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The Summer of “Puppypalooza!”

The Summer of Puppypalooza!

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24 066 Gray and puppies

Mama Gray and her puppies

When it comes to birthing little ones, the popular British television series “Call the Midwife” cannot begin to challenge the dedicated members of Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ)!

Ella and her pups

Mama Ella and her puppies

There is not a scriptwriter anywhere who could have imagined that within a period of just one week, three Golden Retriever mommas would help 23 beautiful puppies make their way into this world. When these females were brought into rescue this past spring we soon learned that they were very much in a family way. Lady Gray – then Ella, followed immediately by Sunny – delivered puppies of every color and shade during a fun-filled week in May.

24 049 Sunny and puppies

Mama Sunny and her puppies

Director of Golden Operations Bob Schillaci simply could not believe it was happening. “In 2023, we were all shocked and delighted that three female rescues – Pearl, Sasha, and Freya – delivered a total of nearly 30 puppies during the course of the year,” Bob observed. He added with understandable naivety “Thank goodness that will never happen again.”

Fast forward to May 2024 when the “puppypalooza” began. Thanks to the collective efforts of our own “Call the Midwives” club, Kass Black, Becky Buck-Wetzel, and Julie Corcoran, these new families began life in a safe and loving environment. Vet Team Manager Judy Smith worked tirelessly to supervise the dogs’ medical care and provide supplies (can you say pee pads?). While there were a few issues of concern (worms, yuk!), in the end everyone survived and thrived.

In preparation for the births, our volunteer teams sprang into action at breakneck speed.

As the adoption applications poured in, our Woof Line, Intake, Home Visit and Placement teams worked tirelessly to ensure the pups would go to wonderful “forever” homes.

Sleeping puppy being transportedThe Vet Care Team oversaw appointments and medical care for the pups, and will make certain this continues in their new homes.

Director of Golden Rescue Kerri Crabtree rallied her Transport Team members to “give these golden nuggets a Lyft” to their new homes (affectionately referred to as the great puppy dispersal).

Behind the scenes, volunteers assisted with paperwork, contracts, social media, microchip tracking, behavioral support, and anything that needed doing.

And here we are, tired but filled to the brim with puppy cuteness overload – also with gratitude for the extraordinary leadership and teamwork of the volunteers who helped make this “puppypalooza” successful and unforgettable.

Finally, we say to the Sisters and midwives at the fictitious and much-loved Nonnatus House on our favorite PBS series … hold my beer!

What’s so special about this photo?

Maisy

Meet Maisy, formerly known as Luca, who was surrendered to Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ) with her brother, Eddie (now Finley). Both dogs had been inbred and had limited movement of their jaws. For Maisy in particular, this made life not only challenging but life threatening. Intubation was nearly impossible and the threat of choking was terrifying.

Dr. Mele, a highly regarded dental specialist at VCA Valley Animal Hospital and Emergency Center in Tucson, did some ground breaking surgery on Maisy wherein he used a computer generated 3D replica of her jaw to identify the problem and remove the defective part. He is going to Japan for a conference where Maisy and her story will be front and center.

Between Dr. Mele, RAGofAZ and the most dedicated of adopters, this little girl and her brother have brighter futures.  Both Maisy and Finley will be featured in our 2025 Hearts of Gold calendar as part of our focus on special needs dogs.

You may find your jaw is open as well with surprise and awe at this amazing accomplishment!

Some Special Goldens are here to Paw it Forward

Lexie and Cooper1

Lexi & Cooper

Lexie and Cooper

Lexi & Cooper

Riley

Riley

Our Riley

Our Riley

Some years ago, a gentle, loving, oh-so-sweet Golden Retriever named Riley came into the lives of our Mom and Dad and brought them so much happiness and joy. When Riley journeyed on to Rainbow Bridge, Mom and Dad were so shattered, they thought they might never love another dog in the same way. But after about a year, Riley decided to send me to them – I’m Lexi – followed by my bro, Cooper. Turns out Coop was stuck in China waiting to make his way through red tape hell but eventually he showed up.

We are quite the pair, Cooper and I. I’m a sweetie pie, a carbon copy of adorable Riley. Cooper is a bundle of energy, just wants to play all the time except when he’s begging for belly rubs. He is a little bit naughty, a little bit devilish, but wicked-smart and hilarious. Things have never been the same since Cooper arrived, and life is perfect now. We are the wild man and the love muffin, the yin and the yang, the best and the bestest.

Mom and Dad heard that it costs Rescue A Golden of Arizona about $1,200.00 to rescue a dog and provide veterinarian care like vaccinations, screenings, medicine, and even life-saving surgery. So in gratitude for Riley, Cooper and me, they’ve asked us to pay it forward with an annual donation of $3,600.00 to help save at least three more Goldens. I had to remind them that Cooper and I do not have opposable thumbs so we will have to “paw it forward,” but you get the idea.

We hope this annual gift will help RAGofAZ take good care of those 15 puppies and 7 big Goldens they just rescued. I’m pretty sure someday those pups will grow up and they’ll want to paw it forward too.

Love, Lexi, Cooper, and Angel Riley

Cooper2

Cooper

Lexi after enjoying the jacuzzi at Auberge de Sedona

Lexi

after enjoying the jacuzzi at Auberge de Sedona

Lexi

Lexi

Welcome our 4000th Rescued Golden Retriever!

Charlotte now Zoey2
Charlotte now Zoey pool
Charlotte now Zoey

More than twenty five years ago, a devoted animal lover named Joyce Hubler founded Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ), a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and re-homing of abandoned, lost, or displaced Golden Retrievers. Since that day, RAGofAZ has grown into one of the most prominent and successful animal rescues in the state, with more than 700 members. We have even expanded our mission nationally and internationally in support of other rescues in the midwest and several foreign countries. 

Now, another milestone … the rescue of our 4000th Golden Retriever!

In February of this year, a beautiful six-month old pup named Charlotte entered our rescue in need of a new forever home. Now renamed Zoey, she possesses all the beauty and charm that make this lovable breed of dog so special. And she will forever hold the title of 4000th rescued Golden Retriever. 

On behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for a quarter century to offer 3,999 other Goldens a second chance at life, we welcome Zoey to her forever home.

All for the love of a Golden …

 

Need lower cost vet care?

dr kelly logoFor some time, Rescue a Golden has been sending our rescued Golden Retrievers to Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit whenever possible for spay/neuter procedures. They have provided excellent service and care, and their prices are very reasonable. Dr. Kelly’s is also open to the public. They have 3 clinics in the Phoenix area and one in Tucson. If your furry friend needs surgery or dental work and the prices at your regular vet take your breath away, check out Dr. Kelly’s.
As they say on their website:


“Dr. Kelly’s offers affordable surgery, low cost and dental care for pets in the Phoenix, Peoria, Mesa, and Tucson, Arizona areas. We are a team of pet owners and veterinarians who believe all pet owners should have access to affordable care for their companions. Our team of qualified veterinarians loves animals. You and your furry companion are in good hands with Dr. Kelly’s.
With thousands of 5-star reviews, you can trust Dr. Kelly’s to take exceptional care of your precious companions.”

Valley Fever vaccine will be available in 2024!

VALLEY FEVER IN THE SONORAN DESERT

Valley fever is a disease caused by a fungus knowngolden with vet facing rightAdobeStock 115164496 as Coccidiodes immitis. Although the proper name for this disease is coccidioidomycosis, it is most often called valley fever, California disease, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin valley fever.  It is caused by spores in the ground that become airborne.

Valley Fever (VF) spores are everywhere. Everyone inhales them all of the time. The determination about whether or person or animal contracts Valley Fever from the spores is totally dependent on their immune system.

The symptoms of Valley fever are:

  • Lethargy
  • Hacking cough
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lameness
  • Fever

Though most cases are caused by inhaling the spores, direct inoculation is also possible.  This can result from stepping on a sharp rock or stick that contains the spores.  That version of VF is contained within a localized infection and becomes a sore that won’t heal.  If your dog presents with something of that nature, do have testing done to eliminate VF as a possibility.

syringe and bottle graphic AdobeStock 269677956Diagnosing VF is done in a methodical manner by veterinarians:

  • Review animal history and look for clinical signs.
  • VF test
  1. Tests for antibodies—having antibodies does not confirm diagnosis as it may be from an earlier infection.
  2. IgM antibodies typically develop shortly after an infection, are usually detectable within one to 3 weeks of the onset of symptom and start to disappear at about 5 weeks. As IgM antibodies fade, IgG antibodies set in.
  3. IgG antibodies can remain detectable for up to a year after treatment. Antibody tests can aid in diagnosing VF as well as helping to differentiate it from other conditions that present with similar symptoms.
  • CBC (complete blood count) will test for any other organ deficiencies.
  • X rays—VF settles most commonly in the lungs but can also be found in the bones, eye, and brain
  • Lung biopsy may be necessary.

The VF test can result in a finding of a titer such as 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, etc. up to 1:256 which is the highest titer that will evidence itself.  The VF titer number is most often of little consequence.  Dogs with a 1:4 can be symptomatic while a dog with a 1:128 titer may show no evidence of the disease.  It all goes back to the immune system of the dog being able to fight or succumb to the disease.

 

Treatment of Valley Fever

  • The primary drug of choice to treat VF is Fluconazole (Diflucan). Fluconazole is the most well tolerated by most animals and can be combined with a number of medications that the dog may already be taking.  Fluconazole does not kill the fungus, but only weakens it.  Fluconazole is given twice per day and patients usually start to feel better in a few weeks.  This is a longer-term medication that typically requires treatment for 8 to 10 months.
  • Ketoconazole and Itraconazole are other drugs that may be used alone or in conjunction with Fluconazole.
  • Treatment with additional medications to reduce fever will help keep the animal more comfortable. Steroids or appetite stimulants may also be prescribed to help the dog eat.
  • Amphotericin B is an injectable treatment for dogs that do not respond to conventional care and are more serious and life-threatening. This drug works by slowing the growth of fungi in the system.
  • For typical treatment of VF, after 8 to 10 months, the dog should be taken off the drug for one month and then have a retest.
  • Dogs with severe cases especially for those who evidence brain or bone disease may need to remain on fluconazole for life.

 

Supplements that are promoted to be effective against VF are not. They cannot target VF, nor the t-cells involved with the disease.  They may help slightly with immunity but are unlikely to have any real impact.

 

Any dog breed may develop VF, but Boxers seem to be especially vulnerable.  Areas near construction sites can certainly unearth spores.  Often after a haboob (dust storm), more cases become evident in 3 months’ time.  Rainstorms are responsible for aerosolization of spores giving way to further VF spikes.

 

The good news is that a Valley Fever vaccine will be available later this year.  Dr. Lisa Shubitz, at the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence and the doctors at UC Davis in CA have made this possible.     At this point, the vaccine will be used to prevent VF, but it may be that it will help in treatment of the disease.  The evidence is that it is not just an antibody response but helping the dog’s own white cells do their job.  It does not contain a chemical stimulant making it safe for dogs who are immunosuppressed.   Veterinary offices and clinics will have more information as time goes on. 


 

Article written by Judy Smith, Vet Team Manager, RAGofAZ

Information courtesy of Dr. Josh Sosnow at North Scottsdale Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, AZ.

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