At Gold Ribbon Rescue, we make a promise to every dog that comes into our care: no matter what happens, we will be there for them.
Sometimes that promise is tested.
Over the past week, two of our rescue dogs—Starr and Dante—faced separate life-threatening medical emergencies that required immediate intervention. Thanks to the quick actions of their foster families and dedicated veterinary teams, both dogs survived. However, the cost of saving their lives has been substantial, and their recoveries are still ongoing.
We are asking our community to help us give Starr and Dante the second chance they deserve.
Combined, Starr and Dante's emergency medical costs have already exceeded $9,600, and additional follow-up care is still ahead.
To help offset these unexpected expenses, we have launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $10,000. Most importantly, a generous supporter has offered to match donations up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every contribution.
No gift is too small. Every donation helps ensure that we can continue saying "yes" when a dog needs lifesaving care.
Starr is an 8-year-old Golden Retriever and one of our beloved long-term foster dogs. Recently, she ingested a sock that became lodged in her intestines, causing a complete blockage. Without emergency surgery, Starr's condition would have quickly become fatal.
Starr underwent emergency surgery to remove the obstruction and spent the night hospitalized while veterinary staff monitored her recovery. Thankfully, Starr is now back with her foster family, where she is recovering comfortably. However, she still requires follow-up care and continued monitoring as she heals.
Medical expenses to date: More than $5,600
Dante is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who entered our program in April.
Just days ago, Dante ingested portions of a Sago Palm—a highly toxic plant that can cause severe liver damage and death in dogs. Within hours, he became critically ill and was rushed to emergency veterinary care.
Dante required intensive treatment, IV fluids, and multiple overnight hospital stays as veterinary teams worked to stabilize him and limit the effects of the toxin.
Adding to his challenges, Dante is also heartworm positive and currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease.
Although he is now recovering at home with his foster family, he will need ongoing bloodwork and follow-up appointments to monitor his liver function and ensure there are no lasting effects from the poisoning.
Medical expenses to date: More than $4,000
From all of us at Gold Ribbon Rescue—and from Starr and Dante—thank you for being part of their journey.
National Foster a Pet Month is a time to recognize the incredible impact foster families have on rescue dogs every single day. Many of the dogs who come into GRR arrive scared, neglected, sick, injured, or completely shut down emotionally. They need medical care, stability, patience, and most importantly, love. That transformation begins with a foster home.
26-036 Mercedes is a perfect example of why fostering matters.
When Mercedes first came into rescue, she was in heartbreaking condition. Her body showed signs of severe neglect, and she desperately needed medical care, nourishment, and compassion. But thanks to rescue and the dedication of people willing to step up and help, Mercedes was given a chance. A chance to heal. A chance to feel safe. A chance to finally know kindness.
That is the power of fostering.
One foster home can completely change the course of a dog’s life. One person saying “yes” can mean the difference between suffering and healing, fear and trust, hopelessness and a future filled with love.
At Gold Ribbon Rescue, every foster makes an impact. Whether you foster for a few weeks, help a dog through medical treatment, or simply provide a safe place to land, you are part of their journey forward. Dogs like Mercedes remind us that rescue is possible because people choose to care.
June 24th
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Note: This event is free of cost to the GRR community.
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