(An update and new photo has been added below Maggie's Golden Angel story).

Hi, my name is Maggie and I’m a little Golden-ette. I call myself that because I’m seven years old and only weigh 40 lbs. All the other Goldens are bigger than I am, but being petite only adds to my puppy-like charm. I could sure use the help of all of you wonderful GRRR folks because I’ve had some big medical bills.

Before coming to GRRR, I spent my entire life in a small, isolated dog run outside because someone in my family had allergies. Imagine a little girl like me never being in a warm, safe house and out there in all kinds of weather. The nights got a little scary and I was so lonely. Sometimes I still spin around in one spot when I’m excited – that’s all I could do in my confining dog run when someone occasionally stopped by to feed me. When my family first got me they bought me the prettiest pink collar with sparkly rhinestones. I guess that was when they loved me. Now it’s old, faded, dirty and missing some of the stones, but that was my only possession.

When my family’s daughter went off to college (I was supposed to be her Golden), they decided it was time for me to move on. They put an ad in the paper, “Free to good home.” My new adopters contacted GRRR when they realized something wasn’t quite right with me and that I needed medical attention. This wonderful GRRR volunteer named Bill came to get me, and I immediately stole his heart although he felt terribly sad for me. He quickly found out that I would melt right into him when he would pet me and give me attention. I knew I was in heaven as soon as I met Bill.

At first everyone thought I was blind. When Mary, my foster mom, would come home I would “get lost” trying to locate her. I could hear her but would have trouble finding her. One time I walked right into a glass door. I also have difficulty going down stairs (although climbing them is no problem). I went to Dr. Graham, an ophthalmologist. He determined that my eyes are physically fine, but for some reason there seems to be a neurological problem that keeps my eyes from registering with my brain. The signals just don’t transmit properly. I do have limited sight, but no peripheral vision. Dr. Carpenter surgically removed some grass seeds that had been imbedded in my ear forever. I also had an inner ear infection that he treated with antibiotics. He thought that might be why I was always tilting my head, but that didn’t change. Then I visited a neurologist who said I’ve most likely been this way since birth. Maybe that’s why I’m so tiny – I must have had a heck of a time finding my way to my mom’s food source when I was a puppy. It’s a wonder I survived at all, but I’m sure glad I did!

All those years in a pen I longed to be petted and loved and walked and brushed and cuddled. Sigh. But now all of that has changed! I’m living the life I never experienced before. I appreciate every single little thing and every day is a wonderful new adventure. Even though I can’t see all of this big new world, I’m finding out what freedom, playtime, toys, friends, kind hands, soft voices, a warm place to sleep and plenty of fresh water and food are. I enjoy every meal with gusto and every cookie like it’s my first and last. Mary says I remind her of a cartoon she once saw of dogs getting fed, and every clip says, “YEAH! We’re having Dog Food Again!!!! That’s me! Every bowl of food is the best meal I’ve ever eaten. I love to run through the yard with the other dogs and chase balls like I’m a one year old. I have my new stuffed animals I carry around just hoping someone will play tug ‘o war with me.

Sharing my story with you is my way of saying “thank you” to everyone who has given me a second chance at a happy life. Because of all the wonderful GRRR supporters – especially you – I’m now living the life I always dreamed of. That tiny dog run seems so long ago as the bad memories fade. Life is amazingly wonderful when you’re part of the GRRR family. I love all of you!

P.S. I have a beautiful shiny new collar now!

MAGGIE MAY SUNSHINE UPDATE FROM KAREN ZUPKO

Hi there!  Remember me?  My name is Maggie.  Maggie Mae Sunshine now.  I just want to let you know that I found my forever home.  I'm in the mountains and live in a little house on a stream with my mom and three kitties in a small town with lots of dogs.  Best of all, I go everywhere with my mom -- even to work (night shift, weekends) and everyone there loves me and gives me treats!

I have to watch my girlish figure though so I go on lots of hikes.  Mom says I'm a great hiker 'cause I stay close to her where she can see me.  I even climb long flights of stairs especially when there is popcorn at the top.  I'll do anything for popcorn!  And doggie parks -- I love doggie parks!  My vision problems don't give me much trouble but to help with that and my coordination, I'm signed up for some swim therapy.  Then I'll be able to "stream hike" and enjoy dip pools when we go camping in Utah (wherever that is).

Everyone I meet thinks I'm a puppy 'cause I'm so happy and lighthearted I guess.  Mom says I'm the light of her life and she just loves my goofy side.  I'm so happy the folks at GRRR found me.  Thank you everyone who had a paw in this.  I hope to see you all at the GRRR parties!