The Golden Gazette
 July 2013
Message from the President

 

From time to time we have dogs in our program who have trouble getting adopted. These are the dogs that have a behavioral problem or an issue that needs to be worked on. We do the best we can working with our trainers at Atlanta Dog Trainer, but no dog can be "fixed" overnight. Continued training and work has to be done, and we find that few people want to deal with a dog that has a problem. Right now, we have three such dogs that have been with us for nearly an entire year: 

 

  • Tommy (Golden Retriever): He doesn't like other dogs, is thunderphobic and has mild separation anxiety. Tommy needs someone who will be his best pal, someone who works from home or is retired would be best. Tommy would benefit from someone who is very dog savvy and someone he can look to for direction, comfort and safety.

 

 

 

  • Rocky GP (Great Pyrenees): He is growly and protective like many Great Pyrenees, but he shouldn't be around kids under 12 years old. Rocky needs a real fence and needs to be supervised around all kids. He is great around dogs but will protect his owners and property like all Great Pyrenees.  

 

   

 

  • Sophie (Black Retriever): Sophie cannot be around a small dog (she sees small dogs as prey and will attack them), yet she loves cats and has lived with a golden retriever. Sophie can't be off leash where a small dog could be, but she can live with another large dog and a cat.  

 

 

 

All three of these dogs adore people, but require some additional work from their adopter. We need your help to spread the word on these dogs. Help us find them homes. I truly believe there is a person for every dog and a dog for every person. Please help me prove I am right. 

 

 

Lauren Genkinger

President & Founder
 
 

July 2013 Orphan of the Month

Jessie

 Meet Jessie, our Adopt a Golden Atlanta July 2013 Orphan of the Month
 
Meet Jessie, our July 2013 Orphan of the Month! Jessie is a beautiful 12-year-old Golden who is kind and friendly to everyone she meets.

 

Adopt a Golden welcomed Jessie after her owners gave her to AGA. She lived with them her entire life, but her family was unable to properly care for her anymore.

 

Jessie may be a little older, but she loves to play and relax outside. She is very well trained for both indoor and outdoor activities. In fact, Jessie will come when she hears her name called. She gets along with children of all ages, cats, dogs and all other animals. She enjoys going on car rides and quickly bonds with people she meets, especially when she gets belly rubs!

 

This sweet Golden is full of love and would be a wonderful addition to any family. If you would like to meet Jessie, she will be at Adoption Day on June 30 at The Pet Set. 

 

Fireworks

 

 

The 4th of July is all about food, family, fun and fireworks. However, to your dog it is all about loud and scary noises. It is a dangerous and frightening time for your dog. More dogs are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.   

 

Fireworks and dogs do not mix. Do not underestimate your dog's reaction to fireworks; even the bravest and calmest dogs can become terrified by the sound and a terrified dog will bolt and run.

 

These tips will help keep your dog safe this holiday:

  • The most important step you can take is to keep your dog away from firework displays. If you plan to go see fireworks, do not take your dog.
  • If fireworks can be heard from your home, keep your dog indoors, in a fenced-in area or on a leash.
  • As always, be sure your dog is wearing a collar with a tag that contains your contact info. 

Ask the Vet 

  

 

 Help! My Dog Has Been Bitten by a Snake! What Should I do?

 

We are hearing about more snake bites than usual this time of year. A snake bite should always be considered an emergency! If you even suspect your dog has been bitten by a snake, take the dog to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence!

 

What are the Symptoms of a Snake Bite?

  • One, two or several small puncture wounds
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Extremely painful swelling at the site of the bite
  • Inability to bark
  • Diarrhea
  • Shock
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Muscle Tremors
  • Nausea and vomiting

What Should I Do If My Dog is Bitten?

  • Seek immediate treatment from an emergency animal hospital or clinic.
  • Restrict the movement of your dog; this will help prevent the venom from spreading.
  • If your dog is bitten on an extremity, loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position.
  • DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance. A tourniquet will significantly affect circulation to the area and may result in serious tissue damage.
  • DO NOT apply ice to the area.
  • If you have killed the snake, take it with you to the vet. They can determine if it is poisonous.

Prevention:

 

Snakes need cover for hunting and protection. If they don't have places to hide, they are less likely to be around.

  • Eliminate rock piles and other obvious hiding places.
  • Keep leaves and other debris picked up to eliminate nesting and living area for snakes.
  • No food for domestic pets should be allowed to remain on the ground.
  • Cordwood should be stacked as far away from the house as possible.
  • Keep the lawn cut low and clean.
  • Snakes love English Ivy and other dense ground covering, so if possible remove it from you property. If this is not possible, then keep your dog out of it!
 
Ask the Trainer 

 

 

 Can I Run With My Golden Retriever?

 

Yes, Golden Retrievers can make wonderful exercise partners. Goldens are active, easily trained and love to be with people. Walking, jogging and running are great ways for you and your Golden to spend time together and get exercise. Many of the same rules that apply to humans before starting a running exercise program also apply to your Golden. Here are some important considerations before you get started:

  • Wait until your dog is full grown to avoid injury. On average, 18 months is when bone, muscle and joint growth are complete. Don't run with older dogs. You can walk younger Goldens to leash train and exercise them. Walking older Goldens is appropriate exercise, since they could get injured or fatigued easily.
  • Check with your vet before starting an exercise program with your Golden. Make sure your dog's heart, lungs and joints are healthy.
  • Ease your Golden into running by starting out slowly.  This will allow your Golden to get used to running and to gradually get stronger.
  • Always keep your Golden hydrated. You can teach your Golden how to drink from a water bottle on longer runs.
  • When possible, try to stick to trails that are shaded and are softer on joints and the sensitive pads on the bottom of your Golden's feet.
  • Always keep your Golden on a leash.
  • Always watch for signs of pain, fatigue or overheating. If your Golden slows down, pants, foams at the mouth or shows any unusual behavior, stop immediately.  Heat illness can be life threatening to a Golden.
  • Praise your Golden for good behavior while running. If possible, keep treats in your pocket.

As your Golden's best friend, evaluate whether they enjoy running. If they don't, choose one of the many other activities to exercise and bond with your Golden. Golden Retrievers are wonderful companions in so many ways, and with the right preparation they will make excellent exercise partners!

 

AGA Looking For Loving Fosters

 

 

I love how AGA worked so hard to place an orphan that fits our busy lifestyle in our home. I have 3 kids and 3 other dogs, and our AGA orphan just fits in. I also receive great support from various coordinators who answer any questions or concerns I may have. I am amazed at this great organization and the dedicated volunteers that help. 

 

I always get asked if it is hard to let go and say goodbye to an AGA orphan when they get adopted by a family. The answer is yes, but I know my home is needed for another Golden, another life to help. There is always a need for fosters. 


My family views fostering as a way to help bridge Goldens to their new lives. This way, we have been able to help more dogs than any one person can own in a lifetime, and that is a remarkable feeling!


-The Walker Family

 

Goldens That Need Fosters

 

These orphans are in need of a foster family. Click on the dogs' names to read more about them and let us know if you are interested in fostering!

 

        
  
  

        

 

 

Taffy

        



AGA Event Update
    
Golden Open 2014 Features Golf & Tennis
 
Mark your calendars! Our second annual Golden Open Golf Tournament and our inaugural Golden Open Tennis Tournament will take place at the Marietta Country Club on Monday, June 2, 2014. Building on this year's golf tournament, we expect next year's event to be even bigger. We're even adding a tennis tournament for all you tennis players out there. It will be an all-round Golden day at the club!
 
Get Your Cameras Ready
 Start taking some great photos of your Golden Retriever and enter our 2014 Calendar Contest. You have until July 31st. Check our website next week for more details.
 
Meet AGA's Board of Directors
    
Lauren Genkinger
President & Founder

Liz Benevides
Dog Placement 

Allison Carico 
Canine Training

Jenny Dubois 
Boarding & Dog Walking


Carolyn Gambino 
Medical

Paige Harbour 
Applications & Information


Joan Heazel 
Business Affairs


Juliann Kaiser 
Events & PR


Melissa Libby 
e-News & Social Media

Michael Sheff 
Treasurer

Carol Swenson 
Volunteers 

Palma Young 
Fosters



Directors can be reached at [email protected].
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Adoption Day

   

Sunday,
June 30 at 
in Loehmann's Plaza
Noon - 2 PM

New Adoptions 

     

Congrats to all our pups who found Forever Homes during June!

 

Stoney River

London

Presley

Henry

James

William

Aubie

Murphy

Katie

Charlie

Rowdy

Spread the Golden word -- please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family who would be interested in Adopt a Golden Atlanta!
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