08/12/2026
VERY SPECIAL REQUEST
GRRI-NJ has been asked by our friends at DAWS in Connecticut to assist them with finding a home for a very special girl named Denaka. The following is a description of Denaka that was sent to us by those at the shelter her know her best. As you read through it, you will see it's clear that this is a special situation which requires a certain home and person/family to help Denaka put her past behind her and be the dog that she was always meant to be. Please take the time to read it and share it as we're sure that special someone is out there. Even if it's not you, please share this post so we can get this gorgeous girl the home she deserves!
Denaka is a 5-year-old Golden Retriever who is spayed, up to date on all vaccinations, and has no known medical concerns. She came to DAWS as a local owner surrender. She was surrendered by a woman who loved her but could no longer keep her due to a housing crisis. After losing her home, she was temporarily living in a hotel and ultimately had to move in with her sister. Unfortunately, her sister could not allow Denaka to live at the house. Both Denaka and her owner appeared devastated by the separation.
Upon intake, Denaka presented as a fun, playful, affectionate, and occasionally stubborn Golden Retriever. During her intake examination, she showed her teeth while blood was being drawn, but no other signs of aggression were observed.
Denaka was adopted but later returned to DAWS. According to the adopters, she consistently growled at the husband in the home and demonstrated resource guarding behavior, particularly around food and valued items. These behaviors were most noticeable indoors and in smaller, confined spaces.
Since returning to the shelter, Denaka has displayed signs of kennel stress and will growl and show teeth while inside her kennel. However, staff have observed that this behavior appears to be closely connected to the kennel environment. Once familiar staff members, particularly our Shelter Manager, open her kennel door, Denaka readily accepts a slip lead and transitions into a happy, playful, and social dog in the yard.
Staff have observed one instance of resource guarding in the play yard. Additionally, Denaka demonstrates a very strong fixation on tennis balls and other similar toys. Her interest in balls appears to go beyond normal play and should be considered when developing management, enrichment, training, and placement plans.
Overall, Denaka is a loving, intelligent, and playful dog who appears to struggle with stress, confinement, resource guarding
tendencies, and transitions.
If you think you might be Denaka's person, please contact us at [email protected] and provide your phone number so someone can reach out to you for further information.
