Have you ever found yourself in this situation?

You just admitted the sweetest Golden Retriever, but one of the following conditions exists:
* Cage space is limited
* She's an unspayed ten year old
* The heartworm test is positive
* He is an epileptic
* The stray was hit by a car

Now what?

Please call YGRR - a Golden Retriever placement resource for shelters and pounds in New England. Our 24 Hour Hotline Voicemail number is (978) 568-9700, Line 3

What is Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (YGRR)?

YGRR is a non-profit charitable organization comprised of dedicated volunteers and a small staff. With a membership of over 3,000 dog enthusiasts, we have experience in all aspects of dogs. Some of us are professionals while others are hobbyists and pet owners. We all have one thing in common --- our love for the Golden Retriever and the desire to provide high quality services for Goldens in need.

Established in 1985, Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue Inc., (YGRR) has assisted thousands of Goldens from all over New England. YGRR staff and volunteers are specialists in finding qualified adopters who understand the specific needs of the breed and they are dedicated to placing Goldens of all ages in appropriate lasting homes.

Does YGRR Welcome All Goldens?

YGRR will accept Golden Retrievers from the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) of all ages and medical conditions. This includes dogs that are blind, deaf, or disabled, and/or have serious but treatable health problems including heartworm disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, broken bones, and tumors. Pregnant females are welcome as well as senior citizens.

Exceptions include dogs that are too weak to make the trip, dogs with bite wounds of unknown origin and dogs with a history of aggression (biting, snapping, growling) or who are currently showing aggressive behaviors. Dogs that exhibit aggression only when in pain are exempt from this rule. Extreme unreasonable aggression toward other dogs and severe behavior problems may also preclude a dog from placement depending on the circumstances.

YGRR realizes that many dogs that have exhibited aggressive behavior are not "aggressive" and may not pose a threat to the public. However we have learned from experience that dogs of this type are high risk placements, at best. Our commitment to providing a safe companion for our adopters and our concern for the community must take priority.

YGRR only resorts to euthanasia under extreme circumstances. All of our euthanasia is conducted by a veterinarian by injection of sodium pentobarbital.

How YGRR Operates

Our process starts with your call to our hotline. Leave a message including the pertinent information about the dog and a staff member or volunteer will return your call no later than within 24 hours. The Intake/Adoption Coordinator will gather information about the dog's personality and health history. Any and all information you have from the dog's former owner plus your observations in the shelter are important. Information on the dog's reaction to the stress of kenneling, interactions with staff, volunteers and other animals as well as his or her health condition will help us build a personality profile.

Once the background information is gathered, transportation is set up by our volunteer Transportation Coordinator who calls local volunteers to organize a pick up time. YGRR does its best to move the dog quickly although it may take a few days in a non-emergency situation. When the dog is picked up, we will ask you to sign a release form (click here to see our release form) transferring ownership from your facility to YGRR.

The first stop for the dog is at one of our collaborating veterinary hospitals. The veterinarians conduct a thorough physical exam and perform any needed procedures to ensure that the dog is in peak condition. All dogs are spayed or neutered, inoculated against disease and canine cough, tested for heartworm disease, treated for intestinal parasites, tattooed for permanent identification, and bathed. In addition seniors, dogs 8 years and older, receive a complete blood profile to check their overall health status. YGRR is proud of its ability to give each and every dog the medical treatment required before adoption. This includes procedures such as hip surgery, heartworm treatment, lump removal and biopsy, routine and specialized surgery as well as treating upper respiratory infection.

Once the dog has a clean bill of health, YGRR concentrates on the adoption. The dog will enjoy luxury accommodations that include a fully heated and air-conditioned building, lots of soft blankets, playtime, toys, and individual attention at our facility. Throughout his or her stay with YGRR, the dog's behavior and personality will be monitored to help us select the best situation for that individual dog.

Once an approved applicant or applicants have been hand picked to meet the dog, the Adoption Coordinator will conduct an adoption appointment. Her job is to guide the adopter in his or her selection of the right dog. Each visit is at least one hour long to allow the prospective adopter to meet and play with the dog. If the match is not right, the prospective adopter is turned down for that dog and will be shown a more appropriate dog for their situation or asked to come back when there is a dog that fits their needs more closely. Dogs that enter YGRR's program are carefully placed in appropriate homes unhindered by time or space considerations.

Our dedication lasts long after the adoption day. We follow up each placement to assist the adopter with any problems or concerns during the transition time. We are always available for advice, and we will take back our dogs at any time. Each person signs a comprehensive adoption contract that includes a clause prohibiting the sale or transfer of ownership of the dog to ensure he or she stays in the home or is returned to YGRR. We encourage adopters to join our extended family by giving them a complimentary one year YGRR membership.

Adopters Must Be Approved

Each prospective adopter who visits the kennel has undergone an intense screening process. YGRR starts by sending an educational packet with the application. The information includes YGRR's adoption procedure, a sheet on Golden Retriever characteristics and a review of the responsibilities associated with adopting a dog. (Click here for more information about our adoption program.) The applicant completes a written application and has a personal interview in their home, conducted by a volunteer, to ensure that he/she is ready for the lifelong commitment of caring for a Golden. The home visit volunteer generally brings his/her own dog to the interview to evaluate the applicant's reaction to a busy, gregarious, hairy dog.

Since 1985 YGRR has been extremely successful at finding wonderful permanent homes for dogs of all ages and medical conditions.

Our goal is to give each appropriate Golden every possible chance for a happy and loving home.

If you have a Golden to surrender to YGRR, please call the hotline.

Thank you.

YANKEE GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, INC.
P.O. Box 808
Hudson, MA 01749-0808

24 HOUR HOTLINE VOICEMAIL: (978) 568-9700, Line 3 to Surrender a Golden

Please Note: We can not conduct Rescue business via email at this time.



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