| "> | | | | dogs. They are adaptable; they can live in an |
| If you are looking for a golden retriever, you may | | | | apartment but require daily exercise. If you live near |
| consider adopting rather than buying a golden. When | | | | a park and can devote the time, goldens are a good |
| adopting a golden retriever, you are giving a dog a | | | | choice for active people. Goldens love human |
| second chance. In addition, you are helping animal | | | | interaction. They like playing games, being given |
| shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. | | | | tasks, swimming, and exercising with their owners. |
| Goldens are such a popular breed, that it is easy to | | | | Goldens are known for their intelligence and are very |
| find a puppy or a pure breed through adoption. Often | | | | trainable. Famous for their gentleness and friendliness, |
| rescue groups take in golden retrievers of all ages. | | | | goldens are great for families. They are very good |
| Rather than buy an expensive puppy from a breeder | | | | with kids and other pets. They don't make good |
| that is untrained, you could adopt a young dog that is | | | | watchdogs. Goldens are given to some shedding, and |
| already potty trained, and trained to socialize. | | | | require regular grooming; brushing twice a week is |
| Adopting a golden retriever is often not free, but it is | | | | recommended. They like to chew, so have some |
| much cheaper than buying a new dog. You may have | | | | chew toys ready ahead of time. |
| to pay an adoption fee, typically $100- $250. This fee | | | | Golden retrievers were breed to be hunting dogs. |
| goes towards helping other needy dogs. Shelters and | | | | They also make great service dogs and have an |
| rescue groups are most often non-profit | | | | excellent sense of smell. Goldens make good |
| organizations, so, this money goes toward the facility | | | | companions for the blind, and can be trained as guide |
| and rescuing and caring for other needy dogs. | | | | dogs. They love the water and can tolerate cold |
| Besides, new goldens are usually more expensive, | | | | climates. Goldens are good at agility and obedience |
| and that doesn't include the training. | | | | competitions. The first ever AKC Obedience Trial |
| Where can you adopt a golden retriever? If you | | | | Champion was a golden retriever. They are generally |
| want to start locally, look for nearby dog shelters, | | | | healthy dogs, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, bad |
| and dog rescue groups. You can also look into | | | | elbows, and cataracts. Knowing a golden's pedigree |
| humane societies, and local animal control | | | | can help avoid these problems. Also, well cared for |
| organizations. A great place to adopt a dog is There | | | | goldens will have been checked by the |
| you can conduct a very wide search if you have | | | | OFA(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for hip |
| very specific needs. At the ASPCA's web site, you | | | | dysplasia. |
| can search for local shelters, or even start a shelter. | | | | Adopting a golden retriever can be the perfect |
| Is the golden retriever the right breed of dog for | | | | choice. However, considering the right issues ahead |
| you? It is important not just to adopt a dog, but | | | | of time can be the difference between having a |
| adopt a dog that you will be happy with and will not | | | | lovable best friend for life, and a dog tragically |
| return to the shelter. Goldens are large, energetic | | | | returned to the shelter. |