Winter 2019
Conditions That Cannot Wait • A Month in the Life of a Rescued Golden Part 2 • Homecoming Picnic
CONTENTS GRREAT Times is a quarterly publication of SEVA GRREAT, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding homes for homeless Golden Retrievers.
3 .. A Big Happy Thanks
8
For more information, call our Hotline at 757-827-8561 or visit our web site at www.sevagrreat.org.
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.
8 .. October Homecoming Picnic
SEVA GRREAT disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors.
10 10 .. A Month in the Life - Part 2
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!
12 .. Homecoming 14 .. Finnegan’s Letter
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 .. 9 Conditions That Cannot Wait
12 18 .. Ingredients in Your Dog’s Treats
Email to: grreattimes@adoptagolden.com
20 .. Rainbow Bridge 22 .. Contributions
18 23 .. Membership Renew, Donation
fostering@adoptagolden.com 2
and Volunteering
ON THE COVER: That’s Ginger Li enjoying the crisp clean air after a early snow fall.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
A Big Happy Thanks for the Past Year
Check our website for updates and exact locations and times of events. adoptagolden.com Check back a week before the event to confirm.
Facebook: Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training! Website: http://adoptagolden.com
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.
A
s our year nears an end and our rescue slows for the holidays, some reflections:
We are so grateful for the fosters who cared for dogs this year, for the home evaluators who checked out homes, for the volunteers who transported -- between homes, from the airport, to the vet -- and for those who worked the events and the behind-the-scene jobs you probably never think about -- like checking the PO box, writing thank-you notes and sending sympathy cards, labeling magazines and shipping calendars -- and many who did more than one of these. Without people, you can’t run a rescue! We are so grateful for the donors who contribute to specific dogs -- like Maxwell, and both Domino and Raife before him -- but in other fundraisers over and over again -- Give Local 757, calendar contest, calendar sales, calendar and magazine sponsors, merchandise sales, holiday cards and through our partners like Amazon, Kroger and others, and to those who just give without getting anything in return. Without finances, you can’t run a rescue!
We are so grateful for our vets, their staffs, and the trainers who work with us. We wish all of our goldens were perfect, but some have medical and behaviorial issues and need help. Without expertise, you can’t run a rescue! We are so grateful for our adopters who provide forever homes to our dogs, who provide second chances and new beginnings -- and who know that there is a human for every “perfect” dog. Without love, you can’t run a rescue! We are so grateful for our Board who make many hard decisions, manage the money, set policy and protocols, keep the books, file tax returns, apply for grants and funding, maintain records, publish magazines and calendars, keep the website and facebook running, file required permits, research issues, organize events, and oversee intake, fostering, medical care, and adoption, and often wear more than one hat. Without administration, you can’t run a rescue! And perhaps most of all, we are so very grateful for the dogs who we know are the best dogs EVER! Without them, there would be no reason to run a rescue!! WINTER 2019
3
Adoptions
Lo
Willow
Willow
Brewer
Layla
Shine
Hugo
Willow – Debbie & Scott Ramer
Lo – Deidre & Brendan Fish
Willow – Greg Summerlin
Layla – Jim & Shelia Kingsley
Shine – Julie Mercer
Hugo – Jeffrey & Jenna Hanna
4
Keegan
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Minnie
Brewer – Michael & Lee Anne Lamkin Keegan – Connie Brewer Minnie – Katie Brewer
Reef
Sully
Eylul/Emmy
Keira
Molly
Nugget
Comet/Bruno
Aussie/Wrigley
Joy
Sully – Diana Schnetzka
Reef – Glen & Jennifer Pierce
Eylul/Emmy – Lindy & Joe Fleck
Nugget – Mary & Harry Owens
Molly – David & Nancy Knoll
Keira – Deidre Brown
Aussie/Wrigley – Jim & Jeannine Reynolds
Comet/Bruno – Kathleen Jens
Joy – Ronald & Sandra Lee
WINTER 2019
5
Adoptions
Limon
Boomer
Finnegan
Zoe
Misha/Mica
Jane/Ruby
Trek
Niko
Suzy
Boomer – Chris & Kathy Bosch
Limon – Carmen Coglio
Zoe – James Mullins
Finnegan – Mary Collins
Misha/Mica – Sharon Morrison
Trek – Kathleen Keller & CharlesYoung
Jane/Ruby – Sandra Toler
Niko – Angela Woodruff
Suzy – Katie & Ken Roeper
6
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Ho, Ho, Ho ... the many surprises that holidays bring.
Bella
Runa
Chase/Edgar
Bella – Tess & Robert O’Neal Runa – Eric Vetterick Chase/Edgar – Kristin & Matt Lacy
WINTER 2019
7
Homecoming That’s a long leash.
Everybody smile.
So much to choose from.
A walk in the grass.
8
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Picnic October 13
Puppy Training.
Call for a group photo.
Joe being Joe at the grill.
All the colors are here.
The photo. WINTER 2019
9
A Month in the Life (or Why It Takes a Village)
Part 2
Continued from the Fall 2018 Issue of GRREAT Times magazine.
Foster . . . While all of the Intake activities are underway, Debbie has evaluated both what she knows about the dog and what she knows about the families willing to foster. There are a lot of things to consider. Let’s look at a hypothetical case of a dog named Rocket. Rocket has a high prey drive where young screaming toddlers are concerned, and through no fault of their own, toddlers tend to scream and run, often frantically, which sets Rocket into “I need to get this under control” mode, and sometimes that has consequences for both dogs and children. Having to place a dog in a home without young children removes quite a bit of the population willing to foster (and later adopt). Not only families with children but families with grandchildren who visit frequently aren’t suitable in this situation. Also, due to that prey drive, Rocket can’t live with cats. There goes another group of our foster homes. Rocket is dog selective, so again, homes with male dogs, probably are not going to work, and maybe not even homes with female dogs. Due to his intelligence and energy level, he needs a dog-savvy owner experienced with difficult dogs, which again minimizes the number of foster homes that will work. Thankfully, not all dogs are like Rocket. In fact, most are not, but it does require consideration of the whole Village – all of the foster families that are in the mix for some dogs and not others, some of the time but not always (they have lives too!), and not always back-to-back. Assuming the dog is healthy, the foster will 10
pick him up from the vet and share updates with Debbie and Beth. Beth will make notes of the intake exam and follow up on any outstanding items (e.g., ear infections, hot spots, etc.). The foster family is required to provide bi-weekly reports, and Beth will stay in the loop if there are any ongoing medical conditions. At a minimum, the dog will be with the foster family for 2-3 weeks until he is ready to be posted for adoption. Debbie has other responsibilities too. She finds the family who can pet sit because the foster family has a vacation planned, and she coordinates the volunteers who do home evaluations for new foster families. Because medication can help dogs with behavioral issues, she and Beth both work with our trainers to assess and evaluate dogs with anxiety. She works with the volunteer who orders collars, leashes, and ID tags for our vets to have on hand. Debbie is building a team of volunteers to work in these areas – her own suburb of the Village – so let her know if you are interested. When the dogs are ready to be posted for adoption, she will work with the foster family to get updated pictures and the dog’s bio ready, to post the available dogs on the website and Facebook, to follow who is chosen for the meet and greets, and in conjunction with Sharon Leeman, our Adoption Coordinator, to decide which prospective adopter is the best fit for the dog. There are times the best laid plans still don’t work out as expected. Even with all the things that are considered up front, sometimes a dog has to be moved to another foster family. For example, we didn’t know we had a “Rocket” on our hands until he was at his first foster home. Part of the foster’s job is assessment,
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
and sometimes that assessment leads to new understandings, especially for the dog who came in as a stray with no information available. Debbie will coordinate those moves too. Sometimes a dog is moved because it is not ready to be adopted in 2-3 weeks. In fact, sometimes the dog is not ready in 2-3 months, and the first family is not able to continue to provide care over the long term. A situation like that leads to another vital and new area of our rescue.
Medical . . . Beth Rodgers is in a role, Medical Coordinator, new to the rescue. In the past, following all of the various issues our dogs experience was a shared responsibility between Intake and Foster. Believe me when I tell you, Intake and Foster are busy enough positions without the addition of following complex medical issues. Beth is an experienced medical professional and an experienced golden owner. For the dog who is ready in a month for a new home, she will track common issues like spay/neuter, heartworm/flea prevention, infections, and other minor issues that are treated upon Intake. For the dog that is in our care for a long time, she will evaluate and recommend treatment in all areas – from medical emergencies, surgery, physical therapy and rehab, anxiety issues and treatments through end-of-life care for our forever fosters.
Adoption . . . Once a dog is ready for adoption, ideally within our “Month in a Life,” Sharon will coordinate that effort. However, her work
of a Rescued Golden By Sharon Leeman
begins long before a dog is posted for adoption. She screens applications for adoptions, assuring that the prospective adopter is within our coverage area and that there are no obvious red flags about the potential adopter. She works with another part of the Village – home evaluators – to make sure that homes approved for adoption are safe for our dogs and that we know about the circumstances of the home (e.g., family members, other pets, layout of the home, etc.) and what the adopter is looking for. She coordinates, through experienced evaluators, the training for new home evaluators. She orders the microchips and maintains the database of who is who so that any lost foster or adopted dogs will find their way back to SEVA GRREAT. Once a dog is posted for adoption, Sharon works with the home evaluators to determine who is interested in a meet and greet and then with the foster family to determine who will actually have a home visit. In conjunction with the foster family and the Foster Coordinator, she will be part of the decision of who is the best fit for the dog and who gets to adopt her. Then, she will coordinate getting a signed adoption contract and the appropriate fees from the home evaluator into the rescue. Home evaluators continue to check in on adopted dogs for a short time and share their reports and pictures (we love pictures!) with Sharon, who sends them out to the Village.
It Takes a Village… The people mentioned here are a big part of the Village. There are others. There are board members who keep the business side of the rescue running, providing leadership and administrative support (paying the bills,
running the website, publishing the magazine, and fundraising). There are volunteers who come to and work the events, send thank-you and sympathy notes, mail the magazine, and a number of other efforts too numerous to mention. There are the donors who give again and again. Many residents of the Village do double and triple duty. They are committed to providing the best Month in a Life (or as long as it takes) to a Rescued Golden so that
they are once again part of a happy family (strangers no more) where they know they are loved. If you’re not yet a member of our Village, we’d love to have you. You can fill out a volunteer form on our website (www.adoptagolden.com) or send it in with your membership form, and Sherry will see that it gets to the right part of town. WINTER 2019
11
Having Parker in our family has been a joy. We can’t imagine not getting to share our lives with this handsome, gentle, loyal, hilarious, full-of-personality earth angel. He’s happy as ever, still energetic, and as you can see, he loves the snow! We love HIM. Thank you for all you do! – The Templemans
Ginger, Shine and Stella. – Quan Li
I wanted to go to the beach, my dad did also. – David S. Cole
Cooper (formerly Monte) and Ashley (formerly Bella) could be poster dogs for the great work SEVA GRREAT does in placing goldens in forever homes. Cooper was adopted in February of 2010 and Ashley in March 2011. Each day is filled with new adventures, and the early December snow was a bonus. - Cindy and Don Merrix
12
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
We have a star in our midst. Lucy (Turkey dog Mary) was in the Nutcracker Suite at Sandler Center in Virginia Beach. OK . . . maybe not starring, but I am sure she stole the show! That’s her mom, Susan, leading her.
Homecoming Share your pictures and stories by sending them to grreattimes@adoptagolden.com. They will be featured in coming newsletters, right here under Homecoming.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Raife! When Raife came into rescue, we were told without treatment he wouldn’t live to be a year old. So, we see him celebrate his third birthday, here with one of his human sisters, brings us great joy!
Bama . . . formerly Nugget. - Mary Owens
Thank you to his forever family for still sharing “our” Raife with the rest of us.
WINTER 2019
13
er Rescue, Dear Golden Retriev
Finnegan’s Letter
I have found to let you know that y pp ha I’m d an n feel so welcome My name is Finnega who has made me om m w ne a ve ha I e for walks in the my forever home! and treats, takes m ys to e m t gh ou br ay Inn where she and loved. She has ok me to the Holid to en ev d an d, oo park and neighborh is a manager. and it was to ok my first road trip to I e, m ho w ne y m t the Residence Inn Not long after I go old. I got to stay at s ek we 9 at ing cit w cousins Hailey, Long Island. How ex ep over with my ne sle a d ha h d an ol po We all had so muc and lounged by the y aunts and uncle. m t ee m . to . t . go n’s d nega Aidan and Liam an on the patio at Fin ed me with dinner ris rp su o als om M fun! course! named after me of a Beach and I love been living in Virgini ve ha I ey at th w no s what adventures th It has been 11 week times already and 3 h ac gs be do e e th er to wh t ee it here! I have been te park on 64th str takes me to the sta do I turn heads om m G, y M OM . h. en ac be be have d run on the an r te wa e th in y e to stop and meet are allowed to pla the girls and kids, lov lly cia pe es , ne yo after we get home, on the beach! Ever looking girls! Then e nic e m so et m I me and boy have water. I love playing in the it is bath time and lets me take the is Home Depot. Mom it 9 vis to e lov I ce with some other KAnother great pla store. I have met up e th g h pin uig op ro sh th us ing e e go helm and navigat them too. I also lov to play a little with ed pp sto d an ds frien a treat! cause I always get at the pet store be es come too! They sometim ts en ar dp an gr g rin at to have ca e day while mom is I am lucking enough y with me during th pla . or fix e y m pp ed pu fe eir to th them over to the house I am happy to give d an it vis ey th en work . I just love wh couch! to Grandma on the I love cuddling next you all. I am the ure since I last saw nt ve ad t ea gr e on in that this is where So, life has been loved and so certa so el fe I . en be er office as well as the happiest I have ev both the resue vet’s to e m n ke ta s ha say I am healthy, in I belong. My mom years and both vets 22 st pa e th r fo blessing, I want you vet she has used cute. So, with your am I at th se is where ur co of r Mom! I know this ste good shape, and fo y m th wi y sta chosen to to know that I have r home!!! make this my foreve to nt wa d an g lon be I ed ateful that you resu ! I will be forever gr er th ge to us ing ing Thank you for br us! me and introduced itted, Respectfully Subm s Finnegan Collin
14
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
“First Team Toyota supports GRREAT! LookinG FoR A cAR? comE sEE us AT: 3400 Western Branch Blvd, chesapeake, VA 23321 Phone: 877-331-5419 • www.firstteamtoyota.com
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.
WINTER 2019
15
9 Pet Conditions That Cannot Wait E
very pet, throughout the course of their lives, will encounter some health issues. Even with annual vet checkups (and these are a must), your pet will occasionally show signs that all is not quite right in their world. Unfortunately, pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s easy to overreact—or worse, underreact—to any given situation. “Pets want to please their owners and are great at hiding pain or discomfort or if they are simply not feeling well,” says Dr. Mel Paquin, chief medical director of the Animal Medical Center of Surprise in Arizona. “[They] will have a much better prognosis if you are proactive in getting them seen by a professional.” Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to drag your dog to the vet every time his dinner doesn’t agree with him. But there are some conditions that should set off alarm bells, as they can indicate something seriously wrong. We’ve compiled a list of these conditions that cannot wait. If you see these signs, you’ll need to take your pet to the vet immediately.
1
Difficulty Breathing
“If a dog or a cat has an increased breathing rate or an increased respiratory effort, they should be brought to a veterinarian immediately,” advises Dr. Virginie Wurlod, assistant professor in small animal and emergency critical care at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Difficulty breathing can indicate a host of life-threatening conditions, Wurlod says, such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, heartworm, severe anemia, or disease of the pleural space (between the lungs and chest
16
wall). A veterinarian will need to monitor your pet closely, perform a physical exam, and run tests to determine the cause of the breathing difficulties, and treatment varies based on diagnosis.
2
Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are an occasional fact of life with pets. In dogs in particular, diarrhea and vomiting are common consequences of a change in diet, eating too much or too fast, or eating that spoiled Taco Bell burrito they found in the park. But frequent and severe episodes of vomiting and diarrhea in pets can indicate serious medical issues, especially when accompanied by symptoms like lethargy (“If your pet is lying around, doesn’t greet you at the door, or is hiding,” according to Paquin), pain, or pale gums. “Diarrhea and vomiting can be caused by dysfunction of many different organ systems, like the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, urogenital system, or liver,” Wurlod says, adding that leaving these conditions untreated “can also lead to severe dehydration.” A veterinarian can prevent or treat dehydration by replenishing your pet’s fluids, while also running tests to check for underlying medical issues.
3
Inability to Urinate or Severe Constipation
While diarrhea is a bit more obvious, you also need to be aware if your dog or cat is suddenly not defecating or urinating. “If you are not seeing urination within a four- to eight-hour timespan, this is a sign that the pet
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
should be taken to a doctor,” Paquin states (though the timeframe may vary by pet, how much they drink, and how often they typically urinate). And if a pet makes frequent attempts to urinate without being able to do so, something is up. Likewise, with defecation, you should be aware of any deviation from your pet’s normal habits. Paquin notes that “vocalization upon urinating or defecating” should be particularly alarming, as it means your pet is likely in pain. This can suggest “a complete blockage of the urethra,” he says, or colon in the case of constipation. These symptoms can stem from infections, tumors, physiologic or metabolic disorders, lesions of the spinal cord, and more.
4
Active Bleeding
Sure, dogs and cats cut themselves every now and then, just like we do. But as with vomiting and diarrhea, degree of severity is important to note here. If a pet is bleeding profusely, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends covering the wound with a gauze pad and applying pressure to it. Check after a minimum of three minutes. If your pet continues to bleed after several minutes, emergency care is the best recourse. “Any active bleeding should always be investigated,” Wurlod advises. “It can be a result of a traumatic injury and require surgical treatment, or could indicate an abnormal clotting ability or other systemic disease.” If your pet’s blood is not clotting properly, expect your veterinarian to run a number of tests before implementing a course of treatment.
for Medical Attention 5
Distended Abdomen If your dog or cat has a noticeably distended abdomen, it’s extremely important to get it checked right away, Wurlod advises. “It could be associated with a food bloat, but could also be seen in a patient with a large amount of abdominal effusion [free fluid] or gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV),” she says. It’s especially important for large dog owners to be observant of these signs, as GDV is most common in large breeds. “Dogs presenting with GDV can be restless, in pain, retching but unable to vomit,” she adds. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, treatment for GDV includes intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, gastric decompression, and surgery. “If left untreated, these dogs’ cardiovascular function will be affected” and they often die, Wurlod warns.
6
Inability to Stand or Walk
This one should be alarming to any pet owner: “If a pet is unable to stand or walk, immediate care should be sought,” Wurlod says. There are many reasons your dog or cat might have trouble moving around, she explains, such as neurologic conditions relating to the spinal cord, brain, or nerves; cardiovascular conditions such as severe anemia or heart failure; or metabolic conditions like electrolyte disorders or hypoglycemia. A veterinarian will examine your pet to better understand the extent of the problem and its underlying cause, and will run a number of tests to come to a definitive diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. By this same token, Wurlod notes that any time your pet loses
consciousness or collapses, emergency care is necessary.
7
Seizures Many pets, particularly dogs, live with epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures. Usually under the watch of a good veterinarian, they manage just fine. However, seizures can be a symptom of other serious issues, so it’s best to seek immediate care if your pet experiences a seizure, particularly if it’s the first time. “Seizures can present in a variety of forms depending on their severity,” Wurlod says. She notes that with focal seizures, pets may simply twitch or bite at themselves, but the more serious grand mal seizures are associated with “a loss of consciousness from the pet, involuntary movements (like paddling), and possible urination, salivation, and defecation.” Causes of seizures vary, she says, from “hypoglycemia, portosystemic shunt, or toxins” to “infectious or inflammatory causes” or tumors. If you bring your pet to the vet following a seizure, they will typically conduct a full physical and run a battery of tests. Medication to reduce seizures is standard treatment for epilepsy, but other treatments could be required depending on the diagnosis.
8
Known Trauma or Potential Poisoning
When it comes to a traumatic incident or ingestion of a toxin, emergency care is crucial. “As the old adage goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Paquin says. He cites a snake bite as an incident that requires an immediate trip to the vet. Similarly, Wurlod says, “If the
By Maura McAndrew pet is observed eating or chewing on any potential toxins like human medications, plants, cleaning products, or food such as chocolate, we recommend contacting the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA to determine if you need to seek immediate treatment.” She adds that pets who have ingested particularly dangerous substances may require “extended critical care,” and can die if left untreated. She also emphasizes that traumatic events (such as being hit by a car) should always, always prompt an emergency trip to the vet, even if you don’t see obvious signs of injury or distress. “Many internal injuries, such as bleeding into the abdomen or chest, pneumothorax, lung contusions, bladder rupture, or fractures, will not be obvious to a pet owner but can be life-threatening,” she says.
9
Not Eating or Drinking According to Paquin, pets need prompt care if you have observed approximately “one day of not eating or drinking,” depending on your dog or cat’s usual appetite and behaviors. There are many medical possibilities if your pet is refusing food or water including cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Paquin also notes that lack of appetite can suggest “fluid within the lung cavity or abdomen,” which can be a true emergency. On the flipside, Paquin also cites excessive drinking as an issue requiring quick care, as it can be a symptom of uremia or kidney disease. Pets exhibiting any of these behaviors will need to see a vet sooner rather than later, where they will undergo a full checkup to determine the cause of their symptoms and appropriate treatment.
WINTER 2019
17
3 Ingredients You NEVER Want to See in Your Dog’s Treats
Image source: Kelly Garbato via Flickr
W
hen it comes to choosing the right dog treats, you might find yourself feeling lost looking down the aisle at your local pet supply store. Or maybe you’re browsing the web all day, looking for the perfect snack for your pup.
18
Wherever you find yourself, you’re probably being bombarded with information regarding one important factor: ingredients. What goes into your dog’s body has a huge impact on their health and well-being, so looking at ingredients is something you should take seriously.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
While there are a lot of ingredients that are both delicious and healthy, there are others that should be avoided at all costs. No matter what kind of treats you buy and where you get them, make sure these three ingredients aren’t inside.
by Justin Palmer
Shelley Kuglin 757-813-0021 www.Pawsitive-Attitudes.com Shelley.K.Pawsitive.Attitudes@gmail.com
#1
#3
We’ve lumped these together because they’re fairly interchangeable. These are all fillers, which means they add a lot of calories and fiber, making your dog feel full without any nutritional value. In fact, some of these ingredients are actually harmful to pets. Dogs are not designed to digest these grains and many are allergic to them. These ingredients also contribute to obesity and diabetes because they are high in carbohydrates. Fillers like these add substance to a food that typically lacks appropriate protein, fat and other nutrients.
Many people are trying to eat more natural foods that are free of preservatives and there’s good reason for it. Unfortunately, many of these harmful ingredients are also found in pet foods. The most common preservatives in dog food are BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin and Propyl Gallate. BHA and BHT are banned for human consumption in many countries, but they are still allowed in the United States. These are known carcinogens in animal studies and are possibly linked to human cancers as well. There are few studies on Propyl Gallate, so there’s no way to tell if it is safe. Ethoxyquin has been associated with the development of kidney and liver damage, cancer (liver, spleen, stomach, skin), immune deficiency syndrome, blindness, and leukemia. Whatever the reason for adding these ingredients, they should be avoided at all costs. There are plenty of healthy, natural preservatives that won’t cause your dog any harm.
Corn, Wheat & Soy
#2
Meat Meals & By-Products These might sound healthy because they come from meat, but they are not exactly what you’d expect. Meat meals and by-products are essentially the leftovers of animals slaughtered for human consumption. When an animal is processed for humans, the lean muscle meat is butchered and created into human-grade food. What’s left is the bones, blood, beaks, feet, etc. that go into pet foods. Expired meats from supermarkets, restaurant grease, and the bodies of dead, diseased, dying and disabled animals not fit for human consumption are also processed into pet foods. These are the meat meals and by-products you see listed in some ingredient labels. These are low-quality meat products that cannot be sold to people. If you wouldn’t eat it, why feed it to your dog?
Preservatives
The search for the perfect dog treats is a difficult one and you’re sure to find many different kinds that your dog loves. Just make sure that they’re healthy and free of these nasty ingredients.
Remember, if it’s something you wouldn’t feel safe eating, don’t feed it to your dog. Whether or not you shop our brand of treats, we hope you’ll do the homework and make the best possible choice for your dog!
WINTER 2019
19
Rainbow Bridge
SAMANTHA
DIXIE
2018 has been a tough year at our house. We are sad to share that we lost both of our amazing girls within six months of each other. Samantha, was our foster who had no trouble accommodating and sometimes bossing around our Husky golden mix, Cara. They Were the best of friends, literally joined at the hip on our walks around the neighborhood. They will be dearly missed always.
Our heart is broken as we’ve lost our wonderful Dixie. All who knew Dixie--human or canine--knew a friend and a kind soul. Tennis balls are once again safe to roam without becoming Dixie’s new favorite chew toy. We certainly hope the other dogs share their tennis balls while she waits for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Oh sweetheart, we miss you!
–Marissa Nelms
–Pat and Shannon Ritchie
W
hat do we do when your dog groes old? When his feet are tired and the pads are worn? When your words of praise are muffled in his ears, and his eyes are milky from their years of use? When his face is grizzled and his color isn’t as vibrant? You Love him. You rub the feet that dutifully carried him by your side. You speak your praises more loudly, so everybody else can hear the words that he can’t. You guide him the way he guided you, and prevent him from getting lost as you were before he came along. You kiss his muzzle and admire the wisdom that has beset him in his later years. And, when it comes time to put him to his final rest, knowing that an irreplaceable part of your heart will follow him, you will do so knowing that you loved him. And, he loved you more.
–by Jackie Shortnguyen
MAX Max Sumner closed his eyes in peace on Christmas Eve 2018. He had been adopted by Roni and John Sumner when he was four years of age and became their rock until he was 11 ½ years. During their time together, Roni and Max trained extensively, and he earned his Therapy Dog International certification. He also enjoyed agility work until he started to slow down at age 9. He became a mentor to Tassie and Murphy when they joined the Sumner pack. His main aim was to please Roni although he also became a therapy dog to John slowing his pace to help him with daily walks. The kindest yet hardest Christmas present to him was to let him close his eyes and escape the pain that was now plaguing him. He will live forever in the hearts of Roni and John and everyone else who knew this gorgeous, gentle soul.
– Roni & John Sumner 20
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
CHESTER
MADDIE
We offer our deepest sympathy to the Vladu family. Chester, adopted from SEVA GRREAT in 2007, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. His mom reports that he was the most wonderful dog. Besides his humans, he leaves behind two doggie siblings, Rivanna and Frankie. We hope you can draw some comfoert from the memories and love you shared. Thank you for giving him such a beautiful life.
Maddie was adopted from SEVA GRREAT in July 2006.
MURPHY Murphy was our second SEVA GRREAT dog, adopted August 17, 2014. We didn’t have him long enough; he died from cancer Oct 13. From the beginning your foster parents and Roni Sumner knew Murphy would be well placed in our home. He and Ginger played and he seemed to know this would be his forever home. He was the most loving, affectionate sweet little boy, leaning on our leg or jumping on the couch to put his head in our laps, always waiting at the door when we came home. He followed me everywhere, waited for me in the hallway and always walked along side me. He obeyed so beautifully and God forbid if you ever reprimanded him for a small infraction; his remorse showed. If he heard food being cooked or unwrapped, he was right there; but still managed to stay trim. He was the first dog that held 2 balls back-toback in his mouth. He will always be in our hearts.
Heaven gained a four-legged angel this evening. Maddie, we are glad that you are no longer in pain, but we miss you so much already. We are thankful that you fought so hard to stay with us for 15 months past the vet’s expectations. We will miss you barking to go/come back inside (even though you barely barked at all for first two years that you were part of the family), we will miss you begging for food, especially ice cream and peanut butter (even though we had to hand feed you when you first arrived home), we will miss you standing over top of us to get belly rubs, we will miss you patrolling the perimeter of your yard for intruders (aka, squirrels, birds, and bunnies), we will miss you tearing the stuffing out of any toy within minutes, we will miss you hiding behind your couch, but most of all, my girl, we will just miss you. We want to send a heartfelt thank you to Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training for giving us the privilege of having Maddie as part of our family. We know that she is up in Heaven with her brother Webster, and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
–The Brown Family (Rob, Lori, Alston, Blakeley and Morgan)
DENVER Our family adopted Denver from SEVA GRREAT in 2003/2004. We are thankful for the 10+ years we were able to spend with him. It was a privilege to have him as a member of our family and he will be greatly missed.
–Amanda Nugent
–Rick & Sue Burton
WINTER 2019
21
Contributions Heather & Josh Grubb Jo Vance Ann & Andor Czompo Kimberly Beland Dr. Kristin Gingrich Total Footcare, P.C. Wellington & Wendy Kay Johnnie & Helen Noles In memory of Chief Chris & Kathy Bosch Cathy & Bay Rowe Deborah Lupp IIn memory of Ginger Even Georgia Mamangakis In honor of Joanne Even. In memory of Tyler and Stanley Beadle David & Nancy Knoll In memory of Madison and Dakota Rhonda King In honor of Banner, and in memory of King King and Apollo Sean Killeen In memory of Shelby and Cooper James & Kristi Packer In memory of Ginger Even Dave & Peggy Main In memory of Rusty, Scotch and Hattie Jennifer & Marc Dauzier Allegra Havens In honor of Jane Frye for all the work she does for the rescue. Thank you Christine & Eric House In memory of Bill (dad) and rescues Baxter, Trevor and Bruin House Kristine Payson Marilynn Zauner In memory of Amber Robin Beasley In honor of Huck and Riley Diane Trinko Dorothy Winn Natalie Slocum Barbara Talley In memory of our 4 GRREAT goldens Harrison & Mary Owens In honor of Dottie Cleal and in memory of Hokie, a SEVA GRREAT adoptee Mark & Patricia Seelenbinder In honor of Chester Don & Cindy Merrix In honor of Cooper and Ashley Merrix, adopted from SEVA GRREAT Marthe Wormeley Gisela Nygards Maryanne Lambert In memory of Chrisy and Grace Cynthia Bruno In memory of Harley, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in June 2018
22
Tony & Judy Hannold In memory of our two darling SEVA GRREAT adoptions, Midas and Becky. We are lost without them Kay Rowlett In memory of Gracie Animal Welfare League, Inc. In thanks for SEAVA GRREAT’s continued support of the Annimal Welfare League’s rescue efforts
CVC
Combined Federal Campaign #003456
Mike Warren In memory of Maria and Warren
Carter Shewbridge In honor of Ken Shewbridge
Virginia Hayes In memory of my dear husband, James W. Hayes
Pomeranz A special thanks to Joe and Deb Morris
Donna & Preston Shifler Jones In honor of Shiloh, Fozzy Bear and Lucky Barbara Oestreich In honor of Marilla
Tracy Minnich In memory of the Grose’s family beloved Maverick
Joanne Simonsen
Melinda Stanley In memory of Raven, beloved friend of the Barnes family; Robert Barnes and Joyce Min
Sharon Leeman In memory of Edith and Richard Leeman
Scott Locklear In memory of Campbell who passed away on Nov. 15. We had almost 12 blessed and joyous years with her, She was the sister of Henry, IOW rescue. She will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us. Love Scott, Carol and Henry Von Roberts Natalee Franzyshen Susan Creekmore David Simmons
Cindy Beacham In memory of Katie, Max and Lulu
Diane Abdelnour Elizabeth Pirtie Barbara Lux In honor of Buddy and Jerse Ray & Cathy Kallman In honor of Ellie and Tyler Baron Miller Jill Hoehlein Gabrielle Glatt In memory of Sugar and Shelly
Cynthia Kennett Jane & Jim Krom For an amazing organization very near and dear to my heart Jean Morgan In memory of Ronnie Sumner and Tassie Patricia Winters For giving her the wonderful life that she deserves Karen Whyte Clay Clemens Nancy Tamse In honor of Averyand Ika In honor of Finn and Max Dorothy Cleal Cathy Heimer FIn honor of Gus, Rusty and Benji Barry Barnes Joseph Sabol Linda & Brian Thomson In honor of Nina and in memory of Sandpiper, Jake and Shea Bob & Peg Graham In memory of Harrington, our wonderful foster failure Sany Anderson In honor of Kennedy Hunter and Crystal
Vivian Webb, McC Cruises Inc. I often offer “guessing contests” for my customers to earn money to their favorite charity. Tyler Brunet won and named your organization to receive the money Gene Velez John C. Ellis, Jr. In memory of Janis Kay Hackman Beall John Rellick & Elizabeth Donoghue
Kimberly Vitale In memory of Indiew
Carl & Peggy Allen In honor of GRREAT rescue, Chance
Donna & Jack Roggmann In honor and memory of Finn and all our angel pups
Jacob & Jenny Kay
Bill & Sherry Peterson In memory of Leader and Teddy Eileen Walker In honor of Wyatt, adopted 2010 Julie & Lloyd Mercer Abram Van Dover Mary Lou Calhoun In memory of George L Haggerty, Tucker, Jenny and Maggie Jerry & Danette Allen In honor of Bailey and Murphy Jeanne Parsons In honor of Jamerson and Morgan, and in memory of Cassie, Jake and Princess
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3456
Suzanne Williams In memory of Barney, Nathan and Pickle Relish and in honor of William Walter
Sally Hall Pam Hines Catherine Swan Kevin Michael Zinski In memory of Roger, Dakota, Floyd, Stanley, Gracie and Ginger Even Constance Sorrell John HIle Jerri Powell Thank you for all you do for those beautiful babies (Collars for Causes/Neptune Festival) Calvin McCall In honor of Emma McCall, a SEVA GRREAT pup who died in May after many years of love and laughter. With love and appreciation from Calvin and Kay McCall Mary Pat Harris J. Lynn Thompson Vickie Matheis Jeanie Pakenas Susan Burton Cheryl Dixson Margaret Ely Karen McCarthy In honor Luna Michelle Clary In memory of beloved goldens Tyler and Sadie Joanne Even In honor of Maxwell and in memory of Sadie Young, Beckie Hannold and Max Sumner Graham Rose Mary Wells & David Markham Dorothy Kozak In memory of John Kozak Pat Rowen In memory of Deb Hubbard, a former member of SEVA GRREAT
Sponsor-A-Dog Domino’s Fund Carl Jackson
Lisa Woodman Stephenie Dobson In lovong memory of Heidi and the other fosters who touched our hearts Elissa Mast It’s because of your efforts at E&R we can support great organizations on your behalf Rachel Renney In memory of sweet Rebel and in honor of Bruno Tara Fairfield Tracy Rooney In honor of Cydney Cavender
Golden Oldie Love Dog Fund
(GOLD Fund)
Sharon O’Donnell In memory of Kathleen O’Donnell and Evie Rease Kathleen O’Donnell’s nieces & nephews In memory of Kathleen O’Donnell
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: ________________________________________
TRANSPORTATION — primarily shuttling dogs and/or equipment as necessary. If you are interested in helping with transportation, can you help on:
Work Phone: ________________________________________ This is a new membership Address Change
FOSTERING — A temporary home for SEVA GRREAT dogs before they are adopted.
Membership Renewal
(circle all that apply) Weekdays
Weekends
Evenings
EVENTS — helping to hold/show dogs at “Golden Days,” helping with fund raisers, etc.
ADDITIONAL VOTING MEMBERS: (E-mail needs to be unique to vote.)
PUBLICITY — researching and writing stories for media release and newsletters, selling ads for the newsletter, taking photos at events, updating the web site, etc.
Name: _____________________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
MERCHANDISE — to man booths selling SEVA GRREAT stuff at local dog shows / fairs / festivals / etc.
Name: _____________________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
Our rescue is growing! In order to continue to save more dogs every year, we are looking for volunteers who would like to become more involved with the organization. If you are interested in assisting with intake, foster coordination, Golden Days or other areas on a regular basis, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@adoptagolden.com, for more information.
Name: _____________________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________
REMITTANCE: I am enclosing my $25 annual membership dues $ ___________
SEVA GRREAT
Additional Voting members _____ @ $25 each
$ ___________
Please make checks payable to:
Donation
$ ___________
1 Calendar = $12.00 (includes shipping)
$ ___________
TOTAL REMITTANCE
$ ___________
Mail this form with your check to: SEVA GRREAT PO Box 8014 Yorktown, VA 23693
MY DONATION IS FOR: In Honor of
In Memory of
REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Other
IMPORTANT NOTICE If you would like to become a member, please sign below. Otherwise, your remittance for annual membership must be considered a donation.
Date: __________________________________________________________________
I affirm that I have never been convicted of an animal abuse crime. Signature: ______________________________________________________________
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
SEVA GRREAT P.O. Box 8014 Yorktown, Va 23693
PAID
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185 PERMIT NO. 220
Rescue Hotline 757-827-8561 Press For 1
If you think you have found one of our Goldens based on the SEVA GRREAT tag or microchip.
2 To leave a message for the President 3 To give up a Golden Retriever or get more info on our intake process 4
For Information on 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 MIDLOTHIAN ANIMAL CLINIC Midlothian – 804-794-2099 BAY BEACH VETERINARY HOSPITAL Virginia Beach – 757-340-3913
Like us on facebook!
SEVA GRREAT Contact Information President Jane Krom Vice President Debbie Morris Treasurer Pat Donaldson Secretary Sharon Leeman Event Coordinators: Southside: Jane Krom Peninsula: Linda Thomson Richmond: Jennifer Dauzier Microchip Coordinator Sharon Leeman Intake Coordinator Michelle Pfeiffer Foster Coordinator Debbie Morris Adoption Coordinator Sharon Leeman 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
Want to Reach Dog Lovers with Your Message? Advertise in GRREAT Times Magazine and Help Our Goldens.