I am a flat-coated retriever possibly mixed with Bernese mountain dog. I am outgoing and friendly. I am good in the car and love playing in my foster home’s fenced yard and going for walks. I totally adore foster mom and follow her everywhere. And when she comes home from being away, I jump on her to let her know how happy I am to see her. I DO NOT do that to guests in our house, however.

Here’s what foster mom has to say about me:

“Bernie is seriously the best and sweetest dog. He loves any attention. He is a love bug and just wants attention and pets. But he also calms down quickly and naps after play time.”

Weight: 70 pounds

Good with kids? Does well with kids 8 and older

Good with other dogs? Yes, but not very interested in them

Good with cats? Unknown

Adoption fee: $550

Medical: Bernie is taking fish oil to help with itchiness on his paws and neck.

Requirements: Bernie will do best in a home where he has companionship most of the day.

We all need a job, right? Well, I want you to know that I’m a champion companion! That’s my job – I will stick by your side even if you accidentally drop my leash. Foster mom did that when she took a tumble on a walk (I didn’t cause the fall). She dropped my leash but I stayed with her and kissed her to let her know I was there to take care of her (she’s OK, by the way).

I am also a champion critter stalker. I will keep your yard free of birds, bunnies and squirrels and keep my eye out for them while we’re on walks. With me by your side, they will never bother you.

I do need a fenced yard because I will not relieve myself when we walk; a guy needs some privacy, you know! And I love playing fetch in our fenced yard. It’s a blast (full disclosure: we are working on my “drop it” skills).

But my companion qualities do not end there. I may be active and alert outside, but inside I am content to follow you around and settle wherever you settle. I do like to carry stuffies around the house – I don’t destroy them. And when I’m ready to do something, I will “talk” to you until you figure out what I want.

Also in the interest of full disclosure: I need a home without other dogs and children. I didn’t get along with another dog in my first home, which is why I was given to As Good as Gold. Then, after a few months in my adoptive home, I started growling and snapping at one of the children when we were all close to our parents, so I returned to AGaG. I really just want all the attention my forever parents have to give. If children visit your home, you will need to separate me while they are around. And I’m OK with that.

Here’s what my foster mom has to say about me:

“Stanley is a very affection and attention-seeking dog. He will ‘talk’ to you with grunting noises and open his mouth – bark. He wants you to do something for him: walk, eat, play or just get attention. When you figure it out, he will stop doing this and calm down.

“He startles on walks with new noises – a dump truck for example. He is a hunter – very interested in birds and squirrels. When walking him the first few days, he really pulled a lot. He is on ‘high alert’ when walking – much improved with front leash harness.

“He is food driven and is very fast with puzzles. Will just lay down in a room with you while you work on a computer. He seems like a pretty smart guy that knows what he wants.”

And she’s right. I do know what I want: to be your companion!

Weight: 56

Good with kids? No

Good with cats? Unknown

Adoption fee: $550

Medical concerns: None

Requirements: Stanley cannot be in a home with other dogs or children under the age of 16, and he needs a fenced yard (will not relieve himself on leash). Taking one set of positive reinforcement obedience classes will be a condition of his adoption.

We are a bonded father-son duo; our previous family was going through a divorce and could no longer keep us, so they made the tough decision to give us up.

As you can see Dad (Bernie) is a handsome guy who is a flat-coated retriever possibly mixed with Bernese mountain dog. Dad hitched up with a golden retriever to produce me, Maverick. I am no slouch in the looks department either!

Dad is the leader of our mini-pack; he is outgoing and friendly. I am significantly shyer and will take longer to warm up in my new home, but I will. I am doing much better since I started taking an anti-anxiety medication. I will need to stay on it while I transition to our new home and may need it for my lifetime.

We are good in the car and love playing in our fenced yard and going for walks. We both totally adore our foster mom and follow her everywhere. And when she comes home from being away we jump on her to let her know how happy we are to see her. We DO NOT do that to guests in our house, however. Dad is happy to hang with foster dad; I am somewhat unsure of men, but I am warming up to foster dad.

Here’s what foster mom has to say about us:

“They are seriously the best and sweetest dogs. They love any attention. They are love bugs and just want attention and pets. But they also calm down quickly and nap after play time.”

Good with kids? They have done well with kids 8 and older.

Good with other dogs? They got along with the smaller dogs of their previous owners’ family members; they have not been exposed to other dogs in their foster home. They do not react to other dogs when out walking.

Adoption fee: $825

Medical: Bernie is taking fish oil to help with itchiness on his paws and neck. Maverick takes 40 mg of Fluoxetine daily to manage his anxiety.

Requirements: The boys need a fenced yard (Maverick is a flight risk) and someone home more often than not. They also need a family who is patient and willing to let them adapt to their new home at their pace.

OK, mellow and golden doodle may not be synonymous, but mellow describes me – Morgan – to a T! I am social and love being with people and getting attention, but I’m not needy about it. I enjoy following my foster mom around the house and hanging out near her. And I like to check in on foster dad, who often is confined to his bed, to make sure he’s OK and give him some golden love.

I enjoy exploring our yard, going for walks and taking car rides. I’m an excellent passenger.

I also like playing with squeaky toys. And foster mom cannot get enough of my happy doodle smile.

“Morgan is a sweet, lovable girl,” her foster mom says. “She loves attention but is not needy. She responds to general commands. Morgan is the best companion, staying close wherever you may be. Morgan does charge a belly rub tax whenever you go by her. She is a really good dog, social with people, easy-going, calm, fun, and she has a smile that never stops. She will be a great addition to her forever family.”

So, if mellow is what you’re looking for in a canine companion, I’m your gal!

ADOPTION FEE: $200

MEDICAL CONCERNS: Morgan has persistent ear infections for which she is being treated; her next recheck is mid-March. We are hoping she’ll be ready for adoption after that. She is on Cosequin to help her aging joints.

 REQUIREMENTS: Morgan would like to be the only dog in her new home; her adopters will need to respect her need for slow introductions to dogs of family and friends.

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters! Yep, that’s us: Ellie and Sage. We’re retired breeders slowly adjusting to the good life as loved canine companions. And yep, we’re a package deal.

Hi, I’m Ellie:

While both my sister and I are shy, I am Ellie the Braver. Foster mom says I’m a sweet girl who enjoys playing with other dogs. Sometimes I like teasing them by stealing the ball they have and running off with it. I’m taking an interest in dog toys and Benebones. I like being outside and rubbing my face in the snow or the grass. And hey, have you heard about these things called treats? I LOVE treats and I will work for them! I also love being petted and getting attention.

I don’t like being confined or being away from my foster mom. I’m also not a fan of being on leash or getting into cars. I DO like to be petted and get attention.

Hi, I’m Sage:

So, yes, I am Sage the Shyer, but foster mom says I’m a sweetie too, maybe with a dash of sass. I do rely on Ellie to give me confidence and we both rely on our foster sibling Solia. She’s what they call a mentor dog, and she’s very good at being a role model for us. We’ll need one of those in our new home.

I do enjoy being in the yard and sniffing up all the wonderful smells out there; like Ellie, I am not fond of leashes, confinement, cars or being away from foster mom. I may be a bit reserved when you first meet me, but I will warm up.

I startle a bit more easily than Ellie and sometimes that causes me to bark, growl or air snap from a distance at some of the other dogs in the house, even Ellie – hence my sass. But I’ve never gone after them. Foster mom thinks it’s a fear response.

Like Ellie, I love those things called treats – in fact, I’ll dance for them. And we both do stretch-bows to keep foster mom from walking away with the treats. Clever, aren’t we?

Ellie and Sage:

Ready to increase the golden love in your life? We can do that times two!

Adoption fee: $825 for the pair

Medical:

Ellie has a very slight heart murmur; it does not require medication and our veterinarian said it will not shorten her life. She also has a cataract in one eye.

Both girls take Gabapentin and Trazadone to help them handle being confined when their foster mom leaves the house, and for when they do stressful  things like go to the vet or groomer.

Requirements: Fenced yard, someone who is home most of the time and patient adopters willing to work with these girls as they transition to and gain confidence in their new home. We think the girls will transition better to a new home if that home has a resident dog; however, we are willing to consider families who don’t have dogs – especially if they have experience with shy, fearful dogs. We’re also asking adopters to meet the girls a couple of times before taking them home so they aren’t going home with strangers. We find this helps with the transition to their new home.

Well, it’s no surprise how I got my name! I’m a mini golden doodle, so a curly coat is in my DNA. I am a retired breeding dog who is still trying to figure out what it means to be a pampered pet, so I am still quite cautious around people. But thanks to my loving and patient foster mom, I am making progress! She lets me do things at my own pace, no matter how slow it may be.

I startle easily and I will duck or run if you approach me too quickly, especially if you approach me head-on. And it’s best to go slowly when petting me. Foster mom has figured out that I like to be petted on my neck before she pats my head or body.

I do enjoy being with my canine foster siblings; they give me comfort and sometimes I’ll even play with them. I am getting more comfortable with taking walks, and I enjoy being outside – with and without the other dogs. It’s clear to my foster mom that I want to be part of the family: I join them in the family room and follow bedtime routines. I especially like being near my foster mom. I sleep in my crate with the door open and I eat late at night when no one is watching.

Foster mom is very proud of the progress I’ve made and knows that in the right home, I’ll continue to gain confidence and learn to trust. Will that be you?

Weight: 35 pounds

Good with kids? Unknown, but foster mom thinks she would be

Good with cats? Ignores the cat in the foster home

Adoption fee: $550

Medical concerns: None

Requirements: Permanent resident dog to help her continue to build confidence, fully fenced-in yard due to being fearful.

Need someone to liven up your life? Step right up because I’m your guy. Foster mom describes me as a goofy, gangly golden teenager who settles and naps like a champ once I get my wiggles out. I love to wrestle and run zoomies in the yard with the younger of my foster brothers, who patiently tolerates my occasional breaches of canine etiquette (like stealing balls out of his mouth). I’m also respectful of my older foster brother who is not so playful.

Once I’ve burned off energy, I’m ready to settle in near my foster mom, and when it’s time to relax I like nothing better than crawling into her lap for neck scratches – my fave!

We’ve been doing some training to help me learn self-control and guess what? I love learning! I know sit, down, paw and wait. I will pull on leash a bit, and I get excited when we see other people and dogs – but in a “Hi, let’s party” kind of way. I do love walks.

Even though I’m energetic, foster mom says I have a chill vibe: I don’t guard anything and haven’t shown any aggressive behaviors. I do bark when the doorbell rings and at dogs and people walking past the house. Sometimes I get a little jumpy when people visit because I’m so happy to see them. But we’re working on these things, which my forever home will need to do with me.

So, if you’re looking for a joyful adventure buddy who will make you laugh every single day, then flop at your feet for a nap, I’m your guy. Come meet me and let the goofy grins begin.

Weight: 60 pounds

Good with kids? Yes, but can initially be mouthy, so he should be supervised; good with kids once he settles down

Good with cats? Pestered cats in his foster home initially but now leaves them alone

Adoption fee: $550

Medical concerns: None

Requirement: A fenced yard and positive-reinforcement training classes; a patient, playful canine companion will help him burn energy but isn’t necessary if his family gives him a lot of exercise.

I spent the first years of my life as a breeding dog. But now, in my retirement, everything is changing. For the first time, I’m beginning to learn what it means to family pet.

I’m still a little unsure — the world feels big and loud sometimes — but I’m trying. Every day, I take small steps forward. I’ve started wagging my tail when I see the people who take care of me. It might not seem like much, but for me, it’s a big deal.

In my foster home, I’ve made a special friend — one of the other dogs who lives here. We like to play together, and for the first time, I’m starting to understand what fun feels like. Toys are still a bit of a mystery, but I’m curious. I think I like them. There’s even a yard where I can run! When I’m out there, ears flapping and paws flying, chasing squirrels and bunnies, I feel free. Like I’m finally living the life I was always meant to have.

I’m still figuring some things out — especially bedtime. I’ve had a couple of accidents, but when I sleep in the kitchen with the gate closed, I do pretty well. I know I’m getting better every day.

This new life is a journey and it’s one I’m excited to be on.

Helping a dog like Fiona — watching her find courage, connection, and joy — is one of the most deeply rewarding experiences you can imagine. She doesn’t just need a home; she needs a heart that understands that healing takes time, and love is the key.

Requirements:  Permanent resident dog to help her continue to build confidence, but knowing she needs time to adjust to a new dog as she may growl at a dog until she feels comfortable.  And, she requires a fenced in yard due to being fearful.

Adoption fee:  $550