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A Message to All GRRSN Supporters & Golden Lovers
We're doing things a little differently this year. Over the next few issues, we will be adding new features.
Look for health columns contributed by veterinary medical experts, events, training & re-training tips, classified and adoption updates. And for fun that only Golden owners understand, we have "Golden Alerts."
Most importantly, we are including updates from our President so you know how your support is used to rescue and protect these gentle, loving dogs.
We hope you too can submit stories because GRRSN is all about the Golden community and the people that make it work.
Thank you for helping and let us know what you think!
EVENTS CALENDAR
April 5, 2014
15th Annual
PET-A-PALOOZA
10AM to 6PM
Sunset Park
2601 E. Sunset Road
The event is FREE to the public!
April 6th, 2014
Sun City Anthem
Pet Club
8AM to 1PM
SCA Anthem Center North Lawn
2450 Hampton Road
Henderson, NV 89052
SAVE THE DATE!
GRRSN Reunion
BAR-B-QUE
Sat., Sept. 27, 2014
Doggie District
Pet Resort
3223 N. Rainbow
(Details to follow)
PETSMART LOCATIONS EVERY MONTH!
Please check the calendar on our website for dates, time & locations.
ADOPTION STORIES ARE ALWAYS UPDATED ON OUR WEBSITE.
We can't fit all the
stories in our
newsletter but we encourage you to click this link! You'll get lost in these great stories of rescue and adoptions making families complete. Enjoy!
DID YOU KNOW?
1. GRRSN maintains a Forum where you can discuss your favorite subject, ask questions of other golden owners, share photos, etc. Click here to subscribe and start sending emails.
2. GRRSN was formed in the year 2003. 13 dogs were rescued that year. To date, 1103 dogs have been placed in adoptive homes.
3. From 2003 through 2013 our Veterinary Expenses totaled over $317,000.
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UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It's 2014 and we want to thank everyone for their support last year. We raised over $71,000 and treated 132 Goldens that would have otherwise been forgotten, or worse.
Our need for funding continues whether we're saving dogs from injury, abuse, cancer or making their senior years more comfortable. The cost per dog can range from $200 to $5000.
Our funds go directly to the care of our rescues and can include surgery, chemotherapy, broken bones, nutrition, skin problems, dental treatment and even discarded puppies with birth defects.
It's important for all our supporters to know how their contribution can keep us going. Whether you volunteer or write a check, every Golden whose life is saved has you to thank.
As President of GRRSN, I invite you to our events to see the results of our collective efforts firsthand.
Sincerely, Debbie Pietro
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Arthritis and Golden Retrievers
Article contributed by Dr. Patton of Rainbow Animal Hospital pictured here with his dog Penny.
There is no denying that Golden Retrievers are ranked as one of the most playful breeds around! With a personality that lends itself to endless games of catch, it is surprising to learn that they are also known for their propensity for obesity, and subsequent arthritis. A breed that is notoriously food-motivated, many Golden Retrievers become overweight as they age, and this, coupled with genetic tendencies for hip and elbow dysplasia put them at high risk for degenerative joint disease (arthritis).
There is no "cure" for arthritis once it has set in, but most experts agree that a multi-modal approach to addressing pain (using a combination of different treatments vs. just one) is very effective in allowing the arthritic Golden to continue enjoying a good quality of life. Before we address the various steps available for treating arthritis, let's take a look at what we can do towards preventing it!
The number one controllable factor that can influence the development of arthritis is weight control. Keeping your Golden slim by feeding proper amounts of high-quality dog food, avoiding table scraps, and providing regular exercise are key to decreasing the load on his or her joints. The correlation between obesity in Goldens and joint problems cannot be overstated.
Another preventative measure that can be taken is providing joint-supporting supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, omega three fatty acids, and MSN, before the onset of arthritis. These supplements work by providing plenty of the necessary building blocks needed to repair damaged cartilage.
Omega three fatty acids are found in fish oils, and (along with promoting healthy skin and coat), have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, as does MSN. Although very effective, these products do not produce rapid results, since one to two months of continuous use are needed for them to build up to adequate amounts and show visible results.
There are even some therapeutic diets that have been formulated to help promote joint health, which contains high levels of omega three fatty acids, and have been found to be very effective at helping mobility.
Even if started early on, veterinarians recommend continuing with joint supplements after the onset of arthritis and throughout the lifetime of the pet, in combination with the other treatments. These products are readily available from your veterinarian, and most are formulated in "dog-friendly" forms.
For early detection of arthritis, carefully monitor activity and behavior for any changes that could indicate discomfort, such as being slow or reluctant to rise, or exhibiting stiffness or limping. In the summer issue, we will be taking a look at the treatments that are available to our furry family members once they are already being affected by this debilitating disease.
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CANINE COLUMNS
Please click on these articles that we know you'll find touching and informative.
The first is about Hospice Care for our Goldens and the 2nd is a discussion about Goldens and Golden mixes as written by Carol Allen of the National Rescue Committee called "Spotlight on Rescue."Hospice Care, Spotlight on Rescue
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 What's a "Golden Alert?"
When we got our first Golden, we noticed he had a special way of doing things unlike any other breed. He translated human behavior into dog actions all on his own. Water cooler knobs could provide hours of fun and doors were meant to be opened. Even at the pet sitter, all the other dogs would follow him around like he was leading a band. About a year ago, we fostered a little terrier pup. Her favorite place to sleep was on top of him so he happily became her bed! That was definitely a "golden alert." Famous for being service dogs, these lovable creatures are a constant source of comfort and entertainment. We're asking you to share your "golden alert" moment with us so we can put them in our newsletter. I am really happy to be a part of this organization and hope you will contact me with your ideas to bring us all together. Looking forward to hearing from you,
Adrea
goldenstories@cox.net
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 Is lack of exercise leading to unwanted behaviors? By Austin Lewis, Owner of Doggie District Pet Resort & Training Center Regular and meaningful exercise not only relieves stress and releases endorphins for us humans; it does the same for our canine companions. Lack of exercise is directly tied to many unwanted behaviors. Destructive chewing, such as baseboards and children toys; separation anxiety, depression, and unwanted barking, can all be triggered by the lack of exercise. If your dog is anxious, ask yourself how much real quality exercise he's getting. Walking, jogging, swimming, and my personal favorite, doggie daycare J, can help your dog relax when you are not engaging him or you are away from home. Most people have busy lives and unfortunately the dog often takes a back seat to other priorities. If you find that your dog is lacking in quality exercise, start with some attainable goals. I often recommend 30 minutes three times per week as a minimum. If your schedule does not allow that, consider breaking up the walk into three increments of 10 minutes each. Often, you will find that once you are out walking you will stay out longer than the 30 minutes. The trick is to get outdoors and get the dog moving. Be careful not to push a dog under two years old too hard when exercising - their joints and bones are still developing. Do you look forward to your walks? Not to stereotype our Golden Retriever family members, but so many of them have a tendency to walk you instead of the both of you walking together. It is perfectly acceptable to expect your dog to be walking by your side with a nice loose leash, head up (not nose to the ground), and checking in with you periodically to see that his walk is in line with your expectations. Now that we are into Spring and the inviting outdoor activities it brings, it is a great time to set some exercise goals. Not only will it improve how you and your dog both feel, it will also be great bonding time. For information on Doggie District Pet Resort & Training Center's training camps where we focus on basic manners, on-leash, off-leash, and everything in between, contact us at (702) 386-3647 or training@doggiedistrict.com
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