Beneficiaries of the April Fund
Donations to the April Fund have enabled the GRF to assist many Rescue groups throughout the country. Today, nearly 100 such groups are working to assure the safety and loving care of homeless Goldens in need of new adoptive homes.
Behind every grant, there is a story of a Golden in need. On this page we will be sharing with you some of the stories of April Fund beneficiaries.





Recent April Fund Beneficiaries
Simba
WAAGR

Was an owner-surrender to Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriever (WAAGR) who was kept in an outdoor run his whole life. He was 6.5-years-old when he came to us and he had a mobility issue that made him hop with his back legs when he ran. The previous owner said he had the problem since birth. Unfortunately, Simba also came to WAAGR heartworm positive. With help from a grant from the April Fund, he went through heartworm treatment with no problems and is heartworm negative. As far as his mobility, he was diagnosed with spinal arthritis involving his entire spine, with it being quite advanced for a dog his age. He’s currently on pain medication and receives chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture to help his spine. He was adopted by his foster family, who reports that Simba loves to run, play with his toys, and he is a happy and beautiful boy!

Katie
GRROWLS-NY

Katie was found tied to the door of a shelter in October 2007. She was estimated to be 5-6 years old and she had a 30-pound tumor on her left front chest. The tumor was so large, her front leg was turned in. Golden Retriever Rescue Operated With Love Statewide - New York (GRROWLS-NY) was contacted by the shelter and we took her in. We had her evaluated by a surgeon and he determined that the tumor was benign, but that, if it wasn't removed, she would die. Katie had her surgery in late October and, within 4 days, had improved enough to go to her foster home to continue her recuperation. She went to her forever home a week ago and, thanks to a $400.00 grant from The April Fund, she now hopefully has a long and happy life ahead of her.

Ben
Golden Treasures

An owner turn in, Ben came to Golden Treasures Rescue weighing 135lbs. He was unable to stand for any length of time and could only walk a short distance. He had uncontrolled, life threatening Grand Mal seizures which had been ignored by his previous owners. Ben was only 2 years old but was acting like a 14 year old, constantly falling and stumbling. Because of his weight, both his knees needed corrective surgery. Over time, Ben lost weight and his epilepsy came under better control. Ben is now an affectionate, playful, curious, and gentle Golden. Thanks in part to the April Fund, Golden Treasures raised enough money through donations and grants to give Ben the surgery he needed to repair one of his knees. It was a long recovery. A wheel chair was donated to help him get around as well as the use of a pool for therapy. Ben recovered from his knee surgery and at 4 years of age he continues to reside with his original foster family. Ben has not had a seizure in over 1 1/2 years and he is also nearing his goal weight of 80 pounds.

Faith and Hope
G.R.E.A.T. Rescue of NE Florida, Inc.

After years of neglect, breeding and abuse, these Golden Girls, whom we believe to be mother and daughter, were dumped off in a yard, picked up by an animal shelter and then, luckily were rescued by G.R.E.A.T. Rescue of NE Florida, Inc. Appropriately named, Faith and Hope had mange (scabies), heart worm, ear and eye infections, worms, no vaccinations and in need of spaying. With the medical and rescue teams working hand in hand, in a matter of weeks, these girls began to blossom.
As their bodies began to recover so did their spirits. In no time at all, their personalities went from frightened and sad to happy, bouncy and self-confident. Through it all they have never wavered in their love for each other and it is GREAT's wish that these two Golden Girls be adopted together. Faith and Hope are now the beautiful Golden Retrievers they were always meant to be. A big thank you to the April Fund for helping us to make their life a true "Lemons to Lemonade" story.
Jackpot
Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue

Jackpot's owner suffered financial setbacks, sending him and another dog to a family member, but he ultimately ended up in the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue (NRGRR) program. He was thought to be a healthy dog until his foster noted him limping. April Fund grant dollars helped NRGRR pay for surgery for a torn cruciate ligament followed by extended physical therapy. During that time a young family wanted to adopt a rescued Golden and happened to hear about Jackpot. Jackpot has proven to be the loving protector of all of the children in his forever home. He insists on accompanying the Mother in to all the children’s bedrooms to be sure they are safely tucked in at night before he will go to his own bed. He has found a wonderful home with a family who adores him.
Doc
Golden Retriever Rescue, Braszos Valley

Doc was a victim of Hurricane Katrina. His owners fled Louisiana and had to move to a small duplex that does not allow pets. Arriving in Rescue, it was soon discovered that Doc required hip surgery. Following six weeks of therapy, Doc was ready for his new home. A grant from the April Fund helped to defray surgical expenses.
P.S. Doc has a wonderful "smile." If you don't believe it, just look at his picture!
Nick
Keystone Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc


In September 2005 a male golden came into Keystone Rescue after being tied to a tree for over a year. "Scooby", now renamed "Nick" received an April grant back in October for special behavior rehabilitation. Now look where he is! Nick was friendly and playful. After being listed on the website, www.kgrrescue.com, he caught the attention of the West Virginia Division of Corrections' K-9 unit. Three trainers from the department came to DuBois, Pennsylvania, to evaluate Nick's potential. After a rigorous 13-week course that proved his exceptional skill in detecting contraband, Nick graduated February 15, 2006. He is now a narcotics officer with the Division of Corrections. According to the Division's Mission Statement, "K-9 teams are utilized for contraband and illegal drug interdiction.K-9 Teams are also made available to other Law Enforcement Agencies within the State of West
Virginia." Four representatives of Keystone Rescue attended the graduation ceremony and were treated to a demonstration of Nick's training. He quickly detected contraband and is highly respected for his talents. Keystone Golden Retriever Rescue is proud of Nick and knows he will be successful in his new life as an officer.

Zoie
Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAG of AZ)

Anyone who has the pleasure of meeting Zoie, a 6-year-old female, who came into RAGofAZ in August 2005, will say that it’s hard to tell by looking at her that she has special needs. Zoie has diabetes, a thyroid condition and was blind. But Zoie was a good candidate for cataract surgery once her meds got her diabetes under control. In the meantime, she has lived with Connie and Nick, experienced RAG of AZ fosters who have helped to bring out the wonderful Golden that she is. In October after the RAG of AZ vet had spent months adjusting Zoie's insulin dosage and testing the result, Zoie finally was ready to have the surgery to restore her sight. At first she could only distinguish between dark and light due to the inflammation after the surgery, but her sight gradually and dramatically improved.
Connie reported: We have seen tremendous progress every day since Tuesday’s operation. Those who have not been through this have no idea how wonderful it feels to see this blind dog be able to see her surroundings for the first time. This is the first time I have been able to watch her walk around things without any bumps at all! And she is so HAPPY! You can tell that this means the world to her. Again, thank you to everyone who made this possible. Without diligent fundraising efforts and a $400 contribution from the GRF's April Fund, this certainly would not have been possible.
Rupert
Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue

Shortly after Rupert came from the Memphis Animal Shelter to one of MAGRR’s foster families, his foster noticed that he had a pronounced limp. MAGRR’s vets diagnosed osteochrondrosis and subsequently performed successful surgery on his shoulder. The April Fund provided a maximum contribution of $400 that helped pay his over $600 in surgical expenses, even with a 50 percent vet discount. In the interim, a family saw Rupert’s picture at MAGRR’s booth at a suburban arts, crafts, and community activities fair. It was love at first sight. They insisted that they wanted to adopt Rupert, filed an application, were approved, and patiently waited while he recuperated from surgery. When they finally met him, they confirmed that he was the dog for them. Refusing even to consider other dogs, one of the boys in the family declared, “I want Rupert.” He was adopted by this unwavering family, and the love story continues to grow in his forever home.
Please read some of the heart warming stories of the dogs assisted by the April fund!

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