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Most Golden Retriever rescue groups are staffed by dedicated volunteers who know and love the breed.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 dog rescue groups have no kennels or centralized kennel facilities. They get their driving energy from their dedication to the breed. They provide veterinary examinations for all new dogs. 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 each Golden Retriever dog rescue does its very best to rescue and re-home Golden Retrievers in their area. Keeping a Golden in a foster home for a period of time gives volunteers a chance to learn what he needs as far as training. Dogs are carefully observed to see if they have any serious behavior problems that would make them unadoptable. This screening in a Golden Retriever dog rescue -– 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 are often over-bred in puppy mills, Goldens seem to have a high orphan rate. Dogs may end up in a Golden Retriever dog rescue 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. The one-on-one interviewing of a Golden Retriever dog rescue with prospective adopters can help match up their dogs with compatible owners. 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 Golden Retriever dog 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. Dog rescue groups often provide 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 |
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