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.

It’s time to join GRRIN or renew your membership! As we wrap up our 31st year of rescue, we ask for your support by renewing your membership or becoming a new member.

The annual membership fee is $15 for one applicant and $10 for each additional applicant. You can also make an end-of-year donation. Just visit our Become a Member web page, fill out the online form, and then click the button that takes you to our PayPal page. Questions? Send us an email – info@grrin.org.

GRRIN is pleased to announce that we are now registered with the organization TAGG – Together A Greater Good.

TAGG is a local fundraising platform and is an easy way to raise funds to help support our mission to rescue and re-home Golden Retrievers! It’s as simple as saving your receipts from purchases at participating businesses, scanning them into your electronic device, and emailing them to TAGG. There are over 400 local business partners ready to donate 5% as you eat, drink and shop!

Plus, you get rewarded for doing your part. Not only does TAGGing cost you nothing, you can also receive points for submitting receipts that can be used to purchase items or even to receive free items!

To begin just click on this link and get started by registering with TAGG:

1. Click on Login in the upper right hand corner.

2. Enter your phone number and you will receive a code to enter. Enter the code and the screen will refresh.

3. Click on TaggerXXXX (the XXXX will be the last four digits of your phone number) in the upper right hand corner and complete the registration form.

4. Return to TAGG.today and you are ready to submit a photo of your receipt. Choose Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska when you select an organization to support!

https://tagg.today/

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.

This event has been rescheduled for next Sunday. We apologize for the short notice.

Come visit GRRIN from noon-2pm on Sunday, August 14 at The Bookworm’s location in Loveland Centre on 90th and Center.

A small, cozy and quiet setting to meet a Golden that is in foster care. Visit The Bookworm on the first Sunday of the month, noon to one p.m. Click here for a map.

Please note, we do not guarantee the availability of a visiting foster dog. Interested adopters can learn more about the approval process here.

The Bookworm
Loveland Centre
90th and Center Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68114

2022 Margre Durham Walk for the Animals

GRRIN has one open board position. If you’ve thought about becoming more involved with rescue, this is your opportunity to work with ten other motivated board members! Please let us know your interest via email at volunteer@grrin.org, and the Volunteer Coordinator will respond asap.

Goldline Coordinator

• Schedule, train & advise Goldline volunteers
• Comfortable with using a virtual phone system
• Previous rescue experience recommended
• Attend quarterly meetings & annual meeting

It’s not often that GRRIN rescues puppies, much less four blind puppies from the same litter, but that is exactly what happened in 2021 when GRRIN received a call for help from a local shelter. Two foster families stepped up immediately and offered to keep two puppies each with the idea that the pups would comfort each other in a new environment. We quickly learned that the Charlie, Millie, Frank and Betsy had no idea they were handicapped by lack of eyesight – they were fearless! Here is a compilation of what has happened with each pup since they were adopted.

Charlie

What a delight Charlie has been in our life. From the day we picked him up at the foster home he’s been our dog. When he hears our voice, he comes running with kisses. He picked up sit fairly easy, we struggle with stay and he LOVES to fetch. We’ve taken turns getting up at night with him as he has no clue it’s nighttime. Early mornings are a delight. He’s always in a great mood. It took him no time to pattern our house and it’s a two story. He heads up after eating breakfast to get Barb up. Charlie lives for the outdoors, helped in the garden this summer, and has picked up on code words for going for a walk. He filled a huge void in our life after losing our Sophie and in turn we have given him a lot of love. He’s becoming a big boy every day and much more independent. He still has no clue he is blind.

Betsy

Betsy is thriving in our family and enjoys the company of our two rescued Australian Shepherds. Being outside and walking our kids to and from school are her favorite activities. She has such a playful personality and fits in perfectly. We are so thankful the puppies were surrendered to Capital Humane Society and then transferred to GRRIN.

Frank

Hi, I am Franklin (Frank), and I am one of the four blind goldendoodle puppies who was surrendered to GRRIN.  My dad knew that mommy’s dream dog had always been a golden doodle (mommy always wanted to therapy train a goldendoodle, so she could take it to school with her each day).   My dad also knew that if he told mommy about me, a goldendoodle who was born blind, that she would never be able to say no to me.  My mommy is a special education teacher, so adopting a dog with special needs holds such a special place in her heart.  After a few months in my awesome foster home with the best foster parents, dad and mom finally got to rescue/adopt me, and on Friday, August 13^th, I officially found my forever home.  I have loved getting to know my big sister (now little sister as I have grown so much).  My sister, Athena, has been a great helper in helping me navigate any new places I go to, and helps me avoid running into the fences.  I love to take long runs with my dad, who has trained me very well to stay on his “side,” so he can guide me and run me safely, and I love snuggles and naps with my mommy.  A few of my favorite things include ANYTHING FOOD, wrestling with my sister, new toys, and sliding headfirst into the refrigerator when I hear the ice machine, ice cubes are my favorite.  Mom and dad say I have the cutest underbite and it is what makes me “Frank”.  My sister and I have many fur cousins that we get to have sleepovers with- it is fun to play wrestle mania and tug-of-war with them.  Daddy and Mommy say they are beyond grateful for GRRIN and my foster mom for giving them the best addition to the family (please don’t tell my sister I said that).

Millie

Hi! Millie here! I am one of the 4 blind Golden Doodle puppies who was surrendered to GRRIN. I really don’t know that I am blind, because you know, I can see with my heart!  I was in the best Foster Home with my brother Franklin. I learned so much from my Foster Mom and Dad and Foster Sister Ruby. Best of all I learned how to snuggle! On September 22nd, I got adopted by my Furever Mom and Dad, and I am going to learn so much more as I get older. I am Mom’s Emotional Support service dog. I will be going to school, and become a Canine Good Citizen, whatever that means, but as long as I am doing that with my Mom, I am OK with going to school. I LOVE to find sticks and carry them around. We go for lots of walks and I have made new friends. I, like my brother Franklin, love ANYTHING FOOD, and sometimes I am naughty and like to chew on things not food (BOL). I love Ice cubes, Doggurt Frozen yogurt, sweet potato chips and bully sticks. We play with Doggie Puzzles and find it games. I sure can smell things great. Just recently, I learned to swim, and that was fun!  I love baths and massages. I have a cat sister that watches over me, and makes sure I don’t get to close to her. Thanks to all of you humans that helped me get to where I am today. I am one lucky girl! Next May, Mom says we should have a birthday party for all four of us! I can’t wait to eat doggie cake!

Sunday, January 23, 2022
1:00- 2:00p.m.

Virtual Zoom Meeting – RSVP for the zoom link

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 more about rescue! We need foster families, caseworkers, transporters, and home visitors. We can answer your questions about these rescue positions and provide on-the-spot training.

This meeting has changed from an in-person event to a VIRTUAL event for the safety of all attendees. We hope you can still join us for a shortened version of this traditional training event. A future in-person event is being considered. Thank you for supporting GRRIN!

In case of inclement weather or changes in Covid restrictions, we will post cancellation information on our website and Facebook page.

It’s time to renew your membership with GRRIN! Click here!

Thank you for celebrating 30 years of rescue with us in 2021! As we returned to normal operations, the flood of dogs we expected finally arrived over the summer. We had some “firsts”: five pairs of dogs were surrendered and we also took in four blind puppies. Fortunately, our foster families graciously housed multiple dogs at one time. Of the 32 dogs in foster care since January, 24 dogs have been adopted to new loving families. Many dogs have required more expensive vet care because they came to us unaltered. We are ending 2021 with a very big expense, five-month old Athena will have surgery to correct an ectopic ureter.

The reason our rescued Golden Retrievers have such great lives is simple: they have YOU in addition to their devoted forever families. YOU are GRRIN members.  Many of YOU not only pay dues but YOU also donate additional time and resources in order to help us continue to rescue and rehome Goldens.

Your active membership will provide you with access to the following members-only benefits:

• Voting rights at the annual meeting in April
• A 10 percent discount on all merchandise in our GRRIN store
• Invitations to members-only events for you and your Golden
• A subscription to our quarterly newsletter

And, if possible, thank you for considering an additional charitable donation to help GRRIN continue our efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for Golden Retrievers.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the GRRIN rescue team, our many volunteers and, most importantly, our GRRIN dogs, thank you so much for your ongoing support and engagement!

“You can’t change a dog’s past, but you could rewrite its future!”

Thank you for supporting GRRIN during Giving Tuesday! Our donors gave just over $300. If you missed Giving Tuesday and are interested in making a donation, just click here. At this time, all donations will help us pay for a $5,000 procedure for one of our foster dogs, a sweet pup named Athena.

For the third year, SHARE Omaha will power the local response to the global Giving Tuesday campaign, always set for the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. For 2021, Giving Tuesday falls on November 30th. Support GRRIN directly by visiting https://shareomaha.org/nonprofit/golden-retriever-rescue-nebraska.

It’s that time of year again. It’s the holiday season, and many of us have a lot of shopping to do. But what if we told you that by shopping, you could help support GRRIN while doing basically nothing at all?

If you’re not familiar, Amazon Smile is program through amazon.com that enables you to choose a charitable organization to support. Every time you purchase eligible products on Amazon, your chosen organization (GRRIN, of course!) will receive proceeds at no cost to you. All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com.

The first time you visit, you will need to select GRRIN as the organization you would like to support. To do this, find “Or pick your own charitable organization” on the lower right hand side. You can search for GRRIN by typing in “Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska” OR “47-0758414”. You only need to do this once. In the future, Amazon will remember that you want your shopping to support GRRIN.

After that, all you have to do is make sure you go to smile.amazon.com (instead of www.amazon.com) every time you shop on amazon. Everything will look and function the same, but GRRIN will receive money every time you purchase eligible products!

Thank you for coming to Gold Rush!

Photos of the event can be viewed at Vimeo – we’ve created a slideshow using photos from our generous photographer, Lynn King-Grieve. View the slideshow here.

Come celebrate GRRIN’s 30th birthday!

Save the date! GRRIN’s favorite event of the year, Gold Rush, will be held on Sunday, October 10th, from 12 to 4pm at SumTur Amphitheater just south of Hwy 370 on 108th 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
• On-stage activities (see schedule below)
• Event will be held rain or shine

11691 South 108th Street, Papillion, NE 68046

VENDORS

Doggurt

Nature Dog

Nail Trims by Jourdan

Hydro-dog – Oliver

Cora Taylor Art Photography

KiCo Creative Art

VCA Midwest Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center

Sirius Orthopedic Veterinary Center

Oodles of Poodles Treats

Ashlee Osborn – Owner of Pawsitive Pups Academy

Omaha Dog Bar

Lynn King-Grieve – roving photographer

Kirk’s Works Caricature Drawings

Willie Dog Hot Dogs food truck

GAMES

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.

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 to 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.

Cake Walk – An old favorite.  This version includes our dogs.  Winners claim their cake (or other baked goodie) 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 3:15 p.m.

Photo 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!

Caricaturist – Kirk Kuenzl 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!

GRRIN Store – Take this opportunity to purchase GRRIN logo merchandise and help support the rescue efforts.  Sweatshirt anyone?  Participate in the Silent Auctions  for Southwest Airlines Tickets. Winners announced at 3:30.

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 3:15pm

Bean Bag Toss – Toss a bean bag through one of the holes in the cut-out 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!

SCHEDULE

12:00 Welcome, Announcements and Acknowledgements from our GRRIN President Barb Garrett and Our EMCEE from  THE BEST MIX 105.5 KFMT AND My Boomer Radio SHARI STONE

1:00 Demonstration -Ask the Trainer-Ashlee Osborn-Owner Pawsitive Pups Academy

1:30 Line up for the Parade of current GRRIN Foster Dogs. (up the ramp on the right side of the stage)

1:30 Line up and start Parade of GRRIN Alumni Dogs. (up the ramp on the right side of the stage)

1:30 Line up for and start Costume Parade  (up the ramp on the right side of the stage)

2:30 ANNUAL GRRIN GOLD RUSH VOLUNTEER GROUP PHOTO-(up the ramp on the right side of the stage)

3:15 Announce winner of Biscuit Count Game .

3:30 Announce winners of the silent auctions, Southwest Airline tickets

4:00 THANK YOU FOR GROWING UP WITH GRRIN!  See you at another GRRIN event soon and Gold Rush 2022