Update from Sparky

[08/09/2010] Hi, I'm Sparky and I'm back to give you an update from my forever home. My family was grieving the loss of their second Golden Retriever to cancer and Mom reached out to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta™ looking for a way to give back. She was hoping I would bring some much-needed joy back to their lives at a very difficult time.

I was adopted three weeks ago and my family has since changed my name to "Finley." I was welcomed into my new home by my human parents, my one and a half year-old Doberman sister Maggie, and my Chihuahua brother Jack. Jack and I get along very well, but Maggie is my favorite sibling. She has been so loving and protective towards me that our parents believe she thinks of herself as my Mommy. We play together all day and snuggle together at night when we sleep.

My scar continues to heal and my fur already covers up most of it. My family thinks that I am perfect, scar or not, and that is what matters most. I am very happy in my forever home; the only complaint I can think of is that my human mom is constantly kissing and hugging me when all I want to do is PLAY! In spite of everything I've been through, I am very trusting of people and other animals.

My story did not have a fairytale start, but thanks to you-GRRA™ volunteers, supporters, and friends-it has a very happy ending. My family and I cannot thank you enough. I will be back periodically to give you updates, but now it's time to PLAY! Woof, Woof!

[07/18/2010] I'm back and I have great news. I went to my first adoption day last week and met my forever family! They took me home yesterday and I am very excited. I'll be back soon to give you an update on how I'm settling in. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this possible. I would not be here without you!

[06/30/2010] Hi, I'm Sparky and I am back to give you an update on my recovery. When I arrived on my foster family's doorstep, I looked a little like Frankenstein... I had angry jagged stitches along my back from my neck to tail. After just three days of TLC, and some quality playtime my foster siblings (two fellow GRRA™ rescued dogs) my scar has faded and as you can see I'm healing very well!

I love playing, wrestling with the big dogs, and hiding in the flower beds. When my hair grows back you won't be able to tell what a hard life I had in the first two months of my life. Big thank you to all of the GRRA™ volunteers, supporters, and friends who pitched in to take care of me! I can't thank you enough and I promise to be back soon with more updates.

[06/22/2010] Hi, I'm Sparky, a ten-week old Golden Retriever mix. I can only show my face in my current picture. You see, I was abused and any full pictures of me are too graphic. I was shaved, burned, and left on the side of the road. But luck started changing when a kind-hearted woman found me and came to my rescue. She took me to Henry County Care and Services and they called Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta™. I am currently at a GRRA™ vet clinic being treated (they are really nice to me here!) for my burns, the infection that has set in, and resulting pain. The vet says I am doing better after just a few days and expects that I will make a full recovery. When all of this is over, I will have a scar on my back but it should not be visible when my hair grows back. Everyone at the vet clinic describes me as a "love bug, who craves attention." I will be at the vet for a few more days but will be going to a foster home soon, where I look forward to getting the TLC I need as I recover. I promise to share updates and pictures throughout my recovery, so stay tuned to GRRA's Facebook fan page. In the meantime if you would like to make a donation to help GRRA™ pay for my veterinary expenses, which can get as high as $2,500, click on the donate button below. No amount is too small. Please share my story with your Golden-loving family and friends. Thank you for your support; I truly am one lucky dog!

Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta™, the original Golden & Labrador Retriever Rescue in Atlanta, is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers that have been left in animal shelters. Started in 1991, Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta™ is registered with the State of Georgia and is licensed by the State Agriculture Department as an animal shelter and rescue group. Please click here to make a donation - no donation is too small and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Click here to read other rescue stories from GRRA™.