As a past president of our local rescue, I have fostered many unwanted Goldens and kept several that we were unable to rehome. One of them was Tim.
As a puppy, Tim was found by the side of the road with a broken leg. After a year of surgeries and recovery, Tim emerged a very energetic bundle of fur! When potential adopters came to meet Tim he would do something bad that he had evidentally thought up just for their visit! And so I kept Tim, training him through Novice Obedience. He earned five straight legs with one High ILP in Trial and one second place. He never did learn how to use his nose, but managed after several tries to earn a Working Certificate.
Then, Tim revealed his true colors! He was a perfect therapy dog. He had the sweetest temperment and loved being squeezed and spoiled by senior citizens.Tim became a live in therapy dog at an All Care facility, daily mentoring Alzheimers patients. He did this for six years but had to retire when he became too old and came back to live with me for his last years.
Before you rush out to get that cute little puppy, consider a rescue dog. There are a lot of special dogs waiting to blossom in just the right forever home.
Please take the time to visit the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue: www.grcglarescue.org |
