Springtime in the Northeast!

Picture
When we are out and about, enjoying the springtime weather with our dogs, stop and take in the sites around you. Simple activities like strolling through a park or sharing a quiet picnic create wonderful memories. Deeper connections form through shared experiences, boosting emotional well-being for both you and your pet.

During the spring season, dog owners should take extra precautions to protect wildlife and their own pets.  Keeping dogs leashed, especially in areas with abundant wildlife, is crucial.  Loose dogs can disturb nesting birds, other wildlife, and even livestock.  Many species are breeding and vulnerable during spring, making it even more important to keep dogs leashed.   Dog owners should also be aware of potential hazards like reptiles and poisonous plants.  

Be cautious of heatstroke, especially in early spring when the weather is still fluctuating.  Acclimate dogs to warmer temperatures before strenuous activity and watch for signs of overheating. 

And of course, be a good neighbor and pick up after your dog.

How Do We Know When It Is Time To Say Good-Bye?

Picture
It's a topic that no one really wants to talk about, yet as pet owners, it's likely something we all will face - saying good-bye to our beloved best friends.

While some pets die of old age in the comfort of their own home, many others become seriously ill, get injured in some way, or experience a significantly diminished quality of life as they grow very old.  In these situations, it may be necessary to consider having your pet euthanized in order to spare it from pain and suffering.  Deciding to euthanize your beloved pet may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. 

Talk to your veterinarian as he or she is the best qualified person to help guide you through this difficult process.  In some cases, your veterinarian may be able to tell you definitively that it is time to euthanize your pet, but in other cases, you may ultimately need to make the decision based on your observances of your pet’s behavior and attitude. 

Here is an article to help in deciding when our pets are still okay and when they are showing signs that may indicate they are suffering or no longer enjoying a good quality of life.
​
Pet Quality of Life
http://lapoflove.com/Pet_Quality_of_Life_Scale_DrMcVety.pdf

The Quality of Life Scale allows you to evaluate your dog’s well-being to help you make difficult end-of-life care decisions. Originally known as the HHHHHMM Scale, this evaluation tool was created by Dr. Alice Villalobos, DVM, founder of Pawspice—a quality of life program for terminal pets—as a scoring system for a pet’s life quality.
Use the Quality of Life Calendar to evaluate your dog every day and mark your pup’s score on a calendar to keep track of their good and bad days. The scale gives you tangible ways to measure your pet’s appetite, mobility, energy, pain levels, and overall well-being. Then your vet can help you decide what type of care your pet needs or if it’s best for your pet to let them go.
Picture
Click to enlarge
Picture
Click to enlarge

The 3-3-3 Rule of Adopting a Rescue Dog

Picture
Congratulations! You’ve just adopted a new dog!   Like humans who move to a new community, your new pet needs some time to get used to their new surroundings.  That’s why SGRR's adoption coordinators talk about the "Rule of Three," a timeline that gives you an idea of how your dog will adjust after three days, three weeks, and three months.

Here’s what should happen three days after you acquire a new dog:
  • This is a major period of adjustment, because while your home may be roomy and inviting, the dog has to get used to living in an environment different from an animal shelter or their previous home.
  • A dog may sleep a lot in the first three days, or be easily aroused or excited by its new surroundings. This all depends on the animal’s personality.
  • The pet will need to learn what is good or bad behavior in your house. For example, no sleeping on the furniture, no gnawing on shoes like they are chew toys, no going potty in the house.
  • Be patient with your dog in these opening days, and give them plenty of time and patience. Perhaps your pet will need positive-reinforcement training classes so it properly behaves in your house, but keep in mind, improvements are on the horizon!

After three weeks:
  • The dog will be more used to your daily routine such as when it is time to take a walk and when it is feeding time.
  • You will see more of the dog’s personality begin to develop, and they should be less fearful than those opening days when they first arrived at your home.
  • By this time, you will have narrowed down the dog’s behavioral problems considerably. A dog training professional can help teach the dog the difference between what’s right and wrong, if there are any persistent issues.

After three months:
  • Most dogs know they are welcome in your home and understand the rules.
  • Your patience will have paid off, and the two of you can live together and become lifelong companions!

Why Rescue?


Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets.  We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died.  Many rescued dogs will require continued behavioral work due to a lack of training, neglect, or abuse in the dog’s previous setting. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference.  From experience, we know that these dogs with “endearing imperfections” can move forward, provided their new family gives them necessary guidance and direction. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. 

New to SGRR...?

Want to Learn More About Us...?

We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously.  The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups.  Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful.  We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us!  You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! page.

Kelly

One of our adopters created this cool video to tell you about his experiences with SGRR.   We are excited and proud to share it with all of you.  Click the button below and enjoy!

Support SGRR While You Shop through iGive

Picture
Click to shop at iGive
Shop at 1,000+ Top-Notch Online Stores.  The iGive mall includes: Pottery Barn, REI, Staples, Petco, Expedia, Best Buy, QVC and many more. Best of all, up to 26% of your purchase at each store is donated to SGRR when you sign up with the provided link.

Donate to SGRR or Pay the Adoption Fee

There are a number of ways to donate to SGRR.  SGRR is designated as a 501c(3) organization which means your donations are tax-deductible.  You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute.  Please use the Paypal option below or mail a check to:  SGRR, PO Box 403,  Fairhope, AL  36533.

Paypal

Single Payment
Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee.
Recurring Donation

Venmo

PictureClick to be directed to Venmo

NEW!!

You may also now use Venmo to make a donation or to pay the adoption fee when you are matched with a dog.  


Payments through Venmo should be sent to --  SGRR@Sunshine-Goldens

Sponsor a Dog

Picture



If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog.  Please use  Paypal or  mail a check to:  SGRR, PO Box 403,  Fairhope, AL  36533.  We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. 

We thank you in advance for your generous support! 

J.Lilienne Custom Candles

Introducing a clever and unique way to celebrate your furry friend’s birthday, Gotcha day, graduation- any special event or occasion!  J.Lilienne Custom Candles will create a customized candle complete with your pet’s picture, biography or rescue story and picture.  

A custom candle can also serve as a wonderful, affordable memorial to your beloved pet when he/she makes the inevitable journey across the the Rainbow Bridge.  The soft light and subtle fragrance will be a sweet reminder of the love you have shared.

Please check out their website to learn more about J.Lilienne Custom Candles Pet Collection.  

SPECIAL OFFER FOR SGRR FRIENDS!!  ENTER COUPON CODE: SGRR AT CHECKOUT FOR 25% OFF!

We  LIKE  You  Too!

Picture
Click to visit our Facebook page!