Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York

1) Make Sure You're Within Our Territory
2) The Beginning...A Good Place To Start
3) Foster Homes - The Key To Our Success
4) Our Search For That "Forever" Home

As a rule, our orphans make wonderful pets and adjust well to their new families. Golden Retrievers are large, active dogs who often act like "puppies" until they are three or more years old. Therefore, for working couples or families with children, we highly recommend adopting an adult, housebroken Golden because these dogs settle into the family much more quickly than puppies.

Before a Golden is accepted into our rescue program, an interview is conducted with the owner, either in person or by phone, and a preliminary temperament evaluation is completed during the initial meeting with the dog. Once a dog is formally accepted into our program, it immediately receives a complete physical by a veterinarian working with our organization. All shots are Golden Retriever

brought up to date, and all immediate medical needs are addressed. All dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, and dogs coming from an animal shelter environment may spend several days in quarantine as an extra precaution against contagious illness or temperament problems. Finally, if necessary, our dogs are bathed and groomed...

Next, our dogs are placed with one of our loving, mostly "dog-wise" foster families for a minimum of one to two weeks. During this time the foster family assesses the dog's behavior, temperament and degree of socialization with other animals. Basic obedience behavior such as "sit," "stay," "off," "come," and "down" is reinforced by the foster family. The main goal of the foster family is to prepare our orphans for life in their new homes. Should a dog exhibit more serious behavior problems, they are fostered by one of our members who are more experienced in training ,behavior evaluation and modification.

All of our foster families have owned Goldens in the past and most currently have at least one dog in the home. Some have cats and children, also. While some knowledge of basic obedience training is desired, it is not necessary - some of our dogs just need a warm bed and lots of hugs until they meet the "perfect family." Our foster families play a critical role in insuring that their foster Golden finds the perfect new home. Their input during the placement process helps to determine which adoptive family will provide the best home and brightest future...

When we feel that one of our dogs is ready to be placed, we begin our search for the right home, based on the applications we have already approved. A home visit with all members of a prospective new family is always conducted before final approval of an application takes place. We do not place on a "first come, first serve" basis. This insures that the specific needs of each dog are met. The best home for an individual dog, based on that dog's needs, is the home that will be selected. For example, dogs with a known history of running are only placed with families whose yards are fenced.

We highly recommend (and in some cases require) basic obedience training for our Goldens, not only to teach or reinforce basic obedience behavior, but to insure quick bonding between owner and dog. Goldens are "people" dogs. They thrive on attention and need to be with, around and near humans. After owning a Golden, we guarantee you will reevaluate your definition of the word "close". As a part of the adoption contract, our dogs are to remain "house dogs" after placement - not "basement," "garage," or "doghouse" dogs.

We request, for dogs 6wks to the 8th birthday, a placement fee of $250 from ouradoptive families to help cover the cost of preparing our Goldens for their new homes. For dogs 8 through 11 years, we request $100 to cover special tests most older dogs need. For our senior Goldens 12 and older, we do not require an placement fee, although donations are always welcome. We simply seek a good home that can provide a senior Golden with the love and care they so richly deserve.

If you are not familiar with the Golden Retriever as a breed, you should be aware that males range between 75 and 95 pounds. Females usually weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Their very active tails are best known for clearing low tables of all adornments. Goldens require consistent, hard exercise to allow them to become the calm house pets that owners expect. Goldens have long, beautiful coats that shed at least twice a year. Regular brushing and professional grooming can keep the amount of hair loss to a minimum. However, you will always have some dog hair on your furniture, rugs, clothing, and occasionally in your food. Almost all breeds, including Goldens' are prone to certain health problems. You should be aware that they might develop skin allergies and occasionally hip, eye, or thyroid problems.