A Volunteer's First Reunion

It was a perfect February day for the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida reunion.
Golden Retrievers of all shapes and sizes gathered on February 18th to celebrate their adoptions and parade around the park with bounce in their steps and happy, loving eyes waiting to be petted by the next golden lover.

It was my first golden reunion as a volunteer for GRRMF and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Wow, what a great variety of things to do and see.  There was a golden store with all kinds of wonderful shirts, dog treats, magnets, cards, coasters-you name it, they had it.
Then off to the candle store, handmade tote bags, the golden raffle and silent auction. What an assortment of gifts and goodies!

Outside the Canine Olympics were taking place with fun games for dogs and humans. Several photographers were  snapping pictures of goldens and their humans, an artist was drawing cute character sketches of dogs and people, and a professional dog trainer (Katie) was demonstrating K9 Nose Work and answering training questions.  Goldens and family pets were bounding into the Toy Corral
to grab a favorite stuffed animal or toy of their choice, plus many enjoyed getting a massage from our professional (Shonna Bender) so much that some canines did not want to leave the table.

Most touching was Pastor Dave who gave a special blessing of the goldens and their family. It made you smile and feel grateful for these special dogs.

– by Ellen Steiger