|
What a month it has been for NRGRR! September brought us two wonderful events, the Stanley Cup & Pup and Gears for Goldens, and together they raised more than $30,000 to support the dogs in our program. That is an incredible accomplishment, and it is a testament to what our NRGRR community can do when we come together for the dogs we love.
While we celebrate the success of these events, I especially want to recognize the volunteers who worked so hard behind the scenes to make them happen. From planning and organizing to setting up, staffing, cleaning up and everything in between, these events take countless hours and a tremendous amount of dedication. Much of that work happens quietly and often without recognition.
Please know that it makes a difference.
Every hour you spend volunteering helps provide the medical care, rehabilitation, transportation and other support our dogs need on their journey to their forever homes. The money raised at these events directly impacts dogs who may have nowhere else to turn. Your time and effort truly become part of their rescue story.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make these events such a success, as well as everyone who attended, donated and supported NRGRR along the way. We could not do this without you!
And there is more excitement ahead! Our 2027 NRGRR calendars will be arriving soon. Keep an eye on our homepage and store for information on when they are available to purchase. You can also save on shipping by picking one up at an upcoming NRGRR event or Meet & Greet.
Thank you for everything you do for NRGRR and, most importantly, for the dogs. Together, we continue to make a difference, one dog at a time!
With gratitude,
Scott Kennedy
NRGRR Board President
| | |
2026 Statistics
through 9/30/26
112 Dogs Rescued
41 Dogs in Rehab
102 Dogs Adopted
| |
Congratulations to these dogs finding their furever home in August and September
- Adonis
- Agatha
- Albania Gilda
- Albania Hannah
- Cynthie
- Felicity
- George
- Kellyanne
- Kosovo Kaspar
- Leonardo
- Niro
- Reuben
- Roo
- Tommy
- Wonder
| | |
NRGRR 2026 Events
November 21st - Raleigh Christmas Parade - Downtown Raleigh
December 1st - Giving Tuesday
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!
| | |
SAVE THE DATE!
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is coming!
November 21st, 2026
Mark your calendars and get ready for a day full of holiday cheer, fun, and Golden smiles!
More details coming soon—stay tuned!
| | | Stanley Cup & Pup: A Golden Day to Remember | | |
On September 4, the Stanley Cup came to Raleigh, and hundreds of Canes fans, families and four-legged friends gathered at Trophy Brewing’s Maywood Hall for an unforgettable afternoon benefiting Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue.
Stanley Cup & Pup was made possible by Carolina Hurricanes Assistant Coach Jeff Daniels and his wife, Jennifer, who chose to use their time with the Stanley Cup to give back to NRGRR. Their connection to our rescue made the day even more special. Their daughter, Jordan, adopted Penny from our Bourbon Litter last summer, making the Daniels family part of the NRGRR family.
We are incredibly grateful to Trophy Brewing for hosting us, Celtic Creamery for providing delicious treats for people and pups, and Moore Printing and Graphics for helping with our event materials. And a huge thank you to our amazing NRGRR volunteers who worked tirelessly in the heat to manage the event, help attendees and dogs, take photos and keep everything running smoothly. We could not have done it without you!
Relive the Day
We captured some wonderful memories, and Jennifer Daniels also shared a special look at the day. Check them out!
| |
Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Goal
Thanks to everyone who attended and donated, we are nearly at our goal of raising $10,000! Every additional gift will help provide the veterinary care, rehabilitation and support our dogs need on their journey to forever homes.
| | Thank you to everyone who helped make Stanley Cup & Pup such a memorable day. From the Daniels family and our event partners to our volunteers, donors, attendees and pups, you helped turn a special opportunity into something that will make a lasting difference for dogs in need. | |
2027 Calendars Coming Soon!
Our 2027 NRGRR calendars will be on sale soon! Keep an eye out for them in the NRGRR Store by early next week. They’ll also be available at our Meet & Greets, beginning with our October 17 Meet & Greet at Johnson Subaru.
They make great gifts and are a wonderful way to support NRGRR throughout the year.
| |
|
| |
No Tricks ... Just Treats Meet and Greet!
Join NRGRR, and other rescues, October 17th at Johnson Subaru in Cary for their Annual Howl-oween Pawty!!!
We'll be there from 10:00 - 12:00 so come on out and enjoy the morning with us and pick up your 2027 calendar while you’re there!
| | | | |
That’s a wrap on the 4th Annual
Gears for Goldens 2026!
| | |
|
On September 12th in Pittsboro, NC, we celebrated another amazing year with 233 registered riders—our largest turnout to date! Perfect weather, happy riders, and our wonderful Golden Ambassadors made the day extra special.
A huge THANK YOU to every rider, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who helped make this year’s ride such a success. Your support makes a difference for Goldens in need!
And a special shout-out to our amazing volunteers who captured so many wonderful moments throughout the day! We’re excited to share these photos with you and relive all the smiles, miles, and Golden moments.
Until next year… keep those wheels spinning and tails wagging!
| |  | | |
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.
| | |
The Power of Networking:
How Cherie found her way to NRGRR
| | |
Sometimes, it truly takes a village to save a dog—and Cherie is the perfect example of the power of networking, persistence, and people who simply refuse to give up.
Cherie is a 6-month-old Golden Retriever who was purchased by a family but soon developed a troubling problem: urine leakage. Her owners sought help at Mississippi State Vet School, but despite their efforts, they were unable to get a definitive diagnosis. Cherie also has a small kidney, adding another concern to an already complicated situation.
When her owners realized they were unable to manage her medical needs, they agreed to surrender her to a veterinary hospital in Mississippi. The wonderful team at Sumrall Animal Clinic stepped in and continued working to help this sweet puppy.
But finding Cherie a rescue home proved to be another challenge. Liz, at Sumrall, reached out to rescues in hopes of finding someone willing to take on this little girl's medical mystery. Sadly, there were no takers. But Liz wasn't ready to give up. She reached out to former coworkers at a veterinary hospital in Utah, hoping someone might know of a rescue willing to help.
That connection led to a rescue in Colorado. But once again, there was no room for Cherie. Another connection was made and a rescue in Utah suggested reaching out to Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue.
And, of course, our answer was 𝐘𝐄𝐒!
Suddenly, the networking chain that had stretched from Mississippi to Utah to Colorado and finally to North Carolina had found its missing link!
Now came the challenge of getting Cherie here. Liz was so invested in saving this sweet girl that she personally paid for Driving Miss Daisy to transport Cherie as far as Roanoke, Virginia, on their way to Pennsylvania. From there, one of our NRGRR transporters drove to Roanoke to bring Cherie the rest of the way home.
And just like that, Cherie officially became an NRGRR girl! 💛
Cherie has already stolen hearts with her incredibly sweet personality. Our next priority is getting her into NC State Veterinary Hospital. We suspect an ectopic ureter, and the cystoscopy should help confirm the diagnosis and allow the specialists to develop the best treatment plan for this little girl. The initial estimate is $3700!
Her story is a beautiful reminder that networking saves lives. One person knows someone, who knows someone else, who makes another phone call—and eventually, the right people come together at exactly the right time.
From Mississippi to Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and finally North Carolina, an entire network of people kept saying, "𝐿𝑒𝑡'𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑠𝑘."
And that's how Cherie found her way home.
Blarney's Fund was established to ensure dogs with special medical needs can receive the necessary care. Please donate to help these dogs continue to live their best life.
| | | | |
Meet Martha Washington!
12 years old
dog friendly
some kids
low energy
good on leash
| | | |
Age is just a number
Are you looking for a low-key trustworthy senior gal? Then look no further. Martha Washington is a 12-year-old sweet-as-they-come seasoned lady.
She has overcome a lot in the last month - a little unsure of her new surroundings but remained a sweet soul - who wouldn’t be after her whole world was turned upside down.
Martha is trustworthy in her foster home (no crate needed for this gal), sleeps quietly on her bed at night next to her foster mom, easy on the leash - greets people to say hello, loves car rides, was great at the groomers- yes she had a glam day, is great with other dogs and enjoys lounging the day away.
Martha’s biggest challenge is getting some of those extra pounds off-but don’t we all. She definitely was well fed by her person. She has a clean bill of health and is ready to start her next chapter. All she is looking for is someone to reassure and love her, a soft bed to lay on, leisurely walks and adventures in the car.
Can you give this girl her happy ending?
Martha Washington is available as a senior to senior adoption.
| | | More Foreign Beauties Are Coming! | | Our team has more foreign beauties on the way! Two lovely young female Goldens are coming from Albania in October: Nala and Vera. | | |
Our rescue partner in Albania, Friends of Shoku, learned about Nala before her family left Albania to move overseas. In fact, since they were already flying to the U.S., we offered to arrange and pay for Nala’s travel so they could help by flying her to us.
But they decided it would be “too embarrassing” to show up at the airport with a dog they needed to rehome. Instead, they left Nala with a cousin in Albania—and left us with the total responsibility of getting her safely to the U.S.
Fortunately, one of our amazing volunteers stepped up to fly with her, using air miles to help make the trip possible.
| | | |
Friends of Shoku also learned about Vera when an expat couple found her wandering the streets of Saranda, Albania, and reached out for help. Of course, we said yes to this darling girl!
We are incredibly grateful that the expats have been caring for Vera in their home, along with their own dog and cats. But they need to travel for a visa reset, and they are very thankful that Vera can come to us in October to begin her search for a forever home.
Sadly, it’s the same all over the world: wonderful dogs sometimes get abandoned through no fault of their own.
| | | We’re also getting Milo and Mira ready to come to North Carolina this fall! | | | |
One of our rescue partners told us about handsome Milo, who was living on the streets of Ferizaj.
We were able to get him into veterinary care and shelter in Kosovo. This wonderful 3–5-year-old boy needed some medical attention, but he is now healthy and ready for his next chapter.
| | |
Mira was spotted on the road between Ferizaj and Lipjan. The rescuer sent us a video but couldn’t pick her up because their shelter was already full.
It took almost a week to coordinate getting Mira safely off the streets and to the vet. Our international team worried about her all that time! But we were able to get her to safety through our network in Kosovo.
Mira had a fever and an infection but is now well and ready for a new life!
| |
Four beautiful Goldens. Four second chances.
These are lovely dogs who need us. Nala, Vera and Mira are between 11 months and 1½ years old, and we estimate handsome Milo is 3–5 years old. They are beautiful, charming—and even house-trained! But they don’t have their own credit cards to buy airline crates and pay for their plane tickets. That’s where you come in!
Here’s what it costs to bring an international dog to safety:
- Veterinary care & boarding: About $120 each for Nala and Vera (yay for wonderful fosters in foreign lands!)
- Medical care & boarding for Milo and Mira: About $500 per dog
- Airline crate: About $150 per dog
- Flight: About $500–$700 per dog
- Customs entry: $130 per dog
Every contribution helps. Maybe you’d like to help with medical care, an airline crate, or a flight ticket. It all adds up—and it all helps save a life.
We know these dogs are grateful. And we are, too.
Here's where to donate: https://www.goldenrescuenc.org/international-rescue
For more information reach out to international@nrgrr.org
| | |
Fall Safety for Pets
After the extreme summer heat we are all looking forward to the crisp, cool air and luscious foliage of the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming a break from summer's hot, sticky weather. But fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, there are important safety issues to consider.
Review some tips from our experts at ASPCA Poison Control to keep your pet safe, happy and healthy during the autumn months.
| | |
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.
| | |
Some of the hardest moments in rescue begin with an owner surrender.
Our Owner Surrender Team meets owners on what may be one of the most difficult days of their lives. They listen, gather important information about the dog’s history, personality, routines and needs, and make sure those details follow the dog into foster care.
There are also plenty of practical details to manage. Volunteers make sure toys, treats, food, medications and other belongings are labeled and ready for the foster family. They assist with veterinary check-in and help make sure the dog’s next steps are in place.
Then comes the hardest part—when the owner leaves.
Our volunteers stay with the dog, offering a comforting voice, a gentle touch and reassurance as they adjust to an unfamiliar situation. At the same time, they help give the owner peace of mind that their dog is safe and will be cared for.
It isn't an easy role. These volunteers are often standing in the middle of a difficult goodbye while making sure the dog has everything they need for a fresh start.
They are the bridge between the dog’s past and their new beginning—and they make that transition a little easier for everyone involved.
To our Owner Surrender Team, thank you for listening, comforting, organizing and caring. Thank you for being there on the hard days and for giving every dog—and every owner—a safe landing.
| | |
Just this side of Heaven is a place called
Rainbow Bridge
| | |
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
| | | | | |
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!
| | | |
Give a Golden Future Through the
Golden Guardian Legacy Society
| | |
We invite you to join the Golden Guardian Legacy Society. Through thoughtful planning today, your gift can make a difference to dogs in need for years to come. A legacy gift offers you the opportunity to combine your charitable commitment to Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue with estate-planning options that may provide favorable financial and tax benefits.
To join this special group of Golden Guardians or to learn more, please contact our Legacy Society Manager at legacysociety@nrgrr.org or call 919-676-7144 and leave a message.
| |
| |
YOU Can Give a Golden Future to
Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue!
One of the ways you can support Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue is by making a charitable gift from your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a retirement plan. While every retirement portfolio is different, using your RMD to make a charitable gift can benefit an organization you care about while potentially reducing the amount of your retirement funds subject to income tax. If you do not need all of your RMD as income, it can be a win-win!
How does it work? Thanks to Charity Navigator, here is a short and simple explanation.
Donating Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
You cannot keep money in your retirement plan indefinitely. Once you reach the applicable age, you are generally required to withdraw a certain amount from your retirement accounts each year. This can also provide a wonderful opportunity to begin or expand your charitable giving.
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount that account holders must generally withdraw from certain retirement plans each year. If you have an RMD from your own retirement account or an inherited account and do not need the funds for living expenses, donating to charity may be an option to consider.
A donation made directly from an eligible retirement account to a qualified charity can be a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Depending on your circumstances, a QCD may allow you to support the causes you care about while keeping the charitable distribution out of your taxable income, subject to applicable IRS rules.
Whether you are looking for a way to meet your RMD or simply want to expand your charitable giving, using retirement assets to support Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue can be a meaningful way to help provide a golden future for the dogs and families we serve.
| | |
You may be able to support NRGRR
just by going to work!
| |
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
| | |
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!
| |
Join our Pack Walk
Tuesdays and Thursdays at the NC Museum of Art
| | |
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
| | |
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
| | | | |
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. | | 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.
| |
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. | | | | |
