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Community Corner

Get to Know: April Hakaim

She refuses to give up on any dog that needs rescued.

When April Hakiam looks back on her life’s work, one picture stands out. It’s of a golden retriever named Ben, floating on his back in a pool.

When Ben was just 2 years old, he was epileptic and unnaturally obese. He was unable to walk due to bad knees. His owner no longer wanted him and was orphaned.

Then Hakaim and her team came to the rescue.

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Hakaim is the co-founder of Golden Treasures Rescue. Located in Bath, Golden Treasures is a nonprofit that saves unwanted golden retrievers and finds homes for them.

Golden Treasures rescued Ben, alleviated his medical problems (he did rehab in a swimming pool) and found him an owner.

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“The dogs just break my heart. It’s not their fault that they need a new home,” Hakiam said.  “Somebody’s got to do it.”

Hakaim started adopting goldens in 1994. Ten years later, she and Sandy Strebler, a friend she met volunteering for another golden rescue program, started their own organization.

In the past six years, Golden Treasures has assisted more than 500 dogs, doing anything possible to save their lives.

“If they come in with behavioral problems, we train them. If they need medical care, we pay for it,” Hakiam said. “We don’t give up on any dog.”

Along with rescuing the dogs and searching for donations and grants to cover their medical costs, Hakaim spends much of her time looking for foster parents. Foster parents care for and evaluate the goldens while Strebler finds safe, loving homes for them.

“Without foster homes, we can’t save dogs,” Hakaim said. “That’s why they are at the top of our list of things we need.”

Both Hakiam and her daughter Hallie are “foster failures”­– people who fostered a dog and decided to keep it as their own. Hakaim’s dogs are an example of the enthusiasm she has for her work.

“April’s passion for rescuing always shows,” said Patty Keim, an owner and foster parent of rescued goldens. “She will do anything for anyone.”

Hakaim has two children, two grandchildren, and two goldens: Sam and Joe. Every Monday, Joe volunteers as a at the Cleveland Clinic. 

Currently, Golden Treasures has 21 dogs that are in need of homes. Hakiam has dedicated her life to helping them because they are worthy of adoption, she said.

“They can’t talk. Somebody has to speak up for them,” Hakaim said. “We are their voice. We are their guardians.”

To find out more about Golden Treasures or how to adopt, foster or provide help, visit the links above or contact Hakaim at Info@goldentreasuresrescue.org

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