Summer 2018
“Paws to Read” • Update - Give Local 757 • Successful Yard sale
CONTENTS GRREAT Times is a quarterly publication of SEVA GRREAT, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding homes for homeless Golden Retrievers.
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For more information, call our Hotline at 757-827-8561 or visit our web site at www.sevagrreat.org.
3 .. President’s Message 4 .. Adoptions
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 .. Volunteer Member Spotlight
SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.
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Submitting Stories and Photos
8 .. Do You Recognize this Dog? 9 .. Update - Give Local 757
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!
12 .. Homecoming
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.
16 .. A Day at the Beach
14 .. Successful Yard Sale
16 18 .. “Paws to Read”
Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
21 .. Rainbow Bridge 22 .. Contributions
18 23 .. Membership Application ON THE COVER: fostering@adoptagolden.com 2
That’s Domino enjoying a day at the beach. He is just one of the Goldens that donations from Give Local 757 went to help fight his cancer. The latest “good news” is his cancer is gone. See page 9 for other goldens Give Local 757 donations are helping.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR September 15 Glen Allen Day Richmond September 23 Rock and Rescue at PBR Hampton September 28-30 Neptune Festival Virginia Beach Check our website for updates and exact locations and times of events. adoptagolden.com Check back a week before the event to confirm.
Facebook: Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training! Website: http://adoptagolden.com
President’s Message H
Hello
ello SEVA GRREAT supporters and Happy Spring! It’s the “first dogs” Lucy and Lacey here with a quick message before our mom starts rambling like she always does. We just wanted to thank you for all your support for dogs like us – without all of you, we wouldn’t have found our way to our forever home. We are SO happy we got to be he “Dog Dayshearing of Summer” certainly “sisters,” and love all thehave stories about hope and your pups are other arrived. goldens Ilike us.you So, “paws up” for your enjoying work, some summer while staying safe GRREAT and herefun, comes mom……. from all the dangers caused by the heat. It’s timehard for atobreak from kidsover, and It’s believe thatschool Marchforis the almost maybe even a vacation. and soon we’ll be in the 2nd quarter of 2018. Lots of good things are happening this year as we we’ve all takerescued advantage of summer, –Yetalready 15 goldens, andthings 11 stay busy with SEVA GRREAT andOfexciting have found their forever homes. the 15 things are So come far in all 2018, intakes thishappening. year, 11 have the we wayhave rescued 29 goldens 16 have made the long from Istanbul, Turkey.– You may be noticing journey frominTurkey, while thetransports others could be the increase international called our “locals”. Each golden that comes to our rescue has a story that makes them special to us, and we couldn’t save them without your support. We depend on each of our volunteers, adopters and donors to make us successful in our mission – and you come through time and again!
SEVA GRREAT Supporters
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The Give Local 757 campaign has become one of our primary fundraisers, and we had
tremendous success again this year (see article on p. 9). And, by the time you receive this magazine, our 2019 Calendar contest will be underway. So many thanks to all that have submitted photos, sponsored ads, and purchased calendars – your efforts mean so much to our goldens in need. and wondering why. Aren’t there enough local help? honestthe Whilegoldens it’s onlyneeding July, weour can’t waitThe to share answer is “no.”when It is becoming rare for the 2019 Calendar it is ready!! local shelters to turn a golden over to rescue, particularly onetothat young www. and considered So stay tuned our is website highly adoptable. We areFacebook much more likely adoptagolden.com and page https://www.facebook.com/SoutheasternVirginia-Golden-Retriever-Rescue-Educationand-Training-114949351595/ for all the latest happenings with the rescue. Again, I can’t thank you enough for your support.
Jane
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.
Thanks again to all of our supporters who are shopping Kroger and supporting SEVA GRREAT at the same time. We just learned that 57 households shopped there during the last quarter so our contribution from Kroger will be over $400. That’s an increase in shoppers and contributions since last quarter! Kroger Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy... all you have to do is swipe your Plus Card when you shop at Kroger. If you use your phone number instead of your card, you can link SEVA GRREAT to it. There’s no charge to participate. You can register your card online at krogercommunityrewards.com. You do have to renew every year, but Kroger will remind you when the year is up. Ask your friends to sign up too! The easiest way to register is using our NPO number – 88542 – or the name of our organization– in this case SEVA GREAT. (No… that’s not a typo. Kroger did leave out the second R so we are listed as SEVA GREAT with them.) We don’t mind . . . we love their help.
, Kroger!
u Thank yo
SUMMER 2018
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Adoptions
William
Starr
Charlotte
Magnolia
Buddy
Bibi
Raife
Ernie
James
Starr – Meg & Rob Richardson
Buddy – Susan Collamore
Halley – Joe & Kathleen Dictor
Charlotte – Michelle & Scott Grafton
Raife – Jenny Katz
Max – Chris & Dan Walker
Ernie – Sean & Kim Pyne
Magnolia – Glen & Jenny Pierce
Bella – Diane & Donald Drummond
William – Lisa & Mark Spenik
Bibi – Deb & Joe Morris
Barkley – Deanna & Stephen Melroy
James – Heather Mains
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
A Poem for Foster Parents Thank you for all you do! There I sat, alone and afraid, You got a call and came right to my aid. You bundled me up with blankets and love. And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug. Halley
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold. That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold. You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend. You loved me and healed me and became my first friend. And just when I thought you’d done all you do, There came along not one new lesson, but two. First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go. I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Max
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss. Along came a new family, they even have kids! They took me to their home, forever to stay. At first I thought you sent me away. Then that second lesson became perfectly clear. No matter how far, you will always be near. And so, Foster Mom, you know I’ve moved on.
Bella
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn. But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day. Barkley
You never really give your fosters away. You gave me these thoughts to remember you by. We may never meet again, and now I know why. You’ll remember I lived with you for a time. I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine. –Author Unknown
SUMMER 2018
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SEVA GRREAT VOLUNTEER MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Bob and Peg Graham Where do you live? Virginia Beach - 23456 code What do you do for a living? Both retired. Bob was a submariner in the Navy and then worked in the computer area of Verizon. Peg was a teacher - taught second grade and then worked at our church’s after school program. Tell us about your family. Two foster failures (goldens) Three children who are all married and do not live in the area. How are you involved as a volunteer for SEVA GRREAT? Peg orders the supplies for the vets as needed and we are a foster family. Tell us about your current Golden(s) and/or other “furry family members.” Harry was our foster in 2009 who adopted us. He only has three legs as he was hit by a tractor on a farm in North Carolina when he was just eight weeks old. Our other member is Roscoe and we were his third foster family fell in love and adopted him. What other Goldens/pets have you loved in the past? We have had four golden that were bought from a breeder and were show quality Goldens. We bred one of our Goldens and she had a litter of beautiful puppies that all found homes. We also adopted one of our fosters that we had in Dallas. So Harry and Roscoe are six and seven of our Goldens.
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Do you have any hobbies/special interests? Both Bob and I are active at Virginia Beach UM Church. Bob is a Stephen Minister and I work with communications and Peg is president of our Sunday School class. Bob is a golfer and Peg plays bridge and bunko. Peg also does needlepoint and loves working word games and puzzles on her iPad. SEVA GRREAT Member since? We have been members since 2009. We lived in Dallas,Texas and were members of the golden rescue group there where we adopted one of our fosters. What is your favorite Golden memory or funniest thing you have done with your dog? We have many memories of all of our Goldens. Harry caught a possum and brought it into the house. The first time it happened Animal Control came and got it and put it down. But the second time we just wrapped it up in a towel and took it back into the woods. If there are ducks in the yard we will send Roscoe out and say “go chase the ducks away.” He runs right out and does his job. Roscoe was also afraid to be confined when we first got him. We were having our floors done and had to board him at Holly Ridge Kennel. We got the largest room for him that had windows and a TV and he was with Harry. But he managed to get out through the window in the door. The staff decided just to keep him with them at the front desk and everyone fell in love. Do you talk to your pets, and what do you talk about? Of course, we talk to our dogs and they understand “want to go for a car ride,” “want
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
to go on a walk,” “are you ready for dinner,” “need to go outside.” They also know what time it is and we may not be ready to serve them their meals, but they are ready to eat! How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday or other holidays? Does your dog dress up? No, we have not dressed up our dogs for their birthdays or holidays but they get a special dinner on their birthday. Do you have a favorite SEVA GRREAT story/memory? So many memories of our foster dogs - we have probably fostered twenty or more since we have been with SEVA GRREAT. Our little blind foster, who was adopted by a great family, is still a vivid memory. I remember we purchased all of these scents so she would know where to go to eat, to sleep, and go out but she learned everything about the house in no time. She did fall into our pool one day but then learned that if she did not walk on the cement around the pool she would be OK. So she always headed directly for the grass. Describe the perfect day with your Golden(s)/other pets. Every day is a perfect day with our dogs! What keeps you involved with SEVA GRREAT? We love working with SEVA GRREAT and fostering the dogs and then seeing them go to their new families with their tails wagging. Sometimes it is hard to give them up, but when you see that perfect bond, you know it is the right thing to do. Plus all the people that work with SEVA GRREAT are wonderful people!
Peg and Roscoe at the Neptune Festival.
Bob and Peg when they adopted Harry.
SUMMER 2018
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Do You Recognize this Dog? If you don’t, you must be new to our publication.
Raife is probably one of the most recognized
SEVA GRREAT dogs EVER! We have been following his story for months (over a year actually) through the early reports of his injury and surrender to rescue, through his life-saving surgery, through his many ups and downs as he would get off one med only to need another, recover from one infection and contract another -basically his story is a story of NEVER GIVE UP! We are so pleased to announce that in April Raife was finally cleared medically, and his adoption by his wonderful foster family has gone forward. We say thank you again to his first foster mom, Quan, who got him through the worst of it, to his second foster family who will be with him forever now, and to all of you who prayed for him sending pawsitive vibes and many, many donations to cover his expenses. Raife will always be our miracle boy! We love you!!
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Update
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n Tuesday, May 8, SEVA GRREAT participated in the 5th annual Give Local 757 twenty-four hour on-line fundraiser. Open to all nonprofits in the 757 area code, this event is an excellent opportunity to raise a considerable amount of money in a short period of time, increase their donor base and social media outreach. Similar to the last two years, SEVA GRREAT once again exceeded expectations. This year we finished in third place overall after competing with 218 other non-profits. In the twenty-four hour period we raised over $16,000 in donations. In addition to the donations, we were awarded two bonus prizes and a Grand Prize: • Midnight Madness Bonus prize: $757.00 awarded to the organization that receives the highest number of unique donations between midnight and 1:00am. • Rise and Shine Bonus prize: $757.00 awarded to the organization that receives the highest number of unique donations between 6:00am and 7:00am. Our Grand Prize was $2,000 for our third place finish, awarded to the non-profit that receives
the third highest number of unique donations overall. After twenty four hours SEVA GRREAT had nearly $20,000 - what a tremendous achievement especially for a relatively small non-profit organization. Special thanks to our VP Debbie Morris and Sharon Leeman for their pre-event publicity on social media and continuous updates to our Facebook page throughout the twenty-four hour fundraiser. Social media continues to play an integral role in our success with GIVE LOCAL 757. As in past years we featured some of our goldens in need. This year we highlighted: Domino, Dusty, Rufus, Finn and Halley. All had compelling stories that were well received and touched people wanting to help them.
Domino
All of us at SEVA GRREAT attribute our successes to YOU, our members, family, friends and social media followers. We could never do what we do without your support, generosity and belief in our mission. We are forever grateful for all you do for our golden’s. Please accept our sincere thanks for helping us help them. Dusty
Finn aka Lucky Halley
Rufus
SUMMER 2017
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Contributors Donor Margaret Allen Holly Allen Karen Amidon Mary Anderson Rachel Anderson Sheri Anderson Catherine Anthony Sharon Armell Kay Ashbrook Maureen Aulisa Geraldine Aulisa John Aydelott Maria Bagley Whitney Baker Louella Banks Joanne Bartosik Robyn Beasley Bass Beasley Bob Beasley Ashley Beasley Susan Beckman Charles Beeler Kimberly Beland Scott Beland Sonja Beland Stephanie Beland Zachary Beland Jill Bieri Cathie Birdsong Sam Birdsong Melissa Blane Thomas Bolden Ernie and Mary Botscheller Amelia Boyer Alissa Brandt Allen Brantley Martha Brantley Lindsey Brantley Christine Brantley Marjorie Briden Doug Brobst Richard and Donna Browder Alice Brown William Buklad Deborah Burden Tracy Burns Susan Burton Jasmine Canady Elaine Casper Krista Centric Dorothy Cleal Jennifer Clements Douglas Clements Belinda Clemons Lindsay Cole Richard Cole Susan Collamore Bianca Conn-Winkelspecht John Corliss Sharon Cowan Robert Cowling Elise Cox Frieda Cox Cheryl Cox Karen Cross Melissa Curtis Susanne Curtis Ann Czompo Jennifer Dauzier Elizabeth A. Dauzier Marc Dauzier Diane David Amanda DeMaar Joe Dictor Cheryl Dixon Karen Dobremsyl Linda Dockeray Patricia Donaldson John Donaldson Debra Doty Amy Dougher
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This donation is in honor or in memory of Max and Maxx Sierra and Walker
Callli
Brinkley Bagley Chloe, Seamus and Buddy Brian and Linda Thomson Huck and Riley SEVA GRREAT Volunteers Turkey Dogs Jake, Rascal, Vinny and Jordy Macie, Cheney, Lucy, Charm aka Boo Boo Macie and Allie all the Beland’s Goldens Bailey BrandyBear BrandyBear Raife Shea Shea Thomson Bailey, Liberty, Sarah and Buddy Frisco Frisco Frisco Frisco Zoe Gabby, Buff & Maggie Dusty from Gloucester County Animal Control Blue, Honor of Gracie Dodge Sandy Goldie Morgan Max
Griffin Samantha and Casey
Sadie Christman
Bear, Jazzmin, Bailey, Lyla “Bodley” Dauzier In Honor of Finn Halley Gracie Domino Shea, Sandpiper and Jake Jake a wonderful golden Tyler Shelby
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Donor Karen Duggins Kimberly Dumas Amanda Dumont Cathryn Duncan Ann J. Dunham Kelly Durrett Kimberly Dutton Judy Dyer Greg Eichinger Danise Elias Kevin Epps Joanne Even Tracy Fortune Christin Foy Natalee S. Franzyshen Chase Fulghum Elsie Galban Robert Getty Kathleen Gillerlain Katie Gillespie Gabrielle Glatt Marilee Glover Kimberly Golden Michelle Grafton Margaret Graham Larry Grahl Cara Grant Charles Gresham Meg Gresham George Groshong Tracy Hanger Jan Hanks Susan Harris Karen Harris Julie Harshaw Janet Hastings Di Hayes Sue Haywood Cathy Heimer Jennife Hepler Stacy Hershberger Renee Hite Carolyn Hoffman Elizabeth Homa Cathy Hoyt Myriam Hunt Denise Jenkins Sharon Johnson Carol Johnson Sharlene Johnson Denice Johnson Michael Kahn Sherry Kara Elizabeth Kara Hussein Karsh Jenni Katz Jacob Kay Liz Kay-Im Matthew Keiper Amy Kelley Isaac Kelley Cynthia Kennett Allysa Kesner Jonathan Kesner Thad Keyt Andrea Kirby Charles Kloth Jane Krom James Krom Kathi Kruse Sandra Kuntzelman M. Kunz Andrew Lamparter Brittany Lavalleur Sharon Leeman Quanzhan Li J. Li Diane Lingle Tammy Lockie Scott Locklear Cindy Mack
This donation is in honor or in memory of
Duffy, Rusty, Bonnie, Ruger, Skittles and Guinness
all of precious goldens IHO Ginger and Blaze All the dogs out there that need homes! Ginger and chief Jennifer Dauzier Mandy Dusty Reagan Sesame, Maggie, Monty, Midas and Molly Duke
my Abby Abby and Blakeley Anabella Scout Honor of Carly Taylor Debbie Logan Morris, Joey Morris & Jane Krom Brandy Gus, Rusty & Benji Linda and Brian Thomson Gracie Polly Bella All the dogs I’ve ever loved! HONOR OF FINN Beau and Chaney Kallie Honor of Coco Brinkley Charlie our foster fail Duncan & Donut Duncan & Donut Murphy
Linda and Brian Thomson All of my golden girls Blue Chloe my Mom Goldie Grace Lockie and Calypso Smith Kim & Scott Beland for their selfless devotion to this cause.
Thank You!!! Donor
This donation is in honor or in memory of
Bob and Linda Mandala Lorie Manfre Lulu Mario Manfre Lulu Ge Martin In honor of Ginger Li Donna Martin Ace Emmaliam Martin Lisa Masternak Sammy and Cooper Kayla Matherson Dakota Charles Mattax Brandy Karen McCarthy all the Turkey dogs Elizabeth McCray Alli JillMcGill Copper Robert McGill Debbie for all she does. Jaime Melio Deann Melroy Max Julie Mercer Noah Mercer Nicholas Mercer Gradie Mercer Nicole Metzger Domino Brett Meyer Cynthia Meyer Dana Middleton Marion Miles William Miller Berh Miller Sascha Linda Miller Annie, Sarah, Amber Lolita Minder My 3 Goldens at Rainbow Bridge Tracy Minnich All that SEVA GRREAT does! Peggy Molodovitch Smooch Greg Mary Monteclaro Debra Morris Phoebe/Bibi Joseph Morris Copper Mary Morris Nellie Moseley Shea Thomson Mary C. Murphree Linda and Brian Jane Myers Raney Belle Kimberly Nicassio Fluffy Dan Nieman Bleu William Niznik Johnnie Noles Helen Noles Vito, Flash and Blue Kelly OBrien Jim O’Connell Jane Krom Barbara Oestreich Marilla Robert ONeal Rufus and Sammy Bones Theresa ONeal Roxie Belle, Dharma & Truly R. S. ONeal Archer, the Arch Duke of Squirrels Lisa Orton Buddy, Daisy & Bailey Patricia Owens Justice & Bella Kristi Packer Sailot Catherine Pahno Tim Pandajis Bentley & His Pack Kristine Payson Brenda Penca SE VA GRREAT volunteers Sharon Peretti Douglas Perry Mya G . M. Pettinger Pearl (Aine) Michelle Pfeiffer Gracie adopted from SEVA GRREAT in 2016. Charles Pfeiffer our sweet Gracie! Rebecca Phillips Kelly Phillips Rachel Piel Bryan Pilati Joyie Kevin Pirkle Debbie Morris AnitaPozin Barbara Raliski Tom Binns Carol Raynor “Coco” Kathleen Reid Molly & Otis Nancy Rella Linda & Brian Linda Reust Meryl Rewkowski Linda and Brian Thomson Susan Reynolds Sherman Charm/Boo Boo Margaret Richardson Chica,Dodger,Ivy,Elliott,Bambam,Pebbles,Bentley Rob Richardson Elliott Ivy Dodger Chica Kathleen Ringel-Bosch Debbie Morris Beth Rodgers Donna Roggmann IMO: Samantha, Jasper, Penny, Chewie, Nadi & Woody, IHO: Finn Michael Roggmann Chewy!! Janice Roller Katie Virginia Roper Honey & Brandy and their human Dad, Bill Graham Rose
Donor
Mark Rose Ellen Rosenblum Yolanda Rowlett William Runyan Diana Schnetzka Lisa Schrader Karen Schrader Kathleen Schroeder Angie Schwartz Richanne Sensenig Angelica Shaw Samantha Shearin Bobby Shearin Terry Sherman Ken Shewbridge Donna Silver Quentin Simmons Lynds Smet Barbara S. Smith Vanessa Smith Monica Smith Charla Smith-Worley Stephanie Snider Jennifer Solley Laura Spink Rick Spink Traci Spruill Susan Stanitski Ida Stavenger Lacey Stefan Audrey Stephenson Margaret Stockton Mary Strzelecki Bernard Strzelecki Patricia Sturgis Amir Sultan Elizabeth Sumner Cathleen A. Sweeney Barbara Talley Cheryl Taylor Sarah Taylor Stephen Taylor Patricia Thomas Ann Thomas Charles Thomas Donna Thomas Elizabeth Thompson Brian Thomson Kimberly Tierney Victoria Timmons Brittany Toney Lisa Tri Rogina Troy Deborah Van Dover Angie Van Hook Patrice Vertigan Christine Walker Daniel Walker Leslie Walker D. R. Walker Ramona Walker Cara Waller KeHao Wang Diane Warfield Elizabeth Watson Sherrie Wayne Lisa Wead Stephanie Weeks Keri-Anne West Janet White Bruce Williams Debbie Wood Cindy Wooten Martha Wormeley Clare Wright Eugene Zamer Mike Zinski Kevin Zinski
This donation is in honor or in memory of Domino Gracie and Murphy Gracie May 2, 2018 Miss you girl Riley, Rex and Dodge Sacha Copper Wiley Maggie Brodie, Emma, and Maui
Chief, who was my first foster failure Harley Mercedes Calypso Shea Gus and Charlie Haley and Buster Smoke All my goldens (6) Carly, a golden who lost her fight to cancer Honey Delilah My dog Mombo Duffy, Morgan, Molly & Breezy
Frostie Savannah Finn Benson To help Finn Sam and Megan Thompson Nina Brazen Memory-Peanut Every golden baby that has crossed the rainbow bridge Sharon’s Goldens! Jakey and Ms. Honey
RIKKI
Mason,Jen,Goldie,Ace and Star ennifer Dauzier Alice Cuffee Bay Rascal, Taffy, & Sassy All my GRREAT Goldens Dusty Rose Drego and Ajax Stanley and Gracie Floyd, Roger and Dakota
SUMMER 2018
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Homecoming Share your pictures and stories by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. They will be featured in coming newsletters, right here under Homecoming.
My precious Duke - he was a product of the Isle of Wight rescue in 2008. I am forever grateful to SEVA for the amazing rescue they did! He’s my faithful companion and I love him dearly. –Tracy Thomas Minnich
This is Ava enjoying her backyard. She will be 5 next month. – Abby Rue Van Schaften
Here’s my sweet Lucy who came from Turkey. We love her dearly!! –Susan Barbara
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
This is Stella. I’ve had her for 2 years. She is still fearful when people come to her house to visit, but she’s a dream Golden, very well behaved and she loves her family and other dogs and cats. She even likes the deer who stroll through her yard on the other side of the fence. –Debra Smith Doty
This is Pilsner (formerly Colby) who was adopted in 2008. He has the best temperament with children, very patient and endures a lot. He’s around 11/12 years old now but still keeps up with everyone without problem. –Jenny Shieldmaiden
Leo - My girls protector and my heart. –Lauren Swedburg
Here is our sweet boy Pippin. We adopted him from SEVA in 2004. Even though he was only with us a wonderful 6 years, it was the best 6 years ever! We miss him everyday since he was our very first furry doggie boy. –Anya Dubose Becker
Shadow is a SEVA GRREAT dog. We adopted him last August. We took him on his first kayak ride today in preparation for a camping trip in July and we think he really liked it!” Happy dog... happy dog!
Here is my sweet boy Copper. We adopted him from SEVA over 5 1/2 years ago. He is always hoping someone will throw the ball for him. Thank you SEVA GRREAT for our wonderful pup! –Debbie and Joe Morris Murphy Sumner lies in Roxy’s garden near her stone. –Roni Sumner
SUMMER 2018
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Another Successful SEVA Pat and John Donaldson with Andy and Hope greeting customers.
Volunteers Terry Cole, Ann Catron, and Pat’s sister, Beth.
A
great big thanks to Pat and John Donaldson for organizing and hosting another successful SEVA GRREAT yard sale at their beautiful home in Carrollton; and their Golden Retrievers, Andy and Hope, for acting as the official mascots. Andy and Hope, adopted from SEVA GRREAT, greeted several of the customers and oversaw the activities. The Goldens are always a big draw. All the proceeds from the yard sale, a total of $1,575.00, will be used to support our rescued Golden Retrievers. With several of our Goldens having exceptional medical needs at this time, these funds will be a tremendous help. We also want to thank all the members and volunteers who donated their wonderful items, and the assistants that helped out with setup, sales and cleanup at the yard sale. The Donaldson’s live in a great neighborhood with a lot of good neighbors who also extended a helping hand in support of the rescue. A good time was had by all, and most importantly it was a very successful fundraising event for SEVA GRREAT.
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
GRREAT Yard Sale Pat Donaldson with volunteers Jack and Donna Roggmann.
T&M Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning Installation and Repair Service For Light Commercial and Residential
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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 30 YEARS! CALL US AT 757-434-7723 Serving all of Hampton Roads
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.
SUMMER 2018
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A Day at the Beach Spring Membership Meeting in Virginia Beach
Water, Sand and
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Fun Everywhere!!!
SUMMER 2018
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“PAWS to READ”
by Donna Roggman
M
any of you may have heard of the PAWS to READ Program but if you haven’t, I’d like to tell you about my experience with it. About nine years ago, I was introduced to the program by my school Principal. She was instituting any and all means to encourage children to read more. Knowing that I worked with the SEVAGRREAT and loved dogs, she dropped the program name on my desk and said “make it happen.” I can tell you, I had no idea how to start and no idea how rewarding it would turn out to be. Working in the school library I had the perfect setting, if only there weren’t always classes in session there. I talked it over with the librarian and she agreed to rework her schedule for an hour once a week to give me the space.
There was a lot of trial and error with organization in the beginning but the program came together. During the first year, Helen and Johnnie Noles brought two of their Goldens. I knew Helen as an instructor from Merrimac Dog Club. Over the years she has been an invaluable resource as she certifies therapy dogs and always brings new teams to us. Helen and Johnnie still bring their Golden, Dreama, to visit us. Last year I was really excited to welcome Jim O’Connell and PJ to our program. PJ is often styling seasonal head gear and she really makes the children smile. This year, John and Pat Donaldson have joined our ranks with their golden boy, Andy. Poor Andy has a hard time with linoleum floors and has given us some hilarious moments entering and exiting the building. Lacy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, assures him it will get easier in time. She had the same problem with that slippery floor when she started.
There wasn’t a lot of information about the program on-line but I had a contact number for a local Therapy Dogs International (TDI) member. Denise and her Rottweiler, “Tank”, were amazing! She had a group of dog teams willing to come to our school weekly to listen to children read and allow students and staff a bit of destress time. There were many different breeds of dog in our first year of the program: Rottweiler, Skipper Key, Australian shepherd, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and one mutt. Introducing the children to the program was an eye-opener for me. So many children had never touched a dog or were fearful of the dogs. Especially, Tank who was close to 150 pounds. He had many people back-pedaling out of the library when they saw him for the first time! There was a lot of training to do with the children to get them ready to meet and behave around the dogs. I had to show them how to greet a dog and the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs. We had to practice and reinforce. 18
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
There are many opportunities for you and your pet to help in the community. Therapy dogs are needed more than ever in nursing homes, infusion centers, schools and many other areas. From my perspective working at the elementary, I have seen them calm many distraught children and stressed staff members. They make the start of the school day more joyful and give everyone a bright moment of pleasure. Best of all, the children want to read to the dogs. Our Principal sent me an account of one class she was observing. The children doing independent reading were reading to their PAWS to READ bookmarks which have a picture of their favorite therapy dog displayed on them. Now that you have your Golden home, consider taking a TDI class and giving an hour or two to your community. Many schools are eager for program participants. Helping our future generation get off to a good start reading is good for all of us.
Helen Noles shared the following FAQs About Pet Therapy 1. What is pet Therapy? It’s easiest to say what it is not. Pet therapy dogs are NOT animal assisstance dogs that help individuals with physical disabilities. Pet therapy dogs visit health care facilities, schools, and residential institutions to provide emotional support to children and adults. These dogs are there to be stroked, held, and sometimes just watched. 2. Why is pet therapy so beneficial? Many residents in health care facilities and institutions have fragile minds and bodies. They may live at the facilities for months to years at at time, with limited contact with every day life. By petting and holding a dog, a youngster or adult can connect with life that makes no demands. A youngster can still be a kid when a dog is around. The touch of a furry flank usually draws a smile, and a lick is the springboard for many a giggle. The dogs provide a “non-judgemental” connection to people who have a fragile physical/mental connection to daily life. 3. What’s the big deal about “certifying” my dog to do pet therapy? Most health care and rehabilitation facilities welcome pet therapy dogs because they know these animals enhance the well-being of their residents, and and encourage them to continue with their therapy. These institutions know that a pet therapy certification is an assurance that the dog was tested nin an accredited manner and found to be possitive around people, mannerly in public situations, in good health and current with shots, and obedient to basic commands. Most important – it shows that the dog is not aggressive. Pet therapy certification gives you additional peace of mind (never a guarantee) that your
dog was successfully tested to be nonaggressive and not skittish, mannerly in mock social situations, and obedient to your commands. Most of the certify bodies also provide an umbrella of insurance for accredited members should there be an incident during a pet therapy visit. 4. How are dogs “certified” to do pet therapy? There are several national certifying bodies with standard tests to ensure a dog can handle mock public situations in a possitive and acceptable manner. This certification is performed by evaluators who have extensive experience in pet therapy, dog training, and working with dogs in public situations. Most pet therapy certify groups, such as Therapy Dogs International and Therapy Dogs Incorporated, have acccredited testers evaluate dogs in a series of 14-22 tests to determine their behavior and attitude in mock public and institutional situations. These situations include: walking through a crowd, meeting/ greeting a friendly stranger, and response to medical equipment. In addition, dogs are tested on basic commands such as come, sit, dowm, and stay, and walking nicely on a leash. The evaluator is reviewing the dogs to ensure that their behavior is mannerly, their response to
commands are correct, and they are calm throughout the testing. Many a dog backs away when a friendly stranger reaches to pet him or acts aggressively or shyly when someone in a wheelchair comes close. A key element of testing is to weed out dogs that are fearful or aggressive, both of which can mean a biting dog. 5. What dogs are eligible? While individual certifying bodies have minor variations in requirements, most open their programs to purebred and mixed breed dogs that are at least one year old, male or female, spayed/neutered or not. Females in heat are asked not to make visits during the heat cycle. 6. How do I know if my dog can do this volunteer service? If your dog likes people, likes to visit new places, and is eager to get out and about, you have the right raw ingredients. Training and experience in public places builds the framework from which a dog/handler can pass pet therapy testing. 7. How do I get started in preparing for pet therapy? Most of the handlers and dogs who successfully complete the tests have gone through two or more basic dog pbedience (continued on next page)
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“PAWS to READ” (continued) classes. Dog obedience classes are NOT required, but they boister your chance of success. There are no” pet therapy classes,” per se, but you can ask an instructor if he oe she is familiar with pet therapy and if the current class program supports the preparation. The following centers or facilities are a few with classes that will complement your goal to do pet therapy: PET PARADISE (238-8838) Carrollton MERRIMAC DOG TRAING CENTER (723-8141) Hampton BEDLAMB BESTIARY (898-6892) York County
www.culturecafeva.com www.culturecafeva.com 747 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185 747 Scotland Street Williamsburg, VA 23185 757.229.8610 757.229.8610
CANINE TRAINIG UNLIMITED (436-9673) Chesapeaake LEE HUSSEY leefundogs@aol.com Pet therapy yesting is held periodically on both the Peninsula and the Southside. Check the TDI website (www.tdi-dog.org) for test times.
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
8. What pet therapy opportunities are available on the Peninsula and around Hampton Roads. There are several organized therapy groups from Williamsburg to the Southside. These groups have regularly scheduled pet therapy visits on weekdays and weekends at a host of nursing homes and larger institutions. You do NOT have to join an organized group; it is encouraged so that you see experienced dog and handler teams work. 9. How do I get started? A. Reserach pet therapy certifying organizations. B. Research/contact pet therapy groups in Hampton Roads. Most of these groups will invite you to watch them while they make a visit. You will participate without your dog. CHAPTER 152 OF THERAPY DOGS INTERNATIONAL (Hampton, Gloucester, Newport News) Jean Nohle, President at JNohle@aol.com K9 CONNECTION (Williamsburg) K9connectionwmbg.org
Rainbow Bridge
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Contributions Estate of Bettye G. Jones
Brett Meyer In memory of our friend and coworker John Calisto
Gisela Nygards
Leslie Walker
Fran DeCicco In honor of PJ
Phi Mu Alfa - Omicron Alpha Chapter and Sigma Alpha Iota - Theta Kappa Chapter at William Patterson University In memory of John Cailsto, with much love Ann and Andor Czompo Joe Vance Sharon O’Donnell In memory of my sister, Kathleen O’Donnell Wiliam Buklad Diane and Keith Christansen In memory of precious Dixie Clay Clemens In honor of Avery and Ika Dr. Eileen O’Donnell Winokur In memory of Kathleen O’Donnell
Clay and Jan Beall, III
Dixon and Cathy Morrow Janice Distanlo In honor of Beth Thompson’s special birthday Danise and Thomas Elias Pam Lieberman In memory of Tucker Edward and Karen Shepherd In memory of Billy Bryce Pirtle, who treasured all of his Golden Retrievers Dave and Peggy Main In loving memory of Hattie (Hattaras) Terry and Vicki Beard In memory of Billy Pirtle Christine Fuhrman In memory of Bodie
Charles Gresham In support of Roxy’s leg surgery Melissa Hoban
Sponsor-A-Dog Contributors
Donald Karas In honor of the great work done by SEVA GRREAT and volunteers Donna and Jack Roggmann Dale and Kristin Robertson In honor of Duke Nancy Hawkins In honor of Rusty and Star Karen Hastings In memory of Billy Pirtie
Domino’s Fund
Kathy Speak
Carl Jackson
Nancy Tamse In honor of Finn
Melissa Keown
Sue Spooner Charles BaDavid Speerllein In memory of Michael Beaver Brittney Bryant In memory of Elmer C. “Corky” Slack, Jr. David Speer
The
GOLD th
e
Combined Federal Campaign #003456
CVC
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3456
GO
Fund
LD
EN O DO L DIE L OVE
G
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Golden Oldie Love Dog Fund (GOLD Fund) is used for medical expenses, food, equipment, or adoption costs of rescued Golden Retrievers estimated to be ten years or older.
Sharon O’Donnell Dr. Eileen O’Donnell Winokur
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
n
d
Wanda Roman
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: ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
HOME EVALUATION –– visits for foster/adoption applicants.
Home Phone: ________________________________________ Work Phone: ________________________________________ This is a new membership Address Change
FOSTERING — A temporary home for SEVA GRREAT dogs before they are adopted.
Membership Donation Volunteer
ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS: (E-mail needs to be unique to vote.)
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
Evenings
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.
Name: _____________________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
MERCHANDISE — to man booths selling SEVA GRREAT stuff at local dog shows / fairs / festivals / etc.
Name: _____________________________________________ 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 $25 annual membership dues $ ___________
SEVA GRREAT
Additional Voting members _____ @ $25 each
$ ___________
Please make checks payable to:
Donation
$ ___________
1 Calendar = $12.00 (includes shipping)
$ ___________
TOTAL REMITTANCE
$ ___________
Mail this form with your check to: SEVA GRREAT PO Box 8014 Yorktown, VA 23693
MY DONATION IS FOR: In Honor of
In Memory of
REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
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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: ______________________________________________________________
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SEVA GRREAT P.O. Box 8014 Yorktown, Va 23693
PAID
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185 PERMIT NO. 220
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
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SEVA GRREAT Contact Information President Jane Krom Vice President Debbie Morris Treasurer Pat Donaldson Secretary Sharon Leeman Event Coordinators: Southside: Jane Krom Peninsula: Linda Thomson Richmond: Jennifer Dauzier Microchip Coordinator Robyn Beasley Intake Coordinator Michelle Pfeiffer Foster Coordinator Debbie Morris Adoption Coordinator Robyn Beasley Membership Jacob Kay Volunteer Coordinator Sherry Kara Medical Coordinator Beth Rodgers Merchandise Jennifer Dauzier Fundraising GRREAT Times magazine
Linda Thomson Brad Miller
president@adoptagolden.com vice_president@adoptagolden.com treasurer@adoptagolden.com secretary@adoptagolden.com events@adoptagolden.com southside_events@adoptagolden.com peninsula_events@adoptagolden.com richmond_events@adoptagolden.com sevagrreatadoptions@yahoo.com intake@adoptagolden.com fostering@adoptagolden.com sevagrreatadoptions@yahoo.com membership@adoptagolden.com volunteersevagrreat@gmail.com medical@adoptagolden.com merchandise@adoptagolden.com fundraising@adoptagolden.com grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
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