Legacy Rescue also has a program where we save abandoned dogs from International areas.
While the majority of abandoned dogs are Golden Retrievers, we come across some Golden mixes, Cocker Spaniels, Doodles, Labradors and many other purebreds in the streets, forests and shelters abroad. The countries we have collaborations with are : Serbia, Greece, Turkey, and we are contacting daily from various rescues from other countries as well.
Our goal is to responsibly rescue, provide veterinary care, transport to US and find Golden Retrievers loving forever homes in USA. In many countries it is common practice to buy purebred puppies from breeders and pet shops. Sadly many are then abandoned when they grow in size, require attention, want to play or if the family expects a baby. Due to the culture in these countries, as it is in some locations in the US, dogs are considered objects, property and not part of the family. Currently there are no Animal Welfare laws are in place in countries where we rescue from, so people don’t think twice about abandoning them or abusing them.
Shelters, Streets and Forests are full of Golden Retrievers and other purebreds who eventually succumb to the elements, attacks by other feral dogs, or die from disease and or hunger. Although there are no kill shelters in most of these countries, the conditions are so inhumane that they have become death camps. The majority of the dogs contract serious diseases within the first week they are in the shelter and most do not survive. The lucky ones who survive in the shelter are often dropped in the streets or forests when the shelter become overcrowded. It is a vicious cycle that never ends.
Even the streets are not safe as there are gypsies and drug addicts who will take these dogs and abuse them. Some will even harm the dogs physically just so they can use the dog to beg for money. Smaller Golden Retrievers are also used as bait dogs by Dog Fighting rings. Since there are currently no animal welfare laws, very little is done to help them and most do not survive.
In some countries, it is even celebrated to torture and kill dogs and serve them as “food” which is unacceptable practice.
Legacy Rescue Inc. locates adoptable dogs, determines their potential for adoption ability in USA, and screens them for all possible illnesses as well as behavior. As a strict policy, we DO NOT bring dogs who have had leishmaniasis, have any serious resource guarding of any kind or aggression. We make sure the dogs have 4DX, Complete Blood Count, Chemistry, Fecal test, urinalysis and any additional tests or care needed. All dogs are quarantined for a minimum of 15 days in Origin Country. The dogs are properly vetted for two months and afterwards reside in private boarding facilities, where they receive further assessment before coming to the USA. After 15 days of quarantine, they receive additional required vaccinations such as canine corona virus, rabies, kennel cough and the DHLPP combination vaccine. Once medical assessment and care is complete, the dogs are spayed/neutered and microchipped. We then request and receive USDA Import Permit and schedule for the dog to arrive. We also comply with all MDAR requirements and obtain an official Health Certificate from the Originating Country’s Ministry of Agriculture.
At Legacy Rescue Inc. we work very closely with the Rescues overseas and have direct communication with the vets and boarding facilities. All paperwork and passport information is completed in accordance with USDA and MDAR requirements. There are no shortcuts. We have adopted several dogs to wonderful families and even provided several hundreds of Golden Retrievers to several reputable Golden Retriever Rescues who have been around for over 30 years. We do have high standards and follow a very strict process before bringing these dogs to the USA. We are also very strict about our Code of Conduct/Ethics and require the same from our partners. Our dogs are all well behaved and very loving. We want to make sure both the dog(s) and adopters are a good match so both you and your new addition to your family are not disappointed.
Thank you again for considering and supporting Legacy Rescue, Inc. for your next family member and we look forward to finding you your next furry family member(s)