Why does Your Rescue Complete Home Visits?
Our Home Visits serve a number of purposes. For an adoptive family, we look at the house, yard, and appropriateness of the situation for one of our goldens to be placed there permanently. The Home Visit volunteer is charged with not only making sure that the environment will be a good one for our dogs, but also that the family is aware of goldens as a breed and that they understand our process. For a foster family, we look at what type of dog will be best suited being fostered in that home and make sure it’s an appropriate temporary home for the dog.
What Happens During a Home Visit?
Once we receive an adoption application, an AGaG member contacts the potential adoptive family for a home visit. A home visit allows us to see the environment in which a dog will live, evaluate whether or not other pets in the family will be receptive to a rescued golden, and observe the family’s activity level. The Home Visit volunteer also gathers information about the number and ages of children in and/or regularly visiting the home, other pets in the home, fenced-in yard, etc. Following the home visit, applicants are introduced to dogs that will best fit within the home environment and become a beloved member of the family.
Is Training Provided?
Yes. During your first few home visits, you will be matched up with a mentor and trainer that you can accompany to see a home visit completed first hand. You’ll be able to ask questions and talk to families. Once you are comfortable, you can begin completing home visits on your own.
What Does Transporting of Dogs Entail?
Dog transport includes moving dogs between relinquishing owners or facilities, veterinary offices, or foster homes. A dog crate is not always necessary – a canine seat belt or tying the leash to a secured seat belt or hand bar is sufficient — however, no rescued golden is to be placed in the open bed of a pickup truck. Members can use the time a dog is in their vehicle to get to know the dog’s manners – does the dog pace, lay quietly, or try to climb in the front seat? Protect the inside of your vehicle from dog accidents by giving the dog an opportunity to “take care of business” before placing them in the vehicle – you may also want to cover your seats with a blanket or tarp.
Is Training Provided?
To ensure every transporter has a safe and positive experience, all transport volunteers are required to participate in basic and/or intermediate trainings which may be held in-person or offered online.
How do I become a Home Visit or Transport volunteer?
First, you’ll need to become a member of AGaG by filling out our online membership application or downloading the membership application and sending it in with “Home Visit” and/or “Transport” checked off. One of our members will then contact you to get you started.
Your Support Makes a Difference!
Meet Red ...
Red was facing his last hours when As Good as Gold got the call from a shelter. His owner surrendered him to have him euthanized, as Red was so sick that he could not even walk on his back legs.
The shelter staff saw that he would try to sit up. He was so sweet and clearly not ready to give up on life.
So a month ago they called, hoping against hope that we could rescue him that day before 7 pm when he'd be euthanized. Of course one of our volunteers went right away to take him to the ER!
Red had a 104.8 degree temperature and a heart rate over 200, but he was still wagging his tail. We had to put him on a blanket to lift him into the car and then had to get him out of the car and onto the stretcher.
A few days later, Red was transferred to As Good as Gold's vet. His fever was gone, but he could only get up if someone helped. He did not have the will to get up on his own.
Red's muscles were so atrophied that this had obviously gone on for a long time. We don't know what happened. All we know was that Red told us he was not ready to give up, and we weren't either!
Thanks to your continued support, we were right there with him, literally every little step of the way.
The great news is that Red continued to get better, and now, just a few weeks later, he's a new dog! He gets up on his own to visit everyone - a super, happy, gentle boy with perfect manners. The next step is to build up his muscle strength. He has seen a neurologist and while we still do not know the cause of his temporary inability to walk, he continues to make progress and move around on his own.
Red will need more tests and pain medication, but so far he is enjoying his second chance at life. Just look at him here in the backyard of his new foster home!
Up to this time we have spent $1,500. And we expect to spend at least that much more before we can start looking for his new Forever Home.
Will you make a special gift today and help Red and other Goldens get that second chance at life?
asgoodasgold.ejoinme.org/MyPages/AGaGDonations/tabid/67528/Default.aspx
Thank you for your continued support, you make a difference!