NEWS GRREATG Golden RetrieverR Rescue,R Education andE Training, IncA • T January/February 2011 • Vol. 22, No. 1

The Backyard by Robert Moore IN THIS ISSUE: dog or cat is euthanized in a shelter. (Statis- tics provided by The National Council on Pet Population, Study and Policy, updated July 7, Letter from the President 3 2008.) Local animal control authorities, on those rare occasions when these breeders come to Begging 4 their attention, may be able to rescue, to a shelter, a few dogs found in particularly egre- gious conditions. But even those fortunate GRREAT Walk 5 enough to be rescued are often poorly social- As an educational experience for our 8- ized and/or sick, leading to inevitable eutha- and 2-year old daughters, in 1969 we bred nasia. These breeders, unwilling to invest in our 18-month old mixed Collie, Honey. Five 2010 Howliday Party 6 essential veterinary care, are more than will- adorable puppies resulted; we all assisted in ing to give up puppies and adults with health the marvel of birthing, and it truly was an in- issues. credible moment! Dear Janet 7 A “successful” backyard — i.e., For us. one who continually procures dogs from vari- Trouble was, we were amateurs and had ous sources, including “free to good home” no idea what we were doing! To our inexpert Golden Resolutions ads, and is able to net a profi t in the absence eyes, the 12-year old tri-colored male appeared Membership Renewal 8 of facility and medical overhead expenses healthy and, at least to our limited knowledge, — may expand to become a “puppy miller,” we weren’t passing along questionable genes supplying dogs to indiscriminate to contaminate future generations. Adoption Report retailers. We were among those referred to as Ode to Ebbitt 9 Reputable breeders, including “hobby “backyard breeders;” people who, legally al- breeders” who seriously and selec- beit indiscriminately, breed dogs and cats in tively, care about their reputations and about their basements, kitchens, yards or other un- Donations 10 - 14 the animals, which are carefully screened for healthy locations, ignorant of genetics and health and potential hereditary problems. indifferent to the puppies’ ultimate fate. They maintain meticulous records of medi- According to 2010 statistics compiled Annual Board Meeting 13 cal care, do not give up the puppies until ap- by Almost Home Daschund Rescue Society proximately eight weeks, do not breed the (www.almosthomerescue.org), approximately females before maturity, do not over-breed two-thirds of the estimated 53 million dogs in the females and generally follow the adopted the U.S. come from backyard breeders — the Donation, Membership, and dogs’ experiences. Normally these breeders single greatest cause of the pet overpopula- Volunteer Forms 15 offer to take back dogs with temperament or tion crisis in this country. health issues. The Humane Society of the United Potential hereditary issues can include eye States (HSUS) estimates 6 to 8 million dogs GRREAT Calendar 16 problems threatening discomfort and blind- and cats annually enter shelters, of which no ness, and hip and joint abnormalities that can more than 3 to 4 million survive to be adopt- predict future handicaps and expense if not ed. One can approximate that for every dog eventual euthanasia or abandonment. In ad- or cat produced by a backyard breeder, one dition, hearing, heart, hemophilia, digestive, continued on pg. 7

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.

2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COORDINATORS PRESIDENT Louise Davidson* ...... [email protected] ...... 703.281.7698 VICE PRESIDENT Helen Whitehead* ...... [email protected] ...... 433.255.9547 SECRETARY John McGowan* ...... [email protected] ...... 703.344.6999 TREASURER Stephanie Eberly* ...... [email protected] ...... 410.987.0962 ADOPTION COORDINATOR Jessie Robinson* ...... [email protected] ...... 301.577.8350 INTAKE COORDINATOR Mary Collings* ...... [email protected] ...... 540.720.8588 FOSTER HOME COORDINATOR Carey Schultz* ...... [email protected] ...... 703.629.3113 VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Cheryl Andrzejewski* ...... [email protected] ...... 410.218.7340 EVENTS COORDINATOR Carolyn Beyer* ...... [email protected] ...... 703.254.4843 EDUCATION COORDINATOR Robert Moore* ...... [email protected] ...... 301.873.6200 MEMBER AT LARGE Scott Daniels* ...... [email protected]...... 302.383.3811 POC COORDINATOR Lucinda Twining ...... [email protected] ...... 703.754.4379 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Shawne Lampert ...... [email protected] ...... 703.698.8077 FOSTER HOME APPROVAL COORDINATOR Denise Malczewski ...... [email protected] ...... 540.623.5460 TRANSPORT COORDINATOR Bob Patenaude ...... [email protected] ...... 301.514.6739 FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Jen Murray ...... 2. [email protected] ...... 410.461.2337 MICROCHIP COORDINATOR Jeff Twining...... [email protected]...... 703.754.4379 MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR Jo Bighouse ...... [email protected]...... 540.955.9690 TRAINING COORDINATOR Bud Allen...... [email protected] ...... 703.992.7990 NEWSLETTER Joanne Poesch ...... [email protected] ...... 703.858.9560

Felicia Barlow ...... [email protected] ...... 410.263.3937 WEBMASTER Bob Fritz ...... [email protected] ...... 301.330.5749

* members of the GRREAT Board of Directors

2 President’s Message

Dear GRREAT Members - nearly twice the size of her blind littermate, Clover, and Piper found her forever home right away. But Clover was found to In 2010, there were 233 Golden Retrievers that made their have a congenital problem that was the cause of her blindness way to GRREAT. Some of these rescued dogs just needed a and tiny stature, and was also the reason for her liver problems. temporary home and basic medical care before being placed Her condition will require diligence in caring for her medical with their forever families. Others needed more extensive needs and will likely shorten her life span. But Clover is a happy, medical treatment to be brought to good health before being spunky girl, and she’s now a GRREAT long term foster dog so adopted. And some needed to learn basic manners, or even she’ll always have the care she needs. how to be a happy trusting dog in a loving environment. If Gingerbelle arrived at GRREAT as a beautiful 1-year old you made a donation to GRREAT in 2010, if you fostered a whose family finances led to the loss of their home and the dog, if you transported a dog, if you made a visit to the home move to an apartment where they could not take her. Far too of a potential adopter or foster home, if you volunteered at adorable to give up to anyone else, Gingerbelle’s foster family an education or fundraising event, or if you volunteered as a adopted her. coordinator or as a member of one of our teams, you made a Belle is a gentle, loving, and so-sweet Golden girl who was positive difference for all these dogs! Here are the stories of a picked up as a very matted stray. Her right rear leg was badly few of our 2010 rescued Goldens. deformed, and she was not using it at all. A disturbing x-ray Lucy and Bailey are two very lucky dogs that came to finding revealed a tumor had replaced most of the bone, and GRREAT from Ohio, where no rescue could take them. They amputation of the leg was needed. Belle came through the were bonded with each other and needed to stay together. A surgery very easily, but unfortunately a biopsy of the tumor GRREAT foster family drove from Maryland to Ohio to get showed a type of cancer that will likely spread. Belle will stay them and fostered them until they could be adopted together. with her forever foster family as a GRREAT long term foster Lucy was significantly overweight, but with proper thyroid dog and receive the love and medical care she needs. medication, diet and exercise, she has become a healthy dog. Sadly, in 2010 we had to say goodbye to six Goldens who Stella was picked up as a very pregnant stray, and she was were living with their forever families as GRREAT long term lucky to make it to GRREAT. She was quite ill and lost her foster dogs: Jake, Jasper, Ollie, Phoebe, Rocky, and Tucson. The pups, but she got the medical treatment she needed to survive. donations we received to sponsor these dogs enabled us to give And she hit the jackpot by warming her foster Mom’s heart and them the care they needed to live happily until they made their found her forever home there. way to the Rainbow Bridge. Little Honey is an adorable pup who came to GRREAT We look forward to helping more homeless Golden with a malformed urinary tract problem that required extensive Retrievers needing to find their forever homes in 2011. Thank surgery. She endured some serious setbacks while recovering, you so much for your gifts of time, effort, and money that but is now a very happy and friendly girl who is still looking for allow us to continue to rescue these magnificent dogs. her forever home. Sam was the victim of a car accident and it was not known ―Louise Davidson, GRREAT President if his badly injured leg could be saved. The surgery that fit the bone pieces together and secured them with a plate and screws was a complete success! Throughout his recovery, even when he was splinted with a cast on his entire leg, Sam has been a very happy boy in the foster home he has shared with three other dogs. And now he is getting ready to go to his forever home in the new year! Mac, Shiloh, Belle, and Chloe all came from the same back- yard breeder in the very outer region of our service area, and Sam upon arrival at GRREAT they made their way here in two separate trips. They all arrived as frightened, not well-socialized Goldens, but the dedication and love of their wonderful foster homes have enabled them to come out of their shells to show their true sweet, friendly nature. Mac, Shiloh, and Belle have found their forever homes, and Chloe continues to thrive in her foster home. Clover and her sister, Piper, were 6-week old sisters but Sam during his recovery were very different in appearance. Piper was healthy and Sam today!

3 Begging by Skip Nizer The Thanksgiving holiday is over and by the time you venturesome dog might even extend one paw forward until it read this, Christmas will be over… except for the bills. Nu- touches you. This touch will not be hard. A true beggar knows merous servings of hot turkey sandwiches, cold turkey sand- enough to ensure just a light, soft touch then withdraws it. wiches, turkey salad, turkey soup, turkey omelets and “turkey The next step is the “I am struggling to keep my bal- surprise” will have filled our stomachs — so much turkey that ance mode.” Then the eyes again convey, “Please, please share even Scout and Toby stopped begging for it. with me; I love you master.” If your heart is truly made of Begging. Have you ever thought about begging? People stone, then you reject your best buddy. You may say that hu- come up to you and ask for money, or put a cup out, and man food isn’t good for Rusty (read the ingredients in most others tell you a sad story. I remember a lady telling me she dog food; they just get the parts we don’t want, unless you like needed money to make a phone call, and when I offered her scrapple). the use of my cell phone, she turned and walked away. I recall Old Rusty isn’t done yet. His body starts to relax, he drops the poor fellow that had run out of gas and had left his wal- to a sitting position, and he gives you one last eye shot. Then let home in Baltimore City. Now this guy really had bad luck, when all else fails, Rusty drops to the floor and lets his chin because that happened to him three days in a row. Just ten touch the floor. His big, brown eyes are now looking up at years ago, I met a 17-year old that needed money for the bus you. Somehow, Rusty has managed to increase the size of his because he had to get to the Veterans Affairs in order to pick eye sockets by fifty percent, so now you can see the whites of up his disability check for injuries that occurred in Viet Nam. his eyes and a ring of red around the lower eye lid. You not Guess he was the youngest soldier there at the age of one only see the look of sadness, but Rusty has added a touch of month!? forlorn. Not all beggars are good at their trade. Most aren’t sincere How can you resist? Only those who have hearts of cold enough. The only ones who are pros are DOGS! Somewhere cast iron and feelings of love that have dried up can say no to along their line of creation, a special begging gene was placed Rusty. But dog people have feelings. Otherwise, sore shoul- inside their DNA. It must have been placed somewhere be- ders from throwing tennis balls or vacuuming tons of hair, tween the “tennis ball gene” and the “I want my head out the forgiving mistakes because we were gone too long, and shar- car window gene.” ing our bed to the point that you can’t move your feet would No words, no cup, and no special heartbreaking story, yet have driven us to throwing out old Rusty long ago. Now, a a dog can just look up at you and convey, “GIVE ME SOME, small piece of steak is lowered to Rusty. PLEASEEEEEE.” I have seen men who were made of hard- Your clean fingers have been washed by dog spit, your ened steel share their last morsel of food because a pair of ears detect the swishing of a tail, and you feel better about brown eyes looked up at them and somehow got into their yourself. Rusty is happy and ready to repeat the whole pro- heart. cess again. You pick up your dinner roll, disregarding your People ask others who are sad, “Are you blue?” or “Why wet fingers and hoping that Rusty didn’t check out too many the blue face?” But brown… that’s the true sad color. Those new dogs today…or at least had a drink of water after self big brown eyes of Scout and Toby, and all those who came grooming. before, could get the “Share with me” message across with Are dogs good beggars? Or is it because we just love them just two sad brown eyes. It seems that a dog’s eyes are the key and allow them to think that their antics won us over? to your heart; they unlock it and get inside of it. That’s a lucky Hoping that your holidays were GRREAT and that 2011 thing to happen to us. 4 is a GRREAT year. Now your dog is sitting next to you at the dinner table, Don’t forget to pet your dog. and you are eating the best steak that has ever been placed under a broiler. You glance down towards old Rusty, and his big, brown eyes start to melt your heart. However, the juices of that steak overwhelm everything. Knowing that he has lost the first battle, old Rusty moves up his reserves. These forces are powerful — so powerful, that they raise the body upward from that sitting position to the begging stance. Note that his eyes never lose that special stare and there may be a little eye watering. His paws are bent so that they are pointed down, chin slightly raised, but not so high as to appear arrogant. At times, he may extend his neck forward toward you. A truly

4 GRREAT 3K Walk

The 7th Annual GRREAT Walk was held on a beautiful sunny autumn day. Thanks so much to all our sponsors, walkers, and volunteers, who made this a fun event and a wonderful fundraiser!

5 2010 Howliday Party A fun time was had by all at the GRREAT Howliday Party. This year GRREAT provided the main course items, prepared by our resident chef Scott Daniels, while our guests brought snacks, beverages, and desserts. We had a very successful silent auction, lots of wonderful merchandise was sold, and of course we provided fun games and prizes for our doggie guests as well as photos of them with Santa Paws. What a grreat way to start the holiday season!

6

6 continued from pg. 1 Dear Janet, epilepsy, allergies, temperament and other problems that likely would have been detected by proper veterinary care are not un- We recently adopted our first dog, an adult Golden, from common. GRREAT, and we love having him as part of our family. His We, supposedly a superior, caring and responsible species, foster family has been a great resource and really helped us get have created a burgeoning problem by carelessly over-breeding him adjusted to our home and our rules, so my question isn’t our pets, resulting in health problems for the adults and sen- about our dog, but dogs in general. We are older than many tencing untold thousands annually to premature death. Many first-time dog owners, and neither of us grew up with dogs, but of these doomed innocents are healthy, but can find no home sometime in my youth I remember hearing that you couldn’t train because of irresponsible, misguided behavior in which they had a puppy until he was 6-months old. Now that we have a dog, we’ve been going to the pet store, vet’s office and talking with no say. other dog owners we meet on walks. In doing so, I’ve noticed Recognizing this as a serious problem, the City of Gaith- classes specifically for young puppies, as well as people out train- ersburg, Maryland enacted July 20, 2009, Section 4-8.1 Breeders ing their puppies who are younger than six months. I started and Litter Permits, Municipal Ordinance No. 0-9-09, amending wondering if I had imagined or made up the fact that you can’t Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl, of the City Code in an effort to train a puppy until he is 6- months old, or if it was an old wives begin addressing this issue. Section 4-8.1 reads, in pertinent part: tale. I’ve asked some friends who are about my age and a few of them remember hearing the same thing when they were young. Every person who resides within the city who What are your thoughts? ~R.S. intentionally or accidentally permits the breeding of a single dog or cat or makes a single dog or cat Dear R.S., available for breeding shall obtain a breeders permit . . . As with much folk wisdom, there’s a bit of truth in the The ordinance further authorizes no more than one litter notion that you can’t train a puppy until he’s 6-months during any 12-month period from a female at least 2, and no old, but the nuance behind it has been lost. Dogs have more than 6, years old and requires proper body weight to be been part of our society for thousands of years, and maintained before and after whelping. for most of that time a dog was trained by his family This law is controversial. Some consider it unnecessary leg- or working partner. Shepherds taught their dogs how to follow herding commands; hunters taught their islation that will restrict law-abiding citizens, and that it will not dogs how to be effective partners and so on. only be impossible to enforce, but will actually encourage own- Group obedience classes became popular in the late ers to not register their pets. nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and, for True, some pet owners will neither register their pets nor human convenience, were usually forty-five minutes obtain a breeder’s license. These are likely the same folks who to an hour long. When puppies are young, they don’t already ignore minimal existing animal related laws. have very long attention spans, so they usually can’t Enforcement obviously won’t be simple since the animal handle a formal obedience class. Repeating the same control staff has no intention of performing bed checks. But exercise multiple times bores the puppy, and puppies when a neighbor complains, for example, about excessive bark- who are bored lose their enthusiasm for obedience. ing, the responding officer will now have a tool hitherto un- They also have difficulty remaining still and not get- available should he discover a family of puppies. ting into mischief when the instructor is speaking The goal is neither to raise revenue from nominal breeder’s or while another dog and handler are having their turn. Most classes, therefore, required that puppies license fees, nor to harass residents and task an overworked ani- be at least 6-months old before they could enroll. mal control staff with additional enforcement responsibilities. Today, we know that puppies have brains like little Nor is the intention to prohibit responsible individuals from sponges and can learn very quickly, so they are very breeding their dog or cat. trainable, but they usually can’t tolerate a lot of rep- Rather, the goal is to educate the public regarding respon- etition. You will see amazing progress when training sibilities of conscientious pet ownership, including the obliga- young puppies, especially if you move from one exer- tions assumed when bringing living beings into existence. Staff cise to another fairly quickly and do your training in will have an opportunity to hand out materials and discuss such shorter, more frequent sessions than you would when responsibilities with anyone seeking a breeding license. working with an older dog. This is not a naïve, unsophisticated proverbial stab in the dark; it is an honest effort to begin addressing a serious reality. Janet McMillan is the owner of Best Behaved Dogs, providing in-home I, for one, would fancy displaying a framed Breeder’s License obedience and behavior modification to dogs and their families. If you were I intent on raising and selling offspring from my Golden have a question for Janet for this column, or would like more informa- Retrievers. tion on her services, please contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.bestbehaveddogs.com

7 Golden Resolutions by Sherry B. True It’s that time of year when taking fewer trips to the vet’s office. we reflect on the events of the Finally, take a cue from your pets. If they could be any- past year and look forward to the thing in the world, what would they be? Can you help them promise of a bright new year. We get there? What can we do to help them fulfill their dreams look back through a year that for - because they do dream! Whatever you come up with, make some of us brought great joy in your goals realistic and simple. Next year can be the year that attending some of the GRREAT we go to a new level of understanding of animals if we open events that took place during the our hearts as the animals do every day to us. year. Maybe you adopted your I will end with my favorite quote from Henry Beston; the first Golden Retriever and have quote was featured in the documentary Earthlings. “We need found the joy of sharing your life another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of with one of these beautiful crea- animals...We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tures, or maybe it is the vacations tragic fate of having taken form so far beneath ourselves. And you might have taken with your animal companion. There are therein we err, we greatly err. For the animal shall not be mea- those of us who also suffered the loss of our beloved pet this sured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours, past year. There is much to look back upon and reflect. they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of It is also that time of year when we begin to think about the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we what resolutions we will be making for the upcoming year. shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not under- Maybe it is the five or ten pounds you want to take off this lings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net year or maybe eating better and having more fun. Well, what of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of do you think your animal companions resolutions would be the earth.” Make this year a “Golden” year for all. for the year? Why not have some fun and make a list with all Many blessings for a bright and happy New Year! the dogs in your home right now? What would their resolu- tions be? For some dogs, at the top of the list is more treats; Sherry B. True is owner and service provider for Spirit Paws, for others, it will be more ball time. And still others just want alternative animal wellness services. Her services include ani- more time leaning on us. mal communication, healthy pet consultations and Healing Now that you have your list and your dogs have theirs, why Touch for Animals®. For more information please visit not make one that you and your pet will do together for the www.spiritpaws.com. New Year? Besides the usual extra walks or extra treats, look at possibly doing something a little different this year. We don’t It’s Membership Time! always have to do something big to make a difference. It is often the little things that make a bigger impact. Many families Be sure not to miss out on a thing! Renew your GRREAT are going through tough times now with the economy being membership for 2011 or become a new member. the way it is. How can we all come together to help each other We rely on membership dues, donations, and fundrais- at this time? You see, we are all in this together and at any time ing to operate. Your $35 membership dues keep this news- it could be us on the other end and needing a hand. Maybe this letter coming to your mailbox every two months and will year is the year you talk to even more people and children and help us save more Goldens in 2011. educate them about the importance of treating animals well Please continue to support GRREAT by being a mem- 8 and stopping the needless cycle of abuse and neglect. Call, ber. Clip and complete the membership renewal form on write or email your representatives to help with legislation to page 15 of this newsletter. Be sure to include your current impose harsher sentences for animal abuse. mailing and email addresses. Mail the form along with a Maybe this is the year you finally take action on wanting check for $35 payable to GRREAT and send to: GRREAT, to enroll in therapy classes with your pet. You know you have PO Box 3069, Falls Church VA 22043-0069. wanted to do it, but never quite found the time. Make time this If you would like to renew your member- year to set a goal and go for it! Your pet is just waiting for you ship online, please visit the following web page: to get things moving. Better yet, how about reading books on www.grreat.org/membership/mbr_center.htm animal communication or taking classes or workshops that will If you have any questions, please contact Shawne Lam- help you bond even deeper with your animal companion. This pert, Membership Coordinator, at membership@grreat. could be the year you make it a point to learn more about the org. We hope that you will join us or continue to be a part importance of good nutrition, keeping your pet healthy, and of our GRREAT family!

8 Adoption Report

Name # Age Sex Name # Age Sex

Sandy 09-063 8 F Storm 10-179 1 M Lady 09-112 15 F Mike 10-180 8 M Izzy 10-044 7 F Shai 10-182 10 F Fred 10-048 11mo M Sally 10-184 11mo F Hogan 10-097 8 M Noah 10-191 2 M Zoey 10-100 11 F Sundance 09-208 3 M Lola 10-127 7 F Justice 10-101 9 M Goldie 10-134 8 F Maisy 10-143 7mo F Sam 10-105 7 M Daisy 10-147 1 F Riley 10-145 6mo F Traz 10-148 11 M Marco 10-155 11mo M Bond 10-152 11 M Max 10-159 2 M Shiloh 10-167 3 F Chloe 10-160 10mo F Napoleon 10-174 2 M Campbell 10-161 11mo M Delilah 10-185 1 F Kenny 10-163 2 M Tanner 10-186 3 M Copper 10-168 3 M Luke 10-187 3 M Arnie 10-169 5 M Chico 10-195 6 M Gingerbelle 10-170 2 F Lincoln 10-196 2 M Buddy 10-171 8 M Kacey 10-201 3 F Jack 10-172 1 M Nick 10-212 3 M Cody 10-176 3 M Shadow 10-213 4 M Belle 10-177 4 F

Ode to Ebbitt He followed me upstairs and all around Wherever I was, Ebbitt could be found.

Ebbitt (07-048) was my foster number six. Buttercup always wanted to play. He walked like a drunk. He needed a fix But Ebbitt was content to be petted all day. We brought Ebbitt home and after day number two We had to sit down quickly when it was time to eat I was hoping my wish to be his forever family would come true. Ebbitt would lay under the table leaving no room for our feet. GRREAT paid for his tests. Nothing would be missed. After our supper Ebbitt would dance and sing Surgery was scheduled and they removed a disc. Knowing it was his meal we would soon bring. When he came hom from surgery, he had a shaved back. A thrill for him was to go for a car ride He stole all our hearts and became one of the pack. He needed help in, but he sat there with pride. In the basement he stayed for weeks six to eight Running free in the woods was a sight to see My son took care of him and let him out of the crate. He wold run and jump just like a puppy. It was awkward at first considering all those years Sadly, in 2010 he began to decline But ecstacy was found when he could stratch his ears. And in July we lost this GRREAT friend of mine. My husband whose name is Dave Said I loved Ebbitt best. He was my fave. - Sue Eberley

9 Donations Joseph Lenczycki* Thank You for In Memory Of... Susan Love* Your Donations We wish to make this donation in mem- *denotes total contribution of $100-$499 Barbara Maguschak ory of Trudy Kolodny, a fellow Golden **denotes total contribution of $500-$999 lover who recently lost her battle with Karla McNamee* ***denotes total contribution of $1000 or more cancer. – Dave Grauer and Joy Levy Lee Ann and Earl Moore Heidi Anderson-Rhodes Memorial Donation for “Misty” and John Rhodes* Jeff Nedelman** Goodman. Please accept this mod- Stan and Sally Bowser** Mary Nielson* est donation in honor of “Misty” the Scott Goodman family’s beloved Golden J. Timothy and Maria B. Brown Harvey and Lenora Pascal Retriever. She died at the Richmond Ethel and Haddon Carryer Mary Portelly VA emergency vet center at 12:45am September 30 in the arms of the Sean and Sharon F. Cassidy Stella and Rick Rineer Goodman sons, Alex and Andrew. Misty William and Marjorie Davidson* D. A. Rice-Spellman was a much loved family member. Many thanks to this rescue organization for Betsy Davis* Sheryle and Jeanne Robinson excellent work helping dogs and their Kathy Dyjack Elizabeth Ross and Bennett Frankel* people. – George and Susan Overstreet

Maria Emanski* Linda Scher In loving memory of Tucson. – Diane Michael Farmer Marshall and Edith Schy* Lanigan

Arthur and Joanne Fournier Kristi Selby Enclosed is a gift in memory of G. Andrew Fridley Margaret Selden Thomas Ludwig. – Janet Mardfin

Doug and Lisa Frushour Allen and Kathy Shapiro In memory of Sadie Mae Bowen, Bruce and Sue Gross Daniel and Sandra Shewbridge GRREAT #01-196. – Farhang Rouhani

Demetrio Guerrero and Sandra Rutan David Silber and Eileen Rose In memory of Bonny Princess Rose, the Michael and Tammy Griffith Tam and Eugene Steffen best dog anyone could ask for. – Eileen Flanagan Charles and Gillian Heagy* Cindy Stevens Diana and Doug Hellinger** Jim Stillwell and Barbara Brincefield In memory of Casey, a beloved Golden boy that almost made his 12th birthday. Dorothy and Ernest Helmick* Carol Taylor He always was ready to play ball, any time day or night and loved the outdoors. Douglas and Judith Henry Bill and Wendy Thomas 10 We will always have a place in our hearts Gary Heurich* George Toll* and memory of our Golden boy that never complained and played ball until Eileen and James Hollaway* Martha VanLandingham the end on 10/24/10 - we will miss him Mary Anne Hovatter Christine Waters forever. – Mike Sullivan* William and Annette Huber* Lane and Gene Weinzweig In memory of Atticus Dempsey. He Linda and Ron Igou Patti and Brent Wildasin will be forever in our hearts. – Karen Adelstein Bill Kiefaber Janis and Kevin Woolsey Gary and Debbie Kramer* Linda and Robert Young* In memory of Stormy, Shadow, and Jammas. – Kathy and Wayne Hunter Bob Kenney and Mark Treadaway Philip Zaffere*

10 Donations

In Memory Of... (con’t.) In memory of Jenny, Brandy (Orchid) This donation is in honor of Remy, who 98-206, Jordan (02-275). – Patrick we adopted from GRREAT 3 years ago In memory of Annie - a wonderful res- Neiler today! He’s an absolute sweetheart and cue Golden who died of cancer at age 7 we can’t imagine our life without him. yrs old. – Nancy and John Landon In memory of Rudy (08-173). – Maryjo – Elisabeth Tilleros and Michael Sullivan In memory of Philip Vegella. This dona- This donation is to honor my newest tion is from the friends and colleagues In memory of Ruby Dee. This donation golden Oakleaf ’s Rambling Rose aka of his mother, Ms. Joyce Vegella, at is in honor of Ruby Dee Davidson a Rosie. She is not a GRREAT dog, but the Index Section National Library of special Golden Girl! During her 15 years she is a GRREAT golden. It is also Medicine – Frances Spina and the Index she was a marvelous ambassador for the to honor my first 5 goldens: Sandy Section National Library of Medicine* entire breed. I know Ruby Dee’s Mom (Montgomery County Humane Society), and siblings miss her terribly and all of Mickey (93-???), Jewel (99-???), Max (03- In memory of Louise Davidson’s sweet them are in our thoughts and prayers. ???) and Zeke (06-???). I miss them little Ruby Dee. This gentle, petite red- Woof! – Jan and Marty White all and am thrilled to have 6 years old head carried her 15 years with an eter- Rosie as part of the Davis Pack. – Betsy nally youthful spirit! We will all miss In memory of Breezy Radt, of Davis* her very much! – Jeff and Lucinda Charlottesville and Sarasota. – Michael Twining** Radt* In honor of Dee Brown and Glenn MacDonald. Thanks for your help with In memory of Oscar who kept us laugh- In Honor Of... Jaylene during the turmoil of Charlie’s ing for the past 12 years! – Marion death. – Rosie Jones* Shields* Donated in honor of Peggy Fee’s birth- day! Happy Birthday Peggy. – Linda Fee This donation honors Bobbi Munson, In loving memory of Pat Eslinger who loves Golden Retrievers, and pro- Helmer, who joined her golden Honey In honor of Kathi Stanhope. – Diane vided a loving home to a special dog over the rainbow bridge last week. She Berinstein named Gabby. – Mary D. Munson Ott leaves behind many two and four legged friends and will be sorely missed. – Susan Dedicated to Ben, our sweet GRREAT In honor of the Miles Family. – Joan and Richard Bottomley boy (2002) who passed away last year. Schaffer Keep up the good work GRREAT. In memory of Berkeley. Big Berk,Berkeley, – Jeff and Kristin Walker* was adopted by Judd and Nancy Howell a number of years ago in Annapolis. In honor of Comet (07-105). – Jo and Berk and family moved to California 3 Yvonne Kinkaid* years ago. After many many beach walks and west coast trips, Berkeley died early In honor of Clark (04-060) and Hannah. November. – Rae Ellen Fields – Lynne Glennon*

In Memory of Nicholas & Geebers. In honor of Bascia. – Steve and Kathryn – Jane Kunze Troch

In memory of Chelsea. – Douglass Gray In honor of Riley, Brody, Mackenzie and and Patricia France Shamus Twining. – Jeff and Lucinda Twining** In loving memory of Nick (Terk). – Eben and Paula Bray* In honor of my Kelsey and Rufus. – Barbara Dunnington Nick

11 Donations In Honor Of... (con’t.) Donation for Betsy Choma as she runs Paws and Claws Photography – proceeds the Chicago Marathon on October 10th from dog wash event and GRREAT To help with medical problems of for GRREAT. – Kattiya Urbanski Walk Goldens. In honor of our Jake (Rusty) – who is the very best! To thank Thank you for dedicating your time and America’s Charities – on behalf of Judy GRREAT for the wonderful work. – effort to these wonderful dogs! – Betty and Steve Daner* Martha and Thomas Palmer* Van Dyke*** Lake Litho Printing & Marketing We would like to honor the passing of Brandy. Beloved companion of Kathy Services* our sweet Golden Girl, Amber. She Day & Family. – Cathy PeterJohn passed over the Rainbow Bridge on July The Alexander Foundation*** – 20, 2010 after gracing our lives for a Been a member since 2000 something Enclosed please find a contribution in very short 6 1/2 years after a fight with - thanks to Mary Ellen Lunde and Julie support of your activities with Golden cancer. She was such a wonderful girl, Palais. – William Buklad* Retrievers. We adopted our Shadow happy, bright, always loving and just from GRREAT via Art and Rebecca being with her always made us smile. For Lucy. – Jim Williams Hotop in Dec. 2002. He is the best Amber loved playing ball with her sis- Christmas present ever! GRREAT had ters and snuggling up with her whole Enclosed please find our Christmas gift funded two hip surgeries for him. He is family whenever she could. She was our to you, in lieu of Christmas gifts to each fantastic member of our family and has sunshine and her place in our hearts will other. Thank you for your dedicated brought much joy to our lives. always remain with us. She had such a services to needy Golden Retrievers. big heart and she is missed terribly by – Dawn and Ed Lowe* United Space Alliance – on behalf of all of her family. We hope she is playing Katherine Peters, who made this dona- on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge Merry Christmas Judd and Nancy, from tion on behalf of her Grandmom with her sister that have traveled there Andy and Sharon. – Andrew Howell before her, and that she is happy, warm, Hunt Country Counseling and Kathryn loved and pain free now. We will always Thank you to Robin for going out of Vieweg* – In memory of our beloved love and remember our lovely Amber her way to make our home visit. – Brad boy, Teddy Vieweg, 13 yr old beautiful forever. Goodbye sweet girl. – Rick and Shapiro red golden. Miss you always. Peggy Fowler Corporate Giving Sponsor Me! To Help With Costs... Members Give – on behalf of Eileen Special Needs Dogs can be seen at For vet expenses for Gracie (10-075). Bennett www.grreat.org/dogs/doglist_special.htm – Tim and Linda Daniel* Barrel Oak Winery* – proceeds from For two very special Goldens - For medical issues. – Beverly and Steven wine tasting event Charlie (08-150) and Stevie (05- Kreisberg* 140). My love to all the special peo- Copy General12 – proceeds from sales ple at GRREAT. – Trish Collier* To cover vet bill from Sally’s (10-184) cut foot. – Rebecca and Art Hotop* Echo – on behalf of Stanley Smith and Sheri Ulrich For Other Reasons... Mathew Greenwald & Associates – on I adopted Mia four years ago, and I love behalf of Paige Jones* her with ALL of my heart. She has been such a blessing in my life. Thank you, Three Scoops of Vanilla** – proceeds GRREAT!!!! – Betty Yoast from online jewelry sales event For my Maddie, she is six now and a great little girl. – Mildred Fink Lucy 12 Donations

Sponsor Me! (con’t.) For Sunny (04-115). In memory of Forever Friends Sadie (01-196). – Dawn and Marshall Memorials can be seen at For Special Needs Dogs. In memory of Bowen** www.grreat.org/foreverfriends/index.htm Rocky. – Julia and Dick Kwiatkowski* For Maggie Mae (08-211) in memory For Sadie Bowen (01-196). – Dawn and For special needs dogs Stevie (08-208) and of Sadie Mae. – Dawn and Marshall Marshall Bowen** Charlie (08-150), plus extra for a special Bowen** Christmas donation to any special needs For Ginger (07-158). – James Twaddell dog who has no sponsor or if (hopefully) For Beeker (09-026). – Dawn and there isn’t a sponsorless dog, then to one Marshall Bowen** For Ruby Dee (07-086) – Louise with only one sponsor. This is to help a Davidson*** little for one of the wonderful families (or For Stevie (08-208). Please continue person) who cares for these very special with the necessary treatments for Stevie dogs. – Trish Collier* and her kidneys. I am a kidney transplant recipient and have a 6yr Golden name For Stevie (08-208). – Dabney Schneider Cody. Along with his 8yr brother Bailey (yellow lab) and his sisters, 8yr Abbie For Charlie (08-150). My friend, Betsy (yellow lab) and 10yr Emma (chocolate Choma, is running the Chicago Marathon lab), they are the light of my life and and raising money to donate to GRREAT. have been there for me thru many of I am donating the money on her behalf. lifes challenges. – Donyella Bell – Melissa McAtee For Charlie (08-150) and Stevie (08- For Gracie (10-114). – Jennifer Kendz 208). In memory of Duchess and Casey Girl. – Jeanne O’Donoghue* For Beeker (09-026). – Beth and Steve McClung* For Beeker (09-026). This donation is in memory of MAX, whose family For Gracie (10-114). I ran in the Chicago is Marian and Bob Thompson. They marathon on 10-10-10 with GRREAT recently lost Max who was a rescue as my charity. I have received checks/ dog that they dearly loved. – Melanie donations from the following sponsors. McKnight Thanks!, Sarah Asbell and Steve Bradley, John and Nancy Choma, Kim Higgins, Rob and Elaine Saltzstein, Matthew Saltzstein – John and Elizabeth Choma* GRREAT Annual Business Meeting For Gracie (10-114) and Wally (09-152). To honor Max. Our Sweet Potato Pie - and Elections you left us too soon but you have forever touched our hearts. – Robin Hoesch and The GRREAT Annual Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, Walt Grabowski* January 22, 2011 from 12 noon until 2 PM. The meeting will be held at The Ashbury Methodist Home Campus – Parker Hall, 405 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877. We encourage all GRREAT mem- For Wally (09-152). This donation is in bers to attend and learn about the business of our rescue. We will review memory of my beloved Enjay who passed 2010 and hold the election for the positions of President and Treasurer. with the same cancer. Wally resembles Please visit www.grreat.org/businessmtg.htm for more information and a Enjay so much and is such an inspiration! review of the candidates for the President and Treasurer positions. – Cheryl Johns

13 Donations

GRREAT operates three funds for dogs with special needs. The Leo Fund provides surgical care, the Simile-Finale Fund provides holistic and alternative therapies (eacupuncture, swim therapy, etc.), and Chief’s Fund provides MRI diagnostics. To support these funds, make the selection on the online donation page (www.grreat.org/donate/donorinfo.htm) or mention the fund in a letter with your contribution by mail. Thank you!

Leo’s Corner Leo’s Heroes ($500 and Over) Leo’s Pals (up to $99) Our dear Kodi (05-018) has had another stroke and been Max - “Sweet Potato Pie” as known by his Mom and Dad in ER and Animal Hospital 5 days. She is now home and was let go today October 11, 2010. His brother Molson and improved but may have a brain lesion. We are of course sister Joy will miss him very much...... The pack will not be devastated. Kodi is so loved by all our neighbors and their the same without his gentle spirit. We are sorry for your children and by our children and grand children, also our loss and pain. We love you all, Suz and Randy (Bill, Sage other Golden Sassy. We will continue to give her our love and Sherman) – Susan Letschin and support as long as we can. Thanks to GRREAT for let- ting us be her forever home. – Jim and Ginny Hayes** In honor of Comet (07-105). – Jo and Yvonne Kinkaid* Simile-Finale Fund Leo’s Angels ($100-499) This donation is in honor of the Kraman-Roach family, For Polar Bear and Chassidy. – Joe O’Neill and Walt Atha* Lillian Kraman-Roach, Dan Roach and their goldens Sadie and Taffy. – Pilar Kraman In memory of Ebbitt (07-048) who gave us three wonder- ful years. This is a fraction of what GRREAT paid for his To honor Max. Our Sweet Potato Pie - you left us too soon surgery, but we hope that other dogs can be helped like he but you have forever touched our hearts. – Robin Hoesch and was. – Sue Erbele* – see Ode to Ebbitt on page 9 Walt Grabowski*

In memory of our beloved Teddy. – Christian and Kathryn In honor of Riley, Brody, Mackenzie and Shamus Twining. Vieweg* – Jeff and Lucinda Twining**

In honor of Riley, Brody, Mackenzie and Shamus Twining. Chief ’s Fund – Jeff and Lucinda Twining** To honor Max. Our Sweet Potato Pie - you left us too soon but you have forever touched our hearts. – Robin Hoesch In loving memory of Betsy Girl, Oliver, and Rocky. – Bill and Walt Grabowski* and Deb Haegele In honor of Riley, Brody, Mackenzie and Shamus Twining. Patra and Tom Maloy* – Jeff and Lucinda Twining**

Dedicated to Jane Salter who, along with her family, decided I am donating these funds to honor Jill C. Milloy on her 60th we would provide a good home to Luca (adopted Dec birthday. Jill is passionate about Goldens and has bred her 2004). Luca now enjoys a great life aboard a 62’ ocean trawl- best girl, Dublin. I chose the Chief ’s Fund because my Mini er and has been as far south as Key West and as far14 north as Schnauzer had seizure disorder. Please help an ailing pooch Northern Quebec, brightening everyone’s life along the way, feel better. – Stephanie Costanza and picking up a few girlfriends, too! – Renee Curreri*

With great thanks and in honor of Dr. Susan Barry’s retire- ment. Dr. Barry and the staff of Herndon Animal Medical Center provided loving care to our four Goldens covering a period of almost 20 years. – William Owens*

Paul and Chris Umberger*

14 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  In honor of P.O. Box 3069 ______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 Address ______more information. ______Become a foster home for GRREAT dogs

_____ Help at Adoption Events, Education Events,  Mark here if this is an address or name change Fundraisers & Micro Chipping Clinics

Phone ( ______)______Transport GRREAT dogs (to/from vet, animal shelter, etc.) E-mail Address______

_____ Perform home visits for potential adopters prior to Mark as many as applicable: adoption

 I am enclosing $35 for my 2011 membership dues. _____ Additional Information or Comments:  I am enclosing a tax-deductible donation of $______. ______ I am interested in becoming a GRREAT Volunteer. (Please fill out and return Volunteer form as well). ______ I am interested in donating the following services or supplies to GRREAT: ______This form can be filled out online at www.grreat.org/vol_form.htm

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

, GRREAT Calendar of Events

There is a rescue for Golden Retrievers? This is a commonly asked question at the numerous events that GRREAT participates in. When people find out that GRREAT takes in about 250 dogs every year, you can see the shock and amazement on their faces and you can hear it in their voices. People know that Golden Retrievers are such good dogs, so they can’t help but wonder “Why would anyone give up a Golden?” It is because of comments such as these that GRREAT attends events to help educate the public on the need for rescue and on the Golden Retriever breed. GRREAT is always looking for and in need of committed volunteers who wish to give some of their time to attend events. For a list of upcoming events go to www.grreat.org/calendar.htm. For more information on any event, please email [email protected] and if you wish to volunteer at any event, please email [email protected]. January 30 World of Pets Expo 12 Cupids & Canines 2011 GRREAT Adoption Day 28 World of Pets Expo 8 10am until 6pm 11am until 2pm Noon until 2pm 2pm until 8pm 16 Maryland State Fairgrounds Camp Bow Wow Petco Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Rd. 7165 Oakland Mills Rd. 10060 U.S. Highway 40 2200 York Rd. Timonium, MD Columbia, MD Ellicott City, MD 21042 Timonium, MD February 22 GRREAT Annual 29 World of Pets Expo Business Meeting 10am until 7pm 5 GRREAT Adoption Day Noon until 2pm Maryland State Fairgrounds Noon until 2pm The Ashbury Methodist 2200 York Rd. Petco Home Campus Parker Hall Timonium, MD 10800 Promenade Lane 405 Russell Ave. Manassas, VA 20109 Gaithersburg, MD 20877

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