GRREAT Times Spring 2016

Spring 2016

25 celebrating

years

GRR SEVANearly 1800 EAT Golden Retrievers Rescued

Give Local 757 • Stop That Jumping Up • Back to Guisachan • Common Illnesses 101

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.

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.

3 .. President’s Message 4 .. Adoptions

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5 .. Now I Wag My Tail

SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.

6 .. Give Local 757

Submitting Stories and Photos 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!

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8 .. Stop Jumping Up on People 11 .. Your Odds Are Grreat!

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.

14 .. Back to Guisachan

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16 .. Common Illnesses 101

Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com

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18 .. Refractory Ulcers 19 .. Dog Days in the Garden 20 .. Rainbow Bridge 22 .. Contributions

fostering@adoptagolden.com 2

ON THE COVER:

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Sam Thompson, always ready for summer and the beach. (Rainbow Bridge 2014)

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Saturday, April 30 Woofstock Festival Richmond Tuesday, May 3 Give Local 757 (See page 6 for information) Garage Sale to benefit SEVA GRREAT Carrollton Saturday, May 14 Spring Membership and Beach Gathering Virginia Beach Sunday, June 4 Yappy Hour at Keswick Vineyards Keswick Sunday, September 11 Fall Membership Meeting and Picnic Newport News Park

Check our website for updates and exact locations and times of events. adoptagolden.com Check back a week before the event to confirm.

President’s Message I

f you’ve been watching our website for new, adoptable dogs, you’ve probably noticed that we haven’t had too many lately. So, where have all the dogs gone?

Across the country, Golden rescues have seen a decrease in the number of dogs coming into rescue. In the Fall 2015 issue of this magazine, we shared an article from Golden Retriever News that discussed some of the national trends and offered suggestions for why there are fewer Golden Retrievers coming into rescue. In 2015, our intake numbers were down about 15% from the year before. At the same time, we have seen a large percent of dogs who need longer-term medical care, and several have become “furever fosters.”

What makes a Golden a furever foster varies. For some, it’s a medical condition such as a seizure disorder or cancer, or a behavioral issue. For others, it may be advanced age and the feeling that another move could have a significant effect on their well-being. Since continuous foster care can sometimes feel like the hidden side of the work we do, we’ve created a page on our website to introduce you to these Goldens. Bear, Buttercup, Jack, Madison, and Scrappy each have their picture and bio on the Forever Foster page under Our Dogs. They will remain with their foster families, and their care will be paid for from donations we receive to the Gracie Fund for medical expenses and the GOLD Fund for senior Goldens.

We appreciate your continued support of the rescue! Your assistance allows us to do GRREAT things for our Goldens.

Joanne

Our GRREAT Times came in the mail yesterday. Coleman excitedly sat down and read Nola all the news on her friends who have recently found their furever homes!

It was such a sweet sight.

Cheers, Tenille Nuckols

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.

SPRING 2016

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Adoptions

Sampson – David and Samarah Forster Ginger/Addie – Tracie Miner Ollie – Keith and Diane Anderson Jasmine/Jazzy – Kay and Fred Ashbrook Butterscotch/Stella – Debra Doty Chewie – Chad and Jedina Tucker Harley – Sarah Picking Lily – Carolyn Cunningham Archie – Rena and Mike Health Harley now Charli –Diane Abdelnour

Sampson

Butterscotch/Stella

Dakota – Dave and Katie Show

Chewie

Archie

Ginger/Addie

Harley now Charli Ollie

Harley

Lily

Jasmine/Jazzy

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

Dakota

Now I Wag My Tail

By Tassie Sumner

Once I kept it tucked between my legs, But now I wag my tail.

Once I was afraid of humans, But now I wag my tail.

Once I ran from collar and leash, But now I wag my tail.

I have found love and security, So now I wag my tail!

Life is wonderful now.

I have Roni and John to love me, And Max and Roxy to play with me.

I train in obedience, agility, and search and rescue, And I go on several long walks with my family each day.

I have other friends to romp with, And humans to fawn over me, too.

My groomer makes me beautiful, And my vets keep me in good health.

My teeth and coat are brushed daily, And I have loads of toys with which to play.

I no longer keep it tucked between my legs; Now I always wag my tail!

I am so happy!!!!!!!!!

Tassie Sumner's tail is always wagging; she is one happy little girl!

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!

SPRING 2016

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Get Ready for GiveLocal757 T

to make a minimum donation of $10.00 to help our Goldens!

Our goal is to raise $5000 in donations, and to compete for other bonus prizes!! So watch your email and the SEVA GRREAT website/ Facebook page as the date gets closer. We will be counting on you to ask family and friends

Bonus Prizes will be awarded based on the number of unique donations....so it’s not the amount of the donation that matters, but the number of participants we can gather! Only donations made online (not checks or cash) count toward bonus prizes. So plan to recruit family and friends to support us on May 3rd!

Check out the complete list of bonus/challenge

his year, SEVA GRREAT is thrilled to be one of only 14 organizations so far in the animal categorycategory, and the only breed specific nonprofit, giving us a GRREAT opportunity to attract donors for our rescue!

prizes here.... https://givelocal757.org/prizes/.

As a new participant this year, SEVA GRREAT hopes to win the Notable Newcomer Challenge and the 100% Board Giving Challenge, and to compete for one of the Grand Prizes!

Visit the website for more information: https://givelocal757.org and thank you in advance for your support!!!!

Save the Date !!!

When: May 3, 2016 Where:

https://givelocal757.org, select SEVA GRREAT (credit/debit card donations between Midnight May 3, 2016 and 11:59 pm on May 3, 2016. Donations also can be paid at any Langley Federal Credit Union Branch between April 26 and May 3- checks payable to “The Peninsula Community Foundation” with SEVA GRREAT on the memo line and submitted with a GiveLocal757 check donation form.

Why: All donations will go to the medical care of our Golden Retrievers in

need! Follow SEVA GRREAT on our website at www.adoptagolden.com

to see how your donations will help.

To schedule a reminder go to givelocal757.org

History of the GiveLocal757 Give Local 757 was created by the Peninsula Community Foundation in 2014 to build capacity for local nonprofits serving the Hampton Roads region in donor cultivation.

In just two years, the 24 hour giving day has become the single largest fundraiser in Hampton Roads history.

Online fundraising was identified as an untapped resource that allows everyone to be a philanthropist for a day and it is transforming grassroots fundraising. Give Local 757 is an 6

opportunity to both educate the public on the many nonprofit programs in the region and to encourage a wider audience to experience the joy of giving. Through the initiative, nonprofits build their capacity in marketing, online fundraising and social media. It has also created a meaningful way in which the region can come together to support those who need it most.

In 2014, the inaugural Give Local 757 event raised $190,000 in unrestricted funds for

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

107 local nonprofits in just 24 hours. An innovative and collaborative initiative, the event grew exponentially in 2015 with the addition of Southeast Virginia Community Foundation. Through this collaboration, the event raised $430,000 for 155 nonprofits in 24 hours. The 3rd Annual Give Local 757 on May 3, 2016 expands to include the Hampton Roads Community Foundation with the goal of raising $1,000,000.00 for more than 200 nonprofits.

Check Donation Form

ile m i s c Fa of Check n o i t a n Do Form

First Name_______________ Last Name_________________________ Email Address___________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________

State____________

Would you like to make this donation anonymously? ____Yes

Zip_________________

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Is this a first time gift to this organization? ____Yes _____No Donation(s): Organization Name

Amount

In memory of/tribute/comments

1. ____________________________________ $______________

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SPRING 2016

Check Donation Form

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PART 2

Train

by Debra Hubbard

Train Your Dog To Sit For a Greeting With a mix of the above techniques, your dog should slowly be getting the message about what not to do when greeting you. But as previously mentioned, that’s not enough. They need an alternative behavior to replace the jumping. You need to teach what they should be doing instead.

Most dogs are familiar with the sit command and even if yours isn’t it’s one of the easiest things to teach. So teach your dog to sit when saying hello. A sit is a calm position and with their bum on the floor, they cannot possibly be jumping. So a reliable sit is the easiest alternative behavior to jumping.

After enough repetitions of praise and reward for sitting for a greeting, they will quickly realize it’s highly rewarding and will gladly offer up the desired behavior. Here’s how to go about it.

First be sure your dog knows the cue to sit reliably through all kinds of distractions. Practice sits in different locations until your dog will do it anywhere. If you need to work on this skill, check out our article on How to Train a Golden Retriever to Sit. Once your dog is sitting reliably, practice having them sit through common triggers that will signal a greeting – when the doorbell rings or when a car pulls into the driveway.

Every single time your dog successfully sits, praise and treat them generously.

Now it’s time to work on sitting for a greeting.

Practice coming home with treats at the ready.

When you walk in the door, ask for a sit. If your dog sits, reward them with delicious treats, kind words, and gentle petting. If your dog jumps up, immediately use one of the first three methods above.

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It’s important that your dog is rewarded every time they offer up the desired behavior – in this case, sitting – and is punished (by removal of your attention) if they don’t. Before long, your golden retriever will be sitting every time they greet you.

What To Do About Everyone Else Now that your dog has started working with you on calm greetings, it’s time to bring your family, friends, and visitors into the mix. This is the hard part.

Cuteness on the road

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

Even if you’ve been working round the clock with your dog, the calm greetings you’ve been experiencing won’t automatically translate to others. Teaching your dog manners is hard work, but it will be all for naught if you and your dog are the only ones working at it.

Therefore, extend your training to encompass your family and friends. In order for your dog to learn the rules, they must be consistent across the board for everyone in the household, as well as friends and visitors.

Don’t be above handing out treats to your guests as they sail through the door. Or

Your Golden Retriever to Stop Jumping Up on People

by Wendy Lipscomb at Totally Goldens.com

pre-arm your friends with treats before they come to the door (you’ll have to arrange this beforehand.)

Be sure to discuss with them clearly, if they come to your house and your dog jumps up, they MUST walk away from this rude behavior and to NEVER encourage jumping.

If there are people in your life who you know won’t comply, be sure to leash your dog and work with them during the visit, so your dog isn’t inadvertently rewarded for the wrong behavior.

Ask Friends to Help With Dedicated Training Sessions

Have your dog sit beside you and treat them lavishly as the person approaches to say hello.

If your dog breaks a sit, the stranger must back away and ignore the dog.

With you, all friends and even strangers doing the same thing and not rewarding jumping with any attention, before long your dog will learn they get longer hellos and a lot more treats and attention if they keep all four on the floor.

Tips to Remember When Training Your Golden Retriever Not to Jump

A ten-minute session every now and then is all that’s required and your friends will benefit from your dog’s new found manners just as much as you will.

Things may get worse before they get better.

This phenomenon is known as an extinction burst and it means your tactics are working.

Don’t believe me? This post from examiner. com does a great job of explaining the psychology behind extinction bursts. Stick with your tactics, don’t give up, you’re likely getting somewhere!

Prep them beforehand so they’re prepared to implement the four methods outlined above.

If you are practicing sit for greeting, keep your dog on a long leash and be sure your friend backs away if your dog breaks the sit. You want to avoid any occurrence of your dog successfully jumping up. A long line enables you to do this.

Consider crating. Crating your dog can sometimes make them even more excited to meet visitors to your home. However, it’s a great way to manage the situation if you have a surprise visitor and don’t have time to practice your dog’s skills. For more information on crate training, please read How to Crate Train a Puppy or Dog.

Strangers Can Help Too

Perhaps let your dog hold a toy to greet people. Dogs who become quickly over-excited sometimes find it easier to hold a toy when greeting. It has a calming effect, something else to focus on. Like a pacifier with a baby.

Keep a few toys by the door where you receive visitors and encourage your dog to grab a toy as soon as you (or someone else) enters your home.

Rope in some friends to help with training – that’s what friends are for!

When a stranger asks to say hello to your dog, say “sure, but I’d love it if you could help us with our training.”

Let them know that your dog’s not allowed to jump and ask them to back away if your dog loses control. If you’ve been working on a sit for greeting, now is a great time to practice.

Stay calm yourself when greeting your dog.

Excitement is contagious and excited dogs love to jump around.

Be Patient. Your dog just wants to please you. If you’re patient and persistent, they will learn to greet you and others politely without jumping up. But it won’t happen overnight, give them time to learn.

Be consistent. No matter how hard you work on changing this behavior, if you occasionally let your dog jump up for whatever reason, you’ll be right back to square one. If jumping is a habit you want your dog to break, you have to make sure jumping up is NEVER allowed.

And everybody has to work with this same rule: Family members, visitors and strangers.

Everybody.

What to Avoid When Training Your Dog Not to Jump Do not shout or get angry. Shouting will only confuse your dog, and depending on their personality, they will either become afraid, or even more excited. Either way, it doesn’t promote a respectful relationship and can be very counter-productive.

Do not knee your dog in the chest. Many books and web articles suggest you raise your knee to block your dog when they jump.

This can work, but we cannot condone this method. On one leg it’s easier for you to fall Donna and get hurt, and you could also potentially and Nadi hurt your dog. Please use the force free, positive methods above, not violence!

Do not push your dog off you. Pushing will quickly become a game to your dog and won’t teach them anything. It’s a form of interaction, and interaction is rewarding.

To you, you’re telling them off, to them (continued on next page)

SPRING 2016

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they got a reward. And rewarded behaviors increase. So, no pushing!

Do not punish your dog after they have jumped up. Your dog will not understand punishment after the fact. They may think you’re punishing them for saying hello in the only way they know how, which might lead to your dog running away from you in fear instead of greeting you happily. Instead, ignore unwanted behavior (removing any reward) and pile in with rewards for the behaviors you do want to see.

Final Thoughts Your golden retriever is special — not just as your dog, but as your loving and faithful friend, a partner who stands by you through all life’s ups and downs. With such an important role in your life, it’s only natural that you want them with you as often as possible.

But to have that wonderful companion dog, who you can take with you wherever you go, good manners are crucial.

When your dog jumps up on you, your family, your friends or even strangers, it only makes it harder to have them around as much as you’d like.

By taking the time to teach your dog to stay off eople, you are paving the way for more outings, more socializations, and more fun.

A dog who respects boundaries is a pleasure to be around, and a steadfast companion in every situation.

Part 1: Train Your Golden Retriever to Stop Jumping Up on People ran in the Winter 2016 issue of GRREAT Times.

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

Your Odds of Enjoying this Oceanfront View Are Grreat!

Win A Week at an Oceanfront Penthouse Raffle to Benefit our Goldens Only 250 Tickets will be sold at $20 each Have your morning coffee on the extra-large balcony and delight in views of the waves, dolphins and beachcombers. Ocean sounds will lull you to sleep in the oceanfront master bedroom at night. This is a one-of-a-kind OBX penthouse at Oceans North Condominium (Mile Post 10.2, Nags Head, NC) with 3 bedrooms, a loft with twin beds and 4 full baths. Wonderful privacy and spectacular panoramic views.

Available October through May. For additional information and details, visit www.topoftheoceans.com.

Tickets will be available at these and other events: May 14 – Spring Membership Meeting and Beach Party at Sandbridge June 5 – Yappy Hour at Keswick Winery September 11 – Fall Membership Meeting and Picnic at Newport News Park October 16 – Yappy Hour at Keswick Winery January 2017 – Holiday Party/Kick-off Event Tickets will be available from SEVA GRREAT members also or by emailing fundraising@adoptagolden.com

Drawing to be held at SEVA GRREAT Holiday Party Winner need not be present to win. Subject to availability non-prime season.

SPRING 2016

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Here are Sampson and Fable; Sampson was adopted Sunday by the Forster family and is totally in love with his new sibling sister; they have played nonstop since his arrival. What a beautiful pair!

–Roni Sumner

Sassy Tassie Sumner sits alert and ready for her next big adventure in the Sumner household.

H CO

Share your pictures and sto They will be featured i

Archie and his little brother Bitz. He loves his little brother!

They are best buds.

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

Hi Everyone, Mom and I love to read the latest issue of Grreat Times. You do a fantastic job on that! We especially like the updates on the goldens who have found forever homes. I celebrated my fifth anniversary in my forever home recently.

It is hard to believe how fast the time has passed since Mom and Dad first visited me in my foster home. I was so little then in my first picture I was in mom’s athletic shoe .I have had a wonderful five years, and Mom and Dad are always telling me what a great gentleman I have become. My sister, Bella aka Ashley keeps me in line. She came from SEVA GRREAT the next year after they adopted me. She is a perfect sister. I am so happy she came to live with us. Mom is calling us for dinner so I have to run now.

Thank you for finding us great forever homes. Kisses, Cooper (Monte) Merrix

HOME OMING

ories by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. in coming newsletters, right here under Homecoming.

Toby, Cooper and Annie sharing frosty paws together.

–Cathy and Bay Rowe

SPRING 2016

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Back to Guisachan: Dedicated to the Ancestral Home of the Golden I

n Back to the Golden Beginning, an article that ran the last issue of GRREAT Times, we talked about Lord Tweedmouth’s Golden Retrievers and Guisachan. Today, there is an organization called Friends of Guisachan.

It is a non-profit organization comprised of people interested in Golden Retriever history.

The Friends was created to share information about Guisachan, the ancestral home of the Golden Retriever and to share news of the

2018 world-wide celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the breed.

The breed was founded in 1868 by Lord Tweedmouth on the historic lands of the Guisachan Estate.

Life size bronze statue of a golden retriever.

To mark the historic founding of the Golden Retriever breed, the Friends erected a life-size bronze statue of a Golden Retriever, placed alongside the granite memorial to Lord and

Guisanchan today.

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

Retriever Lady Tweedmouth. These two tributes can be found in the Scottish Highland village of Tomich, Inverness-shire along the tree-lined road to the Guisachan House ruins.

Visit their website at www.friendsofguisachan. org, where the Friends share all things Guisachan ranging from Golden Retriever history to the latest Guisachan Gatherings and on into the future.

Guisanchan: The mansion in the Scottish Highlands which was home to Lord Tweedmouth, founder of the Golden Retriever.

SPRING 2016

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What’s Up Doc? B

ecause they have been popular during the last 50 years, Golden Retrievers happen to be over-bred, making them predisposed to encounter specific health issues. Regrettably, as greedy breeders frequently fall short to display their own breeding animals, additional

Golden Retriever Common Illnesses 101 genetic health problems are introduced to the breed. If you have a Golden, or plan to bring one in to your home, you ought to know about the more common genetic issues that might reduce the high quality or duration of your own Golden Retriever’s existence.

Health Problems Known to be Inherited Stylish and Shoulder Dysplasia: Whenever growing hip joints do not form correctly, juvenile and grownup Retrievers may have an uneven gait or even serious lameness. This inheredited disorder is typical to numerous big dogs, and while is not generally noticeable in young puppies, hip dysplasia

will begin to show whenever your Golden is between four and nine weeks old. The intensity of the condition varies from dog to dog, however most Goldens with dysplasia will develop arthritis as thethey age. Reasonable physical exercise, weight manage, and inflammatory medications will help using the soreness of the joint. Not every Golden Retriever may show signs of hip dysplasia if it’s a moderate form. Golden’s with hip dysplasia may live long, pleasant lives.

Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is developmental problem in youthful dogs. It is not as typical as stylish dysplasia, but it can be aggravated through over-feeding and an excessive amount of nutrition in earlier puppyhood. Care and treatment are the same as stylish dysplasia. And, of course, Golden Retrievers with hip dysplasia should not be selectively bred.

Eye Disease: Golden Retrievers often suffer from genetic cataracts. They can vary from moderate issues that do not interfere a Golden’s vision to severe cataracts that trigger loss of sight as the dog ages. Eyelid and eye lash problems may be hereditary, although not all tend to be. Once the covers or even lashes turn in, they might irritate the actual eye itself.

Based on the intensity of this problem, surgical treatment may be required. Because it is hard to determine whether these diseases derive from heredity or even atmosphere, it’s best not to breed a Golden Retriever with frequent or even chronic eye problems.

Heart Disease: Golden Retrievers are recognized to inherit Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) that may be hard to identify.

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

Center murmur is the best indicator. Your veterinarian might be able to determine the issue by listening with a stethoscope or even more invasive necropsy. In case your Golden has SAS, talk to your veterinerian about the greatest treatments.

Health Problems Thought to be Inherited Epilepsy: Seen as a seizures, epilepsy may derive from environmental resources and viruslike infections. Watching your Golden Retriever go through a seizure is very uncomfortable. It may not be dangerous to your dog’s long-term quality of existence. You can get medications from your veterinarian to manage the seizures.

Don’t breed a Golden Retriever which has seizures to steer clear of the chance of moving the actual disorder on to it’s puppies.

Skin Allergic reactions: The most typical healthcare problem which Golden Retrievers experience is actually pores and skin allergies.

It’s hard to know when they tend to be genetic or even environmental in nature. A Golden might have skin allergic reactions where they obsessively scratch or scrape. It can actually produce bald places in their coat if left untreated. Skin allergies are a natural reaction to flea, mite, and mark attacks and may end up being reduced or even avoided with normal grooming and shampooing along with commercial flea as well as tick products.

A Golden may be allergic to mold and other interior atmosphere contaminants. Regular house-cleaning should reduce the issue.

Diet can be quite important to treating as well as avoiding allergic reactions in Golden Retrievers, so seek information to find the proper diet program.

Hypothyroidism: Golden Retrievers suffering from this failing of the thyroid gland to perform correctly may be obese or have difficulties maintaining the healthy layer. A few Goldens along with hypothyroidism will even have seizures.

However, the majority of problem ought to resolve themself with management of oral medications. Guaranteeing your Golden is healthy by providing the well balanced healthy diet, plenty of physical exercise, and a safe residing environment will do a lot to avoid or even slow the impacts of hypothyroidism. Goldens with this problem might have more trouble breeding than you’d expect, although it is suggested that you do not actually attempt to breed a Golden Retriever with this or even other hereditary problems.

SPRING 2016

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The Eyes Have It . . .

Refractory Ulcers

by Roni Sumner

T

assie was enjoying a play session with Roxy, Max, and best friend Maddie when I noticed that she was squinting. It was late winter, a warm and gorgeous day, and I wondered if she had allergies. We adopted this cream beauty last June so had not gone through a spring season yet with her, thus I was unsure how she would react to pollen. Looking at her eyes, I noted that the right one was blood red while the left one looked normal. A quick call to secure her an

appointment with one of our vets put an early end to the play session, and we zoomed over to find out what was going on with her eye.

A Fluorescien Stain was done that showed a small ulcer on the cornea of the right eye, so Tassie was prescribed oral antibiotics and pain killers as well as an antibiotic eye drop and instructions to wear, (gasp), the cone! We were told to return in a few days, which we did, but there was no improvement.

The vet roughed the area up again with a sterile cotton swab, and we went another week. Things seemd to be improving, but then she reacted to the drop, and a recheck showed that the mere blinking of her eye had caused the whole area to go back to step one. This was a classic nonhealing corneal ulcer, and a specialist would have to treat her. Our vet arranged an appointment, and within two hours we were starting the next step.

Tassie and Max display true love and affection.

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

Sponsor-A-Dog Contributions SEVA GRREAT, Inc. is a registered 501(c)

A nonhealing corneal ulcer is a not uncommon condition in middle aged to older dogs of all breeds, especially boxers, the specialist explained to me. No one knows how or why it happens, but in some dogs when an ulcer forms, it simply does not heal. The surface tissue just is too smooth to accept new cells to form, so the condition persists. To counter this situation, a grid would be formed to really rough up the area, a contact placed over the eye, 48 hours in the cone, antibiotics both drops and oral, and a lubricant as well as a pain killer, would be administered for two weeks, and then a recheck done. A diamond bur was used to grid the area since the ulcer was small; this was doneafter the eye was numbed, then the contact inserted, and we were on our way home with instructions and a note that this procedure was 85 percent effective and could be repeatedif need be.

Honestly, for the next two weeks I held my breath and was paranoid every time I thought she was blinking too much or squinting, or anything else I could obsessive over so worried about her was I. Finally we journeyed back for the recheck, and to my intense joy, the eye was 100 percent healed, and the other eye was perfect as well. Drops were prescribed for two more weeks to help reduce inflammation and scarring, but Tassie could be the happy dog again that she was before this all started.

The lesson from this is to closely watch any unusual behavior in an older dog in terms of the eye. A vet can quickly confirm what should be tried first, and a specialist can help if nature is just not cooperating. What I thought might be just an allergy turned out to be much more, and I am glad that I followed my gut reaction and went to get it checked.

After all, our dogs' eyes are the windows to their souls and too beautiful to be shut tightly because of pain!

(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping displaced Golden Retrievers find their new forever homes. We are an all-volunteer organization, operating entirely on donations and a dedicated network of volunteers. Our wonderful foster families will typically house the dogs in our program, care for them, and socialize them while SEVA GRREAT provides the necessary veterinary care.

Yet there are often people who want to help our organization but, for one reason or another, may not have the ability to volunteer, foster, or adopt. Our sponsorship program allows donors to make a one-time or recurring gift to offset the costs of our largest line-item (medical expenses), for the senior or specialneeds dog of their choice. Your sponsorship dollars will go such a long way toward helping our Goldens that may spend a prolonged time in foster care due to medical needs.

ª Start by choosing the dog that you would like to sponsor or ask us to choose a dog for you (watch our website for updates). ª Fill out the sponsorship form telling us how you would like to support us.

–You can make a 1-time donation or a monthly donation via check or PayPal ª Send your form via email to sponsor-adog@adoptagolden.com or mail to P.O. Box 8014, Yorktown, VA 23693. ª We will send you a photo of the dog that you are sponsoring along with that dog’s special story. ª With your permission, we will list your name with your sponsored dog on the website and publish your name in our quarterly magazine. ª Once your sponsored dog is adopted, we will send you a closing letter. At that point you may end any re-occurring donations or roll it over to a new dog.

Sponsor-A-Dog Your Name: _______________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Name of the dog that you would like to sponsor: _____________________________

Sponsorship level: (circle one) Monthly donation 1-time donation Bronze ........................................................................ $10 ............................... $50 Silver ........................................................................... $20 ............................. $100 Gold ........................................................................... $50 ............................. $200 Diamond ................................................................... $100 ............................. $300

Please send your check with the information above to: SEVA GRREAT, P.O. Box 8014, Yorktown, VA 23693

If you choose a monthly payment, do you want your sponsorship rolled over to a new dog?

Yes___ No___ If yes, do you want to choose the new dog you sponsor (versus us choosing)?

Yes___ No___ Do you agree to having your name recognized on our website and in our newsletter or would you prefer to remain anonymous?

Listed ____ Anonymous ______ SEVA GRREAT sincerely thanks you for your love and support of our Goldens!!!

SPRING 2016

19

Out & About

Strange's Dog Days in the Garden

Murphy overlooking the event.

Checking out Ginger

Comet

Jackson, Stella and Ginger are all eyes. Could it be a trteat?

20

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

Rainbow Bridge LADY Ginger says it’s time for a siesta.

Somebody here is not like the others.

Our SEVA foster girl crossed over in March.

She was only with us for a short amount of time. Her short life was a struggle and we wished she didn’t have to leave us so soon but we know she is at peace and enjoying her freedom. Run to your hearts desire Your loving foster home,

–Charles and Rose Bennett and Family

LACEY Our Sweet Lacey . . . Your passing has left an empty spot in our home, in our lives and by mom’s work chair but we will fill them with the joy and memories that you left behind. Thank you for the 12 1/2 yrs of love you gave us.

Enjoy that golden home you are in now.

We love you and greatly miss you,

–Mom and Dad Bennett and Family

Stanley

Max

SPRING 2016

21

Contributions Sherry and Bill Peterson In honor of Teddy

Tracy Minnich In memory of Savannah, beloved golden of the Whitmore family.

Mary Strzelecki In honor of Delilah

Matt Dillard In honor of a retriever that was an incredible friend and loved by many.

Roger Zinski

Allegra Havens Sally Hall

Natalie Weimer

Barbara Veltri In loving memory of my husband, Nick

Shannon Ritchie

Jennifer Dauzier

Martha Dougherty

James Wilson In honor of Jane Hiser, DVM Quioccasin Vet Hospital

Sandi Pitini Largo Elston Ann and Andor Czompo

Katherine Kirios In honor of Ardie Searles

Sandy Anderson In memory of our first golden retriever, Brandy

Lolita Minder In memory of Hunter, Jasmine and Crystal

Jane Krom

Skip and Terry Cole In memory of our beloved Goldens, Samantha and Casey

Diane Yamini In memory of Cooper Kristin and Dale Robertson Mark and Patricia Seelenbinder In honor of Chester

Susan O’Donnell In memory of Lucky and Rusty

Fred and Kay Ashbrook In memory of Calli Ashbrook Patrick and Patricia Langston In memory of Mary Childrey Bliley

CVC

Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3456

Charles and Connie Rogers In memory of Mary Childrey Bliley

Sean and Karen Killeen In memory of Shelby and Cooper Jeanne Parsons In memory of Cassi, Jake and Princess, beloved goldens, all Dorothy Hanrahan Nancy Tamse In honor of Nadi, owned by Donna Roggmann Stacey Klemenc

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

Laura and Rick Spink In memory of Summer, Buddy, Haley and Ben Nick Chistner

Cheryl Lynch In honor of Pixie

Eileen Walker In honor of Wyatt, my 3rd golden rescue

Diane Christianson

Ewing Best

Gracie’s Fund

The

GOLD e

GO

Fund

LD

EN O L DIE L OVE

G DO

Fu

n

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 In memory of my sister, Kathleen O’Donnell and my Dad, Robert J. O’Donnell

22

Joanne Even In memory of Lady, Lacey Bennett, Roger Zinski and Stan Lee Zinski

Deborah Debiasi

Di Hayes

Carl and Lizbeth Jackson

Combined Federal Campaign #88796

Clay Clemens In memory of Abby and Corky

Stephen Clark

DJ and Fran DeCicco

th

Maryanne Lambert

Jo Vance Thanks to SEVA GRREAT volunteers for rescuing goldens

Anita Weidinger

d

J S Blankenship In memory of Ardie Searles

Pat and John Donaldson In honor of Ray Moore Jake at Old Dominion Recycling In honor of Ray Moore Beth Homa In honor of Ray Moore The Deli Basket In honor of Ray Moore Gwen Holt In honor of Ray Moore Jack and Jo Snethen In honor of Ray Moore

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 ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS:

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

It’s not too late to renew your membership

(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 ($10.00 plus $5.60 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

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

Like us on facebook!

SEVA GRREAT Contact Information President Joanne Even Vice President Jane Krom Treasurer Jim O’Connell Secretary Sharon Leeman Event Coordinators: Southside: Jane Krom Peninsula: Linda Thomson Richmond: Jennifer Dauzier Microchip Coordinator Robyn Beasley Intake Coordinator Rose Bennett Foster Coordinator Katie Show Adoption Coordinator Robyn Beasley Membership Jacob Kay Volunteer Coordinator Quan Li Board Member Largo Elston Merchandise Jennifer Dauzier Fundraising GRREAT Times magazine

Amy Kelly 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 BMAL1@adoptagolden.com merchandise@adoptagolden.com BMAL2@adoptagolden.com grreattimes@adoptagolden.com

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