Monthly Archives: July 2012

Removing matting on your Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are notorious for getting matts behind their ears, as well as under the arms and legs and around the “back end area”.  Those big felt-like clumps of hair can be tricky to get out.  Regular brushing and thinning of the hair behind the ears is a preventative measure.

Here are some pointers for removing mats at home:

First, NEVER try cutting the matted area off.  You can almost guarantee you will cut your golden, as the mats pull the skin, which is probably rather painful, if not annoying for your dog.

Make sure the dog is in a comfortable position.  Sit on the floor with the dogs head in your lap or any way you can maintain control of the head.

You can start by saturating the mat with a conditioning agent or using a slicker brush to brush out the smaller tangles around the matting.

As a precaution, if you can slide a wide tooth comb between the mat and the skin, this will help prevent cutting your dog.  Another truck is to hold your fingers like scissors, as if you are about to cut off the mat with your fingers, as close to the skin as possible. Hold your fingers there and using  some round nosed scissors,  cut strips into the mat, perpendicular to the comb or fingers.

Take a metal comb and, starting at the bottom, comb out the mats.  Combing downward, with the growth of the hair is much less painful on your furry friend.


Y0u can also purchase a mat splitter to remove the mats, which may take less time, but I find the comb and scissors works well enough.  There are several varieties available at your local pet supply store.

Mat Splitter

It can take quite some time to remove the matting, be patient, and give your dog a break if needed.

Here is a video on using the mat splitter

http://youtu.be/-rJVr9sQ1h8

Regular brushing and thinning the ears with thinning shears will help prevent matts from forming.

Here is a great article from Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club about trimming and cleaning up the ears.  Grooming Your Golden

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When to spay/neuter your Golden Retriever

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My 10 month old golden, Tucker, gets very frisky in the evenings.  It doesn’t matter if we have gone on a one hour hike, played fetch at the empty schoolyard, or he has been pent up for 2 or 3 days due to weather.  Every night, without fail, Tucker decides he has a need to fulfill and proceeds to “hump” the pillows on the couch.  I can’t honestly think of a nicer way to put this.  It doesn’t matter who is looking, weather company is over, or even if there is a camera pointed at him.  This dog has no shame.

I managed to capture an episode on my grainy cell phone video camera.  What makes this video so funny, is that it is the horrible audio from the television in the background.  You can see when it stops, so does he!  Make sure you have the volume turned up.

I realize each dog has it’s own personality.  Tucker’s bloodline consists of several top scoring obedience dogs.  A pretty impressive pedigree.  The contract I purchased Tucker states I have to wait until he is 18 months to be neutered.  This seems to be a controversial issue.  My veterinarian advised me not to take his playful puppy behavior into consideration when deciding when to “make the cut”  What he meant was, don’t expect a brand new dog as soon as the surgery is performed.  I continue to weigh the pros and cons.

No significant information was found to indicate that neutering your male dog would make him calmer and less “dominant”  There was sufficient evidence stating that dogs who were neutered early (before maturity) had an increased risk of certain cancers, hypothyroidism, obesity, as well as many other health concerns.  Early neutering is also believed to stunt growth  as sex hormones play an important part in bone development.

Here is an article in favor of later spay/neutering Early Spay/neutering considerations for the Canine Athlete by Dr.Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACPV

Here is an article in rebuttle to Dr Zink’s article, in favor of early spay/neutering
 Rebuttal to “Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete”

Another popular trend these days is called Pediatric spaying/neutering.  There are some arguments in favor of this theory as well Pedeatric Spay/Neuter  from the Best Friends Animal Society

In conclusion, based on information from the above articles and reputable breeder recommendations, I have decided to wait it out to have Tucker neutered.

US Olympic Medalists who own, or have owned a Golden Retriever

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Tucker and I just watched The Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics.  I can’t help but have a sense of pride for our Canadian athletes.  I wish them all the best.  Here is a compilation of any known Olympic Medalists who have owned a Golden Retriever at some point  I would like to thank LandofPureGold for your information.  Please let me know of any others, from any country, and I will add them to the collection :)

#1.  US Olympic Gold Medalist Tom Dolin  was a gold and silver medalist at the 2000 Summer Olympics and a gold medalist at the 1996 Summer Olympics . He is reported to have had a Golden Retriever named “Cool”.   Where is he now?  He currently operates Tom Dolan’s Swim School.

#2.  Sarah Hughes was an Olympic Gold Medalist for figure skating in 2002.  She has been known for owning a golden retriever named Sport.

Photo: Lionel CIRONNEAU Courtesy http://www.commercialappeal.com

#3.  Shawn Johnson, Olympic Gold Medalist for Balance Beam in 2008, as well as the all around and floor silver medalist.  Here is a picture of her with her Golden Retriever named Tucker!  Shawn will also be competing in this seasons Dancing With The Stars All Stars Season.  Good Luck Shawn!

Shawn Johnson and Tucker Photo from animalfair.com

#4.  Michelle Kwan.  Michelle earned medals in both the 1998 and 2002 Olympics.  According to About.com, she is the most decorated figure skater in US history.Land of Pure Gold reports Michelle had a Golden Retriever named “Traveller”.

Michelle Kwan performs her signature spiral at...

Michelle Kwan performs her signature spiral at a practice session at the 2002 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#5.  Kristine Lily is a US Gold Medalist for Soccer in 1996 and had a Golden Retriever named Molson.  Wikipedia claims that Kristine is the most capped soccer player in history.

Kristine Lilly – Courtesy Sports Illustrated

#6.  Tara Lipinski won the gold medal in figure skating at the 1998 Winter Olympics at the age of 15. Lipinski is the youngest individual gold medalist in the history of the Olympic Winter Games.  Tara had a Golden Retriever named Brandy.

#7.  Shannon Miller is a US gold medalist the in the 1996 Olympics balance beam.  She has been known to own a Golden Retriever named Dusty.

Shannon Miller,

#8.  Marla Runyan won four gold medals at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in the long jump and the 100, 200, and 400 meter races.  Her assistance dog was a Golden Retriever named Summer.

#9.  Peter Vidmar  won gold medals in the men’s all-around team competition and the pommel horse competition, and a silver medal in the men’s all-around individual gymnastics competition at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.  He owned a Golden Retriever named Thunder.

Peter Vidmar

10.  Steven Holcolm is a gold medalist in Bobsledding, who, according to People,  just so happens to own a Golden Retriever named Bailey.

Steven Holcomb, Baily courtesy People.com

11.  Tyler Hamilton won a gold medal for cycling at the 2004 Olympics.  He had a Golden Retriever named Tugboat who was often at his races.

Hamilton was photographed with Tugboat’s tag around his neck during the 2004 Tour De France

12.  Breeja Larson is an Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming and has a golden retriever named Coooper.

Golden Retriever Puppy Fighting for his Life after eating Mushroom in Yard

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On July 15th in Manorville,  NY a 13 week old Golden Retriever puppy named Sandy ingested a highly toxic mushroom in her own backyard.  Her owner, Rich D’Alcace didn’t think much of it at the time, but Sandy had something dangling from her mouth.  It wasn’t until the next day that D’Alcace noticed Sandy acting lethargic and throwing up.

Sandy preparing for her first plasma transfusion Courtesy “Saving Sandy” Facebook page

By the time they got to the vet, Sandy was suffering from extreme organ failure.  The next 10 days consisted of 5 plasma transfusions, IV fluids, dozens of medicenes and continuous bloodwork.  Richard D’Alsace and his partner  Taylor Manalili have set up a Facebook page  called “Saving Sandy” to help raise money for Sandy’s vet bills.  Donations can be sent straight the East End Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (Let them know it is for Rich D’alsace with Sandy as the patient : (631)369-4513, pet-er.com)  I cant even begin to imagine the heartbreak of the owners, who, from their Facebook page, appear to lead a very active lifestyle and chose the perfect breed to be their companion.

Rich and Taylor also wants to use their Facebook page to raise awareness of these fungus that our growing in our own backyards, along roadsides, and on hiking trails.

The mushroom that Sandy ingested is called “The Death Angel”  It is highly poisonous to humans and pets.  It is white, with a very smooth cap.  It has white gills and a white “skirt” and has a bulb at the base, sometimes covered in soil.

Photo courtesy botit.botany.wisc.edu

The Riverhead Local has posted a very informative article about Sandy, and toxic mushrooms.  You can check it out here.

It’s hard to supervise your dog at all times, especially on off leash hikes.  If you suspect your dog has ingested a mushroom of any kind, a trip to the vet will be the difference between life and death.  The longer you wait, the more damage is done.  Period.

I wish Sandy and her owners the very best.

Golden Retriever and his “Person” Rescued on Mt Hood

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OregonLive reports that Monday July 23, 68 year old Alan Rosenfield and his 4 year old golden retriever Ranger were hiking on Timberline Trail on Mt Hood when Ranger went down a 40 ft slope.  His person, Alan, went down the slope to save him.  They were unable to get back up, and were there for about 4 hours.   The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office report rescue workers located and hoisted the pair to safety at about 7:45 p.m and they were able to walk back to The Timberline Lodge, about 3 miles away.

Photo Courtesy of Oregon Live/Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office

The Washington Post features some raw video of the rescue here.  I just love happy endings!

Golden Retriever Fatally Shot by Police during Drug Raid

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On July 20th in Decatur, Alabama, Morgan County Deputies were conducting a drug raid at an apartment complex.  Somehow in the process, the homeowners’ 3 year old Golden Retriever Aubie was shot and killed.  Authorities are stating the dog lunged at the officers.

“Aubrie” taken from Facebook page

A Facebook page has been created in outrage.  It contains graphic images of Aubie after she was shot. They claim the dog was killed while trying to run away from police..  You can view the page “Justice for Aubie” at your own risk

According to her personal Facebook page Sheriff Ana Franklin from The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office implies that the information on the Facebook page is false, and that legal action is being taken.  She posted the following:

“By now you have seen the pictures and read the posts about the dog being shot while the Morgan Co Drug Task Force was conducting a search warrant for illegal sales/possession of narcotics and marijuana.  There is noone that loves animals more than I do. This is a sad and unfortunate incident that I wish could have been avoided.  The case is still open and I cant comment on the details, but i can say that the information that has been posted is false and we will seek legal actions about this. These images and posts were were sent to inflame the public.  The issue at hand should be that the owner of this dog was selling drugs in an apartment complex, where families and children live close by.  Our first priority is the safety and securtiy of our deputies, as well as the suspects.  When there is a threat and an act of aggression to our officers, we will use the means necessary to stop that threat.  I am angered that drug dealers would put their dogs in that position, and I am also angered that they forced us to take these actions.  We will continue to do our job in an effort to make Morgan County a better place.”

Full story with video from WHNT News here.

I have a great respect for law enforcement, and a great love for golden retrievers.  Without more facts, I can’t form an opinion on this situation.

The Tucker Files – Shopping Spree at PetSmart

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PetSmart

Today I spent over an hour in PetSmart.  I just love that store.  Needless to say, Tucker and Betty got a little bit spoiled today.  I apologize in advance for the grainy photos, they were taken with my cell phone.  I plan on developing my photography skills in the near future.

I  started in the dog section.  The first thing I picked out was Monkey.  Kinda looks like a sock monkey with a squeaker inside.  I thought Tucker needed a new stuffed toy, and besides, it was half off!  What was I thinking…

Here’s monkey after about ten minutes:

Next was the clicker.  I’ve been watching videos of dogs trained with this method, and want to do some more research on it before I attempt it with Tucker, but again, 50 % off, so I figured, why not?

While I was in the training aisle, I picked up a training line.  This will come in handy with the digging, counter surfing and unruly behaviour.  Now if only I could find his training collar…

Now that Tucker is starting to shed, I picked up the Furminator.  It was on sale also.  I was so concerned about getting the right weight, I didnt realize they also sold different coat lengths too.

Next I sauntered over the the cat section.  Who am I kidding, and the fish section, rodent section, bird section, and reptile section.  I eventually returned to the dog section to focus on treats.  I feel these bones are really great for their teeth.  They are Canadian made and are stuffed with a meat filling.  The only downfall to these is when one gets dropped on your toe, or you stub it on one.

Tucker is enjoying one of the bones as I write this.

Last but not least, the liver treats, also made by Rollover.

When I was finished at PetSmart, I sauntered over to Best Buy and treated myself to a new blogging tool, considering I am always fighting with my teenage daughters for computer time.  Yes, it is PINK!!!!

It was a pretty great day.  Now I am enjoying a glass of red wine and playing with my new laptop.

Golden Retrievers Love Oatmeal Peanut Butter Honey Cookies!

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I have tried many dog treat recipies from the internet.  Most of them tasted very bland, and I added my own ingredients.  I dont add things like broth mix, as they are high in sodium, but things like honey and parsley are much welcomed ingredients.   I have adapted this recipe on my own, and think it is a simple hit!  Try it and tell me what you think…

Tuckers Peanut Butter-Oat Morsels

2c Flour (I recommend brown rice flour, but you can use whatever you have, whole wheat is a great substitute)

1c Oats

1c Hot Water

1/4 C Honey

1/3 C Crunchy Peanut Butter

1/4 C fresh parsley* (or 1 tbsp dried)

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Mix flour and oats.  Add remaining ingredients.  Mix into a dough, adding flour as needed.  You can roll this dough out and make cookie cutter shapes, or, as I prefer, make 1.5 inch balls, and double score them with a fork, making an x pattern, until they are somewhat flat. This is where I like to add a piece of flat parsley leaf in the centre.

Bake on greased cookie sheet for about 40 min, or until well browned. (they like em crispy)   Makes 3 dozen if you do them small.   Double the recipe and share with your friends, an excellent recipe.

*Always add parsley to any recipe.  Freshens breath and is full of vitamin A and C and aids in digestion. (preferably flat parsley)

Tucker especially loves this recipe!