Golden opportunity

When Robin Sweeney's eyes first met Sabrina, her heart melted and ached.

The young golden retriever lay on a stretcher. It had a shattered front leg, crushed pelvis and the bone in its hind leg was broken into two pieces.

Apparently, the golden pooch had been hit by a car, possibly run over twice.

"She had to be in agony, but the first thing she did was to start wagging her tail when she saw me," Sweeney said. "And as much pain as she was in, they never had to muzzle her."

The dog's future didn't look bright. Because of her severe injuries, it appeared she would have to be put to sleep.

But fortunately for the dog, someone called As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois. Sabrina was rushed into surgery. Today, she lives comfortably with a new family that adopted her this month.

"It's stories like that that keep you going," said Sweeney, the rescue group's president.

The rescue group will host a Meet-N-Greet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Petco, 412 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale.

It's designed for people who are interested in adopting a golden retriever and want to learn about their nature and care. A few of its golden retrievers will be present. The group has more than 30 dogs that need a home.

As Good As Gold, a nonprofit group made up of roughly 400 volunteers, is also seeking foster families that will keep the dogs until a new home can be found for them. But a golden retriever may not make the best pet for everyone.

"Everybody loves them and everybody wants one, but not everybody is equipped to own one," Sweeney said.

A sporting breed, golden retrievers need exercise or they may start to act out due to boredom. That could mean chewing, barking and digging where they should not.

This breed has also a tendency to shed year-round. In addition, it's a very social dog and requires attention and love.

"This is not a dog to put in the backyard by himself," Sweeney said. "They don't thrive that way."

As Good As Gold has rescued more than 700 dogs since its incorporation four years ago. About 60 percent of the animals come from owners who can no longer take care of them. The rest come from shelters and humane societies.

The group invites dog lovers of all types to its Saturday event. Though its volunteers focus on golden retrievers, they can offer advice about other breeds as well, Sweeney said.

If you go

What: As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue Meet-N-Greet

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Petco, 412 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale

Details: (630) 588-0115 or visit www.asgoodasgold.org

Meet the dogs

These are some of the dogs you might meet Saturday

Benji: A 6-year-old male that came from an animal control facility. He likes to play ball and is good with older children.

Shadow: An energetic 2-year-old male stray from a shelter. Loves to play and swim but needs to be taken to an obedience class. Has a tendency to jump over fences.

Teddy: A 9-year-old male that has some allergies but they are controlled with holistic food and supplements. He loves to play and go for walks.