THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411220178
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03B EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
The process of adopting a dog these days is almost as thorough as child adoption.
That's what local residents found out recently, when Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training Inc. (G.R.R.E.A.T.!) held one of its ``Golden Days,'' an adoption day for golden retrievers. It was the first time the Peninsula-based organization held one of these events on the Southside.
During the two-hour show-and-tell in Virginia Beach, pre-approved applicants could pick out a dog and learn its story, while others learned what it takes to adopt.
``I wouldn't say it's a difficult process,'' said Cindy Hahne, adoption coordinator for the organization. ``We just want to make sure they're in a safe and secure environment. We value these dogs like our own dogs.''
A handful of curious dog lovers wandered around the warehouse of Care-A-Lot, a pet supply store on Diamond Springs Road, petting the goldens and finding out about each one.
``They're so cute,'' said Barbara Masis, who dropped by to pick up an application. ``I wish I could take them all home!''
G.R.R.E.A.T.!, which was established in 1990, rescues abandoned and unwanted golden retrievers. Most of these dogs come from homes where there has been a move, divorce or other circumstances where the owner can no longer keep it. Others come from pounds and shelters.
Besides rescuing goldens, the group exists to educate dog owners. ``We're trying to educate the public in certain breeding practices,'' said volunteer Alice Meredith. ``Some people breed for the wrong reasons and there's an abundance of unwanted goldens. We don't want them to be euthanized.''
The volunteer organization has placed more than 250 goldens, mostly ranging in age from 9 months to 7 years.
``We take dogs no matter what the age or the health,'' Meredith said.
All rescued dogs are fully vaccinated, tattooed, heartworm tested, spayed or neutered and placed in a foster home until a permanent home is found. While in the foster home, which can be anywhere from a day to a year, the dog's temperament is evaluated.
Foster parents are encouraged to bring the rescue dogs to the group's foster home workshops, where they learn grooming techniques and basic obedience training skills.
When it's time to give up the dog, some foster parents have a hard time. During ``Golden Day,'' many hovered over their pups as though they didn't want to let them go.
``It was hard the first time,'' said Meredith, who has fostered nine dogs in the past two years. ``After that, it was great. I knew the dogs would be placed and I couldn't get attached.''
The transition from a foster home to a temporary home is not a quick and painless one. Although the process begins with a written application, it doesn't end there.
After receiving the application, the organization sends a volunteer to the interested owner's residence for a home check. Here, things such as yard space, fence height and other pets are evaluated. At this time, the home evaluator advises prospective parents as to what dog might be appropriate for their situation.
If the home passes inspection, the applicant can meet the available dogs. Sometimes ``Golden Days'' are the perfect opportunity.
There is a $175 adoption fee, to defray the rescue's expenses. If a dog is older than 8, the fee is reduced to $75.
After adoption, the organization remains on call, to answer any questions owners may have. Volunteers also do follow-up checks.
Meredith hopes more dog lovers in this area will get involved with the organization.
``I love the golden retriever breed,'' she said. ``The people who seem to go with goldens are loving people, with big hearts. I guess the saying is true, people are like their dogs.'' MEMO: If you're interested in adopting a dog or volunteering for
G.R.R.E.A.T.!., call 827-8561.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by HOLLY WESTER
Danielle Stinard, 6, and sister Nicole, 3, pet Bailey, an already
adopted golden retriever. G.R.R.E.A.T! has placed more than 250
goldens, mostly ranging in age from 9 months to 7 years.
by CNB