GRREAT DOGS
LOOKING FOR NEW HOMES
  Last updated on Wednesday February 01, 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.

Hi! My name is PHOEBE (07-117). I’m 8 years old but still love to chase after cats, squirrels, and other little critters. I also love riding in cars, chasing balls, and chewing up my foster brother’s stuffed toys. My very favorite thing is eating…that’s why my foster mom put me on a diet. I just need room to run around to get my girlish figure back. Even though my foster brother sometimes doesn't want to play with me, we get along pretty well. That’s a relief since I don’t always like other dogs. Mom says I’m a bit independent for a Golden, but I like people and love being petted and groomed. I enjoy just laying next to my foster mom while she works on the computer. Everyone who meets me thinks I am a pretty girl and says I have very soft fur. My ideal home would be one with a fenced yard where I can run around and play, rather than having to be walked. Because I have some anxiety when I'm left alone (sometimes I bark and I can get into my food if not put away properly), a home where someone is around much of the day would be wonderful. I'm pretty strong for a smaller pup so young children could get knocked over. My foster mom says that I haven't had an easy life and now I just need someone who will love me for me.

DODGER (11-134) is an 11 year old male with a really great personality. He loves to hang out with us, take walks around the neighborhood, and ride in the car. He's never met another dog that he didn't like, nor one that didn't like him. Obviously, his owners treated him well, which makes his story all the more sad. He'd been in good health, when suddenly he got sick. His people took him to the emergency vet, who diagnosed his condition as diabetes. His owners couldn't afford to buy Insulin and the special diet that he now needs, so they turned him over to GRREAT. Since he's been with us, his blood sugar is under control with twice daily Insulin injections (that are easy to administer) and a special diet. One of the known side effects of diabetes in dogs is cataracts, and Dodger's have gotten to a point that he can't see well at all. However, he gets along just fine and knows his way around our house and yard - we just need to be careful not to move the furniture without letting him know. Dodger is a happy guy and he's looking for a home that will love him and take care of his needs.

DIGGLER (11-176) is a self-assured, seasoned 10 yr old veteran who loves people and gets along well with dogs. He's toy-oriented and loves to add to and manage his tennis ball, rope chew, and nylabone collection. You may get to know your dog-owning neighbors better by returning toys to them. He settles down on longer walks, which he craves, but you start out slowly while he sniffs and marks. He is developing a rich new lighter-color coat, which looks surely like it will get longer, too. More and more passersby are commenting on how handsome he is looking each new day. Diggler is terrific on car rides and loves adventure. He's perfect free in the house all day, and stays focused on his toy collection. He enjoys tracking and flushing cats without trying to harm them, yet barely notices squirrels. He loves the outdoors as if he didn't get enough outside time previously. He doesn't pay a great deal of attention to small children, and gets along with them, but because of his energy level that would not be the best mix. Diggler has turned into a calm, confident and happy dog in foster care. He definitely gravitates towards young adults of both sexes and would make a perfect 'first dog of-my-own' for someone who has had dogs, particularly goldens, while growing up. He would be perfect for either a socially active outdoorsy young single person or couple. He loves social events and people and pet groups and now fits smoothly into human or dog interactive situations. Over time he becomes a loyal and steady canine companion - always close to you but never ever getting in the way.

UPDATED!  ANGEL (11-196) is a playful, super-sweet golden mix. She came to GRREAT as a stray, but has easily fit into our life. She walks well on a leash but has a strong pull when she sees a squirrel, bunny or something else that she wants to chase. She loves the outdoors and could spend hours outside sniffing. We would love for her to have a fenced yard where she can continue to explore nature while her family is home. Angel has hip dysplasia and would do best in a home with minimum stairs. She has been started on two relatively inexpensive supplements to help support her joints. These minor treatments along with a prescription diet and good exercise have greatly improved her energy level and desire to play, and there's a good chance that all these things combined will keep her healthy throughout her life! She loves to shower everyone with kisses including her foster brother.  It is evident that she wants to play with other dogs, but she would also welcome being the only dog in a home where she could be spoiled with love. She is housebroken and can be left up to 6 hours a day without problem. She is great in the car and will switch between laying down and looking out the window. She has been known to counter and trashcan surf, if the opportunity presents itself however, these problems were easily resolved with simple changes. Angel is estimated to be 6-years old and weighs 53lbs. Since she was a stray and we do not know her history, only adult families or families with kids older than 14 should consider her.  One look into this beauty’s eyes could take you straight to Angel Heaven.  CHECK OUT HER NEW VIDEO!! Hi everyone! Yup, it’s me, Angel. I wanted to take this time to introduce myself to you. As you’ve seen from my video (click on the link above if you haven’t), I’m an easy-going Golden. I enjoy sniffing everything outdoors as well as chilling on my bed indoors. Every now and then, I’ll get really playful, take my toy and just shake it up! If you saw it, you would probably laugh—it’s really cute. The Dr. says I have hip dysplasia, which is true, but don't let that scare you! Honestly, you would never know it. Now that I am on a prescription diet and taking relatively inexpensive supplements, I’m a brand new dog. I enjoy going for regular walks and will give a little chase if a squirrel or other critter is around. I love being showered with affection and will kiss you plenty in return. However, I’m not what they call a Velcro Golden; there are times I am perfectly content to relax on my bed. (I LOVE my bed!) I’m about 6-7 years old and weigh about 60lbs.

CHAMP (11-216) is a 75 pound 5 year old who just loves to be loved. He has a soft medium gold coat and a soft medium energy temperament. He does well with our 7 year old daughter, our cats and our younger dog, but may give an older dog some trouble because he wants to be at the top of the pecking order. He pulls like a truck on a collar, and is much easier to walk on a front leading harness. He loves chew toys and stuffed animals. He also loves fruits and vegetables – carrots, celery, lettuce, oranges, you name it! Champ is excited to retrieve balls, has good house manners, and would benefit from a refresher obedience course, but is quick to learn the rules. He enjoys his walks, likes to wander in the fenced yard, and also seems content to stay indoors with me when I am working at home. It is obvious he was well loved and well cared for before he came to GRREAT. Champ would make a great companion for a family with children and other pets and would do just as well as the best and only pup in the house.

NEW!  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.

NEW!  SASSY (11-223) is a sweet, sweet golden mix, 7 years old and quite the lady. She is house broken and walks perfectly on the leash. Sassy knows her basic commands and performs them reliably. She is an incredibly loving/affectionate dog that wants nothing more than to sit next to her people, lean in on them and have a hug fest. Sassy’s second great love is playing catch/fetch. She loves to roll the ball to you and have you throw it for her to catch or chase; she is the best catcher her foster mom has ever seen and could probably put a few professional outfielders to shame. When playtime is over though, Sassy is perfectly content to curl up at her people’s feet and just be part of the family. Sassy is in great health and loves to walk and would like to jog, she is currently walked about 3 miles a day. Sassy does not need a fenced yard if she gets her walks. Sassy is currently left free in the house while we're at work and is happy to just lounge around and wait for us to come home. She LOVES car rides and is very excited to run errands with her people. She likes other dogs, but does not know how to play with them so she would do best as an only dog. Sassy would also do best in a house without small children. Her reaction to cats is unknown although she is very interested in squirrels so a house without cats may be best.

HUNTER (11-229) is a 7 year old male golden with a reddish coat, weighing in at about 70 lbs. He has a wonderful happy nature. Hunter loves to be outside and he loves to run. He has gotten better on a leash but still pulls hard at times. Since he is such an active dog (5 walks a day is not enough for this boy!) a fenced yard will be required in his new home. He gets along well with other dogs and cats, and he loves people; he has never met a stranger! Hunter has a seizure disorder for which he must take two pills daily. He takes these pills easily and will even lick them right out of your hand. Other than this he is in excellent health and he has not had any seizure activity since he was brought into GRREAT. While he is constantly in motion outside, he is much calmer inside and he likes to lie down and be petted or have his tummy rubbed. He would prefer not to be crated which is fine since he is housebroken and can be left to have the run of the house. He is a beautiful boy who loves attention and he would do well in a home where someone was home most of the time. Hunter is fine in large groups or in small gatherings, he is a great dog and would make a great family pet. Will you be his Forever Home?

HUNTER (12-002) is a 9 year old sweetie pie. He knows his basic commands, walks well on leash, and is fully crate and potty trained. He does like to get on the furniture and snuggle with humans-he’s a total Velcro dog. He also loves to play with my 6 ½ year old golden and is very sweet and respectful to the 12 year old golden. He LOVES to go for walks on the leash. Hunter is tall and lanky with a sweet gray face, but he is also pretty agile and has no problem getting up on the bed. Hunter is not pushy around other dogs, he is playful and gentle and is respectful of their food and toys. We have a barn cat, whom he has shown “animated interest” in, but since the cat generally doesn’t interact with the dogs, we cannot say for sure if he would truly be “good with cats”, but our guess is that he would be fine. He has not shown any tendency to ‘gut’ squeaky toys. When he first came he was easily startled but now, any sudden noises can make him “stop” for a moment and then simply walk away. He takes treats oh-so-gently, and likes to “communicate” every now and then with a little howling-type of bark-it’s quite cute! This guys is an incredibly “easy keeper” and would do well in just about any GRREAT approved home, especially one with other friendly dogs or perhaps a family with a stay-at-home mom because he loves people so much (and he is great with children-even toddlers) …but for an active retired couple-he’d also be perfect.

NEW!  My name is KAHLUA (12-004) …Lua for short. I am a smallish golden girl about 58 pounds and about eight years old. I had a really nice home once but my family could not care for me and I was given to someone who left me outdoors. I have had no problem readjusting to indoor life and have easily remembered my nice house manners. I love to snuggle with my foster parents and I would like to sleep in bed with them if they would let me. I get along ok with my foster home’s dogs and am learning to play. I can entertain myself playing with dog toys and chewing on nylabones or sterile bones. I do go for walks with the other dogs but I pull a bit on my leash. I am so interested in my surroundings and can’t help myself. I would like to have a fenced yard in my new home but could adjust to being walked for my potty breaks. Being introduced quietly to other dogs and people is best for me as I find it very exciting to meet new friends.  I have been ok meeting children in the neighborhood and think I might like to chase a ball for them or maybe even a Frisbee, but I would prefer to live in a home with adults or adults and older children. I know sit and come and down too. I am good in the car and settle right down for a nice ride. I would love a home where I would get lots of attention. Lots of Licks and wags! Lua

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

UPDATED 12/1/11!   Here are other Goldens available for adoption through other rescues.