Making Progress!
Progress continues on our Fund-A-Cause project that involves many improvements around our Special Care Unit. This week rubber mulch was delivered and spread out on the newly leveled play yard and fencing is being installed. More cement is being poured for the walkways.
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Dine & Donate Event
DVGRR has been invited to participate in a Dine & Donate event at Dooney's Pub in Delran, NJ. This event takes place on Thurs., Sept. 24th from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
If dining in, simply be sure to mention DVGRR to your server or bartender. Staff will collect and label your receipt, and Dooney's Pub will donate 15% of the sale to DVGRR.
Dooney's is located at: 1361 Fairview Blvd. Delran, NJ (just over the Delaware River, northeast of Philadelphia).
For takeout orders: Place your order online through the website at www.dooneyspub.com and note DVGRR in the comment section.
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Continuing the Journey Seminar:
Only 4 Spots Left, Save Your Space Now
Understanding, Supporting, and Rehabilitating Fearful and Traumatized Dogs
Join us for an in-depth, full-day seminar focused on working with fearful, people-fearful, and socially neglected dogs. This special seminar blends science, practical skills, and real-world application, and it is an expanded version of a seminar presented by DVGRR’s Lisa Jagielski and Heather Hatt at the Humane World for Animals Animal Care Expo in 2019.
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Date: Sat., Sept. 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: DVGRR's Adoption & Activity Center
Cost: $100.00, includes coffee, water, snacks, full lunch plus handout materials
Capacity: Limited to 40 participants
What We'll Cover
The seminar will walk you through the full journey of supporting fearful dogs, including:
• The science behind fear and behavior
• Intake processes for people-fearful dogs
• Creating safe, low-stress environments
• Safety protocols to prevent escape
• Safe handling techniques
• Leash acclimation for fearful dogs
• Reducing stress during grooming and vet visits
• Enrichment strategies for emotional well-being
• Building trust, confidence, and resilience
• Rehabilitation plans and documenting/assessing progressions and regressions
• Proper setups for kennels, foster homes, and adoptive homes
Click here to register.
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Pet CPR & First Aid Class
DVGRR will host a CPR and first aid class, offered by Paws N Claws 911, Tom Rinelli. This class will offer hands-on skill practice for:
- Emergency Muzzling/Restraint
- Vital Signs Assessment
- CPR
- Choking Managment
- Bleeding Control
- Shock Managment
As well as information about medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and safety and wellness.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 | 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. at DVGRR's Adoption & Activity Center
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We've hosted this class previously, and it sold out quickly!
Registration is $65.00/person and includes handbook, emergency muzzle, and certificate. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Click here to register and scroll to the DVGRR date (11/15/26). Select "Book Now" (Note: You may have to use the calendar picker to activate the registration form.)
Any questions about the class and/or registration should be directed to: tom@pawsnclaws911.com
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Pet Loss Support Group
A pet loss support group will be held at St. John's Reformed Church, 4001 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring. The next meeting will be held in the church's fellowship hall on Mon., Sept. 7, 2026, starting at 6:45 p.m. Sessions are led by Dr. Becky Frank, DVM, associate veterinarian with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Dr. Frank is also certified in Thanatology (death, loss, grief, and bereavement). The program entails six different sessions and participants may join at any time. Visit: www.stjohnsss.org/pet-loss
This group is open to the public and is offered at no charge. Questions should be directed to office@stjohnsss.org. Please also RSVP to that email if you are planning to attend. Parking is located behind the church, and the fellowship hall is on the lower level.
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Seeing Eye Human Class
One of our adopters, Bethlynne Vanella, who adopted Mocha, a blind dog (pictured), recently hosted a class for those with blind dogs. Everyone learned from the experience, so she will be offering another session. Please email Bethlynne for future dates and times (bethlynnev@yahoo.com)
| | | Because of the holiday, we won't be sending a Golden News email next. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. | |
Fall Fundraiser Reunion: Sat., Oct. 24th:
Join the Campout Fun!
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Join us for a tail-wagging adventure at our DVGRR Rescue Reunion Campout! Gather around the campfire with fellow alumni families, volunteers, and friends for a day filled with food, games, laughter, and Golden memories.
Enjoy delicious camp-inspired food, exciting raffles, fun-filled games for dogs and humans, and our crowd-favorite costume contest where campers and canines can show off their best outdoor, camping, or hilarious themed attire. From wagging tails to woodland trails, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable reunion celebration.
Whether your pup is a happy camper, wilderness explorer, or chief treat inspector, come celebrate the joy of rescue, friendship, and the amazing dogs that bring us all together. Grab your flannel, pack your sense of adventure, and join us for a paws-itively fun day at camp!
Hey puppy adopters:
If your dog was born at DVGRR, please let us know that when you RSVP and also let us know the name of the mother. We'd like to get as many littermates together as possible.
It's not to early to RSVP or sponsor this event. Sponsorships include:
- Bark Ranger Sponsor ($500.00)
- Pack Leader Sponsor ($250.00)
- Trail Buddy Sponsor ($100.00)
- Camp counselor Sponsor ($25.00)
Click here to become a sponsor.
Thanks to our current sponsors:
Bark Ranger:
Pat Kermes - In honor of Pearl & Sophia
Pack Leader:
Cliff & Heidi Torban: In honor of every past & present DVGRR adopter, and the staff that helped make it happen.
Lynn Campbell – In honor of our beautiful Bella Grace who has filled our lives with love!
Trail Buddy:
Teresa Weaver – In honor of Elias Weaver
Glenn & Robin Wenger -- In memory of our handsome boy Bear-Bear
Brian and Jessica Rudi – In memory of Barley Hops Rudi
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New Bark on the Block
Bravely is a cute little Doodle who came into DVGRR as a former breeding dog. She can be leery of new people at first, even barking at them, but once she gets to know you, she is a real sweetheart. This 6-year-old girl is fine meeting other dogs and being around them on leash but does get overly jealous of attention from people, so she will need to be the only dog in a new home. Once she warms up, she really shows her energy and she has some spunk. She will chase toys and really enjoys play of any sort. According to her previous owner, she enjoys watching TV.
| Bravely does heavily limp on her one back leg, although it doesn’t really slow her down, so we are still looking into the cause of that. | | |
Please consider a donation to our Cody Medical Fund to help offset the veterinary needs of dogs in the program. Click here to donate.
Please be sure to visit our Available Dogs page and learn about each of these dogs that's waiting for a new home.
Not every dog that is available for adoption will be featured on our website. Sometimes, we can match dogs to prospective adopters very quickly, so you won't see those dogs on the site. If you are interested in adopting a dog, be sure to visit the Adoption section of our website and complete an Adoption Application to be considered.
PA Kennel License #2291
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Canine Health: Kidney Problems
As in humans, kidneys in dogs work as filters, keeping certain substances in balance and removing waste as urine. They also play a part in maintaining proper blood pressure and aiding in calcium metabolism. When kidneys fail to function properly, toxins build up in the bloodstream.
Acute kidney failure results from ingesting toxins like certain foods, medications, antifreeze, etc. It can also be caused by infection and urinary obstruction. On the other hand, chronic kidney disease develops over time and is much harder to determine a specific cause. It typically affects older dogs and may be linked to another underlying illness or an inherited condition. It's important to note that one of the main causes of kidney failure in dogs comes from dental disease!
According to pets.webmd.com, symptoms of kidney disease include:
- Change in water consumption and volume of urine produced
- Decreased or lost appetite, vomiting
- Listlessness, lethargy
- Weight loss
- Chemical breath odor and/or mouth ulcers
- Blood in urine
- Pale gums
- Drunk-like stumbling
If your dog exhibits these or any combination of these, be sure to see your vet ASAP. Beginning treatment of kidney disease in its earliest phase is critical.
When it comes to prevention, be certain to keep all possible poisonous substances out of your dog's reach and always supervise your dog when outside. Never give over-the-counter medications unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet. Make sure your dog has plenty of water and be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene include teeth cleaning.
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