Our Journey

In 2010, three women with a shared vision for a new foster-based golden retriever rescue in East Tennessee founded Adopt a Golden Knoxville (AGK). The purpose of AGK is to help homeless golden retrievers, build relationships, and educate the public on responsible dog ownership. These women recruited donors and a small group of volunteers, created a logo and website, reached out to shelters 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 over 1300 Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, Labs and other retriever breeds.
Rescued 25 orphan golden retrievers from Turkey.
Rehomed golden retrievers from puppy mills in four states.
Built relationships with shelters, other rescue groups, owners, volunteers, adopters, and veterinary partners.
Raised funds while strengthening donor and grant support.
Embraced opportunities to educate the public on responsible pet ownership.

Our journey continues to meet the needs of homeless golden retrievers. Please join us on this journey by adopting or by supporting our mission.

Lend A Paw

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 past fundraising events, share the rescue stories of some of the golden retrievers, mixes and other breeds taken in by AGK since 2010. Watch the volunteers, adopters, and vets as they describe the transformation of special dogs from orphans to much loved family members.

Goldens in the City 2019

Goldens in the City 2018

Goldens in the Gallery 2017

Goldens in the Gallery 2016

Goldens in the Gallery 2015

Goldens in the Gallery 2014

Goldens in the Gallery 2013

Goldens in the Gallery 2012