PUT YOUR PET'S SMILE IN THE AZGRC'S 2018 CALENDAR

AZGRC 2018 CALENDAR

SHOWCASE YOUR PET'S SMILE IN AZGRC'S 2018 CALENDAR

Arizona Golden Retriever Connection’s (AZGRC) annual calendar project is one of our most popular and successful revenue-generating endeavors.  Thanks to the generous support of our page, production and printing sponsors, along with our veterinary supporters and our Golden Friends,Arizona Golden Retriever Connection is able to directly allocate more than 98% of all calendar sales to pay for medical expenses associated with rescuing our Goldens. On an average it costs Arizona Golden Retriever Connection approximately $1,500 to rescue one of our Goldens.  This includes complete medical examinations at the time of rescue, vaccinations, micro-chips, spaying/neutering surgeries as well as more specialized care for some of our seriously ill rescues.   Very soon Arizona Golden Retriever Connection’s talented, all-volunteer calendar team will begin work on our 2018 calendar.  You can be a part of this special endeavor by becoming a “Golden for Golden” Friend of AZGRC.  For each $25 donation, one space in the Golden Friends section of the calendar will be reserved for a snapshot of your pet.  Of course, you can reserve as many spots as you would like!  Pets of all kinds and from all backgrounds are most welcome.  We want to light up our 2018 calendar with as many Golden smiles as possible! For a $25 donation, you can be a part of this great fundraiser and showcase your Golden in a snapshot (photo requirements below) on our 2018 Golden Friends pages.   Reserve your pet's spot on our Golden Friends pages today! DEADLINE - MAY 1, 2017 Please note: ONLY ONE DOG PER $25 DONATION.  PHOTOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. PHOTO GUIDELINES: Golden Friends photos will be sized to approximately 1’x1/25” in a vertical format.  Please send the full format photo,DO NOT CROP PHOTOGRAPH.  Photos will be cropped by AZGRC to focus on your pet’s head.  It is recommended that your photo clearly show your pet’s face in a forward-facing pose. (See Examples)  If you are sponsoring more than one pet, please copy the Sponsorship Form and complete a form for each pet.  Photos should be taken at the highest resolution your camera will permit. Digital photos must be a minimum of 3x5 and saved as a .jpg or .png, 300 dpi resolution. Glossy or matte finish color photographs should be submitted in a standard 3x5 or 4x6 size.  Note, photos will not be returned.  Clearly print your name, telephone number and your pet’s name on a post-it-note and attach to the back of your photo.  DO NOT WRITE on the back of the photograph. TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR PET'S PHOTO EMAIL CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON BELOW MAKE YOUR DONATION VIA PAYPAL.   SEND EMAIL TO WEBMASTER@AZGRC.ORG AND INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Your name (As you’d like it to appear in the calendar)    Example: John and Joy Smith, John Smith and Joy Evans Your dog’s name  Is your dog an AZGRC Rescue? Your address  Contact email address Attach the image file of your pet to your  email TO:  webmaster@azgrc.org MAILComplete the 2018 GOLDEN FRIENDS SPONSORSHIP FORM   CLICK HERE to download and print the form. Mail your completed form, donation and pet's photo to:AZGRC 2018 GOLDEN FRIENDS SPONSORSHIP P.O. BOX 26678 SCOTTSDALE, AZ  85255 You may also fax the form back to us at 480-563-9154.

Parvovirus in Dogs

Canine Parvovirus Infection in Dogs

The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite. The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.

Symptoms and Types

The major symptoms associated with the intestinal form of a canine parvovirus infection include severe, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and severe weight loss. The intestinal form of CPV affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will quickly become dehydrated and weak from lack of protein and fluid absorption. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat too rapidly. When your veterinarian examines your dog’s abdominal area, your dog may respond with pain or discomfort. Dogs that have contracted CPV may also have a low body temperature, rather than a fever.

Causes

There are a variety of risk factors that can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the disease, but mainly, the virus is transmitted either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, by the fecal-oral route. Heavy concentrations of the virus are found in an infected dog’s stool, so when a healthy dog sniffs an infected dog’s stool, it will contract the disease. The virus can also be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can live in ground soil for up to a year. It is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to kill the virus. Puppies are like babies, you need to protect them from the environment until their immunity is strong. So do not take them to dog stores, parks, or out in public with other dog areas until they have full immunity. Ask your vet for advice. 

Improper vaccination protocol and vaccination failure can also lead to a parvo infection. Breeding kennels and dog shelters that hold a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies are particularly hazardous places. For unknown reasons, certain dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls,Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, English Springer Spaniels, and Alaskan sled dogs, are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Diseases or drug therapies that suppress the normal response of the immune system may also increase the likelihood of infection.

Living and Management

Even after your dog has recovered from a parvo infection, it will still have a weakened immune system, and will be susceptible to other illnesses. Talk to your veterinarian about ways by which you can boost your dog's immune system, and otherwise protect your dog from situations that may make it ill. A diet that is easily digested will be best for your dog while it is recovering.

Your dog will also continue to be a contagion risk to other dogs for at least two months after the initial recovery. You will need to isolate your dog from other dogs for a period of time, and you may want to tell neighbors who have dogs that they will need to have their own pets tested. Wash all of the objects your dog uses (e.g., dishes, crate, kennel, toys) with non-toxic cleaners. Recovery comes with long-term immunity against the parvovirus, but it is no guarantee that your pet will not be infected with the virus again.

Prevention

The best prevention you can take against parvo infection is to follow the correct protocol for vaccination. Young puppies should be vaccinated at six, nine, and twelve weeks, and should not be socialized with outside dogs until at least two weeks after their last vaccinations. High-risk breeds may require a longer initial vaccination period of up to 22 weeks.

For further information, ask your vet. They are the best source of information. 

Information obtained from http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_canine_parvovirus_infection?page=2#

Duck and Decanter Tax Day Celebration

Duck & Decanter Tax Day Celebration

When: Saturday, April 9th Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: Duck & Decanter 1651 E. Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ  85016 602-274-5429 Enjoying lunch on the patio at Duck & Decanter  or sharing a glass of wine  with AZGRC members and  their four legged kids has become one of our  Spring traditions for many years.  Don't miss out on the fun and laughter   and great food too.  Come hang out, relax  and enjoy the afternoon with us! Please R.S.V.P. to events@azgrc.org by Friday, April 8th  so we can get an approximate head count and reserve tables.  We hope to see you there!