Our Journey
In 2010, three women with a shared vision for a new foster-based golden retriever rescue in East Tennessee established Adopt a Golden Knoxville(AGK). The purpose of this rescue group was to help goldens who needed homes, to build relationships, and to educate the public on responsible dog ownership. They recruited donors and a small group of volunteers, created a logo and website, reached out to shelter and owners, and AGK was born. Hank, the first golden retriever saved by AGK, came into the rescue in late 2010.
From those modest beginnings, AGK has . . .
- Saved almost 1200 Golden Retrievers, golden mixes, and Labrador Retrievers.
- Rescued 25 orphan golden retrievers from Turkey.
- Rehomed nine golden retrievers from puppy mills in Mississippi, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- Built relationships with shelters, other rescue groups, owners, volunteers, adopters, and veterinary partners.
- Cared for goldens with minor and serious medical conditions.
- Raised funds while strengthening donor and grant support.
- Embraced opportunities to educate the public on responsible pet ownership through our Facebook posts, local media appearances, relationships with owners, adopters and volunteers, and participation in community events.
Our Funding
Adopt a Golden Knoxville is a private non-profit organization that does not receive any government funding. We rely on private donations, fundraisers and grants so that we can help as many Golden Retrievers as possible. We are eternally grateful for our donors and these foundations for their support.
Special Stories
These videos, released at our past Goldens in the City fundraiser events, share the rescue stories of some of the golden retrievers taken in by AGK since 2010. Watch the volunteers, adopters, and vets as they describe the transformation of some special dogs from orphans to much loved adoptees.