Why adoption...
Adoption will change two lives forever — yours and your new companion's. Nationwide, animal shelters care for between 6–8 million dogs and cats every year, of whom 3–4 million are euthanized. The tragic fact is that there are simply not enough responsible homes for all of these wonderful, innocent animals.
Rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. Many rescued dogs will require continued behavioral work due to a lack of training, neglect, or abuse in the dog’s previous setting. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. From experience, we know that these dogs with “endearing imperfections” can move forward, provided their new family gives them necessary guidance and direction. Love is crucial, but love alone is not enough. Boundaries must be set and rules must be established. Strong human leadership is mandatory. The joys of seeing these Goldens become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable.
Rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. Many rescued dogs will require continued behavioral work due to a lack of training, neglect, or abuse in the dog’s previous setting. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. From experience, we know that these dogs with “endearing imperfections” can move forward, provided their new family gives them necessary guidance and direction. Love is crucial, but love alone is not enough. Boundaries must be set and rules must be established. Strong human leadership is mandatory. The joys of seeing these Goldens become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable.
Q&A's
I sent in an application, when will I get my dog?
We review applications in the order in which we receive them. It can take weeks to process your application. If you are looking to adopt immediately, we are probably not the best avenue for you. We urge all applicants to apply to other rescues. Submission of an application or completion of any or all of the approval process does not guarantee a dog will be placed with you.
Do I need to have a fence?
Of course the ideal home for every active dog is one in which they get to romp and play in a safe area. For most of our dogs this means a fenced-in yard. We have had many adopters who have had very good success with electric fencing when it is installed professionally and used properly. At no time will we ever approve of keeping any dog outside without supervision regardless of the style of fencing.
If you do not have a fence this does not mean you are ruled out as a potential adopter. If you are an active walker, we may find a middle aged dog that would do well with regular and lengthy leashed walks. If you are someone who is only moderately active, a senior Golden may find your lifestyle accommodating. We use common sense when matching available dogs to available approved applicants. However, if you have children and no fencing, we will likely not be able to find you a match.
If you are agreeable to fencing in your yard, you MAY be conditionally approved pending completion of your fencing. This does not mean we would hold any dog for you. You would simply be reconsidered for a dog who is available at the time your fencing is complete. We will not however, under any circumstances, approve the use of outdoor pens, tie outs, or runners as means a means of containment for any of our dogs. If you have indicated you plan to use one of these, we cannot consider your application further. If, however, you are considering some sort of fencing – we would be happy to reconsider you when it is in place, or to consider you for an older less active dog once your pen, runner, or tie out has been removed.
Why does my adopted dog have to remain on a leash?
No matter how well trained, NO dog can be considered 100% reliable off-leash – especially a rescue dog whose background is unknown. Many of SGRR's dogs have come to our rescue as strays, and we know how easily this happens without a leash or fenced yard. As a result, we require that all dogs adopted from SGRR be on a leash at all times except in a securely fenced area. You do not want to find out the hard way that your adopted dog is terrified of some unexpected loud noise or suddenly remembers how much fun it is to chase a passing critter. When applicants adopt from SGRR, their signature on our contract indicates that they will abide by our leashing policy, and that they understand if they do not, SGRR has the right to reclaim the dog. We are absolutely passionate about safety. No exceptions.
There are alternative ways to give your dog some freedom, while still keeping him/her safe. Attach a 50’ long line to your dog and he/she can still go swimming in that lake or pond while you hold the other end to keep them from getting into trouble or swimming out of sight. You can try a leash that attaches around your waist for “hands free” strolling or jogging with your dog.
Do you place dogs with families who have small children?
The simple answer is - we will consider placing dogs with families who have children who are 10 years of age and older. Because of our emphasis on safety, we are very careful about the dogs we will place into families with children. We do not rule out any family with children but again, common sense prevails. If you have children age 10 and up at home, we are careful about placing a young active dog that needs training with you or one whose history with that age group is unknown. If you have children under 16 and no fencing, we likely will not be able to find you a match. The majority of our dogs come to us as strays – therefore the wait for families with young children, for a dog whose history has shown them to be compatible with children, can be quite long.
Typically, we do not place the following types of rescued Goldens into families with children:
I work long hours – is this a problem?
All dogs require time and attention. Many people adopt a dog and then leave it for 9 - 10 hours a day and wonder why the dog is demonstrating separation issues or destroying their belongings out of sheer boredom. If you work full-time, SGRR will consider your application for a dog over the age of 7 years. The needs of young dogs for exercise and companionship can generally not be filled if their family is gone all day, even with a dog walker coming during the day. If a dog is bored and has excess energy he/she can become destructive. We will not place young dogs or puppies into homes where they will be left for long hours. Crating a dog of any age for a full work day is unacceptable. Applicants who plan to use doggy daycare as a primary care resource cannot be considered.
I have never owned a dog as an adult -- is this a problem?
The goal with every adoption is to match each dog to a family who is able to meet that dog’s needs. Rescue dogs often require experienced owners. If you have never owned a dog as an adult you are not ruled out as an adopter but your application will be compared to others with more experience. We choose applicants who appear to be best equipped to provide a rescue dog with a permanent home. Rescue dogs are dogs for whom life may not have been consistent and loving. There can be a great deal more involved with the care and training of a “second-hand” dog, including basic obedience and/or behavior modification with a skilled trainer. If you have no dog experience, you may be considered for an older dog who has very little training needs as opposed to a puppy or young dog who will benefit from an experienced handler. Families with experience will be selected first.
Why can’t I come and meet the dogs?
All our dogs are either fostered in private homes or kenneled before adoption. We do not have a facility to visit. We make arrangements with approved applicants only to meet the dog we feel is their best match IF the dog is being fostered in the northeast. However, most of our placements occur through direct adoptions (see below). Part of what our approval process allows us to do is determine what type of dog is best suited for your family. Before you meet a dog we (and you!) think is a good match for your family, you will have a chance to speak to the person who knows that dog best, in most cases the foster. Our desire is for you to know everything we know about that dog before you decide to adopt. Many rescue dogs come with baggage – our job is to find families who are prepared and willing to deal with that baggage. This may include using a trainer for basic obedience or behavior modification at any time during the dog’s life with you. Although we cannot guarantee the temperament of any dog – you will be given as much information as possible about their personalities, behaviors, and needs. Our experience helps to ensure the dog you adopt will become a happy member of your family.
Where do the dogs come from?
Most of our rescued dogs come to us from our partners in Alabama, while others originate here in the Northeast. They are rescued from kill shelters in the South, pulled from shelters here in the Northeast, found as strays by good Samaritans, and turned in by owners. The vast majority of our Goldens were strays, and as such we rarely have any history on the dogs – adopters MUST understand this. Be advised that approximately 90% of the dogs placed through SGRR are direct adoptions.
What is a direct adoption?
Long distance adoptions take more time than local adoptions, but the outcome is definitely worth the wait! Our procedures (as noted in the Adoption Process section above) are as much for your benefit as they are for the dog's. Approved applicants will get to know the dog through pictures, email, and our adoption coordinator. If the dog is with a southern foster, we will share details from the foster family with you. If you have any reservations about this, then a long distance adoption is probably not for you. You must be 100% committed to the Golden before he travels hundreds of miles to get to you. The journey can be confusing and stressful for the Golden. Thus, before he/she is put on the transport, you MUST be absolutely certain that this is your new family member. After carefully considering all of this information, if you would like to proceed with an adoption though SGRR, continue reading the information below and then fill out an application.
Transportation?
SGRR dogs are transported north via a licensed animal transport carrier and must travel with a health certificate. The ground transportation company has an air condition/heated trailer with secured crates. It is a safe way for the doggies to travel. You must meet the transport at the designated stop and phone or email a SGRR representative when your new Golden arrives. Typically, the dogs leave AL on Thursday and arrive in the northeast on Saturday. More instructions will be provided once your adoption has been finalized. You can view a short Youtube video highlighting one of the licensed transport carriers that SGRR utilizes.
Are there any differences in dogs coming from the South?
The only thing that differentiates a Southern Golden from a Northern one is that slight drawl in their bark! :-) Otherwise, a Golden in need is a Golden worth saving, regardless of geographic origins. We do, however, require adopters keep their rescue dog on heartworm prevention year round (12 months) for the first year, and then seasonally or as your vet recommends thereafter. Southern states have a higher incidence of heartworm infection due in part to a warmer climate and longer mosquito season, and too many “owners” not using regular heartworm prevention. All dogs brought into our program are tested for heartworm infection and treated if needed. Dogs CAN test negative when recently infected. The use of heartworm medication year round for the first year, and then seasonally or as your vet sees fit thereafter, will kill any microfilaria (baby heartworms) and ensure that your dog does not develop a heartworm infection. Please see our page about heartworm for more details.
Are the dogs healthy?
Every dog receives a vet exam prior to being placed in a foster or adoptive home. Each dog is spayed or neutered if old enough, brought current on all vaccines, given a heartworm test, and provided with treatment for any obvious medical issues. Please understand that the medical history of most of our dogs in unknown. Our role is to get the dogs out of kill shelters and into adequate home situations, brought up to date on vaccinations and help them to become healthy enough for adoption. It is the responsibility of the adopter to complete that rehabilitation process – this is what rescue is!!! All adopters will be given the health information we have on each dog. Adopters are encouraged to have their vet and the rescue vets discuss their dog – our vets are always happy to do this! Most of our dogs did not have the luxury of a dutiful loving owner monitoring their health. We cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any dog. You are contractually required to take your new dog to the vet within 14 days of adoption. If your dog presents with a medical condition for which you are unprepared or unwilling to handle, we will take the dog back into rescue and refund your adoption fee. It is important to understand the risks involved in adopting a rescue dog – most have not had access to regular vet care in the past.
If you have never owned a dog – we strongly urge you to research the costs involved in providing vet care. A routine “well pet” vet visit with vaccinations and preventatives can cost $250 or more. Additional medical tests and treatments can easily double and triple that cost – so BE PREPARED for the financial responsibility of adopting a rescue dog. When you adopt a rescue dog you are assuming the responsibility of continuing the rehabilitation of that dog - in both body and spirit. That is what it means to RESCUE.
We review applications in the order in which we receive them. It can take weeks to process your application. If you are looking to adopt immediately, we are probably not the best avenue for you. We urge all applicants to apply to other rescues. Submission of an application or completion of any or all of the approval process does not guarantee a dog will be placed with you.
Do I need to have a fence?
Of course the ideal home for every active dog is one in which they get to romp and play in a safe area. For most of our dogs this means a fenced-in yard. We have had many adopters who have had very good success with electric fencing when it is installed professionally and used properly. At no time will we ever approve of keeping any dog outside without supervision regardless of the style of fencing.
If you do not have a fence this does not mean you are ruled out as a potential adopter. If you are an active walker, we may find a middle aged dog that would do well with regular and lengthy leashed walks. If you are someone who is only moderately active, a senior Golden may find your lifestyle accommodating. We use common sense when matching available dogs to available approved applicants. However, if you have children and no fencing, we will likely not be able to find you a match.
If you are agreeable to fencing in your yard, you MAY be conditionally approved pending completion of your fencing. This does not mean we would hold any dog for you. You would simply be reconsidered for a dog who is available at the time your fencing is complete. We will not however, under any circumstances, approve the use of outdoor pens, tie outs, or runners as means a means of containment for any of our dogs. If you have indicated you plan to use one of these, we cannot consider your application further. If, however, you are considering some sort of fencing – we would be happy to reconsider you when it is in place, or to consider you for an older less active dog once your pen, runner, or tie out has been removed.
Why does my adopted dog have to remain on a leash?
No matter how well trained, NO dog can be considered 100% reliable off-leash – especially a rescue dog whose background is unknown. Many of SGRR's dogs have come to our rescue as strays, and we know how easily this happens without a leash or fenced yard. As a result, we require that all dogs adopted from SGRR be on a leash at all times except in a securely fenced area. You do not want to find out the hard way that your adopted dog is terrified of some unexpected loud noise or suddenly remembers how much fun it is to chase a passing critter. When applicants adopt from SGRR, their signature on our contract indicates that they will abide by our leashing policy, and that they understand if they do not, SGRR has the right to reclaim the dog. We are absolutely passionate about safety. No exceptions.
There are alternative ways to give your dog some freedom, while still keeping him/her safe. Attach a 50’ long line to your dog and he/she can still go swimming in that lake or pond while you hold the other end to keep them from getting into trouble or swimming out of sight. You can try a leash that attaches around your waist for “hands free” strolling or jogging with your dog.
Do you place dogs with families who have small children?
The simple answer is - we will consider placing dogs with families who have children who are 10 years of age and older. Because of our emphasis on safety, we are very careful about the dogs we will place into families with children. We do not rule out any family with children but again, common sense prevails. If you have children age 10 and up at home, we are careful about placing a young active dog that needs training with you or one whose history with that age group is unknown. If you have children under 16 and no fencing, we likely will not be able to find you a match. The majority of our dogs come to us as strays – therefore the wait for families with young children, for a dog whose history has shown them to be compatible with children, can be quite long.
Typically, we do not place the following types of rescued Goldens into families with children:
- Goldens who have had no exposure to children
- Goldens who were given up because of characteristics that are not compatible with children.
I work long hours – is this a problem?
All dogs require time and attention. Many people adopt a dog and then leave it for 9 - 10 hours a day and wonder why the dog is demonstrating separation issues or destroying their belongings out of sheer boredom. If you work full-time, SGRR will consider your application for a dog over the age of 7 years. The needs of young dogs for exercise and companionship can generally not be filled if their family is gone all day, even with a dog walker coming during the day. If a dog is bored and has excess energy he/she can become destructive. We will not place young dogs or puppies into homes where they will be left for long hours. Crating a dog of any age for a full work day is unacceptable. Applicants who plan to use doggy daycare as a primary care resource cannot be considered.
I have never owned a dog as an adult -- is this a problem?
The goal with every adoption is to match each dog to a family who is able to meet that dog’s needs. Rescue dogs often require experienced owners. If you have never owned a dog as an adult you are not ruled out as an adopter but your application will be compared to others with more experience. We choose applicants who appear to be best equipped to provide a rescue dog with a permanent home. Rescue dogs are dogs for whom life may not have been consistent and loving. There can be a great deal more involved with the care and training of a “second-hand” dog, including basic obedience and/or behavior modification with a skilled trainer. If you have no dog experience, you may be considered for an older dog who has very little training needs as opposed to a puppy or young dog who will benefit from an experienced handler. Families with experience will be selected first.
Why can’t I come and meet the dogs?
All our dogs are either fostered in private homes or kenneled before adoption. We do not have a facility to visit. We make arrangements with approved applicants only to meet the dog we feel is their best match IF the dog is being fostered in the northeast. However, most of our placements occur through direct adoptions (see below). Part of what our approval process allows us to do is determine what type of dog is best suited for your family. Before you meet a dog we (and you!) think is a good match for your family, you will have a chance to speak to the person who knows that dog best, in most cases the foster. Our desire is for you to know everything we know about that dog before you decide to adopt. Many rescue dogs come with baggage – our job is to find families who are prepared and willing to deal with that baggage. This may include using a trainer for basic obedience or behavior modification at any time during the dog’s life with you. Although we cannot guarantee the temperament of any dog – you will be given as much information as possible about their personalities, behaviors, and needs. Our experience helps to ensure the dog you adopt will become a happy member of your family.
Where do the dogs come from?
Most of our rescued dogs come to us from our partners in Alabama, while others originate here in the Northeast. They are rescued from kill shelters in the South, pulled from shelters here in the Northeast, found as strays by good Samaritans, and turned in by owners. The vast majority of our Goldens were strays, and as such we rarely have any history on the dogs – adopters MUST understand this. Be advised that approximately 90% of the dogs placed through SGRR are direct adoptions.
What is a direct adoption?
Long distance adoptions take more time than local adoptions, but the outcome is definitely worth the wait! Our procedures (as noted in the Adoption Process section above) are as much for your benefit as they are for the dog's. Approved applicants will get to know the dog through pictures, email, and our adoption coordinator. If the dog is with a southern foster, we will share details from the foster family with you. If you have any reservations about this, then a long distance adoption is probably not for you. You must be 100% committed to the Golden before he travels hundreds of miles to get to you. The journey can be confusing and stressful for the Golden. Thus, before he/she is put on the transport, you MUST be absolutely certain that this is your new family member. After carefully considering all of this information, if you would like to proceed with an adoption though SGRR, continue reading the information below and then fill out an application.
Transportation?
SGRR dogs are transported north via a licensed animal transport carrier and must travel with a health certificate. The ground transportation company has an air condition/heated trailer with secured crates. It is a safe way for the doggies to travel. You must meet the transport at the designated stop and phone or email a SGRR representative when your new Golden arrives. Typically, the dogs leave AL on Thursday and arrive in the northeast on Saturday. More instructions will be provided once your adoption has been finalized. You can view a short Youtube video highlighting one of the licensed transport carriers that SGRR utilizes.
Are there any differences in dogs coming from the South?
The only thing that differentiates a Southern Golden from a Northern one is that slight drawl in their bark! :-) Otherwise, a Golden in need is a Golden worth saving, regardless of geographic origins. We do, however, require adopters keep their rescue dog on heartworm prevention year round (12 months) for the first year, and then seasonally or as your vet recommends thereafter. Southern states have a higher incidence of heartworm infection due in part to a warmer climate and longer mosquito season, and too many “owners” not using regular heartworm prevention. All dogs brought into our program are tested for heartworm infection and treated if needed. Dogs CAN test negative when recently infected. The use of heartworm medication year round for the first year, and then seasonally or as your vet sees fit thereafter, will kill any microfilaria (baby heartworms) and ensure that your dog does not develop a heartworm infection. Please see our page about heartworm for more details.
Are the dogs healthy?
Every dog receives a vet exam prior to being placed in a foster or adoptive home. Each dog is spayed or neutered if old enough, brought current on all vaccines, given a heartworm test, and provided with treatment for any obvious medical issues. Please understand that the medical history of most of our dogs in unknown. Our role is to get the dogs out of kill shelters and into adequate home situations, brought up to date on vaccinations and help them to become healthy enough for adoption. It is the responsibility of the adopter to complete that rehabilitation process – this is what rescue is!!! All adopters will be given the health information we have on each dog. Adopters are encouraged to have their vet and the rescue vets discuss their dog – our vets are always happy to do this! Most of our dogs did not have the luxury of a dutiful loving owner monitoring their health. We cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any dog. You are contractually required to take your new dog to the vet within 14 days of adoption. If your dog presents with a medical condition for which you are unprepared or unwilling to handle, we will take the dog back into rescue and refund your adoption fee. It is important to understand the risks involved in adopting a rescue dog – most have not had access to regular vet care in the past.
If you have never owned a dog – we strongly urge you to research the costs involved in providing vet care. A routine “well pet” vet visit with vaccinations and preventatives can cost $250 or more. Additional medical tests and treatments can easily double and triple that cost – so BE PREPARED for the financial responsibility of adopting a rescue dog. When you adopt a rescue dog you are assuming the responsibility of continuing the rehabilitation of that dog - in both body and spirit. That is what it means to RESCUE.
Our Adoption Process...
To be considered for one of our wonderful dogs you MUST first fill out an online application. Click for --> SGRR APPLICATION
Applying for a SGRR rescue dog begins with the submission of the Adoption Application. The application is reviewed, and if it appears to meet adoption criteria for a rescue dog, the process moves on to the next steps:
1. A Veterinarian Reference Check
2. Phone Interview
3. Home Visit
Our thorough application process is intended to help us place each dog in its final, loving home. The process helps us learn about you and helps us work with you to find the best match for you and for the Sunshine dog.
The SGRR Adoption Committee determines if the application should be approved, and once approved, works with applicants to find the most suitable match.
Please note that there are usually more approved applicants waiting for a dog than there are dogs available. The more receptive an applicant is to a dog’s gender, age, and individual characteristics, the more quickly a dog may be matched.
Only APPROVED applicants can be considered for adoptions. Rescued Goldens are very special and a few will require some patience and training. All adopters MUST demonstrate an understanding of the nature of rescue and a willingness to work with their dog, if needed. It is always WELL worth the effort!
When a match is found, a SGRR Contract for that dog is signed, with submission of the adoption fee.
Adoption Fees As of October 1, 2024
PUREBRED DOGS
Purebred puppies, up to 6 months $1000
Purebred dogs, 6 mos - 6 years $800
Purebred dogs, 7 - 9 years $650
Purebred dogs, 10 yrs and up $550
Young dogs with special needs $650
Senior dogs with special needs $500
Pairs of Purebred puppies, up to 6 months $1600
Bonded pair young purebred dogs $1400
Bonded pair senior dogs 7+ $1000
MIXED BREEDS
Up to 6 months $850
6 mos - 6 years $750
7 - 9 years $650
10 yrs and up $550
Young special needs $650
Senior special needs $500
Bonded pair young $1000
Bonded pair senior 7+ $900
Adoption fees for dogs (subject to change)**
The adoption fee paid to a rescue which has 501c non-profit status cannot be claimed as a deductible charitable donation on the adopter's income tax return. However, any additional donation made over and above the standard fee is deductible.
First time adopters must make payment in full before receiving their dog.
Applying for a SGRR rescue dog begins with the submission of the Adoption Application. The application is reviewed, and if it appears to meet adoption criteria for a rescue dog, the process moves on to the next steps:
1. A Veterinarian Reference Check
2. Phone Interview
3. Home Visit
Our thorough application process is intended to help us place each dog in its final, loving home. The process helps us learn about you and helps us work with you to find the best match for you and for the Sunshine dog.
The SGRR Adoption Committee determines if the application should be approved, and once approved, works with applicants to find the most suitable match.
Please note that there are usually more approved applicants waiting for a dog than there are dogs available. The more receptive an applicant is to a dog’s gender, age, and individual characteristics, the more quickly a dog may be matched.
Only APPROVED applicants can be considered for adoptions. Rescued Goldens are very special and a few will require some patience and training. All adopters MUST demonstrate an understanding of the nature of rescue and a willingness to work with their dog, if needed. It is always WELL worth the effort!
When a match is found, a SGRR Contract for that dog is signed, with submission of the adoption fee.
Adoption Fees As of October 1, 2024
PUREBRED DOGS
Purebred puppies, up to 6 months $1000
Purebred dogs, 6 mos - 6 years $800
Purebred dogs, 7 - 9 years $650
Purebred dogs, 10 yrs and up $550
Young dogs with special needs $650
Senior dogs with special needs $500
Pairs of Purebred puppies, up to 6 months $1600
Bonded pair young purebred dogs $1400
Bonded pair senior dogs 7+ $1000
MIXED BREEDS
Up to 6 months $850
6 mos - 6 years $750
7 - 9 years $650
10 yrs and up $550
Young special needs $650
Senior special needs $500
Bonded pair young $1000
Bonded pair senior 7+ $900
Adoption fees for dogs (subject to change)**
The adoption fee paid to a rescue which has 501c non-profit status cannot be claimed as a deductible charitable donation on the adopter's income tax return. However, any additional donation made over and above the standard fee is deductible.
First time adopters must make payment in full before receiving their dog.
Payment options...
You may use PayPal to pay the adoption fee when you are matched with a dog through the "donate" button below. Or you may mail a check to SGRR, PO Box 403, Fairhope, AL 36533.
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