GRREAT DOGS
LOOKING FOR NEW HOMES
  Last updated on Wednesday May 16, 2012

These are some of the dogs we have available for adoption.  There is no guarantee as to how long each dog will remain available, but the list is typical of the dogs normally available. We have dogs coming into the rescue and being adopted out every week, so it is impossible to keep this list absolutely accurate.  Although we have scheduled Adoption Days each month, most dogs are matched with new families in between these public events.  If you are going to attend an Adoption Day, be sure you have your application submitted at least four weeks prior.  We cannot approve adoption applications on the spot because GRREAT policy requires a home visit before applications approval to be sure we find the best possible match between dog and family. 

Adoptions are made to qualified candidates within the geographic area serviced by GRREAT. If you are interested in any of these dogs you must submit an application. You can download adoption information and an application right here.  Completed applications, however,  must be snail-mailed back to us because original signatures are required.

In order to adopt a GRREAT dog, you must live within our service area--which is limited to Maryland, Virginia (north of Richmond), the District of Columbia, Delaware, and south central Pennsylvania and adjacent portions of West Virginia.  Please note:  Submit your adoption application at least four weeks before a scheduled Adoption Day.  We cannot approve adoption applications on the spot during these events.  Why does it take so long to process applications?

You'll notice that some of our dogs have the "No Kids" symbol.  This means that these dogs have histories, behaviors, or personalities that make them a better fit for "adult only" families or families with kids over the age of 14. 

Special Needs Goldens Who Need Your Support - - From time to time, GRREAT has Golden Retrievers that have special conditions or issues above and beyond most of the dogs that are more easily re-homed. Even so, once GRREAT commits to a Golden Retriever in need, we endeavor to overcome any obstacle--medical or behavioral--in order to help them find their Forever Home. This kind of care can become very expensive and your support is needed.

RADAR (11-109) is a handsome 9 year old Golden mix with striking eyes. He is a gentle and quiet 73 pound boy who loves to be close to people. He enjoys playing with his tennis balls and toys for short periods and is then content to watch the world. He loves to look out the windows and will go from window to window watching the squirrels and birds in the back yard. Occasionally he likes to chase the squirrels when outside, but he does not like to be outside for a long period of time. Radar has had a run of ear infections due to environmental allergies, but these appear to be getting better since being on easily administered allergy shots to build up his resistance. We're also using a special low-allergy food right now. He is fully house broken and when he needs to go out, he will go to the door and then come back and stare at you with an intense look in his beautiful eyes. While capable of going up and down the stairs to go to the back yard, he does not like to climb up the stairs to the second floor to sleep. He is content to sleep on the first floor, and greets you at the bottom of the stairs when you come down in the morning. He ignores the cat he lives with and is interested in other dogs. He loves to ride in the car, and is learning about walks. He adjusted to the crate when he first came to us, but there has not been any reason to continue to use it. We recommend a fenced yard since he does periodically run after squirrels.

NEW!  HARLEY (11-212) is a 10 year old male that weighs 80lbs. He is a sweet older guy with a heart of gold and everyone who meets him just falls in love. He is great with children of all ages and and he loves to be in the house right next to you. He also loves to go on walks and is great on a leash; no fence required. He loves to sleep most of the day but his puppy-like energy comes alive in the evening. Harley knows all the basic commands and has free roam of the house without incident. He's always eager to meet you at the door and will "speak" for quite a while expressing how much he missed you. Harley gets along well with cats and other dogs. Steps can be a little challenging first thing in the morning so a house without too many steps would be appreciated. Harley is our "car-pool" dog because he loves to go in the car, anywhere, anytime. His happy disposition makes him very lovable. Unfortunately Harley came into rescue with a skin condition called sebaceous adenitis. He does not have a thick, full coat and requires frequent baths for his scaling skin. This problem is purely aesthetic and does not bother Harley, and he is an angel about bath time. He takes a dietary supplement twice a day, eats a dog food for sensitive skin, and get a topical medication twice a week.

LIBBY (11-221) This is one sweet girl who just wants to be loved and spend time with people. She has been completely vetted and the paperwork indicates she is 8 years old. Libby has an adorable, smiley face. She has a beautiful coat and would probably be happy to spend hours being brushed. If Libby could tell us her favorite thing, we bet it would be to get a belly rub (as she frequently flips right over on her back). She is ready to go at a moment’s notice and thoroughly enjoys taking a walk. Her leash manners are good unless something catches her attention. Libby is a full figured gal so she and her foster mom have been taking lots of walks to work off some of their holiday weight gain. Even so, stairs are not a problem. She is very well house broken, has not had a single accident, and lasts for a full workday and overnight. In the house she settles down and is very quiet. Libby would do best as a single pet in an adult household. Although incredibly sweet with adults and teenagers, she's not always interested in getting along with other dogs. We've worked with a trainer and she's come a long way on buffing up that one rough spot in her personality, so continued training to make that part shine will be recommended. If you are looking for a companion who will adore your time and attention, Libby is ready for you.

BENTLEY (11-226) is an adorable 1 year old male Golden Retriever. He came into our home a rambunctious youngster, full of energy, and loving life. Bentley is clearly a smart dog as he was quick to pick up on family traditions in our home such as where he needs to be when being fed and that he has to go outside after his meals. Bentley is fully crate trained and has no problem spending the day in his crate, with a mid-day break, while you are at work. He has been left in the house without supervision for brief times without any problems so he's well on his way to being trusted for longer periods. Bentley knows how to ask to be let out and we have not had any accidents in the house. Bentley loves to go for car rides and walks on a leash. He doesn’t pull on his leash, but neither has he learned to heel yet. He knows the command “sit” and is working on “leave it” and “lay down.” When he naps, Bentley prefers to sleep in your lap on the sofa or lay on top of your feet on the floor. He is very good with children although as a youngster he does jump occasionally when greeting people. Bentley’s favorite game is “fetch” and he will often initiate this game with you. We recommend a fenced in backyard with a fence that is at least 5 feet high. Bentley is still learning the rules of polite play with his foster siblings so will probably need a Forever Home without other dogs for now. We have no idea what he thinks of cats. Bentley needs a Forever family that can continue working with him to help this youngster grow up into the wonderful dog he has the potential of being.

NEW!  LUCAS (12-003) came to the rescue as a stray.  He is estimated to be about 13 years old and weighs about 50 pounds. Lucas finding his way to GRREAT is one of the best things that could have happened to him.  You can read about his updates here on our Home Page.  In short, Lucas needed extensive dental work, and thanks to the generosity of GRREAT's supporters, he was able to have the much needed care. While he may have had 38 of 42 teeth removed, instead of eating to live, he now LIVES to EAT! Each meal is a real joy for him and if you're not fixing it fast enough, he lets you know! When he's not dreaming of his next meal or treats, Lucas loves to go for walks and, inside or out, he wants to be where the action is. While he has lots of energy when he is outside, he is happy to take nice long naps inside and can be left for a normal work day. Lucas gets along with other dogs in his foster-home but he may do best in a home as the only dog where he can be the center of attention. While Lucas isn't saying much about his past life, what we do know is that he has had a career that no doubt involved chasing cats--In his foster home it is a favorite pastime, and so a home without one will be a must. Also a must will be a home with children over the age of 10 because his history with children is not known. Lucas really loves attention and will return it to his family tenfold and I think you'll agree, he truly deserves a wonderful forever family to love him back.

NEW!  JINX (12-005) is an adorable 10 month old, 50 pound cream-colored boy who is smart and playful, and yet sensitive and velcro. He thinks he is a lap dog, rolling on his back for belly rubs while you watch TV. He will follow you around the house and be your shadow. He needs a good amount of exercise running around the yard a few times a day. Jinx has been in his foster home for several months as we work on his manners. He has undergone a wonderful transformation with clicker training, and we would like the adoptive home to continue this formally with a trainer. Jinx can learn a new trick or game in minutes. Currently we are working on confidence building to reduce his stress when left home alone. He needs a forever family committed to bringing him along to adulthood while being patient with this sensitive little guy, using positive reinforcement only. Fenced yard required. Jinx is house trained, but not ready to be left home alone all day. He still puppy nips and jumps when excited, so he is not a good choice for a family with young children. He is very playful with other dogs, but chases cats when given the chance.

ELWOOD (12-010) is a gorgeous, strong and energetic boy who will charm you in an instant and bring you nothing but joy. Elwood is approximately 5 years old and 75lbs, but don’t let the age fool you, he acts like a puppy all day long! He will chase a tennis ball as long as you will throw it, but settle down into your lap for some much deserved attention and ear rubs at night. He has the sweetest face and the most gorgeous coat that he is happy for you to groom and brush. Elwood gets along well with other dogs and is an energetic playmate. He is very powerful and needs some leash manners so a trainer is highly recommended. He is perfectly behaved in the car and is free in the house while we're away at work. He loves the outdoors, especially when there are sturdy kids or other dogs to play with. A fenced yard is recommended for safe, off-leash play.  Elwood does have allergies. He has been tested and is currently receiving a relatively inexpensive weekly allergy shot, which is very easy to administer. Elwood is sure to win your heart and you will melt once you see his face. You won’t believe that he is 5!

NEW!  SEAGRAMS (12-023) is a very special golden mix, approximately 3 years old. She came to GRREAT as an emaciated nursing mother of ten 3-week-old puppies who had been surrendered to a shelter. She has gained 14 pounds since living with her foster family and is in good health now. She has been spayed and is fully recovered. We suspect that she was kept as an outdoor dog as she was not housebroken, but she quickly learned the ropes and no longer has accidents in the house. Now she is allowed free roam. Seagrams gets along well with other dogs but should not be in a home with cats. She did not know how to “act” like a dog when she joined her foster siblings, but they have taught her how to play. Seagrams does need a home with a fenced-in yard as she can be a bit of an escape artist and also needs some help with her leash manners. Seagrams does know the “sit” command but would benefit from obedience training. Her favorite thing to do is to snuggle up against you and she loves to go for car rides.  She seems to get along with kids but we don't know if she has ever lived with them. She has been an excellent mommy to her ten puppies and now she needs the loving home she deserves.

LEXI (12-040) is a very playful, happy puppy. She is about 16 months old and 55 lbs. She is beautiful, long and lean. She is housebroken and enjoys cuddling on the couch. Lexi is getting used to living in a house and learning to interact politely with her foster siblings. She is friendly with other dogs, but some supervision during playtime helps Lexi understand how to play nicely and also when playtime is over. Lexi has been clicker trained and she responds well to basic commands; come, sit, stay, lay down, wait. She walks well with the front lead harness and is getting used to walking on the leash. She is still somewhat shy of traffic, especially pick up trucks, so we are working on building her confidence. She is learning how to ride in the car and seems to enjoy it. Lexi would do best in a home with a fenced yard since she loves to romp and chase birds. She seems to enjoy water play, being washed in the bathtub, or being hosed off. Lexi will make a nice addition to a home that can give her the attention she deserves. Because she was a stray and we have no history for her, we will be looking for adult households or those with kids over 14.

NEW!  TUCKER (12-043) is a big, lovable, muscular, blonde 4 year old golden weighing in at 85 pounds. He is good on a leash until he catches sight or scent of a smaller critter (cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc) and then he has a hard time remembering his manners. He is very strong and has a stubborn side so he still needs work in this area. He is accustomed to being exercised for an hour each day and he likes to go for fast walks or jog with his people. While he is active outside, he is pretty mellow inside the house and loves to be petted anywhere he can get the attention. He's fully housebroken and can be left for a full work day, but he appreciates a midday walk. He has been to obedience class and knows the basic commands, but is selective about responding so an obedience course with his new family will be required. Tucker loves riding in the car, taking baths, and swimming. He loves all ages of people and has been around kids, from babies through 14. While Tucker loves people, he still has a hard time interacting appropriately with other dogs and animals so we're looking for a home with no other 4-legged members. His only health issue is an occasional mild seizure for which he does not need to take medication. Tucker is a wonderful, fun-loving dog and he will do very well with an active family who is willing to work and train with him to help him become the best dog he can be.

...and we have many more dogs in foster homes being evaluated.

UPDATED 2/7/12!   Here are other Goldens available for adoption through other rescues.