We were alerted to the issue of homeless Goldens in Taiwan through an email from a young rescuer named Rita. Taiwan is very population-dense and people don’t have a lot of room to live in. Folks are getting into a ‘dog fad’ over there, and the most popular dogs are the smaller breeds, although some are purchasing large-breed dogs. When folks find that living in close quarters with a dog isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be, the dogs either go the ‘asylum’ (Taiwanese terminology for a shelter) where they’re routinely euthanized after 7 days, or get turned out on the streets. Rita and her people are more involved in rounding up street dogs, getting them fixed up and then adopted out. Apparently they’re having good success in getting street dogs to more responsible owners, but the large breed dogs are tough, since homes/apartments are so small, so bigger dogs don’t have the same opportunities.
Rita tried to save the dog pictured center but she had already been euthanized.
Rita and MJ do not have a rescue organization, per se, but are just two dog-loving young ladies who want to make a difference. Rita and MJ are in their early twenties, and apparently have been rescuing dogs for some time. Despite huge odds and with an amazing level of effort, these young ladies are doing incredible things without many resources.
After further research and reference checks, the Board of Directors agrees to assist Rita's effort by finding these long-distance Goldens homes in the U.S. The project kicks off with Ben, Lulu and Rose and a volunteer traveling companion boarding a plane in Taiwan...
The three dogs and the volunteer arrive safely in the U.S. and are met by GRCGLAR's Welcome Waggin'! After the pups are walked and watered, they're transported to their foster homes. Once they've settled in a bit, we begin the process of finding Ben, Lulu and Rose permanent homes.
A few months ago, one of Rita's rescue associates was standing on the side of the road, waiting for her ride to work. A person with two Golden Retrievers ran towards her and handed her the leashes, stating he'd be back for the dogs. But he never returned. The rescuer soon realized it was yet another case of abandonment. Hannah was one of the dogs. The vet has found Hannah to be in good health, and she’s thought to be about 4 years old and has a typical lovely golden personality. With our help, Hannah will find a great new home in California. She's scheduled to arrive in April.
This is Lily, a 2-year-old female found wandering the streets in Taiwan. Her vet exam found that she was suffering from erlichiosis, a tick-borne disease common in the US. she has been treated successfully, and is looking forward to making a new life in southern California. We expect her to arrive in April. Read more about Lily, HERE.
Beauty was found wandering the streets in February 2009. She was emaciated and is slowly regaining her weight. She is quite healthy, but is the unfortunate victim of a ‘de-barking’ procedure, which, while intended to reduce the volume of her barking, has made her breathing raspy-sounding. Beauty is expected to arrive in April, 2009.
Leo was hit by a car and abandoned; he lost a front leg. He's healing from his amputation and has completed treatment for heartworm. Once recovered, he'll be looking for a permanent home in the U.S.
Leo with a new friend. Watch a video of Leo, HERE.
This gorgeous middle-aged male was hit by a car and then abandoned by his owner at the side of the road. This fellow and Leo will arrive in the U.S. sometime in April.
Arthur finds himself in need of a new home. Once a volunteer passenger is found he will join the others on their intercontinental trip.
