AGA Newsletter #121 - Year's End

[Lana Henley]

A TOAST: TO THE PLACEMENT OF MORE GREYS IN 2012!

NEVER STOP IMPROVING
At this time of year and the approaching start of another, our society
tends to do some reflection. It makes resolutions to one’s self and
others. Some come to pass, and some fall by the wayside. If the title
line seems a little familiar, Lowe's Home Improvement has changed its
policy or slogan for customer service after sixty four years. It was
nice of them to catch up to AGA’s way of doing business and adopter
communication. Each and every day I find or hear of how members of our
adoption family have found a way to raise the bar of AGA. This year
some of our activities included our first-ever AGA Cookbook, an AGA
2012 Calendar, Chuy's Christmas Parade with terrific attendance, an
AGA Christmas Party, broadening the scope of our Face Book presence,
an online AGA store where we can sell products, Santa pictures with
the hounds, and an AGA picnic. Not to mention increased attendance at
our Meet & Greets by both Fosters and previous adopters. This was all
done in spite of battling stifling one hundred degree heat,
devastating fires, and economic pressure coming at us on all sides.
AGA does indeed "never stop improving". Placement of the greyt hounds
was, as you can imagine, a little spotty this year. However, Saint
Nick and Baby New Year teamed up to give us a hand.

My sincere thanks goes out to each and every one of you. Without
"YOU", none of this is possible. Hope you had a super Christmas, a
safe and happy New Year, and don't forget, "Hug Them Hounds".

Lantana is being adopted by Mac & Rob Shelton. She’s been with them
for a while now and has made a graceful transition from motherhood to
retirement.
Ozzie has been adopted by Laura Chamberlain.
Oh My Gosh aka Gigi has been adopted by Ashley Carr & Collin Bost
Captain Flax aka Picasso has been adopted by Michele Truhlik.

We have eight fosters: Power Broker, Inside Man, Venetian, Sycamore,
Isla, Socialite, Zingara and Dixie (let's get new bios for them if
needed). Burlesque, Phoebe and Dalcash Jaci are visiting prospective
new homes.

ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE CAUTION
Fireworks! Enough said. Four things to try:
1. Rescue Remedy – it’s a vial found in HEB which can be used by
human and hound alike. One dropper BEFORE the fireworks start may
help.
2. Thunder Coat – it wraps them snuggly to mimic being in a safe
place
3. Calming Collar – recommended by Dr. Lisa Willis, Great Oaks Animal
Hospital. It mimics that pheromone that the mother dog produces to
calm and reassure her puppies, and the lavender and chamomile provide
a soothing fragrance. Dogs recognize these pheromones throughout
life. It mimics the natural way to help dogs cope with new and
fearful situations. Good for 30 days – seal in plastic bag when not
in use to prolong the effect. PETCO has them.
4. Diffuser – expensive. Limited to the confines of one room. PETCO
has them.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LEAVE THEM IN THE GARAGE OR SHUT UP IN
A ROOM. It only serves to heighten the anxiety. Whatever you choose,
ADMINISTER BEFORE FIREWORKS START.

BIG BUYER STILL MISSING. CAN YOU HELP?
You’ve seen the two previous emergency notifications. As of this
writing Big Buyer aka Clyde and his German Shepherd friend are still
missing. Call Kenna if you can help search. An announcement comes
out today in the area newspaper – hopefully, someone has taken them in
and will be glad to get rid of them! Please keep your prayers and
positive vibes headed their way. A notice will be sent out the minute
we find them.

HAPPY HOUND NEW YEAR! BOB SAID IT: HUG THEM HOUNDS.