The 16th Annual Pet-a-Palooza

Saturday, April 18th

from 10:00am to 6:00pm 

This year's event is free to the public and will take place at Sunset Park, located at 2601 E Sunset Road.

We thank Cirque du Soleil for sponsoring the GRRSN booth.

Pet-a-Palooza is the largest pet event in Las Vegas--and it's a fun day in the park with your pet. Join us and listen to great music, eat delicious food, shop for both you and your pet, and have a chance to visit animal exhibitors and non-profit rescues.

Local Parks Sure To Leave Your Golden's Tail Wagging

By Heather Turk

As the weather continues to warm up, there's no better time than early spring to take your pooch to the park to enjoy a day out in

Sunset Park path

the sun. After all, as we Southern Nevadans know, it won't be too long before summer's scorching triple-digit temperatures have arrived! Luckily, Las Vegas and Henderson boast several local parks that are dog friendly, so you and your Golden Retriever can soak up some of that beautiful golden sunshine before the weather gets too hot. 

Clark County's largest dog park is Dog Fancier's Park, located next to Horeseman's Park at 5800 E. Flamingo Road. Boasting 20 acres for dogs to enjoy, there are five separate enclosed areas for pooches to play in, including an exterior dog run. Four of the areas can be reserved in advance if you want to plan a private party for your dog, with the fifth area west of the parking lot open for public use at all times. Unless an area is reserved for a special event, all of the enclosures are open to the public.

Sunset Park is another popular park for pups of all breeds. Located at 2601 E. Sunset Road, you can walk your furry best friend down one of its walking trails or around its lake. Waste baggies are conveniently provided along the trails--be sure to keep a tight grip on your Golden's leash, as rabbits have been known to run by! There are enclosed areas within the park, too, that dogs can frolic in without a leash. For the animals' safety, these areas have weight restrictions to keep large dogs with large dogs and small dogs with small dogs, so be sure to unleash your golden in the correct enclosure.

Sunset Park lake at sunset

Another local favorite sure to have pooches wagging their tails is Bark Park. Located inside Heritage Park at 350 S. Racetrack Road, Bark Park is the City of Henderson's largest and most unique dog park. Designed with input from pet owners and regular dog park users, the 5-acre park features separate dog runs, an agility course, a walking trail, dog bone-themed benches and drinking stations for pets. There's also a splash pad available exclusively for dogs that's open from May 1-Sept. 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help your Golden beat the dry desert heat.

Leashed dogs are also welcome on the Duck Creek, Sunrise and Wells trailheads at Clark County Wetlands Park (7050 E. Wetlands Park Lane). In fact, the park will be hosting a free Woof Walks event on April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for guests and their canine companions to enjoy. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water, binoculars, hat and sunscreen as well as a leash and doggie waste bag (or two) for their "walk on the wild side." Golden Retrievers are sure to love all of the new scents, sights and sounds they will encounter during the event. Owners and their dogs must be able to walk 2 to 3 miles over uneven terrain in order to participate.

Of course, those who recently rescued a Golden Retriever will be happy to know that this is just a sampling of the many places they can take their furry new friend for some exercise in Las Vegas and Henderson. Other county parks that have designated fenced areas for dogs include Desert Breeze Park, Charlie Frias Park, Shadow Rock Park, Silverado Ranch Park, Spring Valley Park, Desert Inn Park and Molasky Family Park. There are also a variety dog parks in Henderson where dogs can run free and socialize, which are listed here.. Several local retail centers are dog friendly, too, like Town Square Las Vegas and The District at Green Valley Ranch.With so many options of where to take your dog for a walk or a play day, Golden Retrievers will never have to worry about sniffing around the same ol' place time and time again!

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by Catherine Dalinis

For many of us, spring means getting outdoors and enjoying the Las Vegas parks, walking trails and hiking opportunities with our Goldens. Outdoor activities provide mental stimulation and bond-reinforcing exercise for all. Here are a few items that might be of interest as you plan your springtime jaunt.

Every dog needs a collar. It is essential for holding ID tags. But if you are planning on doing serious walking, you might want to consider a harness for the dog/leash/you connection. There are a

Harness = Walk Let's go!!!!

number of styles on the market. The lightest duty style is the strap harness. They come in a variety of colors and qualities and can be found in most pet stores. Another alternative is the structured harness. This is a harness that fits over the dog's head and is fastened with a heavy-duty strap that goes under the dog's belly. For those of you who do road trips, you might want to consider a harness that works double duty as a vehicle restraint harness. This type of harness comes with a tether that fastens to the safety belt in your car. The brands I have had first-hand experience with are Ruffwear, Kurgo and EzyDog; each style had different features but all were quality products. There are many other brands, so I urge you to consider a variety of options before making your choice.

Another variation on the harness is the canine backpack. It a harness equipped with pockets on the side. Your dog can carry treats or water. And before you think, "Work! My dog? Never!" Dog behaviorists and trainers have found that dogs like to work. It gives them purpose. I'm not talking about loading your dog down with pounds of stuff. But, treats or poop-bags are light-weight essentials that will fit easily in the pouches. As an added benefit, backpacks can be a means of calming your dog and helping develop canine self-control. Again, it's the sense of having purpose that makes the difference.

Once you've decided on the "dog-to leash-to you" attachment, consider water. There are collapsible water bowls, water bottles with drink troughs attached, and lightweight water bladders that are built into dog back-packs.

For those of you who enjoy the rocky trails, have you considered dog boots? They are a good way to protect your Golden's paws from rugged terrain and any sharp debris left behind by an inconsiderate hiker. If there are dog boots in your Golden's future, get them well before your outing. It takes time for dogs to adjust to having shoes on their paws. Be patient. Your dog's reaction may be awkward high-stepping or paw shaking, but once accustomed to boots, dogs find them a welcome part of the outdoor routine. And for those of you who worry about dog paws on hot summer streets, you might want to consider boots for them too. The pavement is hot and your dog will appreciate the protection.

Up before the sun? Out after sundown? A light for your dog is a great safety tool. Many dog harnesses and leashes have reflective strips, and they work well when you and your Golden are in the

Light says, "I'm here!"

city and coping with cars. But if you spend time away from cars, a light is a helpful piece of safety gear. The light will identify your dog to others who may be out on the trail, and it will enable you to track your dog if he or she is off-leash. There are lights that attach to collars or harnesses; there are collars with LED's embedded. Whatever style you choose, I am confident that this added safety measure will be useful on your outing.

There is one more thing that warrants your consideration: the Walk for a Dog app for your smartphone. Walk for a Dog is an effortless way to raise money for GRRSN. The app tracks the miles you walk and makes a donation to GRRSN once or twice each year based on participation and total mileage. Want to know more? Go to wooftrax.com for details and to sign up.

So here's your spring checklist. Dog, gear, and the smartphone app "Walk for a Dog". Now, when your Golden looks at you with pleading eyes that say, "Please take me with you!", you'll be ready to go in confidence, knowing that you are prepared for a great day of fun outdoors.

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Auggie taking time to enjoy life!

The Forever Foster program enables GRRSN to rescue Goldens and Golden mixes who need special care, care that is beyond the mandate of most shelters or a family's budget. Forever Fosters are one of the main reasons GRRSN does so much to fundraise.  We never want to have to turn away a dog due to cost of care. GRRSN, in conjunction with a number of veterinary hospitals across the valley, bring these special dogs to their best health. Knowing that life in a hospital is not a great life, the Forever Foster program places these dogs, once they are stable and on a medication regimen, with families who offer to care for and comfort them in a normal home environment. These dogs are not waiting to die, they are enjoying their lives. Dogs don't ponder tomorrow, they live in the present, and the Forever Foster families make each day a good day, filled with hugs and love, walks, trips to the beauty shop, good food, and regular visits to the doctor. To ease the financial burden of caring for a special needs dog, GRRSN pays for veterinary and medication expenses. Everyone benefits.

While the Forever Foster program gives dogs a chance to enjoy their lives, it does not keep a dog who would live in constant distress, pain or untreatable illness hanging on for as long as possible. This program is about providing the care that had been denied for so long and restoring quality life, whether brief or, when we're fortunate, long. We have seen dogs with terminal cancer who, after chemotherapy, have traded a prognosis of two or three weeks for two, three, or more years celebrated with their Forever Foster families. Can you imagine a 17th birthday party for a Golden? We've seen it, and we are hopeful that two of our forever fosters will soon celebrate their 16th and 18th birthdays!

Opening one's heart and home knowing that the time together may be measured in weeks or months rather than years is difficult. But these amazing animals give so much affection and appreciation that it makes the experience heart filling. There are amazing recovery stories too, which makes Forever Foster so gratifying. In future issues of the Golden Gazette, you will meet our Forever Foster Families and the miracle dogs in their care. 

Curious about the Forever Foster program? You'll find it under the "Get Involved" tab. Just click on:  "Forever Fosters" to meet these special dogs. Or follow this link: Forever Fosters

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by Zach Solomon

Zach and Cookie

December was a great month for me and my Golden Retriever, Cookie. We had so much fun. We got to help the Golden Retriever Rescue at Barnes and Noble. We directed people where to get their free gift wrapping that benefitted the Golden Retriever Rescue. Every time someone got something wrapped, $5 was donated to the Golden Retriever Rescue. Cookie loved all the attention. A lot of people petted her, and she was getting the most attention she probably had ever had in her life.  Almost everybody thought she was cute and adorable. Some people even asked if she was up for adoption.  

When we got our first dog, Bailey, the Golden Retriever Rescue was very helpful in making sure we really wanted the dog. They made sure that we wanted her, and we did. They set us up with the correct food, trainers, and gave us some toys. They even set us up with someone to take care of our dog while we were out of town. They told us a good place to get our dog groomed. We still use that groomer. 

My brothers and I were very excited to volunteer to help fundraise for the Golden Retriever Rescue. We have loved it for a long time. Our family has gotten two dogs from the Rescue. They have been so helpful to us over the years that we have had our two Golden Retrievers. 

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Advice for NEW owners with OLDER Dogs

Many rescue owners have questions when acquiring an older dog.  After speaking with Sonya Hersh, a professional dog trainer, she shared several useful insights.  Read on!

Teaching an old dog new tricks:

After being reassured your dog has a bill of good health (or meeting requirements based on their health needs), just remember that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.  I don't necessarily mean this in a literal sense, but rather if your new four-legged friend is accustomed to a certain habit, it is OKAY that you change it and they will adjust.  Something might take longer or need to be gradual, but it is always possible depending on your (consistent) persistence. 

For example, I do my training in classes and privately with the dog being on the owner's left, and encourage this practice at home by the owners as well. Owners will tell me that it will be too difficult for the dog if they are accustomed to the right side.  However, the reluctance is more from the owner because with a small amount of time, your dog will adapt to changing sides. 

Key Considerations:

I'd like to mention two fundamental considerations:  Safety and Security.  If you have a dog that is losing balance, sight, or hearing-- there are many things to keep in mind.  They certainly should not be outside alone at night.  Use barriers around pools and stairs.  It is like having a toddler in the house. 

If you rescue an older dog that has never been in a crate before, I can promise you that this change is okay and actually really positive for the dog to feel secure in their new environment.  A crate can become an older dog's best friend.  It also helps with their sense of positive security from being moved around.  Dogs are den animals and feel secure in a crate-type environment if they are not with you.  Changing a dog's environment is stressful enough but then add the stress of the aging processes and they can easily feel insecure. 

Even older dogs still need to be walked and interacted with on a daily basis. The easiest and best way to provide for a smooth transition is giving them all the love in the world.  My recipe for security is the three C's....

Consistency, Comfort, and Care!

Sonya Hersh

Certified Trainer & Animal Behavior College Mentor

UNLV Educational Outreach Instructor

702-860-0234

bednbiscuit5397@gmail.com

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