Once a month like clockwork it seems, gooddogrescue who claims to be out of Enfield CT posts a 'too good to be true' pic of an 8 week old golden puppy. They never have siblings, a history, always come from the south, are perfect in every way and only 8 weeks old (age at which puppies are weaned). When going to the site, the fee is uncharacteristically high for a rescue claiming to want to help animals (over $1000 US) and in any case, the dog is never available. All these observations lead me to believe they are running either a puppy mill (the dogs reportedly come from the south and adoptions are sight unseen; they also do not have a phone or street address on their website or email correspondence; no way to communicate directly or track them). Here is a sample description as it appears monthly on petfinder.com:
"Blondie is a 2mo female purebred AKC Golden Retriever who was surrendered with her brother by their owner in rural TN. Blondie lives in the house with her foster family where she's lovingly cared for while awaiting her forever home. Happy, playful, outgoing puppy! Full of fun and life, very confident and never meets a stranger. Well-socialized, has grown up around kids, cats and other dogs. Recommended for children 6 years and older.instruction has begun with crate training, housebreaking and leash walking. AKC registration. Birth date is 4/29. Weighs about 10 pounds, healthy, altered and utd on shots. This is an adorable puppy with a happy, loving temperament who will make a great companion for a family who loves the breed. Here's a note from the foster mom: "AWESOME PUPPY! Blondie is sweet, loving and affectionate. It's so much fun watching her learn what toys and treats are for! She sleeps 6-7 hours in the crate at night, learning how to walk on a leash. Is very in tune with people, very intelligent and eager to please. Typical golden temperament. She's "learning the ropes" from our big dogs, following them everywhere and trying to keep up. Very nice pup, will be a great family dog."
I have contacted petfinder.com three times now and have only received one initial response that they would look into it. I have not heard back since then (early 2011). My advice is to not engage with them; it is my belief that there are too many signs of a scam of things that do not add up. Red flags everywhere. Unfortunately, it gives people pause before contacting shelters, using petfinder.com and many deserving dogs in honest, hard working shelters awaiting good homes are passed up as a result.
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