finding homes for goldens in need

Here’s an interesting article about a service dog that happens to be a golden shared by Joanne K.

Service Dogs

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littleboy.htmlThis is one wonderful dog and a very lucky little boy.

I was at the dog park yesterday talking to a person with a golden, of course. The golden was her sister’s, but she was caring for it because her sister was distraught.

A couple of days before Dexter and his sister Summer, who I was told looks like my foster Ruby, was hit by a car and killed on Chancelor’s Run Road in St Mary’s. A road I travel almost every day.

The family was outside putting up some lattice, the oil man came and someone must not have closed the gate.

Apparently, Dexter had run off before, but Summer never had until this day.

It only takes one day.

One of the questions we ask on our application to adopt a rescue golden, and then ask the home visitors to verify is how far is the home from a high traffic road. This is the reason.

Dogs get loose with even the best families. We had a rescue pup, Jake, hit by a car and killed after being adopted for only 6 weeks a couple of years ago. There has been some discussion that the rescue is too protective when chosing adoptive homes.

I think we need to do our best to stack the cards in the rescue golden’s favor and then, if the SMECO guy leaves the gate open or your pup digs out, they run into a neighbor’s yard or the woods rather than oncoming cars.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to have one of my pups hit by a car and I’ll do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t happen even though I’m human and make mistakes.

Clean The House

Dog parks are a great place for your dog to get exercise and mental stimulation. Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure a good time is had by all:

Dos:
1. Remove your dog’s leash in the “holding” area before letting your dog into the play area.
2. Close both gates to ensure no one escapes.
3. Move away from the gate area towards the middle of the park.
4. Expect your dog will be sniffed by most of the other dogs in the park when you arrive.
5. Pick up and dispose of your dog’s poo. Even if they just went potty they are likely to go again.
6. Talk with humans, but keep an eye on your dog throughout your park visit.
7. If your dog is very shy or easily overwhelmed, spend just a short amount of time at the park.
8. Intervene if your dog is being a bully or being bullied. If the owner of the dog that is bullying doens’t leave, then you leave. Your dog’s safety is too important.

Don’ts:
1. Bring dogs that don’t like other dogs.
2. Bring puppies who are not fully vaccinated or ill or injured dogs. The dog park is full of germs. Dogs with compromised immune systems are at risk.
3. Bring treats. Dogs are here to play, not eat. Once dogs know you have treats they will gather around you begging which may invite dog fights from resource guarding.
4. Expect that any toys you bring to the park will only be played with by your dog.
5. Leave a training collar on your dog while in the park as other dogs jaws can get caught in the collar and choke your dog and create a great deal of anxiety.

Spring News Letter

We like to take our dogs places which can be a challenge if they get sick and barf all over your vehicle. I’ve tried a lot of products (DAPS collars, the prescription Cerenia at $10 per pill, dramamine, bovine, lavender with limited success.) Of course, we try to never take our dogs in the vehicle immediately after eating which is inviting car sickness.

What works for us and the foster dogs we transport is to give my dog a pourous treat with several drops of two flower essencessquirted on:

1. The first is Bach’s rescue remedy which you can find at pet stores, on line and lots of places.
2. The other, that you must use in order for the rescue remedy to work for car sickness, is Bach’s scleranthus which is also available online and I get mine at the natural food store in Leonardtown.

Give it to him about 20 minutes before riding in the car.

Also let them sit in front so they can look out.

Start with just getting in the van and giving the treat.

Next (the same day or the next day) give them the treat 20 minutes before and then go for a really short ride.

The next day do the same, but go a bit further.

Also, go fun places like to the dog park or to visit friends or to get ice cream (even if they won’t eat it they will associate your happiness at Bruesters with the car ride.)

If you have another dog that likes to ride make sure they go along….peer pressure.

This technique has always worked for us.

Make sure he goes on some fun trips….not only to the vet and it should be happy riding for you and yours.

Hope they weren’t bills.

I think this is good – every dog should be judged individually.OHIO SENATE PASSES BILL TO ELIMINATE \'VICIOUS\' PIT BULL LABEL