Acquaintance about to "put down" golden retriever pup for no good reason

It makes me so angry, because I have a GR about the same age. The dog is about 18 mos old. The woman who purchased the dog (Coco) already has about 3 other dogs -- all small lap type dogs. She didn't realize that GRs are athletic dogs, and that unlike little dogs it is imperative to train larger dogs, even ones with sweet natural temperaments like GRs.

So basically, Coco has grown much bigger than the older little dogs and challenges them for dominance and there have been some fights, including one in which the owner tried to separate them and was bitten by Coco.

But Coco is not a biter, and is a big sweet if somewhat shy dog (she has been indoors most of her life). The owner's boyfriend agreed to take Coco for a few weeks in the hope that a home can be found. Bizarrely, the boyfriend already has a GR, which he took off her hands because this is the second time the owner tried to have a GR and found that she could not deal with a larger dog. The boyfriend has fallen completely in love with the first GR and really likes Coco as well. The two GRs get along great, but the boyfriend's apartment is too small for two full sized dogs. They tried various adoptions and rescues services on Long Island, but because Coco (technically) bit a person, no one will take her. They are giving her a few more days, and then they will kill her.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/pet/

And let people know that Coco needs to be an only dog. There will be someone who will take a GR!!!

and I'm not even sure the dog has to be an only dog. She gets along great with the other golden at the boyfriend's place.

The boyfriend, Bobby, explained it something like this: "you know how sometimes you're trying to fall asleep and a mosquito is buzzing around your head all night and at some point you just go crazy? That's what it was like for Coco with all those little dogs yapping around her."

The owner is the definition of irresponsible pet ownership no matter how much she loves dogs.

How the hell did this lady make it through the screening? Who would let someone have a pet without finding out what happened to her previous pets? (I know, maybe she lied.) I hope they find a home for this GR -- they are SUCH wonderful dogs! We had one for 13 years. Some people are just terrible pet parents.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

I hope he gets a good home!

:mad: :grr:

is also intending to kill the dog. Read the post.

I guess they tried North Shore Animal League on Long Island? Little Shelter? Then why not call Best Friends Animal Society in Utah? They have been known to get on a plane to rescue a dog from far away.

http://www.bestfriends.org

(435)644-2001

:kick:

How frustrating. Have they tried GR rescue groups? I googled and found a bunch in NY and NJ, http://www.grca-nrc.org/Localrescues.htm#Eastern

Also, try posting about the dog in applicable state forums. Maybe a sweet, shy GR is just what another DU'er needs!

If the dog bit while being separated in a dog fight, I wouldn't consider that aggression toward people. There are experienced dog rescue people who post here, I will be interested to hear their take on that and what the policies of their rescues are.

you are correct. In New York a bite in that situation is not considered an unprovoked bite. Dogs can fight and you are at your own risk if you intervene.

Even in New Jersey where the dog owner may have some liability most rescue workers would not count that bite as unprovoked. I find it VERY hard to believe that GR rescue would turn their back on a dog in this situation.

You might try to call the NYC ASPCA. They may be willing to work with this dog and find it a home. It is a last resort but the dog will not be euthanized and may get a great new home.

LDL

But I can attest to the fact that several doofy looking mutts with much worse records than the GR have been rehabilitated and
adopted out to friends and clients of mine.

Here is their new mandate..Monday, 24 May 2004

(Mayor)Bloomberg issues proclamation in support of initiative to reduce euthanasia and increase pet adoption.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) today announced a five million dollar funding commitment to the Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals Inc. Beginning in 2005, the ASPCA will fund one million dollars per year for five years to support the Mayor's Alliance, which aims to make New York City "no kill" in five years. A public-private partnership with the City of New York that was launched in 2002, the Mayor's Alliance brings together more than 60 nonprofit animal care groups, including the ASPCA, the Humane Society of New York, Animal Care & Control of New York City and smaller rescue organizations.

and was almost put down before I adopted him. But he was just terrified, not aggressive. And since I have had him, he has always been just the best, most stable dog. I have two kids now, and he has never been aggressive toward them. And they have done all the toddler stuff to him, including eye pokes, ear pulls and messing with his food bowl while he was eating (my bad, I know you should NEVER let a child harass an eating dog).

The point being, he has never come close to biting again. I am so glad the shelter didn't put him down. He has been a great addition to our life.

He is a pure bred GR. A very sought after adoption. Especially a young one.

At the NYC ASPCA they have VERY well trained and experienced behaviorists who can determine if this dog is safe to go to a home.

You may not like the owners of this dog and you may have some idea of what engendered his behavior but you are taking a big risk placing a dog that has bitten for any reason.

What triggered the event could happen again in his next home and the next time a child could be hurt.

You have no idea if this dog will always have problems with small dogs because of his first home or even if he should be monitored while he is re-socialized before he can be adopted out.

Not every golden retriever is perfect. I have a friend who fostered a golden retriever who turned out to be highly aggressive. Poor early socialization can result in bad behavior in even the best of situations.

It is your responsibility if someone gets hurt in the home you place this dog in. That is why pure breed rescues are reluctant to get involved.

If what you believe about this dog is true then he should still be assessed by a professional (hence the ASPCA) before he is allowed to be adopted.


A provoked bite does not make him a bad dog but it is serious and not to be taken lightly.

Sorry to be a big bummer....

LDL

After you register, put in a search for Golden Retriever rescues or even animal rescue groups in your area.

Ask for CherylAnn. If they can't take Coco, PM me. I can post Coco on several rescuers email lists here in the northeast

I am involved in dog rescue (small yappy dogs) and we would not turn down a dog with that kind of bite incident. Coco did not bite the owner deliberately.

Is Coco still alive? I can't stop thinking about her. Any progress?

I will ask the owner and/or Bobby. Last time I saw them, I pleaded with them to give Coco at least a week, which has not passed yet. Also the owner's daughter has been trying very hard over the net to find rescues and/or a home. Will keep you all posted.

But you will have to send an e-mail and subscribe to the group before you can post to the message board.

New York Animal Rescue's primary goal is to bring people interested in rescue, fostering, volunteering and transporting, so more animals can be placed in loving, permanent homes. The list is also designed to allow anyone who wants to find a new home for an animal, including owners, to do so as long as they are not "selling" animals and, also, to help individuals looking for an animal to locate one.


NewYorkAnimalRescue-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

I can't believe that she would not be grabbed right away if they kept her long enough to put her in a GR rescue. When I was searching for my Golden, Ben, it took months of searching GR rescues in 4 different states. Every time I placed a call the GR I was interested in had just been adopted that very day! I actually didn't even call about Ben, I called about Wes - who turned out to be Ben's cousin and Wes was gone, but Ben had just arrived. I drove 10 hours to get him and virtually had to PRY him out of his foster mom's arms - sweet woman who had 6 Goldens already, but who had fallen in love with Ben.

There ARE aggressive Goldens - if this woman did no training with the dog and then reached in during a dog altercation - her being bitten is HER fault.

:kick:

and my prayers are with Coco too. I cannot get her out of my mind.

I spoke with them yesterday. The boyfriend found a family on Long Island to take Coco. They are very knowledgeable about dogs, have a 12 or 13 year old GR, a big mut and two kids. Coco got along with the other dogs instantly!

I have to give it to the boyfriend. The owner once said she "didn't like Coco" anymore after the bit incident and didn't really care as much, but the boyfriend really loves dogs and worked hard to get Coco another chance.

Thanks for your concern!

That's GREAT news! Good for Coco! I'm SO relieved! Thanks for the update!

:bounce: :toast: :grouphug: :woohoo: :applause:

:bounce:

I am SO happy to hear Coco has found a new home - may she have a wonderful life with her new family!

:woohoo: :party: :bounce: :bounce:

:bounce: Good for Coco!!!!

Yay for dog lovin' boyfriend of evil woman!

:) :bounce:

Thanks for letting us in on the great news!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

P.S. Maybe it is time to suggest that the boyfriend starts seeing a therapist -- why would animal loving man put up with a woman like this?

But that bitch of course. :)

I'm so glad that there's a happy ending! :bounce:

I'm so glad!