Why would anyone ever want to give up a Golden?

This is still something of a mystery to us. We get dogs for all sorts of reasons. Some of them come from families who are moving and can't keep the dog, or from couples who get divorced and have to move into an apartment. We get dogs from people who buy this cute, "little" puppy and don't realize how big he is going to be. Some of the dogs we get come from the SPCA or Animal Control Shelters. We do sometimes get dogs that have been neglected or abused. The majority of our dogs come from loving homes that for one reason or another cannot keep them.

Where do the dogs stay while they are in GRREAT?

All of our dogs are placed into foster homes and stay there until they are adopted. The foster home provides us with a chance to fully evaluate the dog's behavior and temperament. This allows us to make sure the Golden goes to the best home for him. We try to expose each dog to as many different situations in the foster home as possible, such as interacting with other dogs, cats, and kids. Being in a foster home also allows us to determine what their energy level is, if they are fence jumpers, if are they afraid of thunderstorms, or whether they are housebroken.

Do you get many puppies?

No, we don't generally get many puppies. Most of the Goldens that we get are about 10 months and older. This is generally when the puppy needs a lot of attention and training. Homes that aren't willing or cannot provide the time needed to train the youngster tend to give the dog up at this time. Most of the Goldens we get are within the ages of 1-3 year old.

What's wrong with the dogs?

Generally, nothing is wrong with the dogs. Most of the dogs that we get are with us through no fault of their own. Some just need some training and lots of love. We do get some Goldens that have had a rough start in life, but generally they bounce back to their loving Golden nature in a short period of time.

I have another dog already at home, can I still adopt?

Yes, we often work with families that want to add another canine member to their family. We will work with them to get the dogs acquainted. We usually start on neutral territory first. Then work our way into having the dogs playing in the backyard together. Some dogs get along great the first day, others take a little longer.

Once I've been approved, how long will it be before I have a Golden in my home?

Each case is different. It really depends on the dogs available at the time your home is approved. We always consider the needs of each dog and then match their needs with the type, activity level and age of dog you are interested in adopting. Because the list of available dogs changes daily, some matches are made in a short time or it may sometimes take a while to make the perfect match.

Who is SEVA GRREAT?

The Southeastern Virginia (SEVA) Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training, Inc. (GRREAT) was established in the Hampton Roads area in 1990 to serve the Tidewater area from the North Carolina/Virginia state line to the greater Richmond area. It is a volunteer-staffed, non-profit organization that rescues abandoned and unwanted Golden Retrievers and places them in approved adoptive homes. To date, over 1000 Goldens have been rescued and placed. The dogs come from a variety of places such as animal shelters, SPCAs, and homes where owners either no longer want their dog, or due to circumstances, can no longer keep their dog.

What are some of the medical considerations SEVA GRREAT encounters?

Prior to being adopted, all Goldens are fully vaccinated, heartworm and stool tested, de-wormed and treated for heartworms as indicated, started on heartworm preventative, spayed or neutered, and micro-chipped. While in our care other necessary medical needs are provided.

What is the SEVA GRREAT foster care program?

All dogs go through our foster care program where they are evaluated for temperament, fence jumping ability, exercise needs, house manners, and their sociability with people and other pets. This program helps us to find just the right dog for you, your environment, and your lifestyle. Our foster homes are Golden Retriever lovers who open their homes and invest a lot of time and effort into providing the loving, stable care that many of these dogs never had.

How has SEVA GRREAT been successful through the years?

SEVA GRREAT is successful due to the tremendous amount of time given by our volunteers, generous donations received from Golden Retriever and animal lovers, and monies received from fund raising events and adoption fees. By the time an average rescued dog enters its adoptive home it will have been supported by 10-12 volunteers and will have cost approximately $700 for medical and other support expenses.

What are some of the needs of a Golden?

Golden Retrievers need to be primarily a house dog. They are affectionate and thrive on attention and human companionship. Many of our rescued Goldens have been isolated in backyards with little socialization. If you are interested in adoption, please see information under our "Adoption" tab.