Surrendered to NGRR in November 2022, Molly had been staying with a family member due to changes in life circumstances of her owner. Molly was inactive and not getting out of the house much, and we suspect, was eating the food of the other animals in the household. She was 4 years old and weighed 137 pounds when her owner, who loved her very much but could not give her the life she wanted her to have, gave Molly the gift of a chance at a better life by surrendering her to NGRR.

When we first met her, Molly had no interest in going for walks, due in part to all that extra weight she was carrying around. A wonderful family who had fostered for other rescue organizations but not previously for NGRR said they would be happy to foster her. The first stop was the vet for some basic bloodwork including a thyroid test, vaccines, and a prescription weight loss diet. Luckily, Molly’s overall health was good and her thyroid was normal, so her weight loss journey began in earnest.

Molly’s foster family includes two younger humans – ages 9 and 11 – and they walk to school every day. Guess who started walking with them? Yes, the dog who previously didn’t really want to leave the house! As Molly continued her walking, and walking, and walking for several months, the kids started throwing balls for her in the neighborhood park – and guess who ran after them? Right again – Molly! An observant foster parent eye saw a limp in a front paw when Molly was running, and we wanted to be sure she wasn’t in pain, since she loved chasing the ball so much. Soon, she was off to the vet for x-rays, and upon finding an old wrist/ankle injury that hadn’t healed correctly, she was referred to a surgeon who has worked with several NGRR dogs. The surgeon recommended a carpal/tarsal arthrodesis to repair Molly’s old injury, as the surgery would allow her to be able to continue her exercise and run after those balls as she wanted to do – without pain. In early June, Molly had the surgery, which unfortunately had some complications due to infections. Being a trooper though, Molly made it through and on August 3 was free from her giant boot and given the green light by the surgeon – yay, Molly!

Molly was officially adopted on October 1 by her loving foster and now forever family – the Comerfords. You may want to know that she most recently weighed in at 75 pounds – what a life-changing experience for Molly, and for her new family. Hey… you shouldn’t be chopping onions as you’re reading this newsletter (that would be the only possible explanation for the unexpected tear in your eye)!

We always say it takes a village – NGRR is so thankful for everyone involved in the process, and especially the foster families like Molly’s who are willing to take on a project and embrace a new family member (for a short period of time, or forever), the veterinarians who take such wonderful care of our dogs, and the families who entrust us with the care and placement of their beloved Goldens they no longer can care for – we volunteers love these dogs too and are so grateful to help find them a loving, forever home. 

These girls are ready for their forever home together. They are not our usual combination, but Kiki is an 8 year old Golden Retriever and Shelby is an 11 year old mix (German Shepherd/Lab/Chow/SuperMutt) through DNA testing. Kiki is on a diet because she weighs 77 lbs. with a recommended weight of 65 lbs. Shelby is 67 lbs. and a perfect weight. The girls have seen a vet regularly and had a wellness physical on October 3.

Both girls have beautiful personalities, know basic commands, sleep on beds, and are house-trained. They walk well on the leash and behave when meeting dogs and people on their walks. They are supposed to be good with cats. Both love to give kisses even when you are grooming. Shelby is not a fan of the vet and her previous owner recommended she be muzzled. She was wary and very nervous but did not growl or try to bite the vet. They have adjusted to their foster home and are currently in San Jose.

Please contact NGRR if you would like to meet these girls!

Let's be honest - we all love seeing photos of Goldens. Here are some of the current NGRR dogs and some alumni who have crossed our paths this year. Which one(s) are your favorites?

It’s getting to be that time of the year when you may be thinking about buying yourself, or someone else you like, a gift! We have a lot of goodies in the NGRR Store – we have a cozy fleece blanket, fleece vests (blue, black, and green), green embroidered hoodies, baseball hats, stainless water bottles, tumblers, bandanas, etc. Most importantly, get your 2024 NGRR calendar, featuring our adopted dogs and your Feliz Naughty Dog tote bags (embroidered by our amazing volunteer Kathy)! 

Hugo says he loves his big fluffy bed, his broccoli toy, and most of all, his new family! Check out all the NGRR pups on social media! Visit us on Facebook and Instagram (links below).

Giving Tuesday is November 28, 2023 - a great day to donate to NGRR!