Our world changed when we saw an email with two adorable goldens. We were aware of jaw issues, and realized help was quickly required. Maisy couldn’t open her jaw at all, food only made it in her mouth through sheer force and a large overbite. Finley ate normally, though a true yawn is elusive. Both had fangs stabbing the roof of their mouths. After tests, scans, root canals, biopsies, medications, and 3-D skull printing, we found out their bones didn’t form right and only major surgery would fix it.

Maisy was first as it was literally life-saving for her. She now opens her mouth 5x’s wider. Her muscles haven’t been used so they’re stretching more daily. After seeing her experience, Finley decided to wait before making surgical decisions. If she ever holds a ball, he’s in. We are grateful we’ve been able to change their lives and love them more every day!

Finley & Maisy Speak – 

Our world changed when our pawrents read an email saying we were extra special and needed a special home. We knew this was our opportunity to shine so we turned on the charm until they loaded us in the car and drove us to our fur-ever home. We’ve met pawsome doctors and had some ruff surgeries, but we’re resilient!

Our lives started very dif-fur-ently than they are now. We spend our days surrounded by toys, snackles, blankets, a pool, and paws-itively crazy amounts of pets, snuggles, and kisses. We know we have it the goodest of any doggos!

Honey is full of life and excited about the idea of anyone petting her.  Her new and forever home in Arizona has showered her with love, lots of playtime and a family. 

When she’s not snoozing on the couch, she’s chasing a ball, snuggling her brothers, or waiting for food to hit the floor while the family is cooking and eating.  Her favorite “toy” is her leash.  She carries it everywhere she goes.  Always ready for a walk!

There’s nothing this girl isn’t happy about – and she makes others happy just by looking at her.

Molly came to us as one of the China 15 in February, 2022.  She was a farm animal and we quickly discovered that she was mostly blind.  It was probably not very apparent when she was running around in the compound in China with her pack but she did not seem to see well in the house.  So RAG sent us to Eyeshine Veterinary in Phoenix, where Dr. Zoe Reed quickly determined that she had dense cataracts in both eyes. 

Surgery was possible but before that could even be considered she had to determine if Molly’s retinas were still good.  This required a specialized ultrasound test and waiting for results, but it was well worth it.  The results showed that her retinas were still good and double cataract surgery was completed to remove her cataracts and now she can see again.

Within a week I was sending in videos of her running through the house with her brother “Max.”   No longer following, Molly was now leading!  The transformation from when I got her to now is amazing.  I can’t thank RAG of AZ, Dr. Reed and Dr. Ferguson at Four Legged Friends enough for this amazing transformation.  It’s really neat to see how much she appreciates the love.

10 year old Lucy was a RAG of AZ rescue from Mexico.  My other Golden girls, Sedona and Bella, had died the month before and I was heartbroken.  Ann Marie, the animal communicator said that Sedona wanted to come back to me and arranged for Lucy to be my new girl.

RAG of AZ flew her in from Mexico on Christmas Eve day. When I brought her home she jumped up on my bed and looked at me and I said “No, you sleep on your bed down here”.  She has never gotten on any furniture since.  She was totally house trained, never had an accident in the house and uses the dog door.

She has her favorite toys scattered all over the house. Lucy’s fur started falling out when I was feeding her the fresh food and lab tests revealed that she is allergic to chicken. Now she eats Salmon & Sweet Potato Kibble. 

Lucy is a registered therapy dog with National Alliance of Registered Therapy Dogs.  She visits two Long Term Care Facilities several times a month and occasionally other facilities, when invited. 

She loves to go to stores and restaurants and receive the attention she desires and deserves. Everyone knows and loves Lucy.

I chose June for her photo and story because it’s my birthday month.  She is the love of my life. Thank you RAG of AZ for bringing this girl to me!

My life began just before my third birthday when I was being transported to Phoenix from a farm in Iowa where I lived as a breeder dog.  The transporters knew I was a rock star and named me Stevie Nicks.  In that moment I decided to live a rock star life, in the present, leaving my past behind.  This is my story.

I arrived in Phoenix in November 2023 and was welcomed into my foster parents’ home.  I was scared and confused. I had no idea where I was, what to do, or how to act. My foster parents were kind and understanding. They fed me, walked me, loved me and even gave me 8 o’clock cookies.  After 30 days, I found my forever parents.

They loved me as if I were their only child, because I was.  They helped me become a dog and were patient as I learned to potty outside. They laughed at my antics and with each day, I slowly came out of my shell.  Soon, I completely took over the house.  When I started greeting visitors at the door, my parents thought I might be ready for more and I found myself at the center of attention at restaurants and stores. I learned that people could not resist me, and I loved the attention.  I now have my own Facebook page. Being a rock star has benefits.

My future is bright and thanks to RAG of AZ, I am living my best life.

Annie was rescued from a puppy mill last year and initially was a foster for us. She came to us with a gentle spirit despite her rough beginnings. From the moment she joined our family, it was clear she was special. Her calm demeanor and loving nature instantly made her a beloved member of our household.

We quickly became a proud foster-fail. Annie has 3 siblings who welcomed her with open paws, and she quickly became their favorite playmate. As a puppy mill survivor, having her fur siblings gave her the confidence to explore new things and to feel safe in our home. As she continues to look to her fur and human family for guidance, we have learned the value of patience and to develop at her pace.

Whether it’s cuddling, playing in the yard or just lounging around, Annie’s presence brings a sense of peace and joy to our home. Everyone who meets Annie falls in love with her. Her gentle eyes and warm personality make her an instant friend to all. Despite the hardships she faced early in life, Annie embodies resilience and unconditional love. She has transformed from a scared uncertain pup into a confident and cherished member of our family.

Annie’s journey continues and is a testament to the power of love and patience and the incredible impact a rescue dog can have on a family.

I adopted Luke 13 years ago from Rescue A Golden of AZ, at a time in my life when I needed a companion. I wanted a female Golden but the wait was so long. They brought me Luke and told me I had several days to see how we interacted and if it was a good fit for both of us. I called them back in less than two hours to say I am keeping him. It’s the best decision I have ever made.

Luke feels and cares for his daddy. I had medical issues and wasn’t in a good head space. We always had Goldens growing up, but Luke is my first dog. He saved me as much as I saved him. He truly is my best friend and the best dog in every possible way. We have moved states, driven cross country, had heartbreak, lived through a hurricane and even flew private once!

Luke is a celebrity to my friends and co-workers. He is a gift from god. My house is owned by Luke and I just live here and that’s the way it should be if you own a Golden.

Thanks to RAG of AZ for bringing this wonderful boy into my life!

Our daughter had wanted a dog since she was about 2 years old. Our friend introduced us to RAG of AZ and the summer before our daughter turned 10 we decided to fill out an application. We told our daughter it could be a very long time before a dog under a year old would be available. But soon after we received our approval we learned there were several puppies needing to be rescued from a mill in Ohio. RAG of AZ contacted us and we gladly accepted!

We had the name Pretzel picked out long before the adoption. Little did we know at the time they were cream colored goldens. When we met Pretzel she didn’t quite look the golden color we were anticipating but we kept the name anyhow! We love her beautiful cream color.

Pretzel loves eating sticks, chewing things (sometimes our things instead of her toys), walks, being petted, and playing with people and other dogs. However, playing tug-o-war is at the top of her list of favorite games. Our daughter was beyond thrilled to finally get a puppy and we were all overjoyed when we met her! Pretzel is the perfect fit for our family. She’s a little salty, a lot sweet and we love her very much!

Thanks to RAG of AZ for bringing the perfect golden girl into our lives!

Waffles is proud to be a part of this year’s calendar! Waffles is 7 years old, and will turn 8 this month. She is now a proud Arizonan and really loves the Phoenix Suns basketball team. Waffles and her family moved here from Kansas City, so she is also a huge KC Chiefs fan.

Waffles was a part of an “unexpected litter.”  We received a call from a neighbor letting us know that a family was looking for a home for their new puppies.  Waffles has triplet (human) brothers, and at the time they were in their early years of college. It ended up being the perfect time to add her to the family.

We wanted a name that would evoke JOY for the family and everyone she met.   Her now sister in law, Libby, had the winning name with “Waffles”. Now, Waffles happily spreads joy wherever she goes!

Happy January to everyone!   Love, Waffles