Gold for Good: Ivy’s Journey Across Borders

Some stories remind you why you started. Others show you where you’re going.

To share the true impact of Gold for Good, we recently asked Ivy’s adopters a series of questions about their journey. What follows is their story, told through their words and experiences, and a reflection of what is possible when rescue work is rooted in compassion without borders.

Ivy’s story does both.

At Rescue Revival, we’ve always believed that compassion doesn’t recognize borders and neither should our work. Gold for Good was created to reflect that belief: a campaign rooted in the idea that when we show up for animals, we show up fully, no matter where they begin their journey. What started as an initiative has now become something deeper woven into the fabric of our organization and our promise to the rescue community.

Ivy’s adoption, made possible through our partnership with Tattered Paws and Golden Hearts, is a powerful example of what happens when collaboration, trust, and shared values come together.

A First Connection That Changed Everything

Ivy’s journey began with an unexpected moment of connection.

Rescue Revival hosted a pop-up at Uncommon James, where Ivy’s future mom met Kimmi and a few very convincing four-legged ambassadors. That single interaction opened the door to Tattered Paws and the life-saving work they do overseas. Together, these organizations worked tirelessly to make Ivy’s journey from Türkiye to the United States possible.

What stood out most wasn’t just logistics, it was heart.

Compassion. Generosity. Relentless support.

That’s what carried Ivy across continents and into her forever home.

Love at First Photo

Sometimes, the universe doesn’t whisper, it grins at you.

For Ivy’s adopter, it was her goofy smile and tongue sticking out that sealed the deal.

“As soon as I saw her picture, I knew she was ours.”

That moment of recognition, the quiet certainty, is something we hear again and again from adopters. It’s the spark that reminds us why storytelling matters. A single photo, shared with intention, can change the trajectory of a life.

A Process Built on Care and Accountability

International adoption requires trust and responsibility.

The application process was intentionally thorough, especially for first-time dog owners navigating an overseas rescue. That care was felt every step of the way.

With guidance from Lindsey, the adoption coordinator, questions were answered day and night. No concern was too small. No detail overlooked.

When the approval finally came, it wasn’t just excitement it was meaning.

“While some may see Ivy as just a dog, to us she represents so much more. She is the very first chapter of the life my fiancé and I are building together.”

That’s the weight of adoption done right.

Waiting, Hoping, Preparing

The waiting period before transport is often the hardest part.

Excitement mixed with nerves. Constantly refreshing messages. Guarded hope.

To cope, Ivy’s family prepared, filling their home with toys, seeking advice from friends, researching vets and parks, and focusing on the joy ahead. Preparation became a way to channel anticipation into love.

And then, finally, the day arrived.

The Moment Everything Clicked

After a four-hour drive, a volunteer arrived with precious cargo.

The first meeting was everything it should be.

Ivy leapt into their arms, smiling wide, rolling over for belly rubs as if she’d always known she was home.

“It was an instant, unforgettable connection. One I will cherish forever.”

These are the moments that stay with us. The ones no campaign metric can fully capture but every rescue exists for.

Finding Her Confidence

The early days were quiet.

Ivy was shy, cautious, taking in her new world one moment at a time. She ate every meal with enthusiasm, spent nights awake but never cried just quietly asked for comfort.

And then, little by little, she bloomed.

At the dog park, she discovered a tennis ball that quickly became her entire personality. Confidence replaced fear. Curiosity replaced caution.

She was home.

Thriving, Loved, and Very Busy

Today, Ivy is thriving.

She spends her days at Uncommon James with her mom, greeting customers and collecting affection like it’s her full-time job. She takes her BarkBox subscription very seriously, loves park walks, treasures her seasonal Lamb Chop toy, and believes no day is complete without a bone.

She goes everywhere. She belongs everywhere.

And it’s hard to imagine life without her.

Why Gold for Good Matters

Looking back, Ivy’s adoption means everything.

“She is the best dog we’ve ever had. Her adoption completely changed our world.”

This is why Gold for Good exists.

Not as a one-time campaign but as a long-term commitment to partnerships that save lives, support communities, and prove that rescue has no borders.

We are endlessly grateful to Tattered Paws, Golden Hearts, and the adopters who trust us with stories this meaningful.

Gold for Good is ongoing. It’s intentional. And it’s just getting started.

Because when we do good together across cities, countries, and causes we don’t just change animal lives.

We change human ones too.

Join us. Support Gold for Good. Help us continue building a world where rescue knows no borders.