Golden Bond Rescue - Goldens Needing Homes

Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.
Golden Retriever Rescue
For the Love of Goldens

Dogs in Foster Care:
Goldens Needing Homes
Updated June 14, 2009

Below are a few of the dogs we have who are looking for new homes. We have dogs coming into our program every few days so this is by no means a complete list.

All of our dogs have the personality and temperament that Goldens are well known for, however not all of our dogs are "pure" Golden and very few will be of show quality in terms of looks. None will be perfect, but all have the potential to grow into wonderful companions with patience and love.

Some of these dogs have been through a great deal before coming into our program. We strive to make sure that the match between Golden and new family will be the best possible — we want our placement to be their "forever" home.

We pride ourselves on helping special needs and senior dogs in getting a second chance at life and we encourage you to consider one of these sweet gems!

We don't always make placements in the order in which applications are received. If your application is approved, we will work with you to find the right dog for your family. We appreciate your patience with this process.

Sheba (#1866)

Hi! I'm Sheba (#1866), and I am an 8-year old, strawberry-blonde Golden. My vet says I'm very healthy. I can dance and do lots of tricks!

My foster mom remembers an old movie called "Come Back, Little Sheba" and says that's not me. I used to live with little kids and just loved eating their snacks and Happy Meals. It made me put on a lot of extra pounds. I still drool when I smell French fries, but I really enjoy my daily walks and am satisfied with my weight-loss diet.

My foster family includes several teenagers, another grown Golden, and three cats. I get along very well with all of them. I love to be brushed, to take baths, go for long walks, ride in the car, and play with people's shoes (off their feet).

Sometimes when we go for walks to the park, other dogs bark, but I mostly ignore them. I bark when I want to come inside and when visitors come to the door.

I am very cooperative and have learned a lot of commands like "sit", "stay", "shake", and "lay down".

I would like to have an active family who will spend time playing with me and take me places. I'd love to go hiking and fishing and camping. I need to be with older kids who will keep me on my healthy diet so I won't get arthritis.

A Note from Sheba's Foster Family:

Sheba is a beautiful and wonderfully good-natured dog. She made an easy adjustment to our home. She came to us with a severe skin infection on her belly. It was healed with antibiotic treatment. She is getting more and more playful as she is losing weight. She currently weighs approximately 114 pounds. She will be a wonderful addition to the right family.

Adoption Fee: $250.00 + $35 microchip fee. If you are interested in adopting a dog from Golden Bond, please read the pages in our "How to Adopt" section: Before You Start; Adoption Process; Adoption Application.

Jonah (#1765)

Hi everyone! My name is Jonah (#1765), and I am one handsome 7-year-old Golden stud. I have sandy blond and white hair, a stunning white mask, and a big fluffy tail, all of which makes my 85-pound body the most beautiful dog you ever have seen. Boy, are you lucky! I happen to be looking for a special place to call my own!

I love people, and I am good around other dogs too. My foster mom doesn't have any of those things called "kitty cats", so I'm not sure if I like them or not. I don't bark or growl if I see them on walks though.

I love to play ball — any ball will do! I also love to go on walks, but I have to admit I have a little arthritis problem that I take medicine for, so my walks can't be too long or too fast.

I also have one really big secret to share with you. I hate to ride in the car. I will pace, pant, and claw to get out, so my new home will have to have a car that they can crate me in. Wow! I feel better now that that's out of the way!

I love to get belly rubs and get my back scratched. In fact, if you scratch my back in the right spot, I do a cute little wiggle that everyone thinks is so cool. I am crate-trained, walk well on a leash, respond to everyday commands, and like to learn new ones too.

All in all, my foster family says I am a very good, fun-loving, wonderful dog. If you adopt me, I promise I would be loving and loyal to you forever!

A note from the foster family: Jonah has been a wonderful boy to foster! Jonah tends to be an anxious soul, so a family with children over 12 would be best. He tends to pace the house when he feels uncertain, but every day he is here, his nervousness seems to be ebbing away. Jonah is a little rough around the edges, but he is very eager to please!! We are looking for a home that is on the quiet side and that also doesn't have a lot of stairs. Thank you!

Goldie (#1873)

Goldie (#1873) is a 9-year-old light blonde gem. She is on the small side at 57 pounds, and we are working hard to help her gain back some needed weight. She is a quiet and well-behaved girl who LOVES to go on walks. She sleeps quietly on her bed at night and wildly thumps her tail when she hears me stirring in the morning! She likes carrying around soft toys, but she has been known to dissect them too (usually looking for the squeaker).

Goldie came to Golden Bond from a shelter, so not a lot is known about her past. She had some broken teeth that have now been removed and may have been the cause of her weight loss. Overall, Goldie is healthy, and other than some stiffness in her hips, she does not have any health concerns. Goldie knows a few commands, but she needs work to help her learn not to pull on the leash. She is energetic and walks several miles daily.

The ideal home for Goldie would be one where she is the only pet (so she can be treated like the princess she is!). She gets along well with her foster dog sister, but has shown aggression toward other dogs while on a leash. She should not be in a home where there are small children because her history is unknown in this area. Also, she has a pretty strong prey drive (especially for squirrels), so a home without other small pets would be best. Goldie will need attention from a kind owner in some areas: For example, she is fearful of non-carpeted floors, and it is not clear if she will stay close if off-leash.

Adoption Fee: $100.00 + $35 microchip fee. If you are interested in adopting a dog from Golden Bond, please read the pages in our "How to Adopt" section: Before You Start; Adoption Process; Adoption Application.

Shad (#1878)

Howdy! My name is Shad (#1878). My foster mom says that I am quite possibly the happiest boy EVER. I've been wagging my tail for 11 years now (yep — that's how old I am), and I'm going to keep wagging it for as long as I can. All I need is a place to rest my head and as much love as I can get.

People say I'm a big, jolly boy; with me weighing in at 92 pounds and all, I guess they have a point. I've been thinking I'd like to get back into shape — and I am working on it... But I have to admit: I'm a bit of a "foodie", and sometimes my epicurean impulses can get the better of my self-control. (Maybe you can help me diet and trim down?) Anyway, my doctor says that if I lose a few pounds, my hips will feel better when I first stand up — so that's an added bonus!

I'm currently sharing my foster home with two resident dogs — a younger Golden Retriever male and an older female terrier; they've been great with me, and I've really enjoyed their company. There aren't any cats or children in my foster home, but I lived with a cat until very recently, and I used to play with the neighbor's young child. I got along fine with both of them.

My foster mom says I'm the Golden equivalent of a little black dress (size large) — I'm good almost anywhere. I enjoy taking it easy, and I've taken to spending some quiet time alone on the covered porch listening to the birds each morning. When I'm through listening and relaxing, I let my foster mom know by singing. (My foster mom says it's called "barking.") I also like to sing when she comes home from work and when she's preparing my meals. Actually, at mealtime I sing and dance. My foster mom thinks the dancing is really cute, but my singing can get "a little too loud" (her words, not mine), so she's helping me develop ways of expressing myself more quietly.

I'm kinda what you call "a student of life", and that's helped make me sweet and gentle and happy. But I guess it's fair to say that my formal education is a bit, uh, underdeveloped? During my 11 years, I've been so busy wagging my tail and singing that I've never learned any commands like "Sit" "Stay", "Off"... that sort of thing. Of course, my foster mom says she can't figure out why I'd have to know that stuff because I'm naturally such a well-behaved boy. But if it would please you, I'd be SO happy to have you teach me all that and more!

So, now that we've got that out of the way... what's for dinner?

Peter (#1882)

Are you looking for someone to love? Me too! I'm a single, blonde male looking for a loving family with a yard, children, and/or dogs to play with.

Hi! My name is Peter (#1882). I'm 4 years old, originally from Bend and now living with my foster mom in Portland. I'm a big guy with a big heart to match. I'm a bit overweight right now (I weigh about 130 pounds) since my previous family didn't walk me and kept me indoors during the day. But I'm losing weight, getting my handsome physique back, and feeling good. My foster mom walks me every day so I'm getting pretty good on a leash, even though it's new to me. I'm learning lots of new words, and I can follow them easily.

I'm loving, sweet, and very smart. I play well with others. I have two foster brothers, and we all get along. We even share toys and wrestle with no problems. My first family had another dog too, so I'm used to having company.

I get along well with humans of all generations — children, babies, and adults. I have good manners, and I'm always polite. I don't ever dig or chew. I can get a little carried away with stuffed plush toys though. But who doesn't?

I really like water. My foster mom has a children's plastic pool that I just love to splash and fling my toys around in, especially on hot days.

I have become fond of my special place on the couch covered by a dog blanket. My foster mom scratches me while I lay there, and I'm in heaven. I really enjoy affection, hugs, and kisses by my foster mom and brothers. I love... love! I'll show you by giving you lots of kisses with my tongue that has a black tip.

All in all, I'm a great catch. I hope we meet soon!

Peter

Caliber (#1870)

Hi, my name is Caliber (#1870). I am of very high "caliber". I know this is true, because my foster folks always say, "Hi, Caliber" whenever I come into a room. That's pretty often because I am definitely a real "people dog". I pick my favorite person, then I follow them from daylight to dusk.

My two favorite things are walks and drives. I walk with my foster Dad a couple of miles every day. When he puts on his shoes, I bark and carry on something awful. I know at my age of 11, I shouldn't act like a silly puppy, but I can't help myself.

I am a male and weigh about 95 pounds. I am on special medication because I have had seizures in the past, but since I have been with my foster family, every thing has been good. I like to inspect cats and birds, but I can't get very close anymore — that's because my get-up-and-go has done just that.

Oh, on my walks, I run, bounce, and cavort because that is what my foster pals do. I get along well with Bear and Abbie because they are very nice to me. They show me the best places to run and play and how to get treats at the dinner table.

I'm looking for my forever home where I can give you tons of unconditional love — and I promise to be your very best friend! I can't wait to meet you!

Maybelline (#1854)

When Maybelline (#1854) first came into Golden Bond foster care, she wouldn't let anyone within eight or 10 feet of her. She was very scared of new dogs and most noises. She was afraid to go through doors. Walks frightened her. Why? This timid Golden mix came from a Burns, Oregon, puppy mill where she'd had a hard life. (In the first photo, she's on the very left.)

Two months later, 4-year-old Maybelline has grown to like attention and affection — her belly rubbed, her rear end scratched, and her ears kissed. She loves the resident Golden, and she is nervous but OK with other dogs. She has adjusted well to the normal activities and noises of a household and to life as an inside dog, including walking through doors. She has discovered a whole new world of toys, treats, and soft dog beds!

Maybelline is now housebroken, knows her new name, and is fully crate-trained. She likes going places in the car. If left with another dog or in her crate she's fine, but she will get anxious and get into mischief if left by herself.

Although Maybelline is getting more relaxed on walks, she still remains watchful for scary things (like people, especially noisy kids). When she's scared, there's no growling or aggressiveness — she just wants to hide or disappear. At first, when her foster mom would take her for a walk, she had to carry Maybelline out the door because she was so scared. But now, even though her whole rear end is trembling, brave Maybelline now steps out on her own to go for a walk.

She is learning "sit," "wait," and a few other commands. When she is more confident, she should go to a beginning obedience class. Calm and mellow, this Golden doesn't need a lot of exercise. She is well-behaved (except for occasional counter-surfing) and quiet around the house. Maybelline is almost like a puppy — minus the hyper energy! You will have fun watching her progress.

This fully grown 47-pounder has freckles and is mostly light gold with some white markings. The vet says she is healthy. With nutritious food, her fur is getting soft and thick.

This gentle girl needs to be in a family with one or more dogs to learn from and play with. Her foster mom says it melts her heart when Maybelline gives the resident Golden kisses every day then cuddles up and uses his rear end as her pillow (see second picture). Teenagers are fine if they are patient and mature and realize that she scares easily. Maybelline doesn't know what cats are. But a cat would probably just need to let her know who's boss once and she'd stay out of their way forever.

Maybelline needs a nurturing, encouraging, and patient family who understands that the world is a scary place to her, who will gently expose her to people and everyday situations again and again, who will cheer all her new and positive behaviors.

Maybelline is likely to always be somewhat shy. But since she has grown from basically a wild dog to a well-mannered house dog in such a short time, she shows great potential. When she feels safe and secure as your forever dog and when she becomes more socialized, you will see Maybelline slowly blossom and her real personality come out — and then you will truly, truly, truly know what it means to RESCUE a dog.

Shadow (#1899)

Hi! I'm Shadow (#1899). I am a 6-year-old light blonde male. I am a handsome boy who weighs about 80 pounds, and I am a big lover! I love people and want to be with them always. I like to be next to them, on them, in their faces... did I mention yet that I love to give kisses? If not, then I really love to give people and other dogs very wet kisses.

I used to be an only dog. But since coming in to my foster family's home, I have shown them that I love to play with other dogs, but I am not the alpha and I have no desire to challenge that position. So I would love to have a brother or sister, but I would do just fine if I were the only dog again. I am good with cats, but if they run away, I may chase them (but I am getting better at this).

I love to go for car rides and am very good in the car. I also love to play in the water and would love a family who will take me places where I can do just that. I am crate-trained, but I prefer to be out with my people. I am a vocal fella, in that I will whine and growl when I greet you and I will bark quite loudly when you are not giving me the attention I feel I need. I would be fine in a family with children, perhaps ones that are older than 6 years old because when I get excited, I will jump up and will knock them over. As I said earlier, I am an in-your-face kind of fella, and I will lick that face from ear to ear, chin to forehead, and all the areas in between.

My foster mom just told me that I had to mention a fault of mine, so here it is... as she puts it, I am a "taker", which means that I will take anything that I see lying around — the standard shoe, the wad of papers, the ceramic coaster, cloth napkins, CD cases, you name it — if I am bored and it is at my level, it is mine. So if you do not want it to belong to me, then you had better move it higher up. (Note from foster mom: We have not allowed Shadow to keep his stolen items, so we do not know yet if he would destroy them or just collect them. We personally do not want to find out the hard way.)

So if you are looking for a dog that will be glued to your side, will greet you as soon as you walk in the door with a high five or a big hug and a big wet kiss, and will possibly trade the day's newly "acquired" goods for food and love, I am your man!

Shiloh (#1876)

Shiloh (#1876) was rescued from a Burns, Oregon, puppy mill. We can only imagine what she had to endure. When she entered our foster home, it was because the other Burns dogs would not let her join their pack. As you can see, there's not much "Golden" on the outside. Ahhh, but on the inside (the heart of a "Golden") is where it counts, and there she has it in spades.

This little girl has some very good qualities. Shiloh is very submissive, and she immediately made friends with our three Goldens. She is quite playful with them and initiates playtime often. She is 3 to 5 years old, and she weighs approximately 50 pounds (dripping wet). She hasn't had an accident in the house since we brought her home. And she does like being indoors. She's the first one at the door wanting to come back in. She ignores the resident cat. She sleeps in our room with the other pets. She knows her name and responds to it.

However, Shiloh is not without her issues. She is terrified of leashes (wish she could tell us why). Because of this, we have not had her out on walks. She is also more scared of men than women. We are working through these issues, though. My husband is now able to pet her, occasionally — one day, she will be OK with it, and the next day, she may not let him. She also likes to dig, but will stop when told to do so. She can also be a little destructive in the house, if she is left alone. We learned a long time ago to put things away.

Shiloh has not been around children. Even though she is quite gentle, she would probably do best in an adult home (or one with very responsible teenagers). She is still scared of many new things, especially new faces. Also, an older dog in residence to help mentor her would be best for her.

Shiloh is just now learning to trust humans. Shiloh needs a nurturing, encouraging, and patient family who will realize that the world is a scary place for her, who will slowly expose her to new people and new situations, and who will reward her positive behaviors.

Wolfgang (#1839)

My name is Wolfgang (#1839), which is short for "Wolfgang". I'm an 8-year-old male Golden Retriever who needs a job. Currently, I keep my foster family's yard safe, and I do it proudly!

I have lots of energy for an 80-pound, 8-year-old guy, and I love to run. The only time I get really tired is after running and swimming at the beach with my foster brothers. I'm easygoing; I get along with all dogs and even cats. I am also easy to walk on a leash, and I love my walks — although playing fetch is more fun.

I do need lots of exercise and special food, or I will drive you crazy scratching. Also, I really love attention, and I will follow you around to get it, so keep your hands ready for me.

I would do best in a house with older children; since I get so excited about the ball, I can be a little rough. I am so excited to learn new tricks! I have learned to sit for treats, drop the ball, and watch my foster mom give a command.

Note from foster mom: The ideal home for Wolfie would be one where someone is home most of the time and could give him the attention he deserves. He loves to please, and he could be taught many tricks while trying to please his new owner.

Rufus (#1895)

Rufus (#1895) is a DARLING dog. He is a cute little Mexican boy who is very quick to love, eager to show his affection, and very expressive with how much he wants to be with you. He has a charming habit of blocking my feet with his head and body at my shoes, as if he were playing basketball and keeping me from scoring. He clearly does not want me to move sometimes. He has learned so much in the few short weeks he's been in my home, and is an eager and fast learner. He minds very well and very happily.

Rufus has learned to walk on a leash and loves it. I'm sure he would LOVE to have someone who would even run with him. Due to his youth (he's 2 years old) and exuberance for life, he would make a wonderful companion and playmate to someone who liked to hike, swim, play frisbee with him, and do other active things. But he is also content to go for walks in the neighborhood, play and run around in big circles in the yard, play with his Golden friend in the house, and play in the living room with his human. He would love to play ball; he loves the tennis ball, but doesn't always share it with his friend. He is not aggressive or possessive about it — he just doesn't remember to share. (He's young. He forgets.)

Rufus has a bark like a trumpet and is often hypervigilant, which is not surprising given his history of abuse and having people use him as a target. He barks when people go by, and especially when a dog goes by. But he is immediately attentive and comes once called. Considering he was mostly tied up at his home in Mexico, he used his brain and defenses well. He did a great job with the life he was dealt. But that's all in the past!

The first night with me, Rufus chose to sleep on the bed right next to me. He was sweet and nice with me, but in the morning he did snap at my Siamese kitty. Since then he hasn't snapped, but sometimes has a hard time resisting starting to chase the kitties. For that reason, I would suggest he be supervised, at least at first, around cats, probably especially younger or more vulnerable ones. He is mostly amiable with them and they interest him when they peek around furniture. He also has chosen to sleep on the main floor in the living room, on the rug. He often likes a certain little throw rug to cuddle with.

The only children Rufus has been around in my presence are my 13-year-old nieces. He really loved them, and he even rested his head on Amy's shoulder once while they were sitting on the front porch. It was really sweet. Rufus is a "family man", though all my family are adults, and he LOVED spending the day with my sister and elderly though able-bodied mom. Though he initially very clearly avoided looking her in the eye (something about diverting my attention away from him), he soon became very chummy with my mom. We have been to my sister's house as guests twice, and Rufus had never had an indoor accident until the last time we were there. He lifted his leg on her collection of CDs. Guess the excitement got him confused. Still, he has never once had an accident in my home.

Rufus has a non-contagious condition called Erlichea for which he takes an antibiotic. He will be finished with this on June 8th. He is having itchy skin for which he will see the vet tomorrow. I've been giving him Benadryl for it, but he seems to need more. Other than this, he is the picture of health and happiness. He is a wonderful, sweet, expressive, and joyful dog with a happy, wagging tail and a lot of love to give just the right people. He is very loyal, silly, and charming, and has been a joy to have in my family. He's actually quite a perfect little size: He's a mid-sized dog, not tall, short, or long. He has beautiful firey-red fur and matching topaz eyes that make him even more unique.

Rufus is a happy and handsome dog who wants and deserves a great, long, happy life with people who cherish and adore him.

Adoption Fee: $300.00 + $35 microchip fee. If you are interested in adopting a dog from Golden Bond, please read the pages in our "How to Adopt" section: Before You Start; Adoption Process; Adoption Application.

Homer (#1892)

My name is Homer (#1892) and I am a beautiful, mellow blonde gentleman looking for a forever home. About three years ago, I was found roaming and unhealthy and was taken in by a kind woman who was a vet tech. That was my lucky day. She took such good care of me. She gave me good food and exercise, and I turned into the beautiful dog I am today. Unfortunately, that nice lady had to give me up to Golden Bond! I have been living in a foster home and would like to find a forever family now.

I have a thick, soft blonde coat that has been trimmed for the summer. As you can see from the size of my feet(!), I am a big dog. But I am a healthy weight — about 85 pounds — and just had my teeth cleaned and checked, and was given a clean bill of health.

My foster family says I am about the most mellow and easy dog they have ever had, and that I don't have any bad habits. I have lived here for 2 months and my foster family has never even heard me bark. I would be a good companion for a family where people are working during the day, because I am content to lie quietly in the house, stay off the furniture, and am completely reliable.

I can chase after a tennis ball and like to carry multiple balls in my mouth when my foster family is playing tennis! I only let them have one ball at a time, because I have the others in my mouth, and then I stand in the middle of the tennis court to tease them!

I get along well with the other 3 dogs here in my foster home. I have not been observed around cats, but I think I would completely ignore them. I have a favorite stuffed lion that I like to hold in my mouth when someone pets me, but I don't even get upset when the other dogs steal it from me.

I think I am about 10 years old. I am affectionate and like to be petted, but I am respectful of your space and will not nose in and knock your drink out of your hand!. I will "stay" if you tell me to. If you want the most mellow and easy-going dog possible, please consider adopting me.

Check out the Recent Adoptions.

Please Note: In general, we do not make placements out of our geographic area. We accept applications from Oregon and Washington.

The dogs listed here are typical of dogs we have coming into rescue. If you are new to our web site, they may already be placed into a new home by the time your application is processed. In addition we may feel that a certain dog is not the best match for your family. We ask your patience and trust in finding the best match for our dogs and for your family. We have many interested and qualified families waiting for the right Golden. Some adoptions may happen without a dog being listed here.

We have several other dogs in foster care who are not yet ready to be listed here. So, check back in a few days for additional listings.

We are an organization staffed entirely by volunteers. Many of us have full time jobs and families. We dedicate what free time we have to Golden Bond Rescue and helping needy Goldens. Sometimes the adoption process takes a little longer than we would like. Thank you in advance for your patience. Once your application has been approved, we strive to find the right Golden to fit in with your family.

Age

Many folks getting a dog think that "younger is better". While this can be true for some families, there are some distinct advantages to Goldens in their middle years. First, the older they are the more likely they are to have manners and be calm! Goldens mature later than some other breeds. A 3 to 4 year old Golden is still very much an adolescent and most of the time needs lots of exercise (at least two 30-minute sessions of aerobic activity per day), training, patience and more exercise.

We frequently have dogs in rescue who are older adults (5 to 8 years old) but not yet into their senior years. Many families think that they need a young dog to maximize the number of years that they have together. While we understand this desire, we want you to know that with good veterinary support, optimal nutrition and exercise, many Goldens live 15 to 17 years! In addition, older "seasoned" Goldens are often WONDERFUL with children.

We always have Goldens waiting to be adopted by loving families who want a rescue Golden. Although most rescue Goldens are house-trained they still require time, patience and training to fit into their new families and be good citizens. This training is an ongoing process. People who want to adopt because they "don't have time to train a dog" should think carefully about the time and commitment they have to give to any dog. Senior Goldens are often the best choice for individuals or families with busy schedules. A quiet, gentle walk morning and evening and a restful day spent snoozing and waiting for their owners are what seniors live for.

The joys of adopting a Golden are many. Taking walks on the beach, having a Golden face greet you with glee at 6 am for an early game of "toss my hedgehog" please! The people you meet when you have "love on a leash" will astound you. No matter what the age of your adopted Golden, your years together will be sweet and full of surprise. As it has been said: there are no guarantees in life except death and April 15th!

Requirements for adoption:

Fenced yard and/or kennel of adequate size for a Golden.
Golden must be a family member, (inside dog). Learn more about Goldens.

Please see our Before you start page for more information.

We reserve the right to decline applicants who can not meet the needs of our second chance Goldens.

Last Updated: June 14, 2009
Contact Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.