• If you cannot adopt at this time, but would like to help please consider the following:
• A Dog food donation made through the Southern States - Winchester Branch can be ordered by phone at (540) 662-0375 for Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue c/o "Carol Free."
  $25 will buy a bag of food with FREE delivery. Almost Heaven uses: Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dog Food (Dry) and Pedigree Meaty Ground Dinner with Chopped Chicken (Canned)
• Donating needed item(s) on our Wish List
• Sponsoring one of our residents. No donation is too small - All are always deeply appreciated. Use the PayPal button, Donation button, or mail to AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711.

Miracle BEFORE

Miracle was found as a stray in rural Georgia. The shelter didn't think she would survive and planned to euthanize if she made it through legally mandatory 3 day holding period. She was infested with maggots embedded in her matted coat, almost too weak to stand, obvious signs of mange, infected ears, yeast infection, urinary tract infection and smelled so bad being in the same space with her caused folks to gag - - - Despite this her tail still wagged, her eyes still sought love and approval, and she wanted to live. She was not done yet. She had not given up - and so we were called. And, because we think no dog should ever die this horrible way, and because she was still fighting - Almost Heaven said YES.

Once the shelter was notified Almost Heaven was willing to help her, they released her to us early so medical care could begin. Under all the mats and filth, the vets found pervasive mange and a crop of maggots. She was severely underweight - emaciated and too weak to stand on her own. She had been starved and neglected for a long time.

The type of mange was diagnosed as scabies, which is contagious. The treatment for her various conditions has required Miracle to be held in a veterinary facility for a long time, approximately 30 days. Scabies is treatable and relatively easy to eliminate but it takes time. She has been bathed, shaved, being treated for her skin issues, ear infections, urinary tract infection, and is eating now, gaining strength, and we are optimistic that she may yet have a bright future. We've included before and current photos of Miracle. As you can see, she has gained weight, some of the yeast infection around her eyes is gone, and her coat (though still sparse) is now coming back in and looks healthy. She's going to be gorgeous in a month or so - and the veterinarians tell us she is the sweetest girl on earth.

We are hopeful she will be well enough to travel to us on the 23rd of June. Once she arrives, she will enter our Veterinarian's facility for a two week quarantine to ensure she is scabies-free and didn't pick up anything on the trip through the Southern States to Almost Heaven. It may be overkill on our part - but we simply cannot risk introducing canine influenza or worse to our rescues residing at Almost Heaven.

We are seeking sponsors to help with the high veterinary costs for our Miracle. She will be available for adoption as soon as she is fully vetted and given a clean bill of health. If you would like to be on her list of potential homes when she is ready, please submit an application.

If you would like to sponsor some of Miracle's medical costs, any and all donations are always greatly appreciated by both Miracle and all of us entrusted with her care. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

Miracle
DURING TREATMENT

6 - 7 year old Lily became homeless through no fault of her own. Lily is afraid of other dogs, so needs to be introduced to them gradually. Once she knows they mean her no harm - she's fine. Lily has been spayed, vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvo, heartworm tested, and is crate trained. Lily is also diabetic and insulin dependent. Her new owner must be prepared to monitor Lily's diabetes for the rest of her life. We can teach you how to do that - it's not hard - and Lily is so worth it.

Update: Lily was adopted and returned when her adopters tried to integrate her into their household too quickly. Lily needs structure, patience, and time to adjust in a new home. This MUST be done using a crate (her safehaven), and a leash. Please help Lily find her place in the world.

If you would like to offer Lily a new forever home, please submit an application.

9 - 10 year old Penelope is a total sweetheart! She's gentle, easy going, and likes most dogs (although she doesn't appreciate the younger ones who want to play kissy face). Penelope is spayed, crate trained, vaccinated against distemper/parvo and rabies, and is heartworm negative and on preventative.

If you would like to offer this sweet old gal a retirement home, please submit an application.

6 - 7 year old Zoey is just a wonderful girl. She can be a little picky about the female company she keeps - but, we haven't found that to be the case with the males. She is crate trained, vaccinated against distemper/parvo and rabies, and spayed. Zoey has a very happy go lucky personality and she'd love to be someone's best friend soon.

If you would like to offer Zoey a new forever home, please submit an application.

7-9 year old Dougie is one of the most delightful furballs you'd ever want to meet. Dougie came to us from a shelter after his owner could no longer care for him - and we suspect that the condition with his left eye might have been the deciding factor. Dougie is blind in his left eye which may be the result of an old injury or glaucoma. He currently has a slight respiratory infection (the equivalent of a "cold"), which is delaying some of the vetting he needs, including exploring why he lost sight in his left eye and if there is anything we can do to save it - and he also needs to be checked out completely, neutered, and fully vaccinated. At this time, we are asking for sponsors to help offset some of the expected medical costs for our Dougie. Dougie will be available for adoption as soon as he is fully vetted, and any medical issues (including his eye) are cared for. if you would like to be on his list of potential homes when he is ready, please submit an application.

If you would like to sponsor some of Dougie's medical costs, any donations to help with his medical care are always greatly appreciated by both Dougie, and all of us entrusted with his care. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

6 year old Banjo found himself homeless through no fault of his own - his owner recently passed away. Banjo's littermate and best friend, BearBear is also looking for a new home. Banjo is housebroken, crate trained, neutered, vaccinated against distemper/parvo and rabies, tested heartworm negative - and is on preventative. He is currently sporting his "summer crewcut" - having had his coat shaved for the season (his previous owner's preference - not necessary) - so, we are including pictures of Banjo with his natural coat - and with his new "cut".

If you would like to offer Banjo (and maybe BearBear, too?) a new forever home, please submit an application.

6 year old Bear Bear found herself homeless through no fault of her own - her owner recently passed away. BearBear's littermate and best friend, Banjo is also looking for a new home. BearBear is housebroken, crate train ed, spayed, vaccinated against distemper/parvo and rabies, tested heartworm negative - and is on preventative. She is currently sporting her "summer hairdo" - having had her coat shaved for the season (her previous owner's preference - not necessary) - so, we are including pictures of Bear Bear with her natural coat - and with her new "do".

If you would like to offer BearBear (and maybe Banjo, too?) a new forever home, please submit an application.

1-2 year old Alice was dumped onto the parking lot of a shelter in West Virginia - not long after having weaned a litter of pups. None of the pups were dumped with her - just poor Alice. Alice is as sweet as honey. She gets along with all the other dogs here, just wants to play and have fun. She is a bit of an escape artist, and really craves the companionship of other dogs, so a home with a secure fence, and at least one other dog would be best for her. Alice has been spayed, brought current on all vaccinations, is heartworm/lymes/ ehrilichia negative and on monthly preventative for heartworm disease. She is learning crate manners.

If you would like to open your heart and home to Alice, please submit an application.

There has never been a dog sweeter than 10 - 12 year old Gussie. Gussie's owners threw him away, abandoning him in a high kill southern shelter and walking away. Gussie has some medical issues that we are still investigating: failure to gain weight, thirst, and some digestive issues. We are working diligently with our veterinarians to find the cause and solution - Gussie is sooooo worth the effort.

Gussie is not ready to leave us yet but if you would like to be on his list of potential homes when he is ready, please submit an application. In the meantime, any donations to help with Gussie's care are always greatly appreciated by both Gussie, and all of us entrusted with his care. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

4 - 5 year old Harley's owners divorced and neither could take Harley with them. How sad - he spent the next 2 1/2 years tied to a tree before coming to rescue. Harley is a big, happy go lucky, party boy who would love to have a new home with an active family. Harley is totally crate trained, and was once housebroken, but could use some work with leash manners. Harley gets along with the other dogs here, is neutered, vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and rabies, and heartworm negative. If you are looking for a new best friend to hike, play ball, or just hang out with - Harley is your boy!

If you would like to offer Harley a new forever home, please submit an application.

1 - 2 year old Jango is a very unique looking boy - - and we are only guessing his heritage. What we don't need to guess about is that he is a really good boy, totally crate trained, easily trained, and easy on the eyes, too. Jango will go to his new home neutered, vaccinated for distemper, parvo, and rabies, heartworm tested (negative) and on preventative.

If you would like to offer Jango a forever home, please submit an application.

10-11 year old Daniel would love to find a home soon. This old fellow found himself homeless when his owners separated and neither could take Daniel with them. He then spent time in a temporary home and was then shifted here. Daniel was very nervous and unsure of himself when he first arrived at Almost Heaven. We were told he had food aggression issues, and that he might be picky with his canine friends. We have seen NONE of this. We do feed Daniel separately - he is a Senior - he should not be forced to compete with other dogs in order to eat. He has a wide range of doggie friends here - young, old, big, and small - and he does fine with all of them. Daniel has a reconstructed knee cap so, although he needs physical exercise, jumping should be discouraged. We have found Daniel to be very loving and sweet.

If you would like to open your heart and home to Daniel, please submit an application.

1 - 2 year old Peter is a high energy love bug. We don't usually recommend dogs for joggers, but, this boy just might be the exception (as long as caution is used and special attention is paid to outside temperatures and running surfaces). He might also be a candidate for agility - or any sport where speed and endurance is a plus. Peter is a total sweetheart - he just wants to be someone's best friend.

If you think Peter is the right choice for you and would like to offer him a forever home, please submit an application.

1 year old Chaucer is so endearing. He is high energy, but very responsive to training and correction. Chaucer needs an electric fence, to be leash walked, a tie out, or fences at least 6' high to be safe. He will climb or jump lower fences. He would make a terrific agility dog - he has everything needed to excel in that sport. (And, let's face it, he's cute as can be.) Chaucer is a favorite here. He will go home vaccinated against rabies, distemper and parvo, heartworm tested negative, crate trained, wormed, and neutered. Chaucer gets along with most dogs - he does best with females and and other neutered males. Please give him a chance at the life he so deserves.

If you would like to offer Chaucer a forever home, please submit an application.

5 - 7 year old Carly has obviously not had an easy life. All that changed the day she was relinquished to her local animal control, who then called us. This girl is wonderful. She is easy going, low-key, gentle, quiet, and adorable. What more could anyone possibly want in a furry companion? And, she is vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and rabies, heartworm tested (negative and on prevention), and spayed. She is also totally crate trained - one easy step to housebreaking, though we think Carly may be housebroken.

If you would like to offer this incredible girl a new home, please submit an application.

10-11 year old Jake is a West Virginia flood victim. His owners lost their home in those terrible floods and Jake became homeless. With heavy hearts, he was sent to an animal shelter, and then came to us. Jake is a great boy. He gets along fine with all the other dogs here - is crate trained, has been vaccinated against rabies and distemper/parvo, tested negative for heartworm disease and is on preventative. Jake has also been treated for fleas and groomed. Jake is not neutered - it is the opinion of our veterinarian that the risk of anesthesia for a dog Jake's age far outweighs any medical benefits that might be derived from the surgery.

If you would like to offer this fine older gent a gentle home to retire to, please submit an application.

1 year old Zeus is adorable. He has a lot of characteristics of the Clumber Spaniel, which is why the shelter has labelled him as such. Zeus is crate trained, gets along with most of the other dogs here, is neutered, vaccinated for distemper/parvo and rabies, and is heartworm negative and on preventative. He is a knockout to look at, and as sweet as can be. Zeus will benefit from some obedience classes (as all dogs do), which also offers great opportunity for any owner to bond with their new dog.

If you would like to offer Zeus a forever home, please submit an application.

2 - 4 year old Chester has obviously not enjoyed a very good life. But, that's all changed for him now - and he's ready to make up for lost time! Chester is not a big boy, but he has a huge heart that he wants to share with his special someone. Chester gets along fine with all the other dogs here - is small enough for those who don't want to handle a full sized golden retriever, and is just plain cute, cute, cute! We think this little boy is going to make some very lucky person very happy.

If you would like to offer Chester a forever home, please submit an application.

5 year old Hank lost his home because he was too friendly. Yep - go figure. (Translation: we're too busy to train our dog). Hank is currently overweight, but on a diet, he has been vaccinated, is neutered, and heartworm, lymes, ehrlichia tested (negative to all). This is an incredible bloodhound. He is handsome as can be, well mannered (considering he has had NO training, but would benefit from a basic obedience class), and deserves to have the home every dog should have. Bloodhounds need exercise. They are NOT couch potatoes - without exercise, they can become inventive and find ways to entertain themselves. Bloodhounds DO benefit from obedience training. Bloodhounds are GREAT family companions for those who commit to taking the time and energy to train them and exercise them properly.

If you would like to offer Hank a forever home, please submit an application.

Duckie came to us last year after she gave birth to some incredible puppies. Duckie was found living feral and taken to a rural shelter where she curled up inside a plastic doghouse in subzero temperatures - waiting for her pups to be born - and most likely die in the bitter cold. We saved her in the nick of time and got her to the vet's. Duckie has ongoing skin issues due to the neglect she has suffered - but if ever a dog deserves a good home - Duckie is that girl. She is initially very shy. She will be a "project" dog for anyone who adopts her. Please consider giving this poor girl a chance at a normal life so she can see just how good it can be to be a dog. She is totally crate trained and not at all aggressive.

If you would like to offer Duckie a forever home, please submit your application.

5-7 year old Benji was not loved prior to going to the shelter in a rural community. Poor little Benji was in such terrible condition, so matted, so unkempt, that the shelter had trouble telling which end of him was which.

Someone really mistreated Benji as he is VERY distrustful of new people. Benji is not a available for adoption due to trust issues and fear-biting. For now, he will remain with us as permanet resident. Sponsors and donations towards his care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

3-4 year old Tigger is hard to resist, isn't he? Who wouldn't fall in love with that face? Tigger is just an all round good boy - he gets along with every living thing here, and would fit into almost any household - but he will chase kitties if given the chance (he needs a little work on that). Tigger is totally crate trained, very intelligent, listens and learns very well and easily, and is just plain handsome, too.

If you would like to offer Tigger a forever home, please submit an application.

6 - 8 year old Teddy Bear came to us alongwith Panda Bear, who we understand is his littermate. Teddy and Panda were adopted and lived on a farm, unsocialized, and severely neglected for most of their lives. Teddy is slightly more social than Panda, but both dogs have a long way to go before they are ready to be adopted - if ever. For now, they will remain with us. Sponsors for them and donations towards their care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

6 - 8 year old Panda has not had a very good life. He and his littermate, Teddy Bear, were adopted and lived on a farm, unsocialized, and severely neglected for most of their lives. Panda is slowly learning to trust us, and we are hopeful that he and Teddy might one day find their way into a forever home. For now, they will remain with us. Sponsors for them and donations towards their care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

Sophie came to us at 6 months of age directly from her breeder. Sophie was dwarfed, emaciated, had numerous injuries, and was afraid to eat.

It seems that Sophie had been kennelled with her mother, who would literally try to tear her head off every time she got near the food bowl.

Sophie's injuries included a dislocated hip, a crushed pelvis with so many healing breaks that our vet stopped counting, and a dislocated shoulder. It is the opinion of our vet that Sophie, one of 17 in her litter, had been rolled on or stepped on repeatedly by her mother. It was our vet's opinion that her injuries were too old to be treated, and as Sophie was mobile, though with a limp, that we should just leave well enough alone.

Our biggest issue was convincing Sophie that she could eat - and not be attacked. It took weeks to convince her that food was a good thing. She didn't need to bury it, she didn't need to hide it, she didn't need the blankets over her crate and the lights turned off - in order to enjoy her meal.

Sophie has come a long way. She is a very happy, well adjusted dog. She will never be "normal". We monitor her physical activities very carefully to make sure she does not injure herself further as another injury could spell the end of the line for our Sophie girl.

Sophie is a very special dog. Despite all the horrible things that have happened to her - she is loving and accepting of all humans. She is food aggressive with other dogs (no reason to wonder why) - but loves to play, play, play outside.

Sophie is probably unadoptable. She needs controlled exercise and if she is injured - would probably not survive treatment. Sponsors and donations towards her care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

Cody came to us on a rather large transport from a shelter in the Carolinas. The dogs on this transport were loaded into crates aboard a horse trailer for their ride to safety/rescue. Cody escaped his crate, and only the quick thinking of the truck driver following the trailer saved his life.

Upon seeing Cody's paws at the top of the door to the trailer, the trucker started weaving the lanes of I-95 and slowing down. He was also frantically trying to signal the driver of the transport vehicle.

Without much hesitation, Cody leaped out of the trailer and onto I-95. Thankfully, the truck driver had traffic stopped by now, and people banned together to capture our boy, who only suffered a few bruises and abrasions.

Cody is an escape artist. Cody has escaped every pen, run, cable, kennel, and crate (except the gorilla crate) we have put him in. Luckily, for the most part, he is a happy dog and doesn't stray very far from home.

Cody is also storm phobic - and reacts to loud noises, such as gun fire or fire works. It has been a challenge to find a situation that would be right for him. Cody is fine as long as his "person" is with him. Left alone - he knows only one thing - and that is escape.

We'd love to find Cody a home where he would be safe to roam a bit and where he would have someone home with him a lot. He's fine here with us, though until that home becomes available. Sponsors and donations towards his care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

2 - 3 year old Baron ended up homeless and in a shelter with no chance of adoption because, in true bloodhound fashion, he protected himself against what he considered to be a threat. Baron is a young, healthy, dog that would make a great working bloodhound - or a housepet for someone familiar with the breed and willing to work with his "issues".
Update: Baron was sent to "bloodhound college" with the Virginia Dept of Corrections. Baron LOVES to track. He will run tracks forever - but, sadly, it's not always the same track - so, he's a college dropout looking for a new home.

Sponsors and donations towards his care are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

5 - 6 year old Sniffy has been with us since he was about 6 months old. Sniffy was recruited by the Virginia State Police for their mantrailing program - but flunked out the first week. Sniffy would much prefer to sniff his bed than any trail offered to him. Sniffy is totally crate trained, gets along great with all the other dogs here, but like many bloodhounds can be a little possessive of his food bowl. With Sniffy - it's really not a big deal - and he's very cooperative when corrected. Sniffy does seem prone to developing benign growths, and recently had 3 removed and is doing extremely well. He'd make a great lifelong companion for some lucky person - if just given half a chance. Like all bloodhounds, Sniffy needs a completely fenced yard and would benefit from some basic obedience training with someone new to make the bonding process complete.

If you would like to offer Sniffy a forever home, please submit your application.

Sponsors and donations towards his care and/or medical expenses are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

Spirit has a wonderful personality. This dog just adores other dogs, but physically, she is not put together very well and injures very easily. Spirit has had numerous operations on her eyes to correct a variety of issues, including cherry eye, entropian, and lid "flap". Her eyes are very deep set and even after all the surgeries, she has little to no peripheral vision because of the physical makeup of her face. Spirit has also become periodically incontinent. It is not all the time - and just when we think we have the problem solved with medication, it will begin again. But, she's fine on her Kuranda bed (which is washable), and loves to be outside under the trees in nice weather. Spirit will probably live out her life with us though she is available for adoption to a family willing to work with her medical issues.

Sponsors or donations towards her care and/or medical expenses are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via PayPal using the Donate button below or by mail: AHGGRS at P.O. Box 648, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

Lawn mower - Jake (his brother Jasper recently passed away) - were abandoned at their prior home when their owner was evicted from the property.

Wonderful for keeping the fields "mowed" where lawn mowers cannot go.