GGL
RR's Actions During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 crisis, particularly during the shelter-in-place period, we will conduct as much Lab Rescue business via telephone, text, email, and social media as we can. To that end we have implemented the following protocols:
- We will not be holding any pet fairs or participating in public events.
- We will not be holding in-person meet-and-greets between rescued dogs and prospective adopters.
- We will encourage prospective adopters to contact the rescue reps to learn as much as possible about the behavior and personality of dogs. This could include "virtual visits" via smartphones.
- We will be asking prospective owner-surrenders to keep their dogs for now, unless keeping the dog is a safety/security issue. We will continue to collect as much information about the dog as possible, just not in person.
- We will focus our shelter pull efforts on those animal shelters within our normal area code operating area.
- We will solicit walking/talking video tours (taken via smartphone) of the homes and yards of prospective adopters to perform home-checks.
- Vet visits for dogs in our program will be kept to essential/emergency visits only.
- We will continue to provide supplies and maximum support to our fosters.
- We will continue to place incoming rescued dogs in foster homes, as needed and as possible, with the understanding that these dogs may be in foster for a longer-than-normal period.
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Sheltering in Place with your Lab?
Here are some ideas to keep them from going "fur"-crazy!
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Is your Lab tired of working from home??
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By Jordan Upmalis
Feb 10, 2019 | akc.org
Being stuck at home, for any reason, can be a bummer for both you and your pup. But even though you're confined inside, you can still engage in meaningful activities with your dog that can stimulate them mentally and physically. So, the next time you find yourself homebound, don't let it spoil your fun. Try out these games and activities to keep your canine companion on their toes.
Hidden Treasure
Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell. Did you know that they have approximately 45 times more scent receptors than humans? And what better way to exercise that sense of smell than by making a game that uses it? All you need to do is collect a few small boxes or containers and arrange them upside down. Place a prize (like a favorite dog training treat) underneath one of them and encourage your pup to start sniffing around. When your dog accurately identifies which container the treat is under, make sure to congratulate them and, of course, reward them with the hidden treasure.
You can also use a Snuffle Mat to engage your dog's sense of smell and curiosity. There are multiple pockets to hide treats in and different puzzles with adjustable difficulty. Help mentally stimulate your dog and work on their nose work skills!
Hide-and-Seek
You likely loved this game when you were a kid, so why not enjoy it with your dog? For this game to be successful, your dog will have to understand basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come. Lead them to a room and ask them to stay, then leave and hide in a different location. When you've found the perfect hiding place, call their name to encourage them to come find you. Celebrate the big accomplishment, once they've figured out where you are.
Obedience Training
Speaking of basic commands, an obedience training session is a perfect way to stay occupied. Whether you're working on enhancing your dog's skills for competitions or simply making sure your dog can listen and respond to you in a positive way, this
obedience-retrieving dumbbell is a great tool to use for a practice session.
Play-Wild Sits
Now, this is a fun exercise. While your dog is on a leash, rile them up as much as possible - you can run around cheering, jumping up and down - anything to get your pup as excited as possible. Then, mid-romp, you'll instruct your dog to sit. This may take some practice, depending on how hyperactive your dog is, but after a few tries, your dog should be able to go from a state of excitement to sitting patiently on command.
Obstacle Course
This one's easy because you can take advantage of common household objects and design the course to be as simple or difficult as you want. You could use broken-down boxes for your dog to crawl through, place chairs down for them to navigate through, and even stack books for him to jump over.
You can make an easy
DIY dog jump
made from household items, or you can also use a set of cones and poles to create your own training and obstacle course.
Training Platform and Agility System
One way to make sure that your pup is positively occupied inside is by engaging them with a training platform and agility system.
This one
is adjustable, easy to configure, and can be sized to your dog's specifications. It is even waterproof and washable, and you can also use it outside.
Cardio Twist
Known in the sport of agility as weave poles, this is a training game you can play with your dog, regardless of whether or not you're training for the competition ring. You can set up "poles" using household objects, like chairs or even friends or family members, and instruct your dog to heel alongside you as you weave between them. You can change your pace from fast to slow, which will encourage your dog to concentrate on following you as you change direction. This is an awesome way to work on coordination, while also getting a cardio workout - for both of you.
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Koda
13-year-old neutered male Black Lab/Mastiff mix, 92 lbs.
Koda is a great dog and a gentle giant. He has two wonderful sides to himself: mild mannered Clark Kent and active Captain Adventure! He is content to hang out at home, keep an attentive eye on you, chew on a bone, study the squirrels in the yard, or nap, but he is ready at a moment's notice to explore the world with you. We believe Koda is a bit under socialized with other dogs so his adopter will have to use care in meeting other dogs; he does great with older mellow dogs; has shown to be a bit snarky towards younger and smaller dogs. We envision his adopter will give him a couple walks each day, followed by lots of lounging around.
Koda has had a growth removed (biopsy revealed it to be a malignant trichoepithelioma), but the vet feels she got all of the growth. He is now on a special diet and medicine (Enalapril) to address a urine protein and blood albumin issue. He is neutered, current on vaccinations, heartworm negative, and microchipped. Koda is located in Oakland.
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Rocky
10-year-old neutered Yellow Lab, 78 lbs.
Rocky came in as an owner surrender. Upon meeting Rocky, Lab Rescue noticed he was a little unsteady on his back legs and had a slight cough. Upon speaking with his former owner, we suspected Rocky might have some incontinence.
Lab Rescue took him to see a neurologist who suspected he might have laryngeal paralysis - a common condition of middle to older aged dogs that involves loss of normal function of the larynx. Lab Rescue sent Rocky for neutering and the vet found and removed a mass from his throat (low-grade sarcoma). It was also confirmed his has laryngeal paralysis. Rocky is incontinent and wears a washable diaper when he's in the house. He is an amazingly sweet dog and is easy to care for and love.
Rocky is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and is on an anti-inflammatory and supplements, including mushrooms to boost his immunity. He is located in Vallejo.
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Harry
2 to 4 yr-old, neutered male Black Lab mix 64 lbs.
We think Harry is a Lab mixed with a herding breed (perhaps border collie, McNab or Australian cattle dog). Assertive and full of energy, he will need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and leadership. Great candidate for obedience training. He is not a dog park dog (he will go after other young male dogs), but he has done well living in a home with a social female dog. Harry needs an experienced owner that will provide strong leadership so Harry doesn't feel like he needs to take charge. He is a young dog that will test limits but who also responds very well to a human who provides leadership, guidance, and structure.
Harry is in great health and is current on Rabies and distemper vaccination, heartworm negative, and microchipped. He has had a wellness check and was neutered by our vet. The shelter initially estimated his age as 4 or 5, but we think he is younger based on his energy, demeanor, and pearly white teeth. Harry is located in Menlo Park.
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Pet Planning for COVID-19
During the COVID-19 crisis, it is a good idea to have a plan for what to do with companion animals in the event their owner falls ill and may need hospitalization.
Shelters are encouraging residents to have a plan that might include:
- Create a written emergency plan for each pet in your household. Be sure to include your name and contact info, along with pet feeding schedule/medications/medical conditions/vaccinations/vet contact info.
- Contact neighbors, friends, family, etc to find a temporary caregiver for your pet(s) in case you are hospitalized.
- Compile a bag of essential pet supplies, including food, 2 weeks of medications, and any additional supplies, including a travel kennel.
Having a plan can reduce your stress by providing peace of mind that your pet(s) will be cared for. Also, keeping public shelters free of long-term care animals allows them to be better prepared for animal care cases requiring immediate attention.
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Is your GGLRR-adopted dog destined for celebrity status?
Are they "paw"-pular on social media
?
We are now accepting photos for the 2021 GGLRR Calendar, with lucky Labs to be chosen to grace the pages of the calendar, while raising much needed funds for GGLRR.
If you would like a photo of your Lab(s) to be considered as one of the photos in GGLRR's 2021 Calendar, please send submissions through September 1, 2020 including:
- Photo(s) per guidelines below;
- Your name and the dog's name;
- The month/year the dog was adopted from GGLRR;and,
- Email to GGLRR at [email protected]
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Photo Guidelines:
* The calendar is an annual fundraiser for GGLRR, and we feature Labs that have been adopted through GGLRR.
* Photos with multiple dogs are welcome, but all dogs shown in the photo must be from GGLRR.
* We encourage people to use settings showing the fun people have with their Labs in beautiful Northern California settings (beach, mountains, hiking trails, Golden Gate bridge, etc).
* You may include as many GGLRR-adopted Labs in the photo as you want, but please no people, text, or copywritten backgrounds.
* Professional photographs will be accepted if submitted by the photographer who can provide GGLRR permission for unlimited usage of the photo as listed with the submission.
* Please do not use watermarks or other text since photo info and credits will be added consistently on the calendar.
* Each owner may submit up to 6 photos of the same Lab.
* Please submit as high of resolution as your camera permits (8 megapixel or higher preferred).
* Photos should only be sent in .jpg or .png format.
We only accept submissions from the dog owner and by emailing the photo, you are giving GGLRR permission to use the photo for the calendar or our website.
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Shopping Online for Hand Sanitizer and Paper Products?
You can help us help Labs at the same time!
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We are now part of Amazon Smile's program online. Anything you buy on Amazon, you can also buy on Amazon Smile and a small portion of your purchase will be donated to GGLRR. Just go to Amazon Smile and designate "Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc" as your selected charity. It's so easy to do and it would mean a lot to the Labs.
GGLRR also has an Amazon Wish List!
If you are on Amazon and want to buy something for the Labs, please check out our WishList!
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HAPPY TAILS
Lilly
A lot was put into this special girl and we are thrilled to report that Lilly has found a fabulous forever home in Mt Shasta.
She now has a home she can call her own and is acclimating quite well. Lilly loves playing in the snow and has been on many walks around her neighborhood (and intrigued by the many squirrels, deer and other enticing smells that surround her). She has had good social skills around other dogs and has even begun private training lessons and will go onto adult classes soon. Currently, she sleeps over eight hours a night in a cozy dog bed close to the wood stove or on a covered sofa. Lilly is one lucky girl!
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Patty, now Bella
Patty came to Lab Rescue in late February 2020 after being left in a field in the Ukiah area. She was picked up and brought to a shelter as a "lost their way" dog.
From the shelter, Patty went to our boarding facility in Petaluma and then Lab Rescue found her a fur-ever home - a lovely Santa Cruz couple with a home on the beach!
Patty is now living the good (actually, great!) life and even has a new name - Bella. Bella is now settling down beautifully, loves her walks, is warming up to her "brother" Nalu, and is a huge fan of the water (see photo of her first trip to the beach).
She has learned her name, is better at staying off furniture and counters, and is in the process of learning "stay" and recall. Her owners are now looking for a trainer who can work on addressing more complicated behaviors, but for now, Bella is a happy girl who benefits from tons of exercise, plenty of cuddle time, and a loving home.
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Max
Max was adopted in November 2019 and is settling in nicely to his new home.
He is quite comfortable and easygoing, and he gets lots of exercise each day. His new family thinks he is great and knows that he is happy.
Huge thanks to fosters Amber and Prabhash and Rescue Reps Debbi and Kris for helping to make this happen!
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Sniff Us Out on the Interwebs
Follow us on social media.
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