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Golden Tales brings you all the latest news from Gold Ribbon Rescue. |
| | A Message From Our President | | |
Hello friends,
I can’t believe the official start of summer is just a few weeks away. With the summer months comes the significant challenge Gold Ribbon Rescue (GRR) is facing and that is that we are struggling with where we can place dogs. We are seeing an increase in people needing to re-home their dogs for a variety of reasons, from no time to economic changes. We are also seeing more Goldens in shelters again. We want GRR to be the first option people look to when they need help with rehoming their dogs or when they see a Golden in a shelter.
We have many families who have applied to adopt as well as to foster, however they are going on vacation and are not available for a couple of weeks to a couple of months. We can’t bring in dogs unless we have a place for them to go. We must have foster families who are willing to bring in a dog without placing a list of conditions on what the dog must be or can’t do. We have many families who offer to help, but there are strings attached which makes it challenging in rescue because there are often many unknowns. We currently have four dogs in a boarding kennel and just had to turn away two dogs in shelters, and it hits hard when we have to say no. What we need are families who want to simply help Goldens in need by fostering or adopting, who are available for the summer and who will do some of the hard work with rescue dogs. If that is you, please visit our website to get the Foster Process started.
As education is part of our mission, we kicked off a monthly webinar series - 'The More You Know' - all geared to help you to be the best dog enthusiast you can be. We have partnered with See Spot Behave to offer these very informative webinars each month until the end of the year. We hope you are able to join us for some or all of them. Are you ready for a trip to the beach? Our Fun in the Golden Sun fundraising campaign just launched on May 30th. We are grateful for your support. All funds raised go directly to the expenses of dogs in GRR’s care.
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 July 19, 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.
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JOIN US AT THE BEACH!
Our annual Fun in the Golden Sun fundraiser for our beloved Goldens is in full swing and we need your help to make it a success. This year's goal is to raise $10,000.
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June 25th
6:30-8:00pm
Learn to better understand your dog and how they are communicating with you. Even the most subtle things can speak volumes.
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, July 16, 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: 233 361 920 048 2
Passcode: Ln6pZ2BV
Dial in by phone +1 689-206-0321
Phone conference ID: 579 436 693#
We hope to see you there!
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Why We Foster (And Why You Might Want to Too)
Rick Whittemore and Ernest Barrera
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We’ll be honest — we didn’t know what we were getting into when we started fostering for Gold Ribbon Rescue. We just knew that somewhere out there, a Golden needed a soft place to land. And we thought, why not us?
Of course, we had the same thoughts that most people do:
“I’ll get too attached.”
“What if it’s too much?”
“What if I mess it up?”
Spoiler alert: we did get attached. And it was a little messy sometimes. But we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Let’s talk about getting attached.
Yes, it’s hard to say goodbye. Every dog we’ve fostered has left their mark on us. But the truth is, they’re not ours to keep — they’re ours to love, to help heal, and to cheer on as they head to the forever home they’ve been waiting for. We cry every time. But they’re happy tears, because we know we played a part in something really meaningful. And every goodbye makes room for the next dog who needs us.
Is it a lot of responsibility? Sure.
But here’s the thing: Gold Ribbon Rescue gives us all the tools and support we need. We’re not doing this alone. We’re just providing love, routine, and a place to rest their paws. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a huge house or years of experience. You just need a heart big enough to care.
We were nervous too.
We had never done it before. But GRR walked us through every step — from that first home visit to the day our foster dog met their forever family. And with each dog, we’ve learned more and grown more confident. We’ve seen shy dogs come out of their shell, scared dogs learn to trust, and goofy dogs bring joy back into a home. And honestly? They’ve taught us more than we’ve taught them.
Fostering changes lives — theirs and yours.
If you’ve been thinking about it, take the leap. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time — it’ll never come. Just start with one dog. One moment. One chance to make a difference. We promise: it’s worth it.
Please Consider Becoming a Foster for Gold Ribbon Rescue. We Can't Do It Without You!
Listen to Rick and Ernest's podcast on fostering.
Learn more about becoming a foster for Gold Ribbon Rescue
For more information on fostering, please contact our Intake Director, Jacki.
| | Our New Arrivals - Welcome to Golden Ribbon Rescue! | |
25-045 Scarlet O’Hara is a 6-year-old retired breeding girl who has joined the GRR family with the assistance of our friend, Ashley, from whom we have received several Goldens recently. As is common with breeding Goldens, we have limited information or history on Scarlet O’Hara. Her interim foster home reports that Scarlet is a very affectionate Velcro dog. She did not want to sleep in a crate and convinced her foster family to let her sleep in their bedroom. Apart from some nighttime barking, she has been perfect. Once she was allowed out of the crate, she slept peacefully in the primary bedroom with everyone else, and the nighttime barking ceased. Scarlet is with her Foster-Hope-to-Adopt (FHTA) family and we are very happy that she will now be able to enjoy life as a GRR dog. | | | |
25-046 Teddy Ruxpin is a 1 to 2-year-old stray from the Rio Grande Valley. Teddy's finders weren't able to reunite him with his owners so they reached out to GRR for help. Teddy is settling in with his Foster-Hope-to-Adopt (FHTA) home and getting used to living inside. We look forward to hearing good things about him as he settles into his new life. | | | |
25-047 Roux is a 4-year-old Golden who was rehomed by her owner to GRR because her owner is moving into an assisted living apartment and, sadly, couldn't take Roux with him. She is a beautiful blonde Golden who is all heart and has beautiful, soulful eyes! Roux is learning new things, such as walking on a leash, while sharing the endless love she has for her humans. Roux loves human contact and is somewhat of a Velcro Golden; she wants to be near her people and she likes for you to hold her paw. Roux is settling in with her foster family. | | | |
25-048 Dixie is a 4 1/2-year-old who was rehomed because her previous owners felt that she needed a better life than what they could give her. Even though they have a busy household they believe Dixie really needs another younger, active dog in the home to help her live her best life. They struggled with this decision and ultimately felt GRR would be able to find the best family for Dixie. Dixie is in her foster home while we learn a little more about her. Welcome to GRR Dixie. | | | |
Please welcome our handsome youngster, 25-049 Stallone, a 1-ye much about Stallone as yet and we're looking forward to learning more about him as he settles in and learns to enjoy the indoor life. Stallone is at Dog Gone Tired Texas.
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25-050 Oakley is an adorable 5-month-old puppy who was rehomed to GRR because his owner is changing jobs, which will now require both she and her husband to work outside the home. They knew leaving a puppy home alone all that time was not a good idea, so they reached out to us. Oakley is a lively little guy who is learning so many new things that are so important for a puppy to know. He is with his foster family. Welcome to GRR little one!
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25-051 June is 19-months-old and was rehomed to GRR with her littermate 25-052 Spencer due to their owner’s upcoming move and inability to bring the dogs along. Due to the urgency of their intake and limited foster availability, June and Spencer are currently staying at Dog Gone Tired TX while we work on securing a longer-term foster solution.
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25-052 Spencer is 19-months-old and was rehomed to GRR with his littermate, 25-051 June, due to their owner’s upcoming move and inability to bring the dogs along. Due to the urgency of their intake and limited foster availability, June and Spencer are currently staying at Dog Gone Tired TX while we work on securing a longer-term foster solution.
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25-053 Honey Bee is 2 1/2-years-old true Golden gem. She was rehomed to GRR because her previous owner was struggling with managing her high energy and being able to provide the consistent structure and boundaries that are needed. We felt that it was best to have Honey Bee spend a few weeks with one of our preferred training partners to help her start to learn the ropes in a fear-free, force-free environment, which is required for a GRR dog. We are very excited for progress reports over the next few weeks. | | | |
A huge welcome to 25-054 Crockett, an almost 11-year-old, who has had significant change in his life. Very sadly, his owner passed away and neighbors were caring for him until they could place him with GRR. Crockett is truly the epitome of a Golden Retriever. He in with his foster family until we can find his next forever family. Crockett, your next chapter will be wonderful! | | | |
Another young beauty has joined the GRR family. Meet 1-year- old 25-055 Aurora. Her previous owner didn’t have the time Aurora needed to live her best life. She’s reported to be a total sweetheart who is a bit timid so she’ll need a family with a lot of patience who will help her build her confidence. In order to get Aurora into our care quickly, she is currently boarding at Dog Gone Tired TX while we look for a foster home. Welcome to GRR Aurora! | | | |
25-056 Elvis is a 2-year-old redhead who came to GRR at the end of May, so we don't know much about him yet. What a hunk of a handsome boy! He was found as a stray with no microchip, severe wounds and in rough shape. After attempts at finding an owner turned up empty, GRR was contacted. He will be going to a foster home and we are excited to learn more about him over the next few weeks. | | | | |
Kelly's Korner
by Kelly Topfer
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Who doesn’t have fun childhood memories of the Good Humor Man?!?! The ice cream truck that goes into the neighborhoods ringing his bell, kids and adults alike rushing to the truck for a cold sweet treat on a
hot summer night. Why shouldn’t our pups have the same fun with a cold sweet treat?
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Here is a VERY simple recipe:
- Get a Bundt pan or a Dixie cup or Solo cup.
- Put in some dog-safe fruits/vegetables.
- Fill the pan or cup with water and freeze.
- De-mold or cut the cup off and voila.
Sweet ice treats to keep them happy, cool and busy.
| | My Dreams Came True - I'm Adopted! | |
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Simba 25-037 (lion in Swahili) was adopted on May 1st by Alondra. The name really suits him: not only does he resemble a playful blond cub, he is now the object of everyone’s affection. Simba loves taking walks and sniffaris, making new friends (human and canine), and occasionally trying to jump into his grandmother’s lap. Cuddling plays an outsize role in his nighttime routine as well! Whether they are watching a movie or dreaming of their next big adventure together, Simba and his person are now family.
Congratulations to this family! Hakuna Matata Simba! You will now have no worries for the rest of your days!
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Boq 24-123, now Rio, was adopted on May 1st by Cassie and Bob, right after he was medically cleared for adoption. They love him so much and have waited a long time for this moment. Rio left a trail of hearts pining for him as he went through heartworm treatment and then an emergency hospitalization on Cassie’s birthday. But he knew just what to do to lift her spirits—make a full recovery—and nowadays he prepares to run by prancing joyfully around the house. He also doubles the snuggles at night by sleeping between his two favorite people. What a smart boy! We’re thrilled that Boq has found his forever family. | | | |
It is with great joy that we are announcing the adoption of Lilo, 25-038 on May 2nd to Bella and Ryan. Bella, Ryan, their children, Clayton and Leya, and resident dog Winter, their 8-year-old Great Pyrenees, are over-the-moon that Lilo is now a part of their home and family. Bella stated that Winter seems to have a renewed zest in the home with Lilo there and Clayton and Leya are play buddies for Lilo when Winter wants to just relax. As for Summer, the family tortoise, that will take a little longer, but all seems to be going smoothly. Congratulations to this awesome family! | | | |
We are delighted to announce that Viva 25-035 was adopted on May 6th by Jerry and Fawn. Viva was on a mission, and ready to find her forever home in which to spend the rest of her golden years. Her foster parents even got her all dazzled and dolled up for her big-time debut on the big screen on Fox 7 news as “Pet of the Week”! With all doggy toes crossed, Viva’s wish came true and she now has two loving parents who absolutely love her! Congratulations to this family and to you Viva! May you enjoy your golden years with endless cuddles and may you have easy days ahead full of joy. | | | |
It is our greatest pleasure to announce the adoption of Malone 25-009, now Kobee, on May 9th by Mary and Mark. Malone now has two awesome parents and a nice comfy home that he claims as his kingdom! This guy is so well loved, cared for, and is definitely spoiled. Congratulations to this adorable family! Enjoy your humans Kobee, and we cannot wait to see your future adventures! | | | |
Phoenix 25-040 was adopted on May 9th by Jim and Amanda. His family had adopted Cosmo (aka Jasper 24-033) exactly a year ago and they love Cosmo so much that they decided to come back to GRR to find a brother for him. Phoenix, now known as Rocket, is getting along great with his new family. Cosmo took Rocket for a little walk to show him his favorite spots; then they returned home to play. The Pipers said the pairing couldn't be more perfect. In fact, they were joking they should make it a yearly tradition to get a Mother's day dog. We couldn't be happier than Phoenix found his forever home with this wonderful couple and precious Cosmo. | | | |
This one feels extra special! Please join us in giving a warm welcome home to Monet 24-063, now known as Scout, who was officially adopted on May 11th by Tiffany and Jonathan. After a lengthy legal battle, Monet was returned to GRR and true to Golden fashion, she walked into her foster home and never missed a beat; tail wagging, heart open, and full of grace. Her new people are over-the-moon excited to finally have her home, and it's clear that this match was meant to be. Scout will thrive in her new environment, and we couldn't be happier for everyone involved. You are exactly where you belong and we know that you will have a fabulous life with your new family. | | | |
We are thrilled to announce that Luigi 25-019 was adopted on May 12th by Stephen and Stephanie. This incredibly adorable boy, with his fun-loving and enthusiastic personality, has found his forever home, and it's a special one! Luigi is now the third Gold Ribbon Rescue pup to join this amazing family of longtime GRR adopters. Luigi is off to a life filled with love, playtime, and Golden companionship. Congratulations to the new family. | | | |
Such excitement! Moonshine 25-031 was adopted on May 18th by Susan and Bernie. Moonshine now has two loving parents and a cozy home that he calls his “Furever Home.” Congratulations to Moonshine and family! Here’s to lots of zoomies in your backyard and plenty of doggo treats! | | | |
Sweet Louie 25-039, now Lou, was adopted on the May 22nd by the Megan. Lou is a playful, curious, and affectionate 1-year-old Golden who's always ready for an adventure—or a snuggle. He lights up at the sight of his leash, knowing it means time to explore and hunt for the perfect walking stick. He has a soft spot for tennis balls, belly rubs, and being as close to his people as is doggily possible. Lou’s new human is over-the-moon and couldn't be more excited to welcome this loving goofball into the family. Whether he's chasing a ball, picking up a "prized" stick, or melting into a cuddle, Lou is finally home and we know it's just the beginning of a beautiful bond and much joy. Congratulations Lou and Megan! | | | |
Sweet Bailey’s Irish Cream 25-021 is officially off the market! She was adopted on May 19th by Annisa and her daughter. This sweet girl was a breeding dog and had litters about twice a year until GRR swooped in and saved the day! Bailey is a bit more female-friendly and, it is safe to say, she’s in the perfect forever home! Bailey now has a human sister, two other human sisters who don't live in the home but visit often and a human mom. Bailey is living the dream! She loves her family and has learned to trust the affection from her people! Her funny habit is trying to drink water froom cups on the coffee table. Silly Bailey! Congrats to Bailey and her new forever family! | | | |
Milo 25-044 found his forever family with Todd on May 27th and they are overjoyed to welcome this joyful, wall-bouncing goofball into their home. Milo is known for his unique hobbies—like chasing light reflections and shadow gazing (with the occasional thud into a wall). He's made amazing progress on the leash and continues to charm everyone he meets with his friendly, happy-go-lucky personality. His new family says he's settling in beautifully; lounging like a pro, tail wagging nonstop, and flashing his signature Golden smile. Here's to many toy tosses, shadow staring contests, and tail-wagging adventures ahead. CongratulationsThey , Milo! | | | |
Congratulations to Roxy Sage 25-041 who was adopted on May 29th by Maribeth and Dave. They were so patient with her and she opened up to them and even asks for pets. Her sister, Lucy, who usually loves to power play, has been very mellow and is allowing Roxy to get used to her new home. It's as if she knows Roxy needs a little more time and love. Lucy is showing Roxy the cool places in the back yard and Roxy loves to lay in the yard near Lucy. Maribeth and Dave said the adoption went better than they imagined and are so in love with Roxy. Our heartfelt congratulations to the new family! | | | | Thoughts, Prayers and Remembrance | | | | |
Zion 19-027
Ransom 14-007
| | It is with great sadness that I am informing you of the passing of Zion 19-027. We adopted Zion from Gold Ribbon as a senior dog in April 2019 at the age of 8 years old. He was a wonderful Golden that enriched our lives for 6 years. As with many large breed dogs, hip dysplasia became so severe that he could no longer walk. With consultation with our vet and family, he was euthanized if February of this year. We've been without a Golden companion for several months and wish to adopt another from Gold Ribbon. | | My precious Ransom crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He came to me in 2018 From Gold Ribbon Rescue. He was a wonderful dog. Life is so sad without him. Yes, I will want another Golden. He was my third Golden. | | |
For many, our relationship with our animal companion, that true life partner who offers gentle, nonjudgmental presence during both good and bad times, is a key component in a quality life. Built over the years through games, walks, and moments of tenderness, that relationship includes both emotional and social dimensions that create a unique bond of connection and mutual understanding.
As a result, our animals become the custodian of our confidences, joys, and sorrows and their loss marks not only an ending, but also the beginning of a new personal chapter. Taken together, this process ultimately is a celebration of life, both the canine companions and ours, and the relationship that’s been fostered together.
However, in a society that often keeps aging and death at arm’s length, some people may not understand our devastation when our dog dies. They view a beloved pet’s decline and death as being “easy to get over” and may not understand our intense feelings of sadness and loss. Yet, this part of the life cycle is natural, important, and one to mark, both for our own peace of mind and for our dog.
Saying Goodbye
While death quietly hovers in the shadows as an aging animal companion becomes feebler, grief makes a full-fledged appearance when it comes time to euthanize a companion. This decision, which is one of the hardest an owner faces, is best navigated through keeping the beloved canine companion’s quality of life at the forefront of decision-making and partnering with a trusted veterinarian to identify the best available options.
Continue reading here.
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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. | | | | | | |
