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We are so happy, we finally have a new Golden Retriever to participate in the 1000 Goldens Project! Please meet Cindy, who was rescued by the Stanley family in TX. We know you will enjoy her story.

Meet Cindy: Therapy Dog, Cheerleader & Hug Giver

by: Suzanne Stanley

 
I have a Golden, Cindy, who we adopted from Gold Ribbon Rescue, of Austin Texas. There are about 200 Goldens rescued a year from the San Antonio/ Austin area. Unbelievable!

Cindy came to us with many "issues" but thanks to the trainer Patsy Swendon (Penny's From Heaven Foundation) works with, we have helped Cindy become a joyful dog. She was 40 lbs when we took her to foster, with the option to adopt and had heart worms, intestinal parasites, ticks and fleas galore! As my husband and I laid on the floor with her that first night, shaking, 40+ pounds, emaciated, sick, and recovering from her spaying, she look up at us with those big brown eyes... we were hooked. We knew she would be ours!

Here is Cindy at the Achilles International's Hope & Possibility 5K Race. "The group's mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics. What a great group, what a great day. The Penny's From Heaven Foundation Therapy Dogs were invited to attend and to be the cheerleaders at the finish line !!! Cindy preferred to walk through the crowds, giving the 'Golden Hug' and getting petted. It works for her!" - Suzanne Stanley

She has proven to be the best dog (and the second Golden) we have ever had. When we attended the GRR reunions, she would just go up to people and lay her head against their leg, and of course their first reaction was to reach down and pet her soft furry head. They told me she would be a great therapy dog.

I did some computer research and decided Patsy's group would be a good fit for us, since we have a son in the Marines. Working with the soldiers, I somehow feel closer to my son. What a great organization... and what fun we have going to our weekly visits... an Alzheimer's Unit, nursing home, retirement community, Ft. Sam to visit the soldiers and finally on Friday to a local Children's Hospital to visit some kids in need of a furry visitor.

I think everyone who has a Golden thinks their dog is special. I frankly love them all... but to us, ours is the best. I have seen first hand what a dog can do to alleviate loneliness, isolation, depression, lower blood pressure and encourage activity. I am sure everyone writes about their dog... they are so much fun to be with. Our kids are grown and gone so we have gone "back to the dogs!" and we are loving it!

Every dog has a story. Thanks for letting me share a bit of mine.

Story Sponsor

This story was sponsored by the Save A Life, Adopt a Shelter Dog t-shirt.

Gold Ribbon Rescue Boutique

To support the Golden Retriever rescue organization that led Cindy to her new family, please visit their online boutique. They have a very nice 2009 calendar.