Goldens and Crawly Things

If you are old and close to the ground and can't run away from crawly things, wouldn't you be irritated or scared or plain annoyed?  Of course you would.

So why are we surprised when an 8 year old golden retriever growls and shows his teeth to the baby that is crawling all over him?  There is only one way to stop your golden from doing this.  Pick up the baby and don't  let the baby do that!  Start teaching your kids or grandkids to respect a dog's space.   

The dog is not there for entertainment.  It is not there to be ridden like a pony.  It is not there to crawl on like a stuffed toy or to poke fingers in his face. When a dog's own puppies are "misbehaving", guess what the dog does? Nips them to correct them.  So please don't let it happen. It is not the dog's fault if it growls and snaps at the kid.  It is your fault for letting it happen.  

Next time you have a pesky spider crawling on you and you slap it or push it away or squish it, stop and think.... That's exactly what your golden is feeling like doing to that pesky kid.  Protect your dog and your kids will be able to enjoy the love of your golden for many, many years!

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder

Please be aware: both Gwinnett and Cherokees counties are under a rabies alert after attacks by a rabid fox and raccoon.   

Please stop what you are doing and take a moment to verify that your dog's rabies vaccine is up to date.

If a dog's rabies vaccine is not current and the dog is bitten by a rabid animal, the state of Georgia will immediately seize the dog and euthanize it.

Check out our new collar "Rescued with Love" in Navy and Red in the Golden Store.... just in time for a nautical summer look!  We only have a limited quantity.... don't miss out, matey!

Also in the store - write a patriotic note with our 4th of July note pads!

We hope you enjoy this short video starring AGA's oldest living goldens - Bibi and Yang!

The Golden Years - Bibi & Yang

Duke

Hot weather is here again, with afternoon air temperatures in the mid - upper 80s and rising.  The temperature a few feet from the pavement or asphalt is much hotter. If you don't believe it, get down on all fours and experience it for yourself.

Do not walk, exercise your dog or engage in any other outside activity when it is above 75 degrees.  Dogs do not efficiently handle heat.  Dogs "sweat" through their paws, however when the pavement is hot, this is not efficient and they pant - also not efficient.   

If your dog is panting, he is telling you he is hot. Every summer, our vets tell us about multiple cases of heat stroke, not all of the dogs survive. Dogs develop dehydration and heat stroke much quicker than humans. If you are hot, your dog is really hot!  

Bottom line... The only safe time in the summer to walk and exercise your dog is very early morning or late evening when the temperature is mid 70s.  Always carry water with you and frequently offer it to your dog. 

Bissell is giving away $5,000 in July to participating shelters and Adopt a Golden Atlanta will be eligible for the drawing if we we get just five more orders before June 30th.  Please order online.

Enter the coupon code ADOPT at checkout, and indicate Adopt a Golden Atlanta as your selected shelter.   You will receive a 10% discount on selected products, plus AGA will receive 10% of your total purchase price as a cash contribution.   

Bissell specializes in pet cleaning products and has a number of innovative new items, including the ShedAway, which attaches to any vacuum cleaner and collects hair while you brush your dog.  Several of us have purchased these $30 items and they are terrific.  The pet hair broom which features extendable rubber bristles is also a winner, not to mention the pet-perfect vacuums and carpet cleaners.   Show your support for AGA and Bissell by ordering today.

AGA is a qualified Bissell Partner for Pets.  This program helps support pet adoptions through rescue programs such as AGA and also works to reunite lost pets with their owners through Lost Pet USA.  Check out the links on our website.

AGA had a booth at Top Dogs Paw Festival on Sunday, May 15.  This is AGA volunteer Holly Glismann and Sammy!