by Animal Gambill Contributing Writer

Event Column A GRRAND Affair for a GRRAND Cause

LOUISVILLE, November 3, 2006 -- Goldens here, Goldens there, Goldens EVERYWHERE!!!! Click to view full-size images

A gorgeous Golden greeted me at the door, another Golden escorted me to the bar (Hey, I only had one glass of wine, I knew I was on duty – doggie duty for Louisville Pet Pals, that is). There was even a bikini-clad Golden Retriever modeling a beautiful bed in the silent auction – No, I’m not kidding. . . and she didn’t seem to be at all distracted by the interested onlookers and Bow-Wow bidders for the auction. She just relaxed as if it was just another day at the beach (she was sure dressed for it). Yes, life was surely better now that she was a GRRAND doggie alumnus. You see, she was abandoned in a toll booth before coming into GRRAND and finding a Forever Home.

GRRAND (Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs) is dedicated to improving the lives of displaced Golden Retrievers by providing medical attention, foster care, and quality adoptive homes. GRRAND is an all-volunteer organization that serves the Louisville, Lexington, and Cincinnati areas. Since its founding in 1996, GRRAND has placed over 1,900 dogs into adoptive homes. Operating support for GRRAND comes from charitable donations, memberships, and adoption fees. All income directly supports the care of the dogs and their placement in loving homes.

Bless the furry hearts of all the GRRAND Critter Crusaders!! They do Furrific work!! Believe me. . . I know. . . I have two Bow-Wow Wonderful GRRAND dogs (Riley and Goldie). My Great Dane/Lab Mix tries to pass himself off as a Golden sometimes, but he isn’t fooling anyone, especially not my cats (who all think he has lost his mutty mind every time he tries to imitate the gentle Golden nudge for attention which he learned from Riley and Goldie).

Woops, I apologize for carrying on about my critters. . . back to the GRRAND Affair. The silent auction included original artwork, fine jewelry, fantastic gift certificates, and gift baskets of all kinds. There was something there for everyone!! The live auction didn’t disappoint either - it included a vacation trip to Sanibel Island!!

My partner in crime for the night, PR Puppy, took photos of all the excitement. She didn’t miss a beat (or a beverage, for that matter). Me, on the other hand, I couldn’t get away from the fountain of liquid chocolate – I must have doused everything possible in it. . . while the Goldens gave me “the eye” – you know what I mean. . . that look that says, “Aren’t you going to give me some of that?” Lucky for the Goldens, I didn’t give them any chocolate, as chocolate is toxic to dogs.

I hope you enjoy the PR Puppy’s pictures. We had a Bow-Wow Blast!!!!