Golden Retrievers; the Gold Standard of Therapy Dogs

NEWS GRREAT Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc. • March/April 2006 • Vol. 17, No. 2

IN THIS ISSUE: Golden Retrievers; the Gold

Letter from the President Standard of Therapy Dogs 3 By Bill Price monalities, things are fairly non-stan- A wide variety of opportunities exist Pick of the Litter dard among groups. PVGRC Calendar for those who would like to share their 4 Goldens as therapy dogs. “Therapy I got started in Pet Therapy with dogs” are certified to visit residents in our late Golden “Courtney” (God Adoption Report nursing homes, patients in hospitals, bless her dogly soul). Fairfax Pets Adoption Day Directions people in shelters after a disaster, first on Wheels, an all-volunteer organiza- 5 responders (firemen, policemen, and tion that visits 12 nursing homes in emergency Fairfax Resources and Referrals medical County, 6 techni- Virginia, A Breed Apart cians), or certified 7 others for us. Fairfax whom a Pets on Donations pet may Wheels 8-12 bring ben- does self Feeding Your GRREAT Dog efits. Such certifying Book Review: Mostly Bob benefits (testing), 13 have been and sec- shown to ondary Blessings of Foster Homes include liability and Foster Dogs easing insurance Annual Business Meeting tensions, cover- Highlights 15 lowering blood pressure and increasing age is provided by Fairfax County. positive attitude. I have found Golden There are no dues or test fees. The Aromatherapy for Animals Retrievers to generally be excellent ther- requirements for the test include 17 apy dogs. presenting a clean dog that has never Sunshine’s RV Adventures: bitten anyone (under any circum- All of the certifying bodies of therapy Alaska stances), who is stable, not aggres- 18 dogs that I am familiar with require a sive around strangers or other dogs defined level of performance by the pet Donation, Renewal, and of known non-aggressive tempera- and its handler as demonstrated in a test. ment, and is controllable. My cur- Volunteer Forms They also provide liability insurance for 19 rent Goldens, Casey and Cody, are the handler in case of mishaps while Fairfax Pets on Wheels dogs and Calendar Contest Information performing pet therapy work in accor- regularly visit nursing homes. I have 20 dance with the policies of that group. All found this work profoundly reward- certifiers require an annual health cer- ing as well as an excellent develop- tificate for the pet. Beyond those com- Continued on Page 14

1 GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, INC. P.O. Box 3069, Falls Church, VA 22043-0069 Phone: 703-620-6593 • Web site: www.grreat.org GRREAT, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, foster care, and placement of Golden Retrievers in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

2005 OFFICERS AND ADVISORY BOARD PRESIDENT Kim Wiff* ...... [email protected] ...... 703.724.4853 VICE PRESIDENT Lori Bott*...... [email protected] ...... 301.808.0734 SECRETARY Joy Scrimshire* ...... [email protected] ...... 301.627.4674 TREASURER Gail Corby* ...... [email protected] ...... 302.378.8855 INTAKE COORDINATOR Mary Collings ...... [email protected] ...... 540.720.8588 FOSTER HOME COORDINATOR Allison Ward* ...... [email protected] ...... 410.381.0102 FOSTER HOME APPROVAL COORDINATORS Susan McKelvey (DE, MD, DC)...... [email protected] ...... 410.745.0134 Kim Wiff (VA, WV, PA) ...... [email protected] ...... 703.724.4853 TRANSPORT COORDINATOR Vicki Eurice ...... [email protected] ...... 410.893.5412 ADOPTION COORDINATOR Jessie Robinson* ...... [email protected] ...... 301.577.8350 VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Stephanie Nelson* ...... [email protected]...... 410.381.9456 EDUCATION COORDINATORS Pat Savary (DE, MD, DC) ...... [email protected] Sandy Diamond (VA, WV, DC)...... [email protected] ...... 703.787.6708 FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Pam Ambrose...... [email protected] ...... 301.972.0457 PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Sandy Diamond*...... [email protected] ...... 703.787.6708 MEMBER AT LARGE Pam Briggle* ...... [email protected]...... 301.808.0734 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR 2 Jill Kurtz ...... [email protected] MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR Jo Bighouse ...... [email protected] ...... 540.955.2003 MICROCHIP COORDINATOR Scott Daniels* ...... [email protected] ...... 302.449.1227 WEBMASTER Bob Fritz ...... [email protected] ...... 301.330.5749 NEWSLETTER Leigh Rutter ...... [email protected] ...... 410.638.7552

* members of the GRREAT Board of Directors

2 Letter From The President PVGRC Calendar Here are some of the events being By Kim Wiff, GRREAT President one place to the other, and this is where transporters come in. Transporters may held by the Potomac Valley Golden Dear Friends: take a Golden from a shelter to a foster Retriever Club. The club is a long home, to boarding, or from a foster time sponsor of GRREAT and The popularity of Golden Retrievers, as home to an adoption day. holds many events throughout you know, has been on the rise for the the year for obedience, agility and past several years! Golden Retrievers can FOSTER HOMES: This is always our working competitions. If you now be spotted in almost every town, greatest need -- a place for the Goldens would like more information, check from your average suburban community coming into GRREAT to be evalu- their website at www.pvgrc.org. to rural areas across the country. ated and to be safe until they go to their forever homes. Providing a foster MARCH The popularity of Golden Retrievers can home for a rescued Golden isn’t just be attributed to many factors. Goldens Mar 11 (Sat) - Annual Awards giving a Golden food and shelter until appear in commercials, and movies such Banquet and General Membership it is adopted. There’s more to it than as Homeward Bound and Air Bud, as Meeting, Holiday Inn, College Park, that, being a foster home provider can well as television shows. The internet MD be rewarding, demanding, and some- has played a role, too. Golden Retriever times heartbreaking. As a foster home, Mar 18 (Sat) - Field Training enthusiasts and owners have created web you are part of helping some of the sites about their Goldens that are easily APRIL Goldens coming into the rescue recover viewed by anyone looking at the inter- from illness or injury, and teaching Apr 8 (Sat) - Field Training net. Of course, the greatest reason for them the basics before they’re adopted. the popularity of Goldens is the simple Apr 15 (Sat) - PVGRC Sweepstakes, Specialty Show, truth that Goldens are wonderful dogs. EDUCATION EVENTS: Consider attend- They’re beautiful, fun, friendly and most ing or volunteering to help at one of Obedience & Rally Trial, Howard are wonderful with children and all make our community events. At these events Co, MD great companions. we educate the public about GRREAT Apr 15 (Sat) - General Membership and responsible pet ownership, and Meeting, Howard Co, MD, after the Unfortunately, this popularity is taking make the local community aware of Specialty its toll on the Golden Retriever breed, GRREAT. and consequently on rescue organi- Apr 16 (Sun) - WC/WCX Test with zations such as GRREAT. To put it DONATIONS: GRREAT always needs PeeWee Hunter Stakes, Monrovia, simply, there are many disreputable your donations to help pay for the MD Golden Retriever breeders out there veterinary care and other expenses to MAY producing too many Goldens, that are continue operations. At this most basic being purchased by people who didn’t level, your donations are always needed. May 13 (Sat) - Veterans’ Day, research the breed or breeders before Monrovia, MD These are just a very few ways that you buying a Golden. As a result, rescues May 13 (Sat) - General like GRREAT are finding that there is can help to make a difference for the Golden Retrievers in our area. I look Membership Meeting (in conjunc- no shortage of Golden Retrievers being tion with Veterans’ Day) given up by their owners, turned over to forward to another year of our won- shelters, or simply abandoned. derful and productive work of rescue. May 20 (Sat) - Super Singles, Together we are making a difference for Cheltenham (needs confirmed) With 2006 just getting underway, I the Golden Retrievers in our area, and May 27 (Sat) - Field Training would like to urge you to become more together we are helping GRREAT to involved in GRREAT. There are a vari- continue this vital and important work. JUNE ety of ways you can become involved Volunteering for GRREAT, for me, is Jun 18 (Sun) - K9 Olympics, and help make a difference. I’ve written Monrovia, MD this message to illustrate just a very few both rewarding and energizing in so of the ways in which you can help: many ways. It is also a wonderful way to Jun 18 (Sun) - General Membership make a positive difference. So, what are Meeting (after K9 Olympics) TRANSPORTERS: Because GRREAT you waiting for?! Jun 24 & 25 - (Sat & Sun) - operates in 5 states, Goldens coming PVGRC Agility Trials, Westminster, into GRREAT always need to get from Sign up at www.grreat.org, click on Be a Volunteer, then GRREAT Volunteer Form. MD

3 Pick of the Litter: Buster (05-175) Spotlight on a special Golden in need of a special someone By Emily Pasterick, Contributing Writer In just about a month’s time, one unfortunate Golden been allowed to interact sufficiently with the world mix male named Buster struck fortune and, you could around him – but it was clear that Buster was just so say, some degree of “fame,” as he left behind a decade grateful to be rescued and delighted to take advantage of being tied up outside 24 hours a day to walk with of his new lease on life, that he forgot to be bitter. If dignity as the only not-yet-adopted Golden in an I observed anything indicative of a deprived past, it esteemed GRREAT-sponsored parade of 30 proud was a casual habit of limiting eye contact to a few shy, rescue Goldens from around the country. Foster careful and priceless moments. Otherwise, his paws mom Gail Corby volun- danced and his tail thumped teered to chair this Parade with the vigor and health of of Rescued Goldens for the the most joyful Golden. This Golden Retriever Club of is all remarkable, given that he America’s National Specialty spent the majority of his 10 in September 2005, and it was years tied up outside when a here that Buster symbolically member of his family devel- marked his journey towards oped allergies. Not only was abandoning the life that Buster never properly social- stifled his spirit for 10 years ized or integrated into a loving to find the character, and the family, he also was never taken family, that would carry him to the vet. through his wonderful twilight years. Buster knew the best Just a few months later, there was yet to come. is nary a hint of the Buster of bygone. He has been given Buster greeted me with wide, a clean bill of health; he has sparkling brown eyes, and excellent house manners, and wiggled around me to find can safely be given the run an open hand that could pet him. He never barked, of the house all day while his humans are at work. He never crowded or overwhelmed me or Gail, simply does well around other dogs once he gets to know made his presence known with a happy energy, and them in a gentle environment, though he prefers peo- came willingly to an extended hand ple, especially children. He loves car for affection. I extended a fistful of rides and long walks, where he gets treats, and he deliberately nuzzled, a chance to demonstrate his superb then nibbled, at my fingers until I 4 leash manners. As a proud walker released them – I think we became in an event that commemorated the fast friends then, as he followed me second phase of his life, a transi- to the front door and upstairs to the tion “march” to a life better-lived, computer room where he chose to Buster is hoping to find the forever lie between me and Gail, rather than home that will stroll along with him under her table where he usually through the ultimate phase where preferred – the perfect host, Buster must have thought he can make up for lost time and show his new world easy access to two potential treat-givers was better than how to make the most of every day of a new life. one! I kept looking for signs of a dog that had been If you are interested in finding out more about Buster, please so badly treated, a dog that hadn’t been able to feel the contact Gail Corby at [email protected] comforts of a couch or warm rug, a dog that hadn’t 4 ADOPTION REPORT

Between December 14 and February Name # Age Sex Name # Age Sex 10, 45 dogs found their forever Buddy 05-258 4 M Miki/Bailey 05-238 2 M homes. The 2005 total was 228 Buddy/Rusty 05-201 2 M Montana 05-242 5 M dogs adopted through GRREAT. Buster 05-208 5 M Murphy 05-126 6 M Of these Happy Holidays dogs, Butter 05-114 4 M Paige 05-098 3 F 18 were females and 27 were Caper 05-047 2 M Penny 05-223 2 F males. There were 10 pups (under Casey 05-184 5 M Quentin 05-170 3 M age 2), 26 between ages 2 and 6, Cassie 05-185 7 mo F Rascal 05-234 11 mo M and 9 seniors (age 7 or older). Cody 05-181 5 M Red 05-249 6 M Congratulations to all of these dogs Cricket 05-157 9 mo F Remy 05-202 9 M and their new owners! Don/Charlie 05-210 9 M Rocky 05-215 1 M Drake 05-177 3 M Rosie 05-237 2 F Name # Age Sex Fancy 05-195 7 F Ruby 05-213 3 F Abby 05-154 3 F Gumbo 05-224 5 M Sally 05-163 5 F Abby 05-221 5 F Jasmine 06-008 3 F Sasha 05-216 1 F Amber 05-222 10 F Jenny 05-247 10 F Solomon 05-133 2 M Andy 05-176 2 M Jimmy 04-162 11 M Sydney 05-186 2 M Bailey 05-205 6 F Kody 05-248 6 mo M Teddy 05-219 8 M Bailey 06-009 1 M Lucy 05-093 1 F Tucker 05-203 7 M Brinkley 05-239 9 mo M Maggie Mae 03-235 7 F Zoe 05-243 11 mo F ADOPTION DAY DIRECTIONS

Saturday, March 4, 2006 Saturday, April 1, 2006 Saturday, May 6, 2006 Noon - 2 pm Noon - 2pm Noon - 2pm Petco Petco Petco 275 Muddy Branch Road 2441-F Centreville Road 8640 Pulaski Highway Gaithersburg, MD Herndon, VA Rosedale (Baltimore), MD 301-975-9888 703-713-1552 410-686-4037

Take I-495 [Capitol Beltway] Take I-495 W towards Virginia. Take I-95 North toward to I-270 Spur North toward Take exit #45A/VA-267 Toll West Baltimore. Go approximately Frederick/Rockville. Take toward Dulles Airport. Continue 34 miles and take exit #61/ exit #5, I-270 Local Lanes on 267 for about 10.7 miles. Take US-40 East. Go about 3.3 North toward Falls Road. exit #10/VA-657 toward Chantilly. miles and arrive at Petco. Take exit #9A-B/I-370 onto Go approximately 0.3 miles and Sam Eig Highway. Turn right turn left on Centreville Road. on Diamondback Drive. Drive approximately 0.6 miles and Turn right on Muddy Branch turn left at McNair Farms and then Road. Continue on Muddy right into the shopping center. Branch Road for approximately 1.1 miles; Petco is on the right. GRREAT assumes no responsibility for the above directions. Please call the individual businesses listed to verify the route from your address.

5 Resources & Referrals from USA TODAY and Washingtonian Magazine By Meg Ellacot, Contributing Writer Thanks to USA Today and the Washingtonian Magazine for from top vets, pet sitters and kennels to doggie day care, providing the following information for this month’s article dog parks, shelters, rescue groups and more. Check out on Fun Things to Do With Your Dog. It’s February so Jake, www.washingtonion.com and search on the February issue Kelly and I haven’t done much to write about since it’s the to read more. dead of winter! So, Think Spring…and when you’re ready for that getaway, bring the dog(s) with you. Hotels are going I’ve always wanted to try bringing Kelly (one of my adopt- all out lately offering room service, vet-created menus and ees, the gentler, calmer one) to a hospital or nursing home. pet concierges. Here are some special spots on the East Now, I may just try it after reading the following: Coast offering “creature comforts” for pet and owner: “Doing Good With Your Pet from the Feb Issue: Dogs THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL, NY, www.ritzcarlton.com are welcome in many hospitals and nursing homes, where The VIP (Very Important Pooch) program provides 22 karat their visits are a pleasant distraction for those who are lonely gold plated IDs, aromatherapy, coat spritzes and hand-paint- or in pain. Pets and owners must be trained first and then ed dinnerware. can visit patients at places like Inova Fairfax and Mount Vernon hospitals. For more information, visit deltasoci- THE INN BY THE SEA, Cape Elizabeth, ME ety.org and tdi-dog.org or call Leslie Horton, director of www.innbythesea.com Assisted-Animal Therapy at Inova Fairfax, at 703 776-3536.” Check out the Bow Wow burgers and homemade biscuits; Consider getting your dog involved in this wonderful pro- expansive lawns slope down to the beach, everyone’s idea of gram. (See also our cover page artcile in this issue) doggie heaven. Check out the following websites for fun things to do with THE WOOF COTTAGES, Nantucket, MA your GRREAT dog this spring: www.harborviewcottages.com/rooms/withpets.php Explore Nantucket’s stunning beaches and pristine conser- Bark in the Park, www.baysox.com vation lands with your golden buddies. Bark Ball, www.barkball.com THE PAW HOUSE INN, Killington, VT Doggie Dip Day, www.rockvillemd.gov/swimcenter www.pawhouseinn.com The Innkeepers of the Paw House balance the historic Blessing of the Animals, www.cathedral.org Vermont country inn experience with dog-themed rooms – watch for the doggie living rooms, doggie daycare, swim Canine Games, www.alexandriaanimals.org areas and a variety of dog classes. Howl-o-ween, www.akaspot.com NINE ZERO, Boston, MA www.ninezero.com Doggie Happy Hour, www.doggiehappyhour.com This luxury boutique hotel wins highest marks for service. (I wrote an article on this last Fall - loads of fun.) They know both you and your dog by name and there are specially designed bowls and beds along with info on pet sit- ting, dog walks and massage services – and yes, the rooms6 Thanks to Our Volunteers come complete with Frette linens and down comforters. The following people volunteered their time at the DAUFUSKIE ISLAND CLUB, Hilton Head, SC GRREAT Adoption Day in Beltsville on January 7. www.daufuskieresort.com Plenty of room for dogs to romp while you get golf cart Janet & Phil Hauck Juan & Marcella Marsans transportation – your goldens will get good care with gour- Dan Mensing & their two GRREAT met treats, bowls and designer pet beds. Kathleen Thomas Goldens Lisa Hecker If you missed it, the February Washingtonian Magazine Wayne Hunter devoted their primary article “Love Your Pet with the Stephanie Nelson Penny March Ultimate Guide to Caring for your Dog or Cat.” 24 pages Marty & Janet White Joy Scrimshire of everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your pets; Megan Canigiani

6 A Breed Apart: Spotlight on a GRREAT Volunteer GRREAT Foster and Intake Volunteer, Jane Salter By Emily Pasterick, GRREAT Contributing Writer his new dog, and thereafter In 2001, GRREAT was fortunate to felt much more at ease about welcome a volunteer prepared with her surgery because Jane’s “international” experience in ani- former foster helped them to mal rescue. Jane Salter, a native of break the ice with one another. England, always had been involved Collectively, these encounters, with animal ownership and rescue as of many, assure Jane that the a child, and then married a man who right family will find the right also shared her love of supporting and dog – that things just have a educating people on humane treatment way of working out the way of animals. Together they helped pro- they should. vide care and love to abused German Shepherds in England. There, her Jane’s role as a volunteer for GRREAT clearly has implica- husband worked for the RSPCA (Royal evevolutionolution of a Golden foster from tions for the education of, and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty scared, sick, and/or unsocialized, to relationship with, the world to Animals), then for the RSPCA in healthy and thriving. Jane appreciates at large. She is proud of her Melbourne, Australia. After he moved this opportunity to have children learn opportunity to help unite to the USA, he worked for the World early on how valuable a small contri- people, even in small ways, Society for Protection of Animals bution to a rescue can make in the life through the Golden Retrievers (WSPA) in Boston, MA, before mov- of a dog, and beyond. Since 2001, she rescues. Through rescue, ing to Maryland in 1997 to work for Jane has fostered approximately 34 she has also established strong the Humane Society International in Goldens, and recalls that early in her ideas about the treatment of Washington, D.C. Though this profile fostering she was concerned about Goldens, as she is very passion- is about Jane, the work experience and how she would know if she really ate about using homeopathic dedication of her husband seem sig- found the right home for a foster. medication rather than conven- nificant in that Jane, with her husband Several notable experiences in identi- tional treatment methods for and 2 boys, has surrounded herself fying the perfect adoptive home for her dogs for ailments such as with a familial commitment to support her fosters could only be described kennel cough, mange, and hot the rescue of animals and to educate as “serendipity.” In one instance, a spots. Ideally, she would like to the people they come into contact with family interested in her foster, Emma, see fewer dogs over-vaccinated about how such efforts connect us all came to visit, and turned out to be a or given multiple shots in one to one another. perfect match. Their license plate? day (which she believes severely “EMA.” Another foster had come compromises their sometimes Jane has become acutely aware of this from a give-up family that also had a weakened immune systems). philosophy through her extraordinary bird; the perfect family interested in Her compassion, innovation, volunteerism with GRREAT as a fos- adopting him? Had a bird. And in and commitment to both res- ter home, home visit volunteer and yet a third example cited, Jane recalls cuing Goldens and using her intake assistant (among participation in adopting a Golden to an oral surgeon, experiences to educate others other GRREAT volunteer events). She and not long after, speaking with a about the power of animal and her husband have passed along 12-year-old girl needing oral surgery rescue, allow Jane to make out- their animal care commitment to their whose surgeon happened to be none standing and effective contribu- sons and even their sons’ friends, as other than the new owner of her tions to GRREAT. GRREAT Jane and her fosters are regular visi- prior foster. When Jane told the little is so proud to spotlight Jane tors to her sons’ school, where the kids girl about her surgeon’s newly-adopt- Salter as “a breed apart!” get a chance to see for themselves the ed Golden, the girl asked him about

7 DONATIONS DONATIONS

Thank you for your donations...

Paula Abernethy Wendy Eakle Joe & Joann Lamp Sue & David Barefoot David & Linda Engelman Diane Lanigan Eileen Bennett Eugene & Margaret Gainor Linda & Jim Mahoney Dawn & Marshall Bowen Donald Gakenheimer & Pam Traxel Penny March Linda & John Bowlin David & Sandy Gill Patrick and Patricia McAllister Lee & Daniel Broh-Kahn & Kevin Marshall Ginn & James Orrell Mukta Mehra Broh-Kahn Jay & Tonia Goodwin John Metter Doug & Pam Brouder Jonathan Gordon Barbara & Edward Meyer Jim & Wendy Bruno Jan & Louise Green Jim & Laurie Mielke Walter & Dolores Buchanan Gary Greenwood Joyce & Scott Parkin Jan & Bill Carlson Michelle Gruessing Brian & Diane Petrenick Ethel & Haddon Carryer Emily Groome Mary Portelly Greg Carter & Jennifer Key Cynthia Hampton James & Sharon Qualls Rick & Peggy Cassara Stephen & Kristina Hays Sheila Ramsey Michael Chase Charles & Wendy Heinz Leslie & Jackie Sachlis Trish Collier Katherine Howell Laura Schmitz Bridget & Eric Cooper Nancy & Richard Hughes Richard & Marion Snyder Dennis & Laura Cooper Patricia Hutnik Wayne Steinhilber Elizabeth Crane Linda & Ron Igou Carol Taylor Louise Davidson Nancy & Ray Jones Susan Van Bell Daniel & Aldona Debold Tom & Marylou Janczuk Daniel Volchok & Kathleen Keller Mary Dice Michael & Janene Kalb Deb Ward Richard & Anna Dodson Robert & Margaret Knitzer Dick Wilcher Bob Dorfman & Celia Shapiro Brian & Lynde Knowles-Jonas Barbara Wise Marlies & Anthony Durso Gary & Debbie Kramer Gary & Carol Zierhoffer Corporate Giving Simile-Finale Fund Gifts on Behalf Of... Pfizer Foundation, matching a gift Shelley Clanton Doreen and Steve Larson. From from employee Julie Anderson Joanne and David Bauer Please share this equally among ExxonMobil Foundation, matching a your general fund, the Leo Fund, Ken Jennings. From Joanne Jennings donation from Neal and Judy McKinley and the Simile-Finale Fund. Our Eric MacDonald. From Eric Games Employee Charity Organization of youngest Golden Koda Bear was John C. Lewett. From Carolee Stearns Northrup Grumman on behalf of diagnosed with a fast growing can- employee Sheri Ulrich cer late this year. The prognosis Nancy Howell. From Elisabeth Gicquel Microsoft Corporation, matching a was not good but we were informed Nancy Howell. From Ronald and donation from Bob and Carolyn Reagle that with chemotherapy he would Nancy Jarashow be with us for 1 to 1½ years. We Mary and Ken Collings. From Charles Food Lion have just been advised (Christmas 8 Nordstrom Petsmart Week) that the chemo isn’t working and our beloved six year old will iGive.com Thanks to Our Volunteers be passing in the next few months. Byrne Cohen & Hyatt Real Estate Though he was not a rescued dog, The following people staffed the Advisors donates 10% of profits to we’d just like you to know how our client’s charities. Your organiza- much he’s meant to us and how GRREAT Education Table at the tion was designated for a contribution difficult this has become. As with World of Pets Expo in Timonium, by our clients, Michelle and Bill Isenhart, all GRREAT members, he’s one MD on January 28 & 29: who recently bought and sold homes of our children and will be leaving Vicki & Jim Eurice with our team. We wanted you to an unfillable void in our hearts and Fran Wesley share in the celebration! lives. Thank you for all your hard Jessie Robinson Nicci Hyatt and Sally Byrne work on behalf of our four legged friends. Joanne and Robert Patenaude Allison Ward

8 DONATIONS DONATIONS

In Memory Of... • My dearest girl, Christie, age 13, so sweet and so missed. • Carol Gaskins. Tristan, Cesear, and Toby Priscilla Borden • A dear friend, Mr. Francis Young, who passed away • George—my best friend and most favorite golden. Joy Christmas day. Dale Pearson Scrimshire • Mary J. Dellinger, mother of Karen and Eric Rowe. • Sidney, beloved pet of Michael and Jane Landis, and friend Mary Linda (Lynn) Shumate of Ginny who joined the family from GRREAT. Patricia Beaston • Mary Dellinger, mother of Karen and Eric Rowe. Lee and Betty Hoke Brantley • Brandy, our first Golden and the smartest dog we’ve ever known. A few years ago, when Brandy departed this earth, a • H. Joe Bitto of York, PA who is now in heaven watching piece of our hearts went with her. We’ll always love and cher- over his family and grand-dog 3-Putt. Cathi Pettersen ish our “Girlie Girl.” Emily and John Bender • Our dear friend Marilu Semans. Thank you for all you • Ben White 10/24/1994-12/25/2005, GRREAT 99-149. do. Jane Wilson Christine and Kenneth White • Bailey. Linda and Robert Young • Our golden Tyler, who went to the golden bridge June 6, • Jenny and Brandy and Freckles. Patrick Neiler 2005. Catherine and John Macco • Gus Beagles, a GRREAT dog who passed away this time • Our sweet boy, Rudy (96-135 aka Kramer) who we still last year. Mary Anne and James Beagles miss everyday. Barbara Hals and Sharon Dyke • Our Golden girls Topaz and Katie. Chuck and Carolyn • My beautiful and kind Honey. Barbara Dunnington Ellington • Treevor—Phil and Janet’s Golden Boy. Karen and Dave • Our beloved Fiona, who lived almost 11 years and Mergerian passed away last May. Dottie and Marie Kilcarr • Boomer, beloved pet of Sandy and Ken Diamond, and a • Zeb and Gus. Gary and Irene Masters good will ambassador for GRREAT. Susan Hamilton • Alex, Geoffrey, Star and Buddy, my Goldens waiting at • Our goldens Misty, Baillie, Autie and Maggie, our the Rainbow Bridge. Melanie Smith GRREAT pups. They are in our hearts, always. Ginny and • Our sweet golden boy Teak, lost to cancer in July 05. Ed Miller Gary Kanner • My brother John Zulli’s golden, Bonzo, who died last • Ben and Bailey. Carole and Richard Jefferson month, at the age of 16. He was an incredible dog, who saw my brother thru bachelorhood, marriage, and the birth of his • Tess—she was not a golden, but she had a Golden’s two young children. I thank you for all the good work you heart. Danny Roach do—keep going strong!! Pamela Zulli • Roscoe Caporale. Holly and Vincent Caporale • Majestic Captain Morgan Walsh. He will be missed by • Molly. Cheryl and Brad Sidwell every person and creature with whom he came in contact. • Nicholas and Geebers. Jane Kunze Leslie Patient • Clifford 02-064, who will forever live in our hearts as • My Kelsey Boy. Two years now at the bridge, he lost his one of our first foster dogs. Bud and Diane Streett valiant effort to fight his cancer the day before Mothers Day 2004. He was not a “GRREAT” dog, but opened his big heart • Skilfor She’s a Keeper. Lynne Young and home to help me foster Sara, Penny, Amber and Austin. • Travis and Red. Beth and Chris Bogusky You may use our donation to help other goldens with cancer, or where ever it is needed most. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to • Marley (1990-2005). Terri Jones see the day when, thru hard work and dedication of our vol- • Tosca. Lawrence Barth unteers and donors, organizations such as ours are no longer • Ilyse and Valerie Stempler’s dear recently departed needed. Keep the faith, the power of prayer is a miraculous Golden, Monte Stempler. With sincere condolences Rick thing! Kathleen Doyle and Christine Yurko and family • The Aukerman’s Deacon. Dinah Stevens • Our little good boys, Popeye and Tucker. Thomas and • Nina Walman. I will miss you always. David Walman Donna Frankhouser • In memory of Rissa Groover, loved by Lisa Groover. • Barney, Copper, and Traveler. Charles and Gillian Cathy Hanratty Heagy • In memory of Ben, our precious golden. Janice and • Cody Abernathy. Don and Betty Abernathy Dennis Biennas 9 DONATIONS • Dr. Bruce Rashbaum’s birthday with an appreciation of In Memory Of... his love for and many years of his life with Golden Retrievers. • Goldie was our 1st foster and after we got her into Tina and Brad Conway “adopting” condition we couldn’t bear to part with her. She • All the time and talent dedicated to the GRREAT fos- came to us with no fur from the middle of her back to the tering program by the entire Skinner family (Kerry, Denise, tip of her tail—she had fleas, her ears were infected and Hannah and Ethan, oh and we can’t forget Riley and her eyes were almost swollen shut. Her poor teeth were MacKenzie, the four legged support that also welcomes “new- almost ground down to nothing in front from chewing her- bies” into their home quarters). Daniel and Dianne Cochran self. The kids in the neighborhood wouldn’t even play with her! We treated the fleas, skin problems, ears eyes and got • The birthday (50th) of Steven Hays. Anthony and her on thyroid medicine and after 6 months she was a dif- Deborah Lewis ferent dog! She was a sweet girl who never gave us a bit of • Trish Collier, my sister. David and Cynthia Collier problem—she just needed a little T.L.C. She passed away in • Tom Ludwig’s birthday. Marva Jones October and we still look for her at night to go to bed. We miss her terribly but we know she is keeping all our other • The energetic and love-filled life of Margaret (Maggie) friends company. Sandy and Jeff Melago Webb Van Valkenburg. Virginia Valkenburg • Handsome Henley Haisenleder (97-103). We miss hav- • For Isabel and Sara and their GRREAT dog Bradley. ing him “talk” with us in the morning and squeak to us on Roland and Jennifer Cochran our return home at night. A big, soft, puppy-hearted boy— • Al Glasser. Barry and Yolanda Weller he has left a forever hole in our hearts. Nancy Haisenleder • Our neighbor Nancy Bender and her rescue dog Chance. • Kiowa’s Son of A Preacherman CD JH CGC TDI. Chrystie Adams Sharon and Nick DeCesare • My beloved Golden, Dakota! Renee Gallagher • Our Golden, Penny, who we lost to cancer last July. • Shadow Warfield. Jackie Warfield February 12th would have been her 12th birthday. We all miss you, PennyPie. But Mommy misses you desperately. • Sierra. Patricia and James Kermes The only thing that helps to close the hole in my heart is to • Comet and Brinkley, our 2 adoptees. Bill and Geri help other beautiful goldens who need love and a home just Guwang like you did 11 years ago. Cameron and Tom Phillips • We adopted Freddie (05-076), a golden mix, in May. For • Abby, who would have been 11 years old next month. the first month or so we didn’t think we had a dog. Freddie Abby was a rescue Golden from the Neuse River Golden would keep out of sight when he was in the house. He was Rescue in Raleigh. She was my “baby dog” and brought not very social. He wouldn’t even eat if we were in the kitch- such joy and love into my life. Carla Brown en. If we walked in while he was eating he would run away In Honor Of... and finish his meal later. Over time he has become interactive with us. Now he follows us through the house and he sits in • Jan Brown, for her devoted efforts regarding an aban- the family room while we watch TV and he even eats with us doned Katrina golden. Katie (whose real name was later now! He also loves to be brushed! Freddie loves to ride in found to be Misty) was one of very few goldens we saw at the car and go for long walks. This summer he discovered the Best Friends disaster sanctuary in Tylertown, MS. Jan the pool. When he went outside he would head straight for truly went above and beyond in caring for Katie there, the pool gate. He’s not much for playing with tennis balls, he arranging her transport to Maryland from an Arizona10 sanc- would rather just run and run in the backyard-and boy can he tuary to which Best Friends had relocated her, and then per- run! Thank you GRREAT for all you do. Janis and Kevin sonally returning her to her family which, in late November, Woolsey was found to be living temporarily in Texarkana, Arkansas. • Ruth Meier and Robert Rodgers and in honor of Sadie. As any foster family knows, turning over a fostered golden Karen and Joseph Dean to a new forever home is a bittersweet experience. Jan has been through this many times, but I can’t help but feel that • Elle and Teddy Daniels 04-053. Chris Temple the circumstances surrounding Katie/Misty’s ordeal resulted • Buddy 05-113. James Krist in a bond that made this turnover both more difficult and more gratifying than usual. Jan’s actions were truly exem- • Our GRREAT girl Bascia. Steve and Kathryn Troch plary. Greg Russell • Our GRREAT golden Daisy. Jeffrey and Carolyn Eckhaus • Amber. Sheila and Al Vertino • Rose and Winston. Elaine Feidelman • Teri Stachowiak, a true lover of golden retrievers. • Chase and Bella. Debbie and David Wirsing Sandra Troccoli • Our smiling girl Clare. Ernest and Iscella Wittich 10 DONATIONS For Special Reasons cue him from a shelter in Virginia and then proceeded to support him financially for medical care needed because • Proceeds from sales at Nationals, Goldstock and the of Parvo and its consequences. I also give great thanks to GRREAT Howliday Party. Sam Connelly his foster mom Joy Schrimshire who nursed him through 2 • In honor of our golden, Belgium and In memory of his life and death situations. Zack (Josh) is now (due to all of mother, America. Everett Chasen and Barbara Jacksier your efforts) a happy healthy puppy who can focus on being a pup, lots of love and attention from his mom (Karen • For Lynn Cooper. Gail Cooper Renaud) and soon to be obedience classes. He is an abso- • In response to a request from Nancy Howell. Roberta lute joy and has brought so much love and happiness into Barrett my heart. I love this puppy dearly and cannot thank all of those involved for your unconditional support in all aspects. • For “Foster” my nephew, I will miss our special rent a He is a gem and treasure to have in my life thanks to your pooch days. I Love You. Alicia Glassman efforts. I have highly recommended your organization to • In honor of Gus our Dear Golden Oldie and good others looking for fantastic dogs. Many many thanks again! friend and in memory of Max our sweet big boy who left us Karen Renaud several years ago at this time. Please use however you need • For Cookie’s expenses. Cameron Randall Phillips to help our “sweeties”. Richard and Jule Ann Cheslock • For Nancy and Judd Howell. Rae Ellen Fields • For the Clay Fund and In memory of our dear Sprint, #01-230. Tim and Linda Daniel • For the medical care needs of Buster (05-208). He was only in our home for a few weeks, but he left a big paw • In honor of Schubert—11 years old on Dec 15th, and print on our hearts. We hope he finds a forever home to to thank Kaire Abernethy for all her work for the GRREAT enjoy his fun loving spirit as soon as possible. Raquel and silent auction. Pam and Jerry Ambrose Alex Kondracki • As the foster for Janet, I would like to make this contri- • Dedicated to Amber. Linda and Robert Young bution toward medical and other costs for Janet and other GRREAT Dogs. Rick Manville • For Kody’s (05-248) medical expenses. Joy Scrimshire • For Alan Glaser. Cathy Pollock • Merry Christmas! Love, Bailey Pence. Laura Pence • To GRREAT for Ceilidh (orig spelling “kaylee”)..In • Buddy 05-113. James Krist memory of Ceilidh (GRREAT), Bear, and Roary (YGRR); • For a calendar I picked up at Pet Expo in Timonium. to thank you folks and son and daughter (Don and Amy) for Jo-Ann and Ahsan Khan allowing Ceilidh to adopt us! Janet and CJ Owen • From the foster home for Remington (05-026), given to • In honor of our GRREAT Brady who, with his antics, off set any vet costs. Barbara Simmons never fails to keep us smiling, in spite of where life leads us. His tireless wagging of tail and gifting of toys-in-mouth • Kodi is fine. She was diagnosed as autoimmune hypo- continues to show us what is important in life. Please also throidism not long after we got her and is on treatment. accept this donation in memory of our mom, Mary Lou She and Boo (our other dear Golden dog, age 14) con- Robertson, who passed away in June 2005. Throughout tracted severe diarrhea and Kodi vomited constantly over a my (Judy’s) childhood, she and my (late) dad enabled me to 24 hr period. She was treated 2 weekends ago in Centreville know and appreciate what great joy and companionship our Emergency Center with IVs. Both she and Boo are now dog pals can bring to us—they helped to instill in me my doing well on ID diet. We love Kodi dearly and thank you lifelong love for our furry friends. Please use these funds again for getting her to us. Enclosed is our first dona- wherever they may be most needed—in particular, to help tion for this year. We hope you are doing well and have a rescue a dog who might otherwise be turned away. Joe and GRREAT year. Jim and Ginny Hayes Judy Niebauer Thanks to Our Volunteers • Please use this contribution to care for the animals. I The following people volunteered their time at the wish it were more, but although it is my great satisfaction GRREAT Adoption Day in Herndon on February 4. to donate over 10% of my profits to humane causes, the business is just getting started. Thank you for what you do. Jeff & Lucinda Twining Marion Walsh Suzanne C. Jan & Marty White Carolyn Beyer Kathleen Thomas Cheryl Ferrone • In honor of Josh- now known as Zack and your orga- Louise Davidson & nization for saving him. I wanted to take this opportunity Lauren Kivlighan to say many thanks to all of the people from GRREAT Hannah Idalia Fernandez that were involved with my puppy Zack (formerly known Meg Ellacott & Kelly Bob Kurtz as Josh). Your organization went out of your way to res-

11 DONATIONS Leo’s Corner From the Leo Fund donation jars at Pet Expo and the Brenda Pascal. For my past and present Golden friends— February 2006 Adoption Day. Thanks to volunteers Rusty, Sam and Cody. Vicki and Jim Eurice, Jessie Robinson, Allison Ward, Meg Elaine Berry and Louise Shulack. In memory of Bernice Ellacott, and Louse Davidson. Caskey, mother of Dennis and Melinda Garvin, who are foster parents of GRREAT dogs and cared for our Hunter GOLDEN ANGELS ($500 AND MORE) through his surgery and recovery. Joanne and Robert Patenaude (see message under “Simile- Finale Fund”) LEO’S PALS (UP TO $99) Joe and Pat Johnson. In memory of Bart, our foster dog John Powell who died this summer. Louis and Teri Stachowiak Joe O’Neill and Walt Atha. For Chassidy and Polar Bear Walter Grabowski and Robin Hoesch GOLDEN HEROES ($100 - $499) Mary Anne Hovatter. Happy Holidays to everyone at GRREAT. Keep up the good work. John and Denise Gettier. In memory of Pom, Red Dog, Honey Bear and Simon. Katie Price. Donated in honor of Joy Scrimshire and her work with GRREAT. Merry Christmas! Rebecca Turner. Merry Christmas Hud, Martie, Kate, Bear and Prizm. William and Mary Kiefaber Jeanne O’Donoghue. Barbara Prince. In honor of Teddy. Wayman and Holly Ng. In memory of our beloved Emma, Jo and Yvonne Kinkaid We miss you dearly. You are forever in our hearts. Kathy and Wayne Hunter. In memory of Casey, our foster Theresa and Joseph Wolfrom. In celebration of our one dog. year anniversary of adopting Keiro (04-166). He has been a Shelley Clanton joyful addition to our family. Rick Stevens and Julie Palais. I wish I could do more but Alan and Emiko Alborn. To GRREAT for medical expens- with 3 dogs one of whom is 16+ (Sundance 95-085) we are es for Goldens. not in a position to foster just now. Thank You To thank foster parents, Martin Wulfe and Laurie Schwede To thank Lisa, for being my foster mommy. Love, Dexter. for giving us our wonderful boy Rocky (05-156). Julia and Brian Starrett and Susan Tanner Dick Kwiatkowski To thank GRREAT for Keo, who is now a golden oldie, To thank Kim and Carl Wiff for their dedicated service to and for the GRREAT job you are doing. Carla Dahle GRREAT and to so many homeless Goldens. Carol and Comet says thanks for the new home. Dorothy and Ernest Rory Nansel Helmick To thank GRREAT for “Princess” Nina. Rosalind and Stuart Walman 12 Thank You, GRREAT! To thank Stacy Duff and GRREAT for Bo (02-219). He’s been a GRREAT addition to our family. Maryjo and In support of your activities with Golden Michael Sullivan Retrievers. We adopted our Shadow from Here’s a Valentine to GRREAT. Rick and Nancy Gasko GRREAT via Rebecca and Art Hotop two Thanks for your good work. Jo and Yvonne Kinkaid years ago. GRREAT had funded two hip sur- geries for him. He is a fantastic member of To thank GRREAT for Amber 05-139. She is a sweet girl our family and has brought much joy to our and we are so glad we found her! Tom and Jean Klinger lives. As an expression of our gratitude for our beautiful -Edythe and Stephen Alexander on behalf of The GRREAT golden, Bells. Jon Rolf and Meredith Pearson Alexander Foundation

12 Feeding Your GRREAT Dog Book Review: “Mostly Bob” By Sandy Diamond, Education Coordinator By Kim Wiff When potential new adopters contact vors or preservatives and added sweeten- I received a complimentary copy GRREAT and go through a home visit, ers should be avoided. The Whole Dog of the book “Mostly Bob” by Tom one of the areas we are frequently asked Journal has annual articles that rate the Corwin a few weeks ago. When I to address is dog food. One of the top foods and can give you more infor- received it, I briefly looked at it, and requirements to adopt a Golden through mation on what to look for and what put it aside. The small red book GRREAT is to agree to feed the dog a to avoid (www.whole-dog-journal.com). with a single sentence on each single premium dog food. But what does this Although a premium dog food may cost sided page, with a silhouette of a mean? more for a bag than the supermarket Golden at the bottom didn’t do brands, your dog usually requires less much to catch my attention or inter- Golden Retrievers, as with many other and in the end it is a much better bar- est at first. But something made me pure-bred dogs, can be prone to allergies gain. And less filler in the food means pick it up again and look through it. and cancer. There are often many causes less waste on the other end! of these conditions, some of which are Tom Corwin’s “Mostly Bob” is a beyond our control with our current Home Made Diets – Cooked and Raw: moving story about his Golden dogs (poor breeding, for example). But Many dog owners have chosen to make Retriever named Bob, who passed we do have the ability to reduce some of their pet’s food, so they have control away unexpectedly. The author the risks by limiting our dog’s exposure over what their animals actually eat. decided to write a letter as a tribute to allergens and carcinogens. One of the These diets can be either cooked or raw, to Bob’s life. This letter is a surpris- ways to do this is through our dog’s diet. and there are also “pre-mix” products ingly lovely story of how Bob, who available to supplement your own food. belonged to Tom’s neighbor and- There are as many opinions on how and Although it takes a bit more time to pre- was once an unfriendly, neglected, what to feed your dog as there are dog pare than scooping food out of a bag, abused, and untrusting Golden foods. Not every diet or food works for the health benefits can be well worth it. named Red, changed and became every dog or family. However, doing You do need to make sure your dog is Tom’s best friend and constant the appropriate research to find the receiving the appropriate vitamins and companion. I ended up reading the best food or diet, may help to reduce minerals along with the right amount entire book before putting it down, ear infections, skin problems, obesity of protein, fat and fruits/vegetables. and I even called a couple of people and many other ailments. Whether you There is disagreement on whether grains to tell them about it. It is a moving choose to feed your dog a commercial should be used or not, but if you do use story that brought back joyful and dry or wet food, a home-cooked diet or them, then whole grains are recommend- painful memories of rescue, and was a raw diet (or some combination of the ed. There are many sources of informa- a reminder of the love I have for my above), feeding the highest quality ingre- tion on recipes and how to feed home own Goldens past and present. I dients is crucial to good health. cooked or raw diets, both in books and recommend this book as a gift for Commercial Pet Foods: Did you know on the internet. A search using “home- someone, or for you to have and that two of the top three ingredients made food for dogs” turns up a long list enjoy. in pet foods are almost always some of both raw and cooked recipes. Good form of grain product, according to books to get you started include Dr. the Animal Protection Institute (www. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural api4animals.org)? The third is most Health for Dogs and Cats and The Barf Diet often a meat “by-product meal.” None by Ian Billinghurst. of these are good for your dog. There The information provided above is a are good foods out there; however, you very basic overview, and is designed to won’t find them in your local grocery get you thinking about what you are store. Ingredients to look for are whole feeding your Golden. There is no one beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, etc. and meals right answer for everyone – it depends made from those whole meats (both of on your dog, his health, your lifestyle, these should be in the top three ingre- and many other factors. Do your dients.) Also look for whole grains and research, and feel free to talk to any Hardcover: 144 pages vegetables. Foods containing meat or member of GRREAT’s board for more Publisher: New World Library poultry by-products, fat or protein only information. identified as “meat”, artificial colors, fla- (February 9, 2006) 13 Continued from Page 1 After you pass TDI’s test you are sent It is somewhat more established on ment ground for us to learn to do a photo ID of your dog, an “I am the West Coast where it began than it more things. I have volunteered a Therapy Dog” tag, and insurance is on the East Coast (the only other with Fairfax Pets on Wheels for information. You are then ready to go place where members exist in any a number of jobs through the find someplace to visit (the national numbers – about 18 or so). In order years and am now on the Board groups don’t offer a lot of help in that to petition Hope AACR for member- in charge of orientation and tem- area). I eventually got in contact with ship you and your dog have to be cer- perament testing. some folks who do therapy dog work tified and active in therapy work with at Fairfax Hospital so that is where some other organization. You then There are many local Pets on Casey, Cody and I go. TDI will also have to attend a screening session. Wheels groups around Virginia cover you if you do work in schools For most people out of town travel and in other states that have their with your dog. I am constantly is required to get to the screening own requirements and rules; the amazed by the fact that my dogs are location. If you pass screening, you only one I am familiar with is frequently the first trained, “safe”, may then attend a 3-day workshop Fairfax County’s. You can get dogs that many children have been (typically offered once a year on each more information about them by around. coast) the cost of which varies from calling (703) 324-5406 or by visit- $200 up. By the time you pay for The Delta Society’s test is more rigor- ing their web site at www.fpow. travel, hotels, meals, and various items ous than TDI’s. The test begins the org. deemed mandatory by Hope you will minute you and your dog arrive at have spent well over $500 to become The next more demanding level the testing venue. Their web site has a provisional member. Within the fol- of therapy dog work is hospital details. Delta requires retesting of lowing year you must attend several visiting. I am aware of three all its teams at 2-year intervals and is first aid courses, general emergency main certifying groups is this area; more expensive than TDI. The Delta management courses, Hope training Therapy Dog International (tdi- folks in suburban Maryland are very courses and join and become active dog.org or (973) 252-9800), Delta approachable and helpful. They offer in a non-Hope emergency response Society (deltasociety.org or (425) classes in getting ready to take the organization in order to maintain your 226-7357 ), and PAL (petsani- Delta test. malslove.com or (202) 966-2171.). membership. Their website is www. As both of my dogs are Therapy I do not know a great deal about PAL hopecrisisresponse.org. On their web Dog International (TDI) certified except that they schedule the Fairfax site they list their “call outs” so you Hospital work that I do. I gather can get an idea of how active they are. TDI requires that all candidate that their test is somewhat similar to If you wish to get in on the ground dogs pass the American Kennel Fairfax Pets on Wheels. They are also floor of an organization that may Club’s Canine Good Citizen test a Washington, DC local group. grow into a national response organi- as a pre-requisite to taking their zation, Hope may be for you. test. As a practical matter both When your Golden is lying in a hospi- tests are usually administered tal bed next to a child connected to so TDI has a requirement/testing level simultaneously. The fee for test- many wires and tubes they can hardly for therapy dogs that respond in ing a dog is currently $35. Your move, all of the expense and trouble emergency situations. I do not know dog has to have mastered basic getting there become insignificant. how much further they have gone in obedience and be able to accept You know why14 you came this way. that direction. As there are levels of certification in the Delta Society, it common medical appliances, This leads me into the most rigor- clumsy handling (petting) and would not surprise me to learn that ous and demanding work that a pet they too are testing in that area. You various distractions. Detailed therapy team can engage in: disaster information about the test can should check their web site if you response work. Casey and I became have interests in this area. be found at TDI’s web site. You a Hope AACR certified team so I will have to pay a renewal fee and begin there. Most of us have Goldens that are submit a new physical examina- suitable for sharing. There are menus tion form for your dog annually. Hope AACR (the AACR stands for of opportunities ranging from casual Once you pass the TDI test you animal assisted crisis response) aspires involvement to those that require do not have to retake it. to be a national organization that major commitments. The choice is responds to crises with therapy dogs. yours.

14 The Blessings of Foster Homes Annual Business Meeting Highlights and Foster Dogs On January 28, the GRREAT Board of By Allison Ward, Foster Home Coordinator Directors and many GRREAT members gathered for the annual business meet- 2005 was a “GRREAT” year for ing vacation coverage enough. The holi- ing. Each board member and coordina- GRREAT. I am constantly amazed days are often a time when our houses are tor gave a report of their progress in by the Foster Homes’ generosity and full of visiting guests and it is wonderful 2005. Here are some of the important willingness to help Goldens. Here they are willing to add four-legged guests pieces of information shared: are a few statistics for last year: to the holiday fray. Of the 262 new dogs taken into the res- • 262 Goldens came through our It takes a special type of person to be a cue in 2005, just over half were owner “doors” in 2005. foster parent. I am truly thankful and give-ups. The number of dogs received • These Goldens were taken care amazed by their willingness to help and from shelters increased to 45% (from 35% last year.) We had 17 dogs that of by 115 different foster homes. respond when the number of dogs await- came in as multiples (two or more dogs • 47 of these foster homes took in ing intake is high. As of February 22nd given up from the same family.) multiple dogs. we have brought in 35 dogs since the • At least 45 of these dogs went to beginning of the year, and we have a total Male dogs still represent the majority temporary foster homes before being of 77 dogs currently in foster care. Some of new intakes at 64%. A positive sign placed in a permanent foster home. of these dogs will remain in GRREAT’s is that more dogs have been spayed or • Approximately 20 families served care, but the majority of these dogs are neutered before we receive them than as vacation foster homes currently available for adoption or soon in past years. Our mix of dogs age 4 or will be. It is likely we will take in at least under continues to be high at 58%, and we also saw more dogs over age 7 this These statistics are just for the dogs 300 dogs in 2006. Most weeks GRREAT year. that came in between January and takes in 4 to 5 dogs. However, during the December of 2005, and do not summer and holiday seasons we see many Veterinary expenses are our greatest count the 2004 dogs still in foster more than that. Dogs often stay in foster expense, at $171,000 in 2005. Some of homes at the start of the year, long care an average of 3-5 weeks and with our vet expenses include 12 dogs that term fosters or dogs returned by pre- the number of dogs waiting to come in needed orthopedic surgery, 4 that had vious adopters. (sometimes as many as 25 at a given time), Parvo virus, 3 with intestinal blockages, there is often no “room at the Inn”. I 6 that were positive for heartworm, and We have many families that function hope more GRREAT members, previ- over 35 with tick-borne diseases. as Temporary Foster Homes. These ous adopters and volunteers will consider For more details on our 2005 statistics, homes are a stop for a dog on their becoming a foster home. please see the GRREAT website (www. way to a foster home. I often call grreat.org). them “halfway” houses for dogs. Every dog has his own personality and can be a cat chaser, escape artist, counter Foster families will drop everything Some Interesting Facts in a moments notice (literally leaving surfer or chewer of everything including the house as soon as receiving the your child’s teddy bear or a family heir- For 2005 call) and open their home to a dog. loom. They can be constantly pestering 262 Dogs accepted into the rescue Many times these are shelter dogs your golden to play, be obsessed with tennis balls, be scared of their shadow or be (a 33% increase over ’04) with little or no known background. 12 Dogs returned from prior years one of those super Velcro Goldens that 224 Total dogs adopted Many of our families take in foster must wake up if you change your position 115 Number of Foster Homes dogs year round, and they often have on the couch or (heaven forbid) try to go 47 Homes fostering more than 1 a foster when its time to go on vaca- to the bathroom by yourself. Don’t get dog tion. This is where our Vacation me wrong; most of these traits become 12 Most dogs fostered by one Fosters come in. In 2005 GRREAT very endearing. Every foster dog holds a family 87 Percentage of dogs that were had approximately 20 homes that special place in our hearts, especially the microchipped cared for foster dogs while the fos- ones that blossom into a different dog 3 Amputee dogs accepted into ter home families went on vacation. in a loving environment. Some of the the rescue Most often this occurred during the Goldens that come into GRREAT are not 576 Adoption applications received holidays or in the height of the sum- as described in the “give-up and intake” 20,000 GRREAT website hits per month mer. I can’t thank the families offer- Continued on Page 16 15 Continued from Page 15 Buklad, Bill MacDonald, Jennifer & Eric information; additional positive and Buttafuso, Kim Manville, Rick Carryer, Ethel & Haddon Maslyn, Krista negative traits are often discovered Cassidy, Sharon & Sean Mathews, Steve & Robin in foster care. Many of the incom- Cohen, Sheila McDonough, Olivia ing dogs have health issues that run Coley, Jacque McFarland, MaryAnn & Steve S the gamut from testing positive for Collier, Trish McGuirl, James & Marlene Lyme, heartworm and other parasites, Collings, Mary McIlrath, Sharon ear infections or allergies, to needing Connelly, Sam McKelvey, Susan surgery. Our foster families become Cook, Lisa Medico, Jane Corby, Gail Melvin, Lisa adept at helping dogs that have behav- Crane, Elizabeth Merman, Lisa ior problems and are poorly socialized, Daniels, Kelly & Scott Minder, Colleen untrained or experience separation or Davis, Betty Moore, Megan thunderstorm anxiety to become loving Day, Stanley Morris, Sid and faithful members of their future Diamond, Sandy & Ken Nansel, Carol & Rory forever homes. Dorman, Kelly Nelson, Jim & Stef Duffy, Stacy O’Connell, Pam While fostering cannot really be called Dukell, Betty Ann Pasterick, Emily “easy”, it is very rewarding and it has Edmonson, Jacquelyn Pendell, Becki & Paul Elizabeth Crane Perdomo, Angel & Andra made a positive impact on my life and Engle, Irene Peterson, Jim & Amy that of my adopted GRREAT Golden Galpin, Edie Reedy, Marilyn & Doug who is an awesome foster “brother”. Gartlan, Judy Reimer, Elizabeth I want to invite you to consider becom- Garvin, Dennis & Melinda Ris, Nancy & David ing a foster home. Dogs are placed Gepp, Carl & Sara Robinson, Jessie in foster care based on the needs of Gettier, Denise & John Rose/Goldsmith, Sue & David Ginn, Mary both the dog and foster home (i.e. Rubenstein, Mary Ellen Glennon, Lynne Rutan & Guerrero, Sandra & Leon cats, fence, other dogs, medical issues, Green, Jan & Louise Salter, Jane etc.), and it is always the foster family’s Harrell, Ken & Lynda Sandefer, Corinne choice on whether a dog will fit into Hart, Louisa Schaefer, Connie their home. To learn more about fos- Hartman, Jean & Doug Schauer, Peter & Kelly tering please check out our website at: Hauck, Janet & Phil Schwede/Wulfe, Laurie & Marty http://www.grreat.org/foster.htm Hautzenroder, Rosalind Scrimshire, Joy Hazzard/Knight, Jim & Sally Sethna, Harry & Sarah Thank you again to all who fostered in Hecker, Lisa Shapiro, Allen Hein, John & Diane 2005. I hope the list below is all-inclu- Siebs, Janette & Dave Hellinger, Diana & Doug Skadberg, Jan sive, and I apologize if I am missing Hickman, Karol & Bob Skinner, Denise anyone. Hiserman, Heather & Matt Smith, Vicki & Bill Abbruscato, Anita & Frank Hostetler/Wiggett, Jeane & Bruce Sollod, Rene Alexander, Nancy Hotop, Rebecca & Art Sondak, Karen & Joel Ambrose, Jan & Tim Howard, Mike & Mary Ellen Streett, Bud & Diane Armstron, Tana Howell, Nancy Swanson, John & Connie Au, Sally & Ben Hunsberger, Shelley & Bill Swyers, Bill & Denise Aukerman, Kay & Gary Hunt, Linda Taber, Barb & Don Babcock, Scott & Lynne Hunter, Wayne16 & Kathy Taylor, Cyndi Babik, Cheryl Hutt, Sue & Bill Thomas, Trish & Chuck Berhalter, Melanie Johnson, Anneliese Truitt, Jondelle & Ralph Bighouse, Jo Jones, Terri Ward, Allison Bishops, Carolyn & Wally Kahn, JoAnn Weber, Ruth Bolen, Anne & George Karsner, Fran & Phil Wesly, Lou Bott/Briggle, Lori & Pam Kaufmann, Lynette & Robert White, Jan & Marty Bradford, Hazel Klinger, Jean & Tom Wiff, Kim Brenner, Debbie & Ed Koedam, Liz & Paul Williams, Steve & Chris Brent, Debbie Koval, Judy Wilmoth, Jim Briggs, Lois & Rick Krebs, Amy Wingrove/Wright, Amy & Matt Britz, Jillian & Erin Kurtz, Bob & Jill Wirth, Katie Brown, Jan Lake, Bob & Lynda Zibell, Heather & Jef Brown/McDonald, Dee & Glenn Lanigan, Diane Zierhoffer, Gary & Carol Buckalew, Judy Lenz, Amy & Brent Litton, Pam 16 Aromatherapy for Animals By Jo Bighouse Aromatherapy is an ancient form of healthcare that To achieve the full spectrum of benefits, only pure, high uses essential oils from aromatic plants to improve quality essential oils should be used and many are costly. health and general well being. Both animals and people According to Patricia Kaminski of Terra Flora Essential can benefit from this holistic therapy. Certain aromas Oils it is only during a certain time in a plant’s life cycle can influence mood and emotions while others can that it reaches a peak in its secretion of oil. Often a large help improve mental clarity and alertness. amount of plant material must be collected to yield a small amount of essential oil. Some of the most expen- Essential oils should not be confused with synthetic sive, such as rose oil, can require 2,000 pounds of rose perfumes. The highest quality essential oils are extract- petals to make less than one pound of pure oil. Plant oils ed from plants through steam distillation. There are are highly volatile and must be expertly distilled in order no synthetic or chemical additives. The end result is to capture their highest qualities. Steam distillation is the a small amount of essential oil and a large amount of superior way for extracting most plant oils, and it is also hydrosol or flower water. Each plant is from a specific the most expensive. fragrance family and has a key physical benefit. Although quality essential oils can be costly, they are Cats and small dogs or animals that suffer from sei- highly concentrated so only 4-10 drops can be used to zures can be sensitive to the high concentration of the achieve results. And with proper care essential oils can essential oils. Flower water is a better choice for these last many years. In fact, excavations of ancient Egyptian pets since you can achieve the same benefit without the tombs have uncovered aromatic blends that were still risk of over-stimulating their senses. The flower water potent. can be sprayed onto your pet using a mister or used as a rinse after bath time. Essential oils can be placed in GRREAT member Jo Bighouse is the proprietor of Midas Touch a diffuser to gently exude the oil throughout a room, Naturally Healthy Pets, LLC.. She is a member of the Organic can be added to a pot of boiling water or vaporizer, Trade Association, Flower Essence Society, Animal Wellness can be applied directly to your pet after diluting with Association, and Association of Pet Dog Trainers. a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil, or can be directly inhaled by placing a few drops on a wet cotton Notes to GRREAT ball.

I have had wonderful success with lavender for ner- This is my beloved vous or stressed animals. A few drops placed on the Cally. She crossed tips of your golden’s ears can have a calming influence. It is ideal for trips to the vet or groomer, and for our the rainbow bridge foster dogs as they adjust to their new surroundings. on July 24. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that do not - Judy Daner have to be diluted with carrier oil before application.

In addition to the therapeutic use of essential oils and flower waters, there are other useful applica- Writers Wanted tions. Cedar, rosemary, mint, and lemongrass repel fleas. Rose and lavender are helpful during tick season. If you like to write or have an interesting idea for an article, the GRREAT newsletter is always looking for new Lavender and lemon are antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti- contributors. Short stories, poems, book reviews, product viral, and antibiotic so they are a good choice for clean- or service reviews, recipes, questions and training tips are all ing food preparation surfaces. To kill germs in your needed. Contact Sandy Diamond at publications@grreat. bathroom, use tea tree and eucalyptus oil. org for submissions or if you have questions.

17 Sunshine’s RV Adventures: Alaska

My name is Sunshine Moses were up and back to the ranch and the We spent the first night at a National (GRREAT 98-011) and I’m back with rain. Guard base named Camp Roberts. The new and wonderful adventures. As grass was really high and most times I you may remember from my previous It finally came time to leave the Ranch couldn’t see where I was going. My mis- adventure, I’m a full time RV’er. For and I was ready. We spent seven months tress said I looked like Snoopy doing his those of you that don’t remember at the Ranch and if it hadn’t been for the famous crawl through the woods looking what that means or have forgotten, animals I would have gone crazy. Like like the mighty hunter. a “full time RV’er” is, someone that I said in my first adventures, there were lives full time in a recreation vehicle deer, ground squirrels, a mountain lion, We arrived at a place named Morgan Hill (RV) and travels from campground to some bobcats, and of course the horses. and have had a terrific visit with someone campground trying to see everything I discovered the over sized Golden, named Joe and Li. My Master claims Joe there is to see. Rooster was not a dog but a Palomino is his best friend (I thought I was) and horse. Ah, what the heck, Rooster liked how they had been in a war together. The end of the last adventure had to rub noses like a Golden. They were really great and I enjoyed the me living in a campground in warm stay there. and sunny Southern California, Santa We departed The Ranch on April 11, 05 Barbara to be exact. Well, Santa bound for this place called Alaska. My They put their cats outside so I could be Barbara was not sunny and it was not human says the fishing (whatever that is) inside; this tells you, “Goldens Rule.” is great and we are going to have fun, fun, warm when the winter season arrived. We took a long weekend and In fact it was cold and wet fun. went to San Francisco for a and if not for the animals, sight seeing trip. We arrived boring. According to my at the Marine Memorial Club humans it was the worst hotel at 1200 noon just in winter California has had in time for check-in. However, the last 14 years. My master the lady at the hotel gave my and lady would come in from humans an incorrect check-in work soaked to the skin. I time and we had to wait in have been forced to wear a the park until 3:00 PM. We large yellow rain slicker to finally got to the room and I try and stay dry. My humans got some rest. Some trip! The thought the rain slicker was humans went to see things cute but I was embarrassed. and I was stuck on the 5th All the other dogs laughed at floor of the hotel. I discov- me and called me spoiled. I ered on this trip that I’m not would have gladly accepted a city dog. We had to walk the Virginia snow. Well Of course like any other trip we start on, almost! three blocks so I could take care of busi- we have to have our bad times first and ness and you know how many times a My humans claimed they needed a this was a good18 one. I have to relate what day a dog has to take care of business. I vacation (I thought we were on per- my humans were talking about since I did meet some city dogs but just could manent vacation) and decided to go don’t understand any of it but my mis- not get used the concrete, didn’t appreci- to Monterey for a long weekend. I tress was really upset. We arrived at the ate the traffic, noise, and the three block got to stay in a pet friendly hotel and Freightliner dealer only to find the drive walks to use the potty. Back home to was treated like a royal Golden. The shaft de-coupler would not de-couple grass and get ready to travel. place was on the beach and my mas- the drive shaft on our tow vehicle, or ter would let me loose to run in the something like that. The people at the TO BE CONTINUED IN THE MAY/JUNE ISSUE sand, hard work if you’ve never tried Freightliner completed the factory recall, OF GRREAT NEWS it. I got to live in the lap of luxury changed the oil and most importantly, By Sunshine Moses Edited by Karen and Terry Moses on a special bed while they went fixed the de-coupler. Of course, I was trapped in the motor home all the time All are full time RV’ers temporarily living near walking and doing what humans do Santa Barbara, CA on vacation. Oh well, the four days while they got to go walking and seeing the sights. This is the life of a dog. and heading for Virginia next year. 18 HERE’S A DONATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 I’d like to make a donation to GRREAT for Please complete this form to volunteer. Return to: ______GRREAT Attention: Volunteer Coordinator P.O. Box 3069  In honor of Falls Church, VA 22043-0069 ______

 In memory of Name ______Street ______

 To thank City, State, Zip______Email Address ______All donations are tax deductible and are gratefully acknowledged in GRREAT News. Home Phone (______)______

Checks should be made payable to GRREAT. Cell Phone (______)______Please mail forms with your contribution to: GRREAT, P.O. Box 3069, Falls Church, VA 22043-0069 Work Phone (______)______

MEMBERSHIP FORM OK to call at work?  Yes  No  New Member  Renewal Please indicate any area of interest.

Name ______The appropriate GRREAT Coordinator will contact you for more information.

Address ______Be a foster home for a GRREAT dog ______Help at adoption days  Mark here if this is an address or name change _____ Help at microchip clinics

Phone ( ______)______Help at GRREAT booth at dog shows, fairs, etc.

_____ Help operate a concession stand at MCI Center/RFK E-mail Address______Stadium/other events to benefit GRREAT

Mark as many as applicable: _____ Help at fund raisers

 I am enclosing $30 for my 2006 membership dues. _____ Transport GRREAT dogs (to/from vet, animal shelter, etc.)  I am enclosing a tax-deductible donation of $______. _____ Perform home visits prior to adoption

 I am interested in becoming a GRREAT Volunteer. _____ Coordinate an activity or event (Please fill out and return Volunteer form as well). _____ Donate the following services:  I am interested in donating the following services ______or supplies to GRREAT:

______This form can be filled out on-line at www.grreat.org. ______

19 Calling All Canine Models

Is your Golden a ham in front of the camera? Is he the 2. Only GRREAT dogs are eligible. Dogs featured in most photogenic dog around? Then why not enter the the 2006 calendar (other than honorable mentions) are GRREAT Calendar Contest? not eligible this year, but other GRREAT dogs in the Entries are now being accepted for the 2007 GRREAT family are. Calendar. The calendar is sold through GRREAT and given to shelters and veterinarians within our cover- 3. All entries must be horizontal due to the design of age area. We encourage everyone to send in the best the calendar. Vertical pictures will not be considered. pictures of their Golden canine companions. Thirteen 4. Color film photos or digital photos taken at a high photos will be selected, one for the cover and one for resolution (300 dpi at 9x12 or 3 mega pixel camera each month of the year. A committee of GRREAT or higher) may be submitted. No black and white or members will judge submissions using the following cri- Polaroid pictures will be accepted. Please do not send teria: CD’s or DVD’s.

• Overall composition (balance, centering, color and con- 5. Other pets may be in the pictures, but no humans, trast between the dog an its surroundings) please. • Quality of background • Sharpness and clarity 6. We reserve the right got use any images and/or • General appearance (muddy, wet or snow-covered dogs stories you send us in future issues of the GRREAT are encouraged to enter; no glowing eyes) newsletter. Sorry, but photos cannot be returned. • Seasonal shots (no costumes, please) • Variety (we want to see them all!) Send the photo(s) of your GRREAT dog along with his GRREAT ID number, age and a brief description 2007 CALENDAR CONTEST RULES of his past or present life, along with the name, address 1. The deadline for submission is May 31st, 2006, and and phone number of the person submitting the entry judging will occur in early June. to: Sandy Diamond, GRREAT Calendar Contest, PO Box 5162, Herndon, VA 20172.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE AND TRAINING, INC. NONPROFIT ORG P.O. Box 3069 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Falls Church, VA 22043-0069 MERRIFIELD, VA PERMIT NO. 2773