GRREAT Times Fall2021

FALL 2021

My Journey with Ernie

My Name is Jackson Saville

The Neptune Festival

CONTENTS GRREAT Times is a quarterly publication of SEVA GRREAT, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding homes for homeless Golden Retrievers.

For more information, call our Hotline at 757-827-8561 or visit our web site at www.sevagrreat.org.

3 .. President’s Message

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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.

SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.

Submitting Stories and Photos

6 .. My Journey with Ernie 9 .. My Name is Jackson Saville

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10 .. Hampton Pet Market

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.

12 .. Homecoming 14 .. Your Dog’s Treats

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16 .. The Neptune Festival 18 .. How to Introduce Dogs

Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com

21 .. Rainbow Bridge 22 .. Membership & Volunteering

18 ON THE COVER: fostering@adoptagolden.com 2

This is Murphy Sumner. Two years in a row now, a Sumner dog had the second highest votes in the SEVA GRREAT calendar cover contest. In our magazine, he is the perfect cover candidate.

SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

President’s Message

Check Facebook or our website for the most up-to-date gatherings

Happy fall y'all!

Facebook: Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training!

Website: https://adoptagolden.com

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W

ith the days cooling off, it’s a GRREAT time to take your pup(s) for walks.

Walking has been shown to improve a person’s mental state and helps dogs with keeping extra pounds off. They also enjoy “sniffing” the latest neighborhood gossip. With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I’d share a picture of Lucy from daycare last year!

Many of you have probably been wondering about the CDC ban and I wish I had better news to report. The coalition is still working to get an exemption for rescues; however, progress is quite slow. Hopefully, each of you received and completed the email from

us that contained a link to send an email to your legislator.

In the meantime, we still have dogs being fostered along with several ready for adoption.

Remember, the Goldens we rescue are often not in the best shape when we receive them; however, that does not mean they can’t become part of your family with a little work.

Sometimes, all they need is a little love.

Enjoy the fall weather and some extra snuggles with your pup(s)!

Best,

Susan FALL 2021

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Adoptions

ANDY Melanie Welch

APRIL

AUSTIN

Jylian Kivelin & Steven Long

Ken & Charlene Hershberger

BAILEY

BRONCO

BUCKY

Ken & Debbie Lodding

David & Leslie Stroud

Karen Dobremsyl

GRACIE

LADYBUG

LAYLA

Susan & Bruce Beckman

Carol & Tom Holliday

Barbara & Jeff Raliski

MAYA

NICO

OSCAR

Ruth & John Countryman

Heather & Harry Turton

Audrey Leishman

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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

PRENSES

PERI

Jennifer & Toni Nicol

Charles & Kelley Gresham

STELLA Kelley & Chris Rice

RUBY Nanette & Ross Knapp

POPPY Kim & Scott Beland

CICO Patsy & Donald Glazer

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My Journey with Ernie York teacher, who adopted a golden retriever from Turkey, writes book to bring attention to international pet rescues

By ALISON JOHNSON [VIRGINIA GAZETTE | AUG 17, 2021 AT 10:08 AM]

H

eidi Speece of York County adopted Ernie Bert Speece, a golden retriever that was abandoned on the streets of Istanbul.

During his four years in America, Ernie Bert Speece has stolen more than 100 balls.

The 71-pound golden retriever, now about 10 years old, has raided neighbors’ yards, school baseball fields and tennis courts, and random leaf piles on walks. He even tried to snatch a football at a high school homecoming game.

Ernie’s owner, Heidi Speece of York County, was once a self-described perfectionist and

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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

workaholic. Then she adopted a big, goofy dog abandoned on the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, one that sighs loudly if he’s bored and ready for an adventure.

“I was always the rule follower,” Speece says.

“Ernie made me ease up, relax, enjoy the little moments in life. Before, I felt such pressure to cross everything off my to-do list. Today, if I don’t, I don’t. I’m going to play fetch with my dog.”

The story of the driven high school English teacher and her mischievous dog is featured in Speece’s first book, “My Journey with Ernie: Lessons from a Turkey Dog,” published independently in August and available on Amazon and Kindle.

Speece wrote the book to raise awareness of international animal adoption, with proceeds going to nonprofit rescue groups and efforts to fight a recent ban by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on many foreign dog adoptions.

On June 14, the CDC suspended importation of dogs from 113 countries deemed high-risk for rabies, including Turkey. Rescue groups counter that they carefully follow federal permitting requirements to ensure dogs are disease-free and vaccinated before transport.

“These dogs have no hope on the streets,” Speece says. “They’re going to die.”

Speece, a former Hampton Roads Academy and Tabb High School teacher, works with online students statewide in the Virtual Virginia program. In 2017, she was feeling burned out and bored when she saw a television news report about packs of homeless dogs in Turkey.

Adult dogs, even purebreds, are rarely rescued from shelters in Turkey and other countries, notes Jane Krom, foster coordinator for

Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education & Training, a nonprofit that handles local and foreign adoptions.

Instead, overwhelmed shelter staff often spay, neuter and vaccinate animals, tag them and return them to the streets. “Not everybody is kind to them,” Krom says. “They deserve better, and we hope Heidi’s book helps people see why we wanted to get involved.”

Speece’s former golden retriever, Buddy, had died about a year before she heard about “Turkey Dogs.” She also had loved the country when she visited as a cruise ship staff member

20 years earlier. “I knew something needed to change in my life,” she recalls.

Enter Ernie The dog had appeared outside a Turkish auto body shop in March 2017, malnourished, mangy and with a serious hip injury, likely from being struck by a car. Sympathetic mechanics threw him food scraps and let him sleep inside on particularly cold nights, and a woman later took him to an animal boarding center.

Kyra’s Rescue, a nonprofit based in

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Balls quickly piled up in containers at Speece’s house.

At a pumpkin patch, Ernie found a white pumpkin — in his mind, another ball — to carry around. Speece has snapped pictures of him posing in sunglasses during a solar eclipse, using one of his prized balls as a pillow and snoozing while one of Speece’s two kittens played on his back.

“He always makes me laugh,” Speece relates. “He just loves life, and that’s infectious.”

Ernie, who had received good medical care while still in Turkey, has gained about 15 pounds since arriving in Yorktown. A small limp is the only lingering sign of his hip injury.

Washington, D.C., brought Ernie to the United States on July 4, 2017. Speece picked him up a day later, adding the middle name “Bert” as a nod to her childhood love of “Sesame Street.”

Ernie’s antics began right away. He tried to chew a model skeleton during an appointment with a veterinary hip specialist, grabbed a piece of pizza off an elf’s plate during a visit with Santa, and refused to jump out of Spence’s car unless she had a treat.

The dog likes to play with Speece’s kittens, Lottie and Louis, and wrestle chaotically — sometimes knocking over knick-knacks — with another “Turkey dog”: Limerick, a fellow golden retriever adopted by Speece’s mother, a Williamsburg resident, in 2018.

International adoption fees are higher than domestic — at SEVA GRREAT, the difference is $700 versus $200 to $500 — but much

lower than breeder fees that can range from $1,000 to $4,000 for golden retriever puppies.

“Ernie and Limerick are so lovable, despite the abuse and neglect they had suffered,” she says. “It’s almost as if these dogs realize they’ve been rescued, and they’re so grateful and happy. My dog is lucky, but I’m even luckier to have him.”

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I t ’ s

a l l

a b o u t

g r e e n

Hi! My name is Jackson Saville I

have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a neuromuscular disorder that effects the muscles in my body. The muscles you use for walking, breathing and even swallowing!

I have wheelchair that I can get around in, though!

I have loved golden retrievers for as long as I can remember. Lily, a SEVA GRREAT dog, came into our family about six years ago. I started following the SEVA GRREAT site this past spring. I love all the dogs “in our care,” and “forever fosters.” Then this past summer I found their Facebook page! I watched as they brought the Turkey dogs over in July before the CDC ban. One dog in particular caught my attention. Archie. They knew he had medical problems when he came over. He had been hit by a car and was left on the side of the road for two days! That made me so sad! I couldn’t believe that anyone could just leave Archie or any animal there. I know what it’s like to be

dependent on people to help you. It can be really scary! I can’t even imagine being stuck somewhere for two days!

When Archie came here they took him to a neurologist in Richmond to look at his spine which had been fractured. He was going to need more surgery to help him get around better and make him more comfortable. I felt so bad for him. Having surgery is scary! I know because I have had three spinal surgeries!

I even talked to my neurologist, Dr. Crystal Proud, and tried to get some information about how Archie would do from her.

I thought about Archie a lot and I wanted to help him. Then I thought that maybe I could do a fundraiser to try to help pay for his medical bills. My mom had told me early in the summer that I needed to do something productive, and rather than do her “fun sheets” that really aren’t fun, I decided to start my own company.

In June and July, I sold tie dye tee shirts for the 4th of July and donated $5.00 from every shirt to SMA Proud. So I thought I can donate to SEVA GRREAT and help with Archie’s surgery! So I did a pet art project, and sold 17 kits. I donated $100 and my older brother matched it! Then my cousin suggested that I start making pet bandanas. I did! I worked at the Neptune Festival with SEVA GRREAT and sold bandanas and bowties! Now I have sold over 200! The best part is all the Golden’s I have “met.” Captain, Murphy, Lucy, and another Turkey Dog named Ernie Bert! I’m even reading a book about Ernie Bert, called My Journey with Ernie! These Golden’s always make my day better.

The bandanas are $10.00 and I donate $5.00 from each one to SEVA GRREAT! I would tell people if they want to help someone, all they need to do is try! I was scared at first. I didn’t know if the SEVA GRREAT people would think that I couldn’t do much since I’m a kid. But they were so nice to me and encouraged me to try! And I’m so glad I decided to be brave and see how I could help!

I’m really proud that I have been able to help SEVA GRREAT and Archie! Archie is a dog, and unlike the youtube pups, he doesn’t have captions or a voice transponder. But I have a voice and I can ask for people to help me help these amazing dogs!

FALL 2021

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Relaxing at the Hampton Pet Market

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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

Karin Pettinger, raffle winner

FALL 2021

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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.

Today is Macy’s gotcha day.

She’s a former Turkey dog.

We’ve had her for 2 years now.

She’s the best princess ever.

–Shannon and David Stell

Fenway loves shake! (Along with various other tricks we’ve taught him) He’s so smart, so we like to work his brain a little and teach him new tricks.”

– From his mom, Cassidy Crowder

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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

Send Us Your Photos We adopted Tommy (Turkey dog) in October 2019. Tommy has tons of persnality and is a big “talker. ” He loves his stuffed toys, hanging out on the deck overseeing his back yard, and visiting family on the Eastern Shore. We are so happy he is a part of our family.

– Jen and Marc Dauzier

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!

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3 Ingredients You NEVER Want to See In

by Justin Palmer (Paws Project TM)

W

hen it comes to choosing the right dog treats, you might find yourself feeling lost looking down the aisle at your local pet supply store. Or maybe you’re browsing the web all day, looking for the perfect snack for your pup.

Wherever you find yourself, you’re probably being bombarded with information regarding one important factor: ingredients. What goes into your dog’s body has a huge impact on their health and well-being, so looking at ingredients is something you should take seriously.

While there are a lot of ingredients that are both delicious and healthy, there are others

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that should be avoided at all costs. No matter what kind of treats you buy and where you get them, make sure these three ingredients aren’t inside.

1

because they are high in carbohydrates.

Fillers like these add substance to a food that typically lacks appropriate protein, fat and other nutrients.

2

Corn, Wheat & Soy

Meat Meals & By-Products

We’ve lumped these together because they’re fairly interchangeable. These are all fillers, which means they add a lot of calories and fiber, making your dog feel full without any nutritional value. In fact, some of these ingredients are actually harmful to pets. Dogs are not designed to digest these grains and many are allergic to them. These ingredients also contribute to obesity and diabetes

These might sound healthy because they come from meat, but they are not exactly what you’d expect. Meat meals and by-products are essentially the leftovers of animals slaughtered for human consumption. When an animal is processed for humans, the lean muscle meat is butchered and created into human-grade food. What’s left is the bones, blood, beaks, feet, etc. that go into pet foods. Expired meats

SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

illustration credit: "https://www.vecteezy.com/ free-vector/dog-biscuit">Dog Biscuit Vectors by Vecteezy</a>

Your Dog’s Treats from supermarkets, restaurant grease, and the bodies of dead, diseased, dying and disabled animals not fit for human consumption are also processed into pet foods. These are the meat meals and by-products you see listed in some ingredient labels. These are low-quality meat products that cannot be sold to people. If you wouldn’t eat it, why feed it to your dog?

3

Preservatives Many people are trying to eat more natural foods that are free of preservatives and there’s good reason for it. Unfortunately, many of these harmful ingredients are also found in pet foods. The most common preservatives in

dog food are BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin and Propyl Gallate. BHA and BHT are banned for human consumption in many countries, but they are still allowed in the United States. These are known carcinogens in animal studies and are possibly linked to human cancers as well.

A Radical, But Obvious Alternative There are few studies on Propyl Gallate, so there’s no way to tell if it is safe. Ethoxyquin has been associated with the development of kidney and liver damage, cancer (liver, spleen, stomach, skin), immune deficiency syndrome, blindness, and leukemia. Whatever the reason for adding these ingredients, they should be avoided at all costs. There are plenty of healthy, natural preservatives that won’t cause your dog any harm.

Hounds In Hand Obedience Training and Behavior Modification based on Positive Reinforcement • All Breeds •

The search for the perfect dog treats is a difficult one and you’re sure to find many different kinds that your dog loves. Just make sure that they’re healthy and free of these nasty ingredients.

• Inappropriate Digging • Unruly Behavior in the House • Separation Anxiety • Jumping and Nipping • Housetraining • and much more

Edie Larson

Certified Dog Trainer 804-539-7534 Edie@HoundsInHand www.HoundsInHand.com

Our own frustration with shopping for dog treats led us to ask an obvious question: Why not make treats that contain 1 single ingredient?

Remember, if it’s something you wouldn’t feel safe eating, don’t feed it to your dog. We hope you’ll do the homework and make the best possible choice for your dog.

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!

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the Neptune Festival

A lot of cute.

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f o s t Lo odies Go

SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

Nice to meet you.

Blue Sky Best buddies.

y n n Su Day Come on in and have a seat.

A hard days work.

Is that a treat you have?

m r a W d San FALL 2021

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How to Introduce Dogs the Right Way

Written by: PetMD Editorial

I

ntroducing a new dog to your family dog is sure to spur a mix of nervousness and excitement.

In order to make the transition smooth, you should plan each step of the process—from the d\gs’ first meeting to the steps you’ll take to keep the peace for the first few months.

The first step toward ensuring a lifelong doggy friendship is for you to have a plan and a calm approach.

Steps for Introducing a New Dog to Your Current Dog If you know how to introduce dogs properly, you’ll set them both up to make a good first impression. Follow these steps for introducing dogs to each other.

1. Find a Neutral Spot to Make Introductions If possible, find a neutral, outdoor, fully fenced space—an area that neither dog has “claimed” through frequent visits or walks.

The space should be quiet with no other dogs or people, like the backyard of a friend who doesn’t have pets or a park during off hours when no one is there.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, so the next best option is an outdoor space with enough room for the dogs to roam on-leash as they get to know one another. If outdoor space isn’t available, opt for a large garage or basement.

Put away anything that might cause a scuffle—like dog toys, bones, beds, and even empty food bowls. Consider everything, including objects that don’t seem to interest your dog. An old bone might suddenly become valuable again if your new dog takes an interest in it.

2. Watch for Positive Dog Body Language Since the dog introduction process begins with both dogs on-leash, you’ll need a partner that understands canine body language to help out.

Watch the dogs for happy, waggy body language and interest in one another without hard stares, tense postures, freezing in place, or a lowered or tucked tail.

Look for signs that one dog is trying to get away, which are often missed or misinterpreted. If your dog runs over to you, don’t send them back “into the fire” because this is usually an indication that your dog needs a break from the interaction.

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If you’re not comfortable with how the dogs are interacting during this first step, or you’re unsure of what your dogs’ behaviors mean, enlist the help of a trainer during the introduction process.

3. Walk the Dogs Together After introducing a new dog, the next step is parallel walking with both dogs. They should be far enough apart that they’re aware of each other, but not so close that they fixate on trying to reach one another.

Walk both dogs in the same direction with a comfortable buffer of distance between them (this will vary by dog). Then, turn back and trade places with the other dog-human team so that each dog has a chance to scent where the other dog walked.

Allow the dogs to investigate potty spots, since urine-sniffing is one of the ways dogs pick up information about other dogs. Both handlers should remain calm and keep their grip on the leashes as loose as possible.

If both dogs are offering relaxed, social behaviors towards one another, gradually decrease the distance between them while continuing the parallel walking. Don’t allow a direct face-to-face approach as the dogs

Introducing a New Dog to Your Home After you introduce your new dog to your resident pet, you can introduce your new dog to your home.

Instead of bringing both dogs inside right away, you should have a helper take your resident dog for a stroll. Then give your new dog a chance to check out his new living space alone.

get closer, since head-on is a stressful and unnatural way for dogs to meet.

4. Allow the Dogs to Interact Off-Leash If you feel comfortable with how the dogs are interacting, return to an enclosed area, drop the leashes, and allow them to interact. Give the dogs a few minutes to sniff one another while praising their calm interactions, and then encourage the dogs to continue moving with

you for a final, brief walk together.

At this point, the dogs might continue sniffing to learn more about each other, or they might begin playing. Look for the universal dog invitation to connect: a play bow where dogs put their elbows on the ground and rear end in the air.

As the dogs play, watch for the signs of a respectful interaction: a mutual give-and-take with pauses in the action.

Keep an eye on your new dog as he investigates. When he’s checked everything out, bring him to an open area of your home, away from the front door. Cramped spaces can lead to jockeying for position and accidental scuffles.

Once again, pick up any dog toys, treats, beds, prized possessions, or food that could create tension between the dogs. Then you can have your helper bring your resident dog inside.

Daily Life After Introducing a New Dog Try to keep your household calm as the dogs acclimate to one another. Don’t throw

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a “welcome to the family party” on the first day home.

Maintain your resident dog’s typical daily schedule, and try to set aside one-on-one time with each dog, like going for solo walks.

Always be aware of signs of brewing tension between your dogs, like low growling, hard stares, and body blocking. If you notice any of these signs, you should intervene immediately.

Separate the dogs and direct their attention to something else. Give them a break from one another for at least 20-30 minutes before allowing them to engage again.

if a bed is big enough for both dogs to share, it’s a good idea to get a different bed for your new dog.

separate them when no one is home. This will keep everyone safe and interactions more positive.

Introduce Toys Slowly

Create Playtime Breaks Many dogs don’t understand when to say “when,” particularly if they’re having a good time together.

Monitor Mealtimes

Introduce toys back into the house slowly after the first introduction rather than bringing out the entire toy chest right away. Always supervise your dogs when they are trying out a new toy.

Always separate your new dog and resident dog during mealtimes. You can either place their bowls in different rooms or use a dog gate to separate them.

Look for playful interactions without signs of guarding, like standing over the toy or snapping at the other dog if he gets too close to it.

If one dog finishes first, don’t allow him to hover as the other dog eats. To prevent tension, you should keep them apart until both dogs have licked their bowls clean. Always pick up the bowls after feeding time.

Separate the Dogs When You’re Away

Here are some more important tips for keeping the peace after introducing dogs:

Give Each Dog Their Own Bed Some dogs are possessive of their resting spaces, so watch to make sure both dogs are acting appropriately around their beds. Even

Have Patience

Alone time is an important aspect of the getting-to-know-you process. Whether you’re leaving the house for the day or just taking a shower, always separate your dogs when you can’t watch them. This obviously keeps them safe, but it also provides them with downtime apart from one another. In the long-term, it is always wise to supervise them together and

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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

But that nonstop play can tip over into inappropriate behavior when dogs get overtired. Giving your dogs a break from one another allows them to relax and regroup.

Create spaces for each dog so that they can be separated—either in different rooms or behind a dog gate. Dogs needs a break from their housemates, just like all of us do.

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It can take months before your new dog and resident dog mellow into true comfort with one another, so have patience with them as they get used to siblinghood.

Always acknowledge positive interactions between your dogs and enjoy watching the lifelong friendship bloom.

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.

Rainbow Bridge

DICKENS

HENRY

LILEIGH BEAN

Our wonder dog earned his wings today.

We adopted Dickens July 2006, it’s been a wonderful 15 years and we feel so blessed he was part of our family for so long. Thank you to all the volunteers that work so hard to place these amazing dogs with new families. He was the best and will be missed terribly. April 2002- 9/20/2021.

–Jennifer Cook

Henry passed away this week at around 14 years old. He was an IOW dog aka Harvey. He was a once in a lifetime dog. Our life changed forever in July 2009 when he found us. He was so loving and sweet. We will miss him so much.

–Scott & Carol Locklear

I am sorry to say that I lost my forever foster Lileigh Bean to cancer on the 23rd of July. She became a wonderful addition to my household.

She came into our lives on June 1 and wish she could have stayed longer. She taught my Sandy lots of good things. She taught her not to be so scared of everything and how to be a great sister and not to be a bully.

Lileigh Bean had to have a tumor removed from her left eye right after she came to live with us. SEVA took care of all of the medical expenses to have it removed even though she was blind in that eye. So, she is asking that you please donate for dogs like her. Bye sweet girl, know that you were loved and made an impact on our household and will be missed.

–Your Foster Mom

SHIBUMI

RILEY We extend our deepest sympathy to the Beasley family in the loss of their boy, Riley.

He was 14.5 years old and has been a part of their family (and ours) since 2007. His mom is a long-time volunteer and former board member so many of us had the pleasure to know Riley from SEVA GRREAT events and picnics.

He greeted everyone, in true golden fashion, with a sweet smile. Riley was a wonderful big brother to Huck, accepting him into the family and showing him the ropes. Run free, sweet angel. You will be missed, and we know your family will love you forever.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Pfeiffers on their loss of Shibumi. His mom is our intake coordinator. Because of a fastacting cancer, they had to unexpectedly say goodbye to their 10-year-old boy. He hadn’t been himself for only a week. They raised him from a puppy to be a service dog, but he was a little too mischievous for that or, more likely, he just loved being in their home . . . and there he stayed. It has been a very difficult week for our SEVA GRREAT community. We hope their happy memories comfort them and they find peace in the days ahead. RIP, Shibumi. Your mom and dad and brother, Morrison, will miss you more than words can say.

BLONDIE Blondie was the sweetest and gentlest Golden.

She was loved and will be greatly missed.

–Samuel Morgan

MAX We will miss you horribly for awhile, but will meet you at the Bridge and we will cross together.

–Woody & Penny Jenkins

FALL 2021

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Contributions Ann Czompo Barry Barnes Barbara & Jeff Raliski Salesforce.com, Inc Salesforce Donation Match by Srilatha Mantha Carl Jackson

Harry & Heather Turton bluewhaleocean Dale Farino Jennifer Helper Richard Burton Forever Fosters Annabelle, Yogi, Chwey, Daisy, Dusty and Maxwell Strong

Steve Rowe In honor of our wonderful Wyatt

Michael Brooks

Paula Duke In memory of Rocky Duke - always in our heart

Connie Brewer In memory of Dr. Katie Kara

Johanna & Mike Sweeney In memory of Red & Fiona

Windhound Photography Given in memory of Milo

Eugene Lynch

Lisa Gehring

Jeanne Warrington Archie’s surgery

Jane Frye

Richard & Carey Byrd Winnie

Cynthia Jordan

Jo Anne Vance Patsy Phillips

Mary Connell In memory of Bailey & Fergie Connell

Michael Brooks

Alicia Brooks

Marianne Opilla

Cynthia & Don Merrix In honor of Cooper & Ashley Merrix, adopted from SEVA GRREAT

Melinda Tatum Denise King

Ross Knapp In memory of my best buddy, Brody Knapp 1/19/2011 - 3/25/2021 We will miss him forever

Heather Lynn

Connie Brewer

Elizabeth Kulnis Downes For the care, comfort and protection of the Turkey dogs, both here in the USA and those waiting to come

Manthew Hanson In memory of Milo Hanson

Jennifer Cook

Christopher O’Neill

Robert & Susan Bradshaw In honor of Linda & Robert Loving’s 50th - Golden - wedding aniversary

Kisanne Hudson For Diego/Buddy

John & Pat Donaldson Funds eraned from a recycling effort in support of SEVA GRREAT

Sue-Lynn Hinson

Swapnil Udar

Rosann Bocciarelli & James Weinberg

Bruce Beckman

Dr. Kristin Gingrich

Jylian Kivelin

Cottage Lunasea

Kimberlee Prosser

Barbara Campbell

David Mulherin & Mary Naegele

Audrey Hills

Quanzhan Li In honor of SEVA GRREAT volunteers

Launa McMillen

SUPPORT OUR GOLDENS!

KROGER REWARDS Click the link www.Krogercommunityrewards.com on our Home page, register your Kroger card. Each time you swipe your card at a Kroger store, SEVA GRREAT will get a small donation

SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.

Tracy Schmid In memory of Shadow and Maxx, my beautiful boys

The

GOLD e

th

via the links on our Home page www.adoptagolden.com.

Your support/purchases through these links provide ongoing donations to SEVA GRREAT and help homeless Goldens find a home! (At no additional cost to you)

22

Kathy Speece

GO

Fund

LD

EN O DO L DIE L OVE

n

d

Dottie Cleal

G

Fu

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.

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

To Volunteer:

Please have the Coordinator in the following area/areas contact me:

Name: _____________________________________________

and volunteer here!

(Check appropriate boxes)

Address: ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _ ______________________________________

These are listed in the order of urgent need by SEVA GRREAT.

E-mail: _____________________________________________

FOSTERING — A temporary home for SEVA GRREAT dogs before they are adopted.

Home Phone: ________________________________________

HOME EVALUATION –– visits for foster/adoption applicants.

Work Phone: ________________________________________

TRANSPORTATION — primarily shuttling dogs and/or equipment as necessary. If you are interested in helping with transportation, can you help on:

YES,

This is a new membership Address Change ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS:

TO RENEW

(E-mail needs to be unique to vote.)

(circle all that apply) Weekdays

Weekends

Evenings

EVENTS — helping to hold/show dogs at events, helping with fund raisers, etc.

Name: _____________________________________________

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: _____________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________

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.

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:

Other

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 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 activities and 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 ANDERSON’S CORNER Toano – 757-566-2224 MIDLOTHIAN ANIMAL CLINIC Midlothian – 804-794-2099 BAY BEACH VETERINARY HOSPITAL Virginia Beach – 757-340-3913 GODSPEED ANIMAL CARE Williamsburg – 757-253-8199 SCOTT’S ADDITION ANIMAL HOSPITAL Richmond – 804-551-0519

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SEVA GRREAT Contact Information President Susan Stanitski Vice President Debbie Morris Treasurer Amy Meinweiser Secretary Sharon Leeman Event Coordinators: Southside: Jane Krom Peninsula: Michelle Smith Richmond: Jennifer Dauzier Microchip Coordinator Sharon Leeman Intake Coordinator Michelle Pfeiffer Foster Coordinator Jane Krom Adoption Coordinator Chris Walker Membership Jacob Kay Volunteer Coordinator Mimi Wormeley 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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