2008 Events GOLDEN DAYS Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc (SEVA GRREAT) is a non-profit volunteer organization that rescues and finds homes for unwanted and abandoned Golden Retrievers. SEVA GRREAT holds a Golden Day Open House once a month to allow the public to come out and see what the organization is all about and to meet some of the rescued dogs. No adoptions are done at the open house, but applications, rescue information, and SEVA GRREAT merchandise are available. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Membership meetings are held four times a year. They are free and open to the public and usually have a guest speaker talking on a dog-related subject. The meetings are held at various locations depending on the subject and speaker. (See the individual date for more details.) Election of new officers are held at the November meeting at the Northampton Library (see directions under meeting details). Please check for updates one week before the scheduled event for confirmation of date, location, and directions. Updated information can be found on this web page or by calling the SEVA GRREAT information line at (757) 827-8561.

July 2008 Saturday, 19th Virginia State Parks "Dog Days of Summer" at the York River State Park in Williamsburg (Croaker/Norge exit). 10AM to 2PM. Sunday, 27th GRREAT General Membership Meeting at Bass Pro Shops in Hampton from 2PM to 4PM.   Helen Noles will be our guest speaker to talk to us about Good Citizen and Therapy Dog testing.  Read on for some details about the topic. Several of our volunteers and members have asked about the requirements and testing for therapy dogs.  At our July 27th general membership meeting, we will have a presentation from Helen Noles on the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program and Therapy Dogs International.    The AKC started the Canine Good Citizen program in 1989 as a means of rewarding dogs who were well-behaved companions at home and in the community.  The goals of the Canine Good Citizen program are to 1) teach responsible dog ownership to owners and 2) reward owners that provide basic training to their dogs and dogs that have good manners.  The key component of the CGC Program is the 10-step CGC test.  All dogs (purebreds and mixed breeds) who pass the CGC test receive a certificated from the AKC.  Earning the CGC award will ensure that your dog is a well-respected member of your community and it provides an excellent foundation for all other training.  Some therapy dogs groups require the CGC as a prerequisite for therapy work.  Therapy Dogs International, Inc (TDI) is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed.  Canine membership in TDI includes both purebred and mixed breed dogs.  All dogs are tested and evaluated for Therapy Dog work by certified TDI evaluators.  While many dogs provide love and companionship in the home, not all dogs are qualified or have the temperament suited to be a Therapy Dog.  If you are interested in learning more details about the Canine Good Citizen program or Therapy Dogs International, please join us on Sunday, July 27th from 2 until 4 PM at Bass Pro Shops in Hampton.  Please note that testing for these programs will not be conducted at this meeting.  This is an informational session and presentation only.  For additional information please contact Suzanne Williams at bubbasue1 (at) cox (dot) net or at 757-593-1357.  We hope you can join us.

Pictures from our Past Events: Bark in the Park, Williamsburg, April 2008 Golden Days at Short Pump, March 2008 Santa Claws and Golden Days, December 2007 The GRREAT Picnic, October 2007 Bark in the Park, Chesapeake City Park, October 2007 SEVA GRREAT at Langley Speedway, June 2007 Training and General Membership Meeting, June 2007 The Easter Event at Bass Pro, April 2007 Golden Days, Jan/Feb 2007 SEVA GRREAT at the Norfolk Admirals Game, November 2006

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