I can't foster a golden retriever....

By Helen T. Redlus
Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace®

"I can't foster a golden retriever. My golden won't tolerate any other dogs in his house."

Those were my exact words for the past 4 or 5 years! I was so sure that Mozart would never be able to coexist with any new dog brought into our house. He just didn't like other dogs.

However, things changed in November 1997. I got a call from a local shelter about a 7 year old golden who was going to be euthanized. He had tumors and was considered "unadoptable." Mozart was 8-1/2 at the time and all I could do was think of him being euthanized. I told the shelter I'd be down to look at this golden and if his temperament was good, I'd take him.

Am I nuts? I thought as I gathered my stuff to head to the shelter. What am I going to do with him once I free him from "jail?"

My fears subsided when I looked at this boy. He was wonderful! Oh, he was too tall and too big and he didn't fit the golden standard, but he was a happy guy despite the fact he had been at the shelter for an incredible 30 days! He was hoarse from barking and he was stressed, but his tail was wagging a mile a minute. "I'll take him!" I said, and off we went.

That was Hoss (picture at left), my first foster. He had a tumor the size of a grapefruit across his groin. He had his surgery and stayed with me through his recovery. At first he stayed in our atrium -- an enclosed room in the middle of our house. He was happy to be loved and didn't ask for much.

Mozart started off furious about him. He would run by the window barking and growling at him. I was sure I was crazy for having taken him, but I knew I'd find him a loving home.

Then one day Mozart stopped growling at him, in fact, he just ignored him. At that point I decided to put up a baby gate and let them get used to each other. Within a few days Hoss was living inside with the rest of us and Mozart accepted him into the fold!

Hoss never left...he was "the foster golden who came to stay!" Sadly Hoss died very suddenly on March 25, 2001. An autopsy revealed his death was due to hemangiosarcoma.

Others have come and gone since then and I'm sure they will continue to do so. Each of them have listened to Mozart growl at them through the glass and eventually each of them made their way into the house.

My excuse is gone...I can foster a golden retriever...and so can you! Don't keep wishing you could do it, just try it. It's an experience that will lift your spirits more than you can imagine. It's better than therapy - and cheaper, too!

Here are some of the wonderful goldens that have shared our lives ever so briefly:

Sky and Montana Sky and Monty were best buddies turned into the shelter by their owner who could no longer keep them. They spent a brief time with me and were fostered by Lianne and David. They are now living with a wonderful family in North Carolina.

Gracie Gracie was a 5 year old owner turn in to the shelter. Boy was she special! It took her less than an hour to win Mozart over. Gracie stayed with us and we found her a wonderful family who will love and treasure her forever.