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As we move into the dog days of summer, there is plenty of excitement happening at NRGRR! We have an important final call to action for our 2027 Calendar Contest, along with an exciting new event that is in the early planning stages. Both opportunities highlight what makes our community so special: the incredible support, enthusiasm, and love you continue to show for our Golden-hearted dogs.
Today, July 31, is your last chance to vote in our 2027 Calendar Contest! If you've been waiting to vote or have been meaning to ask family and friends to support your favorite photo, now is the time. We are within reach of our ambitious $25,000 fundraising goal, but we need one final push to get there. Every vote helps provide lifesaving medical care, rehabilitation, and a second chance for the Golden-hearted dogs who depend on us. If everyone who loves NRGRR takes a few minutes to vote and spread the word today, we can finish strong. Thank you to everyone who has entered photos, voted, shared the contest, and cheered on their favorite pups. Your support truly makes a difference.
I'm also excited to give you an early preview of something we've just begun planning. Thanks to the generosity of one of our adopters, we're working to bring you Pup with the Cup, a chance to have your dog photographed with the 2026 Stanley Cup following the Carolina Hurricanes' championship season! Our current target is Friday, September 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Trophy Brewing Co.'s Maywood Hall location. Please note that the date, time, and event details are still being finalized.
As plans come together, we'll share complete event information on the NRGRR website and social media channels. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a fun and memorable day while supporting rescue dogs in need.
Thank you for your continued support of NRGRR. Together, we're changing lives, one Golden-hearted dog at a time.
With gratitude,
Scott Kennedy
NRGRR Board President
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2026 Statistics
through 7/31/26
94 Dogs Rescued
44 Dogs in Rehab
86 Dogs Adopted
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Congratulations to these dogs finding their furever home in June and July
- Albania Henry
- Aly
- Cece
- Clayton
- Dimitri
- Draper
- Enrique
- Felix
- Isadora
- Ivan
- Jedi
- Justine
- Kylie
- Loren
- Margaux
- Martin
- Marty
- Neal
- Niko
- Prince
- Reef
- Roddy
- Sapphire
- Saylor
- Susie
- Tiffany
- Turkey Kopuk
- Viking
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NRGRR 2026 Events
September 12th - 4th Annual Gears for Goldens Bike event - The Plant, Pittsboro.
October 3rd - 11 am - 6 pm -Falling for Local 2026! - The big field at Dix Park, Raleigh
December 19th - Santa photos - Raleigh Brewing
And don't forget you can visit us the first and third Saturday of every month at our Meet and Greets. NOTE: There will not be a Meet and Greet July 4th.
Visit our Events web page for more information about our events. Stay tuned as more events are being planned for 2026!
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Last Chance to Vote!
Voting closes at 9:00pm!
Vote now to make sure your favorite is in the top 12!
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Today—Friday, July 31—is the final day to vote in the 2027 NRGRR Calendar Contest!
We're within reach of our $25,000 fundraising goal, but we need one final push to get us across the finish line.
Every vote helps Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue provide lifesaving medical care, rehabilitation, foster care, and second chances for Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and golden-hearted dogs in need.
Vote for your favorite dog—or vote for them all! The top 12 vote-getters will be featured on the monthly pages of our 2027 calendar, and every dog entered will appear in the calendar.
Please don't wait! Cast your votes, share the contest with your family and friends, and help us finish strong. Together, we can reach our $25,000 goal and save more lives.
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Get ready to ride for a golden cause!
Registration is NOW OPEN for our 4th Annual Gears for Goldens!
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4th Annual Gears for Goldens Needs You
Registration is open for Gears for Goldens on September 12 in Pittsboro, NC-—but right now, our biggest need is volunteers! We're looking for friendly helpers to assist with event setup and cleanup to make the day a success. If you ride, invite your cycling friends to register. If you don't ride, we'd love to have you volunteer. Please share with family and friends—every helping hand makes a difference for Golden Retrievers in need and a tail-wagging success!
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Register to ride or sign up to volunteer at nrgrr.org/bike.
Let’s ride, volunteer, and make tails wag together!
| | | Summer Splash Makes a Splash! | | |
NRGRR's Annual Summer Splash Dog Swim at Montague Lake on June 28 was a wonderful day of fun, fellowship, and fundraising! During our three-hour event, we welcomed 186 people and 136 dogs. While Golden Retrievers were well represented, we loved seeing so many other breeds enjoying the water, chasing tennis balls, and making new friends.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, raffle donors, and attendees, Summer Splash raised more than $4,000 to help rescue and care for dogs in need.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizations and businesses that supported the event: Triangle Canine Club, Binky & Bell, Gold North State, and Bark & Mane, who generously donated nail trims to benefit NRGRR. We're also grateful to the Teen Core of Cary for their hard work providing dog washes throughout the afternoon.
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Most importantly, thank you to our incredible volunteers who planned, organized, and worked the event. Your hard work made Summer Splash a tremendous success, and we couldn't have done it without you!
Be sure to check out the event photos captured by Rachel Boat and Jay O'Connor, who did a wonderful job preserving all the happy moments from the day.
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Blarney was born to be a therapy dog. Even as a puppy, he was drawn to people young and old alike. He had a style all his own and everyone loved him. Blarney brought smiles to sad faces, love to those who felt forgotten and was a gentle distraction to those who endured physical pain. He was honored for his work with an induction into the NC Veterinary Animal Hall of Fame.
In his memory and in conjunction with Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, Blarney's Fund has been established to ensure that rescued golden retrievers with serious medical issues receive the medical care necessary to find their forever homes.
| | Milestones That Matter: Celebrating Our Special Needs Goldens | | |
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Some birthdays mean a little more.
In April, Sweetwater (aka Lucy) celebrated her 7th birthday, and just recently, Greyson (aka Trooper) turned 3 years old.
To most people, they're simply birthday milestones. To us, they're celebrations of hope, exceptional care, and the generosity that made these moments possible.
Both Lucy and Trooper were diagnosed with liver shunts when they were just puppies, a serious congenital condition that often carries an uncertain future.
Through dedicated medical management, regular monitoring, special diets, medications, and the unwavering commitment of their foster families, these incredible dogs have not only survived—they've thrived. They've lived far beyond what many would have expected, filling their families' lives with love, laughter, and countless happy memories.
Their birthdays remind us that every extra day is a gift, but those gifts come at a cost. Dogs with complex medical conditions require ongoing care that can continue for years.
That's why Blarney's Fund is so important. It helps ensure that dogs with extraordinary medical needs receive the treatment they deserve—not just to survive, but to enjoy birthdays, adventures, and the happy lives every dog should have.
When you donate to Blarney's Fund, you're doing more than helping pay medical bills. You're helping create more birthday celebrations like Lucy's and Trooper's. You're giving special-needs dogs the chance to grow older, make memories with their families, and prove that a diagnosis doesn't have to define their future.
Please consider making a gift to Blarney's Fund today. Together, we can celebrate many more birthdays.
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Meet Bear!
3 years old
some dogs
some kids
medium energy
good on leash
fence required
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From guardian bear to teddy bear
Meet Bear (a.k.a. your personal 70-lb security system with fur)
Bear looks like the approachable golden boy of the dog park, but don’t be fooled — he’s running a strictly members-only club. Bear is a guardian breed, which means he takes his job very seriously. Strangers? Suspicious. Random visitors? Hard pass. Door-to-door salespeople? Absolutely not. He is significantly more effective than a “No Soliciting” sign and much fluffier than a security camera.
But here’s the twist: once Bear decides you’re one of his people, he becomes a completely different dog. Suddenly this intimidating house protector turns into a goof, belly-rub addict, toy enthusiast, and giant cuddle bug who thinks 70 pounds is an appropriate lap size.
Bear’s personality highlights include:
- Professional house security guard
- Belly rub connoisseur
- Suspicious of strangers but a total mush with his people
- Very smart and ready to learn
Important note from Bear’s HR department: Crates are a hard no. Bear is claustrophobic and will absolutely not be participating in any “tiny room with bars” activities. He prefers free-roaming or being contained in a room like the respected security professional he is. A fenced yard to patrol is just a part of the job. Bear plays with other dogs outside, and can hang out with other dogs inside with some management. He cannot share food or bones with another dog (or have food or bones lying around that could start conflict).
Because Bear takes his guardian duties seriously, he’s looking for a low-traffic, adults-only home (teenagers okay) that understands guardian breeds. Think “peaceful home with a loyal protector,” not “open house with a revolving door of visitors.”
In summary:
Bear is not here to be everybody’s friend. Just yours. He’s here to be your fiercely loyal, toy-loving, belly-rub-demanding best friend. And that’s worth protecting him from strangers.
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We welcomed three new friends from Albania at the beginning of July. We need to raise $4,200 to cover care and transport costs. Helen, Hannah, and Gilda need sponsors and donations to help them on their journey to a better life. It's a big goal, but we know that together, we can make it happen.
Meet our three Golden friends!
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Helen: Helen was found by dog rescue volunteers in Albania, hungry and thirsty, and no one responded to the lost-dog posts. She is an affectionate, humble girl who recovered well in shelter care. Helen is ready to come to the US to make a lucky family very happy. We need help to pay for her vet care, airline crate, and the airline excess baggage fee!
Hannah: Sweet Hannah was found in a remote area near Durres, Albania, by volunteers doing a Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release program to manage the stray dog population. We don't know why she was dumped there, but our rescue partners took her in for us. Hannah has been vaccinated and spayed, and has even attended events in Albania with her rescuers there to support animal welfare! We need your help to give this delightful girl her chance at the good life.
Gilda: Gilda's path to a home has been a long one. We knew about her a few years ago because she was living with her mom (a cute blond street dog, dad was a purebred golden) in a shelter in Lushnja, Albania. Her mom was totally bonded with Gilda and was very distressed if Gilda was separated from her. Since there were few adoptions, this mother-daughter pair continued to live in the shelter. Sadly, Gilda's mom recently passed away. But this opened the door for Gilda to have a new life in a home of her own.
Help us save these deserving dogs by supporting international rescue -https://www.goldenrescuenc.org/international-rescue
For more information reach out to international@nrgrr.org
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Yes, I am ignoring you
We often hear trainers say, “Reinforce desired behavior, ignore unwanted behavior.” In dog training, it is common practice to ignore unwanted behavior in order to encourage positive actions.
But what does that actually mean? Can we really ignore unwanted behavior? Is that a practical approach? What does it look like? How do we operationalize it? So many questions! Click the link below to find out more about this training technique and how to implement it.
Ignoring unwanted behavior
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It Takes A Village!
Meet Our Unsung Heroes of Rescue
It takes more than fosters to save a dog! It also takes another "behind the scenes" NRGRR Village to make sure the work of our rescue gets done.
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Every rescue has a story, but some begin thousands of miles from North Carolina.
NRGRR's International Rescue Team, led by Julie Rigby, works tirelessly behind the scenes to give Golden Retrievers from around the world a second chance. Through partnerships with rescue organizations in other countries, the team helps dogs facing uncertain futures make the journey to safety and, ultimately, loving forever homes.
Bringing a dog across international borders is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. The International Rescue Team coordinates every step of the journey—from working with overseas rescue partners and arranging international flights to completing extensive CDC and import documentation required for entry into the United States. They also organize ground transportation once the dogs arrive, ensuring each one safely reaches its foster home.
The team's work extends beyond logistics. They keep our supporters informed by sharing rescue updates, celebrating successful arrivals, and introducing these remarkable dogs to the NRGRR family. Their stories remind us of the incredible impact that compassion and collaboration can have across continents.
International rescues also require significant financial support. From transportation costs to veterinary care and travel expenses, these missions are only possible because of generous donors who believe every Golden deserves a chance, no matter where they were born.
Thanks to Julie Rigby's leadership and the dedication of the International Rescue Team, countless Goldens have traded uncertainty for security, fear for hope, and hardship for the loving homes they deserve.
Their commitment proves that while distance may separate us, compassion knows no borders.
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Just this side of Heaven is a place called
Rainbow Bridge
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NRGRR has resurrected its beloved Rainbow Bridge webpage. Our Rainbow Bridge pages are tributes to the incredible animals we have loved and lost and who changed our lives. The tributes on these pages are stories of loyalty and compassion and of the rescued goldens who conquered their past lives and came out the other side.
We would be honored to post your tribute and photo of your NRGRR alum, no matter what year they crossed the bridge. Email your picture, story and year they crossed the bridge to rainbowbridge@nrgrr.org.
| | 💛 Golden Hearts Club Giving Program 💛 | | |
Help Save Goldens with Just $5 a Month!
Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue (NRGRR) is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and adopting golden retrievers in need. But with the rising cost of veterinary care, our ability to save these beloved dogs is at risk.
We’re asking 500 golden-hearted supporters to donate just $5 a month to ensure we can continue our lifesaving work. Your small monthly gift will help cover the medical costs of the dogs who need us the most.
💛 Why It Matters:
🐾 Medical Care is Our Biggest Expense – 86% of our funds go directly to veterinary treatment.
🐾 Adoption Fees Aren’t Enough – They cover less than half of the cost to care for each dog.
🐾 More Goldens Need Help – Each year, more goldens come into our program with serious medical needs. We want to continue to help these dogs.
Our dedicated volunteers give their time, homes, and hearts to these wonderful dogs—but love alone won’t cover their medical bills. By joining The Golden Hearts Club Monthly Giving Program, you’ll ensure that every Golden Retriever who comes to us gets the care they deserve. Just $5 a month can change a dog’s life!
Be One of the 500 Golden Hearts💛! Donate today and help us continue our mission: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/GoldenHeartsClub
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We’re thrilled to announce that our Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue community is now on LinkedIn! By following us on LinkedIn, you’ll stay up-to-date with our latest rescue stories, volunteer opportunities, events, and ways to support our mission.
Expanding to LinkedIn allows us to reach a broader audience of supporters, professionals, and potential sponsors who share our passion for giving golden retrievers a second chance. Your support on LinkedIn can help raise awareness, build connections, and ultimately, find loving homes for more rescued goldens!
Together, we’re making a golden difference, one wag at a time. Thank you for being such a vital part of our rescue family!
| | | We invite you to join the Golden Guardian Legacy Society. Through simple planning today, your gifts will make a difference to Golden Retrievers for years to come. A legacy gift offers you the opportunity to combine your charitable interest in NRGRR with estate planning options that often feature favorable financial and tax benefits. To join this elite group of Golden Guardians or for information please contact our legacy society manager at legacysociety@nrgrr.org or calling 919-676-7144 and leave a message. | | | |
YOU can give a Golden Future to Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue!
One of the best ways to support Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue is to make a donation through your Required Minimum Distribtion (RMD) from your retirement plans. Everyone has a different retirement portfolio but using your RMD to make a charitable gift not only benefits the organization you love (Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue) it saves you from paying taxes on these funds. If you do not need all of your RMD as income, it is a win/win! How does it work? Thanks to Charity
Navigator here is a short and sweet explanation.
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Donating Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
You cannot keep money in your retirement plan(s) indefinitely. Once you reach retirement, you will need to withdraw money from these funds annually. This is a great opportunity to begin or grow your philanthropic giving. This brief overview will explain Required Minimum Distributions and how to donate yours to charity. The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the smallest amount account holders must withdraw from retirement plans each year once they reach retirement. If you fail to meet your RMD, the amount not withdrawn will be taxed at 50%. If you have an RMD on your own account or an inherited account and you do not need the funds, donating to charity is a great option. Your required withdrawal will be included in your taxable income and cannot be rolled into other tax-deferred accounts. However, donating your RMD
is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). Tax benefits aside, earmarking this income for charity is a great way to begin or expand your giving portfolio to support the causes you care about.
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You may be able to support NRGRR
just by going to work!
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Does your employer offer company matching for non-profits? It may be through direct donations you make or maybe they donate based on your volunteer hours. By designating NRGRR, you can double your financial support to our mission of rescue, rehab, adopt! Below are just a few of the companies that offer some kind of matching gift and/or volunteer hours. Ask your Human Resources department if your company offers this and double your gift to help us save more dogs.
- Apple – gift matching and volunteer grants
- CarMax - gift matching and volunteer grants
- Cisco - gift matching and volunteer grants
- GlaxoSmithKline - gift matching
- Home Depot - gift matching
- Lenovo - gift matching and volunteer grants
- LexisNexis - gift matching
- Merck - gift matching and volunteer grants
- NetApp - gift matching
- Red Hat - gift matching
- Target - volunteer grants
- Verizon Wireless - gift matching and volunteer grants
- Wells Fargo - gift matching and volunteer grants
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Easy Ways to Support NRGRR
United Way - During United Way's Fundraising Campaign you may have the option to designate NRGRR as the recipient of your donation. Check with your campaign chairperson to find out!
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Join our Pack Walk
Tuesdays and Thursdays at the NC Museum of Art
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We gather at the lovely red steel structure between the two NC Museum of Art parking lots that face Blue Ridge Road. We start off by walking in circles to get the dogs prepped to walk. With the weather heating up we start at 9:00 am and we should finish at 10:00 am.
For more information contact Gail at gaildipreta13@gmail.com
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Capital Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Partners with NRGRR
| | Capital Chrysler Jeep Dodge's partnership with Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue is more than just a collaboration; it's a shared commitment to making a difference. With every vehicle sold, a portion of the sale contributes directly to the rescue's ongoing efforts. Join us on this journey as we aim to make a positive impact in the lives of golden retrievers and the families who welcome them. | | Ask for Dubbs when shopping for your next vehicle at Capital CJD! | | |
Retriever Pressure Washing
Partners with NRGRR
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Retriever Pressure Washing is a locally owned and operated pressure washing and soft washing service in Raleigh, North Carolina. They offer professional cleaning for various surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences, house exteriors, and commercial properties. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and high-quality results.
Retriever Pressure Washing partners with Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, donating a portion of their revenue to support dogs in need, reflecting their love for retrievers and commitment to the community.
| | NRGRR is now a partner of CARS | |
CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps thousands of nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada increase their fundraising and acquire new contributors through turn-key vehicle and real estate donation programs. Since 2003, CARS has returned more than $300 million to their partners! | | We have all heard or seen the advertising by nonprofits to donate your car to charity. CARS accepts all vehicles (running or not) including cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, and most other motorized vehicles. CARS also has a real estate donation program. | | Creating a fundraiser for NRGRR is super easy. Just click the link below and adjust a few details and you're all set. Share it with your friends and encourage them to help you raise money on Facebook. | | |
Thank you to the following Facebook Fundraisers for June and July.
Courtney's Birthday fundraiser
Brittany's Birthday fundraiser
| | Share this newsletter on Facebook | | | Follow us on social media | | |
We hope you enjoy the Rescue Ranger! You may receive this edition more than once as we strive to not leave anyone out. You can always email questions or concerns to us at: rescueranger@nrgrr.org.
Are you finding our emails going to your spam folder or promotions tab? If so, add communications@nrgrr.org and rescueranger@nrgrr.org to your contacts.
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NRGRR is a 501(c)(3) organization in North Carolina that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of Golden Retrievers in need. The organization advocates responsible pet ownership, community education, and protection of all dogs. | | | | |
