FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RESCUE A GOLDEN OF ARIZONA (RAGofAZ):
It is with profound sorrow that we share the news that Bob Wood, our longtime Director of Golden Rescue, has passed away following a brief illness.
Those of us who knew Bob found his commitment to our mission both inspiring and astounding. From the moment he made Golden Retriever rescue the centerpiece of his life, he devoted every day to saving these animals he loved so well. Bob was an energetic road warrior who would drive anywhere to give a Golden a ride in his “dogmobile” … and start that dog on its journey to a new life.
It is because of Bob’s leadership that RAGofAZ ventured into new partnerships with other rescue organizations to help save hundreds of adult Golden Retrievers and puppies from puppy mills in other states – work that continues today. Bob also led us through the difficult challenges of international rescue and helped to bring scores of desperate Goldens to us from China, Turkey, South Korea, and Mexico. He truly believed that hunger, sickness, and despair know no language, no culture, and no boundary.
Bob was a modest man, so not many know that Bob proudly served his country working for the FBI. He also served in the Air Force including special assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency, White House Communications Agency, and Defense Nuclear Agency. Incredibly, following his “retirement,” he went on to work at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he did eventually retire … only to become a “Golden Hero” with RAGofAZ.
Bob will be honored with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting final resting place.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s wife, Darcy Wood, and their families. Their grief surely weighs heavily, but it is shared by so many at RAGofAZ who also loved and admired Bob. He has left big shoes to fill … and an empty space in our hearts.
Condolences may be sent to Darcy Wood at 17734 W. Camino Real Drive, Surprise AZ 85374. Darcy plans to hold a Celebration of Life for Bob in the fall.
Meet Maisy, formerly known as Luca, who was surrendered to Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ) with her brother, Eddie (now Finley). Both dogs had been inbred and had limited movement of their jaws. For Maisy in particular, this made life not only challenging but life threatening. Intubation was nearly impossible and the threat of choking was terrifying.
Dr. Mele, a highly regarded dental specialist at VCA Valley Animal Hospital and Emergency Center in Tucson, did some ground breaking surgery on Maisy wherein he used a computer generated 3D replica of her jaw to identify the problem and remove the defective part. He is going to Japan for a conference where Maisy and her story will be front and center.
Between Dr. Mele, RAGofAZ and the most dedicated of adopters, this little girl and her brother have brighter futures. Both Maisy and Finley will be featured in our 2025 Hearts of Gold calendar as part of our focus on special needs dogs.
You may find your jaw is open as well with surprise and awe at this amazing accomplishment!
Some years ago, a gentle, loving, oh-so-sweet Golden Retriever named Riley came into the lives of our Mom and Dad and brought them so much happiness and joy. When Riley journeyed on to Rainbow Bridge, Mom and Dad were so shattered, they thought they might never love another dog in the same way. But after about a year, Riley decided to send me to them – I’m Lexi – followed by my bro, Cooper. Turns out Coop was stuck in China waiting to make his way through red tape hell but eventually he showed up.
We are quite the pair, Cooper and I. I’m a sweetie pie, a carbon copy of adorable Riley. Cooper is a bundle of energy, just wants to play all the time except when he’s begging for belly rubs. He is a little bit naughty, a little bit devilish, but wicked-smart and hilarious. Things have never been the same since Cooper arrived, and life is perfect now. We are the wild man and the love muffin, the yin and the yang, the best and the bestest.
Mom and Dad heard that it costs Rescue A Golden of Arizona about $1,200.00 to rescue a dog and provide veterinarian care like vaccinations, screenings, medicine, and even life-saving surgery. So in gratitude for Riley, Cooper and me, they’ve asked us to pay it forward with an annual donation of $3,600.00 to help save at least three more Goldens. I had to remind them that Cooper and I do not have opposable thumbs so we will have to “paw it forward,” but you get the idea.
We hope this annual gift will help RAGofAZ take good care of those 15 puppies and 7 big Goldens they just rescued. I’m pretty sure someday those pups will grow up and they’ll want to paw it forward too.
Love, Lexi, Cooper, and Angel Riley
after enjoying the jacuzzi at Auberge de Sedona
More than twenty five years ago, a devoted animal lover named Joyce Hubler founded Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ), a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and re-homing of abandoned, lost, or displaced Golden Retrievers. Since that day, RAGofAZ has grown into one of the most prominent and successful animal rescues in the state, with more than 700 members. We have even expanded our mission nationally and internationally in support of other rescues in the midwest and several foreign countries.
Now, another milestone … the rescue of our 4000th Golden Retriever!
In February of this year, a beautiful six-month old pup named Charlotte entered our rescue in need of a new forever home. Now renamed Zoey, she possesses all the beauty and charm that make this lovable breed of dog so special. And she will forever hold the title of 4000th rescued Golden Retriever.
On behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for a quarter century to offer 3,999 other Goldens a second chance at life, we welcome Zoey to her forever home.
All for the love of a Golden …
For some time, Rescue a Golden has been sending our rescued Golden Retrievers to Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit whenever possible for spay/neuter procedures. They have provided excellent service and care, and their prices are very reasonable. Dr. Kelly’s is also open to the public. They have 3 clinics in the Phoenix area and one in Tucson. If your furry friend needs surgery or dental work and the prices at your regular vet take your breath away, check out Dr. Kelly’s.
As they say on their website:
“Dr. Kelly’s offers affordable surgery, low cost and dental care for pets in the Phoenix, Peoria, Mesa, and Tucson, Arizona areas. We are a team of pet owners and veterinarians who believe all pet owners should have access to affordable care for their companions. Our team of qualified veterinarians loves animals. You and your furry companion are in good hands with Dr. Kelly’s.
With thousands of 5-star reviews, you can trust Dr. Kelly’s to take exceptional care of your precious companions.”
Ginger …. the queen of our household.
Ginger was adopted in July 2013 when she was 7 months old. We already had the name Ginger in mind even before we met her. And guess what, it was perfect! She is as spicy as a chunk of ginger! So here she is……Ginger!
Ginger is not a typical Golden who loves attention, kisses, or hugs from humans all day long. She is super independent and has a very “cool” personality. Like her name Ginger, she was such a wild child from day one. She would destroy everything she could get at in the house, when we were not home. She would make a mess in our backyard by taking things out and chewing them into pieces. Did I mention that she chewed on rocks and dug all day long? Luckily, as time went by, all her bad behaviors just simply went away like magic! Since then, she has grown into a super loving girl showing the true side of Ginger.
We celebrated our 11th Gotcha Anniversary this past July. Ginger is still spicy, but in a goofy way, bringing so much joy, laughter and fun to our family every single day. Since we spoil her so much our family adopts the Golden rule “what Ginger wants, Ginger gets .” This month we celebrate her 12th birthday, and we hope all of you can join us in wishing her much happiness, good health and many more birthdays to come.
Meet Fenway, named after the iconic Fenway Park.
We had been wanting a puppy for our three year old Golden and Fenway has been amazing for Cooper. My husband has never had a puppy in his life and I knew this would be a life changing experience for him. He tells everyone that this is “his boy.” We just can’t believe how fortunate we are with our fur family.
Fenway was one of Sasha’s babies and on Christmas Eve we got the best present ever with a text asking if we would be interested in one of them. Fenway has brought so much to our family. Besides being extremely handsome, he’s incredibly smart and so loving. We can’t imagine not having him in our lives. His bond with Cooper becomes tighter every day and their love for each other shines. Fenway is the epitome of having the “heart of a Golden.”
We really need to give a lot of credit to Toby & Robin Fox for their love and care during the eight weeks they had him. They are truly amazing.
We can’t thank Rescue A Golden of Arizona enough. We’ve gotten Cooper and Fenway from them and we can hardly express our gratitude in words.