If you are interested in adopting a senior or special needs dog, please fill out an application form or email RAGofAZ. Please note on your application that you are interested in either OLD GOLD or SPECIAL NEEDS goldens.
If you would like to make a donation to help us help the dogs that come in to our rescue, please visit our donations page.
What advantages do older dogs have over puppies or young dogs?
Answer: Older dogs that are offered for adoption generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. (Some dogs, due to the confusion and upset of being uprooted and finding themselves in a chaotic shelter environment, may temporarily forget their housetraining. Inevitably, once established in their new home, they remember.)
Older dogs have learned what "no" means and how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes, and other "chewables" alone. (If they hadn't learned that, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.)
They have been "socialized" and learned what it takes to be part of a "pack" and to get along with humans and, in most cases, other dogs, and in some other cases, cats, as well.
Older dogs, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.
Older dogs know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers. They are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, etc.
Finally, older dogs are a "known commodity." They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don't have to guess how big they'll
How long will it take for an older dog to settle into a routine with me?
Answer: Each dog is an individual and comes with a unique set of experiences and from varying circumstances, so it is hard to predict how long a specific dog will require to make an adjustment. If a dog has been in a shelter or kennel, the stresses of such an experience may cause him to be confused and disoriented for some time. Some dogs forget or are confused about their housetraining. With care, patience, and a kind, understanding, loving attitude, just about any dog will come around. It may be a few days, a few weeks, or a few months. In our own experience, we've had dogs who are right "at home" as soon as they walk in the door and others who have needed a couple of weeks to make a basic adjustment, and then became more and more "at home" over the course of several months.
What kind of help and support can I expect from RAGofAZ?
Answer: Our volunteers will guide you carefully through any adjustment period that may be needed;
I just lost my old dog. What if I lose another soon after I adopt him?
Answer: Grief is a very personal matter. Some people feel that giving a home to an older dog in need is a tribute to their former dog and actually eases their pain. Also, knowing that adoption has saved a dog from euthanasia and will allow her quality time for whatever period she has left, often enables people to focus on the positives and to deal better with loss.
Consider also that there are never any guarantees about length of life with any dog. Quality of time together can matter a great deal more than quantity.
Dogs with Special Needs - RAGofAZ has some terrific Goldens needing a little extra TLC. Some may have anxiety issues, others a medical condition but all are deserving of a family to love them. If a special need dog touches your heart, please contact us for more information.