Blog Dog - Zoey

Meet Zoey!

She is our blog dog of the week! This little girl is sweet, smart and full of energy. Who knows why someone would ever want to let this furry angel go, but it's alright, she's forgotten the past and is ready to embark on a new journey into your heart! Please visit the GSROC website to find out more details about Miss Zoey and to find out how to meet her. 

Blog Dog - Ammo

Ammo

Meet Ammo! He's 18 months old and looking for a new place to call home. His photos don't do him justice! He's a gorgeous guy that would love to be your running buddy. For more information on Ammo, and the many wonderful dogs in need of fur-ever homes, please visit the GSROC website.

New Year's Project: Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit

Chances are, you have an area of your home where you keep first aid supplies like bandages and antiseptic spray. But what about your supplies for pets? Do you have the tools to help if Fido gets hurt? Not only should all homes have fire extinguishers, flashlights and candles for emergencies, they should also have a kit to take care of pets in the event of an emergency.

Pet first aid kits are fairly easy to assemble because items can be found in the first aid section of most stores and a few items from the pet aisles as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Gauze - For wrapping wounds or making a makeshift muzzle for wounded pets do not muzzle a pet that is vomiting). Even the most well-trained pet can bite when wounded or in shock.
• Non-stick bandages and tape - never use Band-Aids or self-stick bandages on pets.
• Vetrap or self adhesive wrap - place gauze or non-stick bandage on the wound and use Vetrap to hold it in place.
• Milk of magnesia and activated charcoal for poison control - ALWAYS consult your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control if you believe your pet has ingested a poisonous or toxic substance.
• Leash and Collar - for transportation, it's good to have a backup. 
• Scissors
• Sterile Eye Wash
• Tweezers
• Tick Removal Tool - A popular brand is called Tick Twister (click here to watch the tool in action). Also, save the tick to take to the vet, there are many types and seeing the tick can help your vet treat your pet's condition with more accuracy.
• Cornstarch - helps stop bleeds on toe nails.
• Antiseptic Wash or Wipes - try to use a non-sting version and avoid alcohol based items. Another item to research is Vetericyn, a one-step wound and infection treatment.
• Disposable gloves
• Thermometer and Lubricating Jelly - Know the normal temperature ranges for both dogs and cats because they are different from humans. 
• Hot and Cold Packs - Heat for hypothermia or cold for a burn. Always wrap the pack in cloth before applying to the pet. 
• Extra Towels, Blankets and Wash Cloths
• Benadryl (generic name diphenhydramine) for allergic reactions and insect stings - ALWAYS consult a vet for proper dosage. 
• Lastly, make sure you include a list of important phone numbers like your veterinarian, emergency pet hospital and animal poison control inside your kit so you don't have to hunt them down in a crisis.

Want to go high tech? There are now apps available for your smartphone that will keep you in the know wherever you go. One is Jive Media's Pet First Aid App and another is Pet Saver by Pet Tech. While they both are available for a small fee (under $5), it can be worth it to have help when your fur-kid is down for the count.

Lastly, if you want to make more of an investment in being prepared for pet emergencies, your local Red Cross chapter offers pet first aid courses that go over many different possible situations.

With the internet, we can access articles, websites and apps, but they are no substitute for proper veterinary medical care for your pet. If you're not sure, it's always best to consult your vet.

Blog Dog - Nina

Meet Nina, our first Blog Dog for 2012!

This sweet & petite little girl is only 5 months old with a really pretty silver toned coat. She jumped into the GSROC lifeboat and is looking for an energetic and active person to give her a fur-ever home! Are you that person? Check out her web page for more information. 

Wags and Wishes

Although Christmas has passed, each of the dogs in the GSROC lifeboat will continue to need support and care in the coming year. We are often asked what they need, and when we asked the dogs, this is the wish list they shared:

• Sponsors for individual dogs
• Frontline for Dogs and/or K9 Advantix
• Petsmart or Petco Gift Cards in any amount
• Rawhide chew bones (large)
• Rawhide chew strips (large)
• Dog treats -- healthy quality
• Premium quality dog food (e.g. Lamb and Rice)
• 22" - 24" choke chains for training
• Large and Extra Large Vari-Kennels
• Rolls of postage stamps (for mailings)
• Print and Copy Services
• Grooming services
• Advertising in various media
• Free or low cost spay & neuter surgeries
• Items for resale to benefit the dogs
• Garage Sale or Ebay items in good condition
• Heavy duty air purifiers for foster home use
• Volunteers to help spread the word
• Donations in any amount
• Links from your company or personal website to www.gsroc.org
• Office supplies (e.g. green portfolio folders, astrobrite paper, sheet protectors, brochure holders, etc.)
• Prepaid Phone Cards (for outbound calls)
• Prepaid Gas Cards (for veterinary transports)
• Desktop Copy Machine
• Erasable White Board
• Rolls of paper towel
• Puppy "Wee Wee" Pads
• Elevated "Kuranda style" beds for large dogs
• Martingale collars, all sizes
• Postage stamps and office supplies

Every donation is appreciated. Because GSROC is 100% volunteer-run, all contributions go to benefit the dogs. We are also thankful to those who share the link to the GSROC website through their social networks.