Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriev

So you're thinking about adopting a rescued golden. If you're to that point, you've already taken a great first step. Now the question remains - what type of golden should I adopt? Male or female? Color? What age?

If you're undecided about what age to adopt, why not consider a senior? While many people are looking for a younger dog (puppies are always popular), seniors (starting at age 8 - 9) are a great choice too! There are many reason to adopt them and some of them are listed below.

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog*
Housetrained	1. Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
Won't chew inappropriate items	2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
Focus to learn	3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
Know what "no" means	4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.
Settle in with the "pack"	5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
Good at giving love	6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
WYSIWYG	7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
Instant companions	8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
Time for yourself	9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
A good night's sleep	10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue's "Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue.*"

One of WAAGR's members shared her story about the joy of having a senior golden in her life. Unfortunately William passed away, but he will forever remain in her heart.

"In the fall of 2005, I began looking for a golden friend. I had spent many years rescuing, fostering and re-homing other creatures and thought it was time to find my own golden companion.

On Thanksgiving weekend that year I was privileged to have William join my family. He had been a stray who seemed to have been living on his own for awhile. He was not in great shape. He was an old dog with arthritis, low thyroid, flaky dry skin and a sizable bald spot on his back side. But, oh my, what a special soul he was.

There was not a stuffed toy that Willie did not love (I believe at last count there were 21 of them in his toy box) Squeaking was his passion, as was singing and humming to his heart’s content. His coat grew long and thick, and shiny red, and served as the perfect foil for his beautiful white face.

He taught me so much in such a short time – including how to be absolutely, butt-wigglingly, excited that the sun was coming up every morning.

For those of you who would consider befriending a senior dog, please don’t hesitate! Your rewards will be many. They are wonderful, calm, quirky, devoted companions who will love you unconditionally given a little kindness and attention.

This is my tribute to you, sweet William. I will miss you so much. Until I see you again."

To see the WAAGR goldens available for adoption, including the seniors, click here.

	*Providing Bright New Beginnings To Displaced Golden Retrievers*