President's Message--Why We Do What We Do
Just over a fortnight ago a Transport Team volunteer answered the initial call, as he so often does and picked up a Golden and headed for Lake Havasu. As you probably know travelling there and back is not usually a day trip. Unfortunately, when the volunteer and the young Golden arrived the resident dog was not pleased at all. Fortunately for all concerned the Transporter made the decision not to leave this golden and turned right around and headed back to Scottsdale. In the meantime our Placement Team worked feverishly to find a new forever home before the Transporter arrived back in the Valley.
Then about a week ago one of our Transport Team volunteers picked up a handsome senior Golden
expecting a “normal” delivery. However, after observing the dog it was determined he needed immediate medical attention. The Adoptive family was informed that there would be a change of plans and before you knew it a foster had been found to care for the Golden.
At about the same time another Transport volunteer was there in time to rescue a senior Golden from the Shelter. Those working behind the scenes located an Adoptive family very quickly. Since there was going to be a delay in delivering the Golden that day, a veterinarian appointment was made for the afternoon and the Golden was delivered to his forever home that evening.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers for helping make this a “well-oiled machine.” I want to finish this article by relaying the true winner on Election Day and why we do what we do. As officials were beginning to count ballots on November 4 the call went out about Rocky who had swallowed about eighteen inches of rope and several other foreign objects. Without immediate action Rocky would have died. After a very serious operation, much convalescing, tender loving care and successful training we come to the message that we received yesterday:
"Hi, all!
Now that Rocky has been released and I am officially his human, I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of
you who have made it possible for Rocky's and my stars to align. You have all been so helpful and supportive during this process and I feel as though I have made some "forever" friends at RAG as well as getting the sweetest most lovable dog EVER! He's turning into quite a character and I'm enjoying every minute, I think he is too. He has gained weight and his tail is always wagging. Rocky is getting spoiled rotten but he really deserves to be after all he's been through. Love him to pieces!!!
Thanks, again, and I'll definitely stay in touch and let you know how he's progressing.
Susan (human) and Rocky (spoiled dog)"
Chris P P Brant
President RAGofAZ
Over 90 Goldens and Over 130 Golden Companions for Bark in the Park 2015
One of the highlights of February was the Bark in the Park event. The weather was perfect, the turnout of both Goldens and members was great and the efforts of our long standing “Barbecue Boy,” Chris Harrow (as he likes to be called), were very much enjoyed. From the favorable comments that were received it appears that the added attractions that were on hand this year also enhanced the function. There was much pre-work and planning that went into the success that we had on February 8 and I want to thank all those who gave their time and energy for their support. The Annual Bark in the Park picnic is a chance each year to hear from members who have lost and those who have gained companions over the year. As you all realize this event and other events during the year only happen because of volunteers that support the cause before and during the events. Again, the efforts, throughout the year, of all volunteers are very much appreciated.
Due to the obvious success of February’s event we are considering possible opportunities to gather together more often. Christina Badger, our new Events Director, will be updating and adding to the calendar. I suggest you keep an eye out for Christina’s announcements on the RAGofAZ website calendar and immediately transferring the information to your own “Things to Do” list. If you have ideas of events that you would like us to hear about please contact Christina Badger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Scrolling Remembrance at the Rainbow Bridge
Honors and Reminds us All of the Recent Rainbow Bridge Dogs
At Bark in the Park we had a very moving ceremony as members shared a little about the loss of their recent loved ones.
Sadly the list continues to grow weekly.
Click here to see a remembrance of those Goldens that have passed over the Rainbow Bridge this year.
Valley Fever Vaccine for Dogs
Seventy percent of all cases occur in Pima, Pinal and Maricopa County.
Six to ten percent of dogs will contract Valley Fever.
That results in 60,000 dogs every year.
They see the infection in dogs in CA, NM, TX and NV as dogs travel for visits and dog shows. Some dogs are at greater risk as they are unresponsive to fluconazole. This results in pneumonia and dissemination of the disease into the bones. Treatment for these dogs will last for month or years depending on the severity of the disease and recurrence.
The University of Arizona has been working on a vaccine. There have been some positive results with testing on mice that have been diagnosed with the illness. The Team at U of A is well on their way to producing the vaccine but they need financial assistance!
To make a tax deductible donation:
o by credit card-- www.vfce.arizona.edu and click on Give Today
o by check--mail to The Valley Fever Center for Excellence, P.O. Box 245215, Tucson, AZ 85724, (EIN #86-6050388) and make it payable to: U of A Foundation and include Canine Vaccine in the memo line.
To read the full details provided by one of our long time members who attended the seminar, please click here.
You might also want to go to the website to read about the case study of Max who we rescued, but unfortunately, we were notified too late to save his life.
Welcome to our 2015 Annual Campaign
By now you will have received the announcement in the mail that our 2015 Annual Fundraising Campaign has begun. Obviously, the beautiful card and message that you received is a keepsake.
Please revisit the card or go to the website to see how you can help out with the 2015 Annual Fundraising Campaign – the effort starts now!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 29, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills
You and your goldens are needed to help staff our booth throughout the day. This is an opportunity to come out and support RAG. Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let Chris know what time you can help.
Adopt Love Adopt Local Mega Adoption Event- Tucson
Saturday, April 11, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E Irvington Rd
Join us for Pima Alliance for Animal Welfare’s first mega-adoption animal fair. If you live in Tucson or would like to take a day trip, come on down. We need your help in staffing our booth. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let Scottie know what times you can come out.
Snake Avoidance Training
Sunday, April 12th, 26th and May 17th
With the unusually warm temperatures we have experienced in February and March, the snakes are convinced it is time to come out of hibernation. It is time to get your fur kids ready for the season. Check our website for more information and details on how to register.
Save the Date
Woof Stock Adopt-A-Thon – Prescott ValleySaturday, May 30, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
7501 E Civic Center
Woof Down Lunch – Prescott
Saturday, June 6, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Prescott Courthouse Square
