Greetings!
Are you suffering through the "dog days of summer"? We are, too! Some of our volunteers are lucky enough to get out of town for a few days. That's great news for the volunteers, but it can mean our rescue is short on foster homes. When that happens, we are restricted in the number of dogs we can take in, and we have to kennel our dogs more than we'd like. Although the kennel is a safe place for our rescues, it doesn't compare to the comfort and security of a loving foster home. If you have a couple of days to spare this summer, please consider fostering for us while a foster family is out of town. The dogs will LOVE you for it!
Melissa Goodwin
ALGBR Newsletter Editor
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ALGBR's Wish List
I Wish, I Wish, I Wish...
What non-profit/rescue organization doesn't have a wish list? Initially, I came up with a list of
supplies that ALGBR
needs to help keep the dogs healthy,
ready for adoption, and to
keep the rescue running. Then, I thought how inconvenient it is for
everyone to transport stuff and supplies, so I'm
making a wish list that will be easier for all of us.
The
business side of things needs the following so we can print adoption
contracts, create adoption packets, creating marketing material, etc:
GIFT CARDS from Office Depot, Office Max, or Staples.
For the rescued dogs we need:
GIFT CARDS from Petsmart, Petco or any other Pet supply store. This will allow us to supply foster homes with quality
food, shampoo, tick treatment, etc.
USED CRATES for all our foster homes to keep the foster dogs safe and the homes secure. Metal crates are preferred.
Each of our rescues are given the best of medical care before they are adopted. Often, the medical costs exceed the
adoption fees. Now you can 'sponsor' some of the medical procedures and tests with your donation.
NEUTER: adult dog $175 / puppy $105
SPAY: adult dog $215 / puppy $120
PRE-SURGERY blood work (including a heartworm test) =$72, Senior dogs = $159
MICROCHIPS: $10
VACCINATIONS: Parvo/distemper & Bordatella $6 each
HEARTWORM TREATMENT = $800 - $1000
PARVO TREATMENT = $1000 - $1400
VALLEY FEVER TEST = $65 (with meds for 6 weeks, additionally $50)
ALGBR needs your help. We cannot do this alone. Donations can be made online via
PayPal www.azlabsandgiants.org or mail your check ALGBR, P.O. Box 26116, Phoenix, AZ 85068-6116  Thank you for helping us help dogs! Anne Zika |
Fostering: A Family Affaire
The Rewards of Being a Foster Family by Jenn Heckel
As an animal lover, I feel it is important for my children
to be raised with an appreciation for animals. I feel that growing up in a home
with animals teaches them things that will carry through to adulthood, like
compassion, understanding, patience, and empathy. Having any pet in the home
teaches children valuable lessons, but having foster pets in the home teaches them in a different
way. Some of the things my children have learned and experienced through
fostering are as follows:
Not all dogs are alike:
My children have learned to read dog body language very
well. They know that sometimes dogs are shy or timid when they first
arrive. They also know that sometimes they are WILD and excitable when they
arrive. They have learned to take this all in stride, and adapt their own behavior
to make the transition smoother for the dog. As a mother, I feel this goes beyond
animal-human interaction. They can use these skill as they grow up and interact
with people. They will be more sensitive to what others are feeling, and will
be able to be aware of how their actions can cause people to respond.
Providing basic care:
My children all participate in the basic care of the foster dogs
we have in our home. They help me bathe and feed them, and even sometimes pick up
poop! They have also had a hand in basic training with some of the dogs. Each
of my children is different and has a particular strength when
it comes to dog care. One of my daughters is magical in her ability to help a
timid dog come out of its shell. My six year old is impressive in her
ability to leash, obedience, and crate train. Maybe her young age makes her
easier to trust?
Proper etiquette around animals:
Because they deal with dogs of many personalities, my girls have
become quite good at using kind and non threatening approaches when meeting dogs. This is critical for
children to learn, because their size makes them far more prone to an
accidental bite than an adult. Not only have they learned how to act around dogs,
they have also been able to teach their friends these skills as well. Giving a
dog the time and space it needs to feel comfortable is priority #1 in our home.
In public settings, they will always ask for permission from a pet owner before approaching an
unknown animal.
The
importance of Spaying and Neutering:
All three of my children are aware of the surgery our foster
dogs have before being placed in their new homes. They know that the reason we
do this is so that they will not have more puppies. They understand that there are
too many dogs out there looking for new homes, and that ultimately some
won't be able to find one. If we can prevent more overpopulation we can
help out the ones that already need us.
The importance of commitment to pet ownership:
My children see time and time again the many dogs that come through
our doors that could no longer stay in the original home that intended to keep
them forever. They have learned that it is critical to think things through
before adoption. They are a part of the conversations I have with adopters on
the importance of making sure they are ready for the commitment. They know
the difference between being a temporary foster home and being a permanent
home. We have a "forever cat", because I feel it is important
for them to know that as a foster family, we are also capable of a lifetime of
commitment to our cat, and that animals don't just come through our home
in a temporary fashion.
To give of themselves:
Even when they fall in love with a foster dog, they go
into the process understanding that we are helping the dog find its forever home.
They know that in order to help more dogs, we need to be able to give.
Sometimes they don't think it's fair, and sometimes I come out
being the bad guy. But, if you talk to them a few days later, they will tell you
that they know it is best for the dog, and that they are happy we can still help
more.
This is just a peek into the opportunities and experiences from which children can benefit by fostering. They are the future
ambassadors for animals, and teaching them at a young age allows them to spread the word
to their peers. All children talk about experiences they have in their
homes, and having the foster experience is something unique that they can share
with others. I think that fostering in our home has enriched my children's
lives, and they have so much to be proud of. It will nice for them to be
able to have this positive experience in their childhood to look back on. I
have no doubt that they will always be animal lovers and advocates, and
fostering has undoubtedly been an important part of their lives.
The Fabulous Fostering Heckel Girls, Paige, Claire, and Brynne along with their latest foster sisters, Bella and Emma
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Dr. Walker's Corner
Brad R. Walker, DVM, Medical Director, VCA Mountain View Animal Hospital
Spider Bites in Dogs
In the news recently, there have been reports that 2010 has been a good year for the black widow spider; they are thriving and are being seen in record numbers. They are obviously poisonous when they bite humans, but everyone should know
that they also are quite harmful to our canine friends. Only the female of the species of black
widows (Latrodectus) are poisonous, and are identified by the red hour glass
shaped marking on the bottom side of their abdomens. They produce a funnel shaped tattered web
that is usually found in dimly lit corners inside or near a light source
outside where insects are attracted. It is interesting to note that the spiders
living in areas of high environmental temperatures have increased in toxicity.
The toxicity of the venom also is thought to be higher in the autumn and lowest
in the spring, for some unknown reason. When bitten by a black widow, dogs show no local reaction at
the bite site because the venom contains no toxins that produce an inflammatory
reaction. Instead, their bite contains a potent neurotoxin that affects nerve
impulses. Within 8 hours of the bite, tenderness will develop in the local area
of the bite progressing to muscle pain, generalized muscle fasciculations
(twitching), and eventually cramping and rigid muscles. The affected dogs can
be in extreme pain, their heart rate will rapidly increase, and they may
eventually die due to respiratory or cardiovascular collapse. Some dogs may not receive a large dose of toxin and will show only
mild symptoms. These symptoms may look a lot like a painful abdomen or back,
and be difficult to diagnose. The treatment of choice is for the dog to receive a specific
antivenin that some emergency clinics and specialty hospitals carry. The
antivenin has to be administered carefully because of high incidence of anaphylactic
reactions, but when administered, symptoms begin to subside within 30 minutes.
Spider bites in
dogs are rather rare, but with an increase in the number of spiders recently, it
may be a good idea to talk to your local exterminator. Keeping black widows out
of your household is not only important for you, but also for your four legged
family members. In the next issue of the newsletter, information
about the brown recluse spider and their effect on dogs will be given. You
might say that it will be on its own "web site" (pun intended)!
* If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, to
ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, you should always contact your
veterinarian.
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Upcoming Events
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PetSmart Adoption Events
ALGBR attends the PetSmart adoption events each month
2nd
Saturday of every month
11:30
- 3:00 PM
Avondale
PetSmart
1561
N. Dysart Rd.
Avondale,
AZ 85323
3rd
Saturday of every month
11:00
- 3:00 PM
Mesa
PetSmart
1733
S. Stapley Dr.
Mesa,
AZ 85204
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Spread the Word!
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you know anyone who might be interested in adopting a dog, please feel
free to forward this newsletter and refer them to our website, www.azlabsandgiants.org And, if you find yourself with time to volunteer, please click on the "Volunteer" button on the website!
"A moment to rescue...a lifetime of love"
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Follow Us!
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Help ALGBR with a "Click" and a "Lick"!
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ALGBR has the opportunity to win
money from a Shelter Challenge with your votes!! This does not cost
you any money and it takes minimal time. You can vote once a day, but vote
every day for Arizona Labrador & Giant Breed Rescue. Like all
rescues, donations are an integral part of keeping our organization running and
rescuing dogs. PLEASE forward this to all your friends and relatives and
ask them to vote for ALGBR EVERY DAY. Just click on this link to
vote, and add it to your favorites on your internet browser.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3&link=ctg_ars_shelterchallenge_from_shelterchallengeresults_sidetabsj
Don't forget that every time you search the web or shop online, you can help ALGBR by using GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com
The
US
Postal Service is teaming up with Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely
for Pets. During the launch of the new line of "Stamps to the Rescue",
Halo will be donating a million meals to shelters across the
country. Help create awareness of adoption and rescue, and add some
cute stamps
to your mail! http://stampstotherescue.com/
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Monsoon Ka-Boom!
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Does your dog show signs of anxiety during thunderstorms? Here are a few tips to help comfort your dog during a storm from the ASPCA:
*Let your dog take refuge inside. Storms aren't as loud and scary with
four walls around you! Bringing your dog into the house also ensures
that he won't try to escape from the yard.
*Having some human company often calms panicked dogs. If your calm,
quiet touch brings him comfort or if he comes to you for security, it's
perfectly fine to pet and reassure him.
*Try turning on some calming music, a TV or radio, or a fan to muffle
storm noises. Shutting the drapes may help if lightning also frightens
your dog.
*More active distractions may help, too. See if your dog will eat from a
food-filled toy, such as a stuffed Kong, scatter treats in the house
for him to find, or try playing tug or fetch with his favorite toy.
*If your dog's quality of life is seriously impaired by thunderstorms,
consider speaking with a vet about anti-anxiety medication. Medication
can enhance the effectiveness of other efforts to help your dog cope
with his fear.
*A technique called desensitization and
counter-conditioning can also help. This technique involves gradually
increasing the volume of an audio recording of a thunderstorm to help
your dog become accustomed to it, while at the same time associating
the sound of thunder with good things, like treats and toys.
*Additionally, there are a number of products on the market that may
help your dog remain calm during storms, including close-fitting body
wraps, noise-reducing headphones and herbal remedies.
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Pet Expo 2010
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 ALGBR had a great time being an exhibitor at the 2010 Phoenix Pet Expo. We met lots of great people and dogs, and were grateful to be able to share information about our rescue. Thank you to all who stopped by our booth, and congratulations to the winner of our big gift basket, Andrew Hunter! 
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Genna
Emma
Roxy4
