Izzy Golden Retriever Grand Rapids, MI

***If you are interested in adopting Izzy, please directly email glgrr2003@gmail.com to learn more about his adoption process. Inquiries sent through Petfinder will not be checked.***

If Izzy could tell you her story, it would break your heart for sure. While we don't know her definite age, she is estimated to be around 5-years-old. She is a petite (approximately 55 lbs.) bundle of love and affection. Before coming into rescue, she had never been in a home so she has a lot to learn. Izzy loves her humans immensely and would love to have a family to show her the “ropes” to being a dog and become the best doggy companion and friend. Small children make Izzy nervous, so children in the home have to be at least 10 years of age.

Because Izzy was never given the chance to learn how to be a real dog, a lot of things in the outside world are curious, startling and scarry to her. With the proper positive training, love and consistency, much of this will subside. It is highly recommended that her new family work with a trainer to help Izzy blossom. Izzy is looking for a family that is home most of the time, because being alone makes her nervous. We are working on this and have seen improvement. She has slept in her crate at night and done very well. We have started letting her sleep outside the crate at night and she is doing well with this too. During the day, she can be crated for short periods, up to 4 hours or so. We are working on her crate being a positive space for her and it is getting better.

Izzy can be an Alpha dog and will let our male Golden know she is boss. That too has become less and less but occasionally she will react. She can go to a home with a calm, male doggy brother or submissive and nonreactive female. She will not do well with another alpha or high energy dog. The other dog in the home must be respectful of her personal space and not looking for a playmate. While another dog in the home would be nice to help Izzy adjust and learn the ropes, homes where Izzy is the only dog will be considered.

Potty training has been going very well. Izzy will go to the door when she needs to go. She is learning to walk on a leash and does well and loves her walks! Reinforcement will make her a great walking companion. We are also working on basic commands such as eye contact, sit, and stay. Basic training will need to be continued. Izzy loves her car rides and has learned to “jump” in on her own. She has been on a couple of camping adventures and was introduced to the water and loved it! She even started retrieving her ball and stick! Izzy would perk up anytime people walked by.

Izzy would do very well with a physical fence, tie out or trolley system. Invisible fencing systems will not be an option for Izzy.

Izzy is such a sweetheart in spite of all her “baggage.” We know that she wants to be the best doggy companion but has never been given the “tools” or “know how” to do it. She is smart and responds very well to training. Izzy would love to meet you if you can give her the love, time, patience and energy to help her achieve her goal. She is incredibly sweet and just wants people to love and treasure. She will sit in your lap and take a nap. Izzy is truly a “diamond in the rough.” You won’t be disappointed!

Izzy is being fostered in Lake Orion, MI. Any adopter must reside in Michigan, Northern Indiana or Northern Illinois. Izzy has a $350 adoption fee. She is spayed, up-to-date on all vaccinations, had a heartworm test, fecal test, has been microchipped and looked over by a vet.

***If you are interested in adopting Izzy, please directly email glgrr2003@gmail.com to learn more about his adoption process. Inquiries sent through Petfinder will not be checked.***