Fall 2020
GRREAT Beginnings
Holiday Travel
Maxwell Strong Update
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.
5 .. Calendar Contest
SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.
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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!
6 .. GRREAT Beginnings 8 .. Maxwell Strong Update 10 .. It’s Time to Euthanize Your Pet 12 .. Homecoming
14 14 .. Guisachan Happenings
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 Doggone Good Story 18 .. Holiday Travel
Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
18 21 .. Rainbow Bridge 22 .. Contributions 23 .. Membership & Volunteering ON THE COVER: fostering@adoptagolden.com 2
That’s Max Spenik from our 2020 calendar suggesting – don’t just lie around, show your patriotism and get out and vote.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
President’s Message
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!
Gobble, Gobble
Website: https://adoptagolden.com
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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.
know I am not alone in asking “where has the time gone?” And, as I think about that – I recognize all of us have experienced new challenges, new expectations and now new unknowns as we ease into yet another Season. Given that – Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so how could I not focus on Turkey and our many blessings. Oh yes! We have been incredibly successful in renewing our work in bringing home eight gorgeous Golden rescues from Turkey in August, Ace and Major in September and six more beautiful pups coming very soon. We, and they, have been patiently waiting for these arrivals to the United States; and we are all extremely excited about their ultimate placement in forever homes here with us. Our import team is nothing short of phenomenal (as are all of our volunteers) facing numerous changes and challenges. They repeatedly deal with required international paperwork and they go great distances to manage all the logistics involving our new arrivals. This entails driving to Dulles, arranging all the necessary foster homes and dealing with any and all complications that may arise in between. They are our international team ambassadors.
Many of you may have seen the coverage on channel 3 regarding our Turkey dogs and their foster families. It is so rewarding to get such warm visibility on what we do which in turn helps spread our story and our mission. Interestingly, I still get questions on why do we have a need to import overseas dogs. Simply I answer, “we are in the rescue business” and we respond to needs where those needs arise. Humorously one of the other interesting questions I receive frequently – “is there a language barrier” with overseas dogs? My answer is simply – the language we are talking about is the language of love. That is universal. In the midst of everything else – you are likely very aware that our golden elves continue to work behind the scenes. We have just completed a historically competitive and successful 2021 calendar contest raising more than $31,000. Thank you for all your photos, your votes and the ads that were purchased We hope you love the 2021 calendar as much as we do. Reminder: They are GRREAT gifts for Christmas. Warmly,
Dottie
FALL 2020
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Adoptions
Kenny
Remi
Willow
Tilly
Emily (Emma)
Maxwell Edison
Jasper
Chance
Rush (Turkey)
Kenny – Marshall & Katie McClung
Willow – Dottie Cleal
Remi – Rachel & Craig Joy
Tilly – David & Anne Marie Poon
Maxwell Edison – Jennifer & Bill Cryan
Chance – Lewis & Donita Miles
Emily (Emma) – Matt & Debbie Hall
Jasper – Sharlene Johnson
Rush (Turkey) – Sue & Rick Burton
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
2021 SEVA GRREAT Calendar Contest
Thank You T
he 2021 calendar contest was a huge success thanks to the generosity and tremendous out pouring of support from our members, friends, family and social media followers. This year we raised over $26,000, twice the amount raised last year.
will grace the cover of the 2021 calendar. Diego is one of our rescued dogs from Turkey. His story of survival is quite compelling, from being discarded on the street in Istanbul, taken into a shelter, then transported to America where he found his loving forever home in Williamsburg, Virginia. (see GRREAT Times Spring Issue)
Sixty nine dogs were entered in the contest, the most ever to participate for a spot in the SEVA GRREAT calendar. Congratulations to all the contestants.
We at SEVA GRREAT cannot thank you enough for helping us do what we can to rescue Golden Retrievers, rehabilitate them if needed and prepare them for their forever homes. Thank You!
The winning dog was Diego with 2,551 votes, the first dog to ever have over a 1,000 votes. His beautiful photo
The 2021 Calendars will be available very soon.
r a d n e l a C 1 2 20 RS ETRIEVE
EN R RESCUED GOLD
olden.com www.adoptag 61 (757) 827-85
FALL 2020
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GRREAT Beginnings Lead to Happy Endings T
hirty years ago! In the summer of 1990, a small intrepid group of volunteers set out to establish a golden retriever rescue. Many of them were already involved with the breed through adopting, training, and breeding. They were saddened by the number of goldens that were turning up at shelters abandoned by their owners. When the local organization began in mid1990, it was operating as an extension of GRREAT in Maryland, and it did not become fully operational until September of that year. GRREAT was also an extension, in their case of Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club. Rescues were not a ‘thing’ in the early days. Kathy Carbone, who was on the planning committee for GRREAT in Maryland, paid it forward and mentored the early volunteers of the southeastern branch. We owe our name to them as well as they felt Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training encompassed all of the things critical to the mission of the rescue, and they already knew the dogs were gr-r-eat!
By February of 1991, however, they were recognized as a separate entity for conducting day-to-day business with a local checking account, phone number, and address. The phone, attached to an answering machine, was 827-8561 (still our hotline number today). The official mailing address was PO Box 8014, Yorktown, VA, 23693; and it still is today. However, they remained accountable to GRREAT and were required to send them monthly reports. It took quite a while for shelters to work with the rescue, and they were required to pay shelter adoption fees to pull the dogs. Initially, the dogs were coming from the Peninsula shelter, but a top priority was to extend their reach to the south side and build relationships with Norfolk and Virginia Beach SPCAs. There were also puppies for sale from backyard breeders in the classified section of
by Sharon Leeman
the newspaper. They did their best to educate those breeders on ethical breeding using materials from the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA). By October 1992, there was a real push on to get volunteers in Chesapeake and Portsmouth on the south side and in Williamsburg and Richmond to the north. There was always a need for foster homes (they suggested families think of it as “babysitting an orphan”), but lots of other jobs too as work began to expand from the core officers into other coordinator positions. As for home visits, a key question they asked their evaluation team to think about was “Would I leave my dog here?”
At the beginning, all funds and reports were going to GRREAT, permitting donations to be tax deductible from the start. Records were kept separate as SEVA GRREAT had to submit three years of income and expenses to the IRS to complete the paperwork for the non-profit status, which we maintain to this day.
As much as things change, others stay the same. The first adoption fee was set at $150 based on the estimated cost of $150 to $250 to rescue each dog and have their medical needs taken care of. Now they vary depending on age and whether the golden comes from a domestic situation or is an international dog, but they are still set up to cover a portion of what it costs us to rescue a dog (approximately $1,500 today). In an early newsletter, they reported that several of their dogs had special medical needs that would cost extra money. One had a bone chip floating in his shoulder and needed surgery. His name was Bobby, and after his recovery, he was adopted by one of our current board members.
From the beginning, they were taking in about 2 goldens each week. By January 1991, they had rescued 20 dogs, 17 of them from the Peninsula SPCA. Twelve of the 20 were placed in loving homes, 3 were old timers who would live out their days with SEVA GRREAT (today’s forever fosters), and the rest were still in temporary foster homes.
The newsletters of 1991 were filled with adopted dogs, dogs available for adoptions, and on occasion a memorial for one who had crossed the Bridge. We still share those things today but use different ways to report them. They could only afford a one-page newsletter and their editor worked to get as much information in it as possible; we have
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
a beautiful magazine. One of the early newsletters says “We hate to keep bringing up money…” We still hate asking for money, but we do it, and we are just as thankful for our supporters as the original volunteers. In addition to money, they also needed manpower and materials. Dogs coming in had to be quarantined for at least 10 days so that meant donations from companies and people to build kennels to house them, usually in someone’s back yard. The early newsletters list events like bake sales, concession stands, and education booths at different dog events. Instead of a yard sale at a volunteer’s home, there was the Big Flea (no pun intended) at the Hampton Coliseum; and instead of shopping at Kroger to support our dogs, it was Farm Fresh. There were health articles and clinics on vaccinations, spay/neuter, and flea/tick/heartworm care. Before microchips, there were tattoos for all new rescues, and they were also offered to previously adopted dogs. One successful fundraiser was of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes with goldens featured on them. Instead of the current SEVA GRREAT logo, with the dog in profile, it was a sitting golden looking over his shoulder. By 1992, they were selling a calendar, with pictures of goldens, from the
National Rescue Committee for $10. Now, one of our most popular fundraisers is our own SEVA GRREAT calendar, still for $10. One thing that has changed dramatically is the finances. They were running this rescue on a shoestring. The July 31, 1994 checkbook balance shows a total of just over $2,500. Diego just raised that amount all by himself in the 2021 calendar contest. By the summer of 1994, four short years after SEVA GRREAT was established, they had rescued 181 dogs. We are proud to report that number is now over 2,000.
Many people have come and gone over the last 30 years. Some left and came back, some moved on to other endeavors, and some have joined their pups at the Rainbow Bridge. Several of the early founders are still involved. Geralyn Nelson, the first secretary, applied to adopt another golden as recently as last year. Lindy Fleck, the first treasurer and newsletter editor, is still fostering. She took in the trio of forever fosters who were surrendered last year by the owner who had become homeless. Because of her, the trio is still together. Dr. Anita Weidinger provided some of the early care of the dogs when she worked at Denbigh Animal Hospital and continues to be one of our participating vets with her practice at York Veterinary Hospital. We wish to thank Lindy for the historical documents that made this article possible, and we would love to hear from others who came together to establish this rescue. If you are out there, send us a note (you know the address!) or email secretary@adoptagolden.com. We are amazed at what you accomplished and proud to be part of SEVA GRREAT 30 years later.
FALL 2020
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An Update from Max
M
ax is an adorable purebred golden retriever puppy who is a happy, playful, and generally healthy puppy with one exception. Max is a dwarf. Max is not just small but has a condition in which his body is not producing the growth hormone he needs to grow and develop normally and to be a healthy guy. He recently underwent testing to confirm that his pituitary is not functioning well. Max is about half the size he should be, still has his puppy fur and baby teeth, and does not have the best bladder control yet, which sounds like a typical puppy, except Max is 5 months old. He was surrendered to us because of the mounting expenses of diagnostic tests and treatment options. Most dwarf dogs are euthanized so there is not much information available about what to expect. We have identified some good treatment options and have a wonderful vet in the Richmond area who is working with us to help Max have the best life that we can provide. We also will be documenting his situation closely so that canine health in general can benefit. So, while helping Max, we hope to help understanding of this condition, too.
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Max was given the name Maxwell Strong to give him incentive to persevere through his rough start in life. He started treatment in September of 2018 and was getting injections about every three weeks through that first year. Initially, the goal was to stimulate normal growth and development. Treatment is expensive, but we identified some reasonable options. Maxwell developed quite nicely, though is still small. But the goal always was his health. As of summer, 2019, he is no longer growing but will continue injections as they are essential for him to live. Without treatment, Maxwell will experience hair loss, skin infections, and progressive organ failure until, in a short time, euthanasia is the only option so he does not suffer. Treatment offers him a chance at a very good quality of life and we think he deserves that chance. Maxwell is a very special dog, a real sweetheart, and wants to express his most heartfelt gratitude for your support. It is your support that is making life possible for him.
(804) 794-2099
H
ello, Everypawdy! Oh, my, it’s been a hot summer! I hope you all are doing well. I’ve been taking it easy in the heat, but my fam, my best friend sister Lucy and I have still managed to pack in some fun. Recently, I got to experience a slice of history when we all went to Colonial Williamsburg for the day. We walked, and rested, and I met some interesting people. I am surprised that some of them managed to resist petting me, though, like this guy. But he was willing to pose for a photo with me. I guess he was tired in the heat, too, because he just sat there. Then the fam and I had water in the shade and took our time and just had a really nice family day together. Also this summer, I’ve been gardening, playing in the water, enjoying the puddles and mud, and keeping up my usual shenanigans in spite of it all! My doc says I’m doing well. I struggle with my weight and am having a few other side effects from my medicine, so we are decreasing the dose just a bit to see if that helps. So far, so good! No matter what, though, I am living such a good life! Thank you all for your support and love and for making this life possible. It is true I would not be here without you and without the folks at SEVA GRREAT who hooked me up with the medical care I need and also my wonderful Mom. You know, I call her “Crazy Lady” just for fun. But truth is – now don’t make a big deal out of this or it might go to her head – I love her and my whole family a LOT! A whole lot! But I want to play just a little hard to get, you know? OK, Yeah, I can’t fake it. I love them and am truly a lucky dog. And I love you all, too! Smooches to you! Stay cool and healthy and enjoy your fall, wherever it takes you!
Alison Rhoades, DVM Tim Withers, DVM Becky Rose, DVM Andrea Berger, DVM
medical • surgical • dental care • laser therapy in-house lab • digital radiography • ultrasound acupuncture • boarding • bathing • cremation
Your best friend’s best friend Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs - 8:30am-7:30pm Fri - 8:30am-5:30pm Sat - 8:30am-12:00pm
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you SE Thank
info@macvetva.com
elpin VA GRREAT for h g me find my fur-ever fa
mily!
–Rita Benshoff
Max
FALL 2020
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Ten ways YOU know it’s time to euthanize your pet
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ou’re so unsure. And that’s an understatement. You know it’s time...but then you really don’t...perhaps you think you could never be sure. After all, it’s a life you’re taking into your own hands...your beloved life...the one you raised, shared so much with and adored unconditionally throughout. You need time. But do we veterinarians always give you a chance to reflect carefully 10
by Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA
on your choices? No, not always. Since our perception of your pet’s suffering is born of experience with these matters, sometimes we seek your acquiescence quickly to prevent suffering...but sometimes we’re pushy...or wrong. We’re only human.
likely to view the situation dispassionately with the “do-no-harm” theme playing in the back of our heads. Sure, we see suffering all around us and we want to prevent it. But not at the cost of your personal beliefs or by crossing your moral boundaries.
That’s why I urge you to always “consider the source” when you’re making your decision to euthanize your pet. Remember, we’re more
That’s why this post is about YOUR decision, YOUR choice. Sure you trust your veterinarian, but the decision for euthanasia is ultimately
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
in YOUR hands. That’s why I offer a sampling of reasons pet owners cite as the primary rationale when electing euthanasia for their pets. Because while it’s all about what’s best for your pet, your feelings count, too. My hope is that as you contemplate euthanasia for your pets, you’ll consider these common ways my clients have come to decide on the timing of their pets’ euthanasia. Perhaps they’ll help you more comfortably arrive at a good decision with less suffering on your part.
1 A sign Many of my clients wait for a specific sign of impending death and they set their clock by it. It’s as if they know their pet is almost ready... but not quite. Not until they show them the sign that lets them know it’s imminently over that they can recruit the strength they need to make the decision. Inability to stand. Refusing food. No longer drinking. These are the most common signs clients cite.
2 The second opinion In case you’re a new Dolittler reader, you need to know that I’m a huge fan of second opinions. And I tend to like them courtesy of specialists. While specialists might not always offer you the best bedside manner, and other second-opinion vets might not know you well, getting one more brain on the job––especially if said brain concurs with your regular veterinarian––might help nudge you in the right direction...or it might just save your pet’s life.
3 I woke up one day and I knew it was time This might be the most common mode of decision making I hear about. This moral certainty some pet owners arrive at on their own has an amazing way of granting peace.
And I confess this to have been my luck with my own pets thus far.
4 Friends and family Sometimes you just have to trust your friends and family. Though I’ve heard my share of sad stories where friends and family just didn’t “get it,” many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy close ties to like minded people who can move us in the direction we need.
5 I can’t stand watching her suffer anymore It happens after a chronic illness, usually. You’ve tried everything at least once. you’ve tried combinations of everything. You’re all tried out and yet your pet still suffers. You’re dragged into the situation––kicking and screaming, maybe––but you’re all out of options and you can’t stand the suffering anymore.
6 Prayer Here’s where your faith in a higher power can make all the difference. Praying for guidance–– and receiving it––works well for many of us.
7 Forced A (CRISIS) Some calamity has befallen your pet. Things went downhill fast. Surgery went all wrong and the cancer was everywhere. You really have no choice. Being “forced” can be a blessing––but it usually feels like a curse. In these cases the decision really is almost out of your hands. Veterinarians call euthanasias like this a “race” to see which is first, the euthanasia...or a natural death born of extreme circumstances. B (FINANCES) A corollary to this concept of being forced is
one I consider far sadder: When you have no money to continue to treat.
8 Resignation and relief It’s no longer in my hands, you tell yourself. Things are just too wrong. You’re all cried out. Now you’re ready. Euthanasia is almost a relief.
9 Preventing suffering You may have heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again: Sometimes it’s better to be a week too early than a minute too late. For example, the patient I have scheduled for an at-home euthanasia later this morning. She’s a 13 year-old Golden named Apple. After hip surgery her elbows began to deteriorate. She can still make it around with help, probably for months, but at what cost? Her family will be gathered today with the expressed goal of preventing future suffering.
10 Serious trust Here’s where I may appear to backtrack somewhat: If you should be lucky enough to have a truly great relationship with your veterinarian, you’ll likely have talked death before the fact. But perhaps it’s a lastminute crisis...and you haven’t. Either way, assuming your veterinarian is someone you nearly implicitly trust, that’s when you ask the question: What would you do? Next thing you know, you’re abiding by the answer you know you don’t want to hear. More than likely you’ve experienced a combination of some of these reasons at the time of your pets’ euthanasias. After all, most us here have been through a number of them. You’ll also recognize that every situation, every pet, is different. We never seem to pass the same way twice––for better or for worse. So here’s where I ask: What reasons did you come by along your way?
FALL 2020
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This weekend Kenny experienced his first long car ride to Smith Mountain Lake with us (still not a huge fan of the car, but he did great). He then got to meet my sister’s two dogs, a black lab and a shepherd mix who were both adopted, and my parent’s 4-month old yellow lab puppy. They all got along wonderfully! He hung out on our dock taking in the sun. He went on his first pontoon boat ride with all the other dogs. He even swam for a while (a tennis ball was a helpful motivator here), but I think this had to be his first experience with swimming. He just did so well and it made our hearts so happy that he was able to have a great weekend playing and meeting his “brother and sisters” and my family. I just wanted to let you all know how much of a delightful addition this guy has been to our home. I remember reading in his report that he had “problems jumping up on people” and we’ve come to embrace his “hugs.” We can expect at least 10 from this big boy each day. Kate and I just appreciate everything you all did to help make him a part of our family. We’re so excited for the years we get to spend with Kenny! -Marshal and Kate McClung
Homecoming Share your pictures and stories by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. They will be featured in coming newsletters, right here under Homecoming.
Remi has had another good day here at the Joy house. He is settling in well and Lilly is enjoying having a partner in crime!! -Rachel and Craig Joy
That look when you got busted counter and almost got away with it! Former SEVA dog Archie. -Rena Heath
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
September is Fall Hat Month. Daisy, Peachy, and Nellie are here to show off some of their favorites. -Ann Thomas
What’s better than going to the park on a beautiful spring day? Diego says it’s runnig into your friends Stella and Shine.
This happy boy is Cooper, one of our dogs who came to the US from Turkey. If he doesn’t give you a Monday morning smile, nothing will!
Precious coming back from her morning duty. -Clay Beall
FALL 2020
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Scottish Club Assumes Responsibility Lease and Statue
GUISACHAN UPDATE
Doreen McGugan, chairman of the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland (left) shared a toast with Joy Viola, President of the Friends of Guisachan,(right) at the 2014 unveiling of the life-size bronze statue of a Golden on historic Guisachan land.
T
he Friends of Guisachan have signed over the long-term lease on historic Guisachan land and the Golden Retriever statue thereon to the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland. The transfer required all manner of legal documents “in the Scottish format” to conclude the transfer, but with the signatures of the landlord, Nigel Fraser, The Chairman of the GRCS, Doreen McGugan, and the President and Treasurer of the Friends of Guisachan, Joy Viola and Patricia Lindquist,
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the transfer was concluded making the Scottish Club now responsible for the mandatory liability insurance and the maintenance of the statue and the small garden surrounding it. An ancillary agreement between the Friends of Guisachan and the GRCS covered the transfer of the $10,000 statue endowment fund to cover costs for the immediate future. A bequest from a private donor will augment the fund in due time.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
The statue was funded by the Friends of Guisachan and was unveiled in 2014. It has become a landmark for Golden Retriever visitors and other tourists to the area as well. “The Friends of Guisachan are very proud to memorialize the original birthplace of the
for Guisachan
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Permanent Stone Marker Delayed Golden Retriever with a statue in Tomich, Scotland. This is particularly exciting as we reached the 150th anniversary of our breed in 2018. We are grateful for our colleagues in the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland who have taken ownership of the statue and surrounding grounds and for the many supporters in this effort through recent years,” says John Cotter, Friends Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Worldwide,Golden Retriever lovers now know where and when our breed was established,” he added.
The creation of a permanent stone marker at the site of the ruins has been held up because Scotland has been in a pretty tight lock-down from Covid-19. They couldn't even get a stone worker to check out the state of the ruins and the artist can't get the quarry to cut stone for the marker. It's so far behind now that our marker won't see the light of day until next spring.
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.
FALL 2020
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A
A Doggone Good Story
nyone who visits the MCV Campus has likely encountered a few of our most popular team members. They don’t roam the halls in white coats or scrubs. In fact, none of them hold a medical degree, but they are clearly experts when it comes to the art of providing great care. You can spot them by the distinctive blue uniform on their back, wagging their tails with a smile as they bring cheer and calm to patients, families, students and VCU Health team members.
For nearly 20 years, the Dogs on Call Therapy Dog Program has provided canine therapy to complement treatments and enhance the well-being of patients, staff and students. Teams of dogs and their handlers visit most areas of the VCU Medical Center and other VCU Health locations including Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Brook Road and Stony Point Clinics. Dogs on Call teams also participate in special events such as Paws for Stress for students during mid-term and final exams. The program always brings a smile to our faces, and we recently heard a heartwarming story about a former patient whose experiences with the program inspired his professional dreams. Warning: this news might be just the pick-meup folks need here in the dog days of summer. Eric Waligora made fast friends with Stewie the Maltese over his many visits while Eric was treated for leukemia. Eric’s experience with Dogs on Call inspired him to pursue a career as a veterinarian so he can help animals. The Waligora family was living in East Asia when Eric was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood, when he was 10 years old. To ensure the best care, they returned to the U.S. so Eric could get treatment from VCU Massey Cancer Center oncologists at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. As he battled leukemia 16
from fourth through seventh grades, Eric looked forward to the visits from his favorite furry friends through the program. “These animals made my three-year long treatment period a lot easier,” Eric wrote, “I was able to meet several different breeds of dogs through this program, such as Stewie the Maltese and Winnie the very tiny Yorkshire terrier.”
It turns out our four-legged friends can also inspire more than just a sense of peace and calm. For kids like Eric, they also inspired his career dream to become a veterinarian. He writes that he hopes by learning how to take care of animals he’ll be able to eventually repay the favor they did for him when he was sick and fighting cancer in the hospital. Eric’s currently in South Korea, and his parents recently wrote to VCU Health staff to thank them for both the great patient care and for how much the Dogs on Call program has shaped Eric’s future goals in life beyond high school. “The Dogs on Call program at VCU helped with the curing process of our son, and we are very grateful and thankful,” wrote Jeff “Wally” and Rose Waligora. “The program also motivated our son to pursue a career as a veterinarian.” The feeling is mutual among the dogs and their handlers. “It is one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve ever had,” said Joan Nuttle, an 11year volunteer of the program and dog mom to Stewie. “It’s heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking, but it’s so meaningful to be able to visit with the children and families and take their mind off what’s going on at the moment — to see their faces light up for just a few moments means the world to me.”
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
The Dogs on Call Program is guided by a growing body of research that documents the health benefits of human-animal interaction. The VCU Center for Human-Animal Interaction has published research showing how patients benefit through decreases in blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol to increases in oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates feelings of love, social bonding and well-being. And, according to Nancy Gee, Ph.D., director of VCU’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI), similar benefits are observed in the dogs, making the program a win-win. Joan Nuttle and Stewie, her Maltese, have
Photo: Kim Maxey
Clifford loves to swim! He can find water just about anywhere he goes, even if that means swimming in a puddle. Clifford is an avid fan of being a therapy dog. When his mom takes the vest, aka the “cape” in Clifford’s household, off the hook he knows it is time to visit friends and make people smile.
volunteered through Dogs on Call for 11 years. Stewie recently retired from therapy dog service. One of his past patients, Eric Waligora, remembers him fondly during his treatment for leukemia on the MCV Campus.
safety measures, but program organizers are sharing a steady stream of Dogs on Call photos through social media and remain eager to resume the program as soon as they safely can.
“We have 91 therapy dog teams, and the vast majority of them are volunteers,” Dr. Gee said. “They often tell me how grateful they are to VCU Health for the opportunity to be a part of this experience of helping patients, staff and students in the hospital to feel better.”
“We are in the process of finding ways to interact with the VCU Health community,” Dr. Gee said, “Our volunteers are making cookies and bookmarks and attaching their Dogs on Call trading cards on each item to show their support even when they can’t be physically present.”
Unfortunately, the program was temporarily suspended due to VCU Health’s pandemic
The volunteers and their handlers are eager to
be back in the hospital when it is safe to do so. For now, they have created life-sized cardboard cut-outs that feature some of the quadrupeds who would normally visit the hospital. Dr. Gee shared they are exploring how to start virtual visits for their therapy dogs. And when the case rates go down, they hope the dogs and handlers may be able to greet VCU Health staff from a safe distance as they arrive for work. We are so touched by this program’s commitment to enhancing the wellness of everyone at VCU Health. It’s just the kind of good news we all can use, especially during the dog days of summer.
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Preparing Your Pets for Holiday Travel
The holidays are fast approaching.
during parties or gatherings, the possibility of barking or jumping up on people, dealing with other pets in the home.
well with crowds, but is kennel trained, you may be able to place him in his kennel in a quiet, safe place during gatherings.
by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell
Has your canine kid been properly socialized and trained? If your dog is like ours and had a fear of children due to past abuse and you will be going to Uncle Jake’s house and 10 of your cousins will be there, it probably isn’t a good idea to expose your dog to the festivities.
This article at The Bark gives some great tips on helping you plan your trip with your pet.
When we had our first rescue, a miniature Dachshund named Hershey, we never traveled without her and our relatives knew if we were coming, she would be with us.
If your dog doesn’t know basic commands such as sit, stay, down or quiet, there is still time before the Christmas holidays to get him enrolled in a basic positive reinforcement training class.
The best option is to choose a trusted pet sitter to come to your home, which is less stress for your pets and also doesn’t expose them to illness found in kennels such as kennel cough. The Humane Society of the United States has tips for finding a reputable pet sitter.
If this is the first year you will be bringing your pet with you for the holiday celebration, the first thing you should do is talk to your hosts. Depending on various situations you may not be aware of, such as allergies or even someone having a fear of dogs, they may not want a 4-legged family member in their home.
If he hasn’t been properly socialized with other pets, that is another problem you will need to deal with, no one wants a scene like the one from Christmas Vacation in which Snots destroys the entire house (he was chasing a squirrel, but some dogs get just as crazy chasing cats).
Once you’ve gotten permission to bring your canine child, think about all of the situations your dog will be placed in with food, crowds
Planning is key; you will need to think of all of the situations your dog will be placed in and try to plan for them. If your dog doesn’t do
I
f you’re planning a trip this holiday season, you might be planning on taking your pet with you. If you are, that is great. However, you first must be sure it is ok with the friends or relatives you will be staying with.
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
If you don’t think your 4-legged family member is up for the trip, there are plenty of reputable pet nanny and pet hotel services available.
You can also find many boarding facilities these days, but remember that the holidays are busy, so you will need to investigate pet hotels well before the holidays and book your reservation early.
Does dogged driving earn you a ticket where you live? by Patricia Khuly
“S “
ometimes you just can’t legislate common sense,” is what some dog owners are saying in response to the driving safety legislation that’s been making its way through many states’ legislatures over the past couple of years. Some of these bills would specifically ban dogs from riding in the driver’s seat with their owners. Others mention pets specifically among a list of ticket-able “distractions.” Dog owners who take their pets out for some fast-moving fresh air, and who happen to live in New Hampshire, Illinois, Arizona and Virginia, among other states, may find themselves investing in doggie seatbelts and canine safety seats — or risk getting a ticket. But is it fair? Will it help? Hmmmm ... In 2008, California’s Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed an outright ban on dogs in drivers’
seats, claiming there was insufficient time to handle this bill with so many more important items on the table. Dubbed “The Paris Hilton Bill” for this heiress’ penchant for parading her pooches while driving, it garnered nationwide attention for its triviality. But there’s no denying it — dogs are a distraction. And many ride unsafely (for them, anyway). In fact, I believe that allowing dogs to hang out of windows, feet perched on the frame (a common sight in Miami) is as sanction-worthy as transporting loose dogs in the back of pick-ups. I’ve seen severe injuries from both versions — and more than one DOA.
has never been my own driving. I’m always looking out for the dogs. I know that for their safety’s sake it’s best if my dogs are restrained. Not only would it keep them from becoming canine projectiles in the event of an accident, it would make it easier for rescue personnel to attend to all of us, should the unthinkable occur. As much as we might dislike any legislation that would limit how we handle our dogs, perhaps some common sense rules would do us all some good. If nothing else, reading about these proposed laws has reminded me that my own pets could stand to suffer the indignity of buckling up more often. After all, I do every day. Why should they get treated to anything less?
But do I take my own advice? At least one of my dogs rides with me every day. They’re expected to stay off my lap and sit in one spot while I drive. When I first pull out (if I’ve got two or more in tow) they jockey for the best seat before settling in. If Vincent’s especially fractious that day, the pin-‘im-tothe-seat restraining belt is always an option. Funny that my biggest concern in these cases
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Indoor activities when road tripping with rover. by Carol Bryant
T
raveling with dogs can be a fun, rewarding and memorable experience. As a dog mom who has traveled life’s byways and highways for over 20 years with dogs by my side, this much I know is true. So what happens when the plans are made, the reservations are in place, and Mother Nature has other plans on arrival? Nothing puts a damper on a vacation or getaway more than unexpected rainy or snowy weather. Dog parents need not fret, as there are many indoor games and activities to do with Fido until sunny skies grace your vacation once more.
Hide and Go Seek Hide and go seek is a fun indoor year-round game that can be played both at home and on road trips. A dog’s sense of smell is heightened and rewarded for finding his best friend: YOU! Start with some of your dog’s favorite treats aka rewards. Initially you will need two people 20
to play. One person stays behind with the dog in a room while the other hides (out of sight) but with a treat in hand. Now and then the person hiding can let out a special noise or say the dog’s name. For more challenge, the hidee can simply stay silent and let Fido use his olfactory senses to do the searching. Once found, reward and rejoice. One precaution: Be sure there are no items that can be easily broken or knocked off an end table by a wagging, excited tail.
Indoor Olympian Dogs can get cabin fever, too, especially if the weather outside is frightful and he or she is stuck inside. All dogs need some form of exercise, whether to lose weight or to maintain a healthy level of fitness.
butt, core muscles, and shoulders. Be sure to practice at home first.
“Bored Games” for Dogs I like to take board games to prevent indoor boredom with my dog when traveling. One such game is the Nina Ottosson Dog Spinny Interactive Dog Game. Kong has an entire line of busy and stimulating games for dogs. My pooch’s favorite is from the Kong Genius line. This interactive treat dispensing line of toys for dogs are perfect for inclement weather times. They are made in the United States of a durable, non-toxic, FDA food-approved TPR material.
Doggy Massage
Something I have done with my dog while staying at a hotel is a fun game of tug of war. Be careful not to lift the dog’s head back when playing tug of war, as this can injure a neck.
One of the best things you can do with Fido to strengthen your bond is give him or her a massage. Do a basic tummy rub, gentle scritches, and just use the time to tell your special pal how much you love them. I know these moments are some of my favorite vacation memories.
The belly crawl is a fun indoor game as well. Rover does a commando crawl for about 10 feet in pursuit of a snack. This exercise engages the mind but it also good for the
What do your dogs like to do when it’s cold, rainy, or snowy outside?
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Rainbow Bridge
BEAR
CHARLIE
FINN
Bear adopted us in March 2013. According to SEVA records he was 6 years old.Two of his issues were learning to live indoors and ride in a car. It took a while, but with the help and advice of SEVA he adjusted. He never did like riding all that much, but tolerated it to get to his happy place where he could run free and wade in streams on our farm. He began having problems in 2019. He lost a lot of muscle mass in his hind quarters and when walking would drag his right hind leg nails along the ground. We tried many different medicines to keep him healthy and happy, but he had a lot of difficulty getting up and would stumble on stairs occasionally. We will be forever grateful to Acredale Veterinarians, Dr. Alex and Dr. Meador and all the staff for their support and kindness during his life. He was 13 years old when we lost him on June 5th this year. It’s very hard to cope without him right now. –Dot and John Oberlander
I wanted to inform you that our beloved Charlie (~14 years old) passed away the week before Thanksgiving. We adopted him from SEVA GRREAT back in 2009. Charlie was the gentlest and loving golden retriever I have had the pleasure to own. My family truly enjoyed having him in our lives. He will be greatly missed. He passed away due to kidney failure. He did have degenerative hip disease but was always happy to see us and be with his people. We wanted to thank you for the opportunity to have been able to make Charlie part of our family. –Jose Perez
Rescued “Huckleberry” in 2009. We shortened his name to “Finn”. He was a rescue from the Isle of Wight farm raid earlier that year or before. He was recovering from a horrible case of heart worm and was still getting used to people. Thanks to SEVA GRREAT, he made an amazing recovery and had a long healthy life thereafter. Finn made a long move with the kids and I back home to Idaho in 2013 and was always considered part of the family. Finn lived, much longer than expected, to the age of 15 years old before beginning to suffer the effects of old age. Finn was surrounded by the ones he loved when he left, peacefully, June, 22, 2020. He will, forever, be regarded as family. –James Merritt
TOBY
JAKE Jake was our 4th SEVA GRREAT adoption in 2016. We love our senior Goldens Unfortunately, he passed on August 25, 2020. We will miss him dearly. –Jay and Richanne Sensenig
Hello...I wanted to let SEVAGRREAT know our precious Toby crossed Rainbow Bridge on 09/09/20. He we had him for 11 wonderful years. My daughter, who is now a sophomore in college, said it best when she got off the bus in 3rd grade...”a hole in my heart is filled now”. He was loved by everyone who met him and likewise he loved everyone. He was a “mommy’s boy”. From the day I picked him up in Richmond he was by my side. I am thankful we chose SEVAGRREAT to find our buddy. –Allison Thomas
TEDDY In our last issue, the wrong photo was inadvertently used for Teddy. PIctured here is the real Toby.
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Ann Czompo Carl Jackson Rhonda King In honor of my SEVSA GRREAT Golden girl, Banner
Page Reece
William Tortolano
Julie Hindman In honor of Louie
Dottie Cleal
Barry Barnes Donna Roos
Sue & Rick Burton
Matt & Debbie Hall
Alice Brown In memory of Blue
The
GOLD
bluewhaleoceana
Michael Brooks
Allison & Joe Thomas In honor of Toby - we were blessed to have 11.5 years with him
Sara Straus
Kerry & Mark Fulcher
Susie & John Collamore
Maryanne Lambert
Angela Schwartz
Liz Downes In memory of Sandy, beloved Golden of Johnnie and Helen Noles
Markel Corporation c/o Cyber Grants
Jennifer Shaeffer
United Way-Frances Chapin Foundation Philanthropic Fund, Tucson and Southern Arizona
Jennifer & Marc Dauzier
Connie Brewer
e
th
Jo Vance In thanks for all the work and good things SEVA GRREAT does for dogs
Steven Rowe In honor of woderful Wyatt
CVC
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3456
Combined Federal Campaign #003456
GO
Fund
LD
EN O L DIE L OVE
G DO
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.
Leslie Horton Margaret Allen Karen Luvaas
Marcia Kilby In memory of Carla Even
Patricia O’Donnell Lewis In memory of Kathleen O’Donnell
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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Contributions
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
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 GRREAT.
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Home Phone: ________________________________________
HOME EVALUATION –– visits for foster/adoption applicants.
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This is a new membership Address Change ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS:
TIME TO RENEW !
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(circle all that apply) Weekdays
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Name: _____________________________________________
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E-mail: _____________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________
MERCHANDISE — to man booths selling SEVA GRREAT stuff at local dog shows / fairs / festivals / etc.
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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.
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REMITTANCE: I am enclosing my $25 annual membership dues $ ___________
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Additional Voting members _____ @ $25 each
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Please make checks payable to:
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Mail this form with your check to: SEVA GRREAT PO Box 8014 Yorktown, VA 23693
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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: __________________________________________________________________
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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 ANDERSON’S CORNER Toano – 757-566-2224 MIDLOTHIAN ANIMAL CLINIC Midlothian – 804-794-2099 BAY BEACH VETERINARY HOSPITAL Virginia Beach – 757-340-3913
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SEVA GRREAT Contact Information President Dottie Cleal Vice President Susan Stanitski Treasurer Pat Donaldson Secretary Sharon Leeman Event Coordinators: Southside: Jane Krom Peninsula: Linda Thomson Richmond: Jennifer Dauzier Microchip Coordinator Sharon Leeman Intake Coordinator Michelle Pfeiffer Foster Coordinator Jane Krom Adoption Coordinator Chris Walker 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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