Buoy is one of the fifteen 2023 golden retrievers lovingly rescued from China. After much anticipation and international customs complications, he arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor on February 14th, Valentine’s Day … how appropriate! Friends come in many shapes and sizes.

When we opened the door to the XL crate, we were in total awe as an even larger XXL “friend” popped out and smothered us in kisses. Buoy loves life! And there is nothing he wants to do more than go for car rides. He is our observer and soaks everything in.

It has been a joy to watch him slowly relax and realize that he is home. Buoy loves to explore outside, preferably while holding a pinecone. His “zoomies” are a daily tradition as he runs and runs around the yard barking with glee. In true form, he also enjoys quietly sitting on the top step of the swimming pool while taking everything in. And then it’s back to playtime with his favorite toys! On February 14th, Buoy’s huge paws walked right into our hearts, and it is true love for us all.

Quincy and Harley

Hellooooo Butter here! I am one of the lucky Goldens who made the 25-hour trip from China to the U.S. in 2020. For weeks after arriving, I was nervous but you can’t blame me, I’m now suddenly living on the other side of the world!

Slowly I realized “mom” was always the same person, my beds were for me only, I had my own food bowl and toys for me to play with anytime. I began to feel safe and decided to focus on now and the future and forget about the past.

Today, I proudly serve as the family’s official cuddler, clown, and personal guard for mom when she works from home. She thinks I’m a pretty bad one because apparently I fall asleep on the job. I’m also Ginger’s (Miss December’s) annoying little brother even though I know she secretly loves me. I love life in Arizona and cannot imagine life without my family.

Hi, Butter’s mom here! Our family also cannot imagine life without Butter. He is my family’s third Golden from RAGofAZ and while I truly love all of them to pieces, Butter, despite his first year in China, has turned out to be the sweetest of all to our surprise. Sometimes, I think Butter loves me so much that he wants to be me! He bumps me from my office chair and races me to my spot on the couch, but he wins every time. I love my Butter!

Maysie was one of the eight puppies born to sweet mama Pearl in May 2022. Pearl had been a breeding dog and then was rehomed. Once she was rescued by RAGofAZ Pearl surprised everyone with the arrival of the new family! Lovingly called the “Golden Nuggets”. The adorable pups thrived in the care of the amazing RAGofAZ volunteers. We were one of the lucky families blessed with one of the beautiful little girls.

Maysie’s name has two special meanings to us. The first is that she was born in May. The second was in honor of her sweet mama that brought her to us. The name Maysie is of Scottish origin meaning “a little pearl”. It had been a long time since I had a puppy and I was a little nervous when I went to meet her. But it was love at first sight. She laid in my lap the whole ride home and I just knew it was meant to be.

Maysie is very loving and sweet. She expects belly rubs from every person she meets! You almost never see her without a ball in her mouth, even when she is sleeping! Next to playing ball she loves hiking the best. She was a natural on the hiking trails from day one! She has two human brothers who adore her and spoil her with attention.

We are all completely over the moon for Maysie! Thank you RAGofAZ and mama Pearl for bringing her into our lives!!

My husband and I wanted a new addition to our family. We contacted Rescue a Golden of Arizona “RAGofAZ” and completed all the foster steps. We knew we found our dog when we saw a picture of Lexi. She was three months old, but was very sick. She was diagnosed with Discospondylitis, which is an infection that affects the vertebrae and intervertebral discs of the spine. We have another dog, who is six years old, and wanted to play but Lexi was not allowed to run or jump as there was a potential for her to become paralyzed. She was highly sedated and on antibiotics.
For a few months her only activity consisted of coming out of her crate to go to the bathroom with a leash on. This was a very trying time for Lexi and us.

Finally, three months later, the x-rays showed that her spine was growing back and she could start to play. Now Lexi is very playful, sweet and a loyal family member. She loves to go to the dog park and needs to be petted at all times. We adore her!!!

Thank you RAGofAZ for bringing this sweet girl into our lives.

Thunder came charging through our door and into our hearts 7 years ago. I had just gotten a fortune cookie saying “A short stranger will soon enter your life with blessings to share.” How true it was! Thunder was born with a short right front leg. She never let that stop her. When she came to us at age 6, she loved to run and chase balls. Thunder is one of the happiest dogs we ever had. Her original name was “Thumper,” maybe because as a puppy she looked like a little bunny hopping on three legs. We felt “Thunder” was more appropriate because her very loud bark rivals a 747 at takeoff!

Eating is Thunder’s favorite activity. She once ate a bowlful of chocolates, foil wrappers and all! She then visited the emergency vet.

Now that she is 13, arthritis has slowed her down but she still insists on her daily walk, lots of treats, and tummy rubs. In return she gives us Golden smiles and love. Thunder is still sharing her blessings.

Thank you RAGofAZ for bringing this short stranger into our lives!

On December 23, 2022 my wife and I were informed that a Golden named Helsinki was available for adoption. We met with the members of RAG of AZ at the vets and we saw the most beautiful dog we had ever seen. For us it was love at first sight.

We were informed that this poor boy had been through two operations, one for a growth on the inside of his leg and one to remove a bug that was embedded under his skin. The first thing we did, after petting for 37 hours straight, was to change his name to Cooper. Cooper had to have an additional operation for another growth. During this operation we almost lost him, but thanks to the skillful surgeons at Academy West, his life was saved.

Cooper is now a very healthy and happy member of our family and has been giving us more love and happiness than we could have ever expected. My wife and I thank RAG of AZ for giving us the privilege of raising Cooper and for all the joy he will bring into our lives.

Howdy y’all!

I’m Abby, Ms. September. Mom calls me her Abbster, the Nagster, cuz I luv to walk and of course, she tags along. Our WoofTrax walking steps go to RAGofAZ.

I’m also her ‘wild child’. Dunno why, I just like to cavort and play! Now I can run wild on the plains of Texas! We moved here with Mom’s family; 2 boys that think I’m swell, 2 kitties (they’re ‘ok’) and our FMP, the T Dogg!

Tigger is our ‘Favorite Male Pupp’. I’m getting him to walk more, but he’s kinda old at 14. I’m just a kid at 10 years.

I am kinda bossy, I guess. That’s the Border Collie in me. Don’t trespass on my property or I’ll bark! Protective. Yeah. That’s it…. But I’m also a Golden, so y’all gotta know and agree, I’m sweet, gentle and loving too. Even strangers come up to me when we’re out and want to stroke me. If I know them, I might even roll over for a belly rub! Ooooh, Yes!

Well, it’s almost bedtime. I’d better scruff up ole Walter (that’s my blankie, named after another Golden, who also slept on him) then plop on Charlene (a most comfy stuffed puppy that’s bigger ‘n me!) I need to get some shuteye. A well rested pupp can sure have fun in life! I feel the Luv.

Y’all take care now. Slurps and tail wags to all my AZ Golden buds. Adios! –Abby

Lola was one of seven beautiful puppies born into Rescue in May 2007.

While Lola spent her “puppyhood” in Arizona, we made the move to San Francisco a year later, where she quickly fell in love with chasing balls along the many sandy California beaches, making new friends at all the dog-friendly establishments (knowing which ones always had treats), and playing ball or lounging in the sunshine at Dolores Park (her favorite hangout!).

About 6 years later, we moved to Seattle. Lola loved the new environment – lots of hiking trails, new parks, and many more new friends. Lola is also well traveled – she’s been on several road trips – traversing over 9 west coast states and provinces, including trips to British Columbia, Yellowstone National Park, and several trips back to Arizona and the California coast.

Lola celebrated her 15th birthday on May 21, 2022 with a “quinceañera” – her friends – people and dogs alike – came by to celebrate in our home. Unfortunately, not too long after, Lola crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her aging body no longer able to keep up with her bright spirit. We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives for as long as we did, and wish the same for all Golden families.