Veterinary Care

The majority of dogs coming into YGRR are happy, healthy, tail-wagging Goldens who are in need of new homes due to changing family circumstances. But there are many others who have needed extensive veterinary care and since its inception, YGRR's approach to veterinary care has set it apart from other rescue organizations. Although YGRR had meager funds in its early days, the program admitted and cared for Goldens with medical conditions that were expensive to treat because we were confident that the YGRR membership would support the decisions and lend financial assistance.

Bandit, YGRR #3 was epileptic and Rusty, YGRR #8 had heartworm disease. When necessary, specialized medical treatment was sought from Tufts University New England Veterinary Medical Center in Grafton, MA and Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. One of the earliest of such services was the 1988 treatment of Buddy, YGRR #485. He was an emaciated and abused 9 month old puppy with multiple injuries and a dangling and useless left rear leg broken in several places. Dr. Randy Boudrieau of Tufts wired and screwed together Buddy's leg in a new surgical technique. Buddy survived, thrived, and eventually walked with nary a limp! Years later Dr. Boudrieau successfully repaired another Rescue Golden's severely damaged leg which resulted from a year-old untreated car accident injury.

Over the years, extraordinary care by specialists has included balloon valvoplasty, reconstructive plastic surgery due to abuse, treatment for severe allergies, telescopic intestinal surgery, amputation due to gangrene, skin grafts for bone infections, surgical repair of pelvic fractures, femoral head osteotomys, crucitate repairs, TPLO knee surgeries, casting of many fractured legs, treatment of demodectic and sarcoptic mange, and removal of eyes due to glaucoma or serious injury. The list is just a sampling of the incredible and specialized care provided to our Rescue Goldens. Follow up care and rehabilitation are provided at Riverview by a dedicated and capable staff.

The owners were called and told that Molly might not survive the treatment for heartworm because of her advanced age and the fact that her case was quite serious. Her owners did not want Molly back and said to do what we felt was best. While Molly received the two stage treatment for heartworm, she was kept confined in a crate with a large puffy quilt in a quiet room at Riverview. Her activity was carefully monitored. It was not an easy time for Molly but the staff would continually see glimpses of her feisty personality! Finally, at the end of February, Molly was heartworm free and had also been successfully treated for Lyme.

Devin spent almost four months recuperating from his injuries and receiving rehabilitation from the YGRR staff. Devin also had entropian surgery during his stay at Riverview which corrected the problem of his eyelashes turning inward causing abrasion to his eyes.