I want to let you know that our beautiful 13 year old golden died three weeks ago. She came to us at nine years of age as a nervous, anxious dog that urinated on the carpet when you looked at her. She was loved so much by everyone and evolved into the most beautiful loving dog. She intuitively gave comfort to those when they needed it most. Until two days before she died she was running around, playing and being her silly self. She not only meant a lot to our family, but to two other families who loved her as well. She even had a personal oil painting done of her ! My husband and I feel so lucky that your organization helped her choose us. Thank you.

Beautiful Laci, "rescued" her adopter seven years ago, as senior dog of eight years old. Laci was the best four legged girl a mommy could have ever hoped for and was loved by many. Her adopter appreciates NRGRR for giving her seven years has Laci's companion.  Laci was the December calendar girl in 2012.

Once upon a time there was a magical queen named Maggie who had lost her kingdom but wound up in the land of Golden Retrievers. She had to beat her foe, cancer, but once she did she needed another kingdom to rule...so she looked around and found Opie and me. Maggie convinced Opie he really did want to be her minion, and Tucker too. Along the way she battled her foe a few more times and cemented my place in her life as her biggest minion. Sadly, cancer visited Mags again and this was a battle she did not win. Maggie, who was probably Catherine the Great in another life, was my joy, and I stayed her minion until the very end. 
 --written by Maggie's minion and slightly edited by the page's admin.

Tucker (NRGRR alum Ernie17) came to Neuse River after an urgent plea from a local shelter about a dog hit by a car, and we worked hard to make him well.  He blossomed in our program, and was adopted by his very smitten foster. Sadly his time with us was short due to medical issues, but he blazed a path of charm and happiness while he was with us.

Mati crossed to Rainbow Bridge recently. Her family hoped that they could spend a day enfolding her with love.  It was not meant to be.  But it became clear that she was in respiratory distress and suffering.  Their hearts are broken, but they are trying to be grateful for eight wonderful years with this beautiful girl.  She brought them so much joy.

Recently Daisy (2004 alum Maria) went to the rainbow bridge after a hard fight. She was a beloved family member for almost 14 years.  She had many adventures in her life and loved the beach, camping and hiking almost as much as a peanut butter Kong and sleeping on the bed.  She was a constant companion and loved to be close to her family.  After several years with our family, she allowed us to adopt two brothers for her, and she loved to play with them and have adventures in the backyard.  Daisy kept us safe from squirrels and birds, always looking so satisfied after chasing them out of the fence.  Her family is thankful for NRGRR bringing Daisy into their lives.

Murphy (NRGRR alum Audi Murphy) has crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a short battle with cancer. His family was so glad to be given the opportunity to be Murphy's forever family. They only had him for a short two years, but that time was the best. Murphy came from a loving home, but due to health problems his family was unable to keep him. It was clear that first family truly loved Murphy as he was already a wonderful dog when going into his adoptive home.

Murphy had the best personalty. It seemed like he was a stubborn teenager in a seniors body, but was so much fun! He loved walks, pizza,catching the ball, swimming in his kiddie pool and taking in the NRGRR swim meets. He was loved by immediate and extended families.

I have edited this page since 2012 so I am going to use my prerogative to write my dog's story in the first person.

I fostered/adopted Jody in the summer of 2013. From the very beginning she made it her job to take the leash in her mouth and lead me back when we started the return portion of a walk or hike. I can't count the number of smiles we got from from people seeing that and asking, "who is walking who?".

Jody was all that I could ask for in a dog. She climbed mountains, swam, and hiked all over with us from NC to Maine, the upper mid-west, Washington and British Columbia. She was up for every car ride! She was a friend to all and helped kids to read by being a ready listener.

Jody passed away recently after complications of old age ruined her quality of life.

Jules (Juliette) was the second foster dog for an NRGRR volunteer. When the volunteer went to pick her up from the vet’s office, she came bounding down the hallway full of happiness and gratitude. She was four years old and had been surrendered by her previous owner. Jules helped the volunteer grieve the loss of her first dog, and soon Jules filled the void. She was always happy, loved eating, snuggles, walks, car rides, laying in her fluffy spots in the yard, and tending to baby chickens in a sister’s coop. Jules even helped foster kittens for the SPCA. She was a gentle and loving soul. She was perfect and will be missed forever.

Jules was the logo dog on the previous version of the NRGRR website.

Our sweet fourteen year-old Baker (NRGRR alum Hobie) recently passed gently over the rainbow bridge. He was adopted in 2006 and enjoyed eleven fun years. Baker loved to hike, chase a ball and go in the car wherever we went as a family. He was patient as a golden can be, yet kept his puppy personality through all 14 years. He was an absolute joy to family and they are glad to have been given the gift of time with such a sweet furry friend! He was known at the end of his days at his favorite dog park as Mayor Baker, and he will remain in everyone's hearts forever!