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Needs a new home Part 2

13K views 109 replies 28 participants last post by  HiTideGoldens 
#1 ·
Hello all!

Where to start... Hi my name is RJ, today I got off the phone from my sister with bad news. Iowa golden Rescue will not be taking my mothers Golden Retriever Prince. :(

So I immediately started looking for more info on how to save him and ran across this site.The first post that I read was "He needs a good home" by MAttM. My predicament is very similar.

The story began 3 years ago when my Grandfather (Moms dad) passed away suddenly. She was grieving and had come to the conclusion that she wanted a golden. Her father had given her a Golden named Prince when she was young. Only to have to see him givin away due to moving =(

Many of us were against this, as she and my father already had 4 little dogs. 2 Dachshunds and 2 Pugs. all 4 in upper age. But she said that she would do everything to take care of him properly. We gave in hoping that this would give her some comfort from losing her father. ( we have always been a dog Family) 3 the of the dogs were takin in when others could not care for them any longer.

So entered Prince, They got him at a golden Breeder. And brought the little pup home. He fit right in with the other dogs. The only problem was he was growing and becoming much larger then the other 4 dogs. I think that is were his dog aggression started. He was in a situation were they would get in scuffles with the other dogs that had set there ways over a toy or bone. Which was fine because he was so small as a pup. But as he grew I don't think he noticed how much stronger and dominant he was over the other 4 now. His alpha ways spread to aggression with other dogs. Mainly over a bone or toy. He would get in scuffles.

About the age of 1.5 years old, Prince had grown to a very strong Alpha drivin Golden Retriever. Extremely loving and wanting to play. Something the other dogs did not want to do. Then Suddenly my father passed away in NOV 2011 at age 56 from a blood clots in his lung. :--sad: Our worlds were flipped upside down. My father was the main dog provider, they listened to him well and recognized him as the alpha of the house.

I stayed at the house for a few months to help my mother, I knew Prince was confused that his main care giver was gone. Yet he was a great dog just lacking the training of a young dog. about 2 weeks after I had gone home. I got a call from my mom. Prince had bitten the neighbor.. :(

I came over right away and asked what had happened. The neighbor had come over at night and knocked on the back door. It was dark and he had a coat and hat on. My mother held Prince back as he was wondering who was outside. As my mother was speaking to him he noticed Prince trying to get by her to see what was going on. He put his arm out and Sarcastically said " Oh no dont bite me Prince!" a few times. That was all Prince needed to think something was wrong. He got by my mother and bit his arm.

The neighbor had to get some stitches. He did not want to do anything to Prince. He said that it was his fault and should of never done what he did. Either way it is reported at the hospital as a dog bite. Prince was on house arrest for 3 weeks.

Fast forward about a month were we lost Betsy a loving 15 year old pug to kidney failure and also Duke a 14 year old Dachshunds. Mind you I had taken 1 of the other dogs (Baily Ray, Black pug :D ) home to be with me and my Black lab so My mom would not have all 5 dogs.

As confused as Prince was by losing his Dad and 3 of the other pups. He stayed by my mother comforting her and being what we all know golden's to be. A angel. about 6 months later we got more bad news. My grandmother (moms Mother) took a turn for the worse. She had been diagnosed with cancer around the time my father had passed. And did not have much time left. She went to be with the lord in Sept. 2012

My mother felt lost. The main thing that kept her strong threw losing her father and mother and husband was God first and second Prince.

In Nov of 2012. My mother was diagnosed with angiosarcoma breast cancer. Yet another blow to her and the family. She started chemo in Dec. we also lost Dixie Doodle the 2nd Dachshund this month. :(

Christmas eve. My sister and I decided to have Christmas eve like we always did before the passing of our loving family members. So much had gone wrong in the last few years that Holidays were not what they use to be. We had the whole family over like old times. 25 plus people! that night as my sister and brother in law were cooking and cleaning. Our cousins showed up a bit early. no one was at the door at the time and they came in like everyone does on the holidays. Prince was already confused by what was going on and Dixie was barking like crazy as always. Prince noticed them coming in the front door and bit are little cousin in the face. there was no tearing just puncture marks threw her check.

I am telling u the whole story not to defend Prince with his biting. But to explain what all he has been threw. He has had no training, as my mom just has not had the time or energy from all that has happened to do so. Prince has taken over as the alpha of the house and I know he bit my cousin by protecting his home. Is it right what happened? no. but is it Princes fault? I do not think so. He is one of the main reason my mother is able to keep going everyday. He is by her side all the time. loving and playful. He is only 3 years old.

My mother realizes even though it breaks her heart to Let him go. She has to find another family for him. With chemo and radiation she will not have the strength to take care of Prince properly. She feels terrible that she was not able to train him. She also realizes she should not of brought him into a family with 4 little dogs. He needs a family were he can play outside and be trained the way he should of a few years ago. We had contacted the Golden Rescue of Iowa. They came out and looked at Prince.They liked him allot. It took my sister emailing 3 times over the last 3 weeks to get a response finally that they could not help us because he had bitten someone.

I do not blame them. But I have to try else were. Prince is a loving dog. very playful. and loyal. He has never bitten or gone after someone inside the house. And I can not bring my self to have him put down. Its not fair to him. He needs a chance to shine.

Please if anyone can help point me in the right direction I would be so grateful!

Thanks, RJ
 

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#2 ·
#3 ·
Your family has had quite the ordeal. Have you contacted Prince's breeder? A reputable breeder will take the dog back at any age. You may seek out other rescues as well, though keep in mind the liability of taking on a dog with a bite record x's 2 will makes things difficult. Has Prince seen a behaviorist yet?
 
#4 ·
It sounds to me like Prince might need a home where he's the only dog, probably with someone who's experienced with large dogs. He may not even be very alpha--sometimes dogs act alpha to fill a void.

But I'm not a trainer or behaviorist and that's what he needs. It sounds as if you have time constraints due to your mom's illness (I'm really sorry your family has had so many losses and illnesses...) so I'm not sure what to suggest. At this point, you might look into some last-chance animal rescue groups. I don't know what or where they are, but they do exist.

You should definitely contact his breeder to see they'll take him back.

I wish I had more to offer you. From what you describe, I would agree he doesn't sound like a lost cause at all. :no: I hope you can find him the right new home.
 
#5 ·
Bentleysmom- thank you for connecting the 2 post!

Sheets-no behaviorist for Prince. The first year that my mom and dad had them. They took him to Petco for training. that didn't last very long. :( I have not contacted the breeder. But i will try to find info in the next few days~

OutWest-As for being a only Dog. I would agree with that. I think if he is trained properly. He could be ok with other dogs. I have a 6 year old black lab. That he plays with. They have gotten in tussle a few times. (Prince not stopping one time. reason I think he is a Alpha) But mostly they enjoy each others company.

I do think it needs to be a family with no children. He has never gone after anyone in the house. But not being trained. I dont think I could trust him with a child. Were as they can get very wild them self's lol.
 
#6 ·
RJutten

RJutten

Praying that Prince can find a good home, but I think having someone temp test him, would help him find one. I know the fact he bit once will be a problem.
I would contact the breeder right away to see if they can help him.
Is Prince neutered?
 
#7 ·
Hi Karen

I am RJ's Sister ;) Prince in indeed neutered. I had the Golden retriever rescue of Iowa come and see him. While he was an AMAZING dog for them the bite was the issue. We are hoping to be able to place him in the right home...but we are having a horrible time with that. We were hoping a rescue would be able to help us. I guess we are unsure what one should do when even a rescue turns ya down! :(

Hoping a praying the right person comes along.
 
#12 ·
I am really sorry about all the loss and turmoil in your family. You have been hit with too much for too long.

Unfortunately I think you are going to face a very steep uphill battle to find a rescue or individual who would agree to take on a dog that has bitten twice. I think the only option you might have that would encourage anyone to consider him, would be to find a certified veterinarian behaviorist and have him evaluated. With that evaluation you will know what his triggers are and if he can be trained to be less reactive. But his behavior will always be a management issue no matter who he belongs too. The certified veterinarian behaviorist will be able to tell you what your options really are. Check with your vet to see if they know of one to refer you to, or check with a veterinary college in your state or neighboring state if necessary.

I truly wish you good luck in finding a good solution for Prince.
 
#14 ·
My brother-in-law had a great pyrenees that was litter mates with mine, so we knew this dog pretty well and he was very gentle until he was 5 year old. At that point, my brother-in-law's father (he lived in the same house)had a disabling stroke, and when the EMT's went to go upstairs to bring his father to the hospital, the dog attacked out of protection. From that point on, the dog could not be trusted whenever an unfamiliar person came to the house.

It really makes me wonder what goes on in their heads.
 
#16 ·
Rj

RJ

I am so very sorry for everything your family has been through!
I agree with Mylissyk that it will be very difficult to find someone who will adopt Buddy considering the two bite incidents, whether they were his fault or not.
I agree with what Goldensrbest said about keeping Buddy-he's been through so much, too.
The kindest thing your Mom and you can do for Buddy is to keep him. I'm sure your Mom will need his company and love with all she is going through. I'm sure you can help her.
 
#26 ·
RJ

I am so very sorry for everything your family has been through!
I agree with Mylissyk that it will be very difficult to find someone who will adopt Buddy considering the two bite incidents, whether they were his fault or not.
I agree with what Goldensrbest said about keeping Buddy-he's been through so much, too.
The kindest thing your Mom and you can do for Buddy is to keep him. I'm sure your Mom will need his company and love with all she is going through. I'm sure you can help her.
That would be so awesome if that could be worked out! Perhaps a dog behaviorist nanny! LOL!
 
#17 ·
Oh man, I'm so sorry for all the changes and loss this poor boy and you and your family have been through. On one hand I agree if you or someone in your family could keep him and work with a behaviorist that may be the best option, still if and when your mom does pass that is just one more loss and upset for Prince and if you or someone in the family can't keep him, perhaps it is best to get him set up in a forever home. I personally would be hesitant to take a dog with his history for a few reasons, mainly though because I have a grandbaby due this summer and a small dog and puppy. So, understand it may be hard to find a home. If those weren't issues, and I had a behaviorist say he could be rehabilitated, I would consider it. There are more people out there like me so worth a shot
 
#20 ·
RJ and Lindsey

RJ and Lindsey

The reason that rescues can't take a dog with bite history is liability-they could be sued if someone adopted him and then he bit.

Have you contacted his breeder and asked if they will take him back.
 
#22 ·
Hey there! {{{Welcoming hug}}} I am so sorry you and your mother are having to go through this. I can't say I blame your mother for wanting a comforting source of Golden companionship during her trying times even if it might not have been the best time. I want to see the very best for Prince. He was clearly not getting his mental needs met. I do believe there is hope for rehabbing him. Someone who has a loving firm hand could rehab him. I can see that he has unpredictable behavior, but I believe with the right training, that he could become happy again. I don't live in Iowa. I really hope that Prince can find a better life and will not need to be put to sleep.
 
#25 ·
RJ and Lindsey

RJ and Lindsey

Did you contact the breeder?

Also, contact your vet and the behaviorists and trainers near you and explain Prince's situation and see if they are willing to take him. Praying they will be.
 
#31 ·
RJ and Lindsey

Did you contact the breeder?

Also, contact your vet and the behaviorists and trainers near you and explain Prince's situation and see if they are willing to take him. Praying they will be.
We haven't been able to contact the breeder yet. We have talked to the vet and they have high hopes for Prince as well! Finding a behaviorist would be great if we were able to keep Prince but we just can't. :( I don't want to confuse him anymore than he already is.
 
#32 ·
Thank you for all your comments! I was actually over at moms tonight and brought my black lab Buddy Jr with. (I always do when i go over) Prince and him are buddy's although prince still has that pup in him and wants to play allot ;)

I do think the biting. AKA protecting his house started after my dad passed. Before that he NEVER showed any signs of grabbing anyone stranger or not. And both biting situations were him defending his home (Had we realized they were coming over early on Christmas Eve, someone would of been at the door to let them in. The reason he attacked is everyone was on other side of house and they walked in. He thought they were intruders? ) or protecting my mother. =/

Also talked to my mother about the breeder. She said that it was small town folk that do not breed for a living. They had to goldens that had a litter. She did however spend some time with the mother and father before getting Prince, both great friendly dogs.

And trust me I would really like to take prince. But i have 3 dogs as it is. And a step son that is five and wild like all 5 year olds are. I don't think it would be fair to put Prince in that situation. Im hoping to find the right family or even the right guy or gal like i was 5 years ago, single and looking for a buddy to be my best friend. Prince could def be that dog for a person. He just needs the time and training!
 
#33 ·
I would suggest some other things...

Talk to your local GR club, and your local AKC training club--any "dog" place with a good reputation that you can think of. Let them know that he hasn't had a fair shake and there have been some problems, but he's a great dog. Ask everyone you speak to to tell other people and pass the word. In my area alone, there are numerous dog-related groups on MeetUp, and you could post notices on there. Perhaps the overarching message is "Help give Prince a shot at the home he deserves." I think you might well pull in some people who be interested in him, and you'd need to screen them carefully. I also suggest you have a letter of agreement for anyone who wants him releasing your family from any and all liability. That way you could stipulate the conditions for getting him--no children, no other dogs (at least no small ones), a home with a yard, a commitment to ongoing training, experience with large breed dogs, pref. retrievers, etc., etc.

It sounds like you two need to be focusing on your mom right now so I don't know if this is even feasible... But I bet the effort would pay off.

Good luck. Best wishes to you both for all you've been through, are going though, and for trying to find Prince a new home.
 
#34 ·
I think potential adopters also need to be told to check with their insurance companies as adopting a dog with a 2x bite record will likely impact their homeowner's policy--just another aspect of full disclosure.

I do think folks need to consider that a golden protecting to the point of biting is not normal and should not just be explained away. While I agree with the aspect of bringing in a behaviorist, I think it would be setting someone (to include Prince) for failure by rationalizing his behavior.
 
#36 · (Edited)
Prince

Praying the vet can come up with an idea for Prince.
I agree with Mylissyk that you need to have a behavorist evaluate Prince, before you could ever tell anyone about him.

Please keep us posted-praying for a miracle for Prince!
 
#38 ·
Praying the vet can come up with an idea for Prince.
I agree with Mylissyk that you need to have a behavorist evaluate Prince, before you could ever tell anyone about him.

Please keep us posted-praying for a miracle for Prince!
I did have the Golden rescue of Iowa come and see Prince. Although they turned us down she did test his limits to see if he react a certain way. He did a fabulous job...but the bites are the issue. :(
 
#37 ·
Lindsey - I have sent you a private message (pm) w/ some contact info since you do not have 15 posts (which you need in order to pm someone).
 
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