First, already replied separately to Ken
Second want to follow up on Cancer Chic so getting on my soapbox, feel free to ignore. She couldnt be more right as to researching a breed. Both our current two Goldens, one almost 18 months and the other almost 12 months old came from Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida, a group we now volunteer with. One excellent way to research the breeds is keep your eyes open for events in your area. For example at the Florida Fair Grounds here in Tampa on 5 November there will be an adoption event sponsored by the ASPCA and with 40 different rescue groups. We volunteer at these events with the GRRMF group. It is a chance for the public to actually meet the breeds. Few rescue groups bring adoptable dogs to these events but rather personal dogs which have been adopted. It is a chance to meet the breed and talk to folks whose only agenda is to see that these dogs are placed with loving and caring homes as well as see what great dogs do come up for adoption.
Most of the groups will have some sort of database with pictures of adoptable dogs as well as information on the process which is usually a bit detailed. You see we care about the dogs finding the right home. GRRMF has an almost 96 percent success rate of placing dogs with their "forever" home.
The fact folks dont take the time to research is the cause of many dogs being turned over to rescue groups. For example Riley, our oldest. He was an impulse buy from a pet store. (As an aside you want to close down puppy mills DONT buy from pet stores or puppy stores). Goldens look so sedate and well mannered but that takes trainig and time. Though the home had a small dog and cats they didnt bother to find out while great family dogs over all they arent necessarily good in homes with small children! They are high energy and love to run around and can easily overpower a small child like the 5 year old the family had! Add to the fact Riley wasnt treated the best and had no training and you can see the problem! So at 7 months he was surrender to GRRMF.
A simple Google search will reveal reputable rescue groups in your area. One good sign is to make sure they are a 501.c.3 organization. They should have a website with full information, for example www.grrmf.org. Rescue groups dont have kennels generally speaking but use a system of foster homes. Once accepted the dog stays in the system until adopted. For some older dogs foster care many times turns into hospice care.
I have already gone on much too long and highjakced Ken's thread, though I know how Ken feels about the topic of rescue. Also big believer in two as our boys get an incredible amount of energy out by playing with each other.
So follow what Cancer Chic says, research the breed and consider a rescue or better yet two! And lastly if you have a dog you are considering giving up please check with possible groups in your area.
