GoldenGram - November 2022
|
|
Greetings Golden Lover!
It has been a while since we sent a GoldenGram – we have been super busy and have a lot of good information and stories to share with you!
As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, we hope that you are healthy and happy and that you are able to take time to reflect on the people, animals, and other aspects of your life that bring you joy. As we’re taking some time to reflect, we would like to share some of our sources of gratitude.
As you may know, there can be difficult circumstances and stories that accompany a dog who comes into NGRR’s program. As an example, you may have heard about Poppy, a little redheaded Golden left in a box at an emergency vet in the East Bay. She had many broken bones and faced a year of difficult surgeries and rehabilitation. The good news is she is doing amazingly well and was just adopted by the family who fostered her. These beautiful dogs inspire us with their resilience and joyful spirits.
And the past couple of weeks, we’ve been inspired by two youngsters who have hearts of gold. The first is Moira, an 8-year-old girl whose family is a first-time foster for NGRR. A few weeks ago, they met Molly, a 4-year-old Golden who was surrendered because she wasn’t getting along with the family’s other dogs. Turns out Molly is a project dog – she needs to lose a lot of weight (watch for updates on Molly's progress on Facebook and Instagram). Her foster family brought her in to their home and are spoiling her with tons of love and walks. Within 15 minutes of meeting her, Moira proclaimed “I love you!” to sweet Molly. Last we heard, Molly was sleeping in Moira’s room at night – sounds like happy sisters! And just yesterday at the park, my 11-year-old foster dog Polar Bear joined us for a "Remy, Ruby, and Rooster Reunion" with the family who adopted Ruby several months ago. Ruby’s 9-year-old brother, Edward, and Polar Bear each found their new best friend at the park. We do not typically include humans in the photos we share, but as you can see, this is a perfect example of “a picture is worth 1,000 words!”
We are so grateful for the opportunity to help Goldens in need, as well as for these youngsters and others like them who love our precious Goldens, the families who foster and/or adopt them, and for our generous donors, who make it all possible. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
|
|
|
If you’re like us, you’ve spent some quality time watching various Subaru ads featuring Golden Retrievers and being impressed with their creativity (showing several to a friend who was in the hospital one time, we were both laughing out loud).
What you may not know is that Subaru of America, Inc. hosted a Subaru Loves Pets Event in October 2022. Partnering with NGRR, they donated $100 for each Golden adopted in the month of October – and we had 28 Goldens who officially joined their new families that month!!
Thank you Subaru for your generous donation – we are very grateful for your partnership! Here are a few of the cuties adopted in October.
|
|
|
Bella – A Special Needs Girl Needs a Special Home, by Foster Mom Peg Aten
Sweet Bella’s transformation began on January 4, 2022. Bella arrived at my house to be fostered, and of course, she was very afraid. She had just come from her owner's home where they loved her but knew she needed help. They gave her the gift of surrender to NGRR.
When she was surrendered, the family wrote: ”Bella came to us very timid, shy, and broken. She was malnourished and found in a deserted field in Bakersfield with her mom and the rest of the litter. She was the runt. She is very loyal once she lets you in. She is a very special girl who needs a stable environment without any hyperactive dogs or children. She loves to be loved, and once she allows you to do that, there is no turning back.”
It turns out that Bella was born without part of her brain, affecting her balance and movement. She was diagnosed through an MRI with Dandy-Walker Syndrome. She needed a quiet place. My home is very quiet – only me, no kids or other dogs.
Here we are today, and she is a totally different dog. Bella went into my boot camp, and she is thriving. She now loves her daily walks, especially with my friends and their dogs. Bella learned quickly she loves to go. Car rides are also very enjoyable. Bella is food driven, so training is going well. Literally, she is learning how to be a confident girl, loving life. Bella is working on being left alone and is making great progress.
Bella was 3 years old in April. She will never like being in a loud home. She needs gentle and very patient people, and experienced dog people who are willing to work slowly with her. Fear of people is still an issue but is getting so much better every day. Treats are the way to win Bella over. This special-needs girl will need a calm home when she is adopted. If there is another dog, they cannot take advantage of Bella by turning on her when they sense her vulnerability.
She is very loved by many people. Keep those treats in your pocket! You never know where you’ll see us trotting along.
Do you have a special place for Bella in your home? If you do, please contact NGRR.
|
|
Keep An Eye on Your Holiday Treats! |
Although we may be eating turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes this week, the stores are full of seasonal goodies. What if your dog gets into some chocolate or other candy?
As we approach the holidays, please keep your chocolate and candy in a safe place where your pet cannot get into it (we all know how some Goldens are!). Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine as well as caffeine. These chemicals are used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and muscle relaxant. Pets cannot metabolize these chemicals the same way humans can.
Chocolate toxicity can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting, restlessness, excessive urination, and fast heart rate.
If you are think your dog ingested chocolate, contact your veterinary hospital right away. If your pet is taken to the veterinarian in a timely manner, they can induce vomiting and hopefully avoid any long-term side effects.
Or... if you eat the chocolate in the car on your way home from the store, you will not have this problem – see, everyone wins! 😉
|
|
|
|
|
Announcement of Special NGRR Program: Helping Goldens in families facing financial hardship |
We are excited to announce a program to support seniors and other individuals who are struggling to keep their beloved Goldens or Golden mixes in their home due to financial challenges. NGRR may be able to help with prescriptions, food, and/or veterinary care.
If you know of a senior or other person who is struggling financially and wants to keep their Golden at home but due to financial constraints might not be able to do so, please have the person reach out to us at 650-665-0964 or email info@ngrr.org to determine if and how we are able to support their needs.
|
|
How Many Goldens Does it Take to Make A Golden Palooza? |
|
Some of you likely attended the 7th Annual Golden Palooza in Redding on September 18, 2022. Organized by Amber Moore, Area Coordinator for NGRR, and her amazing crew, more than 325 goldens came out for a wonderful afternoon at the Civic Center Plaza.
While over 475 Goldens RSVP’d, the weather turned unseasonably cool and rainy on the night before the Palooza. We’re not sure exactly how the rain stopped at 10:45 am (15 minutes before the event started) and started again at 2:10 pm (the event ended at 2 pm). Thank you universe!
The Goldens and their families who came out enjoyed a wonderful day with lots of treats, music, wading pools, and a safety demonstration.
Please plan to join us in the Fall of 2023 - you know you want to be in the Kissing Booth!!
|
|
|
It’s getting to be that time of the year when you may be thinking about buying yourself, or perhaps someone else you like, a gift! We have new goodies in the NGRR Store – we have a fresh supply of fleece vests (blue, black, and green!), embroidered holiday totebags, spiffy new blue stainless water bottles, and... tumblers are on sale. Most important, get your 2023 NGRR calendar, featuring our adopted dogs!
|
|
|
|
Connect with NGRR on Social Media |
There's apparently a lot to talk about - like whether this is a Golden Retriever or maybe a Golden Lab - regardless, Winnie is adorable! We’d love to connect with you on social media! Check us out on Facebook and Instagram (links below). |
|
|
|
|
Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats
Yes indeed, we’re making these on Thursday. If you try the recipe, let us know if your taste testers approve!
Ingredients
- 4.25-4.5 cups of rolled oats
- 1 medium apple
- 1 egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 4 cups oatmeal in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Remove all seeds from apple (they are poisonous for dogs). Stir in grated apple.
- Mix in canned pumpkin and egg until well combined; mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Roll dough on a surface sprinkled with remaining 1/4 cup oats to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut shapes with favorite dog cookie cutter or any one you love and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crisp and golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Tell your pup the cookies will be ready in a few minutes! Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cookies can (theoretically) be stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days (but we’re pretty sure they won’t last that long with Goldens around). It’s probably better to store them in the fridge!
|
|
Hank recently had TPLO surgery - with some extra free time, he'd love to hear from you! |
|
Send Hank A Note!
Hank had TPLO surgery for a torn ligament in his knee, and then he turned 11. He's been doing physical therapy so is feeling much better and getting his spunky back! He has some extra time on his paws while his human brother Charlie is in school, so please send him pictures and stories of NGRR dogs you've adopted! We look forward to hearing from you.
Look for our next GoldenGram in December. In the meantime, we’re extending our gratitude to you and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Your friends at NGRR
|
|
|
|
Phone: (650) 665-0964
Address: 405 El Camino Real, Suite 420
Menlo Park, CA 94025-5240
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
