As the oldest and largest Golden Retriever rescue organization in Arizona, Rescue A Golden helps these dogs, regardless of their health or age, serving the entire state as well as the El Paso area in Texas. Over the past few years, the organization has also rescued Goldens internationally from countries that lack resources or local families willing to take in a rescued Golden, including China, South Korea, Turkey and Mexico. “When we have the resources, we do what we can to help those Goldens, because pain and suffering have no borders,” Marcom said. THE FUTURE Rescue A Golden of Arizona has placed more than 3,400 dogs in homes and will continue as long as the work is required. “Our hope is that one day there won’t be a need for us anymore because all Goldens are able to stay in loving homes. But until then, we will be here to save every Golden that needs us.” Of course, the need often goes both ways. Marcom shared the story of a 99-year-old man whose life was touched by a Golden Retriever. “He was depressed and didn’t feel he had anything left to live for, and his daughter was worried about him,” Marcom said. “He had 24/7 healthcare providers who agreed to take care of the dog.” “ Our hope is that one day there won’t be a need for us anymore because all Goldens are able to stay in loving homes. But until then, we will be here to save every Golden that needs us.” 44 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | APRIL 2 020

When Rescue A Golden delivered his Golden, Katie, the man’s eyes lit up, and Katie went straight to him as if she knew he was the reason she was there. The man’s health improved — in fact, he lived another year and celebrated his 100 th birthday. “While this is not a typical adoption scenario for us, we were happy to be able to help this man make a connection with a Golden when they both needed it most,” Marcom said. As a nonprofit, Rescue A Golden of Arizona welcomes donations and is always looking for volunteers to help with home visits, transporting dogs, assisting with adoption coordination, intake and more. “We have a comprehensive list of opportunities to volunteer on our website, and people can stay up to date on what’s happening with us by following us on Facebook and Instagram,” Marcom said. To learn more, go to golden-retriever.org . CONNECTING WOMEN WHERE THEY WORK, LIVE OR PLAY Join us where you live, work or play to connect with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities. Learn more at: eastvalleywomen.org | centralphoenixwomen.org womenofscottsdale.org | northvalleywomen.org