Before You Apply, Please Consider This Important Information
When our rescue began in 2005, there was an abundance of purebred Golden Retrievers in need of homes. As the years have gone on, those numbers have declined greatly. Thus, SGRR has been taking in more mixed breeds than purebred Goldens. If you are only interested in adopting a purebred Golden Retriever, SGRR is probably not the rescue group for you.
Additionally, because our dogs are in high demand, 90% of our adoptions are direct adoptions from the south. If you feel you must meet a dog prior to adopting, then again, we are probably not the right group for you.
Additionally, because our dogs are in high demand, 90% of our adoptions are direct adoptions from the south. If you feel you must meet a dog prior to adopting, then again, we are probably not the right group for you.
A Note to Our Approved Applicants
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Applicants often ask how long it will take to adopt a dog. Sunshine, like many other rescue groups in the country, is currently in the enviable position of having many more terrific families and individuals approved and waiting to adopt a rescue dog than we have dogs. We wish that each of you could bring a rescue dog into your life as soon as you are approved to adopt. Knowing that is not possible, we ask for your patience and understanding as you await your dog. Our volunteers spend many, many hours evaluating our dogs and working on the right match to help ensure each dog finds a happy and forever home. For some of you, there will be a very short wait for a dog, while others will wait longer than hoped. This is simply a matter of getting the right match and does not reflect negatively on anyone. We are fortunate to have so many kind and giving people waiting to welcome home a dog in need. Thank you for your trust in Sunshine. We are hoping your wait will not be a long one!
Reasons to rescue...
Rescuing will change two lives forever — yours and your new companion's. Nationwide, animal shelters care for between 6-8 million dogs and cats every year, of whom 3–4 million are euthanized. The tragic fact is that there are simply not enough responsible homes for all of these wonderful, innocent animals. On occasion, SGRR will have puppies available for adoption that will be starting their lives, and some are older dogs who have been well cared for but whose owners can no longer keep them due to a change in circumstances. Many rescued dogs come to us sad and confused, and many have been neglected or abused. These sweet souls will require time and love, and often continued patience and behavioral work. Companion animals are remarkably adaptable and forgiving, with a boundless capacity for love. Their inner personalities will emerge as they feel more comfortable. While we begin the process with vetting and evaluations, their adopters are part of the rescue process and will be rewarded by seeing their new companions blossom! Just because they lived with someone else first, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t make a wonderful companion for you! If you can open your heart to one of these dogs in need, we encourage you to apply and become part of rescue.
Adoptable Dogs
Finn
Click to read about me!
Seeking His Happily-Ever-After!
Breed: Labrador Retriever mix
Color: Yellow
Age: 1-2 years
Size: 50-55 lbs
Sex: Male
CGC Eligible!
After losing the only home he knew, Finn is getting a second chance and is ready to share his playful spirit, love of fetch, and affectionate heart with a family of his own. This smart, well-trained young Lab mix will thrive as the only dog in a home that will continue his training, cherish his loyalty, and give him all the forever love he deserves. Be sure to read about Finn!
Breed: Labrador Retriever mix
Color: Yellow
Age: 1-2 years
Size: 50-55 lbs
Sex: Male
CGC Eligible!
After losing the only home he knew, Finn is getting a second chance and is ready to share his playful spirit, love of fetch, and affectionate heart with a family of his own. This smart, well-trained young Lab mix will thrive as the only dog in a home that will continue his training, cherish his loyalty, and give him all the forever love he deserves. Be sure to read about Finn!
Courtesy Listings...
“Courtesy Posted” dogs are listed on our website to help the compassionate people who have rescued or own these dogs find homes for them. Courtesy dogs are not affiliated with SGRR and are available to be adopted privately via the information provided in their bio.
Adoptions Pending
The dogs listed below have Adoptions Pending. This means they are spoken for - the adoption contract has been signed and the adoption fee has been paid. Once the dog is medically cleared, he or she will go to their forever home.
Lilly
Click to read about me!
Somebody loves me and I will be going home soon!
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Color: Yellow
Age: 5 Months
Size: 35 lbs (60-65 when full grown)
Sex: Female
Fostered in New England!
Meet Lilly, an adorable cream-colored Labrador. born March 16, 2026. This sweet girl is friendly, loving, and absolutely adores people and other dogs. Read more about this doll-baby on her bio page.
Ozzy
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Somebody loves me and I will be going home soon!
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Golden
Age: 2 Years
Size: appx 60 lbs
Sex: Male
For the first two years of his life, Ozzy didn't know the comfort of a warm couch or the joy of being part of everyday family life. He spent his days outside on a chain but that has all changed now!. Read more about this boy on his bio page.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Golden
Age: 2 Years
Size: appx 60 lbs
Sex: Male
For the first two years of his life, Ozzy didn't know the comfort of a warm couch or the joy of being part of everyday family life. He spent his days outside on a chain but that has all changed now!. Read more about this boy on his bio page.
Sadie
Click to read about me!
Somebody loves me and I will be going home soon!
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Golden
Age: 3 Years
Size: appx 58 lbs
Sex: Female
After spending most of her waking hours in a crate, Sadie is ready for a fresh start with an adopter who has the time and energy to give her the life she deserves. Read more about this sweetheart on her bio page.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Golden
Age: 3 Years
Size: appx 58 lbs
Sex: Female
After spending most of her waking hours in a crate, Sadie is ready for a fresh start with an adopter who has the time and energy to give her the life she deserves. Read more about this sweetheart on her bio page.
Travis
Click to read about me!
Somebody loves me and I will be going home soon!
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Reddish Gold
Age: 1 Year
Size: appx 60 lbs
Sex: Male
Travis's ideal home is with an active individual, couple, or family who can give him plenty of exercise, continued training, and lots of love. Another playful dog would be a huge bonus since Travis LOVES other dogs! Read more about this pup on his bio page.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Color: Reddish Gold
Age: 1 Year
Size: appx 60 lbs
Sex: Male
Travis's ideal home is with an active individual, couple, or family who can give him plenty of exercise, continued training, and lots of love. Another playful dog would be a huge bonus since Travis LOVES other dogs! Read more about this pup on his bio page.
Apollo
Click to read about me!
Somebody loves me and I will be going home soon!
Breed: Newfie mix
Color: Black with White
Age: 3-4 years
Size: 85 lbs
Sex: Male
Good with Cats
Apollo is a hunky southern gentleman who was dealt a bad hand in his past. You can't change a dog's past, but you can rewrite their future. Be sure to read Apollo's bio.
Breed: Newfie mix
Color: Black with White
Age: 3-4 years
Size: 85 lbs
Sex: Male
Good with Cats
Apollo is a hunky southern gentleman who was dealt a bad hand in his past. You can't change a dog's past, but you can rewrite their future. Be sure to read Apollo's bio.
Happily Adopted
Newman
Happily Adopted!
Newman doing great! Jake worked from home today and said he’s a little anxious with the storms that are going on now, but not too bad. He is settling in very well. Newman is such a very chill, low maintenance dude
who just wants to be near us. An absolute angel. In fact, he doesn’t even acknowledge the cat, and doesn’t care when the cat sniffs him or walks up
to him while eating. Which is perfect!! ~ Nicole & Jake
Newman doing great! Jake worked from home today and said he’s a little anxious with the storms that are going on now, but not too bad. He is settling in very well. Newman is such a very chill, low maintenance dude
who just wants to be near us. An absolute angel. In fact, he doesn’t even acknowledge the cat, and doesn’t care when the cat sniffs him or walks up
to him while eating. Which is perfect!! ~ Nicole & Jake
Sky
Happily Adopted!
All is great here and Sky has made himself part of the family! He does love playing fetch. ~ Alison & Jan
All is great here and Sky has made himself part of the family! He does love playing fetch. ~ Alison & Jan
Winston
Happily Adopted!
Winston’s settling in really well and getting more comfortable with his surroundings. He had no problem getting into an elevator for the first time! He definitely likes to be close and will follow you everywhere once he wakes up from a good nap. He did well visiting David's brother’s house, and explored every room multiple times. He enjoys playing ball, but also seems to have a thing for rocks - he picked out the biggest one he could find and played with it for awhile, even though it was too big to fit in his mouth! He’s a big cuddler, loves sleeping at the foot of the bed, and devours his food. Winston has been getting three walks a day and the training harness is going well. He rides nicely in the back of the car. Overall, he’s doing great! ~ David
Winston’s settling in really well and getting more comfortable with his surroundings. He had no problem getting into an elevator for the first time! He definitely likes to be close and will follow you everywhere once he wakes up from a good nap. He did well visiting David's brother’s house, and explored every room multiple times. He enjoys playing ball, but also seems to have a thing for rocks - he picked out the biggest one he could find and played with it for awhile, even though it was too big to fit in his mouth! He’s a big cuddler, loves sleeping at the foot of the bed, and devours his food. Winston has been getting three walks a day and the training harness is going well. He rides nicely in the back of the car. Overall, he’s doing great! ~ David
Cooper
Happily Adopted!
Cooper sadly had to be surrendered back to Sunshine after his adopter could no longer keep him. But he has now made a forever home with Pat, who is a prior adopter! Pat shares with us that at first Cooper was shy finding a safe place sleeping in a small room in her house. Coming from a small apartment it is understandable that it might be strange for him to have so much room to roam. Very quickly he felt safe and came to stay with her in the Den. She tells us that Cooper is such a good boy. They go for a 2-mile walk every morning and it poops him out!
Cooper sadly had to be surrendered back to Sunshine after his adopter could no longer keep him. But he has now made a forever home with Pat, who is a prior adopter! Pat shares with us that at first Cooper was shy finding a safe place sleeping in a small room in her house. Coming from a small apartment it is understandable that it might be strange for him to have so much room to roam. Very quickly he felt safe and came to stay with her in the Den. She tells us that Cooper is such a good boy. They go for a 2-mile walk every morning and it poops him out!
Merle
Happily Adopted!
Sam (fka Merle) is loving his new life as a Cape Codder. His days are filled with long walks along Bass River, zoomies with his little brother Bear, lessons of wisdom from his older brother Bucky, and plenty of family cuddles. We are so happy to give him his forever home and can’t wait to see how his personality continues to blossom. ~ Jeff & Veronica
Sam (fka Merle) is loving his new life as a Cape Codder. His days are filled with long walks along Bass River, zoomies with his little brother Bear, lessons of wisdom from his older brother Bucky, and plenty of family cuddles. We are so happy to give him his forever home and can’t wait to see how his personality continues to blossom. ~ Jeff & Veronica
Oakley
Happily Adopted!
All is well here, Rhed and Oakley had a great greet yesterday. Since then, it’s gone very smoothly. Oakley is a very good boy with him and leaves him alone for the most part. When he gets playful, we just redirect him.
I just don’t understand why or how someone could have given this beautiful boy up - but I can promise you Oakley will live a better life than whoever decided he was too much bother. To that end, I think the trial ends now. 😄 We’d like Oakley to be part of our family and we’d love for his official adoption date to be tomorrow, 8/6, because coincidentally it is Rhed's gotcha day as well. There will be a porch party down here to celebrate two gotcha days!
~ Barbara & William
All is well here, Rhed and Oakley had a great greet yesterday. Since then, it’s gone very smoothly. Oakley is a very good boy with him and leaves him alone for the most part. When he gets playful, we just redirect him.
I just don’t understand why or how someone could have given this beautiful boy up - but I can promise you Oakley will live a better life than whoever decided he was too much bother. To that end, I think the trial ends now. 😄 We’d like Oakley to be part of our family and we’d love for his official adoption date to be tomorrow, 8/6, because coincidentally it is Rhed's gotcha day as well. There will be a porch party down here to celebrate two gotcha days!
~ Barbara & William
Argiro
Happily Adopted!
Argo is settling in well after his long car ride Saturday. That first night went okay: he explored every corner of our bedroom before finally getting some sleep! Last night’s thunderstorms revealed he’s not a fan of storms, so there was lots of cuddling involved. Today he’s noticeably more relaxed and finding his groove.
He’s a great dog and exactly what our family was looking for. We’ve loved bonding with him these past few days. We have his vet visit scheduled for Friday, and we’re reaching out to obedience trainers to get that started too. ~ Deborah & Harry
Argo is settling in well after his long car ride Saturday. That first night went okay: he explored every corner of our bedroom before finally getting some sleep! Last night’s thunderstorms revealed he’s not a fan of storms, so there was lots of cuddling involved. Today he’s noticeably more relaxed and finding his groove.
He’s a great dog and exactly what our family was looking for. We’ve loved bonding with him these past few days. We have his vet visit scheduled for Friday, and we’re reaching out to obedience trainers to get that started too. ~ Deborah & Harry
PAW PRINTS OF LOVE: A RHED AND THATCHER BEACH ADVENTURE
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Rhed (adopted from SGRR) and Thatcher are playful Golden Retriever brothers who LOVE the beach. Come along as they play, romp and frolic from morning to night, leaving loving hearts behind in everything they do.
Written by SGRR adopter Barbara Davis and her sister Pam, this beautifully-illustrated children’s book promotes active engagement and participation with the text through discovery, encouraging the young reader (baby to age 6) to explore the colorful illustrations for the hidden tracks of love. It is a celebration of siblings, sun, sand, sea, exploration and finding the joy in each moment
Proceeds from Rhed and Thatcher will be donated to SGRR and other organizations. Treat the kids you know to this delightful story of brotherly love and fun in the sun and help some dogs along the way!
Written by SGRR adopter Barbara Davis and her sister Pam, this beautifully-illustrated children’s book promotes active engagement and participation with the text through discovery, encouraging the young reader (baby to age 6) to explore the colorful illustrations for the hidden tracks of love. It is a celebration of siblings, sun, sand, sea, exploration and finding the joy in each moment
Proceeds from Rhed and Thatcher will be donated to SGRR and other organizations. Treat the kids you know to this delightful story of brotherly love and fun in the sun and help some dogs along the way!
Jackson’s Story: One Dog’s Journey to His Forever Home
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Authored by one of SGRR's adopters, this children's book is written from the dog's perspective. We hope you will read the heart-rending story of Jackson's abandonment and journey to his forever home. Young readers will learn that dogs feel pain, fear, confusion, and sadness, just as we do, and will realize the importance of responsible, loving dog ownership.
Happy Tails 2026 Click for 2026 Happily Adopted stories
Click below to visit our older Happy Tails pages to read about more happily adopted dogs! Happy Tails 2025 Happy Tails 2024 Happy Tails 2023 Happy Tails 2022 Happy Tails 2021 Happy Tails 2020 Happy Tails 2019 Happy Tails 2018 Happy Tails 2017 Happy Tails 2016 Happy Tails 2014-2015 You can also read special adoption stories through this link! |
Forever Fosters
 Click to view our Forever Fosters
There are wonderful humans who will provide special dogs with a forever foster home, giving them all the love and attention they could ever hope for. Because of their age and/or disability these dogs were considered un-adoptable but they are still able to live with a good quality of life. SGRR pays for ongoing medical care for these special dogs Consider being a forever foster or sponsor so that we can continue to show that dog how wonderful his or her world can be. This is the true meaning of "rescue."
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