Winter Fun

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A dog’s exercise needs remain consistent year-round. Lack of exercise can cause various issues, including hyperactive greetings, chewing on valuable items, raiding the garbage, and increased anxiety and aggression. If a dog is predisposed to aggression, the increased anxiety from lack of exercise can exacerbate the problem. Like people, dogs get cabin fever of sorts and go stir crazy when kept inside. But when the weather is uninviting, it’s easy to slack on your dog’s regular exercise routine.

Experiment With Inside Games -  Vary the games you play and regularly rotate toys to keep your dog interested.  Tug can be an excellent game for teaching self-control when played with the proper rules.  Fetch can be done inside using soft toys.  Increase the fetch challenge by tossing the toy up stairs with carpeting or runners to prevent slipping. For dogs that like to chase, attach a stuffed animal to the end of a rope to simulate a predatory chase. More rambunctious or large dogs can be exercised safely in open areas, such as a basement or garage with the car pulled out. 

Encourage Scavenging -  Dogs are scavengers by nature, meaning they are programmed to spend many of their waking hours in search of food. Use this to your advantage by getting your dog hunting for his meals with a few inventive practices. Instead of a food bowl, feed your dog kibble out of a food puzzle (a hollow toy with openings for kibble to fall out). For a long-lasting challenge, stuff a hollow toy, like a Kong, with canned dog food and freeze. Exercise your dog by tossing a treat piece by piece across the room and telling him to “find it,” so he can chase after it and hunt it out with his nose.

Quality Time - Rather than cooping up your dog all winter, take him on outings with you during the week. A date with your canine can be as easy as taking him to a dog-friendly pet store to choose a chew or toy. Pooch-friendly coffee shops welcome dogs with treats. Give the treat to your canine while he is secured in the backseat of your car with a seat-belt or inside a crate. Drop by your veterinary office for a social visit and have the receptionist give your dog a cookie. Arrange a visit to a friend’s front door for a treat, or invite friends to your home to interact with your dog. Consider having a dog walker come exercise your pooch if you can’t safely do it yourself. Most dogs can comfortably be walked outside for short periods when the right precautions are made, such as wiping paws off after walks.    

Play Dates -  Dog-friendly canines benefit from play dates. Consider arranging play dates with your dog’s favorite friends, which can be done right in your backyard or at pet-friendly parks. Even when the weather outside is frightful, dog park loyalists are still braving the cold. Dog parks can give your dog both off-leash exercise and interaction with other canines. Doggy day cares are another way to give your dog interaction while you’re away from home or when you just need a break. 

Indoor Agility Course -   Never underestimate the power of the homemade agility course. Create obstacles for your dog to navigate, much like he would on an agility course. Use chairs as weave poles for your dog to navigate around. Line other chairs up and toss a blanket over the top to create a makeshift tunnel for your dog to run under. A broomstick fixed over a couple of buckets or a hula hoop held in your hands can serve as a jump. Teach your dog to propel through obstacles using a hand target, and reward with plenty of praise and treats. Take short breaks between obstacles to do obedience work, such as puppy push-ups. The obedience work will keep your dog listening to you and give him a mini workout. As an added bonus, hand targeting allows for additional exercise by getting your dog moving between people for a reward.

Keep your dog appropriately entertained this winter even when daily walks aren’t possible with at least two of the above interactive activities per day, along with several socialization opportunities throughout the week.   Fear not, spring is not far away!

Brrrrraving the Cold!

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There’s so much for you and your pup to do this winter to ward off the winter blues and some of it is in the great outdoors!  So grab the leash, put on your cold weather gear, but before you head out here are some things to consider.

The amount of time a dog can handle being in the cold, snow, and ice depends on the age and breed of your dog. It may feel crazy cold, but some dogs might be able to tolerate it quite well.  Larger dogs with thicker coats will likely have an easier time handling unusually low temperatures, but even breeds who are supposedly good in the cold may find it challenging if they are used to much warmer weather.  Perhaps a short walk is possible if you go during the warmest time of the day, but only brave the cold if it’s safe for you and your dog to do so.  You can use this cold weather chart to help determine how long they can stay outside.

Outside time for a walk or game of fetch is great, but there's even more to consider than just the cold. For instance, a dog's paws can get sore or injured if there's salt or ice around.  In particular, the ice can irritate their paw pads.  The most important thing you can do is dress your dog appropriately for the weather and pay attention to physical signs such as shaking or whimpering.  If you know your dog well you’ll be able to tell whether they are enjoying themselves or not, and always err on the side of caution. 

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

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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.

Finnie, Daisy, & Siblings

To future adopters,

My first experience with adoption came through the SPCA with my dog Julie, a 3 month old golden retriever who had been mistreated and was afraid of her own shadow.  To make a very long story short, she went on to become the saving grace of my life and a certified therapy dog who was with me for 13 years. 

After she crossed over that rainbow bridge, I did a lot of research with adoption agencies and came across SGRR.  After filling out the application and  being interviewed I was offered a dog by the name of Daisy, a beautiful red Golden Retriever.  I thought I would never feel about another dog the way I felt about my Julie but it was not long before I fell in love with that sweet, sweet girl who was also with me for 13 years.  Everyone loved Daisy, she would go up to people and do that lean into thing, a Golden thing, and they would just laugh and pet her.  At that time, I became involved with SGRR doing phone interviews and home visits.  That is when I realized what an amazing organization, so full of caring and wonderful people who often go above and beyond for these wonderful animals. 

When my Daisy girl crossed over after a few months went by I thought it time to bring another friend home.  Golden Retrievers had become hard to find so I decided to take a mixed breed home which was a big deal for me being the Golden Retriever lover that I am.  Along came Finbar (Finnie) who is an Australian Shepard, Golden, Catahoula mix.  I never had a male or a mixed breed before so I did not know what to expect.  Finnie settled right in and is a wonderful companion and friend to furry sibling Gracie.  Finnie took some training but I knew in time he would be a great dog and he is a great dog.  He is very different than the other dogs in my life but he is so much fun to have with us.    He loves people and gets very excited with everyone and will jump up in the air like an acrobat (we are working on that), but a great dog. 

I would encourage everyone to think about a mixed breed.  With time, love and patience you get a great dog and companion.  

~Lynn

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

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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

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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

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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!

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