SIT. STAY. READ! Goldens are Loveable Lemons. Inside this issue: rescue have used the following

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1 SIT. STAY. READ! GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND Volume 2, Issue 1 February 2009 Goldens are Loveable Lemons Inside this issue: A vet tech recently commented that goldens are such lovable lemons. When asked what she meant by that and she said they have so many medical problems, but they are the best patients. We are very fortunate to have some relatively new services in addition to our local veterinarians. Several members of our rescue have used the following services and recommend them: Emergency Services The Allied Partners Veterinary Emergency Service (APVES) is a group-owned veterinary emergency service operating at the Mid- Atlantic Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH) and prides itself on providing state-ofthe-art emergency, critical and intensive care medicine and surgery. They provide emergency care when regular veterinarians offices are closed. Their number is Physical Therapy Next Step is co-located with APVES and provides the (Continued on page 2) Loveable Lemons 2 TERRIFIC TEN UPDATE 3 DINING TO DONATE 3 ANNUAL MEETING 6 HOW YOU CAN HELP 7 10 TIPS FOR STAFFING A TABLE 7 COMING SOON: SYLVIA 8 MAKE YOUR OWN E- COLLAR 8 CHANCE GIVERS 9 LYME VACCINATIONS 10 DOG PARK DAYS 10 An underwater treadmill is available in Huntingtown, Md..

2 SIT. STAY. READ! "IF YOU GET TO THINKIN' YOU'RE A PERSON OF SOME INFLUENCE, TRY ORDERIN' SOMEBODY ELSE'S DOG AROUND."." -- COWBOY WISDOM Holly Johnson, 11, gets acupuncture to help ease joint pain at Three Notch Veterinary Hospital in Hollywood, Md. Loveable Lemons continued... (Continued from page 1) Progressive conditioning & weight management following services: programs Orthotics, prosthetics and assistive devices. Eye Care Sports medicine and performance enhancement programs. Neuro-rehabilitation. Orthopedic rehabilitation. Aquatic therapy using an underwater treadmill and current resistance pool. Animal Eye Care Associates, also co-located with APVES, offers medical and surgical therapy for the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems in pets and the advancement of vision in all species. Acupuncture Dr. Jeanne Feldhaus of Three Notch Veterinary Hospital in St. Mary s County offers acupuncture treatments. They are a bit pricey at $89 for follow on sessions after an initial consultation. Acupuncture is great to ease post operative pain, joint pain and even reduce thunderstorm anxiety. Dr. Feldhaus can be reached at We re on the Web 2

3 Volume 2, Issue 1 Terrific Ten Update The rescue took in 10 golden retrievers from a puppy mill on Jan. 20. Despite news reports that the dogs were healthy, six of the ten have tested positive for heartworms, all are malnourished and some had worms and flea infestation. A caravan of caring volunteers, Bob Davis, Al Huey, Joe Johnson and Bob Sabine made the three hour drive to Zuni, Va., along with a number of other animal rescue groups throughout the mid-atlantic region to rescue 77 golden retrievers. What they saw was very disturbing for these four strong men. Dogs everywhere. The farther you walked the more dogs there were and the conditions became more and more deplorable. said Al Huey. Dogs were in open pens laying in mud and feces. Nursing mothers and young puppies were in open pens with little shelter. Water bowls were frozen. Joe Johnson, Vice President of Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland, said, It was a good feeling to be able to get these dogs out of that situation. I wish we could have taken more. Caring for puppy mill dogs is not easy, but it is wonderful to see them progress. Following are updates from foster families: Cody (foster to adopt by Jo- Dee Parras) Cody isn t feeling very well after being neutered and getting heartworm treatment, but he was doing fine before that. He went on a long walk the first day. Rip (Joe and Pat Johnson) Rip is making progress by leaps and bounds. He s an outgoing little guy. When something scares him he runs and stands behind one of us. He s almost ready for adoption. Skittles (Karan Schwencer moving to be fostered by Joe and Pat Johnson) Skittles picked up housetraining quickly, but is still very anxious. Gracie (foster to adopt by Sabine family) Another break through today, Gracie temporarily forgot that she was a puppy mill dog. Her natural instincts took over and she actually fetched a tennis ball and brought it back, twice! (Pictured left) 3

4 SIT. STAY. READ! Terrific Ten Update Continued... Callie Ann (fostered to adopt by the Barefoot family) I will tell you that we love her dearly and her little world is growing with each passing day.our little lady is definitely a keeper. Foster (Bob and Barb Davis) Foster is not housetrained. He peed in the dog food bowl twice. He s doing better every day and will soon be treated for heartworms. Rex (John and Lori Ennis) Rexie is a LOVE BUG! He has really come a long way! He has a funny little under bite that really looks cute when he is just resting because his little tongue just peeks out. (Pictured above with foster mom Lori.) Cesar (Tony and Shelby Iagnemmo) Cesar is doing better going through doors. Sometimes it takes a while and our heat bill is going up! (Pictured above) 4

5 Volume 2, Issue 1 Terrific Ten Update Continued... Alex (foster to adopt by Corley family) Yesterday at the vet Alex did not do so well. He was scheduled to be neutered and have his first heartworm treatment. They put him under mild anesthesia to do the chest x-rays and do his blood work, which they completed. When they took him into surgery to be neutered and put him under heavier sedation he turned gray and stopped breathing. The doctor quickly recognized his distress and intubated and bagged him and took him off the anesthesia. Prior to the visit yesterday he was doing extremely well. He really loves interaction with the family, but still is cautious of anything "new". It is so funny to watch him trot around the house, never in a run, but also never quite walking. Princess (Jean and Al Huey) Princess really is a princess. She even sits with her little paws crossed. (Pictured left) Present the above coupon at the Applebee's in California, Md., on Tuesday, Feb. 24 and raise funds for Golden Rescue. Please post the flyer and share with all of your friends. We also need volunteers to staff a table, distribute brochures, and accept donations especially over the lunch and dinner hour on this day. If you can help for an hour please contact Stephanie at or swaikart@mindspring.com. 5

6 IF A DOG WILL NOT COME TO YOU AFTER HAVING LOOKED YOU IN THE FACE, YOU SHOULD GO HOME AND EXAMINE YOUR CONSCIENCE." " --WOODROW WILSON SIT. STAY. READ! Annual Meeting Can you believe it s been two years since Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland had its very first meeting? Fourteen golden lovers attended that first meeting and all are still involved in some way. Founding members include: Jean and Al Huey. Carol and Dan Arner. Roland and Isabelle Cochran. Stephanie Waikart. Jo Even. Pat and Joe Johnson. Kelly Martin. Cheryl Speer. Judy and Bill Sherman Join other golden retriever lovers at 10 a.m. on Saturday Feb.21 for our 2 nd annual meeting at the Lexington Park Library. Get doggie updates, meet board members, get information about the rescue and learn about plans for the upcoming year. Volunteers will be recognized over a light breakfast. Dixie, much loved golden of John and Lori Ennis, celebrates the Golden Retriever Rescue Society of Southern Maryland s second anniversary. Choke Chains Golden Retrievers are excitable no doubt about that. Walks and new adventures pique there exuberance and many feel a need to use a choke collar to control their dog. Please, if you must use a choke collar, use a nylon one instead of a metal choke chain. The purpose of a choke chain is to train your dog to walk nicely on a leash. The goal is to be able to remove the choker and your dog will walk with you. Often dogs simply learn to react to the sound of the metal near their ear and never learn the lesson of walking with their human. Since the choker is a tool it should only be worn when you are teaching your dog to walk on leash. Please, please take it off when not in use as it can get caught on a knob or other object and choke your dog to death. Practice walking your dog in various situations and if you need help, go to dog training. We ll be happy to recommend a trainer near you. 6

7 Volume 2, Issue 1 How You Can Help Here are some ways you can support Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland: 1. Provide a temporary home for a golden in need. 2. Provide vacation coverage for a family who is fostering a golden. 3. Do home visits to ensure prospective adoptive families will provide a loving, safe home to a golden in need. You can take your golden! 4. Staff information tables to help spread the word about Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland. 5. Donate $. 6. Donate while you shop. Buy Frontline at a great price. Go to our web site and hit the Links button. We receive 10% of the total purchase when you shop Entirely Pets via our web site Adorable golden retriever cards can be purchased at Inky Paws and, again, if you link via our web site, the rescue receives 10%. Register your McKays and Food Lion shopping cards and list Golden Rescue as your cause to support. Download the IGIVE icon and designate Golden Rescue as your cause. We ve earned almost $500 through IGIVE and all you have to do is shop for things you normally buy. Our web site should answer any questions you might have or contact Kelly Martin, Fundraising Chair, at kellylm515@hotmail.com and she ll be happy to help. Ten Tips for Staffing an Info Table Do you love goldens and know a little bit about them? Then help educate the public about what wonderful dogs they are and provide information about rescue efforts. We are often asked to staff a table at events throughout the year. If you are a social butterfly, this volunteer activity is for you! Make the most out of your efforts: 1. Review the web site for current information. 2. Contact a board member for a table, a rescue sign or banner, flyers and a donation jar. 3. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the event begins. 4. Bring a dog, water, a bowl, toys and anything else you may need to keep you and your golden comfortable. 5. Smile and say hello to everyone. Be as friendly as our goldens are! 6. Sit or stand beside, not behind the table so you are more approachable. 7. If someone lingers near the table or asks questions engage them in conversation. 8. People often ask why someone would give up a golden. Most common reasons are not enough time, moving and cannot afford them. 9. Be familiar with adoption procedures. (On the web site.) 10. Thank visitors to the table for donations and stopping by the table. Encourage them to join the rescue. 7

8 SIT. STAY. READ! "SCRATCH A DOG AND YOU'LL FIND A PERMANENT JOB." " --FRANKLIN P JONES Coming Soon: Sylvia The Newtowne Players will be doing the play Sylvia in March and April. Sylvia is about a couple and their new dog. It s funny and sad and if you love dogs, this is the play for you. Golden Retriever Lovers will plan to see the play on opening night which is Friday, March 20 th. Tickets will be $12 per person and can be purchased at the box office and Pat Johnson will have a group of tickets in case they are sold out. In addition, we need volunteers to staff an information table during the 10 days/ evenings the play runs. Jean Huey, Valerie Mackrell, Christy Schumacher, Barb and Bob Davis, Beth Daly, the Jayroes, the Arnolds and the Johnsons have already volunteered. Please join us. We d like to have two people at the table for each performance. Contact Stephanie at or swaikart@mindspring.com if you can help. Joanne Klein has been coordinating this event for us and she s arranging for us to go back stage after the performance. More info is available at Thank You A grateful shout out to our rescue colleagues at Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training for their $2500 donation in support of the Terrific Ten puppy mill goldens. Thank you to Norm and Gail Bleakley, Cheryl Speer, April Johnson, Elizabeth Dietrich, Richard Taylor and Michael and Mary Oritt for their donations to help with the pups. Membership It s time to renew. We ll publish a list of members in the next newsletter. Contact Carol Arner at cassie12364@yahoo.com. Make Your Own E-Collar We ve all experienced those lampshadelike Elizabethan collars when our dog comes home after surgery or treatment from a hot spot etc. Jan Brown, one of our home visitors in Calvert County, suggests you try this instead: Use an old pillow case. Insert corrugated paper (about 6 inches by 2 1/2 feet) into the pillow case. Fold the pillow case over the board. Crease the board into a round fold. Fit it to the dog's neck. Put your dog s regular collar over it. Jan says this allows your dog to drink/eat and is less stressful to your dog in regard to bumping into things and other dogs. 8

9 Volume 2, Issue 1 Chance Givers The Hueys are a pretty special couple. Not long after Chance s death, Tri-county Animal Shelter called us to take in a female golden who they said was dog aggressive, cat aggressive and food aggressive and if we did not take her she would be put down. Jean and Al said they would give this wild girl a try. Well, Millie, (below) as they named her has NONE of those behaviors. She s a funloving red head who wouldn t be here today if not for the Hueys! Farewell to Chance (above) who crossed over the rainbow bridge during the holidays. Jean and Al Huey gave Chance a chance to be a happy and loved golden. Chance had spent his entire life as an outside do before coming into the rescue. His owners knew for over two years that he had heartworms, but refused to treat him. The vet only gave Chance a chance of surviving heartworm treatment, but he did. At the vet it was learned that Millie has a cancerous tumor which was removed. Pray that Millie will be fine. " YOU THINK DOGS WILL NOT BE IN HEAVEN? I TELL YOU, THEY WILL BE THERE LONG BEFORE ANY OF US." --ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Jean and Al fostered Chance and adopted him in September

10 Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland s mission is to find homes for golden retrievers in need in St. Mary s, Calvert and Charles counties. GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland Nelson Court, Valley Lee, MD Phone: Fax: contact@goldenretrieverrescue ofsouthernmaryland.org. Lyme Vaccinations We are often asked why we do not vaccinate our rescue dogs for Lyme disease since it is prevalent in our area. The vaccine can cause a false positive Lyme blood test, is not extremely effective and can produce side effects that mimic the disease. The best method of prevention is to avoid tick infested areas, especially in the spring when the young ticks are most active. When returning from a tick-infested area, do a thorough search for ticks on both yourself and your golden. Ticks should be removed carefully with tweezers, pinching the tick near the point they enter the skin. There are also many highly effective veterinary products that will kill ticks on your dog before the tick can transmit the bacteria. We use Frontline for our rescue dogs. Remember that not all ticks carry Lyme disease and the early removal of ticks reduces the chance that the tick will transmit the disease. For more information go to: ClientEd/lyme.aspx or ask your vet. Dog Park Days Take me out to the dog park. Let me sniff all my friends. Toss me a tennis ball and scratch my ears, Chat with other golden lovers and learn good ideas There were 28 golden retrievers at our last get together. We gather the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at St Mary s County s only dog park on Willows Road, not far from NAS PAX RIVER. Upcoming dates are: February 7 March 7 April 4 May 2 We hope to see you at the dog park! 10