Sawyer Golden Retriever Grand Rapids, MI

***Please read entire bio! If you are interested in adopting Sawyer, please directly email glgrr2003@gmail.com to learn more.***

Meet Sawyer, a 6-month-old English Cream Golden Retriever. Sawyer is well-mannered and has a very sweet and gentle temperament. Look at that adorable face!

Sawyer loves to be around people and play with other dogs. He’s eager to please and food motivated. He is never too far away from me and is often laying near my feet while I work during the day. Sawyer knows basic commands, is working on his leash skills, and will benefit from continued training. Sawyer goes in his crate at night and when home alone. He loves going for walks, playing with my dogs and dog toys, and being pet.

Unfortunately, Sawyer was born with a heart defect known as subaortic stenosis which has progressed from mild to severe and may continue getting worse until he is 1-2 years old. This serious heart condition causes abnormal heart rhythms and means he is at risk for endocarditis (heart valve infections) and sudden death. He also has moderate mitral valve regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation (heart valve leaks). Sawyer is on supplements and a beta blocker twice a day. He will need continued visits to the veterinary cardiologist throughout his life and will likely have a shortened lifespan, we just don’t know. The beta blockers are around $10 per month. Details on the supplements can be provided. We can also share Sawyer’s report from the cardiologist which has more details with anyone who is seriously interested.

Because of his health condition, Sawyer shouldn’t be chasing after a frisbee or ball for extended periods of time, but he can currently still play and go for leash walks. He can go to a home with a physically fenced yard or to someone who has a detailed walking plan. Those with a tie-out will be considered. Sawyer needs to be watched outside as he likes to dig and eat anything in sight! He is a pup after all. Invisible fence is not an option.

Overall, his ideal new home will be quiet and calm. It could have an older, calm dog. Sawyer hasn’t been around cats, but I don’t foresee any issue with proper introduction. No young children please.

Sawyer is an awesome dog with so much love to give and we hope someone is willing to open their home to him and give him the same love in return.

Sawyer is being fostered in the Alto, MI area. Any adopter must live in the Great Lakes region, which includes Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. Sawyer has a $350 adoption fee. He is up-to-date on all vaccinations, fecal test, has been microchipped and looked over by a vet. Due to his heart condition, he has not been neutered yet. Any adopter will sign a contract stating he will not be bred and will get neutered when it is recommended by the cardiologist.

***If you are interested in adopting Sawyer, please email glgrr2003@gmail.com to learn more about his adoption process. Petfinder inquiries will NOT be checked***