Golden Second Chances
Rescuing, fostering and rehoming goldens across Illinois
Across northern Illinois, a network of volunteers is giving golden retrievers a second chance. Through As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois, abandoned, mistreated, and unwanted dogs are rescued, cared for, and ultimately placed in loving homes.
Founded in 2003 by a small group of golden retriever families who met in a Wheaton living room, As Good as Gold began with a simple goal: to create a dedicated rescue organization focused on the needs of golden retrievers in the Chicago area.
More than two decades later, the organization has grown into a membership-based, all-volunteer nonprofit that has rescued thousands of dogs and built a community of members committed to helping the beloved breed. As recently announced at their spring membership meeting, the group has rescued 3,847 golden retrievers and counting!
Unlike traditional shelters, As Good as Gold does not operate a physical facility. Instead, rescued dogs are placed in foster homes with volunteers throughout the region. These foster families provide temporary care while the organization evaluates each dog’s medical needs, temperament, and personality.
“If you love dogs and have room in your home and heart, fostering is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference.”
– Denise Samuel
This foster-based approach helps ensure that each golden is matched with the right permanent home. Volunteers take the time to learn about the dog’s behavior, energy level, and health considerations before identifying the best adoptive family.
The organization’s work extends beyond rescue and adoption. As Good as Gold also focuses on educating dog owners and the broader community about responsible pet ownership. Topics include spaying and neutering, positive reinforcement training, proper nutrition and exercise, and appropriate medical care for dogs.
Demand for golden retrievers remains strong, and the adoption process reflects the organization’s commitment to thoughtful placements. Prospective adopters complete an application and home visit process before being matched with a dog whose needs align with their household and lifestyle.
Adoption fees help offset the cost of veterinary care and supplies provided while the dogs are in rescue. These expenses can include medical exams, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and other treatments needed to prepare the dog for its new home.
The organization’s impact is made possible entirely through volunteers, members, donors, and foster families who open their homes and hearts to dogs in transition. Each foster placement plays an essential role in preparing rescued goldens for successful adoption and permanent families.
“If you love dogs and have room in your home and heart, fostering is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. By opening your home, you give a dog a second chance at a happy life,” says Denise Samuel of As Good as Gold.
Today, As Good as Gold continues to expand its network of volunteers across northern Illinois, working to ensure that every golden retriever who comes through the rescue has the opportunity to find a safe and loving forever home.
For more information on fostering or general questions, visit asgoodasgold.org. At this time, the organization is especially in need of foster homes willing to welcome bonded pairs who are surrendered together.
A Foster’s Perspective
For many volunteers, fostering begins with a single dog and quickly becomes something much bigger. For Jennifer Veremis, an Elmhurst resident and President of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry, what started as a way to cope with loss became a meaningful way to give back, one golden at a time.
Elmhurst Magazine: What inspired you to start fostering Golden Retrievers through As Good as Gold?
Jennifer Veremis and Bradley Cooper
Jennifer Veremis: My husband and I have always loved dogs, but it was my family’s first rescue, a Golden Retriever named Hobo, who shaped that connection. He came from a difficult situation but became a loyal companion, even supporting my grandmother through dementia.
That stayed with me. Years later, after we lost our dog Hugo, fostering felt like the right way to turn that loss into something meaningful.
Our first foster, Bradley, was just seven months old. His owner was facing serious health issues and made the difficult decision to give him up. Two weeks later, we adopted him, and it showed us how impactful fostering could be.
EM: For readers who may not know how fostering works, what does the process look like once a dog comes into your home?
Veremis: As Good as Gold has a thoughtful, supportive process. Volunteers are vetted, and foster families receive guidance throughout.
Before a dog arrives, they are evaluated so we understand their needs. Once they are in our home, we help them decompress, feel safe, and adjust to a routine. We observe how they respond to people and their environment.
After a few weeks, we share updates to help match them with the right family. The organization also provides medical care and a strong support network.
EM: What has been the most rewarding or memorable part of fostering for you?
Veremis: Seeing them end up where they are meant to be. Watching a dog go from unsure to completely loved never gets old.
Mila’s story really stayed with us. She came over Fourth of July weekend from a high-kill shelter, underweight and anxious, but craving love.
Our dog Bradley was incredible with her. He stayed close, patient and gentle. The moment I will never forget is when she picked up one of his toys and started to play. It sounds small, but it was everything. That is when we knew she felt safe.
Now she has an amazing life with a family who adores her. They still send photos, including one of her running on a Lake Michigan beach. Moments like that are why we do this.
EM: What is something people might not realize about fostering a dog until they actually do it?
Veremis: These are not damaged dogs. Many come from situations where families had to make incredibly difficult decisions, often out of love.
People say they could never foster because they would want to keep every dog. You do get attached, but you also learn what each dog truly needs.
Some thrive with kids. Others need quieter homes. Sometimes, the best home is not yours.
Because these dogs don’t just change their new family’s life, they change yours too. When you see them in the right environment, you just know that’s where they belong. And in those moments, you realize letting them go is actually the most loving thing you can do.
