The HSBC Golden Girls
Welcome
Due to the overwhelming amount of interest, and questions we have received regarding the dogs rescued from Ridglan Farms, we have created this webpage to provide consistent and up-to-date information in one central location.
These dogs have come from extremely difficult circumstances and are now beginning the long process of learning safety, trust, comfort, and life outside of a cage. Because of the unprecedented attention surrounding this rescue effort, we understand that many people are eager for updates, adoption information, and ways to help.
This page will serve as the primary source for:
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Updates on the dogs and their progress
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Adoption process information and requirements
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Ways to support their care and recovery
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Important announcements regarding availability and placement
We appreciate the incredible compassion and patience shown by the community as we work to give these dogs the time, medical care, behavioral support, and understanding they deserve.
Thank you for following their journey and supporting them as they begin their new lives.
Support the Golden Girl's Road to Recovery
If you would like to support the HSBC Golden Girls on their road to recovery, the most impactful way to help is through financial donations. Monetary support allows us to provide medical care, behavioral support, enrichment, supplies, and individualized rehabilitation as their needs continue to evolve. Every donation directly helps give these girls the time, patience, and care they deserve.
Looking to Adopt?
We have received an overwhelming amount of interest in these dogs, even prior to their arrival and while we are still learning about them. Because each dog is an individual and their personalities, medical needs, and behavioral needs are still emerging, we are taking time to thoughtfully and thoroughly evaluate them before processing applications or allowing in-person meetings.
Applications will be reviewed and processing will begin gradually as they are received. Once we have a clearer understanding of each dog and the type of home they will thrive in, we will begin matching approved applicants with dogs who may be a good fit.
If selected, adopters will be contacted to begin a structured series of in-person meet-and-treat appointments. We anticipate a minimum of three meetings will be required prior to any adoption being finalized, though some dogs may require additional visits depending on their comfort and progress. These dogs have experienced significant trauma, and time is essential in allowing them to build trust and form safe, lasting bonds.
Due to the significant investment of staff time and resources required for this process, a $100 deposit will be required to begin the meet-and-treat stage. This deposit will be applied toward the adoption fee if the adoption is completed. If an adoption does not move forward—whether by the adopter’s decision or if HSBC determines the placement is not the right fit—the deposit will be used to help offset the costs associated with these individualized meetings and their overall care.
At this time we do not have an anticipated adoption date for any of the dogs. All dogs will need to receive medical and behavioral clearance, and be spayed prior to adoption.
All dogs must be spayed prior to being taken home by an adopter. All animals receive age-appropriate vaccinations and essential preventative care. Every dog is vaccinated for distemper, Bordetella, and rabies (if age appropriate), and is dewormed. Dogs also receive an Intrastate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). In addition, all animals are kept current on flea and tick prevention and are microchipped for identification and safety.
Applications can be submitted below, approved applicants will be notified when we are able to start moving forward with the adoption process.
Resources
If you are considering welcoming one of these girls into your home, we ask that you carefully review the following information to ensure you are prepared for the unique needs of a dog with this kind of trauma and background.
These dogs have spent their entire lives in a commercial breeding environment with very limited exposure to normal household life, human relationships, routines, sounds, handling, and everyday experiences most dogs encounter from puppyhood. While they are already showing incredible resilience and progress, they are still learning what it means to feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
Many of these dogs are fearful, slow to trust, and may take weeks or even months to fully adjust to a new environment. Things many dogs take for granted — walking on a leash, navigating stairs, hearing household noises, meeting strangers, riding in cars, or simply relaxing in a home — may be completely unfamiliar and overwhelming to them.
Potential adopters should be prepared for:
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A slow adjustment period
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Fearful or shutdown behaviors
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Accidents during house training
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Sensitivity to new people, environments, and routines
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Ongoing socialization and confidence-building
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The need for patience, consistency, and realistic expectations
Progress with dogs like these is often measured in very small victories — accepting touch, choosing to approach someone voluntarily, playing with a toy for the first time, or relaxing enough to nap near a person. Watching them learn how to simply be dogs is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires compassion, patience, and understanding.
While these girls have difficult pasts, they also have tremendous potential. With time, support, and the right environment, we believe they will continue to blossom into wonderful companions.
Detailed information on what to expect available in the resources below from Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project and Beagle Freedom Project.
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