FOSTER
Golden Treasures Rescue is in dire need of more foster homes. Like so many other rescues and shelters, we are overwhelmed with the increasing numbers of owner relinquished dogs, in addition to the mill dogs we are being asked to take.
Our foster families are no different than all of you, they have multiple life responsibilities, medical challenges and, if the opportunity arises, travel to visit family or just get away from the whirlwind of life in general. Often, we need short term fostering to cover these needs and urgent intakes when there is absolutely no more room.
When there isn’t space for a dog in need, we are forced to say “no”, probably the most heartbreaking response for a rescue volunteer.
You will be taken to our adoption application, we do not have a separate application for fostering.
Fostering a dog in need is a rewarding experience like no other! It is a great feeling to know that you have helped a dog move on to a better life. For every dog we can help re-home, we can open up a space to save yet another.
As a foster home, you are offered all the support you need to care for your foster dog. All we need is for you to provide affection, attention and some space in your home. All dogs are fully vetted before arriving at your home. We will work with you to find a foster dog that matches your home and lifestyle. Most of our rescued goldens are homeless because of people problems: divorce, new baby, moving, no time, too much energy, no training, or the kids lost interest. Rarely is it the fault of the dog.
We often hear people say that they cannot foster because they cannot let the dog go, and often ask us how a foster family can do it. One of the most rewarding and heartbreaking experiences you will have will be to send your first foster dog on to its new home. But, it is worth every pang of sadness you feel and tear you will shed as you know that, with your help, the dog will have a good, clean, safe and loving home and a family of its own. If every foster family kept their foster dog, it would close the door for the next golden that is in a shelter or unfit environment. And that is a shame.
If you have adopted from us, you have the love of your golden thanks to someone who was able to let your dog “go” and provide you with the opportunity to share your life with your new companion.
Do you have the room, time and love to spare for a foster dog to join your family? Please consider becoming a foster family and share the joy of welcoming a new member into the family.
VOLUNTEER
Because we are totally volunteer driven, the success of Golden Treasures depends solely on the help we receive from dedicated volunteers who are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help a few good dogs. Volunteers are the backbone of all rescues and Golden Treasures is no exception. The donation of your professional skills is also welcome!
Following are descriptions of some of the important volunteer jobs available to Golden Treasures members. We welcome your support of our program through your participation as a volunteer.
- Foster Home – Welcoming a rescued golden into your home to help us evaluate him/her so that we can find the perfect new home. There is no cost involved in fostering. All medical expenses are covered by the rescue and we’ll even reimburse for food. The stay for a dog in foster varies, but usually it’s between 3-4 weeks, maybe shorter. Younger dogs are placed sooner than senior dogs most of the time.
- Vet Checks and Application Interviews – An all-important part of our adoption process includes doing a detailed check on the vet history of animals owned by prospective new homes and a comprehensive telephone interview, if the vet check is satisfactory. Instructions are provided. Depending on the volume of applications being submitted, plan to spend about 2-3 hours a week. Home visits – Part of our adoption process requires a home visit to prospective new homes. You’ll be asked to contact the applicant (after the application has been approved) and make plans to visit the home.
- Transport – Help us transport rescued goldens by picking them up at pounds or shelters (sometimes from their owners) and driving them to one of our network veterinarians or another designated place. You’ll need a vehicle large enough to accommodate a crate or have some sort of barrier or way to contain the dog in your vehicle. Depending on how far you are willing to travel, you’ll be busy for 1-4 hours each trip. You’ll need to be able to handle an unfamiliar dog.
- Auction Committee – Our annual dinner/auction is the main fundraiser for Golden Treasures. During the year, you’ll be asked to help solicit items and then, as the date for the auction nears, there will be several meetings of about 3 hours each. The day of the auction is very busy and will require much of the day.
- Event Coordinator – We’ll provide you with the list of our members. We’ll notify all email members of our current public events. The volunteers who are willing to participate will contact you and you’ll arrange the schedule. You’ll make arrangements to have the table set-up ready at the beginning of the event, have enough volunteers during the day of the event, and then make arrangements to have the table set-up taken down.
Representing Golden Treasures at public events – Help us showcase our adoptable dogs. Staffing Golden Treasures booths at pet fairs or pet supply stores (Petsmart). There you’ll meet the public, answer questions about goldens and about our rescue and explain our adoption procedure. We’ll provide the information that’s included at our booth, i.e., pictures and stories of the dogs available, tablecloth, hand-outs, etc. Plan to spend between 2-3 hours at each event. Check out our upcoming Events to see if there is one coming up near you. - Grant Writing – Researching and writing grant proposals. Time needed is flexible, depending on the foundation deadlines.
- Bulk Mailing – A few times a year (2 or 3), Golden Treasures does a bulk mailing. You would be required to get the mailing material (letter, insert card, return envelope, stamps) duplicated, stuff and stamp the envelopes, sort by ZIP code (440, 441 and one group for the rest of the ZIP codes), count the pieces in each of the three groups, and deliver them to our bulk mailing coordinator. This will usually take about 6-8 hours over a period of several days.
If you would like to volunteer download PDF Application and email it to us.
KNOW A GOLDEN IN NEED OF HELP?
- Shelters or pounds: call us at 330-697-7956 or 330-697-4426. Or email us at dogs@goldentreasuresrescue.org
- Internet listing: forward it to us at dogs@goldentreasuresrescue.org
- See “free to good home” listing anywhere: Call or email us with details, including contact information
- If you know someone who wants to surrender a golden, instruct them to fill out our online surrender form or call us at 330-697-7956 or 330-697-4426. We will contact the surrendering family quickly to insure that the dog is in a safe place and will make arrangements for intake.