Already this new year, volunteers from Rescue A Golden of Arizona have represented the organization at Meet and Greets along with a PAC911 meeting in Peoria. There will be another PACC911 meet on February 20 and one in March. When the call for volunteers arrives in your inbox please consider joining other member volunteers. You will be made very welcome and will be providing an important service for RAGofAZ too.

That leads into this year’s Bark in the Park, when we will acknowledge the work of our volunteers, celebrate our new furry friends and remember those that have passed. This year will be particularly special. It will give us all a chance to enjoy each other’s company but it will also provide us an opportunity to remember a former pillar of our organization, Ed Karsten. Details of the event will follow this message.

Chris P P Brant
President, RAGofAZ

It’s Valentine’s Day, so dress those Goldens up and bring them to their own special party.

Once every year, we celebrate the Golden Retrievers that have been adopted in the past year. We also acknowledge all of our members’ pets that have gone to the Rainbow Bridge.
 
If you have not attended this event, this is a great time to experience the fun, food, and the horde of tail-wagging Goldens, giving kisses to every face within reach. This is a big picnic for all the family and all your pets. You don’t want to miss it, as this will be a very special event this year.

This year, at 10:30, we will begin with a Celebration of Life for Ed Karsten, a true Golden Champion. Ed was the originator of our Transportation System, Transport Coordinator Team, Shelter Team, and organized a team of volunteers to transport rescued Goldens throughout Arizona. Come find out why hamsters, lions and carnival rides made one person love Goldens so much. To learn more about this Golden Champion, we suggest you visit Ed’s web site, K9EDK.com, to learn the whole story.

Come and join us for this tribute and a fantastic BITP afterwards. Lots of raffle prizes, including a 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, dog contests and fun. 

Hale Pet Doors and Goober Pet Direct will have information booths on site. 

Go on our website www.golden-retriever.org and pre-register today. Save time and money by pre-registering by February 9th for $10 per person vs. $15 on the day of event.
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On February 14th, registration and check-in opens at 10:00 AM.

Steve the Wonder Dog

Steve came to us in terrible condition. He needed to build up his muscles as they had atrophied. The fosters worked diligently for months with Steve and he made dramatic improvements. After moving to his forever home Steve touched many lives including saving the life of Bob, his new parent.

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Heartworm Preventive Medications Safety Tips

Reproduced article from PETMD

Heartworm cases increased in Arizona around the time of Katrina when many dogs were moved out of the New Orleans area.

Proper Application of Dog Heartworm Prevention Medication

By Jennifer Kvamme, DVM
 
Keeping our dogs free of heartworms is much cheaper, easier, and safer than treating them for a full-blown disease. However, it is important that you use heartworm preventives properly — both for your safety and your dog's safety. 

Dangers of Xylitol

Reprinted article written by Liz Donovan, AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Dec 16, 2015
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A substance called xylitol is making thousands of dog sick and even causing death, affecting more pets now than ever before, and it's probably in your home right now. 

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Please don't lose me!

Those of you who have lost a pet are familiar with the fear and panic you have when you realize that your pet is missing. Hopefully, the following information will provide some tips in recovering a beloved pet, or, conversely, about what steps you should take if you find a lost pet.

Finding a Lost Dog

Click here for a printable version.

Check out our online store

Note Cards for All Occasions
By now you will have probably written a little thank you note to Auntie Elsie for sending you that “delicious” fruit cake. If you have not, we still have the perfect Golden note cards in stock. You might agree that it is always good to have a supply of cards for all occasions on hand. They can be purchased in a pack of ten for $10.00. 
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2016 Calendars
We also have the beautiful 2016 Calendars available for mailing out, for picking up at BITP on February 14, 2016 or any other RAG event. Perhaps you have a friend or dear neighbor who would appreciate a calendar? 
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No Respect for Golden Retrievers at Westminster

CBS New York article February 16, 2011 10:59 AM Reproduced
By Ann Liguori

​Since 1928 when Golden Retrievers first appeared in the show, none have won Best in Show.


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Most Popular Breeds don’t win at the Westminster Dog Show

By Jennifer Peltz / The Associated Press Adapted and Reproduced
Friday, February 14th, 2014 at 12:05am

It’s a curiosity – not to say a frustration – for dog lovers who have watched the Westminster Kennel Club’s prized best in show trophy go at times to breeds that many Americans might never have heard of, let alone scratched behind the ears. 

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Leaving Paw Prints on our Hearts

There is no easy way to deal with losing a furry love. Our lives take on new meaning when we are enveloped by their constant love, companionship, and soulfulness. We consider ourselves the lucky ones, though, as we clearly discovered the secret. A secret that is only shared by those who have been nurtured by a kindred soul’s simple teaching of goodness and compassion.

Reproduced from Land of PureGold Foundation 

Gone but never forgotten . . . remember the beloved Goldens who have crossed to the Bridge this past month but will live forever in the hearts of those who loved them. CLICK HERE

And CLICK HERE to see a remembrance including those Goldens that have passed over the Rainbow Bridge previously.

Save the Date

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