Message from the President-
Let Your Dog Be A Dog
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A couple of weeks ago, I heard from a family who had adopted a golden doodle puppy from us last fall. They told me that Crosby loved to play hide and seek with the kids - particularly when they went hiking. I opened the first photo and said to myself- "what a handsome doodle Crosby became."
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Crosby
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Then I opened the second photo and just stared in amazement -- finally saying "bravo - we have a family allowing their dog to be a dog!"
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Crosby being a dog
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I know that most people are attracted to goldens for their personalities and readily embrace that goofy, friendly, affectionate demeanor. But when you are lucky to have a golden retriever in your life, you are obligated to honor its breeding and heritage by providing your dog with every opportunity to be true to its breed. Golden retrievers are strong dogs, bred to work for very long hours in very adverse conditions. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl and, unlike other retrievers, were bred to desire to retrieve. (This is why we see many goldens NEVER tire of retrieving.) They were also bred to be companion dogs - to sit quietly for hours in a duck blind until it was time to retrieve. Because of that, they need to interact with their people - more so than other retriever breeds. It's a fact that golden retrievers were not bred to be pampered lap-dogs nor were they bred to be left alone for hours at a time with no exercise. They need exercise and lots of it. They need challenging mental activities. And, with their great noses they love to smell everything and anything- so let them. They love to swim - even when it's too cold for us and the water looks frigid, they love it. Today, most of us don't hunt so the best we can do is throw tennis balls and that's just fine to them. And, if you want to do something really special for your golden, let him (or her) get wet and muddy just like Crosby gets to do.
Let your dog be a DOG. It is the least we can do for all they do for us.
Lauren Genkinger
President & Founder
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Golden Gala
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Please join us for our fourth annual Golden Gala.
To purchase tickets visit our website and click on the Golden Gala icon. Presenting Sponsors are Cox Media Group and Manheim. Chairs are WSB-TV's Anchor Justin Farmer and his wife Allison. Also, we are still seeking Silent Auction items for our largest Silent Auction ever -gift cards, entertainment tickets, restaurant gift certificates, art, dog-related items, sports, spa gift certificates, etc.
Contact juliann@adoptagoldenatlanta.com for a donation form.
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| February Orphans of the Month |
Meet Duke & Dutchess, the royal pair of AGA and our February Orphans of the Month. This friendly brother and sister are 7 years old and have been together forever!
These two have worked hard to drop the pounds in recent months and love walking, swimming and chasing after any ball or toy. They also love riding around town in the car, checking out the scenery.
This dynamic duo is looking for a palace to call their own now. Watch their video and be sure to come meet them at our next adoption day!
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Meet Duke & Dutchess
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February is Pet Dental Month
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Dogs need dental care, too!
Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked by even the best dog owners who don't realize that dental hygiene is just as important to their dog's overall health and well-being as proper nutrition, exercise, routine grooming and vet visits.
Poor dental hygiene leads to tooth decay, tooth loss, oral pain, gum disease and last but not least, the dreaded "doggy breath." However, the bacteria that cause these problems can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing is to address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. To inspect your dog's teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution. Your veterinarian will also take a look at your dog's teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you visit your vet at least once a year for wellness check-ups and contact your vet if any problems arise. Watch for the following signs:
- Bad Breath
- Reluctance to chew
- Increased Salivation
- Red or bleeding gums
- Tartar
- Loose teeth
Dog dental care should be part of a daily routine - meaning brush your dog's teeth - Please ask your vet how to do this and what to use-DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE!!!!
Professional dental cleaning by your vet is periodically required; some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet's recommendations.
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Gus Changed My Life
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My whole life changed when Gus became part of it. I adopted Gus from AGA in March of 2011. We both became so close from the very beginning of our friendship. I did not think Gus could show any more gratitude and love toward me. But he did. He not only changed my life, but saved it. I mean really, really saved it.
Gus is very in tuned to every thing around him. It all started when I turned my thermostat up for heat. He would growl and whimper and stomp up and down at the vent in my living room. This went on for about 3 days every time the heat kicked on. I thought he was afraid of the noise coming through the vent. It came to mind maybe the heater needed to be cleaned. I called my technician to check it out. He said you have a cracked heater which carbon monoxide could have been slowly leaking. I would have never known this if it was not for Gus. He is more than my friend. He is my angel. Gus now has a forever home with unconditional love.
Thank you AGA for making this possible.
-Kristine
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Adoption Day
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Sunday, February 5
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Spread the Golden word -- please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family who would be interested in either Adopt A Golden Atlanta or being a foster! We are always in need for more fosters... Click here for more info. |
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Golden Retriever Day
Friday, February 3 is Golden Retriever Day! Share your golden love by posting your favorite pup photos on our Facebook page tomorrow.
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Save the Date
On Saturday, March 24 from 2-5 pm, join us for a wine tasting fundraiser benefiting AGA at Marietta Wine Market! Cost will be $10 per person.
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New Adoptions
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Congrats to all our pups who found Forever Homes during January!
Casse-Roll
White Sambuca
Asher
Ben
Rooper
Colby
Cosmo
Chase
Candy
Monty
Disney
Billie Jean
Chester
Confetti
Clarence
Emma
Max Sr.
Cooper
Dudley
Naomi
Ruth
Bobo
Tigger
Carly
Teddy
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Canine Assistants founder to speak at Milton's City Hall on February 9
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Jennifer Arnold, founder and executive director of Canine Assistants and New York Times bestselling author of "In a Dog's Heart" and "Through a Dog's Eyes," will speak at Milton's City Hall Feb. 9 as part of the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) Community Link series.
For more information on this program, contact MDAC at mdac@cityofmiltonga.us.
For more information on Canine Assistants, visit its Web site, www.canineassistants.org.
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