Greetings Golden Lover!
Happy Summer! It’s officially time to have a little more fun than usual – whether that means a BBQ with friends, a longer-than-usual walk with your pup, a family vacation, or some other way that helps you recharge. We hope everyone is enjoying the July 4th holiday weekend!
We’re sending this version of the GoldenGram now because it seems like many more in-person fireworks shows are happening this year and we want to share some ideas for helping your dog get through any extra booms they may hear during the next couple of days.
We’re also having a cool few days in the Bay Area, but the heat will return soon and we’re being reminded frequently on the news of how fast the temperature increases – both asphalt and cars heat up very quickly. Our dogs will be happier and safer at home when it’s hot outside.
We’ve got a great story about one of our volunteers and his dog participating in flyball, a really cool sport, and of course, we have an adoption success story.
We hope you enjoy these articles and photos!
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Little Ruby was about one year old and had A LOT of energy when she was surrendered to NGRR on New Year’s Eve. While she had too much energy for her former owners, she was a fun companion for her foster brother for a few weeks while she was evaluated and a permanent home was found. Ruby LOVED dogs, so we were looking for a family where she’d have a doggy friend and maybe some young humans to chase.
Drum roll please …. Enter Rooster the 1 year old black lab mix and his 3 human brothers (ages 8, 10, and 12) and parents. Rooster also had A LOT of energy. The “Ru’s” were a perfect match! Now described as “thick as thieves”, Ruby and Rooster can be found running around Bay Area parks or wrestling until collapsing at home. Ruby’s new parents shared a video from a fabulous Tahoe spring break trip with Ruby and Rooster flying down the hill in the snow. We are so happy that Ruby has found her “brother from another mother” and perfect family!!
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Helping Pups Deal with Fireworks
Before I had a dog, I loved fireworks. Our family would drive to the local airport and sit outside and "oo" and "ah" at the beautiful, colorful displays.
Now we know that many animals and humans have a very difficult time with fireworks and other explosions. It’s the time of the year that the most dogs end up at animal shelters because they get out and run away, risking injury or death. This is heartbreaking for everyone involved, so please be sure your dogs are inside, with their collar/tags attached. Given that many more communities are resuming fireworks shows this year, here are some tips to get through the next couple of nights.
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Summer Hazards Are Here: Be Extra Cautious with Your Pups
Many of us enjoy bringing our pups with us wherever we go. And almost all of our dogs love to go on walks every day. With the summer heat, check the temperature of the ground before you take a walk on a hot day – if it’s too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for your pup! Play a game of fetch or tug inside until it cools off a bit. Also, given how quickly car temperatures increase, it’s best to leave our furry friends at home when it’s warm outside.
Hot Pavement
Pavement in the summertime can be hot enough to burn and injure your pet. Before walking, do the 7 second test: Put your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, and if it’s too hot for you, then it’s definitely too hot for them. Wait for a walk until it's cooler - check to make sure there's fresh water available for your pup and help yourself to a cold beverage too!
As our California hills turn to gold, don’t forget the dry grass and foxtails become a challenge and can be painful and costly if not caught in time. Don’t forget to do a once over and inspect your dog's ears, feet, and beautiful feathers after enjoying those long summer walks.
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Waiting for His Forever Home |
Monty is a 2.5 year old Golden-Mix with Special Needs. Monty was professionally trained, trying to overcome his separation anxiety. It is very difficult to leave him at home alone with his current anxiety. He loves other dogs and is happy to be left with other people including doggie daycare, neighbors, or dog walkers when his family must leave. His trainer believes with a training plan and consistency, he can overcome his separation anxiety. NGRR is happy to fund this additional training if you are a family willing to open your home to this beautiful boy. See Monty on our website for more details.
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Flying Through the Air, by Bob Armstrong (with Dayton) |
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Flyball is in essence a relay race for dogs. Two teams compete with each other for the fastest time, and each team consists of four dogs, four human handlers, and a fifth human known as the box loader. The dogs run in sequence, one at a time, when they're released by their handlers. Each dog gets a running start, crosses the start/finish line at top speed, jumps over four hurdles, and then jumps on a sloping platform (called "the box"). The dog's weight on the front of the box triggers a spring-loaded tennis ball launcher. The dog must grab the ball, make a U-turn, and return over the same course. When the first dog has crossed the start/finish line, the second dog races, and then the third and fourth. All four dogs win if their team is the first to finish.
Flyball is a fairly complex sequence of steps, at least for a dog, and the idea is to break it up into individual behaviors. You train those separately and then eventually chain them together. Flyball is not really something you can train by yourself. You need to join a club, and the clubs typically meet once a week for training. They'll show you the techniques for training all the different parts and then you go home and practice what you can until the next session. The clubs are generally very friendly and welcome visitors and newcomers.
It took about a year before Dayton could do a full run, and about a year and a half before he was reliable enough to actually race in a tournament. From what I've seen, that's on the long side, but Dayton (like most Goldens) was something of a goof off and it took a while to teach him to concentrate.
There are two organizations in the US that sanction flyball races, NAFA (the North American Flyball Association) and UFLI (United Flyball League Inc). Check them out below:
Here are a couple of YouTube Videos, the first is from the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show and our own Dayton is the first dog in the near lane.
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Get your NGRR Merch!
We’ve got some fun NGRR items in our store – check them out! Insulated wine glasses and baseball caps are perfect for summer, plus we have sweatshirts and fleece vests when it gets chilly at night. Please take a look and pick up one of these items - we also have bandanas, water bottles, tote bags, and more! Let us know if there is a particular item you’d like to see in the store.
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Connect with NGRR on Social Media |
There's apparently a lot to talk about - like whether this is a Golden Retruever or some other sea creature. We’d love to connect with you on social media! Check us out on Facebook and Instagram (links below). |
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Join Us at a Dog Event
NGRR will be out and about at a few events this summer – please stop by and say hello!
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Cubby (L) and Ryder (R), trying not to notice Remy the photobomber in the middle,
would like to hear from you!
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Send Ryder and Cubby A Note!
Ryder and Cubby are so happy to have their mom, a teacher, home for the summer. When they're not swimming with their pal Remy, they have lots of time to read your notes and would like to hear from you with any ideas for a late summer or fall meetup (e.g., at a park or the beach). Ryder and Cubby would also enjoy seeing pictures and stories of NGRR dogs you've adopted! We look forward to hearing from you.
Look for our next GoldenGram in a couple of months. In the meantime, we’re sending our best wishes for a safe and happy July 4th!
Your friends at NGRR
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Phone: (650) 665-0964
Address: 405 El Camino Real, Suite 420
Menlo Park, CA 94025-5240
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