Restrictive rescue rules.

[beemerdog]

<rant>

I've been considering getting a rescue golden. But, when I go to the rescue websites the rules they require are so restrictive that I wouldn't qualify.

I own my own home (no mortgage) on 5 acres of land at the end of a private dirt road about 1,000 feet off the main road in a rural area. With 1 1/2 acres of lawn surrounded by 150 acres of woods.

I am retired on disability and I am home almost all of the time. I am on my second golden (#1 was 12 years old and #2 is 6 1/2 yo) and they turned out just fine.

Both dogs had full use of the house and bed. And fed a good dog food, go to the vet regularly and when I went on vacation they come with me. If they cant go, I don't go.

But, because I don't have a fenced in yard or cage my dogs, I don't qualify to adopt a rescue by their rules.

On the rescue websites they "cry" about how many dogs they have and how they need forever homes. I realize they want to make sure that the dog will go to a good home, but by their rules they are disqualify many families that could care for a dog. I can go to a breeder and buy a pup with less hassle than that.

Some rescue organizations charge so much to adopt a dog it's almost cheaper to go to a breeder to buy a puppy. Which actually defeats the rescue concept.

</rant>

[Bentleysmom]

Please don't be discouraged by their websites. I have rescued for years. Talk to them in person or on the phone, explain what you told us. They do go case by case and make exceptions.
I agree that some of the rescue websites discourage people and send them elsewhere but that's not their intention. They need to find responsible owners for these dogs and it sounds like you are very responsible.
Good luck...hang in there, your dog is out there waiting to find you ♥

[SheetsSM]

I agree with Bentleysmom, make contact with the rescue. I've volunteered with rescues in three states and all have made accommodations for adopters & unfortunately have been burned in the process--yet, they continue to work with folks that don't look 100% "perfect" on paper.

You also have to keep in mind, that you will not be adopting a golden that has been raised from a puppy to have a reliable recall that will be safe to be off lead outside of a fenced in area. You will need to be absolutely committed to ensuing their safety & that may include being outside 100% of the time with the golden when it's outside, walking it on lead...are your prepared for that?

Also, you reference purchasing a pup from breeder for less than an adoption fee and with less hassle--that would be correct if you're looking at BYBs who don't do the bare minimum clearances required by the GRCA and have done nothing for the betterment of the breed.

Just as you don't want to be judged, please don't do the same to rescues.

[cubbysan]

New England rescues have some of the strictest requirements. I know when I lived in MA, I would not have qualified to rescue from the big rescues there too.

Do any of these rescues allow invisible fences? Would you be willing to go that route? I have 5 acres of land, piano key lot. My house is a distance from the street too. I have about 2 1/2 acres in an invisible fence. This is perfect for us. It keeps the dogs close to the house, but still gives us full access to our land, and keeps the dogs away from the areas of our property where they might get into trouble - like our pond, barn etc.

[Shalva]

I think that it is important to remember that rescues have these dogs because PEOPLE with great intentions could not be responsible.....

[Dallas Gold]

I think before coming here and complaining about a rescue, you should probably talk to the rescue people. You might be surprised to find they might be willing to work with you on it. Give them a chance first please because there may not be anything to complain about after talking with them. I can't speak to the rescue pricing as in my area the rescue charges far less than what a reputable breeder who does all the clearances would ask. Please remember that the rescue adopts only a fully vetted dog, with all vaccinations that has been spayed and neutered. If you went to a back yard breeder or puppy miller and paid for the vaccinations and spay/neuter, you might find the rescue pricing is a bargain in comparison.

[CAROLINA MOM]

The Rescue Group I helped reviewed each applicant on a case by case basis. I know some Groups operate a little differently, but hopefully you will find one that will work with you.

GR Rescues are looking for a safe, permanent loving home for their dogs in which they will receive the required Vet care and be loved as a family member.

I suggest you call and talk to someone before you get too discouraged. You are an experienced Golden owner and that makes a big difference.

My girl is adopted through the GR Rescue I use to help and I adopted my boy from my County Humane Society.

Petfinder.com is a good source for dogs both in shelters and in Resuce Groups.

[Lennap]

I understand your frustration completely - I faced similar challenges when I was looking to adopt a golden. The rescues in the Northeast either would not adopt to me or would not adopt a younger dog to me because I am single and I work full time. It did not matter that I had always planned to put the dog in daycare.

The answer to my prayers was Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue. They are a very practical group of people who want nothing but the best for the dog. They actually have a program that adopts out to the New England area.

I am grateful every day of the wonderful care they took of Remy while they had him - and that they trusted me to be his mom.

Check out their website and please don't lose hope you will end up with the dog you meant to have! I know I did.

[Merlins mom]

Our rescue does require a fenced yard with few exceptions. Those exceptions are usually made with older dogs and it just depends on the home. I agree with others that you should call the rescue and ask for the adoption coordinator to call you back. It can't hurt and you might be surprised.

As for prices, well it is costly to rescue dogs and get them healthy before they are adopted out. Very few dogs come into rescue that are considered ready to go. Some need more than others. We had one dog this year that we saved and it cost about $6000 to do it. And I'd say that 70% of the dogs we rescue are HW positive. Also some rescues pay for the foster dog food and car mileage for the volunteers. All that $$ adds up!!

[Tayla's Mom]

My GRR requires you feed twice a day, no doggy door or dog house and you must write an essay.


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