December Article

Jessie's Story

Bringing the Love Home: The Story of Jesse and the Dixon Family
-- By Kate Dixon

About three months prior to seeking a Golden Retriever, we had to put down our 14 year old Springer Spaniel, Ben. After his very emotional passing, we agreed that we did want another dog. Time passed and we quickly realized that our family was not complete without a four legged friend around. So much to my surprise, I suggested we talk about getting another dog.

Well of course, Dave and the kids were thrilled at the idea and we began to discuss what kind of dog. We all agreed that we wanted to give a good home to a dog that really needed one and started searching the internet. Golden Retrievers have long had a reputation for being a great family dog. We all agreed and the search began. We quickly found the Grrow website and I was very impressed at their procedures and seeing the dogs. The concept that you must wait 24 hours before agreeing to keeping a dog. That seemed so smart.

We immediately began the application process and were quickly contacted by a mentor (Bob) in the area that wanted to come for a home visit. Well Bob showed up with two Goldens, one 11 years old and the other one a bit younger. The kids played with the dogs, we visited with Bob. It was a fantastic experience. We hated to see Bob leave with his "visiting" dogs. He was great to tell us about the breed and the advantages and disadvantages of different ages or stages when getting a dog. It was very helpful. We quickly realized we were interested in a younger dog, but not a tiny pup.

After our interview, we prepared ourselves to be patient and when the time was right we would get a dog that was best for us. We were quickly contacted about becoming a foster home for a Golden, realizing that we could adopt the foster dog if they were a good match. Colleen Fleming called us and made us aware of Jesse's situation, and wanted to know if we would be interested in meeting him. From the first moment, Dave and Harrison met him, we knew this was the newest member of our family. Jesse rode the hour drive home with Dave and Harrison with his head rested on Harrison's lap the entire ride. Jesse was such a gentle spirit and responded so well to everyone in the family.

He was a little shy at first and had to learn where to go potty, etc. but he came around in no time. He doesn't realize that at 60 pounds he is not a lap dog, but that is okay. He craves love and affection and even snuggles at the foot of our bed, once he thinks we are asleep. He made the 8 hour trip to Michigan over Thanksgiving and was so thrilled when we all returned back to Wisconsin. He loves to ride in the van and has no intention of being left out of a trip.

As I am writing this he is curled up on the couch next me, sleeping soundly. He is not thrilled about the doggie antlers that Jacqueline likes him to wear, but he will enjoy the new dog toys that Santa has already wrapped for him.

It has truly been a fantastic experience. Yes, I would highly recommend [adopting a dog through Grrow].

I am looking for an adult Golden Retriever, and one of my friends told me to contact a "rescue" group. I am worried that they would give me a dog that has behavioral problems or medical issues. Have you had any experience with these "rescue" groups?

Signed, Patty in Plover

I would like to introduce you to Jesse - a wonderful Golden Retriever puppy that belonged to a family that simply did not have the means to care for him. At a very young age, he developed a severe infection in his "ankle", causing swelling through-out his leg. He was taken to a veterinarian in Mosinee, but the owners were unable to afford the medical care that he required. They truly loved and cared for this five month old puppy, ultimately making the difficult decision to surrender him to the care of the clinic. One of the veterinarians, Dr. Shari Hanneman, took him home to provide the treatments he needed. She also had him evaluated by the orthopedic specialist at Fox Valley Animal Referral Center in Appleton to be certain that he would have the best chance for normal usage of his leg. It was determined that a prolonged course of potent antibiotics were indicated, and the plan worked beautifully.

As Jesse improved, Dr. Hanneman became attached to Jesse, but she felt it would be too difficult to care for an energetic puppy and a toddler while working part-time. Dr. Hanneman knew that Jesse could find the perfect "forever home" with the help of The Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin (GRRoW). After contacting GRRoW, Dr. Hanneman felt relieved that he would be in good hands. He had a behavioral assessment, which he passed with flying colors, and was placed into a foster home when he was eleven months old. The GRRoW volunteers were able to find an ideal match for Jesse's personality and energy level based on an application submitted by the Dixon family. Kate Dixon recalls, "We were quickly contacted about becoming a foster home for a Golden, realizing that we could adopt the foster dog if [we] were a good match. From the first moment [we] met him, we knew this was the newest member of our family. Jesse was such a gentle spirit and responded so well to everyone in the family." After having Jesse for several months now, they summarize him in one word, "fantastic"!

The Dixons represent the usual "happy ending", and Jesse is a typical dog that just needed a family to love and care for him. GRRoW is one of many dog rescue organizations. The beauty of adopting a pet through a rescue program is that the dog spends some time in foster care prior to placement into a permanent home, allowing the pet to be evaluated and cared for by a family that is familiar with the breed, and that will provide basic training, as needed. The foster family will determine the energy level of the dog, as well as compatibility with other dogs, cats and children. Occasionally, there may be some behavioral or medical concerns, which are fully addressed and disclosed to anyone that is interested in adopting a particular dog, but most of the time the dog is well behaved, just looking for someone to love and care for him. It is a great way to find a puppy or an adult dog for many of the breeds. You may find more information on becoming a foster volunteer or an adoptive family through one of the various dog rescue programs by contacting your local veterinarian, reputable breeders, or searching on-line through the AKC website (www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm).