Surrendering a beloved family pet is a heartbreaking situation for anyone to find themselves in. All rights reserved (About Us). John Sellers is one of three founders of a nonprofit group called Adopt a Golden Birmingham, which will rescue and find homes for golden retrievers. There is a huge need to keep and take care of these dogs.". Genkinger said people give up their dogs for various reasons, but the downturn in the economy has prompted many to turn in their dogs in recent years. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Sellers, who also serves as president of the Aldridge Gardens board of directors, said 100 percent of the donations received will go into the program. Box 361753, Birmingham, AL 35236. She said it's not uncommon for people to get rid of dogs with heartworms because it can cost $500 to cure the dogs. J&L takes in many dogs who need a temporary place to stay while waiting for their forever homes, or while recovering from heartworm treatment. Sellers is shown here with his dog, Abigail, near their home in Hoover. Here are the faces of some J&L dogs who have stayed with our cherished fosters. "We can't take all of them.". If you can help transport dogs, do a home visit, take photographs of our dogs waiting for homes, and so forth, please consider volunteering with J&L! He and his siblings wanted a dog. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. "I love all dogs, but golden retrievers are near and dear to my heart," Donald said. Sellers is president, while Donald will serve as secretary and Meredith as the treasurer. Adopt a Golden Birmingham, which will officially kick off by Jan. 1, is in the process of accepting donations and seeking volunteers who would like to foster golden retrievers. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. "Their characteristic is to love you, take care of you and please you," Donald said. She said it is not uncommon for people from Birmingham to drive to Atlanta to adopt golden retrievers. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). "We have about 80 to 100 dogs coming from Alabama," she said. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can send a check to Adopt a Golden Birmingham, P.O. Donations are the only way we can keep our rescue in the black. Birmingham's new group is modeled after the successful Adopt a Golden Atlanta, which was started in 2003. You will be helping a dog along the journey to a forever home, and you will also be saving another dogs life by freeing up space at a kennel for another homeless dog. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. For volunteer opportunities, contact Sellers at 871-4356. Please consider supporting J&L and our sister rescue, SGRR, in the northeast, by making a donation. The club describes the dogs, which can range from 55 to 75 pounds, as devoted companions and hunting dogs. The golden retriever, with its intelligence and eager-to-please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the country, according to the American Kennel Club. Join the conversation by clicking to comment or email Walton at. John Sellers fell in love when he was 10. The organization is patterned after Adopt a Golden Atlanta, where Birmingham area golden retrievers often go. Fostering is a heartwarming experience - you don, t have to adopt to know the joys of rescuing a homeless dog. (The Birmingham News/Jeff Roberts). She said it's also important that owners get their dogs shots to combat heartworms, which are transmitted through mosquitoes. s a great way to experience having a dog without a long-term commitment. He, fellow Hoover resident Lorraine Donald, and Jason Meredith of Birmingham have started Adopt A Golden Birmingham, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving, permanent homes for golden retrievers to prevent them from becoming strays and adding to the crowded shelter population. His father adopted a golden retriever mixed puppy for the family from the Birmingham Humane Society, and they named him Blackout. Should you wish to be considered as a foster parent for a homeless dog, and to learn more about fostering for J&L, please contact, Can you provide a safe and comfortable place for a homeless dog to stay for a few days, or a few weeks? Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Puppy-Proofing Tips For Your Home And Yard, http://www.apps.akc.org/akc_clubs/?NorAlabamaRetrvr, http://www.apps.akc.org/akc_clubs/?NorthAlabamaRetrieverClub. At J&L Golden Retriever Rescue, we recognize that life changes and unexpected circumstances can happen to anyone, often leaving no alternative but to re-home the family pet. All rights reserved. Of that amount, 20 percent come from Alabama, with a majority of the dogs coming from the Birmingham area. Genkinger applauds the start of a rescue for Birmingham, the state's largest city. Donald said a key component for Adopt a Golden Birmingham is to educate the public and dog owners about golden retrievers. "They will give you more than you can ever give them. Sellers, a Hoover resident who adopted a golden retriever with his wife, Deborah, about 11 years ago through the Shelby County Humane Society, is about to realize his dream for the breed. "Since then, I've had an affinity for the golden breed.". Lauren Genkinger, founder of the Atlanta nonprofit, said Adopt a Golden Atlanta saves about 400 dogs a year. And it. Additionally, we need volunteers! "We kept him for 12 or 15 years," Sellers said. Watching a sad and frightened dog transform into a happy, healthy dog, is a great experience. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2021. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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