serves South Carolina from the midlands area. For more information contact: Mary Williams PO Box 3545 Columbia, SC 29230-3545 Thank you for your interest in becoming a Foster Home. We are dependent on Foster Homes. They are the most important part in our ability to rescue Golden Retrievers, as we do not have a kennel facility. The number of Golden Retrievers we rescue depends on the number of foster homes we have. Therefore, you will make a difference in the life of a needy Golden Retriever. Our Goldens have been either abandoned, abused, neglected, found roaming, found at the shelters, or have been voluntarily turned in. In many cases they have suffered several of the above fates. When turned in, all dogs are returned to health. If possible, prior to placement in foster homes they are spayed or neutered, given all inoculations, checked for heartworms, placed on heartworm preventatives, checked for parasitic worms and if necessary, cleared of the worms. Our goal is to do what we can to guarantee happy endings for these wonderful dogs that have had a rough beginning. We are always in need of loving Foster Homes to house our rescues until a permanent home is found. Often our ability to rescue a Golden depends on whether we have a place to keep them. When committing to fostering a Golden Retriever, every effort must be made by you to commit to the dog until that perfect home is found whether it takes one week or six months. As a foster, you play the most important role of all by assisting the dog to adjust to a new loving home. You will be the one who plays an integral part of their rehabilitation and teaching them to trust and love again. You will play the most important of their retraining in such things as basic house manners and rules. I look for folks who have lots of love and kindness to give as well as being firm, consistent and patient in this retraining. In your home the dog must be primarily a housedog and treated as a member of your family and not relegated to the yard. You also must have a traditionally fenced in yard for the dog to exercise and play in. They must never be left unattended or off leash in an unfenced in area. At first they may not even be trusted to be left unattended in a fenced in yard as some may jump a fence in the event that they may feel anxious and could jump a fence or dig out of a yard. Midlands Golden Rescue will cover any medical expenses as long as they are pre-approved. Also when we get donations of food and various other items, these will be shared among the foster homes. Our funds to help these dogs are primarily derived from donations. Unfortunately, at this time, we are not incorporated due to the high cost of incorporation. Therefore, we are not tax deductible. This does hurt us a bit. Incorporation is also a goal for the near future. However, at this point, the few extra dollars we scrape together are better spent directly on the dogs. Therefore donations are always appreciated. Again, we sincerely appreciate your interest in our program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.