Fall 2013
One Small Step at A Time Gracie - A Little Sad, A Lot of Happy Tracking Breeders Sunday Golden Fun Golden Cancer Study
Contents GRREAT Times is a quarterly publication of SEVA GRREAT, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding homes for homeless Golden Retrievers.
4 Adoptions
For more information, call our Hotline at 757-827-8561 or visit our web site at www.sevagrreat.org.
5 One Small Step at a Time
To contact the newsletter editor with suggestions, comments, or send materials and photos for inclusion, send an e-mail to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com, or write Attn.: Newsletter Editor, PO Box 8014, Yorktown, VA 23693.
6
6 Gracie A Little Sad, A Lot of Happy 10 Tracking Breeders
SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.
Submitting Stories and Photos
15
We have decided to make “homecoming” a feature in each newsletter to feature dogs that have been adopted from us over the years. Send us a picture (identify everyone in it, please) with your dog’s name, when you adopted it, your name and a few words or more about your dog. Full length stories are welcomed, too! When you submit your pictures for publication in print, please submit an original digital image of no less than 300 dpi. If you aren’t sure of the dpi, send the original and we’ll check the possibility for use. We can make pictures smaller but we can not make them larger. Don’t worry about the file size; if you can send it, we can receive it. If you can’t send it, let us know. We’ll show you a way that it can be sent.
5
11 King Henry
11
12 Homecoming 15 Golden Retrievers Are the Color of Beer 16 Rainbow Bridge
17
17 Canine Good Citizen 17 Will There Be Snow This Winter?
Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
18 Sunday Golden Fun
18
19 A Little Age Brings A Lot of Comfort 20 What’s Up Doc? 22 Contributions fostering@adoptagolden.com 2
ON THE COVER: We couldn’t resist putting this photo of Rylee all dressed up for a GRREAT Time on the cover. Look for her full story on the October page of the new 2014 Calendar. There is a short note about her romp over the Rainbow Bridge in this issue of GRREAT Times also.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR POOCHAPALOOZA Howl’oween at Ridgway Bark Park, Hampton – October 26, 1-4pm South of the James Farmers Market Richmond – October 26, Richmond – November 2 GOLDEN DAYS Shelter Awareness Gloucester – November 9 Town Center Parade Virginia Beach – November 23 South of the James Farmers Market Richmond – November 23 Richmond – November 30 Richmond – December 7 Santa Claws Pet Photos at Petsmart Virginia Beach – December 7 Newport News – December 14 Check our website for updates and exact locations and times. adoptagolden.com Check back a week before the event to confirm.
GRREAT ADS GRREAT Times is now offering advertising space. Rates per issue for various size ads are: Full Page = $150 1/2 Page = $100 1/3 Page = $75 1/6 Page = $50 A discounted rate for multiple issue placement is available Email requests, size and specification questions to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. Every effort will be made to put your ad in the desired issue. GRREAT Times is published quarterly the second week of January, April, July, and October. Deadline for submitting an AD is the 1st of the month prior to the publication date.
President’s Message
The Dilemma:
Adoption Applications vs. Available SEVA GRREAT Goldens A s I work with other National Golden Retriever organizations I have become increasingly aware that we all share many of the same challenges and rewards that come with our Rescue groups. The concerns of raising sufficient funds, growing our membership, recruiting the requisite number of volunteers, caring for a wide variety of dogs who have been abandoned or abused, and keeping the information flowing in as wide a network as we possibly can --- are equally important tasks and responsibilities. With this at the fore, we have come to appreciate an interesting new challenge. That being, the number of applications we receive well exceeds the number of available dogs we have up for adoption.
This, too, is a phenomenon that is taking place across the country at other Golden Retriever rescues. Our Board has taken this up as an important agenda item because we know that many families who have submitted applications get frustrated due to a possible 4 – 6+ month waiting period. We recognize that our many volunteers who serve as Home Evaluators also feel frustrated due to their desire to help advocate on behalf of their families; and then the foster families also feel enormous pressure in trying to select the right homes. The good news is that all of our Goldies are going to fabulous homes where they are being cared for and loved like never before; and we are successfully accomplishing our primary goal. I am writing this article to share that the Board recognizes these challenges and that we are discussing options and ways to help make the process less stressful for all. We feel that the key to this is responding to our applicants in a timely fashion, getting Home
Evaluations completed as soon as possible and then emphasizing to these families that their patience is required. I am confident that this is the right path and that ongoing communication with one another is the key. As you read this edition of GRREAT Times, I also hope you see interesting articles that provide you with valuable new information, as well as, articles and photographs that definitely will touch your heart. In particular, in this edition we have recognized a special SEVA GRREAT “Unsung Hero”. I am sure you will get the same sense of warmth and appreciation that I did when I learned about this story and met Ray Moore. Thank you to the Donaldson’s for bringing this information to me. I have always believed that some GRREAT things happen, one small step at a time. This story is the “perfect” example. We also need to salute Jim O’Connell for his amazing efforts to get our SEVA GRREAT financial books audited with a “clean finding” and for overseeing the Metro Productions video effort. And finally, we learned that many of our terrific volunteers were not aware if they were a member of SEVA GRREAT or not. So, Jacob Kay our Membership Coordinator created an updated database of all of our volunteers. We then reached out to those volunteers who were not listed as current members to see if they were interested in becoming a part of our dynamo membership team. The response has been awesome and we are on a roll! As always, I thank you for all that you do. We could never do what we do on a day-to-day basis without each of you. Your President, Dottie Cleal FALL 2013
3
Adoptions Bella – The Ball Family Blue – The Brown Family
The 2014 Calendars Have Arrived! On Sale Now at an Event Near You! You will be able to place an order on our webpage also: www.adoptagolden.com.
A Thanks Goes Out to Another of Our Calendar Sponsors
Copper – The Morris Family Dudley – Hettie Norlund
Bella
Kato – The Crawford Family Max – The Bass Family Ruby – The Bochert Family
Blue
Copper
Sam – The Murphy Family Sammie – The Nelson Family
Max Dudley Ruby
Kathleen Q. Graham, PMP IT Project Manager Enterprise Applications Division VA Information Technologies Agency
Kato
Would you like to be a sponsor for the SEVA GRREAT calendar? Go to this address for sponsorship details. http://www.adoptagolden.com/index. php?option=com_content&view=article&i d=120&Itemid=132
4
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Sammie Sam
GRREAT Things Happen… One Small Step at a Time! T
his adage could not be more true than the story I am about to share. It is about a wonderful gentleman who has had a lifelong love for dogs beginning as a child. So much so, that while serving in Germany during WWII he befriended a St. Bernard and wanted to bring it home with him. While that did not happen he formed a lifelong commitment to love and care for a full array of animals which his daughter, Jane, confirmed was an interesting collection as she grew up at home with her family. Meet Ray Moore, an amazing 80 year young SEVA GRREAT “unsung hero”. Ray lives in Smithfield, VA at Riverside Rehabilitation Center where he quietly makes a difference each and every day. I was introduced to Ray by Pat and John Donaldson who are longstanding supporters of SEVA GRREAT – when they sent me an email to share how a $1200 donation was made to us (in large part) through Ray’s unending collection of aluminum cans. Matter-of-fact, I learned that Ray was so persistent in recruiting a posse of helpers that many of the nursing staff and other residents joined in to help. I also learned that on any given day, there were numerous plastic bags in the back of Ray’s car filled with his collection of cans ready to be turned for additional money. He collects these cans when he makes his routine walks. Trust me, from what I heard I think he has found the local aluminum can treasure trove. Well, this kind of enthusiasm, energy and commitment just could not be overlooked --- so with the wonderful help of Pat and John Donaldson and the assistance of Emily, Martha, and Emma (Riverside Rehabilitation Center) we scheduled a (semi) surprise event to present Ray with a SEVA GRREAT Certificate of Appreciation. On August 28th, I drove to Smithfield and met with Ray, his daughter Jane and her husband Dale, and the Donaldson’s (and their beautiful and well
Maggie waits for a treat from Ray. John Donaldson, Dale Jones, Ray Moore, Jane Jones, Pat Donaldson and Andy.
behaved golden Andy) to say “thank you” on behalf of SEVA GRREAT. What a special treat for me personally! We met with some of the other residents, shared sea stories and then had an unofficial recognition ceremony with cookies and soft drinks. In no other words this occasion has to be described as one of the most touching experiences I have enjoyed in a very long time. To meet Ray is to love him. He has such a youthful twinkle in his eye, and his soft spoken quiet nature belies so many of the significant contributions that he has made throughout both his professional and personal life (let alone to say what he has done to help us). I don’t know about Ray but I felt that on this day, by being there, I was one of the luckiest people I know.
I intend to stay in touch with Ray and came up with the following idea. While sending personal greetings in the mail is almost non-existent anymore, if any of you have a moment to drop him a card or note to say hello and thank you I know this would really brighten his day. He shared he does not write back to anyone anymore but I assure you your thoughtfulness would mean the world to him. Should you consider doing this his address is: Ray Moore, 220 Lumar Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. With a salute and appreciation to our “unsung hero” thank you so much Mr. Ray Moore, our hero and friend.
FALL 2013
5
A Little Sad, A Lot of Happy
Gracie’s Hard Journey Ends G
racie had her final post surgery follow up at Anderson’s Corner Animal Hospital, and Dr. Murphie was very pleased with her progress! She also “graduated” from Dr. Hiser’s (Quioccasin Veterinary Hospital) Physical Therapy sessions. Everything went well when Gracie was spayed a few weeks ago and she was treated for a UTI and ear infection also. At home, Gracie does what puppies do, napping, eating, playing, carrying squeaky toys around, and looking for trouble. She gets up at 5 am (sometimes 4:30) to check on bunnies and squirrels in the neighborhood. She growls at thunderstorms because it disturbs her nap. She enjoys her daily long walks at the park... loves all the attention she has gotten from people that walked by, and she just loves to play with other dogs. The SEVA GRREAT family has grown to know and love a special young redhead that came to us in March with a badly broken right forearm. She had been hit by a car, and her family asked their veterinarian to euthanize her. The vet refused, took ownership of Gracie, and asked SEVA GRREAT to help. The next morning, she was in the care of Dr. Murphie at Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital for a complicated orthopedic surgery. 2 plates and 29 screws later, the surgery was done and she spent 2 weeks recovering at the hospital under the watchful and caring eyes of the staff there. After weeks of loving foster care by Quan Li and family with physical therapy by Dr. Hiser at Quioccasin Vet, activity restrictions were lifted and Gracie could finally run and play. The staff wrote her a card wishing her well and tears were shed at her last visit because everyone had grown so attached to her.
6
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Final Post from Gracie’s Foster Mom Gracie, our little limping redhead, has found her new family! One of SEVA GRREAT’s most dedicated volunteers has fallen in love with her from day one we took her in, knowing she might not even be able to keep her leg. After a weekend of doggie-sitting, they could not be parted from her and decided to adopt her. This family has a medical background and the experience and most of all, the devotion and love to handle the needs and challenges that Gracie will be facing. Watching Gracie coming into our house with her head down and then walking out with all four paws, 30% bigger and 100% stronger, is priceless. She was a JOY to foster, I thank her for millions of sweetest kisses and laughs, and I am so thankful for three beautiful and happy months we had with her.. I truly surely miss you and love you always, our Miss little sunshine.
Quan Li
continued on next page FALL 2013
7
A Little Sad, A Lot of Happy
Gracie’s Bright New Journey Begins G
racie, now known as Daisy, found her forever home in early July. When the Hunter family babysat her for the 4th of July holiday, they immediately knew she made their family feel whole again. Her older Golden brother, Dallas, was absolutely thrilled to have a gentle but spunky playmate. They wrestle and roll all around the house and in the yard. She has a human brother, Wesley, who is about her age. He has already learned that she is a fantastic friend and fetch partner. You would never know that active puppy Daisy had major orthopedic surgery! She is a true success story, and we know she will forever be grateful to all the volunteers that donated time, resources, and love to help her heal and find a family to be by her side for the rest of her life.
8
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
A Thanks
Over the 4th of July weekend, our family babysat Daisy. We lost our almost 13 year old female Golden to a brain tumor in early March, and something was definitely missing at home. Gracie added some much needed sugar and spice to the house! She was immediately incredibly gentle and sweet with our young son, and our middle aged Golden Dallas seemed reinvigorated and excited by her energy and joy! We couldn’t pass up the chance to add her to our family! The night before we were to bring her home and make her adoption official, my husband watched the movie “Benjamin Button.” The plot includes
a beautiful red headed woman named Daisy who suffers a shattered left leg after a series of events happen, whether by chance or fate, that lead her to the place and time where she is hit by a car. The tragedy is woven into her character in a way that was all too familiar. Daisy seemed like the perfect name for our limping, red head puppy who was lead to us after many twists and turns in her short life. Thank you to SEVA GRREAT for bringing her to us, and to each individual who contributed to her amazing rescue. She is a testament to SEVA GRREAT’s mission!
Melissa, Ryan, Wesley, and Dallas
FALL 2013
9
Tracking Breeders of Pet Store Puppies by Nancy Kay, DVM ©
T
he ASPCA recently launched a new consumer tool as part of their No Pet Store Puppies Campaign, and I encourage you to check it out. This tool contains a searchable database linking pet stores that sell puppies to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed commercial breeding facilities (puppy mills). By entering a pet store name and zip code you can learn which puppy mills produce their “merchandise”. Plug in the breeder name and/or USDA license number and learn which pet stores they do business with. Lastly, enter a particular breed and learn which licensed facilities are producing them. This new database contains more than ten thousand photos of commercial breeding facilities collected during the course of USDA inspections. These photos are not for the faint of heart. I suspect they will tug at your heart as they did mine. The purpose of these photos is to provide a reality check for those consumers who intrinsically believe that any commercial
dog breeder licensed by the USDA must be providing humane treatment for their dogs. Please share this new tool with anyone you know who is contemplating a puppy purchase from a pet store. I hope you will also share it with friends and family members who buy their pet supplies from stores that sell
WANTED: Web Warrior s
WEBMASTER AND/OR WEB SITE CONTENT MA NAGERS Volunteers wou ld help maintai n the content of the SEVA GRR EAT website. Could use a team of 2-3 people to cover various aspects of the website unde r the guidance of the webmas te r. If you are inte rested, contact Pat at webmaster@ adoptagolden .com.
10
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
puppies. While you’re at it, please take the official ASPCA puppy mill pledge to stop buying anything from stores that sell puppies. Together we can make a difference. If you would like to respond publicly, please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com/ blog/?p=40704070
Send Us Your Photos Do you have a SEVA GRREAT dog? We would love to see what you are doing. Our alumni seem to be having very exciting lives. Share your pictures, including captions, by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. They will be featured in the next newsletter under Homecoming. And if you have a story to tell, we and the other Golden lovers would enjoy reading about it. So, send those stories with your photos also. We love pictures of newly adopted dogs with their new families, too!
King Henry Is an Isle of Wight Breeding Farm Success Story King Henry was one of the many dogs rescued from a breeding farm in Isle of Wight County in 2009. Here he is today proudly posing with his ribbons from the Rally show ring. He earned his Rally Novice and Rally Advanced titles with 2 second places and a third place. He loves to train Rally and is working on some agility skills.
Kayla Matherson gets a hug from Pogo at the Tractor Supply event
FALL 2013
11
HOME COMING
Lacy Greenlee... Isn’t she just so happy!!!
Best friends Mason and Jesse - both adopted from SEVA GRREAT!
This is Thor . . . He was one of the “friends puppys” from last year. –Liz and Caleb Alexander.
Thanks for two wonderful dogs! –Nancy and Aaron Wilburn
Roscoe was adopted by the Graham family in late May. He had been fostered by several families and came to us as an established escape artist. There is no known fence that will keep him contained. He has captured the hearts of everyone he has met. He was un-adoptable for a couple of reasons. One is his tendency to escape. Another is the fact that his foster family fell hopelessly in love with him and couldn't even consider letting him leave. He lives happily now with his brother Harry who was also a failure on the part of his foster parents.
–Bob & Peg Graham
12
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Wesley Hunter, 7 months, pictured with 5 year old SEVA GRREAT adoptee Dallas.
Share your pictures and stories by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. They will be featured in coming newsletters, right here under Homecoming.
Here’s our new puppy Huckleberry ready to set sail.
–Caroline and John Greenlee –Robyn Beasley
Myles . . . after a long day learning to swim. –Myles adopted by Laura Widman and family
"Happy 4th of July. Today is a special day for me. It is my second birthday and I am so GRREATful to SEVA GRREAT for taking me under their protective shield and asking my new parents to foster me back in October. I love my new home and am so glad that they adopted me even though I heard that you guys call that a "foster failure." I got all my paperwork and credentials from Therapy Dog International this week and am anxious to start regular visits to the assisted living residents and those in the health care facilities at Patriots Colony. I will try very hard to do a go job so all of you will be very proud of me." PJ O'Connell PS. Here is my patriotic pose -proud to be an American
FALL 2013
13
HOME COMING This is Stella (Haven) Colohan. She loves car rides with her twin human sisters, Keegan and Kimberly!
We signed Stella’s adoption papers on Mother’s Day! She is such a good girl and loves to cuddle with her momma. She also loves to play in the water with Keegan & Kinley!
Kinley and her human twin sister were 2 & 3 lbs, being born 2 months early. Kinley has been through so much, including surgery & catching up from developmental delays. What she loves is taking care of her fur sister, Stella. Stella, that is one of the only words she will say. Stella joined our family, as Haven, from SEVA GRREAT in May. Her 2 year old human sisters feed her, help train her, swim with her, and cuddle with her daily. We love this picture because it reminds us how lucky we are to have found our fur baby! Love, the Colohan family
14
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
I Knew There Was a Reason that Golden Retrievers Are the Color of Beer!
By Mike Pettinger
I
f ever there were an obvious visual partnership, it’s the mellow colors of beer and the coats of your favorite Golden Retrievers. Both have similar tastes in their owners, and both are often found having a good time with friends and family. And the most definitive crossroads of that type of corollary was the recent Virginia Craft Beer Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia, where SEVA GRREAT enjoyed the opportunity to partake in this fine festival. The benefits to GRREAT and to the volunteers who attended this event are broad, welcome, and best of all, a testament to the love of the Golden breed. This whole thing started when the owners of the Dog Street Pub met with their vet at Anderson’s Corner Animal Hospital. Seems these good folks take their dogs there for checkups, and they asked the staff if they could hold a benefit for the veterinary practice. Since they were not a non-profit, ACAH deferred, but in their next breath suggested that a benefit would be most welcome to the dog rescue groups they support. In no time, we were being invited to attend the First Annual Virginia Craft Beer Festival as one of the beneficiaries of the raffle being held at the event. Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity. For those of you who saw the e-mail looking for volunteers at the festival but could not attend, please read further, because I promise you, I’ll convince you to attend our hosted events in the future! To start, we had a pretty cush job: sell raffle tickets. Seems the promoters garnered plenty of cool gift baskets from a ton of area businesses (I counted 38 baskets, plus there were lots of gift cards), and put them out on two big tables for display. We provided the ticket hawkers and cashiers. The toughest part of the job was simply keeping up with the customers! We sold tickets all day long with
really no let-up in the traffic, to the folks at the festival who are clearly animal lovers. We got into many conversations about our dogs as the tickets flew to the attendees, and time flew by for the volunteers. In addition, our very gracious sponsors provided us our own red-top tent with table and chairs where we could put out the word about our organization, plus offer our fine merchandise to the public. The final tally showed SEVA GRREAT taking home over $800.00 from the raffle, $35.86 from our donation jar, and $58.00 in merchandise sales. Even better, we accepted a heartfelt request from the Dog Street Pub Manager, Mike Claar, that he hopes we’ll attend next year! Remember those volunteer benefits I was going to tell you about? The good folks at Dog Street Pub arranged for all of our volunteers to receive a wrist band and a special tasting glass. With those two items, we were privy to freely taste every beer available and partake of the gourmet food provided to all of the participants by Chef Everett, also of the Dog Street Pub. The menu included some amazing brats with a rich stone-ground mustard, a magnificent pepper chicken dish (that I can’t pronounce correctly, sorry), savory pork soft tacos with slaw and bright relish, and a simple yet fulfilling mini-slider with a cheese enhancement (it was that good). And the beers. Oh, the beers! But I had to hold back, because I was representing GRREAT, so I had to be presentable at all times. So pacing myself very carefully, I set forth to enjoy two beer samples (a rich IPA from Blue Mountain Brewing and the remarkably refreshing ale from Alewerks Brewing Co.) and an outrageously good cider (Virginia Draft Cider from Bold Rock Hard Cider) over the course of the afternoon. Let me just say, I’m gonna find that cider... Now, to the title of this little piece of hackwork. If ever there was a dog who is perfect for a beerfest, it HAS TO BE the Golden
Retriever. What other dog breed more aptly reminds you of your best beer buddy when you just want to enjoy a cold one after work or at the barbeque? These furry friends just want everybody to have a good time, and if there’s food involved, so much the better. And I don’t know about you, but sometimes I describe the color of a foster dog in relation to my favorite brews. Due to this being a newly created event by a fledgling business, our hosts asked that we not to bring any of our fosters or our own dogs. But I believe we might hear differently from those good folks next year, and we may get the chance to showcase our dogs (which I think would bump ticket sales even higher!) at the Second Annual VCBF. As it was, several festival attendees brought their own canines, and things could not have gone better with them there. Anyway, we’ll make the request next year and see what happens. In talking with the staff of Dog Street Pub, they were very impressed with our efforts and positive contributions to the whole festival. So to summarize: Lots of fun for volunteers, free food, FREE BEER, ardent animal lovers everywhere sharing their stories, good weather (not great, but good), and through the generosity of the attendees, SEVA GRREAT is able to rescue and home more dogs. Thanks to Jane, Ann, Brian, Linda, Linda & Linda, Clay, Mark and Terry for attending this year. Sure it was work, but I haven’t had that much fun at work in a LONG time. To all the wonderful folks reading this, I hope I have convinced you to come to our future GRREAT events! Postscript: Last week, I found the cider... FALL 2013
15
Rainbow Bridge t
Haley Laura, Buster and I are saddened to report that Haley crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. She was twelve and had been suffering from arthritis for years. Recently her hips started failing her while doing stairs and her appetite disappeared rather abruptly this past week . . . It was time, before we had a traumatic event. She played ball last night and went out smiling and wagging her tail. It was the right thing to do, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Buster is a little confused, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy all the extra attention he’ll be getting.
Rick and Laura Spink
Rylee
Yahtzee
Winston Shilo of Poquoson I would dog sit Shilo and after a year his mom decided he would be happier living with me. I had to make that difficult decision to have him put to sleep. He was 14 years old and such a happy boy. He would always take a toy with him when we took our evening walks. The UPS driver would take pictures of him carrying his toy of the day to show his girlfriend. I miss him terribly and look forward to seeing him again at Rainbow Bridge.
Judy Dyer Rylee Bird romped over the Rainbow Bridge on June 27th after a brief battle with an aggressive cancer. She will be best remembered as my little shadow at all the SEVA GRREAT events. She was one special little lady. She was my buddy through many life changing events in my life. She was also a patient, loving foster sister to many special golden’s like her.
Yahtzee was a rescue dog that I adopted from SEVA GRREAT over 9 years ago. It had been said that we saved his life by adopting him, but he saved our lives by being part of it. My wife and I along with his other SEVA GRREAT adopted sister miss him terribly.
Kathy Speak
Kallie Sharlene Johnson
16
Steve Singleton
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Drew Walt and Anne Miscoski Cooper Staton Cindy Staton
Apollo Rhonda King and Bob Crofton
W
Canine Good Citizen Bear
e adopted Bear in August of 2012 and were grateful for the extensive training that his foster mom, Quan Li, provided him – made our lives much easier! When Bear was cleared of his heart worms (thus finally able to chase the tennis ball at full throttle!) and neutered, we truly saw Bear’s real character – more relaxed and confident. I decided he has real potential to be a therapy dog!
thank you, “Mama Quan”!), he/we learned A LOT of really useful skills and made new friends!
We started the process of how to become a certified therapy dog (basic “therapy,” like visiting schools to have children read to him or visit nursing homes) and searched around for reputable centers. We ended up enrolling Bear in a 6-week intermediate obedience class at the Yorktown Pet Lodge in May of 2013. While Bear knew most of the commands (again,
We are really proud of Bear and impressed with how quickly he learns new commands and thrives on pleasing us! He has been such a GRREAT addition to our home and we look forward to the continuing work we will do with him to give back to the community.”
W
Bear graduated this class in late June. And at the end of the obedience course, we had the option to have him tested for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification (required for moving on in therapy training). He was tested in early July and passed!
–Eileen, Josh (and Bear) Nelson
Will There Be Snow this Winter?
e don't get much snow in Virginia Beach but Kayak loved it! This photo at right is one of our favorites of him. We adopted Kayak in 2005. He passed away suddenly from cancer in summer 2013 and we were devastated. We have since adopted another golden retriever from SEVA GRREAT and we love him just as much. His name is Sammy, and on a visit to New Jersey this winter, he was also able to experience snow. His favorite thing was catching and eating snowballs. Sammy and his cheerful red holiday bandanna are pictured in the snow. The third photo features Sammy as well, along with our cat Clifford. When Sammy first arrived at our house, he was not at all cat-friendly. He chased and terrorized our cats for many weeks. We weren't sure we'd overcome the problem,
Kayak
Sammy
but after gating our bedroom for a while to give the cats a safe zone, something clicked and now the dog and cats are good friends. This picture is special to us because it shows how nicely they have bonded.
Sammy and Clifford
–Wendy Nelson FALL 2013
17
Sunday Golden Fun By Roni Sumner
Let’s Run
Hot Dogs Lots of Love
Happy Allie
In and Out
Kodi Loves the Pool
Snack Time
N
o matter what the weather, Goldens LOVE to play; thus an idea was born. Why not get together some of the adopted SEVA dogs once a week for a Sunday frolic? As a home evaluator, I had met so many wonderful families, and quite a few have become fast friends. Margie and Jim Powell started the ball rolling by inviting my trio of Goldens--Roxy, Ally, and Max-to their home to frolic with Kodi, the July model for our calendar. Soon Patty Spilker joined the group with her beloved Copper and later her new addition Elliott (formerly Tank). Patty suggested that the party be moved to her home as she has a fenced in acre of land upon 18
which the dogs could romp. (She also wants to start a Golden day care or dog sitting service at her home and would love for others to join the group to meet her.) Soon Kristen Goldbach brought Riley and Sasha, who sadly crossed Rainbow Bridge, then Molly (formerly Peaches). Kay Ashbrook and Calli attended a few romps, and Barbara and Jeff Raliski lately arrived with Roscoe, so the group has grown. What fun the dogs have! They race around the yard chasing one another; they splash in the kiddie pool or run under the sprinkler to get wet; they chase balls and Frisbees but usually decline to return them to the thrower; they sit and politely wait
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
for their snacks to be given at the end of the session. When it is time to go home, every dog is exhausted and ready to nap for a very long time. The humans, too, enjoy the social time just beaming as their beloved fur babies revel in the moment. All non aggressive Goldens are invited to join in our fun. It is so wonderful to meet people such as the fosters that I have only spoken with on the phone and to see the love that the families are giving to these precious bundles. For more info, call either Patty Spilker at 633-4716 or me at 484-6243. Have a GRREAT day!
A Little Age Brings a Lot of Comfort
I think that Cody is sadder than we are. He’s been moping around since then and is only starting to be himself in the last few days. We know that we will only have dogs for a short time. We have had five and have now lost four of them. In many ways, Hannah was the best of all. She loved all people and all dogs. Her only problem was cats. She never tried to harm one, but she tracked one around our son’s house. It scared the cat, but I think she was just curious as to what this animal was.
S
ix years ago my wife and I moved to Williamsburg. We had two goldens, Sandy and Cody. Sandy was in poor health at that time with a tumor on her heart and just plain old age. Just before Christmas in 2007, we lost Sandy. With her loss, Cody (who was only two at the time) was a basket case. Sandy had been like a mother to him and he was probably sadder than my wife and I. Because of this, we decided to replace Sandy. We got in touch with your service and looked at a few dogs. I wanted a younger dog, perhaps the same age as Cody. Both of us wanted another female. We eventually looked at an older female named Hannah. I think she was about seven at the time. When we went to meet her it was like love at first sight. Even though she was older than we wanted she was everything we desired. We brought her home just before Christmas in 2007. When we arrived at our home, we put her in the back yard with Cody. At first they started barking at each other and I was worried they might not get along. Then they started romping and playing in the yard. Our only problem from day one was making them not play in the house. From the beginning, they got along so well it was amazing. Each one respected the other’s space. We had two dog beds at the time, but whoever came in first at night took the better one without any problem. She found his toy basket and proceeded to spread them around the house, eventually destroying several. He never seemed to mind. They continued to play this way all the time until about one to two years ago. She stopped
She never barked except to come back in from outside, unlike Cody who hates airplanes, lawn mowers, trucks and thunder. He wouldn’t learn from her and she never picked up his bad habits. Hannah, on the left, and Cody, on the right, had been together about a month at this time.
roughhousing in the yard with him, but he never pushed the issue. He was content to let her slow down. As the months went by she seemed to have increasingly more problems. By early 2013, her arthritis prevented her from climbing more than one step. We had to walk her from our back yard to our front door which only had one step rather than the four up to our deck. Our vet also diagnosed her with liver problems and she had a tumor on the side of her face the size of a baseball, and just as hard. Every night we would let both of them into our bedroom at about 5:00 A.M. or so. About three weeks ago, I got up at my usual time to feed them. I had to talk her into getting up and going out to eat. She ate, but very slowly and immediately came back into the house and lied down. I got beside her and talked to her. Whenever I did this, she would raise her leg for me to scratch her chest. On this day, she could not even do that. My wife and I decided it was her time. We took her to our vet later that day and her life ended peacefully with us at her side. We plan to spread her ashes in our back yard in her favorite spot.
We will miss her so much for many reasons: • The way she always slept in our bedroom in the same place (I still look for her there). • How she would nudge my wife’s hand at night when she was sitting on the couch with her laptop just to get some attention. • The way, when she could no longer get up the steps and had to walk to the front door, she would leave me behind while I hooked the gate and then look back and wait for me further up the yard. • The way I could sit on the floor and she would lie beside me and promptly roll over on her back so I could scratch her tummy. I wasn’t allowed to stop or she would get upset. • The way she was always so calm during thunderstorms (unlike Cody). He seemed to think she was his protector. We have decided that we will not get another dog. I’m getting too old for all this and can only go through one more loss. I just wanted to let you know how much love we got from a rescue dog and how much they love you. We’ll miss her for a long time. Thank you for letting us adopt her. She was a wonderful addition to our family.
–Bill & Darlene Crichton FALL 2013
19
What’s Up Doc?
Dental Disease
from Vetthink, Inc. www.Genesis4Pets.
Golden Cancer Study Continues the Efforts of the Morris Animal Foundation S
EVA GRREAT recognizes that most of the dogs that we bring in have limited history and getting one generation of information on the dog is fortunate. It is unlikely that most, if not all of our dogs, would not qualify with the ability to provide three generations of information on the (purebred) golden. We are providing the information because of the significance of this study for all Goldens. If you know of anyone who could qualify we ask that you share this following information with them.
Additional information can be found at http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/Golden/
Morris Animal Foundation Cancer Study - Learn more about our ground breaking study and register your Golden Retriever. Do you have what it takes to help us prevent canine cancer? If you have a purebred Golden Retriever younger than 2 years of age or know someone who does, then the answer is yes. It's hard to believe, but Morris Animal Foundation is celebrating our 65th anniversary year of changing the world for animals. What started as one veterinarian's dream to transform the health of animals has become a global leader in supporting scientific research to advance veterinary medicine. I am certain that our founder, Dr. Mark Morris Sr., would be incredibly proud of and delighted by the important work we fund today. And none of it would be possible without your continued support.
D
ental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose his teeth and be in danger of damaging his kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. In fact, your dog’s life span may be shortened by one to three years! Clean your dog’s teeth regularly and know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. So, please consider brushing your Golden's teeth. 20
Now, we are recruiting dogs for the biggest research initiative we've ever undertaken: our Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. With the help of dedicated dog owners, we are collecting important health data along with nutritional, environmental and genetic information from 3,000 Golden Retrievers over the course of their lifetimes. This information will help scientists and veterinarians find ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases. It will be the largest and longest study for dogs ever conducted in history, and we are counting on your help to succeed. Learn more and register for the study.
Who can participate?
• Golden Retriever owners at least 18 years of age and living in the contiguous United States. • Dogs that are healthy and younger than 2 years of age at the time of application. • Dogs that have a three-generation pedigree. Does that describe you and your dog? Does it describe someone you know? Please help us get the word out by posting about the study on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. We expect this first-of-its kind investigation to make the world a brighter, healthier place not just for Golden Retrievers, but for all other breeds as well.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
If Your Dog Is Lost E
ven the most careful pet owner can lose their dog. A house guest may leave a door or window open or your dog may wander off through a hole in your fence that you never noticed. Unfortunately, dogs go missing every day—and if you need proof, just look at all the LOST DOG flyers posted to telephone poles and bulletin boards in your neighborhood.
Prevention and precautions The time to prepare for the possibility that your dog can go missing is now, when he’s safe at home. Here are a few things you can start to do today: Identification tags. Make sure your dog wears identification tags at all times. The ID tags should have current information and be easy to read. Microchips. The use of identification microchips has become popular, and for good reason: microchips have helped reunite many lost dogs and their owners. Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the loose skin on your dog’s shoulder. These chips contain identification information that can be read by scanners that are found in animal shelters, vet offices, and rescue groups around the country. When the chip is implanted in your dog, you register the chips number/letter code and your contact information with the microchip company’s registry. The code number will then be recorded in a shared database that can be accessed by the organization using the scanner. Prepare a LOST DOG kit. Your kit should include recent pictures of your dog (both paper photos and electronic photo files for Internet posting), ready-to-post LOST DOG flyers with your dog’s photo and an accurate written description of your dog, and a phone number where you can be reached at any time. You may want to think twice before publicizing your name and address because making
sure you stay safe during your search is an important part of bringing your best friend back home. Close off areas of possible escape. Check and double-check your home to ensure that there aren’t any open doors, windows, or gates that your dog could slip through. Check around your fences to make sure there aren’t any craters or tunnels under your fences that lead to the world outside. If your dog is small, remember that he may be able to squeeze through very tight places to make his escape. Check your dog’s leash and collar. . A loose collar, broken leash fastener, or threadbare leash could allow your dog to get loose when you’re out for a walk and he gives it a tug. Invest in a quality leash and collar—and make sure you use them properly.
What to do if your dog is lost Sometimes, despite all precautions, a dog manages to go missing. The first thing to do is to stay calm. It’s natural to be worried, but if you don’t stay calm, you won’t be able to take the steps necessary to help find your dog. Here are some next steps: Search your home carefully. Look all over your home, including the basement, behind appliances, and under blankets and beds to make sure your dog isn’t right there under your nose.
from Pedigree
shy—shout your dog’s name. If he hears your familiar voice, he may come running to you. And if he has a favorite squeak toy, take that, too. The sound may reach his ears and lure him to your side. Post LOST DOG notices and read FOUND DOG messages in local newspapers. People who find lost dogs often read these notices to see if any description matches the dog they’ve found. You may also find a “Found Dog” notice that matches your dog’s description. Place LOST DOG flyers. Make sure your flyers have your dog’s photo, the name he answers to, and your contact information. And remember, rewards are good incentives to get other people looking, too. However, you don’t have to mention the amount of the reward. The word “reward” is sufficient. Notify your local authorities. Tell your local police department, animal shelter, and animal control authorities about your lost dog. They’re experts when it comes to finding lost dogs in the area where you live. Place his bed or other favorite items outside your house. These are things with your dog’s scent deeply ingrained in them. Dog’s have an ultra-sensitive sense of smell and your lost pooch may actually follow his nose home.
Search the neighborhood. Dogs can wander far and wide, so ask your friends and neighbors to help you look for your dog. Take a flashlight with you to help you look into dark places. (A lost and frightened dog may seek refuge in a dark, secluded place.) And don’t be FALL 2013
21
Contributions Luat Ngyen In honor of Hickory
Jeanne Parsons In memory of Cassi and Jake
Villamiel Marciano
John and Pat Donaldson In memory of Richard Connor and Ed Madsen, friends and supporters of SEVA GRREAT
Jerry Killen and Teresa Honeycutt Ann and Andor Czompo Joanne Even In memory of Buddy Welch and Rylee Speak Rebecca Routson Combined Federal Campaign #88796
CVC
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3456
Terrie Rickan Dr, James and Virginia Hayes In memory of our dear precious Sassy, who passed away in May. Rebecca Routson Terrie Rickan Kristin Tamse Charles and Connie Rodgers In loving memory of Robert Zincone Steve and Amy Kelley In memory of Duncan Kelley
Ronald and Mary Mathews In memory of our Golden Retriever Granddog Jennifer and Marc Dauzier Nancy Tamse Ron Ferguson In memory of Buddy and Rex Bass and Robyn Beasley, Jr. In memory of Joanne Even’s father, Ken Even
Sponsor-A-Dog Program
Gracie’s Fund John and Pat Donaldson Proceeds from a yard sale special thanks to the Roggmanns and Coles for their help and donations Pat Owens
Charles Gresham
The following contributors raised money for Gracie’s Fund with an aluminum recyling effort
Cathy Taylor Duffer
Pat and John Donaldson
Rhonda King In memory of Apollo & King King
Kris’ Hockey Team
James Wilson In honor of Dr. Jane Hiser Lisa Mallory
Jake – Old Dominion Recycling Beth Homa Ray Moore Barbara Conner The Deli Basket The Carisbrooke Community Gwen Holt Jack and Jo Snethen
Dave and Mabel Nicosia: Always the Husband & Wife Team
I
t brings sadness that we announce the passing of two of SEVA GRREAT’s great team contributors to the organization. After a long illness, Dave Nicosia passed away on September 9. Soon after that, Mabel, partners with Dave for 30 years, passed 22
away on September 19. As a dedicated husband and wife team, they contributed many hours of their time to SEVA GRREAT for over 15 years. Dave served on the organization’s Board of Directors including the position of vice president. Mabel served on the Board of Directors as Secretary.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Elton and Peggy Lane Tammy Connolly
Mabel and Dave coordinated the first annual fund raiser PetSmart Santa Claws photos and together promoted GRREAT Wines along with other fund raising events. Their generosity will not be forgotten by us or the Goldens that loved them.
Blondie’s Fund Carl and Lizbeth Jackson
MEMBERSHIP, DONATION & VOLUNTEER FORM Note: Membership is open to all persons 18 years or older.
SEVA GRREAT is a 501 (C)(3) organization • ALL DONATIONS & DUES ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE IN THE YEAR PAID
Please have the Coordinator in the following area/areas contact me: (Check appropriate boxes)
Name: _____________________________________________
These are listed in the order of urgent need by GRREAT.
Address: ___________________________________________
FOSTERING — A temporary home for SEVA GRREAT dogs before they are adopted.
E-mail: ____________________________________________ Home Phone: ________________________________________
HOME EVALUATION –– visits for foster/adoption applicants.
Work Phone: ________________________________________ This is a new membership Address Change ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS: (E-mail needs to be unique to vote.)
It’s that time of year to renew your membership
Name: _____________________________________________
TRANSPORTATION — primarily shuttling dogs and/or equipment as necessary. If you are interested in helping with transportation, can you help on: (circle all that apply) Weekdays
Weekends
EVENTS — helping to hold/show dogs at “Golden Days,” helping with fund raisers, etc. PUBLICITY — researching and writing stories for media release and newsletters, selling ads for the newsletter, taking photos at events, updating the web site, etc.
E-mail: _____________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________
MERCHANDISE — to man booths selling SEVA GRREAT stuff at local dog shows / fairs / festivals / etc.
E-mail: _____________________________________________
Our rescue is growing! In order to continue to save more dogs every year, we are looking for volunteers who would like to become more involved with the organization. If you are interested in assisting with intake, foster coordination, Golden Days or other areas on a regular basis, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@adoptagolden.com, for more information.
Name: _____________________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
REMITTANCE: I am enclosing my annual membership dues
$
Additional Voting members _____ @ $25 each
$ ___________
Please make checks payable to:
Donation
$ ___________
1 Calendar ($10.00 plus $5.60 shipping)
$ ___________
TOTAL REMITTANCE
$ ___________
Mail this form with your check to: SEVA GRREAT PO Box 8014 Yorktown, VA 23693
25.00
MY DONATION IS FOR: In Honor of
In Memory of
REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Evenings
Other
SEVA GRREAT
IMPORTANT NOTICE If you would like to become a member, please sign below. Otherwise, your remittance for annual membership must be considered a donation.
Date: __________________________________________________________________
I affirm that I have never been convicted of an animal abuse crime. Signature: ______________________________________________________________
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
SEVA GRREAT P.O. Box 8014 Yorktown, Va
PAID
YORKTOWN, VA 23693 PERMIT NO. 11
Rescue Hotline 757-827-8561 Press For 1
If you think you have found one of our Goldens based on the SEVA GRREAT tag or microchip.
2 To leave a message for the President 3 To give up a Golden Retriever or get more info on our intake process 4
For Information on Golden Days and other events.
5
To check on the status of an adoption or foster application.
6
For all other questions.
National Dog Registry 1-800-NDR-DOGS Foster Dog Medical Care YORK VETERINARY CLINIC Yorktown 757-898-3700 COOKE VET MEDICAL CENTER Chesapeake 757-547-9421 QUIOCCASIN VET HOSPITAL Richmond 804-741-3200 ACREDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Virginia Beach 757-523-6100 ANDERSON’S CORNER Toano 757-566-2224
SE VA GRREAT Contact Information President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Golden Day Coordinators: Southside: Peninsula: Richmond: Microchip Coordinator Intake Coordinator Foster Coordinator Adoption Coordinator Membership Volunteer Coordinator Board Member Merchandise
Dottie Cleal Jane Frye Jim O’Connell Nikki Seger
president@adoptagolden.com vice_president@adoptagolden.com treasurer@adoptagolden.com secretary@adoptagolden.com
Donna Roggmann Jennifer Dauzier Kathy Speak Rose Bennett Katie Show Kelly O’Brien Jacob Kay Quanzhan Li Melissa Pence Hunter Jennifer Dauzier
jdroggmann@verison.net jen182829@aol.com grreatrescue@adoptagolden.com intake@adoptagolden.com fostering@adoptagolden.com sevagrreatadoptions@yahoo.com membership@adoptagolden.com volunteering@adoptagolden.com fosteragolden@gmail.com merchandise@adoptagolden.com
Fundraising GRREAT Times magazine
Linda Lowman Brad Miller
fundraising@adoptagolden.com grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
GRREAT’s 2014 Calendar Is Available Now
Like us on facebook!
On Sale Now at an Event Near You! You will be able to place an order on our webpage also: www.adoptagolden.com.