Golden Retriever Dog RescueYou can find a Golden Retriever dog rescue in nearly every part of the U.S. and many other countries. If you have room in your heart for a Golden who needs a second chance, a rescue dog may be right for you. They locate Golden Retrievers who have been dropped off at an animal shelter or abandoned on the streets. Like other breed rescue groups, they work with local animal shelters to buy Goldens who are relinquished by their owners. Some rescues have no kennels or centralized kennel facilities. They're simply a collection of Golden Retriever owners and breeders who foster Goldens in their homes. They get their driving energy from their dedication to the breed.
They also bring the dogs up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Rescued Golden Retrievers are usually spayed or neutered before being re-homed. There are nearly 100 Golden Retriever rescues across America. Even so, there are more abandoned Goldens than these rescue groups can care for. But they do the best they can, rescuing and re-homing thousands of Goldens every year. Dogs are carefully observed to see if they have any serious behavior problems that would make them unadoptable. This screening by people familiar with the characteristics of Golden Retrievers is a definite plus when adopting a Golden. They know what's "normal" for the breed, and what might be considered a behavioral or training problem. Because of their relatively long lifespan and because they're often over-bred in puppy mills, Goldens seem to have a high orphan rate. Dogs are abandoned because the breeder can't sell an older dog, or because a family adopts the dog, then finds out they don't have room for him or can't afford to keep him.
Most of these dogs are just young Goldens acting like young Goldens. All they need is to find a family who understands and appreciates their exuberance and need for mental and physical stimulation. Although most rescued Goldens don't come with papers, you can still enter a dog in AKC (American Kennel Club) sanctioned events by obtaining an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege) from the Club. While adopting a purebred with papers isn't impossible, it just doesn't happen very often. Letting your local Golden Retriever dog rescue group know that you're looking for a papered dog could save you a lot of driving time, and get you on a waiting list. One great advantage to adopting a Golden Retriever rescue dog is that you'll probably be taking on a housebroken dog who has learned at least a few basic commands. Don't be surprised if the rescue group has a list of criteria that you have to meet. A well-run rescue will evaluate you extensively before they place a dog with you.
Adaptability is one of the Golden Retriever traits that makes re-homing these dogs much easier than it is for other breeds. While a Golden may miss his former home and owner, it's seldom apparent to the new owner. Most families find their rescued Golden settles in very quickly. A Golden Retriever dog rescue often provides prospective owners with education, counseling, and even training classes. You can locate Golden Retriever dog rescue groups in your area by contacting the Golden Retriever Club of America, the American Kennel Club, your local Golden Retriever club, local kennel clubs, veterinarians and animal shelters, as well as the Internet. Search here for more information on Golden Retrievers |
They provide veterinary examinations for all new dogs.
Other Golden Retriever rescue dogs are young adults whose human family found out they weren't up to owning an energetic dog.
Their goal is to find the best homes for their Goldens because these dogs have already been through enough.
