As a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, GREAT Rescue relies heavily on the donations and generosity of kind individuals wanting to make a difference and save a Golden Retriever’s life. GREAT volunteers are constantly asked “Who could ever give up a Golden?!”. Unfortunately, the grim reality is that GREAT faces situations like the story below all too frequently. Please consider making a contribution to “the Faith & Hope fund”. 100% of your donations will provide abandoned, abused and neglected Goldens, like Faith and Hope, the medical care they require. Experience the reward of knowing you made a difference in a loving Golden’s life. It will forever leave a paw print on your heart.
 


They were rescued from Alachua County Animal Shelter in late February, where they were slated to be euthanized because of their terrible condition. The shelter received a call from a citizen who indicated the two Golden Retrievers were dumped in her yard by a woman who didn’t want them anymore. It is believed they are mother and daughter and were used strictly for breeding purposes in a puppy mill situation. When they became too sick, the owners abandoned them, to die, in a stranger’s front yard.

And so began the journey of Faith and Hope...
 


A GREAT volunteer picked up the girls and took them to a rescue Vet. They were diagnosed with contagious mange and therefore had to be quarantined for two weeks. Both dogs were heartworm positive, filled with intestinal worms, had ear infections, mange, were underweight, undernourished, needed to be spayed, and Faith also had a serious eye infection. Due to their much neglected condition, their coats were very brittle, sparse and short. On the outside, they barely resembled what we envision a Golden Retriever should look like - flowing feathers on their legs and tails, heads held high, spirits soaring. Faith and Hope were sad, broken, and slowly dying.
 

While under veterinary care, Faith and Hope received frequent medicated baths, antibiotics, vaccinations, were wormed numerous times, and were thoroughly examined and watched while their health improved.

(Meanwhile, the volunteers at GREAT Rescue visited them, kept in frequent contact with the vet on their condition, and kept them in their thoughts and prayers. It was a promise that was made the minute they were rescued: We will not give up on you!)


In Mid-March, Faith and Hope were placed together in a foster home to complete the rest of their recovery. They adjusted well to “indoor life” and seemed to enjoy it - the gentle hand of a caring heart, warm meals, soft beds...true human compassion. During this time, they endured a long two-month heartworm treatment. When their strength returned, they were spayed. In the meantime, veterinary bills were piling up. Behind the scenes, GREAT volunteers continued to participate in local fundraisers, seeking donations to provide the necessary care for Faith and Hope.
 

For five months, Faith and Hope remained with their foster, who was adamant “her girls” be adopted together. During this time, their spirits, health and coats soared, making them the gorgeous Golden Retrievers they were always meant to be. They had endured so much and come so far, it was incomprehensible to separate these two loving spirits who’d been through so much         


In August, GREAT received an application from a young retired couple with big hearts, who wanted special dogs to fill them. GREAT had just the answer! Once they met Faith and Hope, they immediately fell in love with them, promising a forever life full of human love and compassion. It was a GREAT match for both couples, and a perfect ending to a long journey.
 

If you would like to support our efforts in saving the lives of precious Goldens like Faith & Hope, please click on the "DONATE" button below. Your generosity is GREAT-ly appreciated!