~ Simon~

“My name is Simon and I'm about 6 or 7 years old and a great dog! I love to cuddle up with my owner and just be by you. I'm very afraid of thunder storms and guns, but do well in a kennel during a storm. I can have a tendency to roam a bit if you let me outside by myself, so need a fenced in yard.”

Golden Friends Rescue's beloved founder, the late Mary Jane Rizzella, Marie, and I had been trying for weeks and weeks to find a rescue which would accept Simon and give him a chance.  We had received one rejection after another.  It was at this time that Mary Jane suddenly became extremely ill, and had to undergo emergency surgery.  I felt so helpless thousands of miles away, and so wanted to do something for Mary Jane, my best friend.  I thought what better way to raise her spirits than to be able to tell her as she awoke from anesthesia that Simon had been accepted into Golden Rescue!

So I worked all day long during her 10+ hour surgery, calling and emailing every rescue listed on the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) website. Success, finally!  Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever (WAAGR) accepted him. They were even willing to transport Simon to his foster home!  I was able to give Mary Jane this wonderfully exciting news as soon as she awoke and got to her room.  I could tell from her voice and tears of joy that this meant more to her than anything else I could have done.

Simon was picked up just three days later. This was such a relief!  Simon wasn't going to be euthanized, but he had been in the Michigan shelter so long, because of his history of separation anxiety and severe thunder phobia, and this was definitely not an ideal situation for a dog with multiple issues needing to be worked on, and hoping to be adopted.

I received this email from WAAGR when Simon arrived at their rescue:

My name is Karen and I am the intake coordinator from WAAGR. We were so glad to be able to help Simon – he is such a wonderful dog. Lynn and Kellie from BRATS picked up Simon on Saturday, and I met them to take Simon to my house. He fit in so well…BUT let me tell you – our 2 acres of fenced in yard didn’t keep that young man from finding his way out…So he is now out – with a leash and not unattended. The people across the street will be fostering him for the minimum 2 weeks.  Also, we have a family that has been looking for a young dog (6 -7 years), so Simon may fit the bill… Thanks for letting us help Simon.  I will let you know when he is officially adopted.

And the final update from Karen at WAAGR:

Hi Nora,