Support

Where does YGRR get its funding?

YGRR is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on membership dues, donations and fund-raising for our income. Donations are always welcome. Our Nana Heidi and Tawney Endowment Fund ensures future services for Goldens, our Look Beyond Time Fund takes care of senior and special needs Goldens, our Operating Fund pays the bills for the day to day operation of rescue, and our Facility Fund assists in taking care of the buildings and grounds at Riverview.

One of our most important fund-raising efforts is Golden Goodies, our annual specialty catalog of Golden merchandise. Our catalog is a favorite among dog lovers everywhere. All proceeds to YGRR from Golden Goodies sales directly benefit Rescue Goldens awaiting adoption. The most popular catalog item is our annual calendar which features photos and stories of Goldens we have rescued. YGRR members automatically receive the catalog each year. To view our catalog, visit the YGRR Store section of this website.

How much of my donation will help the dogs?

Fully 89% of our income is used directly for the dogs' care. The balance is spent on public education, publicity and administration.

How can I help YGRR and become involved as a volunteer?

The best way is to become a YGRR member. By joining YGRR, you will become familiar with our organization, receive a listing of volunteer opportunities and you can help spread the word about the work we do. The annual YGRR membership donation is $35. This includes a subscription to Golden Times, our quarterly magazine.


Rescue

Does YGRR rescue Goldens from anywhere?

No, we operate within the six New England states ( Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). There are rescues for Goldens all across the U.S. For the name of a rescue outside New England, go to the All Breed Rescue section of this Web site.

Why do you only rescue Golden Retrievers?

The unwanted pet problem in the U.S. is too great for any one person or agency to solve. However, if each of us takes responsibility for working on a piece of the problem, we can make a difference. In addition to providing direct services to Goldens, YGRR provides indirect assistance to other purebred dogs by providing lists of breed rescues in the All Breed Rescue section of this Web site. By removing Goldens promptly from pounds and shelters, we free up space for other homeless dogs. To avoid contributing to the overpopulation problem, we spay and neuter all Rescue Goldens and promote obedience training as a preventive rescue technique.

How many Goldens have you helped?

Since its formation in 1985, YGRR has provided its services to thousands of Goldens. Hundreds of other Goldens have received indirect assistance through the counseling of our professional staff.

Where do the Goldens you rescue come from?

Owners Who Surrender Them

The most common reasons given by owners are: a family allergy, illness, loss or lack of commitment to the dog (new baby, no time (because of job or family commitments), divorce, move or unwillingness or inability to properly care for the dog (provide exercise, training, grooming, pay for medications, surgeries, etc.).

Some Goldens need rescue services because their owners had unrealistic expectations. Goldens were originally bred to stand in cold water alongside their owners and swim to retrieve ducks on command. It is these retriever characteristics that may make Goldens inappropriate pets for some people and situations. Many owners are not prepared for the amount of care Goldens require in the way of exercise, grooming and training, in addition to the attention that they crave -- and demand.

A very small percentage of the dogs we admit are abused. A larger number of dogs we admit are neglected. Neglect can be benign and due to the owner's lack of education about proper dog care (allowing the dog to become obese, flea infested, have chronic or severe ear infections) or acute, (ignoring cases of mange or maggots).

Pounds and Shelters -- 25% (or more) of dogs in pounds and shelters nationally are purebred.

Goldens that are lost or abandoned become stray Goldens. Animal control officers who pick up stray Golden Retrievers and shelters who have Goldens relinquished to them by their owners are able to turn Goldens over to YGRR for placement. Releasing a Golden to YGRR frees up space in the shelter for another dog who may not have a rescue group behind it. Shelters and pounds, often filled to capacity are sometimes compelled to euthanize wonderful dogs simply because there is no room for them. Old, ill or disabled dogs may be challenging for these facilities to place and are the most likely to be euthanized. Because YGRR specializes in Goldens, our organization has the ability to care for each Golden -- no matter his age or medical condition -- until the right home for him or her comes along.

How do I surrender a Golden?

If you live in New England, call the YGRR hotline (978) 568-9700 and leave your name and telephone number along with a brief description of the dog's circumstances in the appropriate mailbox on our voicemail. Our Intake Coordinator will return your call. YGRR volunteers or members cannot commit the organization to a dog -- this must be done by our trained professional staff. If the Golden is not in New England, we can refer you to the Golden Rescue in the appropriate geographic area.

What can I do if I see a Golden advertised "Free To Good Home"?

Please call our hotline and leave specific information about the ad so that our staff can call the owner/s directly and warn them of the following dangers:

1. Class B dog dealers, who legally sell dogs into medical experimentation obtain many dogs through free-to-good home ads. They have been known to bring a child along to pick up the dog so they look like a nice family.
2. People who get something for nothing (even a dog) often have little commitment to it and may abandon it later.
3. Advise the people to utilize the services of YGRR instead so that the dog will have a better chance for a happy second home.

Adoption

Are the Goldens you place healthy?

Yes, all our Goldens are first admitted to an animal hospital. They receive complete veterinary examinations, all vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered. Any medical conditions are treated before the dog is made available for adoption. The health of each Golden is fully disclosed to prospective adopters. We have placed Goldens with special medical needs (such as epilepsy) with adopters who are able and willing to provide for those needs.

Do you have puppies/how old are the Goldens you place?

We very rarely have puppies for adoption. The adult Goldens in our program at any given time can range from 10 months up to 12 years. If you want a puppy, we suggest you contact your local Golden Retriever club. Please do not buy a puppy from a pet shop because 90% of puppies in pet shops come from puppy mills.

Do adopted Goldens come with their papers?

No. We protect the privacy of the person who gave up the Golden by retaining all AKC registrations.

Do Rescue Goldens need training?

Although most Rescue Goldens are housebroken, they still require time, patience and training to fit into their new families. People who want to adopt because "they don't have the time to train a dog" should think carefully about how much time and commitment they have to give to any dog. Senior Goldens are often the best choice for individuals or families with busy schedules. These wonderful mellow dogs are content to take a quiet morning walk, spend the daytime snoozing and then welcome their owners home with a wagging tail.

How much does it cost to adopt a Golden?

The adoption donation for Goldens is: 

• $350 for dogs ranging in age from puppy hood to age 8
• $200 for seniors, age 8 and older

These donations help us meet the boarding and veterinary expenses incurred by our nonprofit organization, although our average expense per Golden is greater than the adoption donation.

You will receive a complimentary YGRR membership for the year in which you adopt, with a subscription to Golden Times and participation in all YGRR events.

How long does it take to adopt a Golden?

It can take several weeks or several months, depending on the available dogs and the requirements of the waiting applicants. We have no control over the Goldens who need our services, so applicants with few or no requirements and who are receptive to considering any Golden are likely to adopt more quickly than those wanting a particular age, color or gender.

What are the adoption requirements?

A fenced area (4 feet high - 5 feet high is preferred) is preferred to adopt Goldens under the age of eight. The purpose of the fenced yard is to provide a safe area for the young dog to get exercise - not as a place for the dog to live. Fence exceptions are granted sparingly to experienced dog owners who are not able to install a solid fence. (e.g. zoning requirements) Also, the fence requirement may be waived for appropriate senior Goldens (eight and older) who can be exercised adequately on a leash -- not because they should be permitted to roam loose. Invisible fence systems are accepted on a case by case basis.

How do I adopt a Golden from YGRR?

This is an overview of the process. For complete details and adoption requirements, please visit the Adoption Information and Procedure section of this Web site

If you live in New England, we welcome you to apply to adopt one of our orphans. Here are the steps to take:

1. Call our hotline (978) 568-9700 and leave your name and address on line 2 on our voicemail.
2. Carefully read the information packet and decide if a Golden is the right dog for you.
3. Complete the adoption application and mail both copies to the YGRR Adopter Relations Director.
4. Meet with a YGRR home visit volunteer at your home.
5. After your application is approved, visit the YGRR facility for a scheduled appointment. Our Rescue Goldens reside at our kennel in central Massachusetts.

To help YGRR continue its work on behalf of these wonderful Goldens, please consider making a donation or becoming a member.

Thank you for your interest!


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