Rescuing a Golden Retriever
Rescuing a Golden Retriever
Volume 5: What to Consider when Deciding to Rescue
Rescuing a golden can be very rewarding for your family and your new furry companion. There are plenty of goldens in need of furever homes and they would be a life changing addition to your family. However, there are some things that need to be considered before you decide rescuing a golden is the right decision for you.
As with any dog, you must first evaluate if you have enough time and resources to properly take care of them. They require extra time to adjust to their new life with you and need support as well as patience when first transitioning into your home. You may need to take time off from work to ensure they are comfortable in your home before leaving them alone.
The 3-3-3 rule is important to be aware of while your golden acclimates to their new environment (McKee). The 3-3-3 rule is also known as the “rescue dog honeymoon period” (McKee). A general guideline is it will take phases of 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months for your rescue golden to gradually adjust to their new surroundings, rules, and routines with their new family so it is imperative that they are allowed this time to settle in (McKee). Be sure to provide them with a positive and safe environment with lots of patience (McKee). Do not leave them unattended with other pets or children during this transitional period to avoid any fights or bites (McKee).
You will also need to determine if your lifestyle is conducive to taking care of a dog daily. If you travel a lot or work long hours, you will not be able to take them outside in a timely manner (McKee). Goldens also require a lot of exercise and if you’re not home to provide that to them, they may become destructive and it is also not fair to them (McKee).
Dogs in general can be expensive, so ensuring you have enough funds to feed them, groom them, provide vet care, and any other necessities are crucial for them to live a happy life with you (McKee). It is a sad truth, but golden retrievers are prone to cancer and other health conditions, and you will have to decide if that is something you can deal with emotionally and financially (“Golden Retriever”). If your dog also requires training, you’ll have to either train them yourself or spend money on hiring a dog trainer (McKee).
Next, you must determine if your home is a safe environment for a golden retriever. If you’re renting, rescues will want to know if your lease allows you to have a large dog in the home (“How The Application Process Works”). They will also want you to have a secured fenced in yard for them to roam in (“How The Application Process Works”). If you have other dogs, they will need to be able to get along with another dog in the home. You may have to trial this situation to get a better understanding of your current dog’s temperament during certain scenarios (i.e. resource guarding, dominance, etc.). You will also have to make sure your whole family living in your home is on board with adopting a golden so they are well taken care of and feel the love that they deserve from the whole “pack.”
Of course you must also consider a rescue golden retriever has an unknown history in most cases (McKee). Their past may result in behavioral issues if they were neglected or abused (McKee). So you may be taking a gamble on bringing home an unpredictable dog whose reactions won’t be known until they are placed in various situations (McKee). You also will not know about their parent’s health so there may be genetic problems down the road (McKee).
Once you have decided you can rescue a golden retriever, check out the rescues in your area. There are plenty of golden retriever rescues in Florida, but just be sure they service your area as a home visit is typically required prior to adoption (“How The Application Process Works”). You can go on their websites and learn about their adoption processes, fill out an application (if you meet their entry criteria), and then the review process begins (“How The Application Process Works”)! There will be interviews, vet reference, a home visit and more before you will be approved (“How The Application Process Works”).
Rescuing a golden retriever can be the best decision you have ever made. Just be 100% certain you are ready for all the responsibilities and hardwork that it entails. Golden retrievers can live to an average of 10-12 years so make sure you are able to make this type of serious commitment (“Golden Retriever”). Golden retrievers love you unconditionally and rely on you for all their needs. As long as you’re ready, there is a golden out there that would love a second chance at life with you. Good luck in your golden rescue journey, you won’t regret it!
In order to help start your search, below is a comprehensive list of Golden Retriever rescues in Florida!
References
Golden retriever. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
How the application process works. Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. https://www.grrmf.org/how-to-adopt/
McKee, D. 18 Things to know before adopting a dog. Rescue Dogs 101. https://www.rescuedogs101.com/things-to-know-before-adopting-dog/
McKee, D. The 3-3-3 rule and bringing home a rescue dog. Rescue Dogs 101. https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/