Thank you for inquiring about our Dogs available for adoption. Almost Heaven is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization, active on the East Coast of the U.S. Our goal is to find "forever homes" for orphaned Dogs of all breeds, genders, and ages. We specialize in rehoming Senior and Special Needs Dogs. We also provide hospice and sanctuary for those who enter our program and do not find their forever home. Though it is our goal to help as many dogs as absolutely possible, we remain true to our roots, and no purebred Golden Retriever is ever turned away from our program.

DOG AVAILABILITY

Our orphans come from a variety of sources, including shelters and owner give-ups. We may have adults, and senior Dogs available for adoption. (There are advantages to a Senior dog. With a Senior, you get an older, more settled dog, one that is frequently housebroken, past the chewing age, and usually has had some training.) We rarely ever have puppies for adoption. Please do not apply if you are looking for a dog younger than 6 months of age - unless you see one listed on our adoption sites. It is not our usual policy to rehome puppies as we just are not set up to do so.

POLICIES AND FEES

All dogs adopted from Almost Heaven are spayed or neutered. All dogs are current on vaccinations, have had fecal and heartworm test and are on heartworm preventative. We request a minimum adoption fee at the time of adoption to help offset our expenses, which currently average in excess of $400 for each dog we rescue. The minimum adoption fees range between $275 - $650, depending on the age and breed (or mix of breeds) the dog may be and are not negotiable unless individually noted on the animal's write-up (AHGRRS may request more for young purebred Goldens and for those dogs graduating from our obedience program). As we frequently do not actually know a dog's ancestry or age, we make our best estimate of both, usually with the help of our veterinarian. The adoption fees we charge help to cover the following expenses that dogs adopted from us may incur for veterinary care, grooming, and supplies:

Each dog is crate trained - so, the dogs are used to crating (which makes training and housebreaking a breeze), and we are willing to take the dog back (no adoption fee refunded), at any time an adopter is unable to continue caring for it - and we are available for questions, health and training tips, etc for the life of the dog.

We are not funded by the government, we are funded by donations, grants, and adoption fees. We think our fees are very reasonable - in fact, they are probably the best deal in town!

APPLICATION/ADOPTION PROCESS

Please complete our adoption application so we can get to know you, your family and your lifestyle. The application must be completed in full to be evaluated properly. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We may require a home visit, and we do check references. (We will accept letters of approval from other reputable Rescue Groups.) The information you give us on your application will be helpful in determining the compatibility of the dog you have requested (or desire) with your life-style. Some dogs require specific circumstances and the needs of each individual dog are evaluated. A fence may be required for more active dogs or dogs who have had little or no obedience training or a tendency to roam. These dogs may need a safe, enclosed area for proper exercise and safe release of energy. Please understand that we have an ever changing population of dogs that are looking for homes. Dogs are placed with the home that best meets the dog's needs, NOT on a "first come, first served" basis. Your application may be mailed or for faster response - emailed to ahgrr@frontiernet.net.

POLICIES REGARDING CHILDREN, FAMILY MEMBERS, PETS

Due to some very unfortunate circumstances in the past - we will no longer routinely adopt to families with children under age 8 years - or those families with regular visitors to their home under 6 years of age. We may make a special exception to this policy for an experienced, responsible adopter or adopting family. ALL members of the adopting family household must participate in the adoption/interview process (that means everyone must come out to meet the dog and be interviewed). ALL members means spouse, children, and/or other household residents.

Please be prepared to adopt when you come out to visit. When you are approved, we expect that you are coming out in anticipation of adopting a dog. We understand you want to meet the dogs and that you may not find THE dog you are looking for here, but please don't come out if you really don't want to adopt until sometime in the future, or are "shopping" for just the right dog, etc. We just cannot hold the dog for you and it takes time away from other adopters who may be ready to adopt that day. And, depending on our time available - you may not be invited back a second time.

Should you be selected to adopt a dog from Almost Heaven, you must understand that you are making a COMMITMENT to that dog, and that you are prepared to give that animal at LEAST 2 weeks of your time, energy, and love in order to transition/settle into your home and lifestyle. If you cannot guarantee at least 2 weeks "transition and training time", you are NOT ready to adopt. Dogs are not sent home on a "TRIAL" basis.

We know you love your current dog, but we would really prefer that you leave your dog at home when visiting the Sanctuary. We will not place a dog with a home with other pets if we are not sure it gets along with other pets.

S H C________

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.
ADOPTION APPLICATION

A successful adoption depends on selecting the right dog for your household and a good understanding of the dog's needs and care requirements. Please help us with this process by answering the following questions fully & completely. THANK YOU!

Please use reverse to provide info that you feel is pertinent, or to explain answers more fully.

I am applying for (check all that apply):

___Purebred ___Golden Mix ___Other Breed ___No Preference

Name of Dog Applied For (If Specific Animal is Requested): ____________________

Applicant Name:_________________________ Age:____ Occupation:_____________________ wk ph______________________

Co-Applicant Name:______________________ Age:____ Occupation:_____________________ wk ph______________________

Relationship to Applicant: Spouse ~ Parent ~Guardian ~ Child ~ Roommate ~ Other:_____________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                          (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

Home Phone:___________________________ E-mail:______________________________________

How many adults live in your household, other than the applicant and co-applicant: Please list them and their ages:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

How many children live in your household:_______ And their ages:________________________________

Do you have children visit your home regularly:_______ And their relationship to you/ages:________________________________

================================================================================================

1. Reasons for Adoption (circle all that apply):

Family Companion ~ Gift ~ Personal Protection ~ For Child ~ Playmate for Current Dog ~ Replace Previous Dog ~

Other:_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. Preferences (circle): [Please note that the more stringent your preferences are, the longer you may have to wait to find the right dog. ]

Gender: Male ~ Female ~ No preference

Age:      ~Puppy - 1 yr        ~2 - 4 yrs        ~5 - 7 yrs       ~ 8 - 10 yrs.        ~ over 10        ~ No preference

Energy Level:         High         ~ Medium         ~ Couch Potato         ~ No preference

Other Preferences:______________________________________________

3. Type of Residence (circle):

House         ~ Townhouse         ~ Duplex         ~ Apartment         ~ Condo         ~ Mobile Home         ~ With Parents

Do you own: __________ Or rent: _____________

ATTENTION RENTERS: A COPY OF YOUR LEASE OR A NOTARIZED STATEMENT FROM YOUR LANDLORD CONFIRMING THAT A LARGE DOG IS PERMITTED MUST BE ATTACHED OR THE APPLICATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED

Please provide the name and phone number of your landlord:

Landlord name:___________________________ Phone:___________________

4. Do you have a fenced yard: Yes____ No_____

If yes, what type of fence________________ Height of Fence__________ Approx. dimensions___________________

If no, how will you exercise the dog and arrange for toilet duties. Who will supervise:

5. Will the dog ever be tied or left outside: Yes_______ No_______

Under what circumstances:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do you currently have any of the following (circle all that apply):

Dog Door         ~ Outdoor Kennel Run         ~ Tieout Stake         ~ Overhead Cable Runner         ~ Dog House

7. Where will dog stay while at work or out of the house?

~ basement         ~ laundry         ~ garage         ~ dog run         ~ free in home         ~ kitchen         ~ yard

~ other:______________________________

8. Where will this pet sleep at night:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Number of hours dog will be alone each day:________ Is someone available to come home mid-day? __________

Is anyone home during the day: Yes____ No_____

Please list who and the amount of time:_____________________________________

10. In detail, who will be responsible for caring for this animal:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Does anyone in your household have allergies to dogs or asthma: Yes____ No_____

How is this controlled:__________________________________________________

12. Where will the dog stay when you travel or take vacation: ____________________________________________________

Do you travel regularly: Yes____ No_____ If yes, how often:___________________________________________________

13. If you have to move, what will you do with this dog:__________________________________________________________

14. Are you prepared to provide for the dog for the next 10 or more years: Yes______ No________

15. Typical care for a healthy dog can range from $800 to $1500 per year. Will you be able to budget at least this amount? _______
(This includes vet care, shots, heartworm preventative, quality dog food, toys, misc equipment, boarding/kennel fees, grooming, supplies, etc and can frequently be much higher for a Senior dog.)

16. What brand of dog food do you currently use or plan on using for this dog:_____________________________________________

17. Have you ever crated a dog: Yes____ No_____ Are you willing to do so now: Yes____ No_____

If you prefer not to crate, why:____________________________________________________________________

18. Please list all pets that have resided in your home in the last 10 years:

19. Is there any additional information you would like us to know about these pets:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

20. Has a dog ever been stolen, lost or died prematurely: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

21. Has it ever been necessary to sell or give a pet away: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

22. Have you ever surrendered a dog to a shelter: Yes____ No_____ Please explain:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Please provide the name & phone number for two references (other than relatives):

1._______________________________________________________________ Phone____________________

2._______________________________________________________________ Phone____________________

24. Who is your intended veterinarian:____________________________________ Phone____________________

25. What is the name and phone number of the veterinarian you have used for your pets in the past? If you are no longer using this vet,
please tell us why?
________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

26. How did you hear about Almost Heaven: (Please circle all that apply)

Almost Heaven website    ~ Almost Heaven event    ~ Veterinarian    ~ Shelter    ~ Dog Event    ~ Ad    ~ TV    ~ Other: _________________

27. Have you ever applied to a shelter or rescue organization for adoption of a dog: Yes_____ No_______

If yes, please supply the name and location of the shelter or rescue, the date applied, and the result of your application:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

28. What are the best times and days of the week to contact you:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

29. Is there any additional information that you would like us to know:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

I acknowledge that all information provided on this form is true and correct. I understand that any misrepresentations of fact may result in my not being approved and/or removal by Almost Heaven of the adopted dog from my possession.

I also certify that I have never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.

APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE___________________________________________ Date_____________

CO-APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE________________________________________ Date_____________

PLEASE MAIL THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Carol Free/Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.
P.O. Box 648
Capon Bridge, WV 26711

If emailing the application, send it to:

ahgrr@frontiernet.net

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to us at ahgrr@frontiernet.net.

**Almost Heaven reserves the right to reject any application based on information obtained on the application or home visit. Please understand that our primary goal is the health, happiness, and safety of our Rescued dogs. Thank you.