Q. Where can I see a list of available dogs?
A. We do not post pictures of available dogs. As a full service rescue, we are committed to making the best possible matches for our dogs. We want to ensure that the adoption will succeed and minimize the potential for having to take the dog back and move him (a big stress for the dogs) multiple times. For this reason, we have a corporate policy to not publish any list or photos of dogs currently in foster care or ready for adoption. Except for the matches, we also refrain from discussing any individual dogs with potential adopters. We have found in the 26 years of placing dogs that this policy leads to the best placement success. The only exception to this policy is in the case of special needs dogs when we have no potential adopters for them. When we have special needs dogs in care, they will be listed on our special needs page.
Q. Do you have puppies available?
A. Due to the nature of rescue, we seldom have puppies. When we do, it is generally because they have special needs (behavioral or health). Occasionally, we take in a bitch that is about to whelp, and we do have a litter of puppies to place. In most cases, this is a mixed-breed litter and the mom has been turned in because her owner knew that the litter did not have a Golden sire. If you’re committed to raising a puppy, we’ll let you know if there are any available but if not, it could be a long wait, and we typically have many approved applications for puppies.
Q. How long will I have to wait?
A. This depends a lot on your constraints about the dog you will adopt. Our dogs are all ages and temperaments and typically more males are in rescue than females. The wider your adoption parameters are, the less time will pass before a match is made. So, if you are receptive to either male or female, and receptive to a wide age range, and willing to travel to meet your potential new dog, then your wait will be minimized. It is important to note that some of our dogs are in rescue because they have needs that weren’t met in their previous home. This might mean that they require some commitment to behavioral work, or it might mean that they require medication or a specific rehabilitative exercise program. The more you are able or willing to do this difficult rescue work, the less time will pass before we find a match.
Q. Aren’t females more submissive and obedient than males?
A. This is the main myth in rescue! In all the years of our rescue experience, we have consistently found that the Females in our program are much more likely to be dominant with both humans and other dogs. Goldens are generally obedient (with proper training) and eager to please, males as well a females. Neutered males are not likely to engage in any marking behavior. Neutered males are more likely to be teddy-bear lap dogs, and are, as a population, generally more submissive and get along easier with other dogs. Of course there are always individual exceptions to all of this. But, if you want a cuddly furball, our advice is to strongly consider a male.
Q. How can I check on my application?
A. Once your home visit has been completed, you will get an email from our application coordinator to let you know the status of your application. A home visit will be completed prior to a potential match being made. If your application is approved, when a potential match is made, the adoption coordinator will contact you to tell you more about the dog and to give you information on setting up a meet if you are interested. The wait can be very long, depending on your preferences in terms of sex, age etc. of the dog you are willing to consider and based upon the needs of the dogs that come into our program. If you need to withdraw or update your application, please contact Adoptions@grrowls.org.
