A collection of golden memories from the families who made our mission possible

In 2026, we proudly celebrate 35 years of rescuing, healing, and rehoming goldens across Mid‑Florida. This Memory Wall honors the thousands of dogs — and families — who have been part of our journey.

Have a GRRMF golden of your own? We’d love to include them.

Share a photo and a short memory here: Share Your Golden Memories

Lots of memories coming in! Photos may take a moment to load — but the smiles are worth the wait.

35th Anniversary Memory Wall

In the bottom left corner, a 7 week golden puppy is in the arms of its new owner in the car. The right side photo is of a golden who has a white face, and is over 10 years old, also in the car back seat on their way to their new owners.

As a transporter, I have dozens of wonderful memories. Here are the youngest and oldest dogs I've driven. - Greg H.

Two golden retrievers sitting on grass near a sidewalk and a yellow fire hydrant, calm and attentive beside a white rescue‑organization sign, outdoor event tents and fencing in the background. Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida sign.

All of my goldens have been blessed by GRRMF's help. Thank you for all you do! - Michael S.

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Farley looking at the camera and smiling with teeth and tongue showing, standing on tile in his home.

Robert Jude, the golden, looking of to the right of the camera standing on a sidewalk smiling with tongue and teeth showing.

Misty was our first foster for GRRMF, and she had tons of personality. She loved chasing geckos, and occasionally, when she caught one, she wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Happily, after we took this photo, she allowed us to take the gecko from her and put it outside, where it scurried off, I'm sure, to tell of his miraculous escape from the giant red dog!

Misty loved chasing geckos. When she actually caught one, she wouldn't know what to do! This one survived. - Susan & Pete F.

Angus is a traveling dog! After moving from Florida to Maine, he's now living in England with us for a year. He's decided that visiting ruined Abbeys is a great way to explore the countryside.

Angus loves to travel. Here he's visiting a ruined Abbey in England. - Susan & Pete F.

Hamish is wearing a bright yellow lift jacket and is looking out into the ocean from a boat. He is smiling and very happy.

Hamish not understanding the channel markers and mooring buoys were not giant doggie toys. - Susan & Pete F.

James was supposed to just be our foster, but it was love at first sight for Susan, so he became a permanent fixture in our household. Like Hamish before him, he loved boats of all types, but especially loved going sailing out on Penobscot Bay in Maine. James is here sitting on a cushion on the boat, happy as a clam.

A foster failure, this boy loved boating, especially sailing. Ahoy James! - Susan & Pete F.

From left to right, Dora, Duncan and James, all sharing office hours with Pete at Stetson University. Dora came home with us from Scotland, Duncan and James both came from GRRMF. It was a houseful, but we loved having the 3 of them together. James was supposed to be just a foster, but after loading him into the car to bring him home I called Pete and said "We've just become a 3 dog family, James is staying with us."

Not sure who's office this really was... Pete's or the dogs? - Susan & Pete F.

About a year after we adopted Duncan we took him to Scotland with us. He made the transition from hot weather to Scottish weather (which is rarely hot) quite well, and really enjoyed seeing snow for the first time. This picture was taken at Applecross pass, which is the highest road in the Scottish Highlands. Duncan is sitting on the snow in this picture.

Duncan, named for a Scottish king, looking regal in the snow in the Scottish Highlands. - Susan & Pete F.

Light curly dog wearing blue therapy vest, standing calmly beside person in pink gown.

Mike’s first visit to Give Kids the World with the Hearts of Gold team. -Marianne H.

Duncan, windblown, sitting on top of Hadrian's Wall, in Northumberland, England. He had a wonderful weekend exploring the Roman Ruins, and Duncan seemed to be in his element.

Duncan sitting on top of Hadrian's Wall in England. - Susan & Pete F.

This picture of Hamish was taken after a long day of play in Maine. This dog is laying on the ground sleeping.

Hamish napping after a long day of fun in Maine. - Susan & Pete F.

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Paddles was our first GRRMF rescue. We took her everywhere. - Susan & Pete F.

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Hamish was a wonderful compassionate dog who never met a stranger. - Susan & Pete F.

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Paddles was a gentle giant who loved traveling and meeting new people. - Susan & Pete. F.

This was Marlee, adopted as Puppy Jelly. She was with us for 18 months and was the best friend to us, her Golden adopted brother, and everyone she met. She is greatly missed.

Marlee was everyone's best friend. We have so many wonderful memories of her. - Bob B.

This is Mandy, adopted as Treble Fiji in 2024. She is still with us and makes us laugh every day. She is in this photo looking at the camera smiling with a white powdered face.

Mandy makes us laugh every day. She groans with pleasure when we pet her. - Bob B.

Golden lying on grass. Golden retriever stretched out on lawn, yellow tennis ball in front, reddish coat, peaceful and playful.

Maggie was the quintessential golden girl. She lived life with an infectious, tail-wagging joy. -Nelson K.

Golden resting on the couch armrest. Golden retriever with a light brown coat, head and paws draped over armrest, eyes half-closed, mouth slightly open, relaxed.

I adopted Bella many years ago and life would not be the same without her! -Martin B.

Golden sitting on a wooden boardwalk. Golden retriever seated on sunlit boardwalk, blue harness and leash, tongue out, alert and joyful in nature.

Oliver always loved trips to the dog beach. He was such a water lover and would be overcome with excitement. -Angelica T.

Golden swimming in clear blue pool. Golden retriever partially submerged, reddish-golden coat, one paw visible, head above water, calm swimming in a pool.

This was Millie enjoying the pool. We hope she is splashing to her heart’s content up above. -Angelica T.

A blonde golden with a red pull toy in the grass.

Maggie was proof the best thing in life are second chances. Thank you GRRMF! - Nelson K.

Oliver & Millie. The gift of unconditional love they gave us was priceless. - Angelica T.

Cooper had his own water jet in the hot tub and would nudge you if you were in his spot. No worries, the water wasn't heated. - Cynthia K.

Older golden laying on it's back, with front paws bent and looking at the camera.

Sadie couldn't get enough belly rubs. She loved everyone. - Cynthia K.

Close up facial for an older golden with it's tongue out.

Mr. Howell was one of our first fosters and we had the privilege to care for him as a Sanctuary dog. - Cynthia K.

A red golden with a Hearts of Gold therapy vest on.

Everyone loves Boo. He's a natural therapy dog and we're so thankful to GRRMF. - Patty M.

A photo of ducks in a pool and 2 goldens.

At the hotel at our first rescue reunion the pool and back yard were filled with ducks. - Debbie D.

A golden doodle laying on a dog bed with tongue out.

Cooper was one of the first doodles GRRMF ever rescued. He has been such a blessing. - Cooper F.

Close-up of a golden retriever holding a red, white, and blue rope toy with shiny fabric pieces, indoors near a small wooden table.

Duke was our second GRRMF rescue. He brought joy to everyone. - Eleanor T.

A golden retriever stands in a snowy field wearing a blue bandana, with snow on its nose.

Hard to believe but Marley was once heart worm positive. GRRMF saved him and we are so grateful. - Katherine J.

Indoor portrait of a golden retriever with a light face and a blue bone-shaped tag, looking at the camera.

Austin was our first GRRMF rescue. He loved to steal shoes. - Eleanor T.

A smiling woman indoors wearing a patterned vest over a gray shirt.

Sandy rescued Charlie which launched GRRMF. She is one of the rescue's co-founders. - Timothy G.

A golden retriever sits on green grass with fallen leaves, smiling at the camera with an orange leaf resting on its head.

Marley was the best boy and we miss him every day. - Katherine J.

Golden retriever wearing a yellow grad hat. Medium-sized Golden, reddish-brown coat, standing calmly indoors, leash attached, gentle and slightly amused expression.

Foster failure Autumn graduates from puppy class in 2011 and heads straight for the treat bag! -Debbie D.

Two Goldens are posing in bandanas for a photo. The two are Barney and Ace, who were adopted from GRRMF in 2002.

Barney & Ace from 2002. Ace was rescued from a hoarder with 23 dogs. - Charles W.

Senior golden with adopter on grassy yard.

Max and I had so many wonderful years together. - Kevin K.

Golden looking up at camera with blue therapy dog vest.

Watching Cici grow as a therapy dog is awesome. - Jennifer R.

A golden retriever lies on a grassy lawn facing the camera, with a tennis ball nearby.

Jordan stole my heart the moment I met him. - Sue H.

Golden retriever puppy sitting calmly on a person’s lap in a car. Golden Retriever with light cream coat, long floppy ears, gentle eyes, green and black leash clipped to collar.

My daughter loved helping transport Lief! -Amanda F.

The Goldens laying down and sitting in front of a glowing mushroom at the Gingerbread Run at Give Kids The World Village, Hearts of Gold Therapy Teams. The dogs get love and hugs from children and adults alike.

The Gingerbread Run at Give Kids the World is the so much fun! - Terri D.

Golden in a red life vest swimming with a volunteer holding on assisting.

Going that extra step for our rescues. - Ken G.

2 goldens laying side by side, one cream, one red.

Murphy & Blue literally saved my life. Thank you for giving me my boys! - Jennifer W.

Old golden retriever with white and grey hair around the nose looking lovingly at the camera

Sweet and loving Cash will always bring a smile and a happy memory. - Del R.

Pancake brought joy and happiness to everyone. - Judy W.

Tan dog holding a toy and wading through water

A true retriever in action. Howard loved swimming in the pool. - Mary Ann P.

White fluffy dog wearing a onesie looking at the camera

Lily keeping watch over all she sees. - Mary Ann P.

Golden Retriever seating by the pool, relaxed with tongue out. Happy Golden Retriever looking at the camera.

Soaking up the sun. Gunner was living the dream. -Patti S.

Golden Retriever playing with toy on mouth. Golden Retriever with a paw on person's knee.

Gunner had to have a stuffy in his mouth and a paw on your lap! -Patti S.

Man and woman in a courtyard smiling. Each are holding the leash to a golden retriever. The dogs appear to be smiling too.

Hank & Comet made our engagement so special! - Angie B.

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Brownie was one of the sweetest pups. - Stacy K.

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Delta wanted to play with the wolves on TV. - Patti S.

Sheabya arrived as a foster pup soon after I lost one of my sweet male pups. She was an amazing additional to my current 3 of crew of pups at that time. She was an flat coat retriever with a beautiful, sweet, smart and very silly personality. She got along beautifully with my 2 female goldens and male Labrador. We all missed her when she was adopted.

Fostering Sheabya was amazing. So happy she found a loving family. - Stacy K.

This sweet boy was one of my favorite pups. My heart still hurts from the loss. He was so affectionate, sweet and silly. I gave him the nick name Care Bear. I adopted Care Bear! His gait was wonky, apparent broken back as a puppy, injured front leg and paralysis in one eye that caused to to droop. He got along beautifully with all my pups at the time male and females. GRRMF rescued him with 5 other of his siblings from a rough home situation.

Nicknamed Care Bear, he was one of the sweetest pups. - Stacy K.

Memory of Melanie Bontrager for 35th anniversary.

Sadie taught my family and me what true joy looks like. -Melanie B.

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Her first GRRMF dog and the start of decades of volunteering. - Susan P.

He remembered his foster dad and gave him a 75 lb. leap and hug. - Susan T.

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One foster's TLC and medical care made all the difference. - Renee S.

His first foster dog stole his heart, now he keeps coming back for more. - Mark D.

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Pure sweetness and affection. That's what our rescue dogs bring to everyone. - Stephanie D.

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Once an escape artist, he's now staying put in his loving home. - Renee S.

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Marc being awarded the Top Dog award in 2013. - Renee S.

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He's loves his family and pool time. - Michelle & Cory C.

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She always wants to look her beautiful best. - Charlene L.

Finding the perfect home for a bonded pair is a double delight. - Jamie D.

Snacks is a delight to everyone she meets. - Michele B.

Lola giving a big hug at the Ronald McDonald House by the UF Children's Hospital.

Lola giving a big hug at the Ronald McDonald House. - Susan C.

She got hooked helping after working with beautiful Thor. - Jamie D.

Timber, a golden, with volunteer Russell Crowder.

TM found the perfect family for a lifetime of happy memories. - Russ C.

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Happy after adopting 2 dogs from us she is now volunteering. - Kathy W.

Lyn was always special. She embodied love and kindness. - Jamie D.

Golden in kayak on river with mountains.

Buddha's enjoying an adventure filled life with his loving family!

As a volunteer it's heartwarming to know her words can bring joy. - Nomi B.

Six volunteers and their therapy dogs on a stage.

Watching the smiles at Puppy Pawty's at Give Kids the World is the best! - Jennifer D.

Reddish brown dog looking out the back window of a car.

Lost due to cancer, Red will always be remembered with love. - Russ C.

A golden retriever lies on a tiled floor indoors, resting its head on the ground with a green tennis ball tucked beside its face, looking calmly toward the camera

Helping this senior find a loving home was priceless! - Russ C.

Girl sitting in the backseat of a car with a very small puppy, both looking at the camera and smiling.

Getting help from their granddaughter when transporting pups! - Ken G.

Maha, a cream colored golden, laying in a swimming pool.

So glad I added Maha to my family! - Stacy K.

A golden retriever lies on a bed with its head resting on a pillow, looking relaxed in a cozy room with framed pictures on the wall.

Mandy filled her new family's home with love and happiness. - MaryLou C.

Golden retriever sitting and looking at the camera while on break at a reading event.

Reading at the Y and helping at other events makes Cici smile! - Jennifer R.

Saving Goldens Since 1991

GRRMF 35th Anniversary Memory Wall

A collection of golden memories from the families who made our mission possible

Have a GRRMF golden of your own? We’d love to include them.

35th Anniversary Memory Wall

GRRMF 35th Anniversary Memory Wall

A collection of golden memories from the families who made our mission possible

Have a GRRMF golden of your own? We’d love to include them.

35th Anniversary Memory Wall

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