Gold Ribbon Rescue (GRR) desperately needs more foster homes. If you’ve ever wanted to foster a Golden, now is a great time to consider it. Fostering is the foundation of GRR. We cannot accept Goldens unless they have a place to go. The most amazing part is, despite difficult and uncaring pasts, rescue Goldens are still so willing to trust and love. It’s an honor to be part of their transformation.
"We've had the pleasure of hosting Kuill (GRR #25-057) for the last couple of weeks. He and Toby have been having a great time. Kuill is a sweet boy and all of his goldeness has been shining through." Brian
What we need are families who want to help Goldens in need by fostering, who are available for the summer and who will do some of the hard work with our rescue dogs. You will have assigned foster, medical and training coordinators to give you all of the support that you need. GRR pays for all veterinary expenses and medications and there is no cost to apply.
If you are an approved GRR home, please contact Jacki right away.
Learn more about fostering and our fostering requirements.
If you have not yet applied, please don’t hesitate - APPLY NOW!
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Molly's Weight Loss Tips
By Becky LaBrum
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Jacki always says, “Here comes another candidate for the Chubby Tubby Club!” when we bring in an obese Golden, and 24-092 Molly is definitely a charter member. She spent the first 2+ years of her life living inside—no walks, no car rides, not even any excursions around the backyard. What she mostly did was eat: massive amounts of table scraps, plus treats of buttered toast and “anything crunchy with butter on it.” I know her former owner really loved her, but didn’t realize how dangerous an all-day high-fat buffet was for Molly’s health: she tipped the scales at a morbidly obese 115 pounds when she came to GRR in August 2024.
Her knees and elbows buckled just from lugging all that weight around, she could only walk a short distance before having to sit down, and she had bad urine scald and a rashy tummy from moisture collecting in all her skin folds. Even her cheeks and neck were fat! She panted pretty much 24/7, and when I asked my vet if her heart sounded okay, she said, “I guess, but it’s really muffled by all the fat on her chest wall.” Poor Molly. She was so uncomfortable! I figured if we could even get her down to 85 pounds that would be a triumph.
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Molly (left) on October 19, 2024
110 Pounds!
| | Molly on July 23, 2025 - 67 Pounds! | | |
But 11 months later, she is down to just 67 pounds! She has a spring in her step, she can jump up and down like a pogo stick, her tummy is smooth and clear skinned, her fur is soft and shiny, and everything is better! And, because we still have not been able to take her for a walk (she is still afraid to go out the front door), she did it all with diet and trotting around her backyard. Since GRR is getting so many “chubby tubbies” in lately, Molly thought they might like to hear her weight loss tips.
Continue reading here.
| | Our New Arrivals - Welcome to Gold Ribbon Rescue! | |
25-063 Misty is a 9-month-old sweetheart who comes to us from Ben Wheeler TX. A former GRR adopter alerted us to Misty who was crammed into a too-small crate in the owners' carport, where she could not even stand up or turn around and was there all day except for a few potty breaks. Welcome to GRR, where life just got a whole lot better! Misty is with her foster family and is already enjoying the good life. We're so glad that Misty is a GRR gal! | | | |
25-064 Mia is a 3-month-old bundle of Golden snuggles and love from the San Antonio area! She was rehomed because her owners are moving out of the country and Mia could not move with them. She is a typical, sweet and loving puppy who is fostering with longtime GRR fosters. Welcome sweet girl! | | | |
Please welcome 25-065 Finn to GRR. Finn's intake was urgent because his owner's job had changed and Finn was left alone all day, chained to a tree. Our volunteers leaped into action and made a quick plan to get Finn into our care. Finn is a handsome and loving redhead and we expect that he will be as beautiful inside as he is outside. He is with his foster family and we are anxious to learn more about him as he settles in. | | | |
Puppies! 25-066 Boomer and 25-067 Boogie are almost 4-month-old male puppies who joined GRR from a breeder who needed to make room for the next group of puppies. In this kennel there are no toys, no beds, no lap to cuddle in. GRR does not buy Goldens, but we're very happy that this breeder knows to contact us and we jump in to rescue any Goldens that are available. Boomer and Boogie are with their foster families and are, for the first time in their lives, sleeping on comfy beds with lots of loves and living inside. We're so grateful that we were able to help these babies. Word from their fosters is that they have adapted quickly to their new life. Boogie was adopted on July 28th. | | | |
Please welcome 25-068 Bongo to GRR! Rescue work is never easy. When the transport team arrived at the breeding kennel to pick up Boomer and Boogie, there were two 14-week-old Goldendoodles in the kennel next to them. They were super sweet and friendly. One of these Goldendoodles was being sold, leaving his kennel mate by himself with his neighbor Goldens gone. As Hara and Michelle drove off, their hearts ached at the thought of leaving this solo puppy that the breeder needed gone asap. They drove a few miles before they were on the phone with Jacki to figure out a plan to add another passenger for the drive home. A slight delay due to a nail in the tire, then back to the breeder to pick him up. | | | |
Please welcome 25-069 Niko to GRR. He is a 2 ½-year-old boy who was rehomed to GRR due to significant changes within his family. After a big move to a home with minimal time to devote to him and very limited outdoor space, they realized that he needed more than what they could provide and felt that GRR was the best option. We will find the perfect family for Niko. | | | |
25-070 Ringo is an almost 4-year-old from the San Antonio area who was rehomed due to severe allergies. Ringo will soon be one of two Goldens heading to our trusted rescue partners at Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. Since 2023, we’ve sent two allergy-prone Goldens to them and both are now thriving; allergy-free and living their best lives. One of our previous GRR alums has had zero allergy issues since arriving in Las Vegas and it’s truly heartwarming to see these dogs flourish. It’s amazing how simply leaving Texas can make such a dramatic difference for dogs with severe allergies. We’re currently targeting a transport date of August 6th for Ringo’s journey to a brighter future. | | | |
25-071 Remy is a 4 1/2-year-old from Round Rock who came in with his second cousin, 25-072 Ruger. Remy is light red, very outgoing and friendly and confident. No squeaker toys for this guy! When he was one year old, he swallowed part of a squeaker and string and almost died. The boys were rehomed to GRR due to family circumstances that were not conducive to their welfare. They came in near the end of the month so we don't know much about them yet, but we're so thankful that they are now GRR Goldens. Remy and Ruger are sharing a kennel together at DGTTX while awaiting their foster families. | | | |
25-072 Ruger, is a 3-year-old from Round Rock who came in with his second cousin, 25-071 Remy. He is a handsome blonde and was fearful and timid from the start, but really came out of his shell with the help of Remy. However, he is still a somewhat anxious guy; nervous of houseguests and hates delivery boxes. He is very sweet and affectionate, but must go to a home with another nice, supportive dog. They were rehomed because, as the owner stated, "They are not getting the enrichment and love they deserve.” Ruger and Remy are sharing a kennel together at DGTTX while awaiting their foster families. | | | |
25-073 Simba is a 5 1/2-year-old from Georgetown who is a big fluffy, gold boy who was rehomed to GRR due to the owners' lack of time. Both owners work and travel a lot for work, and it is not fair for him always to be boarding or staying with other people. He has lived his entire life in apartments so he will love having a yard to run and play. Simba is with his FHTA family. | | | |
25-074 Poppy is a 6-month-old who was an emergency intake that came in at the end of the month. She went to the vet on July 30th and we're looking forward to more information about her. She's absolutely adorable! Poppy is with her FHTA family. | | | | |
Kelly's Korner
by Kelly Topfer
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The heat is on! Still on! Growing up in Chicago, August was one of the hottest months. We didn’t have a pool, but we had multiple sprinklers and we hooked them all up at the same time. I have great memories spending hours running through all of them. The minute my sweet Ollie and Oakley see me turn on the hose they go nuts. All they want to do is chase the water, jump to catch the water in their mouths and get sprayed. It’s actually great exercise for them. And as we all know, Goldens are always smiling in their calmest of states. Can you imagine their sprinkler smile?!?!?!
Check out this great product that will keep your pups cool and smiling.
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15 Toxic Central Texas Plants for Pets
Tomlinsons
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Toxicity Level 4 and up:
Reevaluate where these plants are located in and outside of your home.
Level 4 and up plants are highly toxic to pets and it's better to be safe than sorry.
The best option is to rid these plants from your space - especially Lilies, Lantana, and Sago Palms.
Ahh, the Texas outdoors: beautiful, lush, and green. But, heads up: some of our most common local plants can pose dangers to your beloved dog and cat. Poisonous plants are very common in Central Texas. But, knowing the signs of plant toxicity and which flora to avoid will help you enjoy your native landscape with peace of mind. Let's chat about toxic plant facts and common symptoms.
Plant Toxicity in Pets: Signs & Symptoms
Nine out of every ten plant poisonings for pets happen at home via gardens and household plants. The survival rate for ingesting specific toxic plants can be low for both cats and dogs, reaching as low as 50% (Sago Palm).
Potential dangers vary from mild symptoms to serious illness to death and severity depends on the quantity of toxins ingested. Both Texas A&M and the FDA report several factors that lead to the degree of toxicity, such as:
- The type of animal (cat, dog, or other species) that ate the item
- How much the animal ate
- Which part of the plant was eaten (bulb, seed, seed pod, leaf, or flower)
Know the signs of plant toxicity in pets.
Common Symptoms of plant toxicity in pets include:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue
Please contact or visit your veterinarian or call poison control if your pet is experiencing any of these harmful side effects. These symptoms should not go unchecked and could be caused by ingesting toxic plants.
Continue reading here.
| | My Dreams Came True - I'm Adopted! | |
It is with great excitement that we announce the adoption of Elvis 25-056 on July 1st by his forever family. Amy, Andy, and their children are thrilled that Oscar, as he is now known, has joined their family. Their resident dog, StanLee, an 8-year-old Doodle, has begun to accept this new pup in his home and world. Oscar came to Gold Ribbon after a Good Samaritan found him and a Kelpie in an overturned trashcan/dumpster on a rural road. He was in rough shape and it was uncertain for a week whether he would survive, but he truly rallied and is now living his best life with his new family. Congratulations to them all! | | | |
Moxie, 25-026 was adopted on July 3rd by Susan and Terry. After four months of taking Moxie through her heartworm treatment and never wavering in their commitment to providing Moxie with the best life possible, she is finally and officially a member of their family! Moxie was found as a stray outside of Edinburg TX with multiple issues, both orthopedic and medical. That was not going to stop Susan and Terry from bringing her fully into their home. Within the first week or so, they purchased a stroller so that Moxie could still go on long walks without exerting herself while being treated for heartworms. Oh, the places you’ll go Moxie and the adventures you’ll have! Congratulations to this special family! | | | |
What a lovely, warm storybook ending for sweet Liza 25-043, who, with her litter mate Lily, came to GRR from a retiring breeder. She was adopted on July 5th by Katie and Colin who had immediately fallen in love with her! And she most definitely has them wrapped around her little paw! Liza would like to give hugs and kisses to her foster family for giving her a great start and patiently helping her through her big transition from being an outdoor breeding dog to living in a loving, comfy home environment! | | | |
We are so happy to announce that Aurora 25-055 was adopted on July 8th by her FHTA family, Josh and Laura. Aurora came into our care after her owner did not have the time to give her the attention she needed and they recognized that GRR would be the best place for her. Aurora spent some time at board and train and this girl quickly came out of her shell! She then met her humans and her canine sibling and the rest is history! Her family would describe her as sweet, but a little sassy, with selective hearing. She loves to cuddle, likes barking at the pool guy, and loves showing you her toys! Congrats to Aurora and family! | | | |
Willow 25-057 was adopted on July 12th by John and Margaret and they said it was love at first sight! Sweet Willow is about the same age as their 2 -year- old Golden, Weda and we can only imagine the fun they will have! Willow came to GRR with her littermate, Shadow, from a heartbreaking situation. No real room for them to exercise or even a safe space to play. Their owner had some serious medical issues and had also boarded them during a recovery from surgery. We're ecstatic that they were able to become GRR dogs and both have found their forever loving homes. Congratulations! | | | |
June 25-051 was adopted on July 14th by Aaron and Katie. This young Golden girl came into our care, along with her litter mate, Spencer 25-52, due to their owner undergoing some life changes and being unable to provide the love and care they deserved. A very well- mannered girl, June loves going on walks, playing fetch, and is a quick learner. Miss June was on the search for finding her new family, and even got her friends over at FOX 7 news to help her get the message out! She was a true natural on the little screen as the Pet of the Week! June now has two parents who are in awe of her and she is already the apple of their eye. Congratulations to the new family! | | | |
Shiloh 25-027 and her buddy were lovingly rehomed to Gold Ribbon Rescue earlier this year and, thanks to our incredible foster families, they had a safe and nurturing place to land while they awaited their forever homes. We're thrilled to announce that Shiloh was adopted on July 19th. And not just by anyone! Her new mom, Susan, is a longtime GRR adopter with a heart of gold, especially for senior dogs. Over the years, she has opened her heart and home to nine GRR dogs and fourteen Goldens in total. Her passion for giving older dogs the love and dignity they deserve is inspiring. All dogs, no matter their age, deserve a loving home and Shiloh has found just that. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what rescue is all about: second chances, big hearts, and happy endings. Congratulations to Shiloh and her amazing new family! | | | |
Bourbon 25-062 was adopted on July 20th by Mark and Lynn and from the moment they met, it was clear this was meant to be. His new humans are beyond excited to welcome him into their hearts and home, as is his new Golden brother, Cooper, who couldn’t wait to have a playmate, snuggle buddy, and partner in crime. Bourbon is the perfect addition to their family, bringing joy, energy, and that signature Golden sweetness. Whether it's backyard zoomies, long walks, or curling up on the couch, Bourbon is already settling into his new life beautifully. Congratulations to Bourbon and his amazing new family! | | | |
Kuill 25-057 was adopted on July 21st by Elizabeth and Gary. Their two 20-ish kids are home from college and everyone is excited about Kuill becoming one of the family! Kuill (pronounced Quill) came from a family where he was well loved and his prior owner sent a letter with him, talking about how he was her best friend, her shadow, and the brightest part of every day. We’re sure that his new family feels the same way because this guy really has a way of working his way into your heart. Congratulations to them all. | | | |
Shadow 25-059 was adopted on July 23rd by Richard and Tamara and is now living his best life as Bouzy. His wonderful new family, and his new pup brother, Cava, are over-the-moon to welcome him home. Bouzy is their very first Golden, and it's safe to say they are already smitten. We're so excited for all the adventures ahead for Bouzy and his new crew. Welcome to your new home, sweet boy! | | | |
Maggie 25-061 was adopted on July 25th by Jake and Colleen who have so much positive energy that we know Maggie will be well cared for and enjoy a wonderful life. She now has a female cream Golden companion, Ivy, who will be great for her! We can’t help but smile that Maggie has found her new home. | | | |
We are happy to announce the adoption of our Casper,25-034 on July 27th to Alison, a longtime Gold Ribbon foster and adopter. Alison’s Marley, GRR 20-006, passed recently and she has been looking forward to bringing home her next companion. Casper has been with us since March with orthopedic issues as the reason for his surrender. One knee surgery later and he is up to 100% and ready to live the best life with Alison. Congratulations to them both! | | | |
Boogie 25-067 was adopted on July 27th by Erin and Mike. In his new family, he will enjoy the love of his mom and dad and the joy of playing with his new human brother and sister . His older canine brother, Alphie, is a definite plus and we're looking forward to hearing all about their antics together. Such happy news! | | | |
Mia 25-064, now Birdie, was adopted on July 27th by Kirsten and Josh and is already living her best life! Her amazing fosters—two people, two Goldens, and one Pom retriever—gave her a safe place to land and doted on her until she found her just-right forever family. Now, with two tween boys who adore her and a six-year-old Golden/Lab sister named Olive, it’s no wonder Birdie looks thrilled and ready to take on the world. | | | | |
Abby (Spritzer)12-142
Ashlee Johanns-Parmley
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Our sweet girl, Abby Cadabby crossed the rainbow bridge today (June 30th). She was part of the wine group and was formerly known as Spritzer. We received her from this rescue twelve years ago. She was the best dog I have ever known. Thank you GRR for letting us spoil her absolutely rotten.
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The Gold Ribbon Rescue newsletter is published monthly. Articles reflect the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect GRR policy. Gold Ribbon Rescue an its Editor(s) seek to publish accurate material, but neither assumes responsibility in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. | | | | | | |
