At this time of year, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of AGA.  And yes, I will be sending you a plea for an end of year donation next week as I always do....but not today.  I want to take this moment to tell you what would mean more right now.  

If you were ever thinking about getting another golden in your life, I beg you to consider one of our senior dogs - or for that matter - a pair of senior dogs NOW.  We have had an influx of older goldens this year and some have come as pairs.  We only keep the pairs together if the dogs are extremely bonded with each other.  To separate bonded pairs when these dogs' lives have been turned upside down is downright cruel.  

So, I am asking you to open up your hearts and adopt one or two of these dogs - they deserve to spend their golden years lying in front of a fire on a soft bed with you by their side.  Please help us help them be home for the holidays. Not only will you be helping these wonderful souls but you will find out how a senior golden will so enrich your life.

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder  

From stocking stuffers to calendars to apparel, shop at our store and stock up for the Holidays. Don't forget to buy your holiday cards, too! We have 3 new designs this year and one old favorite. For our Jewish friends, look at the Blue Earmuff design!

Want to save 25% and shipping costs? Check out our Golden Gear online and email your order to laura@adoptagoldenatlanta.com. She will email you back with confirmation and your total cost. Then all you do is come to the merchandise table and pick up your order on Sunday. You can pay with a check or we will accept credit cards, too.

We continue to hear heart-wrenching stories of dogs that are seriously harmed or die because their vet either misdiagnosed their illness or did not treat it aggressively and appropriately. If your sick dog is not improving or is getting worse after seeing a vet, take your dog to an emergency treatment facility immediately. 

Symptoms to be aware of that could indicate life-threatening conditions include: prolonged vomiting and diarrhea; unremitting fever; dry heaves; pacing, drooling, stomach swelling and tenderness; inability to walk, difficulty breathing and a dog that just overall acts and looks sick.

We've stated in previous articles that all vets are not created equal and, neither are all emergency centers. 

Adopt a Golden Atlanta works with and recommends:

Georgia Veterinary Specialists: open 24/7 

Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs: open evenings, holidays and weekends. 

If these two facilities are not geographically close to you, please know where your closest ER is in case of a true emergency when minutes count.  However, once the dog is stabilized we would urge you to move your dog to one of the above clinics.  

Most important of all -- approach medical care for your dog as you do for yourself and your family members. If something doesn't sound or feel right, LEAVE. Remember AGA is just a phone call away if you need help or a vet or ER clinic recommendation. 

Dear friends,

I'm so sorry it has taken so long to update on Liberty (aka Bert). He doesn't like his picture taken, so we have to sneak up on him. :)

This golden boy is a dream come true. He is perfect in every way. We love him so very much!!! He loves his tennis balls and never goes anywhere without one. He is even an artist, he takes all of his tennis balls, places them carefully in a semi-circle spaced evenly apart and then will lay down in the midst of them. He talks to us when he needs to go out, he never runs away, stays right by us, he loves to snuggle and has beds on either side of our bed so he can take his pick. Sometimes on the weekends he gets to sleep on our bed. He enjoys going to our cabin in Cleveland, GA and swimming a little bit, but he always likes to be close to us, so unless we are going in the water, he isn't likely to be going in either. He is happy to sit by us and enjoy the bonfire. He is never alone, we take him every where with us and since Andrew works from home there is always company for Bert. He has another new best buddy in our yellow lab, Marsh. He even gets a hamburger once in awhile from Burger King!

We want to thank you for this beautiful golden boy. We want to thank Kevin for being his foster dad and for trusting us to give Bert a permanent home. He is the  most perfect dog and companion anyone could ever hope for. I wish he could tell us what happened in his former life because it is hard to believe that someone is not grieving the loss of this beautiful loving creature. Their loss is surely our gain. Thank you Adopt a Golden for your loving care of all the goldens who find their way to your safe haven.

With our deepest appreciation,

Kathy, Andrew and Bert (enjoying his fur-ever home)

Be sure to save Saturday, February 25 for Golden Gala on your calendar. 

We are seeking items for the Silent Auction! If you have gift cards, sports and entertainment tickets, dog items, art, etc., please contact juliann@adoptagoldenatlanta.com.