Every year, more than 10 million dogs are being subjected to torment and abuse for their meat and fur in Asia.
These animals are stolen from their families, from the streets, or raised only for that purpose and crammed into a place where they would be injured, tortured, and killed.
Dog meat consumption is still quite strong in China and other Asian countries. But it’s a declining tradition, as many young people already see dogs as much more as pets than as food.
A popular dog breed is a standard Goldendoodle for various reasons. In this post, you’ll learn more about these happy dogs, where to rescue one, and how new pet parents can give them loving homes.
Goldendoodle Rescues
With this issue in mind, the non-profit organization Bunny’s Buddies carries out operations to rescue and bring these animals to a safe environment and loving homes. During the rescue process, many breeds of dogs are saved from this fate, including the Goldendoodles.
A couple of years ago, my sister rescued a golden retriever from Bunny Buddies after it was rescued on a truck during the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Her name is Daisy (named by my son after Daisy Duck). She loves golden retrievers so much!
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What’s a Goldendoodle?
The first Goldendoodle puppies were born in 1992, a breed originating in Australia and the United States at the same time. Goldendoodles are crossbred dogs born from the cross between the golden retriever and the standard poodle, so this breed is generally medium in size, but a mini Goldendoodle does exist.
Currently, it is considered a hybrid breed, so it does not have an official cynological standard, that is, it is not an official breed.
This puppy began to become popular for being considered a hypoallergenic breed, a characteristic that the poodle has. In turn, it is also praised for its abilities as a guide dog and therapy dog, something inherited from the golden retriever, famous for traditionally performing such tasks.
What do Goldendoodles Look Like?
A Goldendoodle can have three different sizes: large, medium (generally they grow to this size), or mini. Females measure, on average, about two inches shorter in height than males.
The life expectancy of this breed is around 12 to 15 years. The dogs have a long body, limbs that are also elongated and light which contrast with a proportionally short tail. The head is thin and long, with a prominent, dark muzzle. They have dark large eyes and drooping ears on the sides of their heads. Goldendoodles are very, very cute.
Their fur as puppies is very different from what they have as adults. At birth, a Goldendoodle has a smooth and very abundant coat, but from six weeks of age onwards, this hair starts to curl up little by little and at six months their coat type is completely curly.
The most common coat color in Goldendoodles is golden and caramel, but can also range from white to brown, and black.
What’s a Goldendoodle’s Personality Like?
Goldendoodle puppies are usually incredibly sociable, affectionate, and very sweet. They make a great family dog because they get along very well with other dogs, cats, children, the elderly, and every other member of the family.
However, with a rescue dog, you never know what kind of abuse they faced before you became their owner, so be sure to slowly introduce your new rescue animal to other members of your family.
Also, a Goldendoodle may not be the ideal pet for those who spend a lot of time away from home because these dogs do not like to be lonely. When left alone, they can develop separation anxiety and sadness.
Therefore, they should be around humans with a lot of room to walk and play. You should make sure these active dogs are physical by exercising on a daily basis. Having a fenced yard makes this part easy.
How to Train a Goldendoodle
Training a Goldendoodle isn’t too difficult.
First, it’s important to start with socialization training when it’s still a puppy by introducing it to all kinds of people, animals, environments, etc. Then, potty training. (Fun, right?)
Basic obedience commands are essential for good control and communication with the owner.
It should also be noted that these dogs have a marked sense of smell, so they can easily be taught to track odors. For this, we can develop tracking games or even hide toys with food inside.
They also make great service dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs too because they are very intelligent dogs like a labrador retriever is.
Finally, remember to use positive reinforcement at all times, avoiding punishment and screaming, betting on tasty rewards, snuggles, or kind words.
How to Take Care of Your Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle dog requires a series of daily care, like receiving a nutritional diet.
It is important to be careful as they like to eat more than necessary, which can easily lead to overweight and obesity. Along with food, you must also take care of hydration by always leaving fresh drinking water available.
As for the coat, it needs to be brushed frequently – at least once a day to avoid getting knots. Bathing, clipping, and fur trimming can be done every few weeks at a dog groomer.
Are Goldendoodles Healthy Dogs?
Different breeds of dogs have different quirks. They also have different things they’re more susceptible to when it comes to health.
Goldendoodles can suffer from hematologic diseases, such as von Willebrand’s disease. Willebrand’s disease affects the conformation of blood platelets.
They may also suffer from visual disturbances such as cataracts, blindness, progressive retinal or glaucoma. These diseases tend to appear when the animal is at least eight years old. Ear infections also are not rare.
My sister’s dog suffers from hip dysplasia. A PennHIP exam for a standard Goldendoodle isn’t rare.
Regardless of the kind of dog you get, your pet should be periodically evaluated by a veterinarian to maintain its health. Vaccines and dewormers are essential for the Goldendoodle to lead a healthy life.
How to Rescue a Goldendoodle
Many dogs of various ages, Goldendoodle and others, are waiting for a home at Bunny’s Buddies.
The people there take care of so much before you meet your new family member. The dogs are fed with appropriate food, receive veterinary care, vaccines, and dewormers.
This is how it works:
- Once dogs are rescued by their China-based partners, they enter a two-month quarantine period. This is to ensure they’re healthy enough to travel and enter the USA.
- Once quarantined, all of the rescued dogs are seen by local veterinarians for medical treatment. They also receive their required vaccinations and spay or neuter.
- Once cleared for travel, they work with flight volunteers to actually fly the dogs from Asia to the USA. There, they are then placed into loving new homes.
My sister traveled from Ohio to Southern California to meet and pick up her dog, Daisy. Click here to read more adoption stories.
To begin the adoption process, complete an adoption application by clicking here.
The adoption will only be allowed if the interested party meets the criteria determined by the non-profit organization. This includes several issues aiming at the welfare and safety of the animal that is up for adoption.
All of their dogs are survivors of slaughterhouses, puppy mills, streets, or animal shelters. So, this process is focused entirely on finding the proper home that’s a good fit for them more than it is focused on finding the perfect pet for you.
Their mission is to rehabilitate and restore all they have lost due to previous human failures. Please only apply if you are ready to adopt now and your entire family is on board to give the doodle dog a new home.
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How Else Can I Help?
You can donate, be a volunteer, or both!
Bunny’s Buddies is currently raising money for different causes, not only regarding the travel expenses, but also a new shelter. You can find out more about those causes and fundraising here.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, there are many ways and places you can donate your time. Click here to learn more. If you’re not ready to adopt, you can also foster a dog and turn your home into a foster home for the temporary pet.
They also provide a Wishlist on Amazon, so you can help with treats, toys, tools, and hygiene products for the rescues.
Sometimes there is an adoption fee when you rescue dogs depending on where you rescue them from. Some options? A local shelter, IDOG Rescue, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, Doodle Dandy Rescue, Doodle Rock Rescue, or any other nonprofit organization.
Whether you want a Goldendoodle puppy, keep in mind you’re more likely to find adult Goldendoodles (just because everyone wants a new puppy). But with rescues, exact ages aren’t known. The most important thing is to get a healthy dog.
You could use a responsible breeder, but I suggest a rescue!
