GRRIN has two very special dogs in foster care that we would like to adopt together. Huntress and Taffy’s bios are below – they are quite the pair and have come so far in foster care – check out their before and after photos! If you are considering adoption, please note:

• Do you have a physical fence and is the fence attached to your home so that a dog can safely access the yard?
• Do you plan to keep the dog inside when you are not at home?
• Do you plan to have the dog live inside the house and be a part of the family?
• Can you afford to spend upwards of $1000 per year to cover the standard medical costs for a large dog which include year-round heartworm/parasite treatment, annual vaccinations, and emergency vet expenses?

If you answered “yes” to these questions and would like to learn more about adoption, call our Goldline at 402-330-6680 and a volunteer will help you begin the application process.

About Huntress (7) & Taffy (5):

Huntress and Taffy right after entering foster care.

Huntress and Taffy now – look at those smiles!

I’m Huntress, but many people call me “Mama.” I am 7 years old, about 60 pounds, and living a wonderful life since I came into foster care with GRRIN. My daughter, Taffy, and I hadn’t been around other people, in a house, or with other dogs (except to have puppies) before moving into the foster home. All the new sounds, smells and people were very frightening at first. But we got petted and loved and fed food in bowls with extra treats every day! Once we felt safe in the house and yard, we started going for walks. Who knew leashes could lead you on fun adventures!

Being petted and cuddled is my favorite thing. I will look into your eyes for a long time when you give me attention. I still react to noises more than Taffy since I am a protector. If a dog barks up the street, I let them know I’m here! I will bark and show my teeth at first to a new dog just to let them know I’m the mama and I have rules. Once they know what I will put up with, then we all get along fine.

Taffy might be a little braver at first and likes to play more than me, but we are very close. We behave well at home when our foster mom leaves (up to 4 hours), but we like it best if someone can be around during the day. Being the mama means I have responsibilities, but I love being a house dog with kind people around me.

Hi, everybody! I’m Taffy, and I have learned so much since I came into foster care with GRRIN. Living in a house is amazing!! I love my warm bed and sleep in it all night.  I like to explore around the house and yard as well as when we go on walks. It takes me a minute to get used to new sounds, skills, and people. But I love to be petted and cuddled when I get to know you.

My foster mom laughs when I watch other dogs on the television. (Where do they go?!?)  We all celebrated when I mastered getting in and out of the car and going up and down stairs. I’m happy to fetch balls and toys that you throw as well as chase the squirrels and rabbits out of the yard. What fun it is to run after them! Usually, you will find me carrying a toy around in my mouth. Once I get to know other dogs, I also like to wrestle and play with them.

I’m very close to my mom, Huntress (AKA “Mama”), but I feel safe and happy with my person for some independent adventures, too. I’m 5 years old in June, a happy loving girl, about 60 pounds, and full of fun and energy.

Thanks to everyone for participating in the Vino Mas wine tasting fundraiser! You raised $845 in one afternoon. Those funds will pay for veterinary care for GRRIN’s foster dogs. We’re looking forward to scheduling more of these gatherings, so stay tuned for the next wine tasting.

Don’t miss the second GRRIN & GRAPES wine tasting fundraiser at Vino Mas on Saturday, July 22nd from 3-5pm!

Come and enjoy an afternoon of wine and beer tasting (or soda!) at Vino Mas. Admission is $20 per person and includes 5 wines and 3 beers to sample. The event is also family friendly, as kids and those who don’t drink alcohol can enjoy a sampling of 5 different sodas for $10.

GRRIN will receive money from each tasting and 10% of all retail sales. What a great way to support GRRIN and have an amazing time too!

Bring your friendly dogs and show them off proudly – there is a patio if you are nervous having your pup indoors.

If available, we will have adoptable foster dogs meeting and greeting. (Please note, this is not an adoption event and we do not guarantee the availability of any foster dog.)

Vino Mas, 14450 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha

10am – 4pm

Baxter Arena, 67th & Center Street, OMaha

From Pets in Omaha:

2023 Pets in Omaha Pick a Pooch Adoption Days and Pet Expo Information

More information coming!

This year’s event will take place at Baxter Arena on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Many Rescues and Shelters will be in attendance!

More than 100 area pet-loving businesses will be in attendance!

Raffles, guest speakers, giveaways, and much more!

For more information, check out our Facebook Event Page here.

Please note, GRRIN will NOT be allowing any adoptions of our foster dogs at this event. While some rescues may offer that option, we plan to have available foster dogs present only to meet and greet the public.

Come meet our volunteers and learn more about GRRIN – we can’t wait to see you!

Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska (GRRIN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary goal is to provide a resource for people who need to surrender their Golden Retriever.  We have an immediate need for some key leadership roles within our organization:

• Transportation Coordinator – tasks include:
  • Notifying the transport team (transport volunteers) that a dog is ready to be transported to a foster home
  • Relay pertinent information on the dog to the transporter
  • Help in coordination of transport if needed (i.e. assist with initial vet appointment, assist with introduction of dogs if foster home has a resident dog if necessary/requested)
  • Once dog has been transported and is successfully placed in the foster home, gather paperwork and photograph(s) and prepare final paperwork. Send all documentation to Rescue Team

• Intake Coordinator (additional/shared) – tasks include:
  • Call surrendering owner to verify they want to surrender and assess timeline needed to accomplish
  • Arrange for a volunteer to conduct an assessment if time allows, to ensure dog is a Golden or Golden mix, personality traits, etc.
  • Contact Foster Coordinator to arrange foster home
  • Contact Transport Coordinator or members of the transport team to arrange transport

• Foster Coordinator (additional/shared) – tasks include:
  • Make calls to find fosters for incoming dogs
  • Make calls to fosters to see how the dog is doing while in foster care
  • Recruiting new fosters and calling them to explain the foster process
  • Getting foster agreements signed and placed into the “cloud”

You will NEVER be left to fend for yourself. There will be training for these positions and on-going support until you feel fully comfortable in the role you take on.

GRRIN can also always use additional people for home visits for those that would like to foster or adopt, in-home visits for dogs to be surrendered, transport volunteers and foster homes.  Please contact GRRIN at volunteer@grrin.org to volunteer for any of these positions or for additional information.

It’s time to send us your photos! GRRIN’s calendar committee is putting together another fabulous calendar for 2024 and they will need to choose from your photos. Calendars will be available for purchase at GRRIN’s Gold Rush celebration on October 1st.

Guidelines for Submission

Who is eligible?

We are accepting photos submitted by friends and supporters of GRRIN. It is not a requirement for the photograph to feature a GRRIN dog, however GRRIN dogs will have priority in the selection process. There is a limit of TWO (2) photos submitted per family, but should your photo be selected, only one will be used in the Calendar. More than one dog can be in your submitted photos but Goldens only please!

What is the deadline for submission of photos?

June 30, 2023

Will I get the photo returned to me after the selections are made?

ALL photos submitted become the property of Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska.  Make sure you create a copy before sending.

How can I submit my photos?

Complete the online form at the bottom of this web page and upload your photo(s) as directed. You are also free to mail the completed submission form and photo(s) to GRRIN at PO Box 126, Boys Town, NE 68010, ATTN: Calendars.

What are the requirements for the photos?

1. Photos should be in color and in landscape orientation, with a preferred resolution of at least 1008 by 792 pixels (iPhone X or XI have 3264 x 2448 pixels resolution). Avoid using the zoom function on your camera when taking the photos. This affects the resolution. If you are not sure if your photograph(s) meet these requirements, go ahead and send and we will determine if the resolution is acceptable. 
2. Please include the dog’s GRRIN # if applicable.
3. We need a story about the dog (please keep it to 50-75 words) and how he or she became part of your family. If your dog is chosen to be in the calendar, we reserve the right to edit the stories for length and style.
4. Please do not have any people in the photo. We will make an exception if the photo is a Christmas depiction with Santa Claus.
5. Submit your photo(s) and the Calendar Photograph Entry Form/Release Form by email or mail to the address shown above.

Are there any fees for submission of my dog’s photo(s)?

There are no fees. However, if you would like to donate to offset the cost of the calendars, please send a check to GRRIN, PO Box 126, BoysTown, NE 68010. Indicate “Calendar” on the check. Or click here to make a donation, and make a note that it is for the calendar.

Please contact us at calendar@grrin.org if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing the photos of your wonderful Golden Retrievers!

Marley’s Journey!

*Special thanks to Bow Wow Buddies Foundation for granting funds to GRRIN for Marley’s care!

Marley was found wandering as a stray by animal control officers on October 20, 2022, and taken to the Midlands Humane Society in Council Bluffs.  GRRIN was notified and following a week in Midlands care, GRRIN volunteers brought him into the GRRIN family. The intake took place on October 27th, and he was placed in foster care following the initial veterinary visit.  The veterinarian estimated his age to be 10 years old.

Midlands Humane Society

Midlands Humane Society

From the foster family:

Marley came into our home on October 27^th and immediately attached himself to mom. He was curious and friendly to dad, our two dogs , and even our two cats.  He is a wonderful dog with good manners and is very gentle, and took very little time settling in. We realized almost immediately that all of us were smitten by this sweet boy and he obviously was home. Marley had been placed on multiple medications at the shelter, and we continued those prescribed for an ear infection and hot spots on his skin. At his first visit to our family veterinarian, Dr. Courtney Knott at the American Animal Hospital, he was started on new medications that began a nearly four month journey leading eventually to ear surgery on February 25th.  We are so grateful for the generosity of GRRIN and the skill and caring that all of the veterinarians and their staff demonstrated while taking care of our awesome dog.

Marley in his foster home

Marley in his foster home

Marley in his Foster Home napping with his foster sisters

The Procedure:

Dr. Eric Wilson of the Animal Emergency and Specialty Services in Mission, Kansas performed a total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the ear canal and tympanic bulla (middle ear), leaving only the ear flap (pinna) remaining.  This procedure requires the use of general anesthesia. Marley is deaf in his right ear now because of the removal of these organs, but the surgery was necessary because of the severity and duration of the infection, and also because the infection was resistant to most antibiotics. He is recovering nicely at home with no serious adverse effects.

Marley in route to Mission, Kansas for surgery

Marley with Dr. Eric Wilson following surgery

Marley recovering at home

Marley napping at home the day after surgery

GRRIN will be meeting and greeting at Omaha Dog Bar’s Golden Retriever Meet-Up event! If you enjoy GRRIN’s annual Gold Rush event, you will love Omaha Dog Bar, a great place for your pups to run and play in a safe environment. This is a 21 and over event.

We will have a few foster dogs attending but do not guarantee their availability for adoption. We do not adopt dogs at events and require all adopters to complete an application process that includes a home visit.

Golden Retriever Meet-Up at Omaha Dog Bar

• Saturday, March 4, 2023
  
• 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
• Omaha Dog Bar, 1231 South 14th Street Omaha, NE, 68108

From Omaha Dog Bar:

Sunday, January 22nd, 2023

Social and Shopping: 11:30 a.m.

Lunch and Training: Noon to 2 p.m.

Nebraska Humane Society Auditorium

RSVP to volunteer@grrin.org

New to GRRIN? So are a lot of us! Come out and meet other volunteers and board members. Thinking about volunteering? This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about what we do and how you can help Golden Retrievers in need.

Plan to join us as we socialize and learn from each other – this is the first time we have held this event in person since 2020!

• Lunch provided along with snacks and beverages
• Rescue topics will include how to do intake assessments and transports, a review of rescue processes, and discussion of veterinary care we provide to foster dogs
• No dogs, please

The Nebraska Humane Society is located at 8929 Fort Street, Omaha.

We will be in the auditorium (hallway to the right of the main entrance).

In case of inclement weather, we will post cancellation information on our website and Facebook page.

GRRIN recently lost a long-time volunteer, Thad Tinder. His wife Janie has shared a tribute to Thad. This wonderful couple has donated many, many hours of their time to rescuing Goldens. The family has suggested memorials to GRRIN in lieu of flowers.

Dear GRRIN Volunteers and Friends,

I wanted to let you know that my husband and fellow Golden lover, passed away on September 22nd.

He and I have been long-time members of GRRIN from the early nineties volunteering for home visits, transport and many more activities. We personally adopted first mother Brandy (99-24) and then her daughter Julie (00-12) as our first foray into golden ownership. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

We loved every moment that we spent with all of you and the satisfaction of volunteering brought Thad immense pride.  

Please know his Celebration of Life service will be held on October 29, 2022, Saturday, at 11:00 am at Peace Presbyterian Church, 333 South 204th Street in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Thank you for being such a big part of Thad’s enjoyment of this organization.

Much kindness,

Janie Tinder

Goal for the Goldens! Gold Rush 2022 is coming soon and we can’t wait to see you!

Gold Rush will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2nd at Sumtur Auditorium just south of Hwy 370 on 108^th Street in Papillion.

• FREE ADMISSION!
• Donations to GRRIN gratefully accepted
• All leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome!
• Local vendors (see list below)
• Games for dogs and humans (see list below)
• Shop at the GRRIN store – the 2023 GRRIN calendar is available!!
• Silent auction – Southwest Airlines tickets
• Silent auction – custom GRRIN cornhole game
• On-stage activities
• Emcee Shari Stone
• Event will be held rain or shine

SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 South 108th Street, Papillion, NE 68046

Want to volunteer? Send an email to goldrush@grrin.org.

GAMES & ACTIVITIES

Pin the Tail on the Cat – Get your dog to sit on the bull’s eye on the cat’s fanny and you win a prize.

Bobbing for Tennis Balls – If your dogs gets one they get to keep it!

Wet Shirt Game – 2 people/dogs race against each other.  There is a bucket full of water with a wet t-shirt in it.  Participants have to race to the bucket, put the t-shirt over their dogs head and front legs into the arm holes and race back to the starting line.

Shell Game – A treat is placed under one of 3 flower pots.  The pots shift positions.  Can your dog follow the action with his or her sense of smell?  Success means the dog gets the treat.

Spin and Win – You don’t need skill or even a dog for this game.  Spin the wheel to find out which prize you win.

Plinko – Drop the disk and watch it travel  into one of the prize slots.

Golden Goodies Walk (formerly the cake walk) – An old favorite.  This version includes our dogs.  Winners claim their human and /or canine goodies at the table next to the concession stand.

Biscuit Count – Located at the GRRIN Info Booth.  Guess the number of biscuits in the jar. The winner will be the guess that is closest to the actual number of dog biscuits.  Yes, we did count them.  Winner will be announced at  2:30 p.m.

Photo/Kissing Booth – This “frame” is just waiting for your dog to have a photograph taken. You can also join your dog in the picture. You can take your own photos too!

Cora Taylor/KiCo Designs – Get a custom Mug made with a picture of your dog while you wait, or purchase dog themed items.

Caricaturist – Kirk Kuenzi joins us again this year! Have a caricature made of your dog for a suggested donation of $10 per dog. Dog caricatures only, please. Kirk’s Works is donating all of the proceeds to GRRIN!

HYDRO DOG-OLIVER- Glam it up for Gold Rush!

GRRIN Store – Take this opportunity to purchase GRRIN logo merchandise and help support the rescue efforts. Sweatshirt anyone?

Silent Auctions for Southwest Airlines tickets and custom GRRIN cornhole boards – Auction sheets are at the GRRIN store. Winners will be announced at 2:45.

GRRIN Information Booth – Learn more about the many rescue activities and volunteer opportunities of GRRIN.  Or just stop by and introduce your dog.  Be sure to enter the Biscuit Count -winner to be announced at 2:30pm

Bean Bag Toss – Toss a bean bag through one of the holes in the cut-out Scooby Doo board and win a prize for your dog.

Bobbing for Tennis Balls – Will your dog grab a tennis ball from a tub of water? If so, they get to keep the ball!

Grab a hot dog at Willie Dog Food Truck ($) THIS YEAR!! VEGGIE DOGS AVAILABLE TOO!!

VENDORS

Visit our awesome vendors! Special thanks to all for taking time out of their busy schedules and jobs to be with GRRIN.

NAIL TRIMS -BY JOURDAN BERGSTROM

GLAM IT UP FOR GOLD RUSH WITH HYDRODOG OLIVER

CORA TAYLOR ART PHOTOGRAPHY AND KiCo CREATIVE ART

DOGGURT

NATURE DOG

VCA MIDWEST VET EMERGENCY AND REFERRAL CENTER

KIRK KUNZEL-Caricaturist

OODLES OF POODLES TREATS

Dr. Cris Macke, LPT -Owner of Macke Institute of Canine Therapy. (Demo and ask the Canine physical therapist Doc)

KNOTTY DOG HOME  DECOR

WILLIE DOG- HOT DOGs (and Veggie Dogs)

SHARI STONE, OUR DYNAMIC EMCEE!!!

Thank you to everyone who supported GRRIN through the GRRIN & Grapes fundraiser! We raised nearly $600 and packed Vino Mas with friends of GRRIN and their pups.

2022 Margre Durham Walk for the Animals

THANK YOU to everyone who braved the rain on Sunday to attend Gold Rush! We always say the event goes on “rain or shine” but we had to put those words into practice by moving most of the activities indoors. Dogs weren’t allowed in the clubhouse so we set up “pup” tents to keep the dogs and their handlers out of the rain.

Special thanks to the vendors who came out to share dog treats and cool swag:

Follow everything that’s happening today at Gold Rush on our Facebook event page!

We’ll have “Goldens Galore” at our annual Gold Rush reunion!

GRRIN is an all-volunteer organization – we couldn’t rescue Golden Retrievers without dedicated volunteers! People often ask about the different tasks that occur in rescue. Now you can follow volunteer Aaron Barnes on a transport mission to pick up GRRIN dog Charlie, just click here to watch the video.

Thanks for coming out to support Lincoln Animal Ambassadors at Deer Springs Winery! Check out pictures on their Facebook page.

Wine & Howl brings together all the best parts of summer for a fantastic afternoon event! Bring your dog, a blanket or lawn chair and join us on June 2nd for an afternoon of dogs, food, wine and music. If you are looking for a new companion, many of the area’s rescue organizations will be bringing pets looking for their forever homes.

You won’t want to miss the raffle prizes, featuring pet, wine, and decor gift baskets from all around the area. With just a suggested donation of $8 to attend; there are just too many reasons you have got to be there! The wine will start pouring at 11AM and the bands will play until 5PM.

Visit our calendar page for a map to this event.

Thank you GRRIN supporters for your outstanding participation in Omaha Gives! We raised $6695 with the help of many generous donors. Your donations will help us cover medical care needed for GRRIN foster dogs.

In 2017 the majority of our funds covered veterinary expenses – over $500 for each of the 28 dogs we rescued. Extreme vet care included treating severe dental disease, allergies and ear infections, thyroid imbalance, lump and bump removal, and palliative care. Something as simple as a dental cleaning will cost approximately $500, and even more if teeth need to be extracted. Eight of our foster dogs were eight years of age and older, classified as seniors. We are extremely grateful to have the resources to care for these Golden oldies with loving foster homes and the ability to pay for all of their medical expenses so they can live comfortably in their later years.

During the 24 hours of giving, Omaha Gives! raises millions of dollars for the community and over 900 participating non-profits. The Omaha Community Foundation has brought this outstanding opportunity to the metro for six years.

This year’s donations will help us cover medical care needed for GRRIN foster dogs. In 2017, the average vet expenses for each of the 28 dogs we rescued was over $500. We were extremely grateful to have the resources to care for eight Golden oldies with loving foster homes and the ability to pay for all of their medical expenses so they can live comfortably.

As of May 1, you can schedule your donation for Omaha Gives! Just click here to go directly to our Omaha Gives donation page.

Or, make your donation on Wednesday the 23rd. The giving begins at midnight with a minimum $10 donation and hourly drawings and prizes make your donations go further. So start gathering your circles and get ready for another great big give-together!

Follow all of the action for Omaha’s 6th day of giving on May 23rd on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Pups on the Patio!

Make sure to come celebrate on the 23rd with our volunteers and supporters at Pizza West in La Vista from 5-8pm. We’ll be on the patio and friendly pups are invited!

12040 McDermott Plz., La Vista

Click here for a map.

Congratulations to Rocky and his fur-parents, Jim and Mary Jane Fitch, who just received the 2018 Nebraska Veterinary Medicine Association’s Animal Hall of Fame award in January! Even more exciting, they visited the State Capitol where Lt. Governor Mike Foley presented a proclamation from Governor Pete Ricketts highlighting March 5, 2018 as Animal Hall of Fame Recognition Day in Nebraska.

Rocky, born with a deformed front paw, was adopted by Jim and Mary Jane in 2014. After an incredible journey to get a prosthetic device for Rocky, they had him certified as an Angel Dog at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, where he provides comfort and joy to many patients.

State Capitol Story

Rocky’s Special Journey

Rocky at Madonna Rehabilitation

Are you proficient using Adobe’s InDesign program? GRRIN is looking for a volunteer that can produce four newsletters per year. Our communications chair supplies most of the content and another volunteer is responsible for putting them in the mail. The previous editor estimates it takes about 12 hours to complete each newsletter. If you’d like to learn more about working with GRRIN, please send an email to newsletter@grrin.org!