Arizona Golden Rescue

AGR is an all-volunteer organization that rescues Golden Retrievers and mostly-Golden mixes that may have been abused, abandoned, neglected or unwanted and finds new, permanent homes for them. Rescues are given a complete veterinary exam and vaccines are updated; they are micro-chipped, spayed or neutered, and tested for valley fever and heartworm. AGR provides emotional and medical rehabilitation and will pay for medications and for necessary surgeries.

As of December 31, 2024, Arizona Golden Rescue has rescued 1,410 dogs since March 2009 when we incorporated. Six dogs are currently in long-term boarding or foster care due to medical or behavioral conditions. All others have been adopted. Most of our "program" efforts involve fundraising. We participate in the Parada Del Sol and Trail's End events in February, Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade (December) and have our Annual Meeting in March with a family fun day featuring BBQ lunch, adoption recognition ceremony and parade of rescue. We do several fundraisers during the year that draw in $7,000-$9,000 each, including a Wine & Art Experience at Pavilion Art Gallery in Scottsdale and we do gift wrapping during the holidays. We have a special program called the Debbe Begley Memorial Fund after our co-founder, Debbe Begley, who passed away from cancer in 2011. This fund is drawn upon to pay for veterinary expenses of dogs that come into Rescue with cancer or for extraordinary medical expenses over $5,000 for any dog -- the amount over $5,000 is taken from this fund. Each year, we sponsor one event, Dine Out With The Dogs, dedicated to benefit this fund. Donations can be directed specifically to this fund if the donor desires.

Testimonials

From Betty and Rich: "Our experience with Arizona Golden Rescue was top-notch. From the initial meet-and-greet through the delivery of [dog] the process was smooth and trouble free. It gives us such great comfort to know there is an organization dedicated to our canine friends. Thank you all for everything you do to support our friends."

From Rebecca and Dennis: "We couldn't be happier with [senior dog]. She is good therapy for the soul."

From Anne and Jack: "[Dog] was extremely overweight when he arrived; thanks to the AGR-recommended green bean diet and daily exercise, he has now lost a total of sixteen pounds so far! He joined our 5-year-old Golden Retriever, and they get along beautifully. He never hesitates to play dress-up or jump into the pool and loves doing belly flops! He constantly carries around a rubber chicken to give himself comfort and loves to supervise the kids at bath time. His energy and love for our family continue to grow every day and we are so thankful to AGR for giving us the opportunity to love such a wonderful dog!"

From Sheila: "Beautiful [female dog] is a dear addition to our fur family, and once again there are three Goldens! She is five and has a six-year-old sister and four-year old brother, also AGR rescues. This gorgeous gal is great around the house and has shown how much she loves other Goldens, my two-year-old grandson, and everyone else! She will be my seventh therapy dog. She is now taking obedience classes because this cutie has no leash skills and does not know any commands! The first few classes we could have gotten "Worst in Class" awards, but we are on a roll now and I am excited! Friends have volunteered to practice with their dogs with her so that we can pass that big test sometime this year. She is 15 pounds overweight. At our first weigh-in she had lost zero pounds and then we had our next weigh-in today and found she had lost four pounds in the last days. That green bean diet is awesome! The residents of Royal Oaks are excited about this new girl and look forward to the day she can meet with them but in the meantime, they just get "pup dates" every Saturday! God has big plans for you and you are about to be used in a very special way! We love you!"

From Jane and Tom: "We are so thankful for these two brothers and Arizona Golden Rescue! The house is full of life, laughter and smiles that only a dog can bring once again. You know, that one look into #1's eyes and you simply melt. #2's energetic greeting is beyond words - Who wouldn't want to come home to such a greeting? It is hard to believe they haven't always been with us. From the day they walked through our door they have been right at home. They love to play and romp in the back yard. Daily walks and belly rubs are an absolute must. The countdown to summer and the introduction of the pool has begun! We're pretty sure they are going to love the pool since the rain has already become a favorite! Thanks to the wonderful team at AGR for being with us throughout the entire process of adopting a Golden. Your passion and dedication for these awesome dogs radiates and is greatly appreciated! Our family is eternally grateful to be the brothers' forever home. We can't wait to experience all that is yet to come with our rescued boys."