Rescue can take many forms, from a single individual trying to make a difference by saving one dog to a group of people working together for the common goal of saving many animals.
Our focus
GRRMF concentrates on golden retrievers, because we are passionately devoted to this breed, but we also rescue labs and other retrievers, blends, doodles and sometimes just a pup who needs a safe place to land. All across America, local golden retriever rescue groups are working to save golden retrievers.
National Support for Breed-Specific Rescue
The National Rescue Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America strongly supports reputable golden retriever rescue groups. Today most national dog breed clubs do the same.
Before you adopt
Before adopting a dog, you should do some research first and find out what kind of companion would be best for you.
Questions to consider
Are you active, do you like to jog, or are you more of a couch potato?
Do you like a really neat house – would handfuls of shedding coat drive you crazy?
Do you enjoy grooming a dog?
Should it be big or small?
Quiet or a watchdog?
Is this your first dog or are you experienced with dogs?
You should have a really good idea of what you are looking for in a dog before you begin your search. Avoid making a quick emotional decision. The dog you select will be a member of your family for a very long time, so do not pick a dog hoping it will fit into your lifestyle, rather chose one that does fit your lifestyle.
Why do Golden Retrievers end up in rescue?
Why would a wonderful gentle breed such as the golden retriever end up in a rescue or shelter? The reasons will astound you.
Common reasons for surrender
Most dogs wind up in shelters or rescue due to circumstances over which they have no control: family moving, divorce, children who become allergic to them, lack of time and commitment on the part of the owner or financial troubles. Some puppies just get too big or require more time than the owner originally planned.
Understanding the Golden Retriever personality
Goldens are darling puppies that grow up to be large, social dogs that require an outlet for their energy, both physical and mental. They are not “couch potato” dogs until well into their senior years. Goldens are very affectionate and social and do not do well when ignored or banned to the outdoors. Read more Puppy Facts.
Senior dogs in rescue
That being said, rescues do get older senior dogs who are usually better behaved than a younger pup. Read more on Senior Goldens.
The importance of training and communication
Obedience/manners classes are an excellent way to begin working together to properly channel the energy of the dog. These classes also help to develop a bond between dog and owner and teaches the dog what is expected of him. Often dogs are not taught how to please their owners but are magically expected to respond in the right way. Humans and dogs are two different species coexisting together and unless dogs are taught how to react and respond to human expectations, they will respond in doggie terms.
Miscommunication between dogs and humans
For example, it is perfectly acceptable in dog society to jump up and get in your face to greet you, as that is how dogs often greet each other. Most people do not find this acceptable and need to teach the dog to sit, enjoy a chest rub, and then bend down to look in the dog’s face and greet them. See the chance for miscommunication? The person sees the dog jumping up as being bad, the dog just sees it as a greeting. He must be taught to sit and wait for the greeting, and he is happy to do it once he understands. This is where additional training with a certified force – free trainer will be helpful. Read more on the Benefits of Force-Free Training.
A lifetime commitment
Too often getting a dog is an emotional, spur of the moment decision and it is the dog that winds up paying the price. Once we adopt a dog we must be prepared to care for them for their lifetime. There is no other creature on earth as loyal as our loving canine friends; all they ask is to be by our side and be a part of our family. They do not care if we are rich or poor, thin or fat, we are all beautiful in their eyes, they just love us because we are theirs.
All of our messages are answered by volunteers. We will respond to you as soon as possible. If you are writing us about adopting a dog and do not have an adoption application on file with us, use this link to review our policies and process and complete an application. If you have completed our adoption application, and/or have another inquiry, please use the form below to contact us.
A copy of the official registration and financial information for Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida Inc., a Florida-based nonprofit corporation, (Registration no. #CH11185), may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-help-fla (432-7352) within the state or by visiting fdacs.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
If you are writing us about adopting a dog and do not have an adoption application on file with us, use this link to review our policies and process and complete an application.
If you have completed our adoption application, and/or have another inquiry, please use the email link to contact us.
together for the common goal of saving many animals.
