March 2013 Golden Gazette

Adopt a Golden Atlanta - Golden Gazette

March 2013

Message from the President

Our volunteers are the most important part of AGA and I don't say Thank You enough. Without these special people, we couldn't do what we do and thousands of Golden Retrievers (or Golden Retriever Wanabees) would never have their second chance in life. The time that is devoted by our volunteers to bring our Orphans into the program and get them ready for a new home is mindboggling, while at the same time, the volunteers who help find those homes put countless hours in screening applicants and matching our dogs to the right family. And once you adopt a dog from AGA, that dog and you are members of a very elite group who will get our support for life. When you have time, watch the video shown at our recent Golden Gala (scroll down to Golden Gala story below to view the video) and you will see how rewarding it is to be part of AGA regardless of what volunteer team you serve on. But you need to believe in miracles if you volunteer for AGA because when things seem insurmountable, we don't throw in the towel easily. As long as our dogs have the will to live, learn and love, we will stick with them. There is a family for every dog - some have to wait a little longer like Cody, Allie, Amy, Tommy and Sonny & Shadow but it's because of our volunteers that these dogs are alive and are happy and healthy and will find their homes. Our volunteers are the kind of people who can create miracles. Think about joining AGA as a volunteer or adopter. Do something from the heart. It will make you feel so good.

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder

Join us for the Golden Open at the Marietta Country Club on Monday, April 8, benefiting AGA. In addition to individual players and teams, we're looking for sponsors (which include one, two or three foursomes) and hole sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor, want to put together a team to play, or can donate an item for the silent auction or raffle, contact golf@adoptagoldenatlanta.com.

For more information on the tournament or to register to play, go to http://www.adoptagoldenatlanta.com/golf/.

March Orphans of the Month
Hannah & Skye

Meet Hannah & Skye, our Adopt A Golden March 2013 Orphans of the Month

Meet Hannah and Skye, our March 2013 Orphans of the Month. Skye is 5 years old and her sister Hannah is 2. These sweet sisters are a package deal and can't wait to find a permanent home. This dynamic duo loves to play outside and would be the perfect addition to an active, young family. Hannah, being 2, is full of energy and ready to play anytime. She loves to have her hair blow dried after a wet day outside. These fun girls love to play with toys and have fun-loving personalities. You can meet Hannah and Skye at our March adoption day on March 3^rd.

The Golden Gala Was a Huge Success!

WSB-TV anchor and Golden Gala chair Justin Farmer welcomed sponsors, AGA volunteers and friends to the fifth

annual event. This year 480 tickets were issued for AGA's

major fundraiser which featured a live auction, silent auction and food stations by A Legendary Event. The theme of this year's video was "Believe in Miracles." Click the image below to play the video.

Ask the Trainer

Correcting Counter Surfing

One of the questions we often get is, "How do I stop my dog from counter surfing?" It is an important issue, as the behavior can lead to other problems like damaged items or the dog eating something dangerous. Our dogs take items because it is a self-rewarding behavior, such as finding food on the counter.

Here are some suggestions:

Obedience training - Training with your dog is the basis for

a happy relationship with your dog. Training is ongoing and is important to practice often. These commands can help us deter undesirable behavior. A general command for counter surfing can be "leave it". The training also strengthens the bond between you and your dog and helps your dog maintain respect for you.

Prevention: This is an obvious step, but not always simple. We need to remove the items that are rewarding their behavior. If you can't seem to get all the food items put away safely, then when you go out consider closing off the kitchen, if possible.

Supervision: This is not always possible, but when it is it gives us the opportunity to correct the behavior using our obedience commands. Remember that you should never punish a dog for undesirable behavior. It is always most effective to reinforce the good behavior with lots of praise and/or treats when appropriate.

Only Dog Food from the Dog bowl - Do not ever give scraps to your dog while cooking or from the table. It is not healthy for your dog and encourages them to search for the food.

Ask the Vet

Do I need to give heartworm and flea preventatives year-round?

In a word -YES!

Due to the temperate climate in Atlanta, mosquitoes and fleas can be seen all year long. We have a day or two of above freezing temperatures and they ARE BACK! Additionally most flea preventatives also control intestinal parasites which are always present.

A few more words on heartworm and flea preventatives... it is important to know what you are buying. We have had more than a few dogs turned into us with heartworm disease because their owners were giving them Hartz dewormer which is for intestinal worms NOT heartworms--- the name must have confused them. If you are using a topical flea preventive, be sure it is a recognized, high quality brand. We have seen dogs who have been severely burned by off- brand products when applied to the skin. Also, be cautious where you buy these preventatives; medications acquired from outside the USA are not inspected or approved by the FDA and may not be the same quality or potency. Lastly, have your dog tested for heartworms yearly; like all medications, nothing is 100% and early detection and treatment is critical.

AGA Looking For Loving Fosters

We are always looking to add to our "foster families." We will match a golden to your lifestyle! All you have to do is provide love, exercise and attention. If you and your family are interested in joining our foster team, check out our application online. Thanks!

Quick Links

About Us

Orphans

Golden Stuff

Pitch In

Chip In