April 2013 Golden Gazette

    The Golden Gazette 

April 2013

Message from the President

What Makes AGA Different?

We often get asked why we have so many dogs with problems. The answer is easy. No other rescue will take the dogs needing extensive medical care due to costs. For example, we took Rocky Orlando (the dog bleeding from his nose) when no Florida rescue would help him and or his family. Rescues don't want the dogs with anxiety nor the dogs suffering with thunderphobia.

Many goldens get labeled as aggressive when they are only fearful but few rescues have the time, tolerance or resources to help these dogs. Last year we took six golden retrievers who reportedly bit a small child when unsupervised. All were scheduled to be put down. These were purebred goldens and no one saw what happened. Goldens just don't decide to bite. So we gave these dogs the benefit of doubt. After all, we are supposed to be their advocates and if we don't, they have no one.

We brought these six in from as far away as Michigan, Connecticut and Virginia. After evaluation from our trainers at Atlanta Dog Trainer and proper placement, I am happy to report that five are living happily with their new families. These five beautiful dogs, including the one pictured in this article, would be dead without AGA. Please know this is why we start funds, have fundraisers and ask for your help. Without you and your support, we would be just like other rescues - having no resources to save the dogs that really are the ones who need our help most.

We are proud of our track record and like the fact that we are different. The first golden retriever we saved in 2003 was owned by a young soldier deploying to Iraq. That was an easy save. The dog had no issues. It is the dogs with issues like the golden retriever who jumped out a plate glass window twice during thunderstorms that are the hard saves. They are the ones that give us the greatest reward. We know we have to step up and save them. No one else can. No one else will. NOTE: Rocky Orlando lost his battle with cancer a few days ago. We spent nearly $3,600 trying to buy him time. It was a gamble and we failed but we would do it all over again if given the chance. That's what makes us different.

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder

April Happenings

Registration for the Golden Open Ends Friday, April 5 at 10 am!

Join us for the Golden Open at the Marietta Country Club on Monday, April 8, benefiting AGA.

Click here for more information on the tournament or to register to play.

Dine Out for AGA at Bantam + Biddy on April 15

Eat at Bantam + Biddy on Monday, April 15, after 5 pm and

help raise money for AGA. We receive 10 percent of daily proceeds after 5 pm that day. Located in Ansley Mall, Bantam + Biddy provides a fast-casual, family-friendly eatery featuring regional, all-natural pastured poultry; eco-friendly pork; seasonal, organic vegetables and a variety of gluten-free dining options. Bantam + Biddy has recently launched slider specials on Monday nights where they offer $3 sliders, $3 beer cocktails and $1 7-ounce beers. You won't want to miss this great night to dine out for AGA!

Shop 'Til You Drop - Belk Charity Day Sale Benefits AGA

Buy a $5 ticket to attend the Belk Charity Day Sale on Saturday, April 27, from 6 am to 10 am. AGA gets to keep the $5. With your $5 ticket, you get to take advantage of 20 to 70 percent off discounts throughout the store. This includes savings on rarely discounted merchandise, and you get $5 off your first purchase. Walta Hill, Marianne Santaniello and Carolyn Waters are selling tickets. For more information, contact Walta at waltahill@gmail.com.

April Orphans of the Month
Daisy & Gatsby

Meet Daisy and Gatsby, our April Adopt a Golden Atlanta Orphans of the Month

Meet Daisy and Gatsby, our April 2013 Orphans of the Month. Daisy is a 5-yr old female Golden and Gatsby, a male Golden, is believed to be about 10-yrs old.

Daisy and Gatsby are bonded to each other and do everything together-including fetching tennis balls, going on daily walks, and enjoying good old-fashioned Golden wrestling fun. Gatsby is very affectionate and enjoys laying quietly at the feet of the nearest available human, following them from room-to-room around the house, and receiving plenty of belly rubs.

This wonderful Golden pair is just soaking in all that life has to offer-anything from going on car rides to snoozing the day away to the sound of smooth jazz when left home alone. They enjoy meeting and getting along with new people-including kids-and other animals. They are looking for a loving, caring home and can't wait to share their unconditional love with their new family.

You can meet Daisy, Gatsby and our other Golden orphans at Adoption Day on April 7^th.

Vote for AGA

Help AGA Win Gwinnett Place Nissan's "Favorite Animal Rescue Center" Contest!

Voting is easy! Click the image below to take you to the Gwinnett Place Nissan Facebook page and click "Like" to vote. Adopt a Golden is the first rescue on the left. Click on it and scroll to the bottom to click that you accept the contest rules. Click the orange VOTE button that pops up and you've voted! You and your friends can vote daily through April 30. Thanks for voting for AGA!

Vote for AGA's Brodie in the Cru Vin Dogs Wine Contest

We need your help voting for Brodie! Please ask your friends, family, co-workers and more to vote for Brodie's "Golden Moment." The winner receives one of the last cases of the "Limited Edition Golden Retriever Chardonnay" and $300 towards their canine charity of choice! We would just love for AGA to win. You can vote daily through April 30. Thanks for voting!

Ask the Trainer

The Yellow Dog Project

What is the yellow dog project? This is an idea that involves tying a yellow ribbon or some other yellow object on a dog's leash. This yellow ribbon signifies that the dog needs extra space. The message is to maintain distance; allow them to get out of the way; and that it is a dog you should not approach.

There are several reasons why a dog may need more space:

He/she may have health issues or be in training.
He/she may be a rescue that is being rehabilitated. The world can be a scary place for these dogs.
He/she may have had a bad experience with another dog or just not be a social type of dog that always wants to say Hi.
He/she is shy, scared and reactive around other dogs.

This is a wonderful idea that can be used to help protect your dog, as well as other dogs and people. It is not a good idea to rely only on the yellow ribbon alone, yet continue to be aware and verbalize your dog's needs. Though the more we spread the word about the yellow dog project, the more the

yellow ribbon will become a well known and effective symbol.

Adopt a Golden Atlanta often works with desensitizing dogs who are uncomfortable around other dogs and people. This is a process that takes time and patience. By being out in spaces where there are other dogs, the dog gains confidence as they slowly get in closer proximity to other dogs. If there is a close encounter too soon, it can be a setback in the course of training the dog. The yellow ribbon will be a great tool in a training situation to help the dog become more comfortable with his surroundings.

The owners of these types of dogs greatly appreciate the respect shown when a yellow ribbon on a leash is present and they are given space and the chance to move out of the way. These are wonderful dogs that are very loving pets at home, and just need some extra space. Help spread the word, so this can be a well known and effective quick visual indicator for a dog that needs personal space.

Ask the Vet

How do I find out if my dog food has been recalled?

Ever since the massive recall of pet food in 2007, responsible dog owners have become more conscientious about what they feed their dog and more attuned to food recalls. Since recalls may be related to hazardous health issues, you want to know immediately if the food you are feeding has been recalled or listed on the FDA's dog food recall list. Please click on the following link where you can sign up to be notified of dog food recalls. The content this site provides contains both information and a link to FDA information. Stay informed to keep your dog healthy!

Get Plugged in to AGA Through Our Facebook Page, Twitter and Blog

Get plugged in to AGA's social media! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter (@AdoptAGolden) and be sure to check out our blog. We love to keep everyone informed, share success stories, what we're up to and who can resist the cute photos? Our social media sites are the perfect place to talk about goldens, share stories, connect with other golden lovers and stay up to date on what's going on at AGA.

Please "Like" us on Facebook if you haven't already. We are at 3,785 "Likes" and can't wait to hit 4,000!

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!