Golden Ribbon Rescue
July 2018


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Newsletter Editor:
Dorian Olsen

Technical Editor:
Jeroen Naus

Send comments or
suggestions to:
newsletter@grr-tx.com


Gold Ribbon Rescue
PO Box 956
Austin, TX 78767
512 659-4653
www.grr-tx.com




A Message from Our President...
Margo Biba




Margo, Ginny and Bijoux

Dear Friends,

Many of our Goldens were adopted in June, and intakes were at a relaxed pace, so I took time to clean off my messy desk. I stumbled across a list of dogs that have lived with Gary and me so far in 2018. Good grief, 21 canines have been in this house in the past six months! Fostering is my favorite GRR activity (well, besides the Holiday Party!) Remember, after the calm may come a hurricane of incoming Goldens.

Taurine deficiency, which can cause serious heart problems, is being reported more and more frequently in Goldens. Scientists currently think it may be a nutritional issue; possibly from feeding grain free foods, or foods containing kangaroo, lentils, duck, pea, fava bean, buffalo, tapioca, salmon, lamb, barley, bison, venison, or chickpeas. Per Tuft’s University grain free diet study, to help protect my dogs who eat grain free food, I’ll be supplementing their diet with 1000mg taurine daily. This is for a 65 pound Golden. Then, as I empty the pantry of grain free food, I'll transition them to dog food containing grain, while avoiding the ingredients listed above.

When Peg and Jack Crownover’s GRR dogs vacation with me, their coats are noticeably phenomenal. Peg’s trick: fish oil and coconut oil.
  • Fish oil: Use a high quality, third-party tested brand to verify that the fish oil is free of contaminants. Shoot for a minimum of 500 mg EPA/DHA per serving, twice daily.
  • Coconut oil: Use unrefined, expeller-pressed brands for best health. Avoid liquid coconut oil, as it has been refined to remove lauric acid; lauric acid is beneficial. Start with very small servings of ½ teaspoon twice daily to avoid loose stools, and then gradually increase the amount.
  • If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, discuss the addition of these oils with your veterinarian. High amounts of fat can trigger pancreatitis issues, so smaller amounts may be prudent in those cases.

As Ever,


Questions or comments for the Board of Directors?
We value your input as members and volunteers. Please send a note to goldens@grr-tx.com and include Questions For The Board in the subject line. We hope to hear from you!

 


From The Board Of Directors...

This spring we conducted our first volunteer survey. As expected, we heard lots of positive feedback: GRR is like family, we feel good about helping, love the people and all that you do. It’s heartwarming to hear those things! But, we also heard that you need: a better understanding of GRR processes and who does what, more frequent communications on GRR policy changes, new volunteer opportunities and greater recognition. Over the next few months, we will be addressing your concerns so watch for updates.

We’re excited to announce two new team leads: Louisa Chandler and Candice Gourley. Louisa has assumed the role of Foster Coordinator Team Lead and Candice as Volunteer Team Lead.

Louisa will be working to ensure that all Foster Coordinators (FCs) have the resources they need to work with foster families. Candice is stepping into a new GRR position and will focus on ensuring new volunteers fully understand GRR processes and policies, as well as strengthen communication and recognition programs. Candice will work with Shannon Bennett, who will continue to manage volunteer recruitment activities.

To our new adopters: Please note that GRR conducts post-adoption follow-up calls a couple of weeks after you have adopted. We want to know that things are going smoothly, but also to answer any questions you might have. Mostly, we want to make sure you and your new dog are happy!

Thanks,
Margo, Michelle, Dawn, Jacki, Tim, Paula and Dawn Marie

 


Letter From the Editor
Dori Olsen

Rusty Olsen

Hello to you all!

I'm very pleased to announce two new columns that will appear regularly in each issue. Judy Sebesta will be writing "Hudson@Home" and share with us the adventures of a first time Golden Retriever rescue adopter. Dawn Marie Rae is reprising her hilarious advice column "Ask Goldie" that offers solutions to problems from the dog's point of view.

Be sure to read Dr. Ron Stried's article on the new heartworm treatments. It is an important topic upon which we all need to be well-versed.

The lights and sounds of 4th of July are upon us and we delight in the revelry. Our pups - not so much. Read about ways to keep your dog calm, cool and collected during this riotous time in "Boom."

Jessica Grant spearheaded the effort to sell GRR Fiesta medals and Mary Marks was instrumental in enlisting assistance. Traveling Trail Veterinary Clinic and Camp Bow Wow both sold the medals on behalf of GRR and we extend our sincere thanks to them and also to Jessica and Mary.

I was on Google, searching for something, when I came across the GRR newsletter from March 2011. "In the Beginning..." traces the origins of GRR in the words of former President Maura Phelan and "A Look Back...", by then-incoming President Margo Biba, talks about the philosophy of GRR. I found it fascinating so I wanted to share it with you.

Happy 4th of July!

Dori

This Month's Contributors:

Maria Solis
Amy Sebesta
Judy Sebesta
Dawn Marie Rae
Kate O'Donnell
Jeroen Naus
Maryanne Kelly
Chrissy Hammond
Linda Graham
Paula Ellis
Jack and Peg Crownover


 


Upcoming Events

Fun In The Golden Sun 2018!



When the heat hits Texas, our Goldens hit the water. Introducing this inaugural campaign to benefit the stars of our show, our beautiful Goldens. Beginning July 14th and running until the 28th, let's populate their world with summertime fun! Stay tuned!

 


The Bidding has Been Fierce! GRR's 2019 Calendar Auction



Bidding for the GRR 2019 Calendar began on Memorial Day, May 28th at 8 p.m and the bidding has been fierce! Congratulations and many thanks to the winners:

  • January - Kathy Simmons
  • February - Pam Parmiter
  • March - Marla McLain
  • April - Edward Galle
  • May - Allison Frank
  • June - Kelly Topher
  • July - Carey Gunthert
  • August - Candice Gourley
  • September - Brian Romick
  • October - Charity Martinez
  • November - Peg and Jack Crownover
  • December - Jim Cordera
  • Calendar Cover - Carey Gunthert
What better way to spotlight your Golden(s) than in the GRR calendar. The calendar is filling up so don't forget to buy your "special day" for $10 right away and send in your photos for consideration for scattering throughout the calendar. The deadline for receipt of photos is July 30th. Here are the details:
  • Special Days: For $10, you can honor your pet with a photo and message. Send your photos to Kathy Simmons by July 30th.
  • Free thumbnails: We will use these FREE submissions to scatter throughout the calendar. If you have a favorite photo you'd like to have considered, please send your photo to Kathy Simmons by July 30th.

Are you ready? Go to GRR 2019 Calendar to order your special day. Good luck!

 


Where are They Now? - Angel (18-055)
Maryanne Kelly


Angel at Intake

On the 11th of May we went to the “intake” vets to pick up our little dog to foster. She was so traumatized and shaking so hard that we had to carry her to the car because she could not be led on the leash. She and her sister had been dumped in the local “dumping grounds” near Port Lavaca. The dogs were so small, weighing only 42 pounds, that they were thought to be 8 to 10 months old. Subsequently, this estimate was revised by the vet to 15 to18 months. They were extremely infested with fleas, ticks, whipworms, etc. No wonder the trauma!

I sat in the backseat of our car and hugged, petted, and rocked this little dog all the way home. We brought her to the backyard, which is now her favorite place. She was terribly unsocialized and fearful of everyone and everything. Her second night here, she discovered a round, magical, bouncy sphere on the floor that my husband had been throwing up in the air. It’s now her favorite toy (that ball) and we spend hours throwing and playing with it...and she brought it back and put it in our laps without any training! She’s turned out to be the best “Retriever “we’ve ever had.

It has been so rewarding to watch her become more confident and joyful as she plays and discovers her new world. She enjoys a cool dip in the pool (on the first step only, for now) after exercising or taking a ride in the golf cart. She’s still a little skittish around new people and dogs, but her true Golden self is emerging. She has added much joy, fun and love to our lives in this short month and now we are blessed to call her our little "Angel".

An angel came to our house
A coat of fur she wore
Her face was scared, her eyes were sad
And she was thin and sore
We told her things would be good now
So she could relax and play
We told her that we loved her
And we wanted her to stay
Now she seems so happy, never more to roam
Yes, she’s our little “Angel”
In her Forever Home!


And Now

 


Heartworm Treatment Refresher
Dr. Ron Stried, GRR Medical Director


After a dog is diagnosed with heartworms, what next? Heartworms can be devastating to a dog’s health. Dogs get heartworms from a mosquito that has been infected with heartworm microfilaria. When a dog is diagnosed with heartworms, it is placed on a macrolytic lactone (Heartgard) and continued monthly thereafter.

Pre-Adulticide Evaluation
The extent of diagnostic testing will vary depending on the clinical status of each patient and results of a thorough history. Radiographs can determine the extent of pulmonary disease. There is no test or combination of test to accurately determine the number of heartworms present.

Adulticide Treatment
Treating heartworm infection in asymptomatic patients or those exhibiting signs of mild disease usually is not problematic if exercise is curtailed. Prior to treating heartworms, doxycycline is administered for 30 days to lessen the effect of the treatment. The American Heartworm Society recommends the three-dose protocol. After the first injection of melarsomine, wait one month before administering two injections of the same drug 24 hours apart. The drug is administered into a muscle in the midback and the dog may experience some muscle pain.

Exercise restriction during the recovery period (after the melarsomine injections) is ESSENTIAL for minimizing cardiopulmonary complications. Adult worms may continue to die for more than a month following adulticide administration. Antigen testing six months after the heartworm treatment is recommended.

Newer Adulticide Treatment
Sometimes heartworm dogs are elderly or in a debilitated condition and treatment with the three-dose injection method may not be advisable. After diagnosis, the dog is administered Advantage-Multi for Dogs topically for 10 months. The dog is administered doxycycline for 30 days.

Studies demonstrated this treatment regimen successfully eliminated heartworm microfilaria in21 days and had a 95.9% efficacy in elimination of mature adult heartworms. Because Advantage-Multi is a microfilaricide, this protocol will kill adult heartworms and prevent newer infections.


 


Hudson@Home
Judy Sebesta

Installment #1: The Joy of Discovery

Judy and Hudson

For the past few weeks, I have been fostering-to-adopt Hudson (18-046), an outsized Golden boy from the streets of San Antonio (and before that, Germany!). This is the first in a series of columns chronicling Hudson’s new life with me and my little spaniel, Dinah — the fun and frustrations, the joys and fears, and, most of all, the glorious, sometimes goofy, Golden love.

As a first-time Golden Retriever guardian, I am sure there is little "new" that I can tell you, the converted choir to whom I am preaching, about the breed. I can only hope that my personal experience getting to know the breed in general — and sweet Hudson specifically — will strike a chord in you.

I can’t remember a time that dogs were not part of my life. When I was around three, my parents brought home Missy, a “mutt” from what we used to call “the pound.” Then there was Teddy, Farrah, and Squeaky. Somewhere in there, my love for all things canine was cemented by the book Where the Red Fern Grows. I identified with the protagonist Billy and his all-consuming love for two redbone hounds, crying copious tears when Big Dan and Little Ann, after saving him from a mountain lion attack, died from their injuries. Later, Billy discovered their graves covered in a rare, glorious red fern, a sign of fidelity and love.

As an adult, I have experienced that love, fidelity, and eventual sadness that come from adopting and then losing, through disease or old age, dogs — first a terrier named Minnie, then two years later a Pyrenees mix named Murphy, and then when he passed, a purebred Pyr named Laddie. Minnie’s passing at fifteen paved the way for my current rescue, a Cavalier King Charles/Cocker Spaniel mix. But it has taken nearly two years since Laddie’s passing for me to open my heart to another rescue — until Hudson.

It was love at first photo on the GRR website and when I met him, and he leaned against me, that was it. Since then, I have been enjoying that amazing process of acquaintance we all go through with an adoptee. Here is what I have learned about Hud so far (some, I am told, are pretty classic Golden traits):

  • He loves everyone and especially children. He will lean against you, demanding attention. In fact, he prefers people to dogs. It means that, so far, he really doesn’t interact much with Dinah, or his GRR cousins Maya (14-117) and Iris (16-018), although they all get along fine.

  • He makes silly grunting noises when I love on him first thing in the morning, rarely barks, and loves to roll on his back with his Kong in his mouth, the only toy so far he can’t destroy. He carries it around like a pacifier, sometimes sleeping with it in his mouth. He also likes to roll in freshly-mown grass – a green retriever, the new designer breed!

The perfect gentleman

A boy and his Kong - Green Golden Retriever

  • After some initial counter surfing, he has become a near-perfect gentleman in the home.

  • After issues with food snatching (biting me slightly in the process), he has quickly learned to take treats more gently, always sitting and offering a paw.

  • He learns very quickly — it took me only about two days to train him better manners regarding the above. Which gives me hope about his biggest behavioral issue.

  • He loves food (don’t most Goldens?), but above all he loves balls of any shape and size. Love is not a strong enough word — he goes berserk over them and will destroy them with his love if given the chance. It also makes walks and other adventures challenging. If he sees a ball of any kind (or anything resembling a ball, like a watermelon) he loses all focus and becomes nearly uncontrollable. I will need to work with a trainer on this issue.

With cousins, Iris and Maya!

 


It Makes My Heart Sing!
Maria Solis

Boomer (18-057)

I wanted to mention, in a note to the newsletter editor, the coincidences that can happen as a part of volunteering. I volunteer for doing both Home Visits and Transport. This past week I did two transports; one a stray and the other an owner surrender. The surrenders "hurt" a bit more as I'll never understand, except for health reasons, how one can bring a pet into your home, just to surrender them later.

Anyway, this little spitfire named Boomer is a young boy and, judging by his behavior, had not had many car rides. He drooled during the entire ride, poor baby, but was so good otherwise. When I met up with his foster, we were talking about Boomer (18-057), and she happened to mention her other dog was a GRR dog who was a FPA (foster pending adoption) named Winter. I knew that name; I had transported Winter when he was surrendered. What were the odds that this wonderful lady was getting not one, but two, precious owner surrenders. It just made my heart sing because of the positive outcome that had dropped in our laps. You never know what you are going to encounter as a volunteer: sometimes neat surprises are just waiting for you.

If more people were aware what a "high" you get by volunteering, I would bet we would have even more volunteers. It is very rewarding and I miss it when I haven't done a transport or home visit in a while. Thank goodness I have my next home visit this week.

When I retire from the "work world," my thought is to start out with respite fostering. I'm a foster failure, so I don't want to go there again!

 


Where are They Now? - Holly Dolly (18-010)
Peg and Jack Crownover

Holly Dolly (18-010) came to us as an owner surrender/foster following abdominal surgery after she swallowed a 4 inch stuffed teddy bear toy. She must have really enjoyed this swallowing trick, as it was the second time for the same type of surgery! Her original owners paid roughly $7,000 to have the intestinal blockage removed, in addition to almost 8 inches of her small intestine. When she began displaying the same signs (vomiting and not eating again), the vet suspected another blockage. Sadly, the family didn't believe they could assume this financial burden again and made the tough decision to have her euthanized. BUT, the vet and staff agreed that Holly was too sweet and friendly of a girl to put down. After carefully explaining the virtue of GRR and rehoming her to a qualified family, the owners agreed to surrender Holly and release all ownership rights.

Thusly, Holly went immediately to CTSVH and emergency abdominal surgery was performed, and the teddy bear was removed! The surgeon attached her stomach to the posterior abdominal wall to keep it in a more secure position and the incision was about 12 inches long (but healed nicely). After three days in the hospital, she was released to our home to be fostered until she was cleared for adoption. As a nurse, I (Peg) kept a close eye on the healing process and she kept the dreaded "cone of shame" on 24/7! During the day I used a soft collar, but at night the big plastic one went one since I couldn't watch her as closely. Thankfully, she didn't fight it or try to remove either one.

Holly was our 4th foster: we'd failed the first three! But since we already had Blanca, a 16 year old white beauty, we weren't going to fail a 4th time (HA HA!). Blanca and Holly adjusted well to each other, despite the 11 year age difference. Holly is only five years old and so much more active and demanding of attention, but Blanca simply kept her own pace, just as she preferred. One tragic day Blanca had three seizures. Holly became very acutely aware of the change in Blanca and observed us during each episode. In fact, it was Holly who alerted us that Blanca was having another seizure, as Holly left her bed to go to Blanca and then looked at us to tell us something was happening. Holly was very careful; she let us take care of Blanca without the usual "butting in" as we tended to our sick baby. Later, after we returned from the hospital at 1:30 a.m. without Blanca, Holly was respectful, quiet and gentle as we told her the sad news. Her innate sensitivity during the seizures and afterwards for several days was astounding. She. Just. Knew.

OK, now y'all know what happened or we wouldn't be writing this story! Foster fail #4 happened! Holly Dolly became Holly Crownover on Mothers’ Day. She has truly been a wonderful gift to the both of us, but to Jack mostly. Once again, Jack has a Velcro dog, just as Gus, our first GRR rescue, (what great memories!) had been to him. She follows Jack everywhere: then I (Peg) become important when he departs the house.

We feel blessed to have this very special girl in many ways. Firstly, she wasn't abused, neglected, chained up, starved, or deprived of love or attention of any kind. All medical care was up to date and she is healthy. Secondly, she has manners, walks well on the leash, knows her name and follows simple commands such as sit, lay down, and paw. She also understands words like toy, bone, bed, blanket, food, treats, walk, and I'm convinced that she knows even the most complicated issue…world peace! This young lady is kind, attentive, sweet, loving… and occasionally a pest when she wakes us up at 2 or 4 a.m. to potty outside. Boy, her tail wagging against the night stand can sure be quite the alarm clock!

At our age, she may outlive us, but we hope we are privileged enough to all live long lives together! We have loved each GRR dog, as well as our first Golden, Punkin, and 3 kitty cats in-between dogs, ever so much. We thank GRR for all that you do to save so many deserving Goldens!

Peg and Jack Crownover
Holly's parents

 


Fostering the Dog-Human Relationship
Linda Graham

Connor

“And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.” - Steve Jobs

As I think about relationships in my life, be it with people or dogs, the net is that there are similarities and differences with every connection.

If you planned to become a parent, in many cases, you had time to think the process through. You make a conscious decision that having a child is right for your family. You read countless parenting books, take classes, receive advice from friends and family and prepare the home for a new addition – the list goes on and on. Many people may not realize it, but these activities and undertakings should apply when adopting a dog as well. Take time to consider if adopting a dog is right for you and your family versus a spontaneous decision that you may regret over time, thereby causing the dog to be displaced.

Bringing home your new addition is just the beginning. Once home, reality can hit hard and that’s when the fun, challenges and rewards begin!

I will always remember the first cry, coupled with a soiled diaper, when we brought my son home from the hospital. I’ll admit, there was some anxiety when I realized that it was totally up to me now to care for my son, since we couldn’t bring the nurses home with us from the hospital! I soothed my son and changed his diaper in what was the beginning of a lifetime of love, support, and guidance. It wasn’t always easy for either of us, and we continue to learn and grow in our relationship.

Thankfully my foray into being a dog-parent didn’t begin with dirty diapers! With the many dogs I adopted (10, in total – so far), the experience of love, support, guidance, challenges, learning and growth has been similar to a human relationship. Like people, the “perfect” dog does not exist (although we all may think our dog is perfect). Each of us have our quirks that make us lovable, or unbearable. Unfortunately, for many dogs entering into shelters and rescue organizations such as GRR, life has not been good to them. They have their history, be it the loss of their loving/caring forever family due to hardship or never having had that loving/caring family in their life. Thankfully for the dogs coming through GRR, one of the main priorities is a life filled with love, good health and happiness with their forever family from that point forward.

From day one, Connor (17-010) was the absolute sweetest dog! However, he seemed to be a little “detached” and wouldn’t make eye contact with humans (not a show-stopper for my family). In addition, he had some separation anxiety with a prior history of breaking out of his crate and destroying the blinds (oh no!). Many months after his adoption, Connor started making eye contact. My sense is that he didn’t have a history of people being there for him prior to GRR. I think he now feels that he belongs, so I’m delighted that he’s feeling comfortable as a member of our family! As for destroying blinds, all you need is one “rare” incident for the blinds to be a mess (which, unfortunately, we had recently). It could happen again but I’m accepting it as just part of the reality of adopting a dog with a history of separation anxiety.

If Connor could talk, I’m sure there are things about me that he has accepted too! This is what makes the dog-human relationship so perfect.

 


Yesterday was Weird
Facebook - Benny Pointer

Yesterday was weird. I couldn't get myself out of bed. The guy I live with lifted me up. I tried to get my legs under me, but they wouldn't cooperate. He said, "Don't worry, I gotcha buddy," carried me downstairs, and out the front door. That was so nice of him. I needed to pee so badly, I just had to go right there where he put me down. Normally I wouldn't, but we both decided to make an exception to the rule.

I started walking down the parking lot toward that place where all the dogs like me go to poop. I felt my paws dragging on the ground. "How strange," I thought. Then suddenly, I just had to go, really badly. In the middle of the parking lot. Normally, I wouldn't do that. It's against the rules.

My person cleaned up the mess. He's good at that. I felt embarrassed, looked at him, and he said, "Want to keep walking, buddy?" I did, but it was surprisingly tough. By the time we reached the end of the parking lot, my head was spinning. I tried to climb the little hill and nearly fell over. I couldn't figure out what was going on.


Continue reading

 


Happy 4th of July!

 


Boom!
seattledogspot.com


10 Tips for Dogs and Fireworks

You’ve probably heard this a gazillion times already, but it can’t hurt to say it once more – more pets end up in shelters during and after the 4th of July than any other time of year because fireworks scare the bejeezus out of them.

When dogs are scared, they tend to bolt and keep running for long distances until they get far away from whatever scared them. And if the fireworks keep going off, the dog will keep running. Some people think their dog will be OK if they leave it in a fenced yard, but you’d be surprised to see just how high a fence a panicked dog can jump. Or dig under it. And if you leave you dog alone in your house while you celebrate the 4th? Be prepared to dip into your savings because, you might find out just how much damage a freaked out dog can cause.

Even if you stay home and have a cookout in the backyard, your presence won’t prevent your dog from bolting once the fireworks start. But keeping your dog safe and calm during the 4th of July celebrations isn’t beyond your control.

  1. Exercise your dog before the fireworks start!
    Make time in your schedule to give your an extra-long workout before the fireworks begin. Dogs that have been thoroughly exercised are calmer and easier to keep quiet. They will also sleep more deeply, and consequently, will be less likely to be disturbed by the noise outside. Of course, if it’s really hot outside, take precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t get overheated.

Continue reading

 


In the Beginning...
Reprinted from the GRR March 2011 Newsletter

Letter from GRR’s Outgoing President—Maura Phelan

On this, the 13th anniversary of the original puppy mill rescue that incited the creation of Gold Ribbon Rescue, I have been contemplating what we have accomplished and how far we have come.

It was 13 years ago, on Superbowl Saturday, that a few other volunteers and I traveled down to south Texas and picked up 97 Golden Retrievers and 17 Yellow Labradors from a former puppy mill in an operation we called the Tie A Gold Ribbon rescue. These dogs were being kept in pens and raised like livestock and most were unsocialized and pregnant when we picked them up. It took ten months to rehabilitate and place them all, and by that time the Austin Golden Retriever Club (who I did rescue through) was really tired of having to deal with rescue at every meeting, all the time. It was time to form a non-profit rescue and move forward to do more to rescue the dogs, educate the public, and stop the irresponsible breeders creating bad examples of the breed so that we could help maintain the true Golden Retriever we know and love. Thus it was that Gold Ribbon Rescue was born.

After twelve-plus years as President of Gold Ribbon Rescue and two-plus more years doing Golden Retriever rescue by myself, I have decided the time has come to take a break and concentrate instead on getting my new law practice established. While I will miss all the day-to-day dealings with all of you, and being involved with all the rescue dogs, I will still be doing what I can by hosting the Oom-Pup-Paws and Shake, Paddle and Roll events, and fostering when I can.

Thank you all for all you do and for letting me be a part of it for so long. Good luck!

Maura

 


A Look Back...
Reprinted from the GRR March 2011 Newsletter

Letter from GRR’s Incoming President—Margo Biba

Back in 1998, while planning Gary‘s and my move from rural Nebraska to Big City Austin, I phoned Maura Phelan about helping -a little- with Golden Retriever Rescue. At that time, I was the Rescue Coordinator for Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska, GRRIN and Maura was the Austin Golden Retriever Club‘s go-to-gal for rescue. As we talked, both then and on my subsequent trips to Austin, we realized that our rescue philosophies were virtually identical and a partnership was formed.

By November 1998, Gold Ribbon Rescue was officially incorporated as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. I arrived in Austin one month later, still imagining retirement from rescue after five busy years with my former team. Well…all of you that know Maura can attest to her charismatic powers of persuasion. My plans to help ―a little - crumbled; I joined GRR‘s board, and we dove headlong into building GRR.

We send our many thanks to Maura for her long years of service, as GRR‘s president. With her leadership, almost 2,000 Goldens have been saved and placed in loving homes. We are happy that Maura has accepted a position on GRR‘s Advisory Board and that she will continue to be involved with our grand organization.

Looking forward, expect Gold Ribbon Rescue to continue as a top notch rescue team. The quality and dedication of our volunteers is key to the organization‘s success. GRR‘s longevity is partly attributable to our strong financial base. GRR does not have any paid employees. GRR volunteers work out of their homes; we do not have a facility. Ever conservative with funds, we keep a close eye on medical expenditures, while maintaining extremely low overhead. Almost all of our income goes to direct dog care.

Foster families are the backbone of GRR‘s success. You‘ve heard us say it before and we‘ll say it again: Please Foster. By fostering even one Golden per year, you will change the lives of many. The positive reverberations from each foster travel past the obvious. Not only is that particular dog‘s life changed for the better; but each foster family also positively changes. Our volunteers are able to work jointly toward a common positive goal, and ultimately, when the Golden is adopted, he gives love forward.

It has been my great joy helping Gold Ribbon Rescue grow to become the highly respected, Cracker Jack team it is today. I am happy and excited to continue this journey, as GRR‘s President. As we look forward to 2011 and beyond, know that Gold Ribbon Rescue will be there; helping Golden Retrievers to better lives.

Margo Biba, President
Gold Ribbon Rescue

 


Dear Goldie
Dawn Marie Rae



Dear Goldie,

So, I have my place of residence, where I can scope out the front yard through the window. I regard it as my throne, mind you. But, every time that UPS guy comes by and jams on his brakes, I go crazy. Then he rings the doorbell, throws a box and runs away! I get so worked up, I almost faint. My heart is pounding, I’m drooling, my ears are practically melting off. I just know he is going to run in here and hurt my Mom. I know I’ve done my job when he runs off, hmm hmm.

In the meantime, I have torn down the curtains, gouged the window sill and pretty much made a fool of myself. Oops, here comes Mom, shrieking at ME! I think she’s having a panic attack. Man, I was just protecting her. I wouldn’t hurt the guy, but you never know when someone is going to barge in. How can I tell her I was just doing my job??

- Signed, Fainting in Pflugerville

Dear Fainting,

Wow, I bet you’ve also trashed the fence outside when someone is walking by, too. Am I right? Does the front door have scratches on it? If you continue this outrageous behavior, it will only get worse. It’s like a dress rehearsal for the next time the UPS guy shows up. You’ll end up biting someone who really cares about you because you are acting like a wild man.

Maybe Mom can teach you not to bark - maybe with treats? What If you go out and say hello to Mr. UPS? Don't you realize there might be a BarkBox for you in that truck? Did you even think about that???

- Signed, Goldie

 


Gibbs Learns Something New!

 


Thoughts, Prayers and Remembrance



Our Rainbow Bridge: June 2018
Rest in peace, our friends and companions.

Max
Big Bear
Buster
Tucker
Logan
Zeus

 


In Loving Memory - Max (15-064)
Kate O'Donnell



Max (AKA Mr. Wonderful) came into my life nearly three years ago, shortly after I lost my older lab, Rusty. Max was spunky, silly, and he loved to chase the ball, although he would never bring it to me. He just hung onto it as long as he could. I often found socks and underwear around the house, because he loved to raid the clothes basket and deposit these items in odd places. When he got excited he would prance up and down in front of me, making me laugh.

Sadly, he developed seizures along with other medical problems and he went to heaven in February of this year. It was sad to let him go, but I was relieved he was not suffering any more. I will be forever grateful for his companionship and his short life, because he brought great joy to me.

 


Grey Muzzle Foundation Grant
Amy Sebesta

A couple of months back, I let you all know that Gold Ribbon Rescue was applying for funding through the Grey Muzzle Foundation for our seniors in need. Funding is available once annually and winners are announced by June. After submitting over 40 pages of application data, it pains me to report that Gold Ribbon was not selected. The competition was simply overwhelming.

This year, over 350 rescues from across the country that support seniors applied, with less than 20% receiving funds. Alas, I remain, like any reputable counter- surfing Golden, determined to keep looking for the next treasure. The work we all do for GRR is a labor of love and together we have forged a path of relentless rescue for 20 years. While not always easy or as expected, our fortunes cannot be discounted. Here’s to you all for your service, support, and love of Goldens!


Amy Sebesta & Iris (Sally 16-018)

 


GRR Monthly Status Report: May 23 - June 24



Came into care:18-057 Boomer, 18-058 Gracie, 18-059 Lucky, 18-060 Cooper, 18-061 Teddy, 18-062 Penelope, 18-063 Madeline, 18-064 Matilda

Adopted:18-045 Grant, 18-054 Luna, 18-018 Havely, 18-040 Sunny, 18-039 Baron, 18-032 Feeney, 18-044 Gabe, 18-028 Zussie, 18-043 Ginger, 18-026 Wells, 17-127 Bob, 18-055 Angel, 17-104 Banks, 18-053 Hoppy, 18-046 Hudson, 18-051 Lola, 18-050 Mr. Buddy,

Currently in Foster Care:27 Dogs - 7 available/available soon, 13 foster pending adoptions, 7 permanent fosters

 


Help Wanted

Website Dog Story Authors:
Write upbeat, enticing stories about newly rescued dogs and obtain photos for the GRR website using foster reports and contact with the foster. Approximately 2-3 hours per assignment. Desired turnaround time is 3 to 4 days from date of assignment. This is a critical position that enhances the chances of each dog for adoption. Please contact Barbara Tankey for more information.

GRR Website Content Coordinator:
Must have Drupal, HTML, CSS and FTP skills to manage timely updates to our website re: fundraisers, events and general content changes. Approximately 5 hours per week depending on current campaigns.
Please contact Dawn Marie Rae for more details.

Respite Volunteers needed:
We are in need of more respite families to help out with keeping foster dogs on a short-term basis while the fosters are traveling and/or are on vacation. This is a great way to provide socialization for your dog, try out fostering, enjoy playing with and caring for a short-term foster. Volunteers must have gone through the regular adoption/foster screening process, including a home visit. Please contact Robin Early if interested.

 


Meet Our Preferred Partners!





Gold Ribbon Rescue has several preferred partners that help us with our mission to save our beautiful Goldens. We are truly grateful for their relationships and support. We thank them for all they do for GRR everyday, all the time!

Training and Behavior:

Veterinarians: