adventure awaits!€¦ · brian scanlon in memory of carol ryan donna schmidt in support of rescue...

Spring 2019

News and Information About Golden

Retrievers For Those Who Love Them

Published by GRRCNY Inc. PO Box 735, Jamesville NY 13078

Adventure Awaits!Katie, Finn & Leo

2 The Barquer- Spring 2019- Golden Retriever Rescue of Central NY

The Barquer is published solely for the information and pleasure of members and supporters of Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York, Inc. The opin-ions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Officers and members of the organization. Always check with your veterinarian before administering medications or treatments for your dog. Permission is granted to other publications to reprint any item herein, provided credit is given to the author, The Barquer

What’s Inside This Issue?

From Our President....................................2Contributors................................................3 Diary of An Adopted Golden.....................5 Are You Prepared?.....................................9Responsible Dog Ownership.....................11Lexi Wants to Hear....................................12From our Friends......................................13Rainbow Bridge Crossings.......................14

GRRCNY Officers & Board Members2019

President: Janet Gray [email protected] President: Sallie Lennox [email protected]: Kristen Monroe [email protected]: Rosemary Lang Board Member: Maureen Chapman Janice Brown [email protected] Rue Chagoll [email protected]: Sallie Lennox/Janice BrownFoster Homes: Sallle Lennox/Rue ChagollAdoption: Sallie Lennox/Janice BrownFollow Up: Rosemary LangMembership: Janet GrayCommunity Relations: Webmaster: Janet GrayNewsletter Editor, layout: Janet GrayBarquer Committee: Janet Gray, Sallie Lennox Rue Chagoll

From Our President!

Our Cover pictureMary McKellar sent us this wonderful

picture of Katie, Leo and FinnMcKellar/Holloway out on a

hike in the Fingerlakes

Welcome to Spring! Finally…… (I think)

Wow, what a long winter. The dogs loved it, though they kept losing their balls in the deep snow.

We had our annual meeting in No-vember and with no other nominations from the floor, our current officers and board members agreed to serve another year and were voted in. Thank You!

I have done some re-design on the website for clarity on the adoption process, with a special thank you to Rue Chagoll, our wordsmith.

We have set up the meetings for the rest of the year and are noted on the back cover.

In this issue, Lexi turns the table and gives us some insight in “If I Ran The Dog Show” in Part 8 of Diary of an Adopted Golden.

We have a new columnist this issue, Dr. Kathy Hughes, VMD providing very helpful information in her article Are You Prepared for the “Well” Visit with Your Veterinar-ian? Dr. Hughes gives us insights on how to make your golden’s well visit produc-tive as well as low stress.

Those retractable leashes! Rue Chagoll tells us the right way and wrong way to use a retractable leash in his article Responsible Dog Ownership.

Lexi is sponsoring a writing contest and looking for other budding golden retriever authors to submit light-hearted, humorous stories. Winners will be published in the Barquer and I hear there may be goodies involved!

The Golden Retriever Club of Central New York invites you to their Speaker Series this year. There are some great topics of interest covered by experts in their field. Check their calendar of events at: http://grccny.org/index.asp?ID=8

We will be at the Cornell Vet School Open House on April 6 from 10am – 4pm. I hope you can stop by and visit our displays!

Wishing you a pawsitivily wonderful Spring!

Janet, Finn, Orianna and Eve

Eve, Finn and Orianna

3The Barquer Spring 2019 Golden Retriever Rescue of Central NY

W e h e a r t i l y t h a n k t h e

following donors for generously

supporting the cause so dear

to our hearts. With a Golden

Bark, we gratefully thank our

most recent Contributors for

2018/2019:

Thanks To Our Contributors!!!

Lifetime Members Permanent Memorials

Carol AllenEdna AshmeadeDavid BrownVicki Bryerton in memory of Timothy BryertonBetsy ClevelandRobert CookElinor DonovanStephanie GardnerMargaret GeorgiaJodi GoldenBob GoverJames Thomas IngallsRay KrehelLynne MellingerRobert MillerJoanne MooneBeth PaintingJoyce Puchyr-MahynaJames Ryan in memory of Carol RyanBrian Scanlon in memory of Carol RyanEstate of Suzanne TortoriciCheri Tuxill in memory of Leonard and Hope TuxillEstate of Patricia SekataPatricia Rose VictoryMarilyn Wholley

Carol AllenTacie Anderson/StokerJohn and Lisa AndrewsLisa BaerJon and Sue BirchDr. Paul and Sarah BookbinderTheresa BrooksJanice BrownMarcia Buckley & Mark LembkeRue ChagollCleve ClevelandTodd ClicknerRobert and Jelene CookLori CoonElizabeth DillonMichael and Lauren DrakeEd EnstineRobert and Carol FreemanPamela FullerTom and Janet GrayFloyd and Gayle HendersonDiane HunterDr. Thomas KernPaul and Amy KnappDr. Carol KrehelRosemary LangSallie LennoxMartha LollisCindy MassicciTom and Jill MaligisiMatt McConvilleKristen Monroe & James ShattuckDale and Joanne MooneJohn and Elizabeth MoranMichele PodolakBarry RodenKathy SalceJames SchermerhornDeb & Steve Siegert & familyMorley and Marjorie SmithDr. Daniel StackRichard & Laurie StevensDaniel SwitkinDouglas and Karen ThierryIngrid Olsen-TjensvoldJudy WarrenRev. Frieda WebbRichard WillHenry and Anne WoodDebra WoodLaury Zicari

This month’s issue of the Barquer will be on the web! If you would prefer to download the newsletter (in color!) from the web than receive it via “snail mail”, please let us know and we will send an e-mail out when the newsletter is available for download.

A special thanks to Gnomon Copy, 722 S Meadow St Suite 700, Ithaca, NY 14850 for sponsoring the Barquer

John & Lisa Andrews in memory of Kadina AndrewsLauren Frank & Annette Miller in memory of BetteLisa & Terry Baer-Brooks in memory of Jackson - may his golden light shine onPeg & Ed Barker in memory of Maggie MaeBeth Beach in memory of Blue BeachBob & Mary Brinster in honor of LelaCatherine Burroughs in memory of LibbyMaureen & Richard Chapman in support of rescueScott Teickinger & Christine Murphy in support of rescueMaxine Clark in support of rescueCleve Cleveland in support of rescueTodd Clickner in support of rescueJelenne Cook in memory of Bob Cook, Annie & VioletDr. Bonnie Norton & Dr. Donald Phykitt in support of rescueDianne Duerr in support of rescueRichard & Patricia Dukat in memory of BensonSharon Elieff in memory of Carol AllenOdette Fetzner in support of rescueMarie Fiero in honor of Lori and Dan CoonJaclyn Fissette in honor of the Moffatt FamilyPam Fuller in support of rescuePaul & Carol Gizzi in memory of Jasper 10/29/04 - 10/15/18Gail Gover in memory of Bob GoverJanet & Tom Gray in memory of Kobi Massicci

Contributors continued on page 4


Contributors continued from page 3

Janet & Tom Gray in memory of Ed GrayJanet & Tom Gray in memory of Chewy McKellar/HollowayJohn & Cheryl Hodgson in memory of CallaDiane Hunter in support of rescueDiane Hunter in memory of Bob RichardsonCheri Johnson in memory of BuddySandra Kempf in support of rescueKathryn Kurtz in honor of PuddinSallie Lennox in memory of Bob RichardsonElmer & Marilyn Letts in support of rescueMartha Lollis in support of rescueRay Blaskiewicz & Lynn Mickinkle in support of rescueBeth & John Lytle in memory of Samantha LytleJohn & Marcia Martin in support of rescueKathleen McCloskey in support of rescueRobert Montgomery in support of rescuePeggy & Doug Mooney in support of rescueJohn & Elizabeth Moran in support of rescuePatricia & Brian Moulton in support of rescueKelly Mueller in support of rescueJohn & Lynn Neuburger in support of rescueTom & Linda O’Connell in support of rescueLee Painting in support of rescueJohn & Joan Pangburn in support of rescueChris O’Brien & Paul Maccarone in memory of all my rescued goldens: Mozart, Skyla, Dusty, Nemo, LegendTheresa Pelose in memory of Topper & Maggie PeloseMichele Podolak in support of rescueGail Puzon in support of rescueKeri Rheinfrank in support of rescueDeanna Rodriguez in support of rescueDenise Routhier in support of rescueKathleen Salce in support of rescueKathy Salemi in support of rescueJanine & Alfred Sandy in support of rescueBrian Scanlon in memory of Carol RyanDonna Schmidt in support of rescueDonna Scott in memory of Carrie, the blonde goldenRuth Anne Shute in memory of Tinkerbell & TristenFrederick & Cynthia Snyder in memory of Comet Mickinkle (Top Flight Shooting Star)Jenny Stark in honor of Wendy Stark and Ange Bradley, both golden loversBrett Budis & Tanya Eckert in support of rescueRebecca Tehon in memory of Bob RichardsonWilliam & Antonia Tuck in honor of all rescued goldensDavid & Janis Tyler in support of rescueRev. Frieda Van Baalen Webb in support of rescueJudy Warren in support of rescueJennifer & Stuart Wattles in support of rescueK. L. Wirshing in memory of Carol AllenJoanne & Fred Wooley in support of rescueIone Worth in support of rescueLuise Yacono & Eric VanBenschoten in memory of Haley Yacono/VanBenschoten


Diary of an Adopted Golden Continued on page 6

Lexi

Diary of an Adopted Goldenby Lexi Chagoll

Part 8 – If I Ran The Dog Show

“Honey, your cruciate repair’s had more than a year to heal, and I’ve got my new knees, so it’s time to get back to work.” Dad was feeling good and took me to our obedience club’s training building for our first session since his two complete knee replacements during the past six months.

“Lexi, heel.” We were in the practice ring and started out with precision walking, turns and changes of pace. Dad began walking at a normal pace with me maintaining heel position. We did a few stops and starts with me staying at his side, sitting promptly on each halt. We then did some turns together, first a right, then a left, then reversing direction with an about turn. Next came changes of pace, to slow and then fast.

Dad went from normal walking to a slow pace, then back to normal...and then took off like a shot with me holding position at his side. O-M-G – he can RUN! How cool was this!! He was certainly feeling his oats, concentrating on good footwork and balance, running and smiling instead of lollygagging, limping and wincing in pain. We worked and played for a good half hour in the ring.

On the car ride home he said, “Lexi, I think it’s time now to begin some serious prep for your next obedience title. I’ve put together a training plan and schedule.”

OK, now let’s just hold on a minute. How come HE gets to put together a plan? Supposedly this is a team enterprise. How come I don’t get some say? Humans are the leaders, you respond? Well, here’s some kibble for your human cogitation: Suppose aliens were observing as you and your Golden were out for an “exercise” walk. And suppose they saw YOU bend over with a baggie to scoop up your canine partner’s you-know-what. Who, I ask you to ponder, might they think to be THE BOSS? Gotcha, didn’t I?

However, given the irresistible enticements of my food bowl and Dad’s pocketful of training treats, I decided to play along. So we began working the exercises required to earn an AKC Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title:

We heel in the ring together with me off-leash and I need to stay in perfect heel position as we walk, change pace as I’ve described, and execute several turns. Then we have to heel in a figure eight pattern around two ring stewards. Next in an exercise called command discrimination Dad has to “stand” me in “stay” position, walk several paces away and have me “down,” then walk away further and have me “sit.” He then comes back to heel position where he started. Drop-on-recall is next, where I have to “come” running from across the ring as he calls and then drop completely to the floor in a “down” when the judge signals Dad to have me do so. Finally, some fun stuff. I get to retrieve a dumbbell twice, first “on the flat” and then over the high jump. A broad jump exercise follows. And finally another stand/stay as Dad leaves the ring to go get my leash and return. Eight exercises in total; all must be performed without flubbing up to qualify.

All this stuff is kinda fun – but not exactly a trip to Doggie Disneyland. But when I’ve successfully qualified in three obedi-ence trials, I’ll have earned the CDX title. Thus far we’ve had one outing that was...well...not a 100% success in the eyes of the judge. After I retrieved my dumbbell and was returning to Dad, I could not help but notice the nice lady table steward at the ring entrance, watching and smiling as I performed. So I executed a sharp change of direction, taking the dumbbell and climbing into her lap, tail wagging vigorously. But – Game Over. Everyone (as seems to be the case every time I execute one of these spur-of-the-moment ad libs) was quite amused – except Dad. There’s times the guy just doesn’t seem to appreciate my gregarious nature. Which got me to musing: What, if I ran the dog show?


Diary of an Adopted Golden Continued from page 5


If I Ran The Dog Show – things would be a lot more interesting...and entertaining. While lounging in my crate between ring appearances, I’ve given this a lot of thought. And conceived a few new exercises and variations on some existing ones I know would be more captivating to onlookers. They’d be way more exciting not just to me, but for all the canine competi-tors and spectators too!

Here’s one idea. Instead of the very mundane drop-on-recall exercise where I do all the work and have to drop for no good reason while Dad just stands there – I would replace it with Drop-for-a-Belly-Rub. Dad would call me and we’d both sprint from opposite corners to meet mid-ring where I would drop and roll over, and Dad would drop to a knee (his new knees can do that now) and rub my tummy until the judge felt I’d been sufficiently satiated. Doesn’t that seem more in tune with the times? You know: New millennium touchy-feely, inclusive...yada yada yada?

And I really like the idea of the handler doing more moving around, instead of just standing there while dog has to run, jump, retrieve and whatnot. So next comes my variation on dumbbell retrieve over the high jump. In my dog show, the dog gets to stay while the handler runs out, leaps the high jump, retrieves a juicy cheeseburger, returns over the high jump and comes to perfect front to present the reward to his undoubtedly most deserving canine partner. Now folks, admit it, you’d pay money to see my Dad do that!

Now, I’m starting to lose patience with being constantly chastised, not to mention penalized for meeting and greeting stew-ards and judges in the ring. Rather, I’d include this as another one of my new exercises: On command, Dad would release me to race across the ring to leap into the lap of a seated steward. And I’d get extra credit for my squeals of delight and face licking!

Mom says this business of me accosting and smooching strangers is all Dad’s fault. He keeps taking me to Lowe’s and Home Depot where a goodly portion of the employees are walking around with dog treats crammed into their telltale bright colored vests and aprons. Well, I’m here to tell you this is simply FAKE NEWS! Mom needs reminding it’s that sort of overzealous sociability (among other, here to be unnamed activities) in my first home that won me a scholarship to Rescue long before I met that Sucker-for-a-Golden-Girl new Daddy of mine.

Speaking of my Dad, I’ve heard him tell several folks he has no intention of letting my ring antics discourage him. He vows, by hook or by crook, we’re going to be successful. Meanwhile, Mom has her own challenges with me over in the agility ring. Just to set the scene folks: In agility there are up to FOUR stewards seated in the ring while we run. Mom was most impressed (though she might choose another descriptive) at my ability, in a single recent outing, to visit not only each of the stewards, but the judge too! But that’s material for a future diary installment, so stay tuned.

Before I go, a very important announcement: Instead of reading just my work, I’ve decided it’s high time you get to hear from other rescued Goldens, too. So look elsewhere in this issue for my announced writing contest where certain fame, glory and prizes of unspeakable value await entrants.

Here’s thanking you for making the lives of your rescued kids as Golden as mine.

Until next time...

Lexi-----------------------------------Rue Chagoll’s Postscript: Lexi was adopted in October 2014 and formally recognized under AKC’s Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program as Witrin’s Lexicon for the Ages BN CD RI CGC TT CCA. All those letters mean she’s earned her Canine Good Citizen recog-nition and several obedience and rally performance titles. She’s also been certified in temperament testing and earned the Golden Retriever Club of America’s Certificate of Conformation Assessment. Lisa Mitchell and I are grateful to GRRCNY for bestowing this beautiful Golden gift who’s brought so much joy to our lives.




Did you know we are now on Facebook? You can access us from your facebook page (just search for Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York) or press the facebook link on our rescue website: WWW.GRRCNY.ORG. You don’t need to have a Facebook account to see our facebook page, but you will need a facebook account if you would want to “like” our page or post a picture of your pooch.

When we enter the ring, Dad and I set up in heel posi-tion. The judge asks, “Are you ready?” When Dad replies affirmatively, the judge commands “Forward” and we begin the first exercise. Thanks to my Mom, Lisa Mitchell, for taking all these photos at a recent sanctioned match sponsored by the Onondaga Kennel Association.

Judge tells us “Fast” and we zoom off immedi-ately in tandem. He can run! That makes this fun for both of us.

Notice how nicely I stay in heel position as we round the steward in a tight turn, maneuvering the figure eight. This exercise is a brain-twister for me cuz I KNOW these stewards are dying to greet and pet me!



On the judge’s first signal I have to come sprinting when Dad calls. Then I have to down immediately and com-pletely when the judge signals Dad to have me do so. As you might gather from my expression, this exercise is not one of my favorites.

Wahoo! This is more like it: Running out, jumping, fetching the dumbbell and running back to Dad with another jump. Way cool and much fun. Now imagine Dad doing this to fetch me a cheeseburger! Ha-ha-ha!

I have to remain fixed in a standing position, while Dad exits the ring to retrieve and return to heel position with my leash. The judge says “exercise finished” and we’re all done with the eighth and final exercise.


Foster Homes Are Needed! While our Intake numbers remain low, we need Foster Homes to be on stand-by and willing to take on the challenges of dogs in need of evaluation, training and the medical attention that GRRCNY regularly provides. While use of a particular foster home may not be frequent, often our ability to accept a dog depends on the quick availability of a foster home, and seasonal availability varies. With a “pool” of foster homes, our acceptance of a dog can be assured and quicker. For information on becoming a foster home, please contact Rue Chagoll at [email protected] or Sallie Lennox at [email protected]

Are You Prepared for the “Well” Visit with Your Veterinarian?By Kathy Hughes, VMD

So, you received that postcard or email requesting you schedule an annual checkup for your Golden. Since our patients can’t speak for themselves, we veterinarians rely on the “other end of the leash” for important information. It’s really helpful if you come prepared to answer basic questions. Following are some tips to help you get the most out of that “well” visit: 4What food do you feed? What’s the brand, amount and frequency fed? Any food sensitivities or allergies?4 Do you use heartworm, flea and tick products? What brands and when were these products last administered?4 Is your dog taking any other medications routinely or occasionally? What are the names and dosages? How about any OTC medications or herbal products? 4 Does your Golden have a microchip and do we have the ID number?4 Even though it’s a well visit, do you have any concerns or worries? Are there chronic or ongoing issues you want me to pay special attention to during the exam?4 Are any other pets in the home current on exams, preventatives, and vaccinations?4 Regarding your Golden’s “lifestyle”: How much daily activity does he get? How much regular exercise? Does she go hiking, swimming, running with “Mom,” etc. Does he do actual work for you, such as service dog, farm work, competition of any sort? How much time does she spend outdoors daily? Do you take him to places with other dogs – for boarding, grooming, dog parks, training classes, dog shows/competitions?4 What is your budget for this visit (sometimes a difficult discussion to have)? Would it be helpful if we provide an estimate for anticipated services and products before we continue the visit?

This is a lot of information to gather, and I’m usually performing my exam during this discussion while my assistant records it to the computer.

I do a complete nose-to-tail external exam as an annual visit, making sure that I concentrate on any problem/chronic areas for that individual or that particular breed. A good exam includes scrutiny of everything we can see on the outside and as much that’s “visible” on the inside – ears, eyes, oral exam, listening to the heart and lungs, abdominal palpation, and maybe even a rectal exam.

If this is your first visit to a clinic or animal hospital, there are several other important pieces of information that are really

Dr. Hughes and Piper

Are you Prepared continued on page 10


helpful. Please! Please! Please! Bring previous medical records and the name and contact information for your previous vet! Even better, get us this information in advance so we can be better prepared for your visit. Actual medical history and lab test results are especially helpful. Most clinics can print out line item reports listing vaccination due dates and products purchased but actual medi-cal information is often more difficult to obtain. This information can really help with treatment of chronic or reoccurring problems and may prevent us from prescribing medications that did not help in the past or to which your Golden is sensitive or allergic.

How is your baby when she goes to the vet? Is she nervous or very afraid? If so, what’s been the best way to handle her during previous visits? A lot of those guys are more comfortable with an assistant holding them while Mom/Dad stands in front for “moral support.”

Treats: Please bring something your dog really likes or make sure your vet uses lots of treats, especially if you know there is a pro-cedure scheduled that your guy doesn’t enjoy – injections, blood draws, nail trims, anal sac expression. At my clinic we routinely use EZ cheese and peanut butter, but also keep a small supply of cooked sliced hot dogs in the freezer as an additional high value offering. We totally recommend “drive by” visits for all patients, especially those that are anxious. Just stop by with LOTS of good-ies and let the staff make a big fuss over your dog and feed him treats without anything scary happening.

After the exam, I will make recommendations I feel are beneficial to your dog’s health. Do we just need to take care of routine annual procedures – a blood sample for heartworm testing and tick transmitted diseases, fecal exam and deworming, vaccinations, etc? Or would it be a good idea to consider more extensive blood work, a urinalysis or other lab testing and consider scheduling a dental cleaning, mass removal or some other procedure?

This is a lot to accomplish in a 15 to 30 minute well pet visit, isn’t it? Just wait until next time, and I’ll let you in on some hints for making the most out of an “urgent” visit, when your best friend is ill or has suffered an injury. Stay tuned!

Kathy Hughes earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, having previously graduated from Cornell University. She practices at Lake Road Animal Hospital in Horseheads, NY. She and her 5-year-old Golden Retriever, Piper, enjoy tracking, scent work, obedience, rally obedience, and agility. Other 4-legged housemates include two rough collies and a Boston Terrier.

Are you Prepared continued from page 9

We are grateful to all of our contributors, through whose generous donations, we are able to provide medical care to all of our foster dogs. But this year, possibly because our economy is sluggish, donations are down, and we fear a day when we might have to forego a necessary operation because it might mean another foster dog wouldn’t get care he or she needs. Won’t you help? All contributions are tax deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged. As a supporter of GRRCNY, you’ll also receive quarterly issues of The Barquer! All contributions help fund our Rescue efforts and also help with medical costs for our foster Goldens! Use the form below or go to

How You Can Help!!!

Make Checks Payable to GRRCNY and Send to:Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York, P.O. Box 735, Jamesville, NY 13078

Donation to Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New Amount: __ $25 __$50 __$100 ____ $_____

Dedication: __In Honor Of ______________________________________________________________

__ In Memory Of ____________________________________________________________


Responsible Dog Ownership

Flexi Faux Pas – Don’t Be Guilty!By Rue Chagoll

Totally oblivious. She stood at the vet clinic counter to settle her bill, her dog frolicking and wandering at the end of a 26-foot Flexi-leash. I observed in amazement and disgust as the dog explored first in front of and then behind the counter, pausing only to run and jump on me. Ignoring it completely, the woman had no idea where her dog was or what it was doing – whether it was causing trouble, or itself at risk of being harmed.

Such totally irresponsible behavior and misuse is what gives Flexi-leashes an undeservedly unfavorable reputation with many canine professionals.

I own several Flexi-leashes and depend on them: To protect my Golden, to protect others from my Golden, and to aid in avoid-ing mistakes when we’re training.

I keep a Flexi-leash in my car adjacent to my Golden’s crate, ready to use when we’re out somewhere and she needs to elimi-nate. It enables me to control where she goes, avoiding damage to landscaping or interference to other dogs, and ensuring that her “deposit” will be where I can access it for pickup.

If we’re on a casual walk that affords opportunities for her to sniff and explore laterally from my direct line of travel, the Flexi-leash is useful in that it permits my Golden that side-to-side freedom. Though in more constrained or heavily trafficked locales we stick to a 6 foot leather leash.

The Flexi-leash is an incredibly valuable tool in training. Watch any good trainer teaching a “green” dog to respond to the recall command, and I guarantee you’ll see the Flexi employed. When I’m teaching my dog to head in a certain direction to retrieve a specific object, or to return to me – when there are obvious and attractive alternatives for her to choose from – the Flexi enables me to prevent her making the wrong choice.

When using the Flexi-leash you should always be mindful of both the safety of your own dog as well as the safety of other humans, animals and property in your immediate surroundings. Common sense will avoid some of the other absolutely dumb and risky flexible leash misuses I’ve witnessed:

• The roadside jogger listening on headphones while her dog zigzagged from the shoulder to the middle of the road at the full extended length of a retractable leash.• The unattended dog left tethered by a retractable leash wedged between bricks and a downspout outside a trendy coffee shop on a busy street-side pedestrian walk.

A couple more bits of safety advice:

• Buy a good one. I use the Flexi brand due to it’s long standing reputation for quality and reliability. There are other reputable brands I think, but don’t purchase from the dollar store. A retractable leash that fails at the wrong time could spell tragedy.• Never, never, never use a retractable leash with a pinch or choke collar.

7 Minute Video on Proper Use of the Flexi-leash:


Adopted !!! Our Adopters!

Josie Sandy Hudson Gabby

Sallie LennoxJanice Brown

Regi CarpenterJosh & Tara McKee

Psst. Hey you, snoozing and drooling on the couch. Wake up. It’s me, Lexi, with a very important announcement to all rescued Goldens. I just got per-mission to give you all a chance to be a star in The Barquer! I’m hosting a

writing contest for my fellow adoptees. Our editor promises to publish as many entries as space will allow, and will bestow much fame – your picture too – and even some fortune in the way of goodies for the best submissions.

Here’s the rules of the game:

• Writing must be in your own rescued Golden Retriever words, not some human’s.• Length 500 – 750 words.• Subject matter must be lighthearted, entertaining and not gloomy. Extra credit for making me and my Dad laugh out loud. No tearjerkers, please. We all have unpleasant pre-rescue memories, but let’s leave them in the past where they belong.• Short on ideas? Here’s a few thought starters: Weird games my owners play. Why are cats so dumb? Neatest tricks I taught myself. Coolest dead thing I ever rolled in. How I get everything in life for free. No wonder we’re such a popular breed. My idea of the perfect dog sporting event. • Remember: Lighthearted, entertaining and, best of all, humorous.• Please, no photos, until we request them of semi-finalists at a future date. • Have your owner email your entry to Lexi & Rue Chagoll at [email protected]. Write “For Lexi’s Writing Contest” in the subject line. Include your name, your city and state of residence, owner name(s) and email address and phone number.

Lexi Wants to Hear from Other Rescued Goldens

IF YOU MOVE or head down south for the winter……… please let us know if your postal address changes. The Post Office makes money with each returned piece of mail (and we have better uses for your donations).

Write to GRRCNY, PO Box 735, Jamesville, NY 13078 or Janet Gray, [email protected] are also interested in having your current email address. Janet would be happy to receive that, too.


From our Friends

I took Finn for his annual today. We have had him for a little over a year now. At his appointment, I had some time to reflect on all we (my family and GRRCNY) have accomplished with him. He is super healthy and has great muscle tone. His weight is down from 81 lbs last January to 72 lbs today. We are hoping to get him down 2 -3 more lbs but he is in a good place as far as his weight even now. He has come a long way! ☺ I am thrilled with this puppy and the help we had from GRRCNY to make his life the best it can be. Thank you! Best, Mary McKellar

Editor’s Note: Finn was diagnosed with bilateral elbow displa-sia and was treated at Cornell University Veterinary Hospital. The McKellar/Holloway family have successfully brought Finn through surgery and rehabilitation. Finn

Willow and Auryn AurynFrom the Messengers

From our Friends continued on page 14


Rory and Rudy Woodard

RAINBOW BRIDGE CROSSINGS

We have fostered and/or adopted six dogs from GRRCNY. Each time there has been an adjustment period for us and the dog trying to figure out how we fit into each other’s lives. The only dog that we did not experience this with was Chewy. Initially a foster dog, we adopted Chewy in 2016 at the age of 10. At that time, our household consisted of two adults, two 8 year olds and an 11 year old golden retriever. Chewy did not grow up in house with children, however he fell immediately in love with his new kids. It almost appeared as if his life was now whole with this missing piece in place. We would often find Chewy snuggled up with one of the kids reading in bed or getting a good head rub from our son or daughter. There was no denying that Chewy was an old man when he came to us and he could be a bit grumpy at times. However, he was never grumpy with his kids! At the age of 13, Chewy became ill and it was time to say goodbye. We could hardly believe that only three years had passed. His absence was huge. We felt as though Chewy had always been part of our lives. He will forever remain in our hearts.

The McKellar/Holloway Family

Chewy

From our Friends continued from page 13

Rainbow Bridge Crossing continued on page 15


The Rainbow Bridge Memorial pages are now on the website at: http://www.grrcny.org/memorial.html. Starting with 2017 Summer Barquer, the memorial pages may only be viewed on the website.

Contact Janet Gray to Establish a Memorial

Colleen and Randy Higgins let me know that they lost Dewey on 2/14/19. He would have been 13 in April.

Dewey and Daisy Higgins

After 13 unforgettable years with our dear, sweet Haley, we had to say goodbye to her on February 15th. We all still remem-ber fondly the day that Carol and Sallie brought her to us. She was a rambunctious almost 1-year old pup, but she quickly found her place in our home, and more importantly, our hearts.

She had such a motherly instinct and I knew I wanted to share her beautiful personality with others, so I signed her up to be a Cornell Companion. She visited the residents at Kendal, helped Cornell students through stressful exam time, and listened patiently while children in libraries and schools read to her. The beauty of it all was she had no idea how much all of that meant to any of the people she visited…she was just happy to be there.

As I combed through the hundreds of photos I took of her over the years, I decided on the attached. Haley shared her birth-day with my Dad, who passed away in 2009. This photo was taken that year on his 92nd birthday and her 4th. They both knew how to make us smile no matter the occasion.

Thank you for accepting our application all those years ago! We will be forever grateful to GRR for bringing both her and Comet into our lives.

Luise Yacono & Eric VanBenschoten

Haley and her Grandpa

Rainbow Bridge Crossing continued from page 14

Looking Ahead Upcoming Meetings for 2019, all meetings at

Cortlandville Fire Department, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York

Thursday, June 20 @ 7pmThursday, August 29 @ 7pm

Saturday, November 23 @ 10am - Annual MeetingWe meet four times a year. All are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Cornell Vet School Open House, Saturday, April 6, 2019 10am - 4pm

Looking Behind This is your chance to help rescue beyond fostering and financial help. Be a part of rescue and

participate in these fun events with your golden!! Contact Janet Gray about these events

Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York Inc.PO Box 735Jamesville, NY 13078

Change Service Requested

What’s Happening???

adventure awaits!€¦ · brian scanlon in memory of carol ryan donna schmidt in support of rescue...

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