Are You Right for a Rescued Golden Retriever?
Is a Rescued Golden Retriever Right for You?

Dogs end up in rescue for a variety of reasons, many arrive with some baggage. A few come from good homes that surrender them because of family allergies, bankruptcy, divorce or death. Others come from homes where they were not considered part of the family and were not trained. Some come from animal shelters and pounds and we have no knowledge of their previous life. Separation from his/her family, under any circumstances, is very traumatic for a Golden Retriever.

While we occasionally have pure-bred puppies, it is usually mixed breed puppies or adult Golden Retrievers that are available for adoption. We often have senior dogs (eight or older) that need homes. These dogs are especially wonderful to adopt - they are often fully housetrained, very loyal, and make great companions. You can give that older dog the best years of his/her life while at the same time adding a great addition to your family.

An adoptive family will want to provide a loving environment for their new family member. They also need to be dedicated and committed to helping the dog adjust to its new life. If you think that a rescued dog comes to you already trained and perfect, you may have the wrong idea of what rescue is about. Rescue receives many dogs that have not benefited from training, adequate socialization or consistent medical treatment. At RAGOM, we start the rehabilitative process through our foster care program. The adoptive family will want to continue to work with the dog to help it develop into a wonderfully well-mannered, well-adjusted pet.

RAGOM requires that all applicants agree to keep the adopted dog inside the home at all times when the humans are away from home or sleeping. Under no circumstances is the dog allowed to stay outdoors in a kennel or fenced yard or in a garage, for any period of time, if the humans are not home, no matter how nice the garage or kennel is. RAGOM firmly believes that our dogs are indoor pets and members of the family, and will be treated as such.

Welcoming a rescued dog into your home can be emotionally and physically challenging, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences for you and your family as you help your new family member adjust to his/her new wonderful life.