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 may 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. 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. 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.

(This page MUST be returned as part of the application. Your application will NOT be considered without it.)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

_____ 1. Should you be selected to adopt a dog from Almost Heaven, you understand that you are making a COMMITMENT to that dog, and that you are prepared to give that animal at LEAST 2 weeks of your time, energy, and love in order to transition into your home and lifestyle. If you cannot guarantee at least 2 weeks "transition and training time", you are NOT ready to adopt. Dogs are NOT sent home on a "TRIAL" basis.

_____ 2. Any dog adopted from Almost Heaven is to be returned to Almost Heaven if (for any reason) the original adopter cannot keep the dog. There are NO exceptions, and it is the adopters' responsibility to transport the dog to an Almost Heaven Volunteer or to Almost Heaven's Sanctuary.

_____ 3. All fees are NONREFUNDABLE. If a dog needs to be returned, your adoption fee becomes a donation.

_____ 4. We know you love your current dog, but we would really prefer that you leave your dog at home when visiting the Sanctuary. We will not place a dog with a home with other pets if we are not sure it gets along with other pets. If you insist on bringing your current dog, please have proof of current vaccinations either with you - or send them to us ahead of time. We insist on all visitor furkids be current on: rabies, dhllp, and bordatella. We assume no responsibility for any injuries or illnesses your dog may sustain while at the Sanctuary.

_____ 5. If you bring your current dog and decide to adopt one of our orphans, you MUST provide a crate for the ride home for one of the two dogs. We can think of no better way to make strange dogs hate each other than by confining them in a tight space on a long ride.

_____ 6. Visits here are by INVITATION - AFTER YOU ARE APPROVED. You will be sent directions and a direct phone number in case you should take a wrong turn. Unless the dog you are interested in is in a foster situation (rare), our shelter/visiting/adoption hours are by appointment only. **NO one will be admitted unless they are approved adopters - NO exceptions.

_____ 7. Please be prepared to adopt when you come out to visit. When you are approved, we expect that you are coming out in anticipation of adopting a dog. We understand you want to meet the dogs and that you may not find THE dog you are looking for the first day, but please don't come out if you really don't want to adopt until sometime in the future. We just cannot hold the dog for you and it takes time away from other adopters who may be ready to adopt that day.

I S H C________

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.
ADOPTION APPLICATION

A successful adoption depends on selecting the right Golden for your household and a good understanding of the dog's needs and care requirements. Please help us with this process by answering the following questions fully & completely. THANK YOU!

Please use reverse to provide info that you feel is pertinent, or to explain answers more fully.

I am applying for (check all that apply):

___Purebred ___Golden Mix ___Other Breed ___No Preference

Name of Dog Applied For (If Specific Animal is Requested): ____________________

Applicant Name:_________________________ Age:____ Occupation:_____________________ wk ph______________________

Co-Applicant Name:______________________ Age:____ Occupation:_____________________ wk ph______________________

Relationship to Applicant: Spouse ~ Parent ~Guardian ~ Child ~ Roommate ~ Other:_____________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone:___________________________ E-mail:______________________________________

How many adults live in your household, other than the applicant and co-applicant: Please list them and their ages:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

How many children live in your household:_______ And their ages:________________________________

================================================================================================

1. Reasons for Adoption (circle all that apply):

Family Companion ~ Gift ~ Personal Protection ~ For Child ~ Playmate for Current Dog ~ Replace Previous Dog ~ Other:_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. Preferences (circle): [Please note that the more stringent your preferences are, the longer you may have to wait to find the right dog. ]

Gender: Male ~ Female ~ No preference

Age: ~Puppy - 1 yr 2 - 4 yrs 5 - 7 yrs 8 - 10 yrs. ~ over 10 ~ No preference

Energy Level: High ~ Medium ~ Couch Potato ~ No preference

Other Preferences:______________________________________________

3. Type of Residence (circle):

House ~ Townhouse ~ Duplex ~ Apartment ~ Condo ~ Mobile Home ~ With Parents

Do you own: __________ Or rent: _____________

ATTENTION RENTERS: A COPY OF YOUR LEASE OR A NOTARIZED STATEMENT FROM YOUR LANDLORD CONFIRMING THAT A LARGE DOG IS PERMITTED MUST BE ATTACHED OR THE APPLICATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED

Please provide the name and phone number of your landlord:

Landlord name:___________________________ Phone:___________________

4. Do you have a fenced yard: Yes____ No_____

If yes, what type of fence________________ Height of Fence__________ Approx. dimensions___________________

If no, how will you exercise the dog and arrange for toilet duties. Who will supervise:

5. Will the dog ever be tied or left outside: Yes_______ No_______

Under what circumstances:

6. Do you currently have any of the following (circle all that apply):

Dog Door ~ Outdoor Kennel Run ~ Tieout Stake ~ Overhead Cable Runner ~ Dog House

7. Where will dog stay while at work or out of the house? ~ basement ~ laundry ~ garage ~ dog run ~ free in home ~ kitchen ~ yard ~

other:______________________________

8. Where will this pet sleep at night:

9. Number of hours dog will be alone each day:________ Is someone available to come home mid-day? __________

Is anyone home during the day: Yes____ No_____

Please list who and the amount of time:_____________________________________

10. In detail, who will be responsible for caring for this animal:

11. Does anyone in your household have allergies to dogs or asthma: Yes____ No_____

How is this controlled:__________________________________________________

12. Where will the dog stay when you travel or take vacation: ____________________________________________________

Do you travel regularly: Yes____ No_____ If yes, how often:___________________________________________________

13. If you have to move, what will you do with this dog:__________________________________________________________

14. Are you prepared to provide for the dog for the next 10 or more years: Yes______ No________

15. Typical care for a healthy Golden can range from $800 to $1500 per year. Will you be able to budget at least this amount? _______
(This includes vet care, shots, heartworm preventative, quality dog food, toys, misc equipment, boarding/kennel fees, grooming, supplies, etc and can frequently be much higher for a Senior Golden.)

16. What brand of dog food do you currently use or plan on using for this dog:_____________________________________________

17. Have you ever crated a dog: Yes____ No_____ Are you willing to do so now: Yes____ No_____

If you prefer not to crate, why:____________________________________________________________________

18. Please list all pets that have resided in your home in the last 10 years:

19. Is there any additional information you would like us to know about these pets:

20. Has a dog ever been stolen, lost or die prematurely: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

21. Has it ever been necessary to sell or give a pet away: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

22. Have you ever surrendered a dog to a shelter: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

23. Please provide the name & phone number for two references (other than relatives):

1._______________________________________________________________ Phone____________________

2._______________________________________________________________ Phone____________________

24. Who is your intended veterinarian:____________________________________ Phone____________________

25. How did you hear about Almost Heaven: (Please circle all that apply)

Almost Heaven website ~ Almost Heaven event ~ Veterinarian ~ Shelter ~ Dog Event ~ Ad ~ TV ~ Other: _________________

26. Have you ever applied to a shelter or rescue organization for adoption of a dog: Yes_____ No_______

If yes, please supply the name and location of the shelter or rescue, the date applied, and the result of your application:

27. What are the best times and days of the week to contact you:

28. Is there any additional information that you would like us to know:

I acknowledge that all information provided on this form is true and correct. I understand that any misrepresentations of fact may result in my not being approved and/or removal by Almost Heaven of the adopted dog from my possession.

I also certify that I have never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.

APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE___________________________________________ Date_____________

CO-APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE________________________________________ Date_____________

___Check here if you have included a $10 donation to offset administrative costs.

___I have enclosed a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope for notification of application decision.

PLEASE MAIL THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

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

If emailing the application, send it to:

ahgrr@frontiernet.net
Or
ahgrr@frontiernet.net

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to us at carefreesv@frontiernet.net

**Almost Heaven reserves the right to reject any application based on information obtained on the application or home visit. Please understand that our primary goal is the health, happiness, and safety of our Rescued dogs. Thank you.