May Golden Gazette

Adopt A Golden Atlanta - Golden Gazette

May 2011

Lightning

It is that time of year when we get the panicked calls that a golden retriever is lost. Here are some things you can do NOW to avoid that scenario or at the very least have a happy ending.

Microchip your dog now. Every AGA dog is already microchiped but we hear so often, "I was meaning to get my other dog chipped but didn't get around to it". Chipping your dog insures that if it is picked up by animal control it will NOT be put down. So do it now. And if your dog is chipped and registered and you have changed your address or phone number, contact the chip company and update your info.
Never take your dog's collar off - it is the most important thing you can do for your dog. And, make sure it either has the ID tags hanging from it or it is a collar with your phone number embroidered on it. Those collars are perfect for those who are bothered by the jingle of tags..... and if that is you, now there are plastic holders for the tags to prevent any noise. Also make sure you have your most recent phone number on the tag. There is no excuse not to have a tag or ID on your dog. And if you just washed your dog, keep the collar on the dog until he is in your house and then wash the collar.
If you lose your dog, put up 'LOST DOG' signs immediately. Dogs are usually found within the first 2 hours. Make sure people can see your signs-make them big, colorful and with bold type. If you don't get your dog back within 24 hours, change the signs and put 'LOST DOG. LARGE REWARD' on the signs. In fact, go make up 20 signs now with your dog's photo and store them. You will be ready if it ever happens and if it does happen you will be a basketcase and won't even be able to find a magic marker or poster board. Time is of the essence when your dog is lost.
Put a notice on Craigs List immediately.
Check with your animal shelter. It will do no good to call your animal shelter and ask "do you have any golden retrievers recently turned in?". Go down to the animal shelter and ask to look. So many shelter workers do not even know what a golden looks like and your dog could be sitting there and they have identified it as a lab or chow. Go twice a day every day until you find your dog.
Post your Missing Dog poster with its photo on the AGA Facebook page.
And last but not least -- notify us if your AGA dog is missing. We will send out a 'LOST DOG' notification and marshal all our volunteers to help find your dog.

An ounce of prevention now will make sure you keep your best friends.

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder

Teddy, May Orphan of the Month

Meet Teddy, our May Orphan of the Month! He is a wonderful golden who came from a retiring breeder. Although his owner loved all of the dogs, she wanted them to spend their senior years in the comfort of a home with their own bed and toys, getting the hugs and kisses that they deserved. Teddy is 7 years old and a sweet dog that loves to play and run around. He is known for giving his warm hugs where he stands on his back legs and wraps his front legs around you.

He is a "velcro dog" that loves to lean and stand right next to you. He gets along with children, dogs and cats. He needs a fenced yard and would love to have another dog sibling to play with. Teddy has some anxiety issues but with some love, he will be comfortable and give you as many hugs and kisses as you'd like. If you want a dog with a big heart and a golden hug, Teddy is the one!

Watch Teddy during playtime in the May Orphan of the Month video!

Meet our AGA May Orphan of the Month, Teddy

Save The Date

Pups on the Patio

Sunday, May 22

4 p.m. - until

Noche Brookhaven

705 Town Boulevard

Atlanta, GA 30319

404-364-9448

$5 Sinless Margaritas and $1 Dos Equis

Bring your golden and come for happy hour!

Springtime Pet Safety Tips

SUMMER WEEKEND SAFETY TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS

Here are some tips that we thought were great from Valerie Wagner's article "Weekend Are for Pets". Make sure you read these before you hit the backyard this weekend with your pet!

Spring is finally here and you and your pet will surely be spending more time outdoors in your yard or garden. Along with all the beauty of springtime, there could also be some hidden dangers. Before you send your pets outside to play, be sure you protect them from these common springtime hazards.

1. Structural damage:

Winter can wreak havoc on fences, decks, and steps. Check for rotten wood, protruding nails, and lifting paint on all outdoor surfaces. You'll also want to be sure that freezing and thawing soil has not caused any new escape routes underneath your fence.

2. Fertilizers:

Even organic fertilizers can be toxic to your pet. Blood and bone meal are commonly used meat-based, organic fertilizers that dogs may find irresistible. If ingested, these substances can cause gastric distress including vomiting and diarrhea. Pure bone meal could cause an obstruction in the stomach. Other types of chemical fertilizers are typically not attractive to pets but if the gardener mixes these compounds with blood and bone meal, the scent may surely invite a dog to eat the dangerous blend. If these fertilizers are used in the garden, be sure to fence off the area to keep pets away.

3. Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms:

More time outdoors means more exposure to parasites like fleas and ticks. Keep your pet protected from these pests with tropical treatments, sprays or dips. You can also prevent fleas and ticks by treating your yard and home. Keep your pets safe from mosquitoes that transmit heartworm larvae through their bite. Especially in spring, it's important that all pets, cats and dogs, receive regular heartworm preventive medications. There are several flea and tick prevention medications that also include protection from heartworms. You can read about the different types of medication on this handy flea and tick comparison chart.

The best prevention from any springtime hazard is to supervise your pet's activities outdoors. Remember, pets are members of the family and prefer to spend time with you. While you're outdoors with your pet, it's a great time to guide and train them to stay in safe areas away from any dangers. Have fun and enjoy the spring with your pet!

Make sure you check out the rest of Valerie Wagner's article "Weekends Are for Pets" for more springtime pet tips!

Valerie Wagner
Pet-Care Advisor, Pet Food Direct