Recent Rescue Letters
What's happening with our Success Stories.
We encourage everyone who has adopted one of Goldens to keep in touch with IGRR. We recently sent out a newsletter to everyone that has adopted an IGRR Golden in the last two years and that's a lot of Goldens. Here's what they have to say:
Update on Hunter
You would not believe the great fun this dog is! He has absolutely brought a smile to my face, Emma's and the rest of the neighborhood and my friends. He is definetly a retriever...HE LOVES THE WATER!!!
We have worked on the rules of the shower here at home. One person/dog in the shower at a time. I shower first and he can only get in the shower when I am not in there. Depending on his burning desire to be in the water, his toddler brain takes over and he comes through the shower curtain like he did again yesterday. It is so funny you can't help but laugh when you are washing your hair and you are joined by a giant fur ball! He then stands right in the stream of water like he is taking a shower. I have never seen anything like it!
Yesterday was simply a complete water day. I take him out to my friend Jeny's house and she lives in the country with her husband and three kids. He loves to run in their yard and swim with the kids. Yesterday was the introduction to the Slip n' Slide. The attached pictures tell it all. We were absolutely cracking up watching him go down the slide and then stand at the end in the "pool" of water and drink.
He is mastering "leave it" and will drop just about anything in his mouth when I or anyone else say it. He doesn't chew on anything but Emma's legs, balls and marrow bones. He makes sure not to miss a meal and has learned to respect Emma's bowl and not eat out of hers. Initially I was going to rename him "Hoover" because he would come in and inhale both bowls before I even had the door shut. He has definetly learned his and hers.
Overall, life is great with him. They walk beautifully on the double leash together and compete constantly for pets from people passing by.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
Haley
Update on Henry
About 4 years ago, IGRR contacted us about a little golden they had rescued and thought would be a good fit for our family. His previous owner made him out to be a vicious animal who guarded food and toys. We decided to give him a try because it was becoming apparent that our dog, Thunder - also a rescue, was in desperate need of a little brother. The first night it was obvious that he was meant for us. He was gentle with our small child, loved to be petted, and most importantly was instantly trying to get Thunder to play with him. As you can see from the pictures, they are best buddies. Henry uses Thunder for a chew toy and a pillow whenever he can. Thunder taught Henry how to be a retriever and not a "chase me I have the ball"-er, and Henry taught Thunder how to play tug and not just "HERE! Take it and throw it!!"
Henry has an exceptional ability to look pathetic and has a very strange habit of whining and crying in the most shameless manner whenever someone comes to the house. I think he has figured out that it makes people feel sorry for him so they will pet him; he really hams it up and makes it sound like he is being murdered. He is convinced every human was put on this earth to pet him. Our four cats still rule over both dogs so the hierarchy has been maintained. We recently got our fourth cat, a kitten named Waffle, and he and Henry love to play together. Waffle chases Henry, then Henry chases Waffle under furniture where he mounts a swiping attack-then-retreat strategy. It is hysterical to watch.
Needless to say we love our Henry dog and he has made all the difference in the world to his brother, Thunder. Thank you so much IGRR!!
Update On Reba
I was thinking about you and was going to write to you today! Reba is fantastic! Nothing says "senior" about her other than her age. She has been redecorating the house and really making it her own. She didn't like the blinds over the big picture window in the front, so she made sure to tear them down. Fine by me, they had been there since the former owner of the house and the window really does look better without them! She has proven her own agility by balancing on the back of the couch, which is just about 4 inches wide. She also found a spot in the fence without barbs on top, so she has shown us how quickly and gracefully she can climb the fence and hop into the neighbor's fenced yard. Though she still paces, it usually just takes her from window to the next in guard-like fashion. When she needs to go outside, she makes sure to let us know. The cats are slowly getting used to her; neither one is scared, but they are being stubborn to make a point.
She is doing so well, Gaye! Thank you for all the love and guidance you gave her during those crucial few weeks after rescue. I will be following up with pictures soon.
Hope the agility trials went well!
-Staci
Update on Manny
Manny has learned so very much over the past few weeks. We have still had many separation anxiety issues but continue to make progress, as he learns that we are coming back home. We now have him running and playing tennis ball fetch out in the "back forty" unleashed. He wanted to roam at first, but is now staying close to the other boys.
All in all.....Manny is a lover boy who just wants love.
Update on Stella
Good morning, wanted to pass along a photo of Stella, our new arrival and thank Patti for the help in getting her settled in. The kids just love her as do we, very sweet girl. She and her new springer spaniel companion Riley are slowly becoming buddies, the cat however hasn't come out of the basement yet! The organization should be commended for the work you do.
Thanks again.
Dave and Steph
Update on Gus
Well, it's been almost two months now and I wanted to give you an update on our beloved Max (you knew him as Gus.)
Maxwell (we call him Max) is a wonderful member of our family. As a matter of fact, it seems as though he's been with us forever. Transition into our home was without incident and he and his "brother" Midas are now inseparable.
Daily walks are good for all four of us, and there are many games of fetch always going on. We've been to four obedience lessons; Max keeps getting advanced to the next level, because he learns so quickly. We're now waiting for an advanced class to be formed and we'll be going back.
I've attached a couple of pictures for your enjoyment. Thanks so much for making it all possible!
Judy
Update on Jack
Hi everyone I just wanted to let you know how Jack is doing. He is adjusting VERY well! He is having alot of fun playing with his new sisters. He has done really well with being in our home too! We just love having him, he is he perfect addition to our home.
We couldn't ask for a better boy! I am attaching some pictures of him from this weekend, and we will keep you posted on his progress. Thanks so much for letting us adopt Jack, he is such a beautiful boy!!! and Daisy and Lily are having alot of fun with their new brother.
Heather
Update on Mollie
Here's our new family picture! I just can't thank you enough for bringing Mollie to our family! We truly feel like our family is complete for the first time since we lost our Jake more than 2 years ago. Mollie has been with us for 2 months now and I still can't look at her without smiling! We're so lucky to have her!
Eric, Jen, Ethan, Owen, Mollie & Ellie
Hello Iowa Golden Retriever Rescue Group.
I must apologize for not writing sooner. Not a day goes by that I do not feel that Faith was meant to be in our home. In November of 2007 it became necessary to put to sleep our wonderful 13 year old black lab. When we found the Iowa Golden Retriever Rescue website and I saw Faith I could barely contain my excitement. We were fortunate enough to be called back and that very same day we were in the car heading to Des Moines to meet Faith. The bond was instant. She put her paw on my leg and then my husband's. While she shows this affection to other people I like to think she chose us!
I cannot begin to describe the joy Faith has brought to me. She is so affectionate and gentle around my husband's younger grandsons. When "Pappa" told his grandsons we have "A big red dog", they were expecting to meet "Clifford". They soon realized She wasn't "Clifford" but Faith. They now get excited to see Faith.
She always greets us when we come home. There is nothing better than to see her wagging tail when I walk in the door. She is hilarious in that no matter where she is in the house, she has to run and get a toy before she greets us at the door. She loves to go for car rides and it is difficult for her to understand she cannot go as frequently now that the temperature is warmer. We have "girl" nights which consist if a long walk, a car ride, a special small snack after supper, a long belly rub, and finally a good brushing, during which she falls asleep.
She has adapted very well. While we are outside I do let her roam while I am doing yard work. I ALWAYS keep her in eye site as she is fond of deer, rabbits, & squirrels. We live in a timber area and these animals are very frequent visitors. She is doing very well at responding to her name and coming back when called. She loves to be outside with us. She helped to plant the flowers in the photo. Since she loves squirrels so much we got her very own squirrel as she is not allowed to run after them. All creatures in the yard are to be considered in the "safe zone". She follows me nearly everywhere.
I feel so blessed that we were chosen to the lucky parents to Faith. I tell her every day she is home forever and she will NEVER have to go to another home again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting us adopt Faith. From the start she had me wrapped around her sweet little paw.
Sincerely,
Alane & Gary