TEN REASONS TO ADOPT A SENIOR GOLDEN

1. Adulthood. In most cases, senior Goldens are well past the chewing and digging stages of life. They cause less destruction than puppies and younger dogs. They also have a longer attention span for training.

2. Peace of Mind. Over 90% of older dogs are housebroken before they go to a second home; those that aren’t are easily trained. An adult dog has a larger bladder and can go for longer periods of time without relief.

3. Experience. Most senior Goldens have been socialized with other animals. They can provide an example and a calming influence to younger dogs.

4. Tolerance. Older Goldens are good first dogs for children because they are patient with tailtugging and rough petting. They’ll generally walk away from a rough playing child rather than hurt him.

5. Companionship. Senior dogs don’t demand constant watchfulness and attention. They’re content just to be in the same room while family members are working or relaxing. A Golden Oldie will be more happy with a sedate walk than with intense exercise.

6. Dignity. Senior Goldens are generally calmer than young dogs; they won’t scare small children or the elderly by jumping up to greet them.

7. Adaptability. An adult dog will adapt more easily to changes in your household, such as a new baby, relatives or guests visiting, or being left alone for long periods of time.

8. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). A senior dog is fully grown, and most of its health history is known (hereditary diseases, arthritis, hip dysplasia are some). There are no guesses about how big it will get, whether it will bark a lot, or what its energy level will be.

9. Personality. A senior dog arrives with its own set of likes (e.g., soft places, belly rubs, tennis balls) and dislikes (e.g., cauliflower, squirrels, vacuum cleaners), and each one is different. Discovering all the facets of a senior’s personality makes life with them truly enjoyable.

10.Memories. Even if you have a senior Golden as part of your life for only a few years, or for just a few months, the days and adventures you share are precious. The love you receive will more than compensate for the sadness of eventually losing such a wonderful companion.

Golden Retriever Moms are the Best

"What is a Mother?"

A mother is someone to shelter and guide us,
To love us, whatever we do,
With a warm understanding and infinite patience,
And wonderful gentleness, too.

How often a mother means swift reassurance
In soothing our small, childish fears,
How tenderly mothers watch over their children
And treasure them all through the years.

The hearth of a mother is full of forgiveness
For any mistake, big or small,
And generous always in helping her family
Whose needs she has placed above all.

A mother can utter a word of compassion
And make all our cares fall away,
She can brighten a home with the sound of her laughter
And make life delightful and gay.

A mother possesses incredible wisdom
And wonderful insight and skill-
In each human heart is that one special corner
Which only a mother can fill!

 Author: Katherine Nelson Davis

HELP WANTED.....WE NEED FOSTER FAMILIES

An AZGRC foster is someone who opens their heart and home and agrees to give temporary shelter to a rescued Golden Retriever.  Most families foster each AZGRC Golden for an average of 1-2 months, but we never know how long it may take for our Goldens to find their forever homes.  You can let us know what kind of Golden Retriever you'd like to foster, (age, size, sex, activity level, etc.,) and how long you'd like to foster.  We will do everything we can to accommodate you and your family.

WHAT IS EXPECTED?

SAFE SPOT:  We ask that you give your foster Golden a safe place to rest his head while he's up for adoption.  You will be responsible for a name (if he doesn't already have one,)  food, water, and shelter.

LOVE LOVE LOVE:  When your foster Golden first meets you, he will be very disoriented and feeling out of sorts.  He is his most fragile in the first few days of foster care.  Love him up and let him know that everything will be OK.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU:  After your Golden gets a little more comfortable, spend some time getting to know him.  Learn the Golden's personality and help us determine what family best suits him.

DR. KNOWS BEST:  Follow any health guidelines set up by the veterinarian in his initial health check.  He may need to gain weight, or go on a diet.  He may have medicines or other special needs.  [NOTE: all vet bills are borne by AZGRC, and any emergency visits are reimbursed by AZGRC.]

GOOD DOG: Help us make sure your foster Golden is "family friendly."  Most of our Goldens have good manners, but some may need a bit of basic obedience and indoor etiquette.

THE BIG DAY:  Be open to arrangements to meet any interested applicants, whether they come visit your foster Golden in your home - or an AZGRC volunteer arranges a greeting. 

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

APPLY ONLINE

Please fill out our online application, the easiest and quickest way to become a foster.  We will try to contact you within 5 days of receipt to start the review process, and answer all of your questions.  For more info, email  fosters@azgrc.org.

   

You will never regret fostering.