My name is Spencer!

Adopted 10/27/12!!!

10/7/12 Update from Spencer's Foster Mom - Spencer’s doing GREAT! His fur has grown back and now he’s a pretty boy, as well as such a good boy! He’s got energy, enthusiasm, enjoys a good mile walk, or any walk, will go this way or that way with only one finger on the leash and when in the yard and the spirit moves him, he gallops like a horse! He likes to join us for car rides too, but he’s also perfectly fine alone in the house - no dog-proofing needed. We think he enjoys some music or TV while we’re away (I know I do), so we leave something on for his enjoyment! He’s always a happy camper, laid-back, friendly to all, loving, appreciative, easy to please, and wants to please. He’s very easy going and gentle and willing to do whatever, whenever. He just came back from a walk, ate some breakfast, and now it’s nap time. He does enjoy his naps…sweet dreams, sweet boy! He’d be an awesome addition to any family who wants a mature, very well-mannered friend.

9/16/12 Update - Spencer's Foster Mom says, "everyone who meets Spencer just loves him!!! He’s just the most polite, loving, and friendly boy around. He is so easy to walk on a leash. There are no worries about counter-surfing or leaving him alone in the house - everything is always just as we left it. He’s semi-independent and is OK on his own while we’re away, yet always enjoys our company when we are together. He doesn't chew on anything or dig up the yard. He knows his toys and leaves everything else alone. He really enjoys a tennis ball and likes to play. He wants to run, but is still recuperating from his unfortunate prior situation so that’s still guarded a bit. Truthfully, with this beautiful boy, it’s all pros…there are no cons!"

9/5/12 Update - Spencer is living with a wonderful foster family in the south while he recovers from his Stem Cell Replacement Therapy. They recently told us that, " Spencer is doing great and eats fine. We walk about a quarter mile 2 times a day in addition to around the backyard a few times. The only medication he is on now is for his arthritis, twice a day. He did try to run after squirrels, but was leashed; he usually just walks but wants to run every now & then. He is NO trouble at all…what a good boy!"

8/29/12 Update - Poor Spencer has had a rough go of it. He had extensive bruising from the Stem Cell Replacement Therapy injections and has had to be on some medication for the discomfort. His platelet count decreased to half of its normal range. Thinking he may have gotten an infection, the Vet put him on an antibiotic. That seems to be working as his platelet count is increasing. We are hopeful that Spencer will be leaving the doggy hospital soon and will be going to his new foster home shortly! This boy is so ready to begin a new life where he will be the center of his human’s world! Donations to help with Spencer's care can still be made through his Chip In Account at http://sgrr.chipin.com/spencers-stem-cell-treatment. He sends you lots of licks of thanks!

8/21/12 Update - Spencer has been gaining weight and has completed his Heartworm treatment. He will now be undergoing Stem Cell Replacement Therapy to relieve him of pain in his back end, caused primarily from a bullet fragment lodged in his spine. We are very optimistic that this will make a huge difference for Spencer. Following his recovery he will be looking for a loving, forever home.

Bio - Spencer has been very sad. In January Spencer’s mommy and daddy split up. His mommy couldn’t keep him in her new place and his daddy didn’t want him. 5-year-old Spencer had been living with his maternal grandma and grandpa, but needs to find a home of his own. They really did not have room for this handsome redhead so they had been keeping him outside in the Mississippi heat.

His former grammy and pop said “Spencer is a little shy at first but warms up quickly. He is a big goofball and is a sweetheart who loves to be petted.” Spencer got along great with his grandma and grandpa’s Black Lab but preferred to eat his meals away from the other dog. Coming into our rescue about 20 pounds underweight, it is no wonder Spencer was worried about the other dog eating his food! He was so skinny that his ribs, hips, and spine were all protruding from his undernourished frame. He is now eating a prescription dog food to help build up his body. Spencer is taking some simple medication to help with some joint inflammation – this also helps ease any discomfort he may feel from the bullet fragment found near his spine. Oh, how we wish this fellow could talk and tell us who shot at him! We would surely have a thing or two to say to this nincompoop! But Spencer has the “forgive and forget” outlook on life and he continues to love everyone he meets. He has a very laid back personality and greets everyone with a wagging tail. Watch Spencer's video and see how loving this boy is!

Since his former owners neglected to keep Spencer on preventatives, he will be treated for heartworm after he puts on a few pounds. Then, this sweet and loving boy will be ready to begin his new life. Presently, Spencer is spending his days at a wonderful foster home in Pensacola, where his foster mom is fattening him up a bit with peanut butter sandwiches! Cheryl told us, “Spencer is a good eater and he rides well in the car. He has good house manners and when he gets ready to lie in his doggy bed, he will make it up to his own specifications. Spencer is getting along peacefully with his two canine foster siblings. While he may have been neglected, he shows no signs of abuse and is very trusting of his humans.” Spencer has a silly side and took to playing hide-and-seek with his foster mom the other day. She was looking all over for him during a thunder storm and finally found him hiding in the walk-in shower waiting for the storm to pass!

Spencer is learning what it feels like to be loved and appreciated. But he longs to be part of a forever family where he will be cherished without end. He longs to know that both his body and spirit will be nurtured and protected. Help make this handsome fellow’s dreams come true and apply to adopt him today!

PLEASE APPLY by submitting an application via this online link: APPLY ON-LINE TO ADOPT through our rescue.

Direct questions regarding an application's status to: SunshineGoldens@gmail.com

Approved applicants may direct questions regarding a specific dog to: Dog inquiry from approved applicant.

About Our Rescue

Before being approved to adopt, all potential adopters need to complete our online application and participate in our pre-adoption review process. The process includes the completion of an online application, a reference from the applicants' vet, a phone interview, and a visit to the applicants' home. The application process helps us determine what type of Golden would be best suited for the applicants' life style. In some cases, the specific dog you are interested in may have found a home before this process is complete or further assessment may find that this dog is not the right match for your family. We are regularly getting new Goldens in need of a home, so we encourage you to apply and get approved so that when the right dog comes along you will be ready.

A contract is signed the day of adoption. Under the terms of the contract, all adopters are required to bring the rescue to a vet within 7 business days. The dogs receive basic veterinary care prior to adoption. If your vet identifies an illness that an adopter is not willing to treat, then the dog is returned and a full refund is provided.

The information provided on each dog is based on observations of our vets, volunteers, fosters and when available, trainers. While we do our best to report any and all issues, SGRR does not make any guarantees as to the health or temperament of any dog. Dogs evolve differently in different environments and we cannot predict with any certainty how the dog you adopt will act in your home.

Many of our dogs are fostered in private homes and we do not have a facility to visit. We are committed to our dogs before, during, and after adoption! The rescue retains title to the dog and can never be released or sold. Should the adopters no longer be able to keep the dog, SGRR must be notified so that we can take the dog back into rescue and place it into another home. We reserve the right to remove a dog at any time should we find the adopter is no longer caring for their Golden in a way we see fit. Adopters then have to agree to follow up visits as needed.

Be a ray of light for this Sunshine dog - make a tax deductible donation toward medical and other expenses. Every cent of your generosity goes directly toward the care of a Sunshine dog.

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