Texas Golden Retriever Rescues
Dallas/Ft Worth Metro Golden Retriever Rescue – www.rescuegoldens.org
Golden Retriever Rescue Of North Texas – www.goldenretrievers.org
Golden Ribbon Golden Retriever Rescue (Austin, Central Texas) – http://www.grr-tx.com/
Golden Retriever Rescue Of Houston – http://www.grrh.org/
Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue (Houston) – http://www.gbgrr.org/
Golden Retrievers are one of the most compatible breeds for family dogs. But, unfortunately, many Golden Retrievers still end up homeless through no fault of their own. There are dedicated groups out there that help rescue these dogs from various situations. Contrary to what some may believe, most of these dogs were not abused dogs. Sometime their original owners find themselves with an unforeseen circumstance such as an unexpected illness, loss of employment, relocation where they cannot take their dog with them, or even a divorce. A dog could have dug under a fence or a child could have left a door to the house or a gate open and without permanent identification, those dog can’t find their way back to their original owners and end up in an animal shelter. There are quite a few instances where a family recognizes that they do not have the time to give their dog the attention that it deserves and need assistance to help place that dog where it will have a better life. And yes, there are times when a dog simply ended up being a disposable item to it’s owner and the dog is given up for no reason other than they’re just no longer wanted. Some dogs who were neglected by their former owners or dogs pulled from shelters will often have health issues, particularly heartworms, fleas or ticks but those issues are remedied by the rescue groups as they prepare the dogs for their new and hopefully final “Forever home”. Goldens of all ages from puppies on up to 14 year olds come into Rescue but the hardest dogs to adopt out are the 7 year old and older dogs. The older dogs also make wonderful loving companions and deserve your consideration as much as the younger dogs.
If you can find a place in your heart to adopt a rescued Golden, please contact a Golden Retriever Rescue near you. For the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and surrounding areas (usually within an hour or two of DFW), please go to www.rescuegoldens.org (Dallas Ft./Worth Metro Golden Retriever Rescue) to learn more or please visit the other Texas Golden Retriever Rescue websites at the top of this page. If you live outside of Texas, please go to www.grca-nrc.org/localrescues.htm to find a Golden Retriever Rescue closer to you.
Some considerations on how to decide if you should buy a puppy from a breeder or go to a Rescue group:
1) Time — Puppies take a lot of time. You will probably have to get up in the middle of the night for potty time as they can’t go more than 4 or 5 hours without a break when they first go home at 7 to 8 weeks. If you work full time away from your home, can you or a friend let the puppy out during the middle of the day for a few weeks?
2) Age and personality of your children. Young children are often not ready for an active puppy. The puppy has very sharp baby teeth and loves to put everything in it’s mouth, including your children’s arms and ankles. When your children are running and screaming to get away from the playful puppy, the puppy gets more excited — the noise and “running” means the game is on. If you purchase a puppy, make sure the breeder talks with you about ways to help prevent the puppy playful bites so your children can enjoy the puppy as much as you will.
3) Cost – A new puppy from a breeder will be expensive — probably $1200 – $1500. For this fee, you get a breeder who should be willing to help you for the LIFE of your dog, willing to take the puppy back if you get it home and find it just overwhelms your children, etc (see details on selecting a breeder at: www.grca.org/acquiring.htm) Your puppy will probably have had one puppy vaccination, but will need at least two more and a rabies shot. Then in about a year, you will need to come back and spay or neuter your puppy.
Most rescue groups adopt their dogs in the neighborhood of $250. The rescued dog will have it’s shots current (although if you are lucky enough to adopt a puppy from rescue, you will still need additional shots). The rescued dog should have been cleared by a vet for adoption (some all-breed rescues don’t have the funds to do this, so verify what medical care is given prior to the group releasing the dog for adoption). Many rescue groups will have microchipped your dog so that it can get back to you if it is lost. The rescue group should also have spayed / neutered the dog already unless it is too young. Then they may make provisions for the spay/neuter at a more appropriate age.
4) Adult look and temperament — When buying from a breeder, you should be able to meet the dam of the litter, and at least view photos of the sire. You can get an idea of what the puppy may look like as an adult. An experienced breeder can get a good idea of what the puppy will look like and it’s potential adult size. By adopting an adult golden from a rescue group, you can see exactly what the dog will look like, what it’s current energy level will be and it’s temperament.
5) The biggest downfall to rescue is lack of history of dogs in the pedigree. You won’t know if the dog has a great genetic background with lower cancer rates and fewer hip, eye, elbow and heart issues.
With an adult Golden Retriever in your home are you prepared to:
Accept that dog hair may be a daily condiment on your food?
Step over, be under, or have a 60-70 lb dog leaning on you?
Wake up to a warm wet tongue or a cold nose in your face?
Understand that a Golden’s wagging tail means keeping your coffee tables clear at all time?
Always carry a lint roller in your purse or car unless you don’t mind wearing some of your dog’s coat over your clothes when you leave the house 🙂
Now… more seriously… are you and your family prepared to:
Be committed to the health and welfare of your Golden Retriever DAILY by feeding a quality food, spending quality time with, and ensuring your dog will be protected with a safe environment both inside and outside your home?
Be committed to the health and welfare of your Golden Retriever MONTHLY by ensuring that your dog will receive a dose of a Heartworm Preventative every month of the year?
Be committed to the health and welfare of your Golden Retriever YEARLY by taking your dog to a veterinarian for its annual checkup which includes a minimum, a heartworm test, fecal analysis, and thorough physical examination?
Be committed to the health and welfare of your Golden Retriever FOR ITS LIFETIME by treating your dog as a member of your family giving your dog unconditional love and devotion and willing to receive the same back from your Golden Retriever?
If your answer to any of the above preparatory questions is “no”, then you may want to reconsider the addition of a dog to your family.
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Golden Retriever breeders who are proud of their accomplishments with their puppies and breeding programs
Volunteers who are dedicated to educating the Public about the Golden Retriever breed
Golden Retriever Rescue volunteers who are dedicated to fostering and helping Golden Retrievers in need
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