TVGRR is having a BOOK DRIVE fundraising event in January and February and we need everyone's help. We will be collecting used books, CDs, DVDs, and video games that you no longer have any use for and turning them in for cash to help more Goldens!

So we are asking everyone to start their Spring cleaning early and clean out your bookcases and cabinets and gather up any of the above items that you no longer want. You can either drop them off at one of our adoptathons listed below or e-mail Eve Andriola at eandriola@charter.net to make arrangements for them to be picked up at your doorstep.

So if you have 1 or 101 items to donate please give us a call or stop by at one of the following locations and times:

January 16th - PetSmart, Turkey Creek, Knoxville (10:00 am to 12:30)

February 6th - AgriFeed, Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, (10:00 am to 12:30)

February 20th - PetSmart, Turkey Creek, Knoxville (10:00 am to 12:30)

Thank you once again for all your help and support. Without our membership and volunteers we would not be able to continue to save the many dogs that deserve a second chance.

This big, red boy came into my life in October 2003, and things have never been the same! At the time, this two-year-old s foster name was "Erick the Red," but I changed it to "Harley" and he took to his new name right away. At the adoption fair, while I spent time checking out all the other Goldens, I kept noticing that Harley was constantly watching me every time I glanced back at him. He was also recovering from being shot and was still a bit underweight and a lot overwhelmed. But one good look into those big, sparkling eyes of his and it was love at first sight.

Ever since the day I brought him home, Harley has been pure joy. I ve had several dogs over nearly fifty years, but none have brought his special brand of happiness. Harley instantly adapted to his forever home and he has the most perfect manners that I have ever seen inside the house and out in public. Everybody loves him, and every day with him is a blessing.

About a year ago, I saw a video clip about Therapy Dogs and I realized (as silly as it sounds) that Harley just has too much love for one home. So now, Harley is a H.A.B.I.T. Therapy Dog. We give up half a dozen hours of couch time each week to visit Brakebill Nursing Home and Peninsula Hospital, and a number of other places when needed. I can t tell you how many times I ve watched despondent and troubled faces instantly cheer up when Harley offers his paw and smiles up at them. There are so many folks who have given up hope or are sick or isolated. There are some who might not interact with their doctor, the staff, or even family members. And I ve been told a number of times that Harley is often the only visitor that many of these people ever see. But after just a few minutes with him, a light in their eyes gets switched on I see it happen over and over. And that might break my heart if it weren t for the fact that I know that they do feel better after spending even a short time with these wonderful, sweet dogs!

Because of the dedication of everybody at TVGRR (and all the foster families and volunteers!), so many dogs are saved and so many people s lives are blessed, often in ways we can never measure. Harley is much more than just my best friend. He is also a kind and sincere comfort to hundreds upon hundreds of folks who truly need him too.

Thank you, TVGRR for giving me the privilege of being the one who gets to hold Harley s leash.

Sincerely,
Todd Maurer
Knoxville, TN

Can you foster a dog for us? Take pictures of adoptable Goldens? Help us at an adoption fair? We can always use your help. There are many ways to volunteer. Find out more on our help page.

The TVGRR Monthly meetings are held at Animal Emergency/Critical Care Referral Center: 10213 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN (865 693 4440).

Petsmart - Turkey Creek, 11134 Parkside Dr Knoxville, TN 37934 (865 675 1191)

AgriFeed - Middlebrook Pike, 5716 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN (865 584-3959) http://www.agrifeedpetsupply.com/