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.

Four years ago, life was quite challenging. I was born into a breeding family and destined to make many puppies, spending most of the time in a kennel. But something went awry. Thinking I couldn’t make those puppies, my family gave me to RAGofAZ. I got a new family; no puppies and no more kennel. Life was good.

So much happened since then. I sleep in a big warm bed with my mom and dad, respond to commands, take Dad for walks to meet new people, sunbathe on the grass, chase away the birds he tries to feed, and bark a lot when I am excited. I had two big Golden brothers, one of whom played with me like crazy. To help other dogs get rescued, I became an Ambassadog attending meet and greets and fundraising events. Since I’m so pretty and cuddly, I collect lots of money. Incredibly, I get paid with treats to be petted and get belly rubs. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

I am also a Home Visit Team attaché; my job is to ensure other dogs get a good, safe home like mine. Sometimes I’m sad. Both of my big brothers are at the Rainbow Bridge. It’s been so lonely not having a furry companion to play with and being the only fur kid for the first time. After a year, I finally found and adopted a Golden sister to train and play with, so all is well again.

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.