Thank you for inquiring about our Goldens available for adoption. Almost Heaven is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization, active on the East Coast of the U.S. Our goal is to find "forever homes" for orphaned Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever Mix Dogs. Though we specialize in finding "forever homes" for Senior and Special Needs Golden Retrievers, and providing hospice and sanctuary for those that cannot be placed in adoptive homes, no purebred Golden is ever turned away from our program.

DOG AVAILABILITY

Our orphans come from a variety of sources, including shelters and owner give-ups. We may have puppies, adults, and senior Goldens available for adoption. (There are advantages to a Senior dog. With a Senior, you get an older, more settled dog, one that is frequently housebroken, past the chewing age, and usually has had some training.)

POLICIES AND FEES

All dogs adopted from Almost Heaven are spayed or neutered. All dogs are current on vaccinations, have had fecal and heartworm test and are on heartworm preventative. We request a minimum donation at the time of adoption to help offset our expenses, which currently average in excess of $300 for each dog we rescue. The minimum donation requested can be as low as $200-$300 (we may request more for young purebred Goldens and for those dogs graduating from our obedience program). As we frequently do not actually know a dogs ancestry or age, we make our best estimate of both, usually with the help of our veterinarian.

APPLICATION/ADOPTION PROCESS

Please complete our adoption application so we can get to know you, your family and your lifestyle. The application must be completed in full to be evaluated properly. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We require a home visit, and we do check references. (We will accept letters of approval from other reputable Rescue Groups.) The information you give us on your application will be helpful in determining the compatibility of the dog you have requested (or desire) with your life-style. A volunteer will contact you to arrange an appointment for your home visit. Then, if your application is approved your name will be placed on our waiting list for available dogs (unless you have already chosen a dog from our orphans currently available). The final adoption decision is made based on Almost Heaven's guidelines and our assessment of the needs of the dog in question. Our goal is to place each dog in a home where the dog and new family will complement each other. Dogs are placed with the home that best meets the dog's needs, NOT on a "first come, first served" basis. Your application may be mailed, emailed or faxed (304-856-1603) to us.

AVAILABLE DOGS

Some dogs require specific circumstances and the needs of each individual dog are evaluated. A fence may be required for more active dogs or dogs who have had little or no obedience training or a tendency to roam. These dogs may need a safe, enclosed area for proper exercise and safe release of energy. Please understand that we have an ever changing population of dogs that are looking for homes. The best way to insure that you won't miss that "special" dog when he/she becomes available for adoption is to have an approved application on file with us.

PURCHASING A PUPPY

The health and temperament of Goldens have suffered because of indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding practices, so if you decide to purchase a puppy, we encourage you to research the breeders and avoid the pitfalls and dangers of backyard breeders and the puppy mills that flourish throughout the U.S.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, one that you should be prepared to honor for the life of your dog. Careful consideration and planning should go into choosing the correct dog for you and your lifestyle. Almost Heaven successfully places many dogs each year, but it is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate how long it will take for you to find "just the right Golden". Many variables are involved, including the number of dogs in need. The more flexible you are to gender and other particulars, the more likely you are to quickly find the right dog for you. Please remember, our primary consideration is for the welfare of our dogs.

Return your application to: (Emailing your application speeds up the Adoption process)

Carol Free
Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.
P.O. Drawer D
Delray, WV 26714

ahgrr@frontiernet.net

administrator@almostheaven-golden-retriever-rescue.org

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary allows "out-of-state" adoptions. However, prompt transportation arrangements are the sole responsibility of the adopter.

Hours: By appointment only **NO one will be admitted unless they are approved adopters - NO exceptions.