Summer 2015

Summer 2015
Christofer Michaels, Publisher
Lyn Baumann, Asst. Editor
Laurie Foondle, Asst. Editor
GRRoM 3rd ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
Linda Tackett and Pooge will be hosting the 3rd Annual
Garage Sale July 24 - 26 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm each
day. This year, we will take kids clothes along with
discarded household treasures and dog-related items.
Please email Linda if you would like to VOLUNTEER or
SET UP A TIME TO DELIVER ITEMS to her house. Her
email is: [email protected].
FOSTER DOG JOEY
By Mark & Nancy Palmiter
Two years ago, a very handsome young fella named
Joey became our foster. Joey’s previous foster could
not keep this little mischief-maker in her fenced-in yard.
No problem, we said, our yard has a 6-foot privacy
fence all around (with the smooth side facing in)!!! Joey
was aptly named for he must have had a bit of kangaroo
in him. He proceeded to escape our yard, not once, not
twice but three times!!! We were dumbfounded, and
poor Joey had to spend his remaining time with us on a
tie-out. Our biggest fear was never finding a suitable
home for this GREAT little guy. As any foster knows,
dogs have just the right family waiting for them and
Joey was no different.
When Mark and Mary called to come see him, we
thought Joey had a chance. Being very experienced
Golden owners, their yard featured a trolley system, a
tie-out and invisible fencing. Having trained their
previous dogs on the invisible fence, and having the
other forms of containment already in place, we knew
this was a match made in heaven.
Lucky, as Joey is now known, is living the Life of
Riley, on a beautiful lake, and is the love of his mom and
dad’s life. He goes everywhere with them, and loves
swimming, and all the boat rides too!! Lucky has many
doggie friends in the neighborhood and loves it when
they all get together. We are told that Lucky is one of
the smartest dogs Mark and Mary have ever had and
that he was trained on the invisible fence in no time
flat. We were so grateful to this wonderful family to
adopt our little "kangaroo boy" and give him the
wonderful life he truly deserves!!!
roam, and I even get to "chat" with the dogs in the yard
behind me. I am so glad that Chris and Phill adopted
me because they give me lots of love and affection
and even let me sleep on the bed. I have attached a
couple of pictures and, even though Kooper is getting
bigger now, we still get along great.
GOLDEN FURRY TALES
KAEGEN
Dear GRRoM friends,
Ever since I moved in with my two Dads, Phill and Chris,
and my little baby brother Kooper, I have been so
happy.
Kaegen & Kooper
Hope all my friends have a great summer because I plan
on it!!
Sincerely,
Kaegen
TANNER, MY BUDDY AND ANGEL
Kaegen
By Mary Hahnefeld
I want to say thanks to Donna and her family for taking
care of me until Phill and Chris came along. I know I can
be quite a handful sometimes, but now I have to set a
good example for Kooper since he is only six months
old. He loves to wrestle with me and most of the time I
let him win.
I adopted Tanner in February 2012 from a family
surrender. I had lost my previous Golden companion in
June of 2010. I didn’t know whether I would get
another dog, as I was older, retired and wanted to
travel. In 2011, I decided to volunteer at Leader Dogs
for the Blind to get the dog time I’d missed. I opted for
the kennel area where volunteers socialize and walk the
dogs in training. This helped me heal from my loss.
While there I learned that dogs were career-changed if
they did not meet the standards or failed to qualify for
medical reasons. I decided to apply for a Golden and
filled out a Leader Dogs’ application. With so many
applications submitted, the process is lengthy. After
working for several months and still not being chosen to
consider a Golden because they are in high demand, I
decided to try GRRoM.
My favorite activity is chewing sticks and branches that
are on the ground in the backyard and luckily, there are
many of them to be had. Sometimes Kooper will grab
the other end of the stick and then I have to drag him
around the yard with me to let him know it’s mine.
Sometimes, being the little brother that he is, he can
get on my last nerve, but I am learning to be more
patient with him as I was that age at one time too.
My Dads have a double lot, so there is a lot of room to
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I became aware of GRRoM through PetFinder.com. I
filled out an application, complied with GRRoM’s rules
and was on my way to view several dogs. After meeting
Tanner (who was 6 ½ year old), I knew he was the right
dog for me. Now I had to hope GRRoM would pick me
for him. Luckily, we got each other.
time to go to work. I put on his red scarf and tag and he
starts dancing around and gets so excited that he barks
(and he’s not usually a dog who barks) until I open the
car door for him. We started out visiting two
independent/assisted living homes twice a month.
I couldn’t believe that someone would want to give him
up. He is such a beautiful, well-mannered, trusting, laid
back, and loving companion. He looks at me with love
in his eyes. We not only live together, but we play
together too. During our time together, Tanner has
undergone two knee surgeries in his hind legs (a year
apart) because of torn ACLs. Afterwards, I became his
caregiver as well as his owner.
In 2013, I asked myself: “Why do I continue to volunteer
at Leader Dog when I have a Golden at home who
would be perfect as a therapy dog and we could both
be together more?” He had passed a Good Citizenship
Test and received a certificate at the Novi Dog Show.
Tanner passed the Therapy Dogs International testing
without having to complete any training classes. We
were on our way.
Whenever Tanner goes to work at the independent/
assisted living homes, he heads right to the residents to
greet them. Of course, once they start petting him, he
stays with them. Residents look forward to his visits.
Some of them share their life stories, which I enjoy. I
can tell he enjoys being a therapy dog and bringing joy
to others.
I decided to try TDI’s “Tail Waggin Tutors” program,
which allows children to read a book to the dog and not
feel pressured while doing it. We do this at two
different libraries when enough children have signed
up. In the past, it has been at night for one hour. When
one library recommended that I speak at a Clarkston
Elementary School Community Services Day about my
experience with having a therapy dog, it led to a weekly
job. Tanner goes in once a week to be read to for an
hour by first graders. Each child reads from a book of
his or her choice for five minutes (12 children per hour).
The children sit next to Tanner to read and pet him.
The teacher is so happy we come and the children look
forward to it. During the children’s reading, I enjoy
hearing the stories and their expressive reading and
enthusiasm.
Mary & Tanner
Tanner loves being a therapy dog because he gets even
more attention. He understands when I tell him it’s
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wagging tail and a sideways grin (which became known
as his snarly look).
Max loved his walks and all outings, from the Dairy
Queen to our annual vacation on a lake cottage in
northern Michigan. A few years ago, Max even had the
chance to ride a jet ski!
Max aged gracefully and began to show signs of
difficulty seeing at night, loss of hearing, arthritis, and
sometimes a bit of “dogzheimers.” But, his display of
unconditional love for us never diminished.
Now you see why I say Tanner is an angel in disguise,
because he not only brings me joy and love, but shares
himself with others too. I’m so happy I found GRRoM
and I always tell people I meet about the organization.
RAINBOW BRIDGE CROSSINGS
MAX
By David and Paula Darin
It is with heartfelt sadness that we want to inform the
Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan that we lost our
beloved Max to cancer on May 22. The wonderful
blessing in this story is that we had him for just shy of
16 years!
In late February the results of Max’s annual wellness
test revealed issues with his kidneys and liver. After
several additional tests, Max was diagnosed with a
cancerous tumor on his liver and with failing kidneys.
We were told that Max had two to three months to live.
Although over the next several months his appetite
decreased and he had several mishaps in the house, his
spirits remained good and we continued to enjoy his
company. On May 22 it came time for us to make that
agonizing decision, since not wanting Max to suffer was
our number one concern. And so we said goodbye to
our precious Max.
Max
In 1999, with the help of our current Golden, we
selected Max for adoption from GRRoM. Max was eight
months old when we brought him home, and from that
moment until he passed away, he was a lover and
wonderful companion.
Max adored our family members and friends, as well as
the neighborhood kids, and all of them couldn’t get
enough of him! Max always greeted people with a
Not having children, you can imagine the role that Max
played in our lives. We are still grieving, and trying to
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adjust to that empty house feeling. Although our hearts
ache immensely, we feel grateful for the opportunity to
have loved and enjoyed such a once-in-a-lifetime dog.
Where did canine influenza viruses come from and how
long have they been around?
Canine influenza H3N8 virus originated in horses, has
spread to dogs, and can now spread between dogs. The
H3N8 equine influenza (horse flu) virus has been known
to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004,
however, cases of an unknown respiratory illness in
dogs (initially greyhounds) were reported in the United
States. An investigation showed that this respiratory
illness was caused by the equine influenza A H3N8 virus.
Scientists believe this virus jumped species (from horses
to dogs) and has adapted to cause illness in dogs and
spread among dogs, especially those housed in kennels
and shelters. This is now considered a dog-specific
H3N8 virus. In September 2005, this virus was
identified by experts as a "newly emerging pathogen in
the dog population" in the United States.
SAVE THESE DATES!!
GRRoM 2015 Annual
"Evening of Wine & Goldens"
Thursday, September 24, 2015
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Royal Oak Women's Club
Tickets for the wine tasting go on sale in July
GRRoM Charity Poker Event
August 13 - 16
11:00 am - 6:00 pm at "The River" in Shelby Township
We will need volunteers to help with this event
The H3N2 canine influenza virus is an avian flu virus that
adapted to infect dogs. This virus is different from
human seasonal H3N2 viruses. Canine influenza A
H3N2 virus was first detected in dogs in South Korea in
2007. This virus seems to have been an avian influenza
virus that adapted to infect dogs and has since been
reported in China and Thailand. H3N2 canine influenza
has reportedly infected some cats as well as dogs. It
was first detected in the United States in April 2015.
The canine H3N2 virus is genetically different from
human seasonal H3N2 viruses. It is not known how
canine H3N2 virus was introduced into the United
States.
HEALTH INFORMATION
KEY FACTS ABOUT CANINE INFLUENZA
(DOG FLU)
Questions & Answers from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
What is canine influenza (dog flu)?
Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious
respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A
influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called
"canine influenza viruses.” Dog flu is a disease of dogs.
No human infections with canine influenza have ever
been reported. There are two different influenza A dog
flu viruses: one is an H3N8 virus and the other is an
H3N2 virus.
What are signs of canine influenza infection in dogs?
The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose
and fever, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The
severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can
range from no signs to severe illness resulting in
pneumonia and sometimes death.
Can canine influenza viruses infect humans?
To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine
influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not
been a single reported case of human infection with a
canine influenza virus.
How serious is canine influenza infection in dogs?
The percentage of dogs infected with this disease that
die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic
infections (no signs of illness), while some have severe
infections. Severe illness is characterized by the onset
of pneumonia. This is a relatively new cause of disease
in dogs and nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection.
However, influenza viruses are constantly changing and
it is possible for a virus to change so that it could infect
humans and spread easily between humans. Human
infections with new influenza viruses (against which the
human population has little immunity) are concerning
when they occur. Such viruses could present pandemic
influenza threats. For this reason, CDC and its partners
are monitoring the canine influenza H3N8 and H3N2
viruses (as well as other animal influenza viruses)
closely. In general, canine influenza viruses are
considered to pose a low threat to humans.
How is canine influenza spread?
Almost all dogs are susceptible to canine flu infection,
and illness tends to spread among dogs housed in
kennels and shelters. Canine flu can spread to other
dogs by direct contact with aerosolized respiratory
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secretions (coughing and sneezing) from infected dogs,
by uninfected dogs coming into contact with
contaminated objects, and by moving contaminated
objects or materials between infected and uninfected
dogs. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing
or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not
expose their dog to other dogs. Clothing, equipment,
surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected
after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory
disease.
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http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/canine-influenzaupdate.htm.
Canine influenza.
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pa
ges/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx
3 HEAT DANGERS FOR DOGS IN THE
SUMMER
By Jill Tack, Owner and Founder of The Pet Beastro
Is there a test for canine influenza?
Testing to confirm canine influenza virus infection in
dogs is available. Your veterinarian can tell you if
testing is appropriate.
In the summertime, it can get really hot here! In this
kind of weather there are three things you need to be
careful of when it comes to the health and safety of
your dog.
How is canine influenza infection in dogs treated?
Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This
helps the dog mount an immune response. In the
milder form of the disease, this care may include
medication to make your dog more comfortable and
fluids to ensure that your dog remains well hydrated.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by your
veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is
suspected.
1. Heat Stroke and Dehydration
These are very real threats when the dog days of
summer are upon us. Your companions should always
have fresh, clean water available, whether it’s summer
or the dead of winter. Carry portable water bowls on
walks and don’t forget to bring them on long car rides.
Animals that are overweight and ones who have thick
coats are especially prone to heat stress. Watch out for
these symptoms:
 Excessive lethargy
 Decreased urination
 Dry gums
 Refusal to eat
 Sunken eyes
 Decreased skin elasticity (To test skin elasticity,
gently pinch your pet’s skin near the shoulder
up into the shape of a tent. If the skin is slow to
snap back, your pet may be dehydrated.)
Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
There is an approved vaccine to protect dogs against
canine influenza A H3N8 available in the United States.
It is unknown at this time whether this vaccine will
protect against the H3N2 canine flu virus.
My dog has a cough. What should I do?
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so they
can evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate
course of treatment.
This can be very serious! If you see any of the signs
above in your companions, cool them with the hose and
get them to your vet immediately. Don’t worry if your
dog pants. That is how dogs cool themselves since they
don’t sweat. To keep your pooch cool, use fans, ice
packs, kiddie pools and sprinklers, and frozen treats
(We love The Honest Kitchen’s Ice Pups!)
Where can I find more information on canine influenza
virus?
More information on canine influenza in pet dogs can
be found in this article: Influenza A Virus (H3N8) in Dogs
with Respiratory Disease, Florida in Emerging Infectious
Diseases journal, the AVMA website, and this update on
the April 2015 Chicago H3N2 canine influenza outbreak.
2. Overheating in the Car
While we love to bring our pets with us, summer is not
the time to run errands with Fido! We have all been
guilty of leaving our pet in the car to run a quick errand.
But in the summer months, this bad habit is dangerous,
and potentially lethal. So make a mental note to either
leave your pup at home or take him inside with you
when the temperature outside is above 65 degrees.
References
1 Media Briefing on Canine Influenza. September 25,
2005.
http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/t050926.ht
m.
2 Update on Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) Outbreak
Reported in Chicago Area. April 13, 2015.
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3. Hot Pavement and Sidewalks
Ever heard the expression, “It’s so hot, you can fry an
egg on the sidewalk?” Things like black pavement (or
asphalt) can get very hot and can harm your pets’ paws.
You may think that taking your dog for a walk is helping
their health, but in the summertime, it may also be
burning their paws. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on it,
you probably shouldn’t let your pooch do so either.
Instead of asphalt and rough pavement, pick softer
routes and schedule walks for cooler times of the day.
If you have a dog walker, talk to them too and let them
know where it is safe to walk your dog.
GRRoM LINKS
www.facebook.com/groups/grrom Connect with other
Michigan Golden lovers for laughs, great advice from
others, hear about fundraisers to help GRRoM continue
in its mission. Click on the link and join GRRoM’s
Facebook page.
www.grrom.com Our website offers deals that not only
save you money, but helps GRRoM in its mission; links
to the GRRoM Petfinder page for Goldens looking for
their furever homes; fund-raising events; info on how to
adopt a GRRoM Golden; and more!
While summer is one of the most fun times of year to
spend with your pooch, always be sure to keep a careful
eye on him when the weather heats up. Have a good
one!
Upcoming Events at The Pet Beastro:
6/17:
6/24:
6/27:
6/27:
7/15:
7/18:
7/25:
7/29:
How to Help Your Pet’s Kidney and Thyroid
Imbalances (Seminar)
Protecting Your Pet From the Environment
(Seminar)
Pet Food and Intestinal Health Seminar
The Pet Beastro’s 10-Year Anniversary Sale and
Celebration
Backyard Medicine for Pets – Identifying Herbal
Plants (Seminar)
Ice Cream Social
Christmas in July Sale
Reducing Pet Pain Using Magnets (Seminar)
GRRoM WANTS YOUR DOG...stories
Be a contributing writer with the quarterly GRRoM
Newsletter! Our readers’ and supporters’ input is what
makes the GRRoM Newsletter what it is. I especially
want articles and photos from the volunteers who
attend and work the many events.
Please send via email to:
[email protected] no later than August 31
for the Fall 2015 GRRoM Newsletter, due out around
September 7, 2015. Articles can be emailed in any
format. Photos can be dng, jpeg, tiff, or psd, and as
large a size as your email program allows (they need to
be 3-1/2 inches wide for publication).
The following dates are the approximate publishing
dates of the GRRoM Newsletter: March 1, June 1,
September 1 and December 1.
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PRE S
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ON
COST:
$20
Plus $2 shipping per calendar
TO ORDER
Go to: www.grrom.com
Click “Calendars & Shirts” tab
A great gift for all the
dog lovers in your life!
Payments may be made by
check or charge
Calendars will be shipped once payment is received
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