It’s hard to believe we’re already two months into the new year! Here at Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ), we’re off to a busy start welcoming 12 Goldens into our rescue already. Each of these dogs have their own unique story, background, personality, needs and now, a fresh start. A chance to change whatever their previous situation was and start over with a loving, forever home where they will no longer wonder where or when they might find their next meal, a warm place to sleep, or if their healthcare needs would be taken care of. We rescue all Goldens no matter their age, health condition, or situation and our team of volunteers work tirelessly to make sure we’re ready to help all Goldens within Arizona and internationally (because we know that suffering knows no borders).
 
Last year we saved 69 Goldens of which 37 came from right here in Arizona and the rest came in from places such as Mexico, Turkey and South Korea. We also spent over $140,000 on vet care last year. Of course, every dog that comes to us gets “The Gold Standard of Care” to make sure they are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and in overall good health. But then there are dogs who come to us with major health issues and need things like surgery, expensive medications, long term care and other things that aren’t cheap. Regardless, we exist to help these dogs and do all we can to give them their best shot at a happy, healthy, long life. Our experience shows that the local, Arizona rescued dogs are usually the ones that have the most health issues and need the higher cost care. In this issue, you’ll hear from our Annual Campaign committee with an update on how successful that was this past year and how those donations will be put to good use in 2020.
 
We’re expecting another busy year and as always, we’re looking for new and creative ways to raise the funds needed to keep going. I’m excited to announce that we have a new on-line shop where you can purchase RAGofAZ related merchandise that not only helps us fund the rescue but also shows your pride in supporting us! We also launched new press-on vinyl stickers for your car windows, laptops, etc. and colorful stickers for your hydro-flasks, iPad or wherever you’d like to put them! In this issue of Golden Tales, we are including links to both the new on-line shop and to the new stickers. We hope you’ll join us in our cause and make a purchase or two. They make great gifts too!

Soon we will be launching our “Cutest Golden” contest where you can enter your Golden(s) and try to land the cover of the 2021 calendar or one of the month pages. This is one of our largest fundraisers of the year so be sure to “dig up” the cutest photo of your Golden and watch your email for the announcement in the coming weeks! We always look forward to seeing those Golden smiles!!

Finally, in this issue, we’re again featuring one of our fabulous volunteers. This quarter we’re introducing you to Lindsey King, our Membership Coordinator, who has been volunteering with us since 2012!
 
As always, I want to personally thank each and every one of our supporters. Whether you’re an active volunteer, a member, or someone who supports us by making donations or purchasing merchandise, I appreciate each and every one of you because without you, we would not be able exist and continue to save all the Goldens who need us now and in the future.

Heather Marcom
President, RAGofAZ 
 

Fun at Bark in the Park

The question is forever settled … which animal rescue has the most generous and devoted cadre of members, volunteers, and supporters?  It is Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ) by a mile!  

In November 2019, nearly 1,000 packets were mailed containing a beautiful holiday card that opened with the plaintive words “Silent Night … Lonely Night.”  The message was one of dire need and boundless hope.  Simply stated, your donation dollars make it possible for RAGofAZ to rescue lost, abandoned, sick and injured Golden Retrievers from our own neighborhoods here in Arizona and from faraway lands such as Turkey, China, South Korea and Mexico.  Because of your support, we can offer these desperate animals life-saving surgery, treatment and medicine … and the warmth and safety of a forever home.  They will never know another lonely night – ever.

You mailed in your check, you donated from our website, and you responded brilliantly to our Facebook appeals on Giving Tuesday.  Together, you have raised more than $29,000.00 to help pay for the veterinary care these Goldens require.  We cannot begin to thank you for your generosity and dedication to our cause.

Nevertheless, we offer our profound thanks from the bottom of our hearts …

… because as always, it’s all for the love of a Golden.

Your Annual Campaign Committee

Mark Preston
Margie Karow
Bob Schillaci
Judi Schillaci
 

We are thrilled to share our volunteer of the quarter with you. Take a minute to get to know Lindsey King. She has volunteered with Rescue A Golden of Arizona since 2012, and today serves as our Membership Coordinator.

Our organization's work is only as good as our volunteers, and Lindsey makes RAGofAZ better by keeping the Membership wheels turning, and we are super grateful for all she does, and for the heart she has for this work.

 

Canine Aspergillus Fungus

This fungus lives in rotting vegetation including fruit from trees. Dogs digging around in dead leaves and sniffing rotting fruit can inhale the fungal spores infecting the nasal chambers, resulting in clinical aspergillosis.  Dogs are more susceptible with a compromised immune system such as Valley Fever.  Golden Retrievers are more susceptible.






 

Gone but never forgotten . . . remember the beloved Goldens who have crossed to the Bridge recently but will live forever in the hearts of those who loved them. CLICK HERE

And CLICK HERE to see a remembrance including those Goldens that have passed over the Rainbow Bridge previously.

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