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From the President...
May 2006
As you know, GRREAT Goldens come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. While genetics does play an important role in every Golden’s makeup, it isn’t the sole determining factor for their temperament and character. Even when “starting from scratch” with a young puppy, what the owner puts in greatly affects what comes out in terms of their behavior and habits.
Our first GRREAT Golden, Wendy, is an example of this. When my husband and I adopted Wendy in 1999, she was just over a year old. She was given up because she was too energetic and rambunctious. Her family kept her crated most of the time. Wendy’s original family had started from scratch when they got her as a puppy. So why wasn’t she the perfect dog for them? Wendy wasn’t perfect because they didn’t make the commitment to her and provide the basic things she needed such as obedience training and exercise. Through no fault of her own, Wendy was a wild teenager with hardly any manners and some fears. She chewed whatever she could find, jumped on and licked everyone and everything incessantly, ran everywhere she went, counter-surfed, and harassed and chased the cat. Wendy was so unlike our first Golden, Tod, at that age, who we had started from scratch with, and who we thought of as perfect. But we realized that Wendy’s needs were different from Tod’s. And, we were committed to Wendy and wanted her to be part of our home and lives. It took time, patience and effort, and today at eight years old, while some may view her as “not perfect,” to us Wendy is.
I have often heard families say they found and adopted the perfect Golden from GRREAT! I love hearing that! It’s always such a good feeling to be told that from the moment the dog came into their new home the adjustment was flawless. However, like it was for us with Wendy, there are times when that does not happen. While every effort is made by our foster homes to let the adoptive family know of possible issues and concerns, there are Goldens whose issues will take weeks or even months to resolve, and some may never be. Sometimes all that is needed is time; time to get to know the new dog, time to adjust to a new routine and time figure out what works best for everyone, including the dog, in the home.
While there are many who apply to adopt from GRREAT who do have a realistic view of what it will take to achieve perfection for their new addition, others do not. Unfortunately, this may lead to the dog unfairly taking the blame for problems and frustrations that occur. I strongly believe it is up to US as adopters to provide our new companion with every opportunity to blossom and adjust to us, our home and lives. As difficult as it may be, this means not comparing the new dog with another pet, with our neighbor’s Golden, or with our vision of how we think the newly adopted dog should act and behave.
I would like to ask that we all take a moment to remember that rescue is not the place to get a ready-made, fully-trained, fullbred Golden Retriever. It is also not a dumping ground for rejected and misfit Goldens either. I feel rescue lies somewhere in the middle of the two. Rescue IS a place to find the newest addition to our homes…but ONLY if you have the time, heart, and patience to make a commitment in making a difference for a Golden. I hope you will remember that sometimes the perfect dog can be found and is ready to join your home with very little effort. And at other times it requires your looking past that shy or goofy, wild, untrained Golden, with the long legs and little ears, and envisioning the perfect dog they can become with your devotion, love and effort. Those of you who have done this know that there is no greater reward than having a well adjusted, loving, devoted companion – which sees YOU as the perfect owner
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
March 2006
The popularity of Golden Retrievers, as you know, has been on the rise for the past several years! Golden Retrievers can now be spotted in almost every town, from your average suburban community to rural areas across the country.
The popularity of Golden Retrievers can be attributed to many factors. Goldens appear in commercials, and movies such as Homeward Bound and Air Bud, as well as television shows. The internet has played a role, too. Golden Retriever enthusiasts and owners have created web sites about their Goldens that are easily viewed by anyone looking at the internet. Of course, the greatest reason for the popularity of Goldens is the simple truth that Goldens are wonderful dogs. They’re beautiful, fun, friendly and most are wonderful with children and all make great companions.
Unfortunately, this popularity is taking its toll on the Golden Retriever breed, and consequently on rescue organizations such as GRREAT. To put it simply, there are many disreputable Golden Retriever breeders out there producing too many Goldens, that are being purchased by people who didn’t research the breed or breeders before buying a Golden. As a result, rescues like GRREAT are finding that there is no shortage of Golden Retrievers being given up by their owners, turned over to shelters, or simply abandoned.
With 2006 just getting underway, I would like to urge you to become more involved in GRREAT. There are a variety of ways you can become involved and help make a difference. I’ve written this message to illustrate just a very few of the ways in which you can help:
Transporters: Because GRREAT operates in 5 states, Goldens coming into GRREAT always need to get from one place to the other, and this is where transporters come in. Transporters may take a Golden from a shelter to a foster home, to boarding, or from a foster home to an adoption day.
Foster Homes: This is always our greatest need -- a place for the Goldens coming into GRREAT to be evaluated and to be safe until they go to their forever homes. Providing a foster home for a rescued Golden isn’t just giving a Golden food and shelter until it is adopted. There’s more to it than that, being a foster home provider can be rewarding, demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking. As a foster home, you are part of helping some of the Goldens coming into the rescue recover from illness or injury, and teaching them the basics before they’re adopted.
Education Events: Consider attending or volunteering to help at one of our community events. At these events we educate the public about GRREAT and responsible pet ownership, and make the local community aware of GRREAT.
Donations: GRREAT always needs your donations to help pay for the veterinary care and other expenses to continue operations. At this most basic level, your donations are always needed. These are just a very few ways that you can help to make a difference for the Golden Retrievers in our area. I look forward to another year of our wonderful and productive work of rescue. Together we are making a difference for the Golden Retrievers in our area, and together we are helping GRREAT to continue this vital and important work.
Volunteering for GRREAT, for me, is both rewarding and energizing in so many ways. It is also a wonderful way to make a positive difference. So, what are you waiting for?! Sign up to be a GRREAT Volunteer
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
January 2006
It is the start of another year for GRREAT! I am humbled by those of you who in 2005 selflessly dedicated your time and resources to help GRREAT and Golden Retrievers in need. You have opened your homes, and hearts to help give Golden Retrievers a chance at a better life. You did this because of a passion and a desire to make a difference.
In 2005 you made difference for nearly 300 Golden Retrievers. Let me tell you about five of them.
I will start with Scout. He is now nearly 14 years old, and first came into GRREAT in 1994. He was returned to the rescue this summer when his family relocated to California, and felt that the move would be to much for him.
The next is Tucker. Found in a field, he didn’t even get up when the animal warden came to take him to the shelter. Estimated to be between 11-13 years of age, with arthritis and other health issues, like Scout he will spend his remaining days in his foster home.
Another is Paige. Given to GRREAT because a child in the family had cancer, they were unable to provide Paige with the home and attention that she needed.
Tigger is another one that comes to mind, and brings a smile to my face. He is a “tigger” in every sense of the word! He needed bilateral hip surgery, and because of you, GRREAT was able to provide that for him, giving him the pain free and active life that all tiggers should have!
Another is a senior boy who is about ten years old and named Charlie. He was left in the parking lot of a shelter by his previous owner because they were full, and were unable to take him that day. The shelter contacted GRREAT, and he came into the rescue.
These are only five Golden Retrievers that came into GRREAT in 2005. Despite their stories being so different, each had one thing in common; they all needed GRREAT to be there for them. I am thankful that GRREAT was and is here for them. I am most thankful that for a time, they became part of our household in 2005.
I feel that being part of a rescue organization such as GRREAT embraces a respect for life. To be a part of it means sacrifice, sharing and caring enough to step outside ourselves to help a Golden Retriever in need. It involves compassion and tenderness, time and hard work. It is rewarding work. And unfortunately it can be sad and heartbreaking work. Yet knowing all of this we continue to work and strive to make a difference because we care about Golden Retrievers. So, to all of you who have changed lives in 2005, your Golden friends and I thank you! From all of the Golden Retrievers whose lives you will change in 2006, the Goldens and I thank you for that too!
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
November 2005
I recently attended the Golden Retriever National in Gettysburg. Beautiful and impeccably groomed Golden Retrievers from all over the country competed in events from conformation to team obedience. The highlight of the week for me was the Parade of Rescued Goldens. The parade featured 30 rescued Goldens from all over the country. As Bob Fritz announced the Golden’s names, they came into the ring, and GRREAT member Susan McCullough presented them with a rosette. As they walked around the show-ring, their story of rescue was told. The parade was truly a tribute to rescue, and what we do each year. At the start of the parade, Bob said something that was so poignant and really hit home to me and others who attended just what it means to have a rescued Golden as part of our lives. Bob said, "The Goldens in this parade will never win best in show. But what they have won is a place in our hearts." This is so very true!
Considering Goldens Retrievers nationwide, I think that if the numbers were ever added up, we would find that, unfortunately, there are thousands of Golden Retrievers that find themselves without a home of their own every year. What is even more difficult to think about is that there are countless Goldens euthanized because there was no one to take them, nor a place for them to go. If you are like me, this is very difficult to accept or even think about. But sadly, we just cannot save them all. I’m sure some of you are familiar with the story of the starfish that goes something like this:
There was a young man walking down a deserted beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a frail old man. As he approached the old man, he saw him picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. The young man gazed in wonder as the old man again and again threw the small starfish from the sand to the water. He asked, "Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?" The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. "But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish!", exclaimed the young man. "How can you make any difference?" The old man looked down at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said, "I made a difference to this one."
I see examples of the Starfish story in everyone involved with GRREAT. I saw it as you without hesitation unselfishly answered our plea for much needed donations to enable GRREAT to continue. I see it in the daily business of GRREAT, and in my own home. Each GRREAT Golden in my home, yours, and many others, is a tribute to the dedication of someone that did make a difference. These dogs are living proof of our commitment to GRREAT and the Golden Retrievers that we rescue each year. No, we are not saving them all nationwide. And no, they will never win "best in show." But the Golden Retrievers in our area have something much better because YOU are making a difference for each of them!!
From my home to yours, I hope you have a safe, wonderful, and happy holiday season!
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
September 2005
Summer has passed all too quickly, and we are headed into fall, my favorite time of the year! The end of 2005 will be here before we know it. And before I will know it, my time as President of GRREAT will be ending as well.
As you know the goal and main focus of the Board of Directors is to do what is best for the Goldens we have an opportunity to help. However, in order for GRREAT to survive in these economic times, it must be run like a business. The Board works very hard to find the balance that is both beneficial to GRREAT as an organization and to the Golden Retrievers coming into the rescue. Each Board member has something unique and important to contribute to the decision making process. Because we are from such varied backgrounds, both in life experiences and dog experience, there are often several points of view to be discussed and considered with each issue. The board sometimes has to make decisions that are not easy for the Goldens that have been accepted into the rescue or for the ones we are considering accepting into GRREAT. They can be heartbreaking choices at times. We have seen a dramatic rise in the number of Golden Retrievers with serious health and/or temperament problems. We make these decisions very carefully and consider each one individually. Our responsibility to you, our members, and to our potential adoptive families and the public is one we as a board take very seriously.
While these decisions for the Goldens are important, what is equally important is having the volunteers there to make them. At the end of this year, there will be several vacant positions on the Board of Directors. While GRREAT is fortunate to have a generous and charitable membership, we have found over the last couple of years, that what we have not had are volunteers who are willing to step into the more active and higher profile positions within the rescue. I know that, in this area, in particular we are pulled in many directions, both personally and professionally. We all have many demands on our time, and finding time for “one more thing” may be seemingly impossible. However, before you convince yourself that you don’t have any more time to spare, I’d like to ask you to consider a few reasons to become more involved.
When you become more involved in GRREAT you get:
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TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - For me and others we, became more involved because of a desire to give back to a breed that has given us so much to our lives.
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EXPERIENCE - It will give you the chance to learn more about your own Goldens, and to work more actively in a cause we believe strongly in.
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TO EXPERIENCE DIVERSITY - By being more involved, you get to meet and make friends with people you wouldn’t otherwise get to know.
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TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE - By serving more actively in GRREAT not only have I lost myself by giving and donating my time, but I have found myself along the way.
I hope that with 2006 right around the corner, one of your first New Year’s resolutions will be to consider a more active role within GRREAT. If you are interested in “stepping up to the Board,” please contact me.
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
July 2005
In the summer Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its brightness added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and humid weather. They named this period (July 3-August 11) “dog days” after the dog star; the warmest period of the summer.
As we come into the dog days of summer, there are several steps we need to take to protect our Goldens from predators and parasites. If your dogs are like mine, when the weather gets warmer, they want to be outside a lot of the time. While it’s good for them, I’d like to urge you to be cautious. There are many dangers that we could unwittingly expose them to.
One of GRREAT’s biggest concerns is dog theft. There are people that will cruise a neighborhood looking for dogs unsupervised in yards. These predators will case your house, just like a burglar. If you have a regular schedule of letting your dogs out, go out with them, and/or vary your schedule. This is (another) one of the reasons it is so important to have your GRREAT dog permanently identified either with a tattoo, or as we are now doing, with a microchip. If you currently have a GRREAT dog that is not microchipped, (or tattooed as we did in previous years) I would like to urge you to get that done as soon as possible.
The second concern is parasites. Fleas and ticks are a big problem in Letter From The President our area. As Goldens are coming into GRREAT, we are seeing an increasing number of them that have Lyme disease. There are many ways, naturally and conventionally, to combat fleas and ticks, and you should discuss these options with your vet.
Something else that comes with warmer weather are mosquitoes which can infect your dog with heartworm. The number of dogs with this illness is also on the rise. However, as you know, a simple dose of a heartworm preventative each month is all it takes. Again prevention is by far the best method to protect your dog from this very serious illness.
Another summer concern is hot pavement. Your dog may need extra protection for his feet. Remember that exposure to hot pavement can result in severe burns to the bottom of the pads. Your dog can get sunburned too; your Golden may require sunscreen on their nose (and sometimes on their ears). Some Goldens as they age lose the black pigment in their nose, making them vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
With the dogs days of summer here, and the mercury rising, along with the excitement of vacationing and outdoors activities, I hope that you will remember the well-being of your Golden. So whether you are going camping, gardening in your yard, or just out for that summer drive or walk, I hope you will ensure that your dogs days of summer are just as much fun and safe for your Goldens as it is for you!
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
May 2005
I can’t believe that summertime is just around the corner! I know many of you are contemplating what to do on your vacation. However, because we are dog owners, what we will do with our pups is something we have to take into consideration.
There are lots of different types of vacations that we take. Vacations with children, vacations with adults only, and then there are my favorite ones, vacationing with our Golden! These types of vacations can work out even better if you plan the journey with an eye to finding places where your Goldens (or Golden wannabes) are truly welcome.
In the past, finding these places has been a challenge to say the least! Fortunately, it’s not as much of one as it used to be. The travel and tourist industry used to grudgingly accept the fact that many of us preferred to travel with our pets. Now, there are many hotels, motels and resorts that are actively courting people like you and me. As a result, pet lovers are becoming appealing to an industry that isn’t booking as many vacation travelers as it would like to. And that’s good news for people looking for the perfect pet-friendly vacation.
Even though more people than ever are traveling with their dogs (and even cats), there are plenty of people who don’t like sharing space with our four-legged family members. There are also plenty of vacation destinations that are one pet mess away from changing to a no-pets-allowed policy.
That means you and your dog should be—must be—above reproach, to keep a great place open for future pet travelers.
Here are a few things to do on the road:
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Be sure your pet is wearing a collar and an identification tag!! On the back of one of your dogs-tags include the number of where you will be going, in case something should happen along the way or during your stay.
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Keep ‘em Clean. Your dog should be well-groomed and clean-smelling. Always dry off wet dogs and wipe off muddy feet—using your towels, not the motel’s—before allowing your dog inside. Try to cover furniture, carpets and bedspreads with your old sheets and towels, and if you need to bathe your dog, be sure, again, to use your towels and clean up afterward.
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Keep ‘em under control. Your dog should be obedient, friendly but not annoying, and never aggressive— not to people, not to pets and not to wildlife. Do not allow your dog to bark uncontrollably. Use your best judgment when to let a dog off the leash in areas where doing so is allowed, and be sure that your dog isn’t annoying other people or pets.
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Pick up after ‘em. Take your dog to out-of-the-way places on resort property to do his business—the corner of the far parking lot, not the grassy inner courtyard. No leg-lifting allowed near rooms and eating areas. Make it so the pickiest dog hater on Earth wouldn’t notice your dog has been around. Then clean up after her and dispose of the waste safely.
However, there are times when no matter how hard we try, we cannot take our dogs with us, and boarding is the only option. Here are a couple of tips on how to find a boarding kennel.
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Ask a fellow dog owner where they board their own pets. Your vet’s office may also have a recommendation.
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Once you have chosen a kennel, visit the facility before you make a reservation for a stay. While you are there, be sure to observe the cleanliness of the entire facility. As a visitor, you should be allowed to visit all the areas of the facility. If you are not allowed to physically enter an area, you should at least be allowed to view it through a window.
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The facility should not have a heavy disinfectant smell; this may be covering an underlying problem.
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Ask questions about the supervision of the animals. How often does someone make a full check of the kennel runs? Is there someone on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays?
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Consider the enclosure your dog will be housed in. Your dog should have regular or free access to an outside kennel run.
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Members of the kennel staff should be knowledgeable about dogs and truly like working with them.
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The kennel should require all incoming animals to have current vaccinations against rabies and other common contagious diseases. Don’t be upset that the vaccination records are required--it’s for your dog’s protection as well as for others’.
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The kennel should have arrangements for veterinary care to be available quickly. It is important that you provide any emergency information regarding your pet to the staff, and be sure your pet is wearing an identification tag!
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Finally, be sure the boarding kennel is licensed. As you vacation with your dog this summer, I hope that you will keep all these things in mind.
I would also like to ask that you please send us a picture or an update on your GRREAT Golden. One of the perks of my job is hearing from you, and getting your pictures. I don’t hear enough from you!
I have enjoyed getting your e-mails and hearing about how things are going. We would like to include some of your updates in upcoming issues of GRREAT News!
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
March 2005
I’d like to tell you about our new foster dog that we’ve named Mason. He came into GRREAT as a stray from a local shelter. Despite being a “lost boy,” he has all the characteristics of a Golden that has been cared for throughout his life. He loves going for walks, a bite of whatever you may be eating, and like many Goldens, he adores tennis balls. With an ever present smile, Mason is affectionate and follows us all over the house. Mason gets along very well with our five GRREAT dogs, and doesn’t even mind the cat! He doesn’t chew anything inappropriate, jump on people, or get on the furniture. Doesn’t he sound wonderful? To us, he is. I recently took Mason to an adoption day in hopes of meeting his new forever family. However, he was overlooked by those families who attended. Why you might ask? Well, it’s because Mason is about 10 years old; too old to be considered for adoption by some families.
Many of the applicants that come to GRREAT are hoping to adopt a young Golden Retriever—one who is vital and active and has a whole lifetime in front of him. When my husband and I applied to adopt from GRREAT, we were no exception. We hoped to adopt a young female Golden as a companion to our then three year old Golden named Tod. And this was exactly what we adopted. At that time, I would never have considered any dog over the age of eight. However, a couple of years later my opinion and feelings about senior Goldens all changed.
I used to think...that an older dog that had been turned over to GRREAT must have problems or it would not be part of the rescue. Senior Goldens, like their young counterparts, come into the rescue for every reason imaginable. Many of them have spent their lifetime with just one family and have had a lifetime of training to go along with that. Yes, there are some that have behavior concerns. However, it is not too often that you will find a senior dog that isn’t housebroken, chews up your slippers, or counter surfs. I used to think...that a senior Golden would have more medical needs. To some extent this is true. An older dog will perhaps need more medical “supervision” such as a senior blood panel every year. In my experience with Goldens young and old, I have found that there is no health guarantee for a dog of any age. Hip and knee problems, along with skin and ear ailments—and even cancer—can and do affect all Goldens regardless of age.
I used to think...that a senior Golden won’t bond to me like a young Golden will. It is true that an older dog doesn’t bond as a young one does— an older Golden usually bonds with its new family more than a younger one does. Dogs in particular who have experienced a difficult past or a loss have been known to form new and stronger bonds with their new families. These Goldens have found someone to love them, and they have no intention of letting go!
I used to think...they won’t be around for very long, and it’ll be too hard to lose them. This is what I hear from people the most as a reason to not consider adopting a senior Golden. Those families who adopt older Goldens are truly the most unselfish of rescuers. I know that it is not easy to open your heart and home to a dog that you know may not be with you for very long. I recently received an e-mail from Diane and Mark Anderson, who adopted Casey, (01-088) at the age of seven. This is what Diane has to say about adopting a senior Golden:
"I can say with all sincerity that adopting a senior dog has many rewards. They are loyal, faithful and grateful. It would not have mattered to me if we had him (Casey) one year or 10 years... this dog has brought us so much joy. Yes, he is slowing down.. a little.. and yes, he is a little whiter but this guy is just a ball of love... he is the last thing I see when I leave the house and the first thing I see looking out the window for me when I come home."
Those of you who have had the joy and privilege having a senior Golden in your home, know and understand what Diane is saying. For those of you who have not yet experienced the honor of having a senior Golden in your home, I hope you will perhaps consider taking a leap of faith, and adopting a senior Golden. For whatever time this golden will have left, they will give you so much happiness and love.
You will find that after just a short time, people watching you with them, will never know that the two of you hadn’t always been together. Whatever time you are allowed to have with your senior Golden, will be time that you will always treasure.
You will never look back with pangs of regret. Like me, and others, you will want the chance to do it all over again.
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
January 2005
We Can’t Be GRREAT Without You
from the Vice President
We’re off to another busy year in rescue. Already we’ve has taken in many dogs whose very lives depend on GRREAT’s ability to offer much-needed care and an opportunity to start a new life.
The good news is that GRREAT continues to be a strong organization that can make a difference in the lives of so many Goldens. As those of you who were able to attend our annual meeting saw first hand, we continue to be fortunate to have wonderful volunteers and donors who provide us with the resources we need for the work we do. We continue to have an extensive roster of members who also contribute to every success story.
The annual meeting marked my last official event as an officer of GRREAT; I am leaving the Board of Directors after two years as vice president. As I look back over our accomplishments of the past two years, I’m very proud to be part of GRREAT. Most importantly, during this time we were there to help 530 unwanted or abandoned dogs.
We also made important progress in keeping GRREAT operating as a healthy and responsible organization. We’ve developed and refined our Standard Operating Procedures to help our foster homes and volunteers understand how to accomplish their important work. Our new microchip identification program has had a successful introduction and is now expanding to include every new GRREAT dog. We’ve improved documentation and control of our finances, coordinated our many state and local government obligations, and secured the insurance coverage that we require to continue to operate. GRREAT today is a stronger, more professional organization than ever before.
As 2005 gets under way, we’ll continue to work to further improve the organization. Foster Home Coordinator Edie Galpin has launched the IMPACT team concept to provide personalized one-on-one support for foster homes. Sandy Diamond, GRREAT’s new Vice President, will be coordinating an updated foster home education program to help these critical volunteers be successful.
GRREAT’s 2005 Board of Directors is dedicated to continuing our mission. But they can’t do it alone. They need the help and support of every member. Yes, that’s you! They need members who can volunteer their time, members who can make donations, and members who can respond to special appeals. GRREAT just can’t be great without you.
Please take a look at the forms at the end of this newsletter. They offer many ways for you to stay involved. You can make a donation. If the mailing label on this newsletter says “RENEW” in red letters, you should clip the renewal form and mail in your annual membership dues.
You can fill out a volunteer form, and maybe consider serving in a role you have not tried before. We continue to be desperately in need of additional foster homes. We also have a continuing need for people to serve in coordinating roles for various aspects of our rescue work. In this issue you’ll see an appeal for help with this newsletter. There are many more jobs that are ready for a volunteer with time and energy. If that’s you, please contact any board member or Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Nelson, and we’ll put you to work!
GRREAT can be the successful organization that it is only because of the support of our members and volunteers. With your help, we can make 2005 another successful year of finding “forever homes” for many Golden Retrievers in need.
Sincerely,
Bob Kurtz
Vice President, 2003-2004
November 2004
Dear Friends:
The other day I reflected on the six years my husband and I have been involved with GRREAT. When we adopted our first GRREAT dog, Wendy, and became volunteers, we had no idea where it would lead us. We got involved with GRREAT because we couldn’t stand the thought (or believe) that a Golden Retriever would ever need to be rescued, or that someone would not want the one they owned. I am sure many of you have shared my feelings.
I have found that in Rescue there are many facets, pieces, and emotions that go along with it. I have to admit that rescue can scare me. I suppose that facing the fear is part of the job of rescue. For me, the anxiety, the stress, the worry, the attachment and loss, the relief, the dread, and the anticipation has been there with each and every dog.
Rescue has broken my heart, changed my life, and touched my soul. Facing this fear and feeling the joy and the pain is part of the job. Maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be—if the work is being done right.
I have loved each and every Golden that has spent time in our home. I have always considered them “mine” (for a while, at least!) and they do more for me than anything else. Each of our foster dogs that has come with a story that, while not always unusual, somehow is as different and as unique as they are.
I started out feeling that I was giving to the fosters who shared our home. While this may be true, I have found that they gave even more to me. I have received so much love, so much knowledge, so many challenges—both physical and mental. I know I have taken away a great deal more than I have given.
So, why do I do this? It’s the incredible love and gratitude the dogs give in return; that and the happy endings. Sometimes, when I think I can’t stand it anymore, I remember the joy rescue has brought to my life, and it inspires me to keep trying to help one more dog.
Also, I think of all the people I have met through GRREAT. I have met people who, through no fault of their own, have had to give up their Goldens that they love deeply. I have also met people I am thankful have turned their dogs over to GRREAT. And of course, there are all the people who I have met when they adopted one of our fosters. I have developed wonderful friendships with many of them. Some have become active volunteers for GRREAT. All have become ambassadors for the breed and the rescue.
With 2004 coming to a close, reflect upon what you have given to GRREAT this year. Remember that each of you has made
GRREAT an organization that I am proud to be part of. I hope that all our volunteers know how needed and appreciated your time and talents are, and that all our donors
know how essential you are to providing care for rescued dogs. GRREAT relies on YOU to make 2005 another success! Have a safe and Holiday season.
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
Dear Friends,
As I write this, my new foster dog, Milly is quietly resting nearby. I’d like to tell you a little bit about her. She is around three years old, and came into GRREAT this past January. Milly wandered onto the property of a poor farm family in Pennsylvania in April of 2003. During the time they had her, they kept her tied to a chicken coop. She was “fortunate” enough to have a doghouse with straw to keep her warm, and protected from the elements. When the family finally realized they could not provide for her, they contacted GRREAT to take her, which of course, we did. With no foster home for her, and because she needed medical care, we boarded her at a kennel. Milly won the heart of someone who wanted to foster her, and become her forever home. However, despite the best intentions and the strong hope to have her come and live with this family, it was not meant to be. So, the search for another foster home for Milly began. Milly, despite that she has an easy going personality, and despite that she gets along with other dogs, is just learning to walk on a leash, bolts through doors, but most of all, she is a bit of an escape artist. Milly needed a foster family with a fence high enough that she couldn’t get over or under it. But one could not be found; so Milly remained in boarding.
This year GRREAT has faced challenges that have not been issues in other years. One that we have faced is the severe lack of foster homes. As our lives change, and circumstances change, several of our long time foster homes have found they are no longer able to foster for the rescue. Unfortunately, we have not had new foster homes to replace the ones we have lost. As a result Golden Retrievers like Milly have remained in boarding longer than we would have liked.
Fostering is one of GRREAT’s most valuable resources. It is the first step in giving a Golden Retriever a second, or third (or fourth) chance at a good life. When you foster for GRREAT you’re basically treating that Golden like they’re your own. As you can imagine, being kept in a shelter, kennel, or just being given up by their family, can be very stressful and traumatic for many dogs. In your home they have a chance to feel safe and secure, to be loved, nurtured, exercised, and socialized. For many Goldens, this will be the first time they will know what it is like to be part of a secure home.
As you know, we firmly believe that to really get to know a Golden, it has to live in your home with you and become a member of your family. This is why we don’t warehouse our dogs in a kennel atmosphere. We want to know as much as possible about the personality, needs and activities of the Golden Retrievers that come into GRREAT. In doing this, we have found that after a few weeks with the dog, their real personalities come out. Behavior problems can be sorted out in foster homes, training issues addressed, and by the time the dog is ready to go to its new home, we know a lot about them...which is a bonus to the new adopter, who has a wealth of knowledge about their new addition.
So, what does fostering involve? Fostering a dog requires your time, attention and patience. When we place a GRREAT Golden in a foster home, we try to make the best match possible between the Golden and your home. So a busy foster family with kids, for example, would not get a dog that had not been with children and found to be safe. A foster home that works outside the home and is gone long hours would not be given very young puppies or Goldens that cannot be left all day. We also try very hard to not place Goldens who do not get along with cats or other small animals in a household that has them.
As a foster “parent” your job is to get to know your foster dog as well as you can, and also to reach the goal of your foster being as “near perfect” as possible. This means if the dogs needs some basic training, you’ll be spending some time teaching him the ropes—housebreaking and crate training him, teaching him to walk nicely on a lead, getting him to stop jumping on strangers he finds friendly (nearly impossible for many Goldens!). Just the basics. We don’t expect our foster homes to produce obedience trial champions, but rather just provide a foundation for the new family to build upon.
Some of the Goldens coming into the rescue need a little more though. Some have been badly abused or neglected in their previous lives and need a little extra work and commitment from their foster home. These dogs may need excessive socialization or help learning to trust people again. We try to put these dogs in experienced foster homes. But we have no objection to letting a newer foster home take a Golden into their home if they feel they can truly make a difference them.
A foster dog can be with you for as little as two weeks (the minimum amount of time) or as long as several months, depending on the dog. We can never predict how long a Golden will stay with you until the perfect family is found.
We are contacted practically every day and asked to take Goldens that we have nowhere to place. Because of this, we are always looking for and need new foster homes. Someone said to me last year “that when you are involved in rescue, you lose all of your common sense.” Those of you who know me, know this is what has happened to me! I have truly lost my common sense when it comes to rescue and Golden Retrievers! My last two foster dogs came into our home because there was no literally no place for them to go. So, I would like to ask you to “lose your common sense” and consider becoming a foster home for GRREAT. I cannot begin to tell you the rewards that will come from it. It truly has changed and enriched our lives. Remember that the more foster homes we have, the more Golden Retrievers we can save. It’s simple math. Your positive influence on a rescued GRREAT Golden will prepare them for a new home and life, which is the biggest and best gift of all!
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
May 2004
Dear Friends:
Taking care of rescued dogs, is something I do best. I know because I’ve done it, and I’ve surely passed the test.
Those words from a poem entitled “Rescued Hearts” by Kathleen Parsons can be said about all of us. Those of us who have adopted a GRREAT Golden (or two or three) have cared for them, and have given them our very best.
I would like to talk to you about giving our very best to the Goldens that are coming into GRREAT. In the past several years, GRREAT has been able to bring Goldens of all ages, and many with health problems, into the rescue. We have been able to provide extraordinary medical care for all of them. At the present time, we are not turning away Goldens because of their age or because of their health. We want to be able to continue this practice when accepting dogs into the rescue.
However, our total income from donations, give-up fees, adoption fees, and fund raising is down nearly 43% compared to this same time last year. Needless to say, the Board of Directors and I are very concerned that rescuing every Golden in need may not be possible.
As you know, no rescue group can exist without funds and/or donations. GRREAT is a large, multi-state rescue, and it takes a great deal of money to operate each month. For the first part of 2004, our average monthly expenses have been $20,244.55. Average monthly veterinary costs, our biggest expense, are nearly six times what they were in 1998. Unfortunately, donations and fundraising while generous thanks to our wonderful members, have not increased at the same rate. Aside from orthopedic or other health concerns, each Golden brought into the rescue is given basic vet care, which includes being brought up to date on vaccines. While in their foster homes, they are given monthly heartworm and flea preventative; and if needed, they are spayed or neutered. It is true that many veterinarians are generous enough to give us a much-needed discount, but we still have high expenses to obtain the care these dogs need before they are ready to be adopted. It is very rare that the adoption donation covers the vet costs for many of the Goldens that are adopted, even with the cooperation of the most supportive veterinarians!
Aside from monthly veterinary expenses there are also administrative and foster home expenses. I know I speak for everyone on the Board when I tell you how grateful and appreciative we are to those volunteers who do not ask for reimbursement for expenses. Your donation of food, travel, phone calls, postage, etc., may not seem like much to you, but cumulatively, it is a significant contribution to GRREAT each month. You are “saving” the rescue money by not asking to be reimbursed, and are allowing precious funds to be used elsewhere.
A few of weeks ago, I picked up a 10-year old Golden Retriever named Jackson from the D.C. Shelter. He was given up by his owner who could no longer care for him. Knowing that he would not be adopted by anyone, the shelter contacted GRREAT to take him. When the staff brought Jackson to me, despite the wagging tail, and smile on his face, he never paused to “say hi” to me, but went right for the door. No doubt eager to make his getaway, Jackson quickly jumped into my van and settled in. Before we got onto the road, I offered Jackson a treat, but dropped it in my reluctance to get too close to his mouth. I quickly bent over to get it for him, and he gave me a single lick on my cheek. I couldn’t help but smile when I looked into his bright and smiling eyes. In that moment, I realized that I had made him happy; GRREAT had saved his life!
I feel strongly that, despite all the concerns about our finances, this was, and is, a reminder of what rescue work is all about; the Goldens whose lives we make a difference for. I know I speak for many when I say that we do not want this to change. I am worried that if GRREAT does not receive the needed donations to operate, we will have no choice but to discontinue, or severely limit, bringing Goldens into the rescue in the very near future.
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On behalf of ALL the GRREAT Goldens past, present, and future, I would like to ask you to please consider making a donation of any amount to GRREAT. Remember that only “we” can change the lives for the Goldens in our area that need us. Together we can continue to make a difference for the Golden Retrievers like Jackson, that need GRREAT to make their lives better, a second time around.
Thank you for your support.
Kim Wiff
GRREAT President
March 2004
Dear Friends,
I would like to tell you about a GRREAT living legend. His name is Leo. Leo was turned over to GRREAT in 1996, at 10 months of age. He was a typical loving (and lovable) Golden Retriever puppy, except that he couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes without falling down. Leo had dysplasia in both hips and needed surgery. Because no one would want to adopt a dog that couldn’t stand up, putting Leo down was even considered. Needless to say, his future was very uncertain. But the GRREAT Board of Directors looked deep in his eyes, and voted to do the surgery. However, with financial constraints, finding the funds to do the surgery was a problem. Luck was once again on Leo’s side when an orthopedic surgeon donated a substantial part of his fee because Leo was a rescued Golden. Leo underwent two surgeries within two weeks. During his recovery time, showing a typical Golden personality, he never nipped, growled, or whimpered. All his foster home, Skip and Deb Nizer, ever saw was “that friendly Golden face, followed by a full body wag with his tail high in the air!”
Leo was eventually adopted by the Allen family, who recently wrote:
Leo is doing just great. He will turn nine this October. He is grey in the face, but still plays like a pup. He has been in good health, and the only mark his hip surgery has left is an inability to swim, so he needs a chaperone when we go to the ocean. Leo has brought our family many years of love and joy. He is fantastic with our children, who can try the patience of the best of dogs. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to GRREAT and the Nizers for bringing this terrific dog into our lives. Thanks
Leo’s story managed to touch more than a few hearts when his story was first published in the GRREAT News. Jean Kahl was so moved by Leo’s story, that she made a donation to start the Leo Fund for GRREAT dogs in need of major surgery.
Today, the stories of Goldens helped by the Leo Fund continue to uplift and inspire us. In my own home, two Goldens have benefited from your generous Leo Fund contributions. The GRREAT website currentlty highlights Marty, who came into GRREAT after he had been hit by a car. Donations made to the Leo Fund were used for his surgery, and funds from the Simile-Finale Fund are paying for the physical therapy that will ensure a complete recovery.
Marty is only one of several Goldens currently recovering from orthopedic surgeries in foster homes or who are scheduled for surgery in the near future.
Everyone wants GRREAT to always be available to aid injured, abused, neglected, sick, and unwanted Goldens. We want to continue to provide extraordinary medical care for every Golden that comes into GRREAT. Unfortunately, the number of donations to GRREAT have declined significantly in the past few months. The Board of Directors continues to be as conservative as possible in decisions regarding dogs that need orthopedic surgeries and other medical care. While we are exploring other options to help build our financial resources, they remain uncertain. So I am turning to you: please take a moment, and look into your heart and the eyes of your Golden. Then consider making a donation to help GRREAT. Each donation, goes directly for the care of the dogs we take in. Without the generosity of our members, and the community, we cannot continue this vital work of making their lives better the second time around for Golden Retrievers like Leo! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kim Wiff GRREAT President
January 2004
Dear Friends,
By the time you read this, the New Year will have begun. If you are like me, it's hard to believe that 2003 has ended. What a busy year it was for me personally. I cannot believe what I was able to accomplish. And, because of you, GRREAT was able to rescue and change the lives for nearly 300 Goldens last year, which is truly amazing!
I am sure that many of you recall from your childhood the story of the “Grasshopper and the Ant.” I remember the story not because I read it in a book, but because I saw the Disney cartoon. In the cartoon, the grasshopper fiddles, sings, and eats the leaves off trees while the queen of the ants warns him that he'd better prepare for winter too. But the grasshopper continues fiddling and singing. When winter finally comes, the grasshopper becomes almost frozen from the cold. He can no longer play his fiddle. In desperation, he knocks at the tree where the ants live and begs them to let him in. The queen ant gives her “I told you so” speech and ends with “Take your fiddle...” and after the long pause she says “and play!” So in the end, the grasshopper earns the warmth and food of the ants by playing his fiddle.
I am reminding you of this story only because up until last year when I became president of GRREAT, I was like the grasshopper in the story. I was never prepared for winter. I always put off things until the last minute. And, if things didn't get done, it was okay; I could do it another time. Because after all, isn't time what there is so much of?
Last year I watched in awe as each time GRREAT needed you, you stepped forward to help. You are truly like the ants in the story. You tirelessly volunteered your time to help at events on a gorgeous weekend when I'm sure there were other things you needed to attend to. You have done home visits in the evenings and missed your favorite television show. You’ve transported filthy dogs in your clean vehicles. You’ve answered phone calls in the middle of the night and helped a lost Golden find his way back home. And you unselfishly gave donations to help GRREAT accomplish its goals in an uncertain economy.
With 2004 in front of us, I would like to thank you for all you did for GRREAT in 2003. Thank you for taking in the Goldens who were sick and needed you to help them recover. Thank you for opening your home to a Golden that had never been inside before. Because of you, they now know the love and warmth that comes from no longer being on the outside. Thank you for your patience with the Golden who at first knew nothing, and for taking the time to teach them everything. Thank you for taking in the young and the rambunctious, and the settled down seniors. Thank you for looking into the eyes of a Golden and seeing something that others did not. Thank you for finding a place for them in your heart and your families and showing them what life has to offer. And finally, thank you for your example and for teaching me how (finally) to be “an ant.”
Sincerely,
Kim Wiff GRREAT President
November 2003
Dear Friends
I cannot believe that it’s almost the end of the year. Soon, the holidays will be here, and another year will be starting all over again. It has been an eventful year for me, both personally and as President of GRREAT. To pick up dogs coming into the Rescue, I have been to places that just barely had roads! And on each road-trip I have taken, I have managed to get lost almost every time!
As you know, GRREAT is celebrating a milestone this year. Twenty years! You can take grreat pride in knowing that we are a Rescue that is highly regarded both in our community and by other rescues. Each year that passes is proving to be busier than the year before as far as the number of Goldens that need our help. At the time I am writing this, we are nearly a month ahead of last year’s intake numbers. This is partly due to our growing reputation and the fact that GRREAT is now working with more than 70 shelters in five different states and the District of Columbia.
However, with the increase in the number of Goldens coming into GRREAT, our expenses to provide care for them have also increased. While many veterinarians are generous enough to give us a much-needed discount for the care of the GRREAT dogs, we still have very high expenses to obtain the care these dogs need before they are adopted out. Since memberships represent a major portion of our operating budget each year, this is in part why we will need to increase membership dues by $5 to cover these increased expenses.
Another reason is that, for the first time in several years, GRREAT (and many other rescues in the country) had to find new insurance coverage. Why does the Rescue need insurance? For the same reasons as we insure our homes and cars— to protect our volunteers and to protect the organization itself from lawsuits for injuries or accidents. As an all-volunteer organization, a single lawsuit or claim could shut down the Rescue and prevent us from the work we do for Goldens in need. Many, many rescues do not have insurance of any type and do their work with their fingers crossed that no one will sue them. GRREAT is too large and widespread an organization to do that. You may even think, like some of us did, that finding rescue insurance would be as easy as finding home or car insurance, but this could not be farther from the truth. Several companies who formerly wrote insurance policies for rescues no longer offer them. The few that continue to write these policies are in a buyer’s market. Another issue in finding rescue insurance is that we are a multi-state rescue, and finding a company to give us coverage for all of the areas GRREAT serves was not easy. Thankfully Jill Kurtz took on the job, and persevered until she was able to find a company who was able to write the policy for GRREAT. However, GRREAT still does not have all of the needed coverage in place. The GRREAT Constitution and bylaws require that the Treasurer be bonded. To get this portion of the insurance it has been necessary to implement some financial controls. As part of that effort, the Board decided to hire an outside company to oversee our finances and keep all of our licenses and tax information current and up to date. All this, of course, comes with a price tag. When we finally have our bonding insurance in place, our total insurance cost will be more than double from that of last year. Add the costs of the financial services company on top of that. Based on our current membership numbers, the costs for the insurance add up to $4 per member. I hope that you understand the importance of having all of these “safeguards” in place in order for GRREAT to survive in this day and age, and to be here for the Golden Retrievers that will need us next year, and in the years to follow.
I remember several years ago I was asked to play on a woman’s softball team for my church. While I was flattered to be asked, I had to admit to them that I lacked the one skill that was needed to play softball: I couldn’t catch. In fact, I was terrified of any ball that came towards me. Desperate for players, they asked me to play anyway, and I quickly learned to catch because I was given some good advice from my coach. He told me that in order to catch, I needed to remember one thing—keep my eye on the ball. I’d like to talk about “keeping our eye on the ball” for a moment.
Through all of the work to find needed insurance and get our financial and tax records in order, the one thing that has remained the focus for everyone is the Golden Retrievers that come into GRREAT. As I’ve already mentioned, we are running ahead of last year in the number of dogs coming in. Because of your donations, we’ve been able to truly make a difference in the lives of many Golden Retrievers. I’d like to tell you about a few of them. The first one was one of my own fosters, named Scout. He was given to GRREAT because his family couldn’t afford his much needed hip surgeries. Thanks to the Leo Fund, Scout had two hip surgeries and is now enjoying a pain free and active life with his new family. Another Golden that came into the rescue this year is Brandy. Born with a clubfoot, she recently underwent orthopedic surgery to extend
that portion of her paw, which will give her more use of her leg for the first time in her life. Finally, since we all love puppies, I have to tell you about a brother and sister that captivated many of us. Cally and Ben came to GRREAT through a local shelter at 12 weeks of age. Very thin from their lack of care, they both became extremely ill with Parvo-virus. When many would have to admit defeat to this illness, the vet’s office and their foster home refused to give up on them and did all they could to save this pair. And they succeeded! These two are now enjoying their lives the way that all puppies deserve to!
These are just a very few examples of the dogs your membership in GRREAT and your donations help. I know I speak for everyone on the Board when I tell you that we appreciate ALL of you who give so generously to GRREAT—whether it is your time or your donations. We cannot continue the work of rescuing Goldens and helping them to find a better life without you!
Sincerely,
Kim Wiff, GRREAT President
September 2003 - Letter from the Vice President
Dear Friends
“I don’t want a senior dog; I just lost 12- year-old Goldie, and I can’t face another loss anytime soon.”
I’ve heard that statement from many people who are interested in adopting a GRREAT dog. It’s very understandable, and I suppose it’s a natural reaction following the loss of a beloved elderly friend.
In fact, when our first golden Cally passed away four years ago, our first action was to start looking for a new puppy. Somehow we got the feeling that in order to have a new start we needed to start with a brand new dog.
That new puppy Halley is now almost four,and we’ve loved every minute of having her in our lives. But over the past few years I’ve discovered that a senior golden can be as precious a treasure as a perky young pup. Right now I have the privilege of sharing a home with two seniors—Orion, 8, and Augie, 15. These are two of the sweetest boys you could ever hope to know.
We adopted Augie at 14½ years old, when he came to GRREAT from a shelter. Our goal was simple enough, we just wanted to make him comfortable for his last few weeks or, dare we hope it, maybe a few months. To our surprise, Augie’s health improved quickly with good veterinary care, a healthy diet, and lots of love and attention. A year later, he’s still going strong! Every day is a delight for Augie—he starts off each day at sun-up (“Come on! Time’s a-wasting, guys!”), enjoys breakfast and a morning walk, then settles down to a busy day of napping at our feet. It’s a real joy to walk into the room and have him look up, smile, and thump his tail on the floor in a happy greeting.
I know that Augie’s good health can’t go on forever, and that one day soon we’ll have to say goodbye. But I also know that we’ve made a big difference in his life, and that he’s enjoyed his time with us this past year almost as much as we’ve enjoyed having him as part of our pack.
We recently had the pleasure of fostering our first senior, 10-year-old Rusty. Unlike the many young “wild child” fosters we have had, Rusty quickly integrated himself into the routine at the house. We enjoyed his company and found that he was a wonderful, loving dog. We wondered if anyone would take a chance on adopting him and were pleasantly surprised when we got several phone calls about him. Today, Rusty lives with his new mom Tricia Tipton in Waldorf. She has shared many stories and photos with us and is thoroughly enjoying every minute of life with her “new” furry kid.
All of this has led me to understand that the depth and mutual benefit of the person-dog relationship has little to do with its duration. The love and companionship that the relationship brings is far more important than how long it lasts.
Sharing your life with a senior golden is like sitting by the fireplace on a winter’s evening. It’s a mellow time, good for sharing quiet moments together. Perhaps the coals will glow warmly all night, perhaps they’ll grow cold sooner than you’d like. Either way, it’s a special time to spend with a treasured friend.
Sincerely,
Bob Kurtz GRREAT Vice President
July 2003
Dear Friends:
With the deadline for my message to you looming (okay, it passed), I am once again faced with the dilemma of what to write about. I have so many things I would like to say. There are so many topics that I could base my comments on. But, as I was in my very first message to you, I am once again focused on events in my own life. I hope that you do not mind that I will, once again, be making my message to you personal.
The loss of a beloved pet is a very difficult issue to address. While I am no expert on this subject, I thought that by sharing a few things I have learned, it might help you when this time comes in your life.
Within a week of one another, my husband and I said our good-byes to two of our Goldens and sent them off to the “Rainbow Bridge.” One of the Goldens was our “long term foster” named Lacey. She came to us this past March at the tender age of 14. She was a beautiful little Golden that had been given to her owner when he was eight years old. I couldn’t help but think of all the changes and events Lacey must have witnessed during her life: the boy that she first met and grew up with, and (I don’t think I’ll ever forget) the young man I met at the shelter, who gave her up when her life was nearly at the end.
I recently read an article that compared the lives of our dogs to the seasons of a tree. Think of the season of Spring and how it relates to a puppy. The Springtime, like a puppy, is filled with energy and newness as it grows, and we are the gardener that protects and nurtures it. The season of Summer is when the puppy grows into adulthood: spreading its branches like the tree, and learning to adapt to its surroundings. Then, we enter the season of Fall. In the autumn we see our dog outgrow its “leaves” of puppyhood and live the life of an adult. Finally, we come to Winter. In this season, like the snow that falls, we see the beautiful white, as it appears on our senior Golden. It is so easy to see their wisdom and the contentment that comes with their maturity. This is also a quiet season of rest and a time that should be cherished and treasured. Because before we know it, the season of winter ends and it’s time to take the journey of the “passing” of our pets to a different type of spring and a different kind of life. During this time, it’s so important to remember at the end of the winter, that there is always the promise and hope of spring. The seasons, like the circle of life, are never-ending.
The seasons of our dogs’ lives can, and do, pass so quickly. Some of the Goldens that come into our lives will be with us for many seasons, others only a few. Our very first Golden died at the age of six. I thought the pain of his passing would never fade. But I found in my grief that there were other lives that needed me: other lives that I could make a difference in. The lives of our other Goldens helped to heal the loss that I so deeply felt.
Those of you who have lost a pet: try not to do as I did and think only of their death. Remember that death is only one part of the circle of life. Instead, find ways to honor them and their life with you. Something that I did was to create a scrapbook or photo album. In this, you could include their life story, their collar or a favorite bandanna. This can, and will, become a treasured keepsake. Even though you will cry while you are doing it, it can be a way to help heal the pain you are feeling and pay tribute to the happiness they brought to you and your family.
My final advice to you is to take the time NOW to celebrate the life you have with your Golden. Find joy in all the things they do, even if they chew your socks, take up all the room on your bed, and jump up on the company that come to your house. Don’t ever take for granted that friend you have who waits at the window for you to come home. Or the one who will listen to all your problems and makes you feel better after a bad day. Treasure the good friend you have, who thinks you are the center of the universe and loves you unconditionally. Let’s celebrate our love for our Goldens, past and present, by having the hope and the promise of spring live in our hearts along with our memories.
Have a safe and a happy summer making those memories that will last a lifetime!
Sincerely,
Kim Wiff GRREAT President
May 2003
Dear Friends
I’d like to tell you about my eight-year-
old Golden, named Ben. He holds the honor of being the first foster dog I
couldn’t let go of. He also holds the award for being the smelliest and dirtiest
dog I have ever seen. With a shaggy and matted coat the first time I saw him, I
thought he hardly resembled a Golden Retriever. I gave
him three baths (that didn’t really help) before I even allowed him access to
the whole house. I remember the evening I picked him up from the groomer. I
thought they had brought me the wrong dog, because I hardly recognized him. My
foster dog was now beautiful! Despite that Ben was now gorgeous on the outside,
what was on the inside still needed some work. However, looking into his eyes
and seeing the smile on his face made the issues he had easier to work through
Yes, it is hard work. Yes, it does take time and dedication. And sadly yes, sometimes circumstances beyond anyone’s control can cause an ending to not always be a happy one. But, that is all part of being involved in rescue. Having said that, I would like to mention that GRREAT is always in need of new foster homes. We applaud and appreciate anyone who applies to foster a Golden, whether it is one, two or five Goldens per year. Think about it. If you foster one Golden per year, that is one Golden you have helped to save and one Golden you have helped find a “forever home” for.
GRREAT is unique among rescues in our area in that we have foster homes that are able to foster on an ongoing basis and take more than one Golden per year. However, even these families need a break occasionally. With summer approaching, I’d like to ask you to do some soul searching. I’d like you to think about opening your heart and home to one of our Goldens by becoming a foster home. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster home, then go to the GRREAT web-site, and take the “Foster Home Quiz” to help you decide if it is right for you.
I cannot begin to tell you the rewards that come from fostering. For those involved, it has meant so many different things. When I personally think of those rewards, I think of the famous quote, “Some dogs come into our lives, and quickly go. Others stay for awhile, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are changed forever.” For me at least, it has become so true.
Sincerely,
Kim Wiff GRREAT President
More From the President:
What I'm Grreatful For GRREAT's Intake Process The "You" in GRREAT On the Road Again Our Furry Friends A Better Life for Many Goldens in 2002 What Your Donations Help Support Our Throwaway Society
I want to start out by wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season. This is the time of year when we get together with our loved ones to share all the wonderful memories of the years gone by. One tradition that many families participate in is to let everyone know what they are grreatful for. As I look back over my two years as president of GRREAT, I realize that I have many things to be grreatful for. As a result of the incredible work of GRREAT members and volunteers, we have had the opportunity to create wonderful memories for more than 600 adoptive families over the past two years. That number is well over 2000 when you go back to the beginnings of GRREAT.
- I am grreatful for all the foster families who open their homes time and time again to these dogs. So many times they put their own plans on hold to help these dogs adjust and eventually find a new family.
- I am grreatful for all the families who have opened their homes to the “special needs” dogs. I have sent out quite a few e-mails this year looking for special homes and I am always overwhelmed by the incredible response.
- I am grreatful for all our volunteers who drive hundreds and hundreds of miles to pick up and transport dogs from place to place. With your support we have been able to save dogs from areas we were never able to cover before.
- I am grreatful for all the Vets and animal shelters that support GRREAT with their services. Without their help we would not be able to provide all the care necessary to help these dogs
- I am grreatful to all the volunteers who attend the various events in which GRREAT is involved each year and to all the people who help at Adoption Days.
- I am grreatful for all the members of the Board and all the people who hold positions within GRREAT. Those of you who have had the opportunity to work with these people realize the incredible job that they do on a daily basis.
I can’t say often enough that GRREAT is an incredible organization of volunteers and supporters. However, to maintain the level of care provided to these precious Goldens, it takes a tremendous amount of money and time. Please remember GRREAT during this holiday season with a charitable contribution and/or make yourself a New Year’s resolution to get more involved with volunteering in 2003.
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By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the November/December 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
I was sitting at work writing my President’s letter when my e-mail icon started to blink. It was another of Mary Ellen Lunde’s e-mails letting us know what is happening with intake. The statistics she provided were simply amazing.
So far this year (early September) we have taken in 188 dogs (176 newbies and 12 GRREAT returns with ID numbers other than 2002). That is an average of 5.5 dogs each and every week. In one week in August, we took in 16 (yes, 16) dogs. We have an additional 4 assigned to foster homes scheduled to come in this upcoming weekend and another additional 6 that we’re working on. The rest of the e-mail went on to thank many of the volunteers who make this all possible.
To give you an idea about the dogs I have provided their ages and the reason for give up. I have learned not to judge the reasons given by the former owners, but do appreciate the fact that these dogs are now in GRREAT and will be treated with the utmost care and love.
• 2 year FS [female spayed]- Sold old house, new house not finished, have to live in apartment for 4 months; gave dog to friend to keep for 4 months and friend turned it into shelter after one day. Shelter called owner and owner said they could not reclaim Chloe.
• 7 month male - Too busy. Don’t spend enough time with dog - feel bad he is confined 8-10 hours a day.
• 8-12 month UNM [unneutered male]-- “Devil Dog” - Keeps getting out of yard
• 14 year old - Moving - says dog is in relatively good health with some hip problems
• 12 yr old - Got new puppy, don’t want Jenny to teach pup “bad” habits about storm anxiety. Also Jenny doesn’t act like pup’s Mom, isn’t overjoyed at puppy antics, so there- fore she’s not acceptable anymore and has been banned into the pen in the back yard. Jenny snarls at puppy when it comes close to the fence to Jenny’s pen
• Two brothers, 11 yr old - On July 4th they found the two in the middle of the road. Samson was lying there and Tobin was standing over him, not budging from his brother’s side. After clarifying the origin of the dogs, the rescuers were permitted to remove them and take them for medical care. As it was a holiday, the vet they spoke with suggested the dogs be taken into an air conditioned environment and brought back on a regular day. Both dogs perked up in the cooled house and were subsequently taken for medical care.
All these dogs are in foster care and I am happy to say the two brothers are in a foster- to-adopt situation.
My goal here is to keep you up to date on the Intake side of our rescue. If you would like to consider being a foster family please go to our Foster Home Page and take the foster home quiz, or maybe you have adopted before and are looking for another dog. Please check on us, the GRREAT house is full of dogs looking for homes!
After a very hot, relatively low profile summer, we are entering a season in which a number of GRREAT events are planned. We invite you to join us for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic in October as well as our educational tables at various other events. And plan to attend our Holiday Party on the first Saturday in December—it’s the doggie social event of the year!
October 1 begins our annual membership drive. Dues for 2003 remain at $25—a real bargain when you think about the wealth of information GRREAT provides through its web site, newsletter, education tables at events, brochures, and of course our knowledgeable volunteers.
Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when the last kid goes off to school, and the family dog suddenly turns out to be a nuisance for the empty-nesters. The loyal pet ends up in an animal shelter or hopefully comes to GRREAT and can begin a new life as a loved member of another family. If you hear of a Golden in such a sad situation, please ask the family that is considering giving up the dog to call the GRREAT hotline to discuss the circumstances.
As always thanks to all our members and volunteers. With out all of you none of our work is possible.
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By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the September/October 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
The "You" in GRREAT
As I approach my last six months as President of GRREAT (please
contact me if you are interested in
finding out more about the job), I want to share with you my feelings about
all the wonderful people involved with this organization. I have come to realize
that my main job as President is keeping this incredible organization on its
current path. Even with new suggestions and ideas from members, we might make
some small changes, but the primary direction was successfully chosen many years
ago. I often refer to GRREAT as a giant puzzle with 1500 pieces
that fit almost perfectly together, forming a wonderful picture. I believe that
GRREAT’s role in the rescue community has increased over the years in a
significant way. When GRREAT first started we were taking our cues from other
rescue organizations and now just the opposite is true. GRREAT has one of the
best reputations among the rescue community, the local shelters and area vets,
and you are the reason why.
A very wise person once said to me, "How do you know it
can’t be done, or the answer will be no, until you ask your question." That
observation could not be more correct. The reason we have saved so many Goldens
and helped so many people is because, when we have asked for something,
you have always delivered. For that, all the Goldens we have rescued and
will continue to rescue will always be thankful.
I truly believe that with everyone’s continued input and
dedication, we will continue to maintain GRREAT as a rescue that everyone uses
as a model in the future. You, our volunteers, donors, and
supporters, truly are amazing! I want to give you a quick update on the Memorial Day dogs
rescued from the puppy mill in Oklahoma. After spending a wonderful week at Jo
Bighouse’s luxury estate and having tons of visitors, the 11 dogs were
transported up to New York to start their lives anew. Most of the puppies have
come out of their shells and are enjoying human companionship, some for the very
first time. GRREAT kept only one of the dogs but our volunteers served as a
vital link in the chain that got these dogs from Oklahoma all the way to
northern New York state. In particular, I want to recognize the GRREAT volunteers
who handled the transport and care of these dogs from Kentucky all the way to
New York. Please see the box in the next column. Again, thank you to everyone
that made this all possible! Photos were taken as the dogs were rescued. If you’d like
to see them, they have been posted on the Internet at
This is just one more example of the extra-ordinary lengths our volunteers go to in helping our favorite beautiful breed. Without you, there would be no GRREAT.
P.S. This is turning out to be an unusually hot summer. Remember that your dogs should not be kept out in the heat for extended periods of time during the hot weather. Ensure that your Golden has plenty of water and shade when you are outside exercising him. And never, ever leave your beloved child-in-a-fur-coat in a closed car. Hot, sunny days are miserable for everyone, but hot cloudy can be particularly deceptive and dangerous. Please read the helpful hints starting on page 13 for keeping dogs cool when the weather turns hot.
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By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the July/August 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
On the Road Again
Some the biggest decisions my wife Colleen and I have to make
are not over what to have for dinner but what type of vacation are we going to
take this year, and if the dogs are coming. This year we decided that they are
coming on one and staying on the other—the dogs, I mean. I’m sure that many of
you find yourselves in that same situation each year. The decision to take your
pets on vacation is usually based on your ability to find a place that will
accept them. This is where the searching the web becomes invaluable. I have
discovered many websites that can help you find places to travel with your pets.
I have also provided information if you are planning on using a kennel or
petsitter while you travel. If you plan on traveling with your animal, the following
sites can get you started.
Please remember that if you do find a place to travel with your pets, be sure to call ahead and confirm with them their rules and regulations regarding to pets.
Every year GRREAT News publishes articles about summer activities and places to go with your pets. Previous issues can be found on the GRREAT web site at www.grreat.org/news.htm. Topics have included the following:
July/August 2001 issue: Having Fun With Your Dog – things to do and local groups to join with your dog Dog Regulations for Atlantic Beaches – a digest of the rules pertaining to dogs on some of the most popular beaches from New Jersey to South Carolina
July/August 1998 issue: When You Can’t Take Her With You – vacation options for your dog
If you are planning on kenneling your animal, the following sites can help get you started. Dog Owners Guide/Choosing a Kennel or Sitter – provides you information on what to look for in a kennel American Board Kennels Association – provides names of kennels across the country DoggieDirectory– offers nationwide listings for breeders, trainers, groomers, boarding kennels, daycare, pet sitters, vets, rescue organizations, and shelters
If you are planning on putting your dog in a kennel, please make sure you visit the kennel and walk through the facilities. If they will not let you see where your dog will be sleeping and being exercised, don’t keep your dog there. The kennel should provide you a detailed daily care routine for your dog and allow you to meet the staff that will be caring for your dog.
If you want to keep your dog in your home while you are gone, the following sites can get you started. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters – provides names of petsitters Pet Sitters Yellow Pages – provides names of petsitters
Make sure the petsitter visits your home and meets with your animals well in advance of your trip. You need to make sure that you feel comfortable with the people taking care of your pet and that your pet is comfortable with the person.
A good local publication available from local pet supply stores and veterinarians is Pet Lovers Companion, containing feature articles and a directory of pet services including kennels, sitters and supplies, as well as apartment buildings and local hotels and motels that welcome pets. Published in both Maryland and Northern Virginia editions, the information is also available at Pet Lovers Companion.
Please note that GRREAT is not affiliated with any of the sites listed above and does not specifically endorse their use.
Whatever you decide to do, wherever you decide to go, have a GRREAT summer with your pets and family!
| By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the May/June 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
Our Furry Friends
As President of GRREAT, I have the opportunity to see the
many highs and lows that come with being a part of a Rescue. On the one hand, I
am privileged to see the happy smiling faces of adults and children as they show
off their most prized family members at the various picnics and celebrations
throughout the year. On the other hand, I hear all too often about terminally
ill or about dogs who have recently passed away. Unfortunately, it is the one
bittersweet part of dog ownership – that their lifespans fall far short of ours.
Although there are no words that can ease the pain of such a loss, I do find
that having a network of caring family and friends can really help ease the
period of grief. This is important not only for getting over the loss (although
we never truly do), but also to commemorate the life of the animal. People who don’t have animals in their lives (it’s their
loss) often fail to realize that these friends are much more than pets. They are
friends, confidants, and equal members of our family (for most of us). My wife
and I are sometimes surprised when our dogs don’t articulate whole sentences
back to us in mid-conversation. Would it seem absurd to some people? Sure, but
we don’t mind. And the amount of time spent with them is somewhat irrelevant.
Once they cross our doorsteps, they become part of our extended families whether
we adopted them as puppies or at age 12. I think one of the reasons people have such a tough time
dealing with the loss of a pet is due to the fact that there are really no
formal social mechanisms in place for such a loss. When a human being passes
away, we have an opportunity to hold a wake or a funeral. Friends gather around and share stories and we are
provided an opportunity to say our proper goodbyes. However, when our pets pass
away, we usually are not afforded the opportunity of a funeral or a formal means
of saying goodbye. Because of this, we really are not given a suitable way to
express our feelings of grief or to share the fond memories with others.
The good news is that the tide is starting to turn. As
hospice care becomes more prevalent for humans, the same is becoming true in the
animal world. You would be amazed to find out how many support groups and
websites are available for people to be able to express their feelings and to
ask questions or to answer others’ questions. There are also a number of pet
cemeteries and crematories available. While doing a little research on the
subject, I uncovered a resource called Pet Loss
Grief Support Website. It seems that on Monday evenings all across the
globe, people light candles in memory of their pets. It is a very healing ritual
with no adherence to any religion or creed. It’s just a simple lighting of
candles to bring us all together. The candle ceremony is not done on-line. Each
of us privately lights his candles in his own way. Candle lighting times are at
10 PM Eastern. Some other websites that may prove useful:
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline The Association for Pet Loss
and Bereavement American
Veterinary Medical Association - Care for Pets And for those people who are dealing with terminally ill dogs and are looking
for advice or for alternative ways to take care of their dogs,
Special-Needs Pets
contains some fantastic information. For all those people who have opened their hearts to these
wonderful dogs and have taken them across the Rainbow Bridge, I say thank
you—and I know that you have a wet kiss waiting from your furry friend.
As always, thanks to all the volunteers, foster families
and GRREAT members that make this truly the best organization. For without you
there is no GRREAT!!
| By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the March/April 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
(Webmaster's Note: On April 2, 2002, CNN posted an Associated Press story entitled "Bereaved pet owners comfort each other")
A Better Life, continued on page 6 I hope that everyone had very safe and happy holidays and I would like to thank all of the members and volunteers for their incredible support in 2001. We were able to take close to 300 Goldens into the Rescue this year. That number was made possible by our wonderful volunteers that support the Rescue in so many different ways. We hope that you will be able to attend our annual GRREAT business meeting on January 12 to hear the reports of all the activities our members and volunteers participated in during 2001.
I wish I could say that all your hard work and efforts have diminished the need for organizations like GRREAT and other Golden Rescues; however, just the opposite is happening. Rescues all across the county are becoming overwhelmed and are bursting at the seams with dogs. In December 2000, GRREAT members were a part of a rescue effort called Operation Golden Bells that resulted in a tremendous number of Goldens being saved from a life of pure misery in an Arkansas puppy mill. GRREAT received ten of the Goldens rescued in this effort, and they were all in foster homes by Christmas. For some, this was the first time they had ever been inside a house in their short lives. All of the dogs are doing well, have had their medical needs cared for, and are learning many new things (like the sound of a coffee grinder). We hope to have some of their stories in the next issue of this newsletter. The fast response and extraordinary efforts made by over 200 families from GRREAT, Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club, and other Golden lovers was so amazing that it is hard to describe in just a few words, but let us start with
THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU!
One of our goals as a Rescue is education, and it is part of G.R.R.E.A.T.’s name. Puppy mills are flourishing in America and they are providing pet stores with puppies by the thousands. The worst part about this is that most of the time they are not breaking any laws and if they are caught, the consequences are so minor that they are worth the risk to the puppy millers. To read more about puppy mills I have listed just a few websites for you. (Please be aware some of the pictures are disturbing.)
Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace - Puppy Mill Information and Updates
Should Pet Stores Sell Puppies by Cathrine M. Sheeter
What can GRREAT and its members and volunteers do? Three suggestions:
1) We can begin by educating people about the horrors of these puppy mills, and we can make sure when we talk to people we stress the importance purchasing puppies from legitimate breeders and not from pet stores and back yard breeders.
2) We can avoid shopping at stores— including pet supply stores—that sell puppies for profit. We have to let them know that they will not get our business until they stop selling puppies.
3) Contact your government representatives and see where they stand in regards to animal-related issues. The ASPCA is very involved and has a great website to help you get involved.
We need to remember that as either a representative of GRREAT or as an individual, any lobbying or petitioning to end puppy mills and other types of animal cruelty should be accomplished in a way that we get our point across so people see us as an educational tool and in a positive way and not as a harassing menace.
If you would like to join my e-mail list and receive information about ongoing issues and upcoming events, please send me an email and I will add you to my distribution list. Remember, too, that the GRREAT Home Page is also a wonderful source of information and educational material!
| By GRREAT President Dan Keppler (from the January/February 2002 issue of GRREAT News) |
What Your Donations Help Support
Often we do not realize all the time and effort that is donated by our foster families—as well as our participating vets and surgeons—to help the dogs that come into GRREAT. While we can never guarantee the long term health of the dogs we adopt out, we do a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure we know as much as we can about the dogs we rescue. This information is vital to our foster and adoptive families when they make the decision to adopt a dog.
While preparing for a recent GRREAT board meeting, I was looking over our financial statements and was compelled to share with you, our members and generous donors, some numbers pertaining to the medical-related expenses for this year. As of November 2nd, GRREAT has spent more than $87,000 caring for the 244 dogs that have come into the Rescue since January 1, 2001. I’m sure that this figure comes as a shock to some of you, but please understand that this expense is a direct result of GRREAT’s policy to take the absolute best care for our dogs. The breakdown is as follows:
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Veterinary Care — $48,923 These are direct, pass-through costs related to receiving dogs into the Rescue, taking them into the vet for a check up, and having their shots updated if necessary, as well as any other medical services that do not fall into the Leo Fund category.
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Leo Fund — $30,334 Again, these are direct, pass-through costs to veterinarians related to extraordinary surgeries for dogs that we rescue. Because these special surgeries are expensive in nature, any work performed on these dogs requires a board vote and identifying a foster home available to help the dog recover. This year we have repaired a broken jaw, a broken tibia, and numerous hips and knees. The Leo Fund is currently operating at approximately a $10,000 deficit.
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Spay/Neuter — $8,291 Not all the dogs that come into the Rescue are spayed or neutered, and GRREAT’s policy is that, as long as the dog’s health permits, all dogs leave the rescue spayed or neutered.
What is not reflected in these medical costs is the indirect costs that our volunteers absorb as part of their devotion to this beloved breed. Not one of our elected Board members nor any of our volunteers is paid for the innumerable hours that they contribute to our organization. Our foster homes sometimes travel hundreds of miles to visit participating vets. Georgie Bahler and Mary Ellen Lunde work with our participating vets and locate new ones to make sure that GRREAT is getting the best care along with the best price. And our local unsung hero is Dr. Walker: without his incredible talent, many of the dogs you see running around happily would still be limping and in immense pain. Thank you to everyone for all that you do.
Without the tremendous financial support and volunteer efforts of our membership and donors, we would not be able to cover all the costs mentioned nor the other ones, smaller in nature but no less important in running the organization. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to GRREAT already this year and also those who may consider contributing in the future. This is the time of year that we make our annual membership renewal appeal and ask for end of year contributions, as evidenced by the renewal and donation envelope included in this issue.
We know that the generosity of our members is being tapped by numerous organizations as a result of the tragic events of September 11th and the resulting effects they have had on our economy. Please keep in mind that organizations such as ours that do not make the headlines must also rely on your generosity. With your donations we can continue to help the greatest number of dogs get the best care possible and a chance at a better life the second time around.
One of our big events is coming up in December—our annual Howliday Party. We hope that you and your four-legged family will join us in celebrating the joys of providing a second chance to a beautiful animal. Have a great holiday season, and as always, thanks to everyone who makes GRREAT what it is today, the best Golden Rescue in the world!!!!!!!!
| By GRREAT President Dan Keppler November/December 2001 issue of GRREAT News) |
Recently, far too many days have been like August 27th was for Georgie Bahler and Mary Ellen Lunde. That day alone, GRREAT took in and successfully placed 5 dogs in foster homes. Three of these dogs were emergency intakes because they were strays from shelters that had informed us that the dogs were to be euthanized within 72 hours. Two were from homes where the owners had similarly given us limited time to take in the dogs. The biggest problem is that times like these have become all too common for GRREAT. We have already taken in over 210 dogs in 240 days and there is a waiting list that averages between 10 to 15 at any given time. Unfortunately, this frenetic pace is really starting to take its tolls on our intake volunteers and our foster homes.
This got me thinking, so I decided to count the number of Golden rescues on the web and found 94 rescues dedicated solely to this breed. Granted, very few rescues are as big or as active as GRREAT, but the thought that 94 rescues have been formed for a single breed is a very disheartening one. I urge everyone to continue educating people that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment and should not be undertaken on a whim or because a puppy is too adorable to pass up. Our beloved Goldens deserve a better fate than this. I understand that there are many legitimate reasons why people have to give up their dogs and I am relieved that they come to us for help rather than dumping the dog along a roadside. But we continually hear the same excuses (such as “too hairy” and “no time/wants too much attention”). Although we can never entirely stop people from giving up their dogs for such inadequate reasons, I do believe that educating people about the commitment involved in raising a dog will one day lead to fewer of these types of cases. GRREAT News Bites on page 3 provides information about how you as a member can obtain GRREAT educational materials at no cost to spread the Rescue word to people who express an interest in buying a puppy or adopting a Golden.
This is also our annual Dog-Alog issue. Enjoy the print version included here or go online to www.grreat.org to see the items in full color. It’s not too early to shop for those unique Golden items for Christmas gifts.
On a happy note, we want to recognize our many volunteers who work so hard during the year. It is your help and dedication that makes this organization as special as it is. This is why I am inviting everyone to join in a celebration of thanks to all our volunteers. Please plan to attend our Volunteer Appreciation Picnic from 11 to 3 on Saturday, October 13th at the Paxton Child Development Center in Leesburg (details on page 3).
Thank you so much for your ongoing commitment to this organization and to this beloved breed.
| By GRREAT President Dan Keppler September/October 2001 issue of GRREAT News) |