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March 2005

Our oldest daughter and her family adopted a precious golden named Magnolia from GRR in 2001. After spending time with this beautiful, sweet-natured girl, we knew that someday we would contact GRR and find our own golden. Years passed and the time never seemed right to have our own dog. This past fall, I knew the time was right to complete our application and begin the search for our golden. I began searching the web site and looking at stories on available dogs. We were scheduled for a home interview with Beth Freeman. I knew the minute I spoke with this wonderful lady that she was going to make it her goal to match us with our new golden. The day finally arrived for Beth to visit. We discussed all of the pertinent information and then Beth told us of a dog named Cisco who had a very rough start in life. He had been diagnosed with demodex mange and was left untreated by his owner who had purchased him at a flea market. With only a lean-to for cover, this young boy had been exposed to sun which had left his skin dark and exposed in some areas. He was flea infested and tested positive for heartworms. GRR took this wonderful dog, placed him in foster care and began treatment for his overwhelming medical problems. Cisco was adopted but due to circumstances, was returned to GRR. Now, this sweet boy was waiting… hoping again for a forever home.

After hearing his story and even before seeing a picture of Cisco, we knew he was exactly what we were looking for. I spoke with Cisco’s foster mom and arrangements were made for a trip to the Austin area to meet this young man. The moment the door opened and we met Cisco, it was love at first sight! Needless to say, we adopted Cisco that day.

It’s now been 3 months since we adopted our Cisco. I can’t begin to tell you the joy this boy has brought to our lives. We adore him! He has filled our home with a love that only he could provide. There was no period of adjustment. It was as if Cisco knew this was his forever home and for us, we had found the dog we had dreamed of having. Cisco has settled into a life of keeping our cats in line, protecting his family and getting more love than he could have ever hoped for. Cisco loves to take walks to the park or ride along in the car to run an errand. I think his favorite thing though is to snuggle in the bed with one of us in the morning. He loves to have his tummy scratched and there are four of us that actually fight over who gets that honor!

We wish to extend a most heart-felt thank you to everyone at GRR for making our adoption of Cisco so special. Beth, you are such a blessing! We thank you for matching us with our boy. Pam and Dean Phillips, thank you for welcoming us into your home and for knowing that we were meant to be Cisco’s family. I promise you that Cisco will have a long and happy life with his family and that he will be cherished every day!


John, Kim, Matt & Cara McCarty