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Heya, all,
In an attempt to simplify my life, I am moving all my blogs to ONE site. As my friend ArtofthFirebird keeps pointing out, we are polymaths, and we don't "brand" ourselves really well.
Come visit this blog at http://fourtailslampwork.wordpress.com/blog/
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Gator Goes Visiting
The holidays can be stressful for dogs. If they are staying at home, their family's routine often changes. There may be new people cming and going, new smells, even new items in the house. If the family is traveling, their dogs may be boarded or may stay with friends. Either way, it's a totally new environment for the dogs, and while it's exciting (new smells! new people! Other dogs!) it can be stressful, too. It isn't uncommon for there to be lapses in training.
I am happy to say that both gator and Justin have made their holiday transitions with flying colors. Justin is having some R&R -- Rascal and Roxy. They started playing as if they had never been apart. Justin and Rascal trade beds, and Roxy, to her great surprise, found that she missed Gator--she keeps trying to get Justin to play, and he is aware that she is the alpha in her own house, and just rolls over. Today he is going to his second vacation home, Bed and Biscuit run by Jim Stovall.
Gator is staying with a vacation foster for Adopt-a-Golden, and he too has behaved very well. She can trust him out at night--no accidents -- and he has been non-destructive. He plays well with their dogs, and respects the alpha of his vacation mom's pack. All in all, for an adolescent dog, he is as good as any boy can be. He has had a little adjustment--he put paws on the counter, and ripped up a snowman decoration. His vacation mom said that Gator had finished his chew toys, and that when he has comething okay to chew that he doesn't chew on anything else. She thinks that the decoration looked like a chew toy to Mr. Gator.
So all in all my boys are doing very well. Gator's experience vacation fostering should make him more attractive to a Forever Home, too -- if he behaves this well during the holidays, then he will be good for his forever home, too. Within the limits of being a young adolescent boy, mind you ... but that is true of every dog. So adopt that boy with donfidence!
I am happy to say that both gator and Justin have made their holiday transitions with flying colors. Justin is having some R&R -- Rascal and Roxy. They started playing as if they had never been apart. Justin and Rascal trade beds, and Roxy, to her great surprise, found that she missed Gator--she keeps trying to get Justin to play, and he is aware that she is the alpha in her own house, and just rolls over. Today he is going to his second vacation home, Bed and Biscuit run by Jim Stovall.
Gator is staying with a vacation foster for Adopt-a-Golden, and he too has behaved very well. She can trust him out at night--no accidents -- and he has been non-destructive. He plays well with their dogs, and respects the alpha of his vacation mom's pack. All in all, for an adolescent dog, he is as good as any boy can be. He has had a little adjustment--he put paws on the counter, and ripped up a snowman decoration. His vacation mom said that Gator had finished his chew toys, and that when he has comething okay to chew that he doesn't chew on anything else. She thinks that the decoration looked like a chew toy to Mr. Gator.
So all in all my boys are doing very well. Gator's experience vacation fostering should make him more attractive to a Forever Home, too -- if he behaves this well during the holidays, then he will be good for his forever home, too. Within the limits of being a young adolescent boy, mind you ... but that is true of every dog. So adopt that boy with donfidence!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
I Need A New Name!
Poor Mr. InvestiGator. He's fallen in love with three families now, and they with him. The first family decided he was just not quite the right fit for them--almost, but not quite. The second family adopted from a local shelter, and the third decided that they really really wanted a traditional Golden rather than a Lab with a Golden heart. This poor boy really really needs a home and family to love! I have mislaid my camera, alas, but there are older pictures here.
Meanwhile, Gator has made lots of progress. His SIT is solid, and his DOWN is almost as good. To help him control the wiggles, I am making him SIT for longer and longer periods before I put his dog food in his crate. He isn't happy about it, and his whole body shimmers and wriggles, but he is managing it. He now will leave Justin's food alone if I tell him to; his walk manners are pretty good by the middle of our walks; his housebreaking is solid; and he continues to be non destructive in the house; I can trust him loose. If, that is, I put up the trash :) Now we need to work on not jumping, and in making him SIT for treats, leash, food, etc I am laying the foundation for sit-to-greet.
On the other hand ... Alustryl has suggested that a new name would be in order. This can be a touchy subject at AGA, but I'd like to get suggestions. Kepa, for a wonderful student of mine who was just so enthusiastic about everything? Happy or Goofy? He is NOT Bashful or Grumpy, for sure. What say you?
Meanwhile, Gator has made lots of progress. His SIT is solid, and his DOWN is almost as good. To help him control the wiggles, I am making him SIT for longer and longer periods before I put his dog food in his crate. He isn't happy about it, and his whole body shimmers and wriggles, but he is managing it. He now will leave Justin's food alone if I tell him to; his walk manners are pretty good by the middle of our walks; his housebreaking is solid; and he continues to be non destructive in the house; I can trust him loose. If, that is, I put up the trash :) Now we need to work on not jumping, and in making him SIT for treats, leash, food, etc I am laying the foundation for sit-to-greet.
On the other hand ... Alustryl has suggested that a new name would be in order. This can be a touchy subject at AGA, but I'd like to get suggestions. Kepa, for a wonderful student of mine who was just so enthusiastic about everything? Happy or Goofy? He is NOT Bashful or Grumpy, for sure. What say you?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
AGA Mention in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution!
Well, look at this! The leader of AGA has been profiled in the Atlanta Journal Constitution! You can follow the link or read the text below. Meanwhile, if you are looking for pictures of Gator the Magnificent, search using "Gator" or just keep scrolling down.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Of clients and canines
Advertising, dog rescue are executive’s twin passions.Both have emotional basis, CEO says.
By Mary Welch
For the AJC
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Lauren Genkinger, CEO of TG Madison, a $42 million ad agency, sits at her desk on the 28th floor of Tower Place in Atlanta talking to a client. Also attending the meeting is Trooper, one of her four golden retrievers, resting at her feet.
Genkinger is balancing her two loves —- advertising and golden retrievers.
In 1986, she and Joanne Truffleman started TG Madison without any clients.
In 2003, she founded Adopt a Golden (www.adoptagolden atlanta.com), now the nation’s sixth-largest golden retriever rescue group.
A University of Florida graduate, Genkinger went into advertising but found that women were not accepted into account service.
“You could go into creative, research or media,” she said. “I went into research and got a job at Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis.”
She spent seven years there, but after a record cold spell, she headed back south. In 1978, she went to McDonald & Little, an agency whose creativity and antics are still legendary.
She had dual roles: senior vice president of account service and research director.
Dave Fitzgerald, CEO of Fitzgerald + Co., a $250 million agency, was at McDonald & Little with Genkinger. “Lauren was always the smartest person in the room,” he said. “She always did her homework and got to all the important issues that would add great value to what the strategy was.”
Fitzgerald agreed that advertising in those days was hostile to women. “I don’t think anyone thought about it,” he said. “… It was a very tough time for a woman to be taken seriously, and Lauren always was.”
Another woman at the agency was Truffleman, who eventually left to join the Coca-Cola Co. McDonald & Little fell on hard times, and Genkinger joined another ad agency, Burton Campbell; it wasn’t a match made in heaven. Truffleman, however, was happy at Coca-Cola.
Regardless, Genkinger called her and brought up the idea of going into business together.
“There comes a point in your life,” Truffleman said, “where if you’re going to go out on your own, you either do it or it becomes too late.”
They chose a name that didn’t reveal their gender. The initials stand for their last names, and Madison for Madison Avenue. Although they are a female-owned business, they do not go after “women-oriented accounts.”
The two were hired by Cotton States Insurance Co. to find it an ad agency. Before the search ended, TG Madison had its first client, and it grew from there.
Genkinger also wanted an escape from advertising. She joined Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, which rescues golden retrievers from shelters and takes in strays. She realized there were families that needed to turn in their goldens and that they should not be forced to go to a shelter to do it. She formed Adopt a Golden to take in owner-surrendered dogs and help with shelters when needed.
The first dog was surrendered by a soldier going to Iraq. “He was very distraught,” Genkinger said. “He didn’t want to take his best friend to a shelter. Owner-surrenders at many shelters are put down within 24 hours; if they’re lucky, 72 hours. We were able to take the dog in and promise that soldier that we would find a loving home for his dog. He deserved that peace of mind, and the dog deserved a great home, which he got.”
Genkinger believes rescue groups help three parties: obviously the dog, but also two families. “We help families who have to surrender their dogs know they are doing the right thing. And the family that adopts the dog is changed for life.”
Adopt a Golden has rescued more than 1,800 goldens and Great Pyrenees. Last year, it rescued 365 dogs; this year, between 400 and 450 dogs. Adopt a Golden takes in a dog, gives it a physical, including spaying or neutering, and microchips it. Some require obedience training; others serious medical intervention. Thirty percent have heartworms, which costs $500 to treat. Others, like Trooper, were victims of being on the road.
It costs an average of $700 to rescue a dog; the adoption fee is $300 to $350. This year’s operating budget is $350,000; in 2010, it’ll be $450,000.
“We lose money on each dog, but we do what has to be done. We never turn a dog away, and we will never let a golden die in a shelter,” she says.
David York, owner of Barking Hound Village and the head of Fulton County Animal Control, said that Genkinger is “a certified, passionate dog lover, and AGA is one of the great animal rescues. She does a great job finding homes as well as rehabilitating dogs. She makes it happen for the animals.”
Genkinger sees what advertising and dog rescue have in common. “Working with the rescue is very emotional, and in advertising, we aim to reach the consumer’s emotions. There’s an emotional connection —- just like helping a family get a dog to love.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Of clients and canines
Advertising, dog rescue are executive’s twin passions.Both have emotional basis, CEO says.
By Mary Welch
For the AJC
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Lauren Genkinger, CEO of TG Madison, a $42 million ad agency, sits at her desk on the 28th floor of Tower Place in Atlanta talking to a client. Also attending the meeting is Trooper, one of her four golden retrievers, resting at her feet.
Genkinger is balancing her two loves —- advertising and golden retrievers.
In 1986, she and Joanne Truffleman started TG Madison without any clients.
In 2003, she founded Adopt a Golden (www.adoptagolden atlanta.com), now the nation’s sixth-largest golden retriever rescue group.
A University of Florida graduate, Genkinger went into advertising but found that women were not accepted into account service.
“You could go into creative, research or media,” she said. “I went into research and got a job at Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis.”
She spent seven years there, but after a record cold spell, she headed back south. In 1978, she went to McDonald & Little, an agency whose creativity and antics are still legendary.
She had dual roles: senior vice president of account service and research director.
Dave Fitzgerald, CEO of Fitzgerald + Co., a $250 million agency, was at McDonald & Little with Genkinger. “Lauren was always the smartest person in the room,” he said. “She always did her homework and got to all the important issues that would add great value to what the strategy was.”
Fitzgerald agreed that advertising in those days was hostile to women. “I don’t think anyone thought about it,” he said. “… It was a very tough time for a woman to be taken seriously, and Lauren always was.”
Another woman at the agency was Truffleman, who eventually left to join the Coca-Cola Co. McDonald & Little fell on hard times, and Genkinger joined another ad agency, Burton Campbell; it wasn’t a match made in heaven. Truffleman, however, was happy at Coca-Cola.
Regardless, Genkinger called her and brought up the idea of going into business together.
“There comes a point in your life,” Truffleman said, “where if you’re going to go out on your own, you either do it or it becomes too late.”
They chose a name that didn’t reveal their gender. The initials stand for their last names, and Madison for Madison Avenue. Although they are a female-owned business, they do not go after “women-oriented accounts.”
The two were hired by Cotton States Insurance Co. to find it an ad agency. Before the search ended, TG Madison had its first client, and it grew from there.
Genkinger also wanted an escape from advertising. She joined Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, which rescues golden retrievers from shelters and takes in strays. She realized there were families that needed to turn in their goldens and that they should not be forced to go to a shelter to do it. She formed Adopt a Golden to take in owner-surrendered dogs and help with shelters when needed.
The first dog was surrendered by a soldier going to Iraq. “He was very distraught,” Genkinger said. “He didn’t want to take his best friend to a shelter. Owner-surrenders at many shelters are put down within 24 hours; if they’re lucky, 72 hours. We were able to take the dog in and promise that soldier that we would find a loving home for his dog. He deserved that peace of mind, and the dog deserved a great home, which he got.”
Genkinger believes rescue groups help three parties: obviously the dog, but also two families. “We help families who have to surrender their dogs know they are doing the right thing. And the family that adopts the dog is changed for life.”
Adopt a Golden has rescued more than 1,800 goldens and Great Pyrenees. Last year, it rescued 365 dogs; this year, between 400 and 450 dogs. Adopt a Golden takes in a dog, gives it a physical, including spaying or neutering, and microchips it. Some require obedience training; others serious medical intervention. Thirty percent have heartworms, which costs $500 to treat. Others, like Trooper, were victims of being on the road.
It costs an average of $700 to rescue a dog; the adoption fee is $300 to $350. This year’s operating budget is $350,000; in 2010, it’ll be $450,000.
“We lose money on each dog, but we do what has to be done. We never turn a dog away, and we will never let a golden die in a shelter,” she says.
David York, owner of Barking Hound Village and the head of Fulton County Animal Control, said that Genkinger is “a certified, passionate dog lover, and AGA is one of the great animal rescues. She does a great job finding homes as well as rehabilitating dogs. She makes it happen for the animals.”
Genkinger sees what advertising and dog rescue have in common. “Working with the rescue is very emotional, and in advertising, we aim to reach the consumer’s emotions. There’s an emotional connection —- just like helping a family get a dog to love.”
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monthly Adoption Day
The monthly adoption day is coming up! If you're in the Atlanta area, visit the Buckhead PetSmart on Sunday, December 6, 2009 between 12-2 pm to see most of our fantastic adoptable dogs!
Here's a map:
View Larger Map
If you can't make it to Adoption Day, but you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please fill out an application form at Adopt-a-Golden Atlanta. The dogs you see here on this blog are ONLY available through the adoption process at Adopt-a-Golden or at Adoption Day. No, repeat, no other adoptions will be admitted.
Here is the information about adopting from the Adopt-a-Golden Website:
"The process for adopting one of our Golden Retriever[s] starts with completing an application and submitting a non-refundable $20 application fee. The adoption donation fee (which is tax deductible) varies according to the age of the dog. See application for specifics. Adoption fees go to help offset the medical costs we incur for our dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, given all vaccines, and are treated for infections and allergies if needed. Serious medical problems are also treated. Fees also are used for behavioral training and boarding facilities.
Our application asks questions regarding your history with dogs, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a Golden Retriever. Once your payment and application have been received, it will be reviewed, and references will be contacted. You will be called for a phone interview and a home visit by one of our volunteers. ALL family members must be present for the home visit.
The volunteer will be looking for information on where the dog will spend the day and evening, and whether you have adequate space as well as an understanding of the needs of a Golden. We require that all of our dogs be “inside dogs”. Goldens are very unhappy if left outside unattended, even if they are with another dog. After your home check, one of our volunteers will work with you to match your family to the perfect dog.
Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your dog will be a part of your family for a long time, and can provide you with years of enjoyment and wonderful memories. Our goal is to ensure that all our dogs find permanent loving homes and each applicant finds the perfect dog.
For an adoption application, please click below. Or, simply call 404-DOGLESS (404-364-5377) and provide your name and address and an application form will be sent to you!
Thank you for interest in giving a wonderful home to one of our deserving dogs!"
Here's the link again to an application form.
Here's a map:
View Larger Map
If you can't make it to Adoption Day, but you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please fill out an application form at Adopt-a-Golden Atlanta. The dogs you see here on this blog are ONLY available through the adoption process at Adopt-a-Golden or at Adoption Day. No, repeat, no other adoptions will be admitted.
Here is the information about adopting from the Adopt-a-Golden Website:
"The process for adopting one of our Golden Retriever[s] starts with completing an application and submitting a non-refundable $20 application fee. The adoption donation fee (which is tax deductible) varies according to the age of the dog. See application for specifics. Adoption fees go to help offset the medical costs we incur for our dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, given all vaccines, and are treated for infections and allergies if needed. Serious medical problems are also treated. Fees also are used for behavioral training and boarding facilities.
Our application asks questions regarding your history with dogs, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a Golden Retriever. Once your payment and application have been received, it will be reviewed, and references will be contacted. You will be called for a phone interview and a home visit by one of our volunteers. ALL family members must be present for the home visit.
The volunteer will be looking for information on where the dog will spend the day and evening, and whether you have adequate space as well as an understanding of the needs of a Golden. We require that all of our dogs be “inside dogs”. Goldens are very unhappy if left outside unattended, even if they are with another dog. After your home check, one of our volunteers will work with you to match your family to the perfect dog.
Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your dog will be a part of your family for a long time, and can provide you with years of enjoyment and wonderful memories. Our goal is to ensure that all our dogs find permanent loving homes and each applicant finds the perfect dog.
For an adoption application, please click below. Or, simply call 404-DOGLESS (404-364-5377) and provide your name and address and an application form will be sent to you!
Thank you for interest in giving a wonderful home to one of our deserving dogs!"
Here's the link again to an application form.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Forever Home Song, Again
I apologize for the earworm. Okay, I don't -- maybe you'll want to take home my sweet Gator!
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas.
Only a real Forever Home will do
Don't want a Kong, no dinky bones or toys,
Want a Forever Family to play with and enjoy
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas,
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to bring me rawhide, bones or toys,
Just bring me through the front door,
that's the easy thing, oh boy!
I can see me now on Christmas morning
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side.
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes
And real forever homes will like me too!
(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
Some say that I'm too small and that I'm not pure bred,
My foster mom Andrea says that they're soft in the head!
(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
There's lots of room for me in your warm family house!
I'll love you and play with you and be quiet as a mouse!
I can see me now on Christmas morning,
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side!
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes!
And real forever homes will like me too!
(With apologies to Jon Rox's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".)
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas.
Only a real Forever Home will do
Don't want a Kong, no dinky bones or toys,
Want a Forever Family to play with and enjoy
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas,
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to bring me rawhide, bones or toys,
Just bring me through the front door,
that's the easy thing, oh boy!
I can see me now on Christmas morning
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side.
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes
And real forever homes will like me too!
(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
Some say that I'm too small and that I'm not pure bred,
My foster mom Andrea says that they're soft in the head!
(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
There's lots of room for me in your warm family house!
I'll love you and play with you and be quiet as a mouse!
I can see me now on Christmas morning,
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side!
I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes!
And real forever homes will like me too!
(With apologies to Jon Rox's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Morning of Great Improvement
We have hade a number of improvements here at Camp Fur. 1) Gator did not inhale his entire bowl of food at once, but stopped to breathe for at least ten minutes, leaving food in his bowl. 2) Gator has decided that Roxy is the alpha in the pack, and life at Camp Fur is more peaceful. He's a persistent and ambitious boy, but he is also a good canine citizen, and will accept his place in the dog pack. The issue he and Justin have is that Justin is *my* dog, and knows it, and is neither willing to give up the alpha position nor is really able to maintain it, being ThetaDog :) With a strong alpha, Gator becomes very well behaved indeed. He even left the food in Roxy's bowl alone! Now that's a good boy--and one who is figuring out that food *will* be there.
3) As I would not allow Roxy to investigate the cats to the degree she wanted to (friendly, but wanting them to behave like dogs), and since *they* got to be on the bed but *she* didn't (and she tried, a number of times), she has decided that I am indeed the Alpha Bitch of the pack and keeps all the others on their Very Best Behavior.
4) I found a Sporn double leash at PetSupermarket (where I had a store credit), which will make walking the four of them much easier. Yesterday I improvised, with a long double snap handle, but today should be simpler. Speaking of that, time to work so I *can* walk them!
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