Woman Volunteers at Golden Retriever Rescue, Tears Over Its Resident Dogs

A woman volunteering at a golden retriever rescue center has moved the internet to tears after sharing a day-in-the-life video from the shelter.

Emily Connors (@em.con), 29, lives in Golden, Colorado, and has had golden retrievers her entire life. When she moved to the state in 2019, she leaped at the chance to volunteer at Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR), @GRRRescue.

Her TikTok video, showcasing her time helping the shelter’s adorable residents, has garnered 69,700 likes and 650,600 views.

“Goldens are such gentle, loyal, and loving dogs that it’s hard to imagine anyone would have a desire to harm or mistreat them.

“Because they are such a popular breed, this unfortunately has resulted in huge amounts of unqualified breeders and puppy mills churning these dogs out like a commodity rather than treating them with the love and respect they deserve. Their docile manner also makes them highly susceptible to being mistreated as pets because of their calm nature,” Connors told Newsweek.

The video introduces several of GRRR’s residents, including George, a timid golden retriever who was abused and is now slowly building his confidence around people. Connors also showcases Buddy, an extremely cuddly senior dog, and Jackson, whose family abandoned him when they moved away.

Jackson is shown gripping a tennis ball in his mouth, which Connors jokingly calls “doubling his tennis ball hold, with 10/10 execution.”

Connors explained how the rescue uses a program called FAST (Fearful, Anxious, Scared & Timid) to support dogs that have been severely mistreated.

“These dogs don’t know how to be dogs essentially. A lot of times they can’t even be around people because they are so scared, so you have to just spend time sitting in the same area as them.

“Seeing these dogs grow into the most loving creatures is so rewarding. Many of them go on to have dog siblings of their own so they can learn to play and run around, as a dog should. It is the best feeling in the world seeing these dogs blossom into lively and trusting pups,” she said.

Connors shared that GRRR’s mission is to raise public awareness and ensure golden retrievers are adopted into safe, loving homes. She also spoke about her 7-year-old golden retriever, Clifford, whom she describes as “the sweetest, calmest, most loving thing” and a source of unconditional love.

His namesake comes from Clifford the Big Red Dog children’s book since her name is Emily Elizabeth, the owner of the huge hound.

Additionally, she highlighted GRRR’s international efforts, including rescuing dogs from Turkey over the last 11 years and bringing them to new homes in the U.S., thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

The video sparked strong reactions on social media from dog lovers.

“HOW DO FAMILIES JUST ‘LEAVE THEM’?! I would die for my fur babies,” said one user.

“Omg as the biggest golden retriever lover I would have to take them all,” wrote another.

“WHO HURT GEORGE I GOTTA TALK TO THEM NOW,” commented a third.

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