Calendar Time!

Picture
It's that time of year – we are now accepting entries for the 2027 SGRR calendar!

This year's entry fee is $40.  Submit 2 pictures per entry fee, and one of them is assured to be included in the calendar.  (Your entry fee also includes one calendar.)  Send us your best, highest resolution shots of your furkids - and get creative – we love to see seasonal shots, holiday shots, action shots, etc.  Please note – we only have spaces for 50 pictures, so make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to submit your pictures!  This year we will be accepting entries between Friday, September 25 and Monday, October 12.

Once again we will be running a contest for you to help us choose the 2027 Cover Dog, so make sure you note in your entry as to whether you would like your dog to be entered into the cover contest.  The Cover Dog position only goes to a SGRR rescue dog, so please indicate in your email submission whether or not your dog/dogs you submit are SGRR rescues.  Any dog can be featured inside the calendar regardless of being an SGRR dog or not.  

Please make sure you include your name and your dog(s)’s name(s) in your email – if there are multiple dogs in a picture, please try and be as specific as you can be.  Photos should only contain dogs – no humans, please.  We will send you an email confirmation when we receive your photos, so if you don't get a confirmation please follow up - we want to make sure that everyone's submissions make it into the calendar!

Please use the Paypal or Venmo link on the website - https://www.sunshinegoldenrescue.com/paypal--credit-cards.html to pay for your entries (make sure you note that the donation is for the calendar).  Email your entries with your Paypal receipt to sgrrcalendar@gmail.com.

Thank you, as always, for your past and continued support.  We could not do what we do without our amazing group of volunteers, fosters and adoptive families.

Exciting News from Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue!

We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our NEW Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue Merchandise Store!
Now you can show your love for rescue dogs while helping save lives.

Browse our collection of:
~Custom T-shirts
~Cozy Sweatshirts & Hoodies
~Tote Bags
~Towels
…and so much more to come!
Every purchase makes a difference because 100% of the proceeds go toward rescuing homeless Golden Retrievers and golden-hearted dogs in need.  Your support helps to provide veterinary care, food, transportation, and loving foster homes until these amazing dogs find their forever families.

Whether you're treating yourself or shopping for the dog lover in your life, every item helps to give another deserving dog a second chance.

Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us make the world a brighter place, one great dog at a time!

Note... Prices have been reduced to help offset the cost of shipping.

Paw Prints on the Path to Independence

Picture
As we continue to celebrate America's Semiquincentennial, we wanted to share the remarkable stories of the dogs who helped shape our nation's history. From loyal companions on Revolutionary War battlefields to George Washington's beloved hounds, these faithful canines served with courage, devotion, and unwavering loyalty, leaving paw prints on the path to American independence.

Dogs played a quiet but meaningful role during the American Revolutionary War. While they were not employed in the organized, specialized military roles we associate with modern war dogs, they served as loyal companions, camp mascots, and dependable working animals alongside both officers and enlisted soldiers. In the 18th century, dogs were commonly used to guard supplies, track enemy movements, carry messages, and, in many cases, accompany their owners into battle.

Several remarkable dogs left their mark on Revolutionary War history.

Rebel, a Newfoundland owned by Continental Army General Richard Montgomery, accompanied his master during the ill-fated assault on Quebec on December 31, 1775. When Montgomery was killed, Rebel refused to leave his side, guarding his body from British soldiers during a snowstorm and even attempting to dig at his grave. Moved by the dog's unwavering devotion, British officers took him in. Major General William Phillips renamed him Rebel, and the faithful dog remained at his side until Phillips became a prisoner following the British surrender at Saratoga in October 1777.

Sweet Lips, George Washington's beloved stag hound, was far more than a hunting companion. She accompanied Washington on hunting expeditions, traveled with him to the First Continental Congress in 1774, and was often by his side throughout the Revolutionary War.

Another memorable story involves Lila, a fox terrier belonging to British General Sir William Howe. During the confusion and heavy fog at the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777, Lila became separated from her owner and wandered into the American camp. Recognizing the dog from the inscription on her collar, General Washington returned her under a flag of truce with a gracious note: "General Washington's compliments to General Howe. He does himself the pleasure to return him a dog, which accidentally fell into his hands, and by the inscription on the collar appears to belong to General Howe."  The gesture reflected Washington's respect for honorable conduct, even in the midst of war.

Dogs also appeared in numerous other wartime accounts. During the Battle of Harlem Heights on September 16, 1776, British Major Charles Stewart's dog was wounded while lying beside him as fierce fighting claimed more than one hundred British casualties. At the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, a large British bulldog repeatedly chased cannonballs fired into the American lines. Soldier Joseph Plumb Martin later recalled that American officers hoped to capture the fearless dog in order to send a message to the British, but found the determined animal impossible to approach.

Baron von Steuben's Italian greyhound, Azor, accompanied him throughout the war, including during the difficult winter at Valley Forge. Other officers also kept dogs close at hand, including British General Charles Mawhood, whose spaniels accompanied him during the Battle of Princeton. In one unusual incident near Charleston in 1780, a Jäger's dog inadvertently spoiled an ambush by running ahead of a picket line and triggering a recall whistle.

Dogs were present throughout the Revolution, but their influence on George Washington's life extended far beyond the battlefield.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Washington was deeply interested in developing superior hunting dogs. Over many years, he carefully bred hounds to improve their speed, endurance, and scenting ability. His breeding program produced what became known as the Virginia Hound and ultimately helped establish the American Foxhound, a breed that remains one of America's oldest and most recognizable dog breeds today.

Washington's affection for dogs was clearly personal as well as practical. The names he gave his hounds--Sweet Lips, Lady, Venus, Truelove, Music, and many others—reflect the fondness he felt for them. They were treasured companions, not simply working animals.  As we mentioned earlier, his favorite hound, Sweet Lips, even accompanied George Washington to the First Continental Congress, a testament to the close bond they shared.

George Washington's military leadership and statesmanship secured his place as one of America's founding figures. Yet his lifelong love of dogs offers a more personal glimpse into the man behind the legend. Through faithful companions like Sweet Lips, Rebel, Azor, and others, we are reminded that even during one of history's greatest struggles, loyalty, companionship, and devotion could be found on four legs. Their stories remain woven into the history of the American Revolution, ensuring that these remarkable dogs will always have a place alongside the people who shaped a nation.

Why Rescue?


Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets.  We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died.  Many rescued dogs will require continued behavioral work due to a lack of training, neglect, or abuse in the dog’s previous setting. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference.  From experience, we know that these dogs with “endearing imperfections” can move forward, provided their new family gives them necessary guidance and direction. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. 

The 3-3-3 Rule of Adopting a Rescue Dog

Picture
Congratulations! You’ve just adopted a new dog!   Like humans who move to a new community, your new pet needs some time to get used to their new surroundings.  That’s why SGRR's adoption coordinators talk about the "Rule of Three," a timeline that gives you an idea of how your dog will adjust after three days, three weeks, and three months.

Here’s what should happen three days after you acquire a new dog:
  • This is a major period of adjustment, because while your home may be roomy and inviting, the dog has to get used to living in an environment different from an animal shelter or their previous home.
  • A dog may sleep a lot in the first three days, or be easily aroused or excited by its new surroundings. This all depends on the animal’s personality.
  • The pet will need to learn what is good or bad behavior in your house. For example, no sleeping on the furniture, no gnawing on shoes like they are chew toys, no going potty in the house.
  • Be patient with your dog in these opening days, and give them plenty of time and patience. Perhaps your pet will need positive-reinforcement training classes so it properly behaves in your house, but keep in mind, improvements are on the horizon!

After three weeks:
  • The dog will be more used to your daily routine such as when it is time to take a walk and when it is feeding time.
  • You will see more of the dog’s personality begin to develop, and they should be less fearful than those opening days when they first arrived at your home.
  • By this time, you will have narrowed down the dog’s behavioral problems considerably. A dog training professional can help teach the dog the difference between what’s right and wrong, if there are any persistent issues.

After three months:
  • Most dogs know they are welcome in your home and understand the rules.
  • Your patience will have paid off, and the two of you can live together and become lifelong companions!

New to SGRR...?

Want to Learn More About Us...?

We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously.  The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups.  Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful.  We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us!  You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! page.

Kelly

One of our adopters created this cool video to tell you about his experiences with SGRR.   We are excited and proud to share it with all of you.  Click the button below and enjoy!

Support SGRR While You Shop through iGive

Picture
Click to shop at iGive
Shop at 1,000+ Top-Notch Online Stores.  The iGive mall includes: Pottery Barn, REI, Staples, Petco, Expedia, Best Buy, QVC and many more. Best of all, up to 26% of your purchase at each store is donated to SGRR when you sign up with the provided link.

Donate to SGRR or Pay the Adoption Fee

There are a number of ways to donate to SGRR.  SGRR is designated as a 501c(3) organization which means your donations are tax-deductible.  You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute.  Please use the Paypal option below or mail a check to:  SGRR, PO Box 403,  Fairhope, AL  36533.

Paypal

Single Payment
Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee.
Recurring Donation

Venmo

PictureClick to be directed to Venmo

You may use Venmo to make a donation or to pay the adoption fee when you are matched with a dog.  


Payments through Venmo should be sent to:  SGRR (our account match shows as SGRR Corp with our logo)

Sponsor a Dog

Picture



If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog.  Please use  Paypal or  mail a check to:  SGRR, PO Box 403,  Fairhope, AL  36533.  We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. 

We thank you in advance for your generous support! 

We  LIKE  You  Too!

Picture
Click to visit our Facebook page!