Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue

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Vote for your Character

A Great Mystery Character Fundraiser!

David Rosenfelt, a novelist and Golden Retriever rescuer, will use the winner’s name in an upcoming novel. All proceeds for this fundraiser will go to NRGRR and the winning character will be announced at the 9th Annual Rescue Reunion on July 11, 2009. The winning name will be used in a mystery novel scheduled to be published in 2010.

Check out the procedure for entering!

The contest is OVER and Bernie has won. Here is the full voting tally:

Nominee	VOTES
Bernie	1712
Emmy Lynn	1570
Duke	661
Elvis	585
Delta Dawn	550
Tyner	410
Nellsson	385
Audry Hepburn	351
Amy	300
Chloe	273
Brady	210
Murphy	175
Skeeks & Springer Newton	150
TOTAL	7,332

#1: TYNER

TYNER is a handsome red 2.5 year-old neutered male who loves to play with other dogs, chew on bones and be with his humans. He is really a joy to have around and has such a wonderful personality! Tyner would make a great character in a mystery story because he is so smart. He has already been on TV so why not put him in a book! See him on TV.

#2: BRADY

Brady would like to be a character in the novel because when we read mystery novels to him he gets very relaxed, as you can see.

#3: DUKE

The mystery is who rescued whom? I could tell you that I rescued Duke two years ago but if fact, that is only partly true. Two years ago I had serious heart problems that landed me in the hospital and frankly scared me to the core. As soon as I was able, I contacted the NRGRR. A couple of weeks later I met Duke. He was sick and scared, just like me. So we walked and talked and our love grew quickly. The paperwork shows that I saved Duke’s life but, trust me it was Duke who saved mine.

#4: EMMY LYNN

Why should I, Emmy Lynn a shelter rescue, be considered for a future David Rosenfelt mystery novel? Well, I’ll tell you.
I would make a terrific canine detective because I can remain perfectly still, you don’t even know I’m there. As you can see, I blend in with the background. I can sneak up ever so quietly while keeping the subject in my sights. If the subject takes off, I can run like the wind and catch it, as long as it doesn’t climb a tree. Sometimes I choose to go for days without eating, the perfect choice for a stakeout.

#5: CHLOE

Chloe -- aka Chlo-Worm, aka Chlo-Bear, aka Claudia Claudia Chlo-bear -- believes that mystery perfectly captures her essence. She'd prefer a mystery that had something to do with tennis balls or water. She'll search and retrieve evidence (but maybe not actually release it); she can retain suspects by beating them senseless with her tail; and if the crime occurs at a dog park, she'll return to the scene as many times as needed and possibly a few more. She asks that you vote for her, in exchange she promises not to jump on you (HA).

#6: DELTA DAWN

I was rescued from the bad Katrina storm when I was just a puppy, and then travelled to Raleigh, NC all the way from Waveland, Mississippi. My Mom named me Delta Dawn in honor of my bayou background, and I am fast, brave and swim like an otter. I'm an excellent retriever and pretty cute besides, and my two least favorite things are thunder and squirrels. Couldn't a mystery author write a great story that included such a fascinating character? I think so.

#7: AMY

My name is Amy and this is my Mom, Vivien, with me at the Blessing of the Animals last year. I think I have had a white face since I was born but at 9 years old I am still a spritely and active lady. I am rather joined at the hip with my Mom who is 94 and adopted me from NRGRR 5 years ago. I would be a great character in a mystery because I am a great sleuth and I can find anything--especially if it is something to eat or a toy.

#8: AUDREY HEPBURN

Audrey Hepburn once said, “I was born with an enormous need for affection and a terrible need to give it.” Much like the actress, Audrey Hepburn the Yorkshire Terrier, is destined to donate her love. Her charisma will capture your eye but her gentle affection will capture your heart. She was born a Terrier but has the instincts like a Retriever. She is incredibly fond of people, dogs, and most of all soccer balls! Audrey is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and brighten the worst of days – she’s the canine humanitarian!

#9: MURPHY

Our wonderful Golden's full name is Murphy's Irish Stout. He's a four-year-old pup who's the ambassador of the neighborhood, big brother to our other Golden, Ted E. Bear, and loyal friend to his humans. Children (of all ages) run to him to mush him, hug him, pet him, and use him as a pillow - all of which he gladly accepts and encourages. He has a Golden heart! He is a perfect friend, therapist, Golden and mystery book character.

#10: BERNIE

When you first see Bernie he will more likely make you think of Lt. Columbo rather than James Bond. Some of his hair is a little unruly and his coat is two sizes to large. Even so Bernie is a very handsome 12 year old boy. Bernie, not by choice, is street wise, knows what it's like to be hungry, malnourished, drink dirty water and sleep in the rain, cold and snow and be sick and in pain. In spite of his life as a homeless dog Bernie has an easy smile that will put a smile on your face. Bernie is the sweetest most loving dog I have ever seen. Bernie's two most favorite things are to be loved and to give you love.

#11: NELLSSON

Nellsson, once known as Prince, a name worthy of his character, was rescued twice in his life so he knows the value of trust. He is Golden but Nellsson is for “Nell’s son”, not a tribute to Swedish heritage. Though he had a “broken” heart at birth (subaortic stenosis), he lives to break hearts. From his goofy, gregarious personality to his galumphing gait and comical dog paddle swim technique requiring a life vest, Nellsson eases people into a false sense of who he is. He knows when to have fun but can sense when worry is justified and vigilance necessary.

#12: ELVIS

I’m Little Elvis! Well, not that little anymore! I popped out of the most beautiful golden retriever last November. And I’ve been bringing joy ever since! I think I’d like to be in a mystery, because mom says my life is a mystery. See, doctors said I’d live only 3-6 months because I’m at the top of my class: a Class 6 heart problem. I really think I can stand the stress of campaigning because every dollar you donate goes towards saving dogs like me. (I am a golden, right?) Thank you NRGRR for my chance to live!

#13: Skeeks &Springer Newton

I am nominating Skeeks and Springer Newton, pictured here at their 10 year birthday party. Yes they wore hats proudly, ate a delicious dinner of chicken and rice, their favorite, served on our best china. I am nominating them because they are angels. They are rescue dogs that my late husband, Dave Newton, and I, adopted when they were puppies. We divided our dog care tasks--I took care of the boys and Dave fed them candy corn and petted them. When my husband became ill and died in 2003, the boys were right there by his side, loving him, cuddled up in the bed and chair where he rested. To this day they miss him as much as I do...but they have taken on the task now of loving me, and I feed them candy corn and pet them!!!

Our wags of appreciation go out to all who participate in this wonderful fundraiser with special thanks to Mr. David Rosenfelt in Tara’s memory.

Please note that your contact information will absolutely not be shared with other persons or groups. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Check out David Rosenfelt's novel, "Play Dead"...

Few can rival attorney Andy Carpenter's affection for golden retrievers, especially his own beloved Tara. After he astonishes a New Jersey courtroom by successfully appealing another golden's death sentence, Andy discovers that this gentle dog is a key witness to a murder that took place five years before. Andy pushes the boundaries of the law even further as he struggles to free an innocent man by convincing an incredulous jury to take canine testimony seriously. It will take all the tricks Andy's fertile mind can conceive to get to the bottom of a remarkable chain of impersonations and murder, and save a dog's life-and his own-in the process.