A Message From Our President | |
|
Hello friends,
Fall is technically almost here, but we know the cooler weather is still always off in the distance. Fortunately, this summer has not been as brutal as others I remember in Central Texas. August was a particularly challenging month for GRR. We brought in 14 new dogs (8 of them being the Rock Band litter) and had one adopted dog surrendered back, putting us with an average of 20% more dogs coming in this year versus last year. We had 42 new applications come in, so we did see a slight decrease there. We are still seeing a lot of families traveling through mid-September and still need applications for foster homes, particularly those who are willing to work with dogs that have some medical needs and some training needs.
We launched our new website and database solution last month as well. The new face of GRR looks fresh and is very user friendly. This was a major undertaking that has been in the works for many months and has been the major project of some very dedicated volunteers. This gives GRR the ability to have all of our records and documents on both people and dogs under one umbrella. This also gives us the ability to have much more control over our forms and data as we have a team of trained volunteers who can do the work. If you have not been to the website lately, I encourage you to check it out to see how nice it looks.
As you likely know, our Rock Band litter came in and were immediately diagnosed with parvo and multiple parasites. We launched a GoFundMe once we learned how sick the puppies were and raised $17,900.00 to help with the extensive care they needed. We are so grateful for your support and prayers. Very sadly, we lost 4 of the 8 puppies, but we have 4 thriving puppies who will go on to live great lives thanks to our wonderful GRR community, amazing volunteers and very skilled veterinary team. Our gratitude runs very deep. Thank you to all who had a hand in saving these babies’ lives.
As we are getting close to the end of our 2022/2023 board year, nominations for board positions are due by September 26th. We hope to see some people interested in getting more involved with the leadership of GRR. Our annual business meeting will be on October 26th. We are very excited about our Lakeside Splash on October 5th and really hope you will be able to attend. More details are below.
Warm Regards,
Michelle
| |
If you know of a Golden in need or one to be rehomed, please always remember to contact our intake team or call our hotline at 512-659-4653 as our social media pages aren’t monitored for posts of dogs in need. | |
|
Do you have questions or comments for the Board?
We value your input. Please send a note to the GRR Board and include Questions For The Board in the subject line. We hope to hear from you! The next GRR board meeting is September 21, 2024.
| |
|
Please join us for this high-level overview of Gold Ribbon Rescue.
We will discuss volunteer opportunities available. All are welcome to attend.
When: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting
| |
|
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device.
Download Teams | Join on the web
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 260 913 417 202
Passcode: Z6atyE
Dial in by phone
+1 689-206-0321,,103483816# United States, Orlando
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 103 483 816#
Please RSVP to Susan if you are planning to attend. We hope to see you there!
| |
|
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at our Lakeside Splash at the home of Dan and Susan at San Marcos River Ranch, outside of San Marcos and centrally located between Austin and San Antonio.
Date:. Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time:. 2:00-6:00 p.m. - it’s come and go
Place: San Marcos River Ranch
This is a human-only event. The cost is $25 per person.
Please plan on joining us and register here
If you have items to donate for the Silent Auction or questions, contact Susan or Paula.
We look forward to seeing you at Lakeside Splash!
| |
|
The GRR 2025 Calendar is Available for Pre-Order Now!
Order Yours Today!
This 9 X 12 calendar features beautiful photos of Golden Retrievers. Calendars will ship beginning November 1st. All calendar proceeds will support the Goldens of Gold Ribbon Rescue.
| |
Show the world your Golden. We love the tote bag personalized with your Golden's photo. It's perfect for craft fairs, farmers' markets, apple picking or just hanging out. Take a peek at the latest offerings and order here. | |
We Still Need Foster and Respite Families!
Now that summer is coming to a close and vacation travel is slowing, it's a great time to become a foster family. We continue to bring in many young dogs monthly and we can really use your help. It's so rewarding to help a Golden in need get ready for their forever family. Can we count on you?
If you meet our foster criteria, please submit your application online.. Assuming you have no upcoming travel plans, we will do our best to expedite your application as our need is immediate. if you still have questions, please email our adoption team for more information.
We can't thank you enough for opening your home and heart
to help a Golden along the way to their forever home!
| |
It's All About the Dogs! Here's Our Roundup! | |
Look Who's Here! Welcome to GRR! | |
|
Simone 24-080 is a 6-month-old who first appeared on our radar two months ago. A plan was finalized for her long-distance transport and on the morning of her transport the owners cancelled. Fast forward, she is now 6 months old, the family also has a 2-year-old child and Simone is a little too much for a young toddler so they decided she needed more than what they could provide. We quickly made arrangements for transport and Simone settled in with her foster family and was recently adopted.
| | | |
|
The Rock Band Puppies 24-081 - 24-088 ....Gold Ribbon Rescue rescued a litter of eight
9-week-old Golden puppies that we called the Rock Band Litter. Every puppy in this litter tested positive for Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), which is one of the most serious viruses that dogs can get as it is highly contagious and if left untreated, is fatal. Genesis, Journey, and Van Halen are in their foster homes and Boston was adopted on August 23rd. While it has been a long, hard fight and despite all of our wonderful vets' efforts, Springsteen, Chicago, Santana and Styx were just too ill and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. RIP babies.
24-081 Genesis – female - AVAILABLE
24-082 Journey – male - AVAILABLE
24-083 Styx – female - RIP
24-084 Santana - male - RIP
24-085 Boston – male - ADOPTED
24-086 Chicago – male - RIP
24-087 Van Halen - male - - AVAILABLE
24--088 Springsteen - male - RIP
| |
|
Ozzy 24-089 is a stray who found a Good Samaritan in San Antonio to help him. He turned up on her doorstep covered in fleas, horribly matted and dirty, limping from pavement burns on his pads and caked with mud. After enjoying food and water and a major clean up from the Good Sam, he stayed with her until GRR was able to claim him. He is estimated to be 6 or 7 years old and is undergoing tests from our GRR vets. Ozzy is reported to be sweet and affectionate and knows a few commands.
| |
|
Benito 24-090 is a 5-year-old from San Antonio who was rehomed to GRR because his previous owner, with young kids and being gone much of the day, couldn’t give him the time and attention he felt Benito deserves. He knew GRR would be the best option and would find the perfect family for him. Benito is with his foster-pending-adoption family and we are excited to learn more about him.
| | |
Please welcome River 24-091 to GRR. This 2 to 3-year-old boy has a lot of spunk! He was found tied up on the River Walk in San Antonio and was cared for over the last few months by a Good Samaritan who got him healthy and then contacted GRR as they knew we’d find the best home for him. From what we know so far, he is a happy-go-lucky boy who loves everyone and has a true Golden heart. River is settling in with his FPA family. | |
|
|
|
Molly 24-092, is a 2-year-old who was rehomed to us due to her owner having to move and no longer able to care for her. Molly weighed in at 115 pounds! Her foster is getting to work on a diet plan for this girl. Molly has led a pretty sheltered life and isn’t comfortable going outside very much. She has fantastic fosters who will help her, plus a couple of 4-legged foster siblings who will do their best to show her the ropes and help build her confidence. Her new life as a GRR dog has begun and great things are in store for her. | | | |
Well, look who's here! This little guy is Percy 24-093 who came into care the afternoon of August 31st! He was found as a stray, wasn't chipped and no owners could be found so the finders reached out to GRR as they knew we were the best option to find a him a great home. We think he's about 4-5 months old and that's really all we know at this point. We can't wait to find out more about this little cutie! | |
|
|
|
|
Kobe 24-045 returned to GRR after it didn't work out with his adoptive family. Kobe is a typical Velcro Golden who follows his people around the house, puts inappropriate items in his mouth and won't release his ball. Kobe is in his new foster home and enjoying playing with the family's 5-year-old resident Golden boy, Mochiko.
| | | |
My Dream Really Did Come True! I Got Adopted! | | |
|
Mango 24-072 was adopted on August 7th by Mary. This will be Mary’s third GRR dog and she’s ready “to give Mango the best life ever that he so deserves.” Mr. Mango, who loves a cheeseburger every now and then (don’t we all?!) is happy and settled in with his forever family. He not only gets a great mom; he also gets his canine sibling, Gus, and a feline sibling named Oreo! Congratulations to Mango and family! | |
Patron 24-025 was adopted on August 8th by Randall and Kyla. We are thrilled to share the heartwarming journey of Patron, a spirited and rambunctious boy who has finally found his forever home! Patron’s story began in Buda, where he was found as a stray and taken to the San Marcos Animal Shelter. Despite his rough start, his energy and zest for life shone through. He received some specialized training to help channel that energy and eventually landed in the care of the perfect foster family who supported his transition to finding his furever home. | |
As fate would have it, Patron's future family was right next door. His foster family's neighbor noticed him during their walks and quickly fell in love with his charming personality. They knew they couldn’t let this sweet boy slip away, and now Patron has officially been adopted! Such a great story! We're so happy Patron has found his family! | |
Melia 24-073, now Marley, was adopted on August 10th by Judy and Brad. They were wrapped around her paw as soon as she joined their family, which includes canine playmates Brandy, Brinkley and Jager. Marley loves swimming and splashing outdoors, running up and down the stairs and snuggling everywhere. What a cutie! | |
|
Sky 24-076, now Suzy, was adopted by her FPA family, Mike and Chelsea, On August 14th. We just love her huge smile in the photo above of her with her new brother, Shadow, and her mom! | |
| |
|
We are thrilled to announce that Rain 24-077 found her forever home on August 15th with her new parents, Mike and Hannah. Rains new family couldn’t be happier to welcome her into their lives. Rain’s journey from outdoor living to being a cherished family member is a testament to the love and care she received from her foster families. Here’s to many more happy days ahead for Rain and her new family! | |
Sweet news for Socks 24-075 who was adopted on August 18th by Nick and Mackenzie. Socks warmed up to them quickly and was asking for cuddles in no time. Congratulations to Nick and Mackenzie and, especially, Socks! We know fun times, adventure and love are in his future. | |
| |
|
Boston 24-085 was adopted on August 23rd by Tiffany and Robert. We're so happy for this young couple and for Boston! He will be well loved! And a big thanks, of course,to Hara, who nursed all of the Rock Band pups through their parvo. | |
It was a happy day for sweet Fiddle 24-052, who was adopted on August 23rd by Hunter. Fiddle checks all of the boxes for Hunter and we know they will have a great life together! Congratulations to this smart, almost 8-month-old pup and his new dad! | |
|
|
Jayce 24-079 was adopted by Jane and Jerry on August 25th. Jayce was surrendered with his buddy Luna as the owner has health issues so they were too much for her, plus they were too big for the owner’s small pugs. He is starting a new chapter in his life with a wonderful family that will give him all of the love and attention he deserves. Ccongratulations to the new family!
| |
|
Simone 24-080 was adopted on August 26th by Tanna, her 17-year-old son, James, and daughter, Helen, who is a sophomore at Texas State in San Marcos. Helen will definitely be home on weekends, thanks to Simone joining the family. Millie, the family's two-year-old Corgie, is thrilled to have a new buddy. Congratulations to them all.
| |
|
What a great way to kick off the Labor Day weekend! Luna 24-078 was adopted on August 29th by Bob, Kim and their son, Jonathon. Luna is living her absolute best life with her new family. She soaks up all the belly rubs that she can get and loves to cuddle and snuggle up close on the couch with her new parents!
She enjoys exploring the neighborhood on her daily walks where she is excited to greet the deer and playing fetch in the backyard
| |
She is warming up more and more to the family cat each day, especially during "pet the kitty" time. Her new family describes her as the perfect Golden to complete their family and are all head over heels in love with Luna! What a happy ending for this sweet gal! | |
Thoughts, Prayers and Remembrance... | |
|
|
|
Springsteen 24-088
Chicago 24-086
Santana 24-084
Katie 23-067
Dustin (Dusty) 16-083
Styx 24-083
Jake (Jacob) 11-120
Buffy 13-106
| | | |
|
We very sadly said goodbye to Katie last Thursday, August 8th. She was doing great - walking and rolling around in the yard and she seemed fine and happy. She loved our daily walks! She had an upcoming eye care appointment and her wellness check. But on Thursday, she couldn't stand up. We got her to the vet and after x-rays, we found out that she had a tumor in her abdomen that had perforated her stomach and she was having very serious internal bleeding. She lost consciousness and we made the very hard call to put her to sleep after the results of tests showed a necrotic liver, cancer, etc.
| |
|
We are so heartbroken and miss her terribly. She was such a sweet girl and fit into our family like she had been with us always. I'm thankful that she didn't seem to suffer and lived a full life up to the moment we said goodbye. It is too quiet around our house now. Thank you so much for the opportunity to adopt her and have her with our family this past year. Maybe once we heal from this loss, we can consider another adoption in the future.
| |
|
Dusty (Dustin) 16-083
John
| |
|
Sadly today, August 14th, Dustin 16-083 will cross the Rainbow Bridge. He is the last in a long line of rescues for Ann and me. I’m now too old to responsibly take a dog and Ann has passed. We did it for 24 years and GRR was a big part of that. In 2016 I volunteered to go to the Austin Animal Shelter to evaluate Dusty. All they knew about him was he was a stray and he was almost starved to death and they estimated he was about six years old. He had enough of the Golden features to qualify (DNA test showed Golden, Lab, and some Great Pyrenees). He had a sweet loving nature. We agreed to foster him until we could get him a forever family. We turned out to be that forever family.
He was a challenge. He wasn’t house broken and it took forever to get him house trained. He inhaled his food and water like he wasn’t sure when he would eat or drink again. Also, he was aggressive towards other dogs. I thought that was probably due to surviving on the street. Over the years he has been a sweet, loving companion, especially after Ann’s passing. Now he is about 14 years old and dealing with the effects of aging. Acupuncture and medications have bought him extra time with his spine and back leg issues, but now he is struggling and it’s time to give him his final gift.
| |
|
Jake (Jacob) 11-120
Susan
| |
|
We said our final goodbyes to our sweet Jake (Jacob) 11-120 on Saturday morning, August 24th. He was one of the pups pulled from the AlphaTex puppy mill raid. He was afraid of everything, but with love, patience, and obedience, nose work and CGC training he grew into a loving, happy, silly and friendly family member.
We moved him to Hawaii six years ago and he loved our beach visits to dig holes in the sand and swim in tide pools. He lived his best life and he made ours more full. He passed quickly and peacefully at home with my husband and I by his side. He was a good boi and we'll miss him so much.
| |
Both Brick 10-014 and Jake 11-120 were foster fails who captured our hearts. | |
|
|
Buffy 13-103
Charlie and Bryan
| |
|
Our beautiful loving girl, Buffy 13-103, lost her battle with mast cell cancer and crossed the Rainbow Bridge on August 5, 2024. We were blessed to have shared her life for eleven wonderful years. Our hearts are broken, but she is now feeling great and with her beloved brother, Shepard (13-140). Run and play with your Shepy, Little Girl, and know both of you will always be loved and in our hearts.
| |
You Really Need to Know This! | |
Managing Seizures
Cornell.edu
| |
Seizures come in all shapes and sizes.
The big, bad grand mal seizure is a generalized, convulsive seizure with widespread, excessive, abnormal electrical activity occurring in both sides of the brain. Also known as tonic-clonic, this type of seizure is the one where a dog suddenly falls over with violent, jerking spasms affecting all four limbs, paddling, frothing at the mouth, possible loss of bladder and bowel control, and loss of consciousness.
If this happens, first, make sure you both stay safe. To keep your dog safe from injury, remove any items near them that are breakable or that may fall on them. If they are near stairs, try to stay below them on the steps — if you can safely do so — to prevent them from falling down further.
Avoid your dog’s mouth so you don’t get bitten. Your natural tendency may be to comfort your dog by hugging or stroking their head. But your dog is not aware of their surroundings during a seizure, and they are not in control of their movements either. Furthermore, in the minutes to hours after a seizure (a period called the postictal phase) your dog may remain disoriented or confused, which can sometimes be expressed as aggressive behavior. You need to be careful.
Try to time the seizure and keep a log. Timing the seizure is important because of a life-threatening condition called status epilepticus.
“Status epilepticus is an ongoing seizure that doesn’t self-resolve, typically considered more than five minutes,” says Dr. Peter Early, visiting clinical professor of neurology in the Department of Clinical Sciences.
Continue reading here.
| | | |
|
Newsletter Editor: Dori Olsen
Send comments or suggestions to: newsletter@grr-tx.com
| |
The Gold Ribbon Rescue newsletter is published monthly. Articles reflect the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect GRR policy. Gold Ribbon Rescue and its Editor(s) seek to publish accurate material, but neither assumes responsibility in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. | |
|
Gold Ribbon Rescue | 512-659-4653 | 1101 W 34th St #336, Austin TX 78705
www.grr-tx.com
| | | | |
