General Questions

Where do the Goldens come from, and what happens when they’re brought into rescue?

In most cases, families give up their dog because of allergies, divorce, death, and sometimes because not enough thought was given to the activity level and time commitment that a Golden Retriever requires. Occasionally we obtain Goldens that have been in abusive environments or were found as strays.

A preliminary evaluation is done by a GRRIN volunteer before a Golden is accepted in the program. Once accepted, the Golden is placed into one of our foster homes where its personality is evaluated in a “home” environment. The dog also receives a veterinary exam and is heartworm tested, updated on inoculations, spayed or neutered, and evaluated for existing medical problems. The Golden is then ready for adoption when a potential adoptive family is matched with him or her.

If I can’t foster, is there some other way to help?

Yes! You can volunteer to transport Goldens to a veterinarian or foster home, or help out in many other ways, including:

• Answering phone calls
   
• Working at the GRRIN display at public outreach events
   
• Volunteering at fund raising events
   
• Conducting assessments of dogs or prospective owners
   
• Becoming a coordinator on our rescue team
   

If you’re interested in any of these activities, give us a call. We’ll be glad to have your help, and you’ll be glad you got more involved in sharing your love of Goldens

Adoption Questions

What should I know about Golden Retrievers before I consider adoption?

Most Golden Retrievers believe life is one big party and they are the guests of honor. Goldens will invite almost everyone they meet to this bash. They are very social and companionable. They do not make good protection or guard dogs because they are so trusting of people. They are also sporting dogs with a high energy level. Males weigh up to 75-85 pounds and females up to 70 pounds depending on height. Once or twice a year, they shed substantially, as they are a double-coated dog with a soft undercoat beneath their water-repellant outer coat. Regular brushing is recommended. If your family has an allergy problem or your lifestyle requires uncompromising housekeeping, a non-shedding breed may be more suitable.

Golden Retrievers are quite intelligent, which is why they are used as guide dogs and assistance dogs. It also means you must train the dog to be a well-mannered family member. Some of our rescue dogs have already received basic obedience training. However, it is good to repeat this so that you can communicate with your dog.

Goldens are known for their affectionate temperament and must live in your home. They do not make good kennel dogs, and if this is your plan, you would do well to seek a breed that is less devoted to family life.

How much does it cost to adopt and keep a Golden?

The cost to our program to rescue a healthy Golden can be well over $300. We send each dog to their new home with vaccinations updated, spayed/neutered (if health and age allow) and microchipped. While in foster care, the Golden has received a health check-up including heartworm and fecal testing, collar, a GRRIN identification tag, and has been on monthly heartworm preventative. Our adoption fee of $250 ($100 for senior dogs 8 and older), effective February 1, 2010, is due at the time adoption contracts are signed, and it includes the annual membership dues for one applicant. All adoption fees are used to assist in the rescue of other Goldens.
GRRIN estimates that it costs about $1000 per year to feed and care for a dog the size of a Golden Retriever. Dogs need a healthy diet, veterinary care, annual inoculations and licensing. Other expenses include a leash, collar, brush, bowls, toys, grooming and boarding for vacations.

What age Golden is right for me?

Golden puppies are unequalled for cuteness. They are friendly, curious, energetic and mischievous. They need housetraining, constant supervision, obedience training, and socialization with kids, adults and other dogs. They need to be taught car travel, walking on a leash, and household rules. They go through periods of chewing in which they can destroy furniture in a matter of minutes. Do you have the kind of lifestyle that will allow you to train and supervise a puppy for three years? Yes, three years. Goldens mature slowly. Even after they are physically full-grown, they will go through periods of adolescent “rebellion” until approximately 3 years of age.

If you have a young and active family, we suggest a Golden in the 2- to 5-year range. Remember, the Golden was originally bred to jump into icy water to retrieve ducks, and to do this all day long. Okay, your family doesn’t hunt ducks but that energy has to go somewhere. It takes an energetic owner to keep up with a Golden youngster.

If your lifestyle is to relax after work, perhaps with a walk, watching TV and settling in for the evening, a Golden in the 3- to 6-year range may be a better choice for you. Adult Goldens are energetic and love to play. They quickly bond to a new owner and can give you many years of companionship.

Consider adopting a senior Golden. Goldens are so people-oriented that they bond at any age. They maintain their love of play and companionship throughout their lives. Seniors enjoy walks and toys and people. They also enjoy napping in a sunny spot, snuggling, or lying at your feet so they can be close to you. All our Goldens are examined by a veterinarian for general health. We tell you everything we know about the dog. With a senior Golden, you can expect a special and close relationship that may last for years. People who have adopted seniors tell us these dogs seem especially grateful for the love, care, play and respect they receive in new homes.

We are listing some very general trends, but advise you that an individual dog’s personality has a great influence on his or her activity level and life span.

Gender: male or female Golden?

Some breeds of dogs have distinct differences in personality between male and female dog. There is simply too much individual variation in Goldens to make sweeping generalizations based on the sex of the dog. You may be thinking of requesting a male or female dog because you’ve been told that one sex of dog is more affectionate or independent than the opposite sex. This is not the case with Goldens. Both genders want lots of physical attention. Dogs of either gender can be independent, silly, dignified or sloppy in their need for affection. We suggest you identify the personality traits you value in a companion dog and ask if such a dog is available for adoption. Our best matches of dogs and adopters are based on temperament rather than sex.

How do I apply to adopt a Golden?

Prospective owners are carefully screened before they are allowed to adopt a dog. Applications require a phone interview and home visit. GRRIN requires that prospective owners have a fenced yard with the fence attached to the house, although this requirement may be waived in the case of select senior dogs. The screening process covers past history with pets, willingness to crate-train and attend obedience classes, ages of children, family schedule, facilities for housing a Golden, and the dog’s primary function in the family such as hunter, child’s playmate, or companion for an older person. Adoptions are followed up by calls and visits from GRRIN volunteers, and all necessary assistance is given to help the adoptive family and rescued dog adjust to one another. We want every GRRIN dog tale to have a “happy ending.”

How do I meet available dogs?

Once your application is approved and our Adoption Coordinator calls to advise you that there is a potential Golden companion for you, the foster home will call you to schedule a time to meet the Golden at their home. In order to avoid stress to the dog, we will not transport the Golden to your home. We ask that you be on time for this appointment and plan to spend a minimum of one hour at the foster home. The foster home has final approval of the potential adoption and will report the results of the meeting to the Adoption Coordinator.

What if the adoption doesn’t work out?

This circumstance is rare since our screening process is extensive. But it does happen. If at any time you cannot keep your rescue dog, it must come back to GRRIN as stipulated in the adoption contract. We stand behind every Golden we place … for the life of the dog. We want to hear from you if you have questions, problems or want to brag about your new Golden family member. To that end, GRRIN maintains a voice-mail telephone line. Dial 402.330.6680 and leave a message. A volunteer will contact you

Should I obedience train my adopted dog?

Yes! Yes! They thrive on obedience training. Besides, a Golden Retriever is a big dog. Training should begin right away and be an ongoing process. All Goldens are trainable and actually enjoy the learning process. Training creates a bond between you and your dog and will make your Golden a good canine citizen. It is a good idea to repeat obedience training programs to reinforce commands and facilitate your communication with your dog.

Can I breed my adopted Golden?

No. The very need for Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska is the best reason not to breed. There is an over-population problem. Goldens who enter the GRRIN program are spayed or neutered if age and health allow. AKC registration papers are not transferred to the adoptive owner.

Foster Home Questions

What will I need to do as a foster parent?

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including:

• feeding
   
• exercising
   
• socializing
   
• brushing and grooming as needed
   
• reinforcing basic obedience commands
   
• observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament
   
• and, of course, providing love and security to a special Golden at an often difficult time in their life.
   

GRRIN foster homes play a major role in facilitating the dog’s adoption to a new home. As a foster parent, you’ll make recommendations to help select the best adoptive family for your foster Golden (since you know him or her best!). Prospective owners will meet your foster dog in your home.

How long does the dog stay in foster care?

If the Golden is healthy, two weeks to two months is typical. Dogs with special needs may stay longer in foster care.

Do I need a fenced yard to foster?

Yes, a fenced yard is required for all but select senior dogs. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run loose. Outside of a fenced yard, the dog must be on leash at all times.

Do I have to be home with the dog all day?

No. Many of our foster parents are employed full- or part-time and still provide a quality environment for the dog. However, our first concern is safety: for you, your family, your own dog(s) and the rescue dog. Therefore, we suggest that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he should be confined to a small, secure area. GRRIN has training crates to loan to foster families.

How much time does it take to foster?

It takes from an hour or two a day to however much time you care to spend with the dog. Some foster parents teach their foster dog obedience or other skills as a way to make the dog as adoptable as possible.

May I choose which dogs I foster?

You may set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. If you’re asked to foster a dog that doesn’t seem right for you, you can say “no.” If a foster dog proves difficult to handle, he can be placed elsewhere.

How much does it cost to foster?

Lack of funds shouldn’t prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses for good quality food, telephone calls, and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary expenses, including heartworm preventative, are paid by GRRIN.

What if I have questions or problems with the dog?

All foster homes receive GRRIN’s Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on routines and special aspects of fostering. Our Foster Home Coordinator, Rescue Coordinator and Caseworkers are available for telephone consultation on behavior or health problems. Being a foster home is greatly rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue dogs are not housetrained, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that – when given a chance – these dogs not only improve, they flourish.

Will I become attached to my foster dog?

Yes, you undoubtedly will. They bond quickly and give so much back in return for your care and attention. But when you meet the new family who’s ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog you’ve helped rescue, you will feel satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life.

What if I want to adopt the Golden I am fostering?

If you decide to be a foster home, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Golden transition into a permanent home, and not with the goal of “picking and choosing” a Golden you wish to adopt. We do recognize that fostering can lead to a special commitment; therefore, foster families have first option to adopt their foster dog.