How To Adopt A Golden Retriever
Where The Golden Retrievers Come From
The golden retrievers to be adopted come from every imaginable walk of life; some are from abusive homes, but most are a result of neglect. Other golden retrievers are unwanted; people who were not prepared to deal with a golden retriever. Golden retrievers tend to retain their puppy-like qualities for three to five years; plus they are large dogs, which tend to shed.
The Benefits Of Owning A Rescued Golden Retriever
Many rescued golden retrievers are over 18 months old and many more are even older; this usually means they are house trained, partially obedience trained, and so very grateful to be with a family. Rescued golden retrievers aren’t necessarily damaged goods, they just weren’t matched with the right family; golden retrievers are people dogs, they want nothing more than to be with their families all the time.
Adoption Process
The exact process will vary from rescue group to rescue group, however, a few things will stay constant; golden retriever adoption applications, fees, contracts, medical care, and waiting. An adoption application does two things, it proves that you want a golden retriever badly enough to go through all the paperwork and hassles to let them check you out; and it gives the experts at the rescue a chance to match a dog to your family and needs. The fees are extremely modest when you consider how much a puppy would cost plus the fact that they have already been spayed or neutered and received up to date medical care. After you are accepted as an adoptive pet parent, there may still be a wait while a rescued golden retriever is located that meets your wants and needs.
Your Responsibility
Your responsibility as an owner of a rescued golden retriever is first to love and care for it; your golden retriever will thrive in a family environment. Keep your golden retriever healthy, see that they receiver frequent and all necessary veterinary care. Only feed your golden retriever balanced high quality foods, don’t allow your dog to become obese and inactive. To register it with the AKC or other group and compete with your dog, this can be a great bonding experience.
If the shelter hasn’t already spayed or neutered your golden retriever make sure you do, this world doesn’t need more unwanted puppies, and even if you adopt a male golden retriever they can still share in the mating responsibility, mating a rescue dog would be undesirable as you cannot have any guaranteed idea of its pedigree.
Why Not Rescue A Golden Retriever?
If you have not researched a golden retriever then you might have no idea what you are getting yourself into with a golden retriever. Research the breed and get information on caring for golden retrievers before committing to one. Golden retrievers are very personable and it can damage their self esteem to be rejected so many times. Know the top ten golden retriever rescue mistakesbefore you decide to adopt.