GreatPyrAtlanta.com - Great Pyrenees Rescue Organization Serving Atlanta and the Southeast: Who We Are

Join Us for Our Next Adoption Days: Saturday, May 11th and June 1st, 2013! Come meet our cool dogs! - Click here for info

NEWSLETTER:
Read the May issue of THE PYRENEES POST

NEXT ADOPTION DAYS:
June 1st
11 am-1 pm
Dunwoody Petsmart, 128 Perimeter Center W, Atlanta, GA 30346
770-481-0043

LATEST NEWS:

Good Day Pet - April 24: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Yoda Featured on Fox 5 News:

Rescue Group Offers Help for Great Pyrenees: MyFoxATLANTA.com

GPRA Update - April 21st

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Less than three short weeks ago, Lazarus was pathetic with mange, emaciated and barely alive. Today he is 20 lbs. heavier, on the mend and feeling great in his new environment.

John

GPRA Update - April 14th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's all good!!! With 2 weeks to go until Gentle Giants in the Park, we have 97 Giants and 212 humans planning to attend. We had just over 100 Giants last year and I think we can shatter that this year. This is the largest congregation of GPs in the history of the world so if you want to be part of this, please go to gentlegiants2013@gmail.com and let us know who will be attending on Sunday April 28th from 3 - 5 PM. Our GPRA raffle has now surpassed $20,000 and we think there is quite a bit still outstanding so please send your stubs and check to the GPRA mailbox on the website.

Great Saint puppy pictures coming your way. You will not believe the change!!!

We often say our foster families are our lifeblood, and they are. Foster families take our new rescues and evaluate, nurture and love them. They do the "heavy lifting" and prepare our PYR for their forever family. It takes a special family to make this investment. Some are easy, some are hard but all are gratifying. Jenn Cole has been our Foster Director and is stepping down but will continue to stay involved with GPRA. Jenn has done a fantastic job keeping our many rescues out of boarding. It is incredibly difficult for our walkers to coerce these gentle creatures back into their boarding cages when they so desperately crave attention. We board our GPs at PetLodge Resort in Alpharetta and you cannot find a better place but it is heartbreaking to look into their eyes and walk away. Bonnie Kennedy is taking over the foster responsibilities and we wish her every success in this critical role.

Thank you,

John

GPRA Update - April 11th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's time to send in your raffle stubs and check to our mailbox. We are up to $18,000 in the raffle thanks to our phenomenal GPRA base. Every dollar, after the $10,000 raffle winner and park rental, goes directly to mending and curing the Gentle Giants in need. Other than AGA, I am aware of no other rescue that takes the sickest and most needy and rescues in the volume of GPRA. Please participate if you can as you just might be $10,000 richer as a result.

It's time to email gentlegiants2013@gmail.com to sign up your PYR for Gentle Giants in the Park on Sunday April 28 from 3 - 5. We are already up to 180 humans and 75 Gentle Giants. Jenkins and Journey will be there!!!

It's time to consider fostering one of our BIG BOYS that are in boarding. We have a large group of great looking and laid back males that have just arrived. Check the website tomorrow to view Teddy, Ben, Paddy, Bruce, Archer, Knox, blue eyed Big Boy and female Elegant who are all boarding at PetLodge resort in Alpharetta. Let us know if you can visit them.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the 28th.

John

GPRA Update - April 5th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

We rescued the pathetic mange PYR, we named Lazarus, in the nick of time. Thanks to the many of you who offered to foster him. He is about 3, hairless and emaciated. His skin is like that of an elephant. His immune system is severely repressed and he will need to be in isolation for a month and will require continued injections of antibiotics. The good news is he is heart worm negative and he is not injured. We are hoping to move him after the first week to Sherry, a nurse, who will give him his injections and keep him in isolation away from their GPRA Giants.

We are getting inundated with these beautiful dogs. I just can't believe how many are out there.

Please send in your raffle stubs and checks as we are now up to $14,000.

We plan to break our world record of 100+ Giants that we set last year at the first Gentle Giants in the Park so go to gentlegiants2013@gmail.com and register. In addition to the $10,000 raffle, DJ and food, there will be a PYR treat walk, a PYR obstacle course, PYR sit PYR, PYR training, face painting and GPRA merchandise. Susan needs volunteers to help, especially teenagers.

Thank you,

John

GPRA Update - April 2nd

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Can't wait to get our hands on him. He will now have a great life. John

>>Subject: Fwd: Few pictures of the Florence GP

>>This guy is in horrible shape, looks like he has been in misery for a very long time.(Heartbreaking) He is so sweet though. Thank you for taking him. Can't wait to see him all better!!

GPRA Update - April 1st

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Every now and then we get a really bad case that is beyond the more typical heart worm positive or broken boned that we need a special person or family to nurture. In every case, from Korrine to Yoda, these dogs end up healthy, stunning and rewarding.This Giant in Alabama will be another success story. Please let me know if you can foster this guy. We will take him in and find out what needs to be addressed and report back.

John

>>Subject: FW: Great Pyr in Florence shelter needs rescue!!

>>Can you guys take this boy? He is urgent. Amber says sarcoptic mange, starved and has some type of injury.

GPRA Update - March 19th

Here is a little video from yesterday

https://vimeo.com/62060756

GPRA Update - March 17th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

If you want to smile, look at the pictures Philip took today of our Great Saint puppies and Mom Nanny.

John

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/afz1sohq042v10u/yo5FxUDDjF

GPRA Update - March 14th

Learning to walk video!

starting_to_walk.mov

GPRA Update - March 17th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

If you want to smile, look at the pictures Philip took today of our Great Saint puppies and Mom Nanny.

John

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/afz1sohq042v10u/yo5FxUDDjF

GPRA Update - March 11th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

If you have a Gentle Giant, you know what they are famous for - the PYR PAW. Our new Tee Shirt (below) will be going up on the website. They will be available at Gentle Giants in the Park on April 28th but if you want one in the next few weeks, advise Susan Edwards your size or sizes. We already have enormous response to Gentle Giants in the Park so advise if you plan to attend with your Giant. We already have $5,000 in returned stubs for the raffle and we hope you do your share.

Pictures of the Great Saint puppies will be forthcoming and they are beyond adorable. We have so much going on that we did not properly recognize the fact that we rescued # 500 named Panda and are now actually on 509 and have already rescued 45 this year. We have much to celebrate on April 28th.

Thank you,

John

GPRA Update - March 5th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

How creative and professional is Philip's Atlanta Marathon video??? Worth the wait!!! https://vimeo.com/61095735.

John

GPRA Update - march 3rd

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Number 10 puppy, Panda, is GPRA # 500 rescue!!! Hard to believe in three short years our GPRA Family could accomplish this much. We will follow the puppies growth together and I will have more input on the Raffle, Gentle Giants in the Park on Sunday April 28th and our new tee shirt that you will love.

John

GPRA Update - February 28th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Mom & pups

John

GPRA Update - February 28th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Ten sleeping pups!

John

GPRA Update - February 25th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Our recently adopted and pregnant rescue Nanny, gave birth this afternoon and early this evening to 10 healthy and enormous puppies!!! The happy and relieved Mom had 5 boys and 5 girls. The largest was a 16.25 lb. female and we believe the puppies to be Great Pyrenees and St. Bernard. Lori, Eric and their 8 year old daughter will be naming them and we should shortly have more pictures of our GREAT SAINTS!!!

John

GPRA Update - February 21st

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Due to popular demand and better than the Puppy Bowl, more Presidential video.

John

GPRA Update - January 23rd

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's all good news as our adopters, fosters and volunteers continue to amaze. Moose is happy with Olivia in his forever home. Nicholas, following his surgery, was adopted by a wonderful family. Our deaf puppy Sheba arrives tomorrow and will be fostered by our medical director Jennifer and Andy. We had 10 offers to foster Sheba and now we will get updated pictures and a personality evaluation for her ultimate adopter. Conner had his second heart worm shot and still needs a foster. He is a sweetheart GP and should not have to recuperate in boarding.

We have many incoming that are not yet up on the website including a fully vetted big male named Murphy and two outside GP sisters, Blondie and Sissie.

SAVE SUNDAY APRIL 29 for the second annual Gentle Giants in the Park. We had over 100 GPs last year. Let's shoot for 200 this year!!!. We plan to announce a BIG fundraiser in conjunction with this event shortly.

John

GPRA Update - January 10th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

We have had a number of families express a desire to adopt Moose and we have decided that the best forever home for Moose is with Olivia. Olivia has adopted from GPRA, has a couple of dogs and is extraordinarily nurturing and caring. She met Moose today and he will be leaving Kate's family tomorrow to go to his new forever home.

The new year is off to a bang as we have rescued a Gentle Giant a day and are overloaded in boarding at PetLodge Resort in Alpharetta. Let us know if you want to visit and meet the 10 available to foster. Halo, Sheba, Kelly, Nanny and Irene are easy. Pearl and Fiona need to be only dogs. Louie is back and Conner is a sweetheart that has had one heart worm shot, will need another and does not deserve to be in boarding. We have just taken in Princess Di who is 14 years old!!! She does not deserve to be in boarding. Please let us know if you can foster as we cannot rescue more with this many in boarding.

As a matter of interest, and after almost 500 rescues, I can tell you that the life span of Gentle Giants is 12 - 15 years. There are obviously exceptions but the many adopters that have come to us after losing their GP, have had a range of 11 - 19 years. You will read that large breeds avg. 10 - 12 years. We have seen one cancer and very few hip problems and I firmly believe, whether because they are not inbred or just due to their make up, Great Pyrenees are generally very healthy dogs.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - December 10th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

We are taking a great looking 8 month old GP/St. Bernard puppy. Read his story and scroll down to see pictures. I just spoke with this wonderful woman who lives on 20 acres and her dog, JJ, roams onto her neighbor's pasture and he has threatened to shoot him. We need a foster asap. Last month we had 9 GP/St. Bernard puppies that were adopted in a few days and JJ is a grand slam. He belongs in a forever home before the holidays.
We are also taking in two 1 year old brothers, Kris and Kringle, and have Nicholas in isolation for 10 days due to a leg infection. They, along with Sheba, are great looking, laid back GPs that need fostering. Pictures will be up on the website shortly.
Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - December 6th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

2012 has been a stellar year for GPRA. Due to high medical costs most rescues reported lower numbers in 2012 than 2011. Due to their size and general breed unfamiliarity, GPs are difficult to rescue and even harder to adopt out. We know GPs are phenomenal family dogs and thanks to our substantial volunteer base and remarkable foster family network, we will rescue more this year than last and will hit # 500 rescue early next year. More importantly, our Giants are being placed into wonderful forever homes and are thriving as a result. Many of you have experienced the reward of rescuing, transporting, walking, fostering or adopting one of these unique creatures and you therefore understand why we do this. It is a privilege. I would like to recognize our very active board of directors, who each lead a critical phase of GPRA and who are passionate about their roles and a pleasure to work with.

Debbie Quesenberrry - Treasurer

Lisle Nolan - Director of Operations

Renee Whelan - Director of Applications

Mary Lou Waide - Director of Intake

Jenn Cole - Director of Foster

Susan Edwards - Director of Volunteers

Jennifer Edwards - Medical Director

Our last Adoption Day of this year is Saturday and we will have 18 of our GPs present. We have great ones and everyone deserves to discover a Giant under their tree, or should I say blocking their tree!!!

Thank you for a fantastic year and please keep GPRA in mind in your year end or new year contribution plans.

John

GPRA Update - November 4th

This is Justice, one of the nine 8 week old Great Pyrenees/St. Bernard puppies that just arrived. Check the website to see the rest. Justice was already adopted today!!!

John

GPRA Update - November 2nd

Congratulations to our Marathon Mile volunteers and our famous Gentle Giants for taking the top $8,000 award for our participation at Sunday's Atlanta Marathon. Read below and note that out of the 16 organizations that were selected to participate, GPRA was the runner's FAVORITE!!! This could not have been accomplished without all your efforts and Susan Edward's leadership. Philip has fantastic pictures and video that he will share upon his return from overseas.

To add to the excitement, we may be bringing in 11 adorable Great Pyrenees/St. Bernard puppies!!! Foster anyone?

John

GPRA Update - October 29th

A sampling of our 50 Gentle Giants at the Marathon Mile on Sunday. More to come.

John

Click HERE for photos

GPRA Update - October 18th

Two GPRA billboards donated in metro Atlanta.

John

GPRA Update - October 18th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Help!!! We had six owner turn ins this week and then this aft. three turned up at the Rockdale County shelter and now these four!!! We have a bunch already in boarding. We will get you an easy foster. Please step up if you can.

John

GPRA Update - October 17th

We have a good compliment of Giants and volunteers for GPRA night at the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game this Sat. night. The big news is we have 70 humans and 40 Gentle Giants for our Marathon Mile on Sunday morning Oct. 28th so far!!! We also have 15 of our very best worker bees manning the water station and could use a few more to help out there. Susan E. will provide times and logistic info. Marla and Philip have done an outstanding with our signs and posters and Lori has arranged a BILLBOARD!!! I will have Journey and Jenkins there and I can't wait to see our forever families with their flourishing GPs.

We've had a number of major medical issues and a string of heart worm positive dogs but we are undeterred as we also have had good adoptions and have added some excellent fosters. We have had multiple turn ins this week with strays showing up in people's backyards and we are looking at a GP that was trained by inmates in a Savannah jail, adopted out, but is back in jail with separation anxiety. Please consider fostering as the Giants keep marching in. We have passed # 430 rescue since our start in 2010.

John

GPRA Update - October 11th

This is Boo who we are bringing in tomorrow. She is only 6 weeks, has had her first round of shots and has sarcoptic mange and has started treatment. We need a foster and we prefer one without dogs. She will be contagious for a short period but not to cats or humans. We have rescued many GPs with this and they are quickly cured once treated. Let us know.

John

GPRA Update - October 10th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends

We have 50 humans and 30 Giants for the cheer section and 15 to work the water station for the Marathon Mile on Sunday morning Oct. 28th so far. Below are the signs some of you will be holding to cheer on the runners as they go by. The more of our Family there, the more money we can earn so please contact Susan Edwards and let her know we can count on you to join the fun.

We are taking in a gorgeous 6 week old female puppy from Ala. tomorrow and need a foster.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - September 27th

We are taking them.

John

-----Original Message-----

Subject: 2 Purebred Great Pyrs at HCACC McDonough GA

These dogs have been abandoned, their owner moved to Miami and left them in the yard with a kiddie swimming pool full of dog chow......they did take 2 smaller dogs with them.

Neighbors called the dogs in, we posted for abandonment, picked them up, and they are ready now meaning we can euthanize at any time.

The shelter is full and at least 10 dogs will be put down in the morning for space if they are not leaving by way of adoption or rescue.

We need a promise of rescue for these 2 dogs and we need them moved as soon as humanly possible or we will not be able to hold them.........

Both dogs are out of sorts and very scared. The female is the larger matted dog, she is spayed.

I will give the rescue who takes them the owners name and address, etc so hopefully he can at least be known to those in the breed.

Betsy~

GPRA Update - September 21st

First walkers report Lucy and Ethel are the sweetest and easiest GPs ever. They are at Mans Best Friend. Who wants to foster them?

John

GPRA Update - September 20th

Two scared homeless young girls were seen hanging out at a gas station in Henry County. This is no life for two beautiful sisters so GPRA swooped in and rescued Lucy and Ethel!!! They were vetted a few hours ago, are about two, healthy, very frightened and great looking.They are now in boarding and we will only adopt them together. They, along with Wookie, Lil Lady, Luna Moon, Seger, Dakota, Louise and Casanova are in boarding and need a foster home. We have more incoming and I know I sound like a broken record but these Giants deserve a home. We also need transporters and GP walkers.

We have a full group for Paws in the Park and all are welcome. We need volunteers for GPRA night at the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game on Sat. Oct. 20th. This is a lot of fun and you can bring your Pyr.

For those of you that didn't experience the Atlanta Marathon last year, you MUST try to join us this year. It's a few hours Sunday morning Oct. 28th and is pure fun and an event to remember. You can bring your Giant, your kids or come by yourself. We were the hit of the Marathon last year and we expect this year to be bigger and better.

Adoption Day this Saturday!!!

Thanks to all of you that have been involved and we have much upcoming for those that want to become more active with our GPRA Family.

John

GPRA Update - September 13th

Just wanted to share an article that so many of us can relate to. I thought the term "positive transaction" was meaningful and true and how much attention does a walk with a Gentle Giant create?

John

http://animaltracks.today.com/_news/2012/09/12/13825121-when-my-dog-lucky-died-i-disappeared-too#.UFEgvqZGedM.email

GPRA Update - August 23rd

We're getting some good adoptions but have taken in a fair number recently with medical issues. The good news is Tundra, Forbes, Teddy Bear, Yogi, Brutus, Ivy and probably Dakota have found great forever homes. Costello is doing really well since his ACL operation and Derry had his back leg removed today and all went well. We still don't know if Gabby is pregnant but will advise shortly. We can't say enough about our foster network. Happy Giant Phelps, Lil Lady and Loona Moon need fosters as we have many incoming.

There was a mix up with the dates of Paws in the Park at Centennial Park. The event will be noon to five on Sunday Sept. 23rd and not Saturday Sept. 29th. Please let Susan Edwards know if you plan to attend with your GP as all are welcome. GPRA night at the Gwinnett Gladiators is Saturday Oct.20th and our sponsorship of the Atlanta Marathon is Sunday morning Oct. 28th. All will be fun but the marathon will be a blast. Next Adoption Day is Sept. 8th.

It's been a rough summer as neglected GPs seem to be popping up every day and we could not do this without your help. Please stay engaged.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - August 13th

Save Sunday morning Oct. 28th. Susan E. got word today that we have once again been selected as a sponsor for this years Atlanta Marathon!!! GPRA was the talk of last years marathon as our Gentle Giants and enthusiastic volunteers were a huge hit as we earned the maximum award of $8,000 for our effort. We had a blast as evidenced by Philip's video, and this year will be bigger and better. Please contact Susan Edwards if you want to help with the set up. This is a good opportunity for those who want to become involved with a fun event that won't be too time consuming.

We rescued pregnant Gabby and Robin was all set to nurture her puppies and now we're not so sure she is pregnant!!!

Costello had successful ACL surgery and is recuperating with Marla. Derry has his hind leg removed next week and Buck and Tundra are getting a lot of medical attention this week. Ivy, Dakota, Boze, Dot, Yogi and Teddy Bear are adopted or about to be and we have a large group incoming this week.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - August 10th

Anyone who has ever touched a rescue dog, or BEEN TOUCHED BY a rescue dog, can feel this story

http://www.twincities.com/ci_21273909/this-man-picture-is-worth-thousand-words-so

GPRA Update - August 5th

The attached is a beautiful pure bred GP in Tenn. that we will be rescuing. She is an owner turn in who is pregnant, reportedly by the owners other male pure bred GP. We need a family to foster her and her pups after they are born. Since our inception, we have had similar instances where families, especially those with kids, have experienced the miracle of birth and fostered mother and puppies and indicated the process was priceless for their entire family. Please let us know if you are interested in helping us through this process. The puppies will go quickly but the memory will last forever. We also have a 6 week old puppy coming in from Ala.

Thank you

John

GPRA Update - August 2nd

It's all good!!! We've shot past rescue # 400 and so many keep popping up. You will see Bailey, Sam, Teddy Bear, Theo, Simon and others showing up on the website this weekend. This will add to Bo, Fiona, Dakota, Petey, Buck and Loona Moon in boarding so we need fosters badly. Fiona and Dakota need out now and Buck is a 160 lb. marshmallow who we tested and has a thyroid problem that now will quickly be fixed with meds.

Jennifer Edwards, who has done a great job as our medical manager, will be joining our board as Medical Director. We have been looking to fill this critical role since our inception and, aside from the fact that Jennifer and Andy have adopted Rik, Bailey, and Isis while fostering multiple others, she has been on top of all our many medical issues with our neglected Giants.

We have a lot of activity planned for Oct. with GPRA Gladiators night, a booth in Centennial Park at a big event one weekend and we are waiting to see if we are accepted as a sponsor for the Atlanta Marathon again. If we are, block out Oct. 28th, as we were the hit of the marathon last year and earned $8000. Susan Edwards will once again chair and will need volunteers to help plan and set up this event which will, once again, be a blast.

Derry and Costello are having surgeries in the upcoming weeks.

Adoption Day this Sat. and thank you to Amy Johnston for the ongoing great job on our newsletter.
Thank you

John

GPRA Update - July 25th

We need a short term foster for our precious 9 week old puppy Dot. Dot and her sister Sally came in from Ala. last week and went to the Edwards who have already adopted Isis, Bailey and Rik. Dot ended up with Parvo and we rushed her to our vet and am now happy to report she has recovered. Sister Betty seems healthy.

We cannot bring Dot back with Betty for a couple of weeks so we need a foster that has dogs that have been inoculated, like all our dogs are, or a family with no dogs at all, to foster Dot for the next couple of weeks. View her on our website www.greatpyratlanta.com and let us know if you can help as she is now sitting at the vet, ready to go.

John

GPRA Update - July 19th

I am pleased to report that after almost two and one half years, we rescued our 400th Gentle Giant this afternoon!!! We have taken in 6 GPs in the last two days - Luna Moon, Theo and Teddy Bear from death row at the last instant from Ala., puppies Dot and Betty and # 400 Forbes!!! Thanks and congratulations to the many of you that have been so instrumental in contributing to this feat. We have so many heartwarming stories and my hat's off to those in our GPRA Family that have sacrificed to save these gentle and often neglected dogs. Most of us have learned so much since we started this incredible journey and we are rewarded every time the right forever family brings a Giant home. We have an exceptional group of compassionate and selfless volunteers that we cannot give enough credit to. As I write this, there are 10 more that need rescue so please stay engaged as we have much to do.

John

GPRA Update - July 15th

Well we thought Saturday's Adoption Day would be quiet. It was not. This week adopted or about to be are Thelma, Seger, Tasha, Angel, Summer, Codi, Travis, Annebelle and Spice!!! We took in Wookie, Yogi, Lil Lady and have a list of others waiting as we still have way too many in boarding. We will be forced to take many on our list as their put to sleep dates are next week.

I just can't say enough about our fosters and walkers. Their compassion and dedication are the backbone to GPRA and I can't imagine where we would be without them. We have a number of laid back sweetheart Giants in boarding that will be easy to foster. Let us know if you can foster. You will find it rewarding.

John

GPRA Update - July 1st

We're making progress as Coco, Mystique, Ruger, Nina, Shasta and Tasha were adopted or are about to be. Coco, Ruger, Nina and Shasta are being adopted by their fosters who already have an adopted GPRA dog!!! Our fosters continue to amaze. We are now down to 41 Gentle Giants available for adoption with 7 in boarding and I expect we will be able to shortly begin to take in the most needy again.

I shared that four GPs showed up at a kill shelter in Ala. and we said we would take them all. The next day ML followed up to discover they found one dead in her cage that morning with no explanation. After some probing, we think she was bitten by a snake the night before. Her name was Sugar and we got the other three, Spice, Darla and Ceaser out at once. All three are heart worm positive with ear infections and assorted other ailments. They are on the website and are boarding at Man's Best Friend and need fosters. They will be beautiful when we are done. Bandit is recovering from his ear operation and Derry has surgery on his leg on July 11.

We have never seen so many GPs needing rescue and the southeast is by far the worst region in the country in volume of not only GPs but severely neglected ones. The rescue of 391 GPs in two years and five months is unparalleled and our entire base should be proud of the fact that we have made so many healthy and adopted them into fantastic forever families. Please stay engaged and energized as we have only just begun.

We are looking at planning an event in Oct.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - June 19th

I wish I had great news, but I don't. Bandit had his ear canal surgically removed at GVS last week and the biopsy results came back today indicating he has a cancer that cannot be removed. In almost 400 rescues, this is our first with cancer. Laura and her husband nurtured Bandit through heart worm treatment and multiple ear treatments leading to his surgery and cancer was not on our radar and this is really sad.

You will see the following new Giants on the website in the next day or two - Fiona, Brutus, Buck, Susie, Brinkley, Sasha, Darla, Spice, Ceaser, Sugar, Dakota, Petey, Nana and Lizzie. This will make 47 available for adoption and at least 11 in boarding. I don't know if it's summer, July 4th or what but so many are popping up with so few adopters. We have four that may require leg surgeries, multiple heart worm positive GPs and Bandit's bills has been $5,000 so far. Based on all of this, we will take a break from bringing in new dogs until we can work our available for adoption and number in boarding down. I hate to do this but it just kills our walkers to stuff these gentle creatures back into their cages after their taste of freedom and we can't keep collecting them just to stick them in boarding. I hope this is short lived and if you want to help you can foster, adopt a Giant or send money.

On a happy note, Mystique, Gregory, Deanna, Big Buddy and Cola were adopted and Hank is about to be. The big news though is our famous "blind" puppies, Phoebe and Isis have been adopted. Phoebe to a terrific family with a GP already and the Edwards, who were fostering both, just couldn't bear the thought of giving up Isis so Rik and Bailey have a little sister.

I am confident we will navigate our way through this difficult period and please know we will do it intelligently and with compassion.

John

GPRA Update - June 3rd

We think they have sight. Middle picture with Rik is priceless!!!

John

GPRA Update - May 31st

I have some really sad news. We had to put Roscoe to sleep tonight. Roscoe came to us heart worm positive with multiple issues. He had his first shot for heart worm treatment on Tues. and did fine. He had his second shot yesterday and had a terrible reaction as his fever spiked to 106. With our approval, Village Vets did everything conceivable to save him. His fever came down to 103 today but they think he threw a clot at some point resulting in neurological damage and the loss of his ability to use his hind legs. We have treated around 50 Giants for heart worm and this is the first that has not been successful. Dr. Tyler indicated that she does not recall ever experiencing a reaction like this. This is heartbreaking for us and particularly for Roscoe's wonderful fosters and is a reminder how serious heart worm treatment is and how devastating the results can be. That being said, this gives us even greater resolve to save and protect these gentle creatures.

In our two and a half years, we have never seen the volume of needy GPs that we are seeing now. TEN calls to turn in or rescue GPs today alone!!! We will be at 98 rescues this year and 383 since we started. At this rate we will rescue 235 in 2012 and surpass 500 since we started. Please, please consider fostering as we now have over 45 Gentle Giants available for adoption and we cannot sustain this pace.You will not regret it and will find it rewarding.

John

GPRA Update - May 29th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Sharing what we are faced with every week. Of course we will rescue but we are piling up injured and heart worm positive Giants.

John

Subject: Fwd: LaGrange Animal Shelter Pyrenees
They are taking the second one to the vet in the morning to see about the back leg.
Tammy Ray emailed me and the fellow in Pell City has till tommorow morning till he is put down.
ML
-------------------
Subject: LaGrange Animal Shelter Pyrenees
Hi Mary Lou, I'm attaching several pictures of the two male Great Pyrenees that we have. The first one is still really dirty, but he looks a whole lot better than when we first got him! The second, Lisa didn't realize this when she called, but there's something wrong with his leg, and or, hip and is very skinny. Just wanted to go ahead and let you know that, and if you don't take him we'd have to put him down because we don't have the funds right now to fix whatever the problem is. Thanks for your help!

GPRA Update - May 24th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It may take a little time to load Philips fantastic video in HD. Note the "obstacle course" the Dr. set up for the puppies.

John

GPRA Update - May 24th

Click HERE for first photos of Isis and Phoebe!

GPRA Update - May 24th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

First of all, our blind puppies Isis and Phoebe are way beyond adorable. Second of all, they may not be blind!!! Andy, Philip and I met with Dr. Stacey Andrews at GVS this morning. Philip took remarkable shots we will forward but the big news is they had completely normal eye exams for the young puppies they are. Their pupils respond normally to light and all the structures in each eye are normal. There are no cataracts and the retinas/optic nerves appear fine. We are hoping they are still growing into their bodies. Their brain may not be connecting with their eyesight yet and that could correct if that is the issue. We just have to give it time. Since their eyes are normal, surgery is not an option so we will all carefully follow their progress. I am really encouraged and we are expecting the best now.

John

GPRA Update - May 17th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Please read the below email and see the pic of the two GP puppies. We want to save these two but will need a special family that has a dog to lead and train these two. We will investigate what's involved and this can be a life experience for a family with kids and a big heart.

John

My name is Aimee Patterson and I volunteer as the adoption/foster coordinator for CCAC, Inc. (Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care) in Ringgold, GA (501(c)3 Non Profit Group). I had a coworker approach me that had bought two great Pyrenees puppies from a local breeder. They are 2 girls that are 6 weeks old. She bought one for herself to breed with her male and the other was for another co-worker that was interested. The two pups were taken to the vet today and the vet verified that they are blind. Now the two people do not want the dogs and the breeder stated he would kill them. She was asking if our group would take them in and if not she would return to the breeder. I have gotten a short term foster but haven’t been able to secure anything long term. I cannot let them go back to this breeder. I don’t feel they should suffer because of other people’s ignorance and irresponsibility. I wanted to contact your group for help as you know the breed and might have experience with this. Would the group be able to take them in as a shelter transfer? If not, do you have any contacts that I could try regarding blind Pyrenees? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

GPRA Update - May 16th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Well our Director of Intake, ML, is on vacation this week and Jenn is filling in so of course we already have 10 new Giants and it's only Wednesday. Not yet up on the website are Snow, Big Buddy, Buck, Feston, Jazz, Sam, the two puppies below and their mother and others incoming. The puppies below are from a pure bred GP mother and unknown father and need a foster. They were born on March 17 so they are about 8 weeks old. Let me know if you can foster. Feston is an older guy with heart worm, worms, a tumor on his eye, arthritis, is badly matted and in need of dental care. Other than that, he's in great shape. We need fosters and obviously adopters as we have 39 available which is double where we'd like to be. If we don't step up, these Gentle Giants are put down. It's that simple. Imagine your life without yours.

Adoption Day is Sat. and we'll have about 15 of our GPs in attendance.

John

GPRA Update - May 9th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's all good!!! We have 34 Gentle Giants available to be adopted and most are outstanding dogs. Thanks to our spectacular fosters, only a few are currently in boarding. Magic, Buster, Monty, Poca, Hontas, Maria and maybe Thelma were adopted this week. We just took in sweetheart GPs Gregory, Tasha, Roscoe and Springstein and a pair of 5 year old super Gentle Giants Sarah and Royston. I promised Royston he would always have Sarah by his side so they must go together.

Let me know if you want a print of the Gentle Giants in the Park photo by Monday so we can order. Philip did a beautiful job and I've seen the final which CLEARLY shows each Giant and owner. The email I forwarded doesn't compare to what you will receive.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - May 3rd

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Thanks to Philip, we have the one of a kind photo of the most Gentle Giants in one place ever. Also thanks to Philip, we can get 8 inch by 28 inch panoramic photos that are the actual photographic print, not ink jet print. He's worked with the manufacturer and the $53 print can be purchased for $29.99 with all proceeds going to GPRA. We need a minimum of 25 copies to get this price. Please let me know by May 11th if you would like to purchase a print.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - April 30th

Pictures from the picnic

GPRA Update - April 21st

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Well we're close to 90 and could hit 100 Gentle Giants with twice that many humans at Gentle Giants in the park next Sunday!!! Please be sure to check in on your arrival to register and you will be given your GPRA rescue number. Sam was our number 1 and we rescued number 354 today. We will have a 50/50 raffle that will be announced at 4:30 but you must be present to win and GPRA merchandise will be available. Fox 5 is planning to cover the event. We will also be on Fox 5 live this Tuesday morning at 9:15 with a couple of our Giants.

We had a good Adoption Day today as Zellie, Snowflake, Dee Dee and Sunny went to wonderful families and Bo, Buster H., Cedar and Bandit were officially adopted. We brought in 6 adorable puppies. Four came from mother Nina who we rescued. Nina's puppies are Pinta, Maria, Poca and Hontas and are about six weeks old. We also brought in two 11 week old puppies - Linus and Lucy from Tenn. Our puppy expert, Diane, has all six and pics will be up on the website shortly. Pamela, Pebbles adopter, drove to Tenn. and back this morning to rescue them.

I'm happy to say that as of this evening, we have zero GPs in boarding. We cannot thank our fosters enough.

Hope to see you at the WHITE OUT on Sunday. It should be a lot of fun and a sight to behold. One Great Pyrenees is stunning. Can you imagine 100?

John

GPRA Update - April 17th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's going to be a WHITE OUT!!! We think the largest congregation of Gentle Giants ever in the world. Sixty to seventy GPs and more than double that many humans plan to attend Gentle Giants in the Park and we're still almost two weeks away. Please advise Susan Edwards if you can lend a hand in set up or clean up. Remember, a Giant off leash is a disaPYR!!!

Adoption Day this Sat. from 11 -1 at the Petsmart in Dunwoody.

Only Minnie in boarding and she deserves better. Mom and two puppies arriving Friday.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - April 12th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

See below which captures the essence of the Gentle Giants that so many of us love.

John

>>The link is from GP rescue of Montana but should be required reading for all potential adopters (and a great handout on adoption day) Enjoy - Nina
>>http://perfectpuppycare.com/what-to-consider-when-adopting-a-great-pyrenees/

GPRA Update - April 8th

All our puppies, Presley, Zellie, the town puppies and the Oscars puppies have gone to forever homes except Octavia (and she won the Oscar).

We need fosters for three of our females that are in boarding who are terrific with humans but not so good with other dogs. Minnie is at PetLodge Resort, has been trained and all love her but we need a foster as she has been there way too long. Carolina is so attached to her human and is finishing her heart worm treatment but has been boarded at Man's Best Friend way too long. Louise, of Thelma and Louise, loves her foster but not her fosters many other dogs so she is coming in tomorrow. Bella is in boarding and is easy and 1 year old Sadie is coming in on Tues. We have a very timid female that will need a lot of TLC that we will probably bring in as well. April seems to be the month of the female.

Less than three weeks to Gentle Giants in the Park. I know Jenkins, Jilly and Journey are looking forward so please advise if you and your Giant will be joining us.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - April 12th

Looking good!!! Charlie is home and Gidget and Bridgette seem to be coming along.

Puppies Pressley and Zellie arrived yesterday with upper respiratory infections and will be in isolation for 7-10 days but will be good to go after that.

John

GPRA Update - March 28th

GPRA Update - March 23rd

Thank you to the outpouring of GPRA members that offered to foster a puppy or two. One of our families will foster the mother and all four puppies!!! They will be vetted today and should be at their new foster this evening. Within the first couple of hours of my plea, we had about 10 volunteers. What does that say about our wonderful group? We will get pictures up soon.

We also have Titus, Dahlia, Samson and Snowflake in or about to be so fosters are again vital.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - March 19th

Please see above invitation to Gentle Giants in the Park and RSVP to the special website. We are expecting a big turnout and in addition to a 50/50 raffle and GPRA merchandise available, Wayne will be prepared to explain what's involved if you are considering having your Giant trained to be a therapy GP. Donations upon arrival will be appreciated to defray the park rental fees and food and beverage.

Once again our fosters have been remarkable and Didi, Rooney, Davey, Goliath and Chaz were adopted within days of arrival. The academy Awards puppies just had their first series of shots and new pics will be on the website shortly. The Gentlest of Giants Bailey, had to be carried from the shelter, carried to the vet, carried to boarding but within 10 minutes of being at his foster, Jennifer and Andy, and meeting his new brother Snowball, he came out of his shell and has been the happiest of boys ever since.

Adoption Day this Sat. from 11-1 at the Petsmart in Dunwoody.

Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - March 6th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's already been a big year. By Thursday we will have taken in 13 Gentle Giants in the past week. Unless we get more fosters, we will have at least 12 GPs in boarding. Shasta, Minnie, Pooky, Didi, Dee Dee and Klondike are in boarding. Bailey, Davey, Goliath, new Max, GP female from Griffen and returning Ruger will be placed into boarding.Most of these GPs are house broken, laid back and great looking GPs. We have fantastic dog walkers but these dogs need the nurturing of a home and it is so difficult for our walkers to force these Giants back into their cages. Please contact me if you think you may be able to foster and we will match you up with the right GP. Thank you.

John

GPRA Update - March 2nd

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Attached is one of the five puppies we rescued on Academy Awards night thus our new six week old Pyr/Border Collie pups are appropriately named Oscar, Clooney, Meryl, Mara and Octavia!!! They will be up on the website shortly. Shasta, Didi and Pooky are not yet up and we have four more on our radar for this weekend. Shasta is our ninth HW+ GP already this year and she has a damaged hind leg so we really we need a foster for this gentle girl.

We had a good week with Max, Louie, Scout, Yeti, Ace, Klondike and Snowball adopted or about to be. Adorable 5 month old Pyr/Lab puppy Klondike needs a temporary foster for a week with no other dog until he is through with his parvo recovery and can join his forever family.

We have already rescued 36 Gentle Giants in the first two months of 2012 and one quarter of those are heart worm positive. We rescued 18 HW+ GPs all of last year. Without your financial support, we could not rescue these dogs. Our fosters are our lifeblood and we can't thank them enough.

John

GPRA Update - February 24th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

I made the mistake of saying we were having a quiet week last week. In the next two days we are taking in seven beautiful GPs - Didi, Snowball, Layla, Buster, Yeti, a GP from Conyers and one from Cartersville plus we have four more on our radar. Additionally, Nick, Flossy, Sheba, Kota, Max, Scout and Hampshire are going to wonderful forever families. Hampshire, the gentlest Giant of all, is now making his new owner, a delightful 90 year old lady, very happy!!! Please check the website to consider fostering our latest arrivals that are mostly owner turns ins that are house broken and in good condition.

Adoption Day is Sat. from 11 - 1 at the Dunwoody petsmart. I will be forwarding info. about a pet rescue walk at Atlantic Station during the weekend of April 21st from one of our members, Mary O'Hara.

Most of my communication is about GPRA's many successes. 99% of our stories are heartwarming but every now and then I have to report one that is heartbreaking. Jenn Cole and her kids and husband took in their 10th GPRA foster, Iowa. Iowa was a big handsome male from Tenn. that was so badly matted he had to be shaved. Iowa was also missing most of his tail. Iowa had serious issues that were neurological, behavioral or both. Jenn and her family worked with Iowa, who Jenn called the perfect dog unless he was having an episode that caused him to snap at and actually bite his tail. With our support, Jenn took Iowa to our trainer, multiple doctors and finally, after a series of seizures, to UGA vet school yesterday to meet with a neurologist and behaviorist. After speaking with the doctor yesterday afternoon, I made the decision to put Iowa to sleep. I won't go into the details but, given the facts, this was the right decision and I share this only to provide the reality that we don't always have happy endings. We will always get the very best care and make every reasonable effort to have a positive result. Jenn's family was heroic through this ordeal and when you say good night to your Gentle Giant, be happy that the worst he does is grab a burger off the counter, track mud in the house or snore too loud.

Thanks,

John

GPRA Update - February 5th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

It's all good!!! Ozzy, the one year old we rescued from Ala. after the urgent phone call last Sunday evening is already adopted!!! He's going to a great family who adopted puppy Belle from us so Ozzy now has a little sister. Ozzy is GPRA's 300th rescue!!!

We just had the biggest none adoption day weekend ever, highlighted by a wonderful family that drove three hours to pick up Luna and Dolly from Sheila and ended up finding Vienna irresistible so they adopted her too!!!

So, officially adopted this weekend are Nora, Sophie, Sebastian, Ozzy, Frosty, Flossy, Luna, Dolly, Vienna, Sheba, and Syd and Daisy are going to NY.

We just received Thelma and Stella from Tenn. and we have Kota from Ala. and Bo from Commerce Ga. incoming. Maybe two Pyr/Shepard puppies coming in as well.

We have had a number of HW+ rescues. Kim will foster Estrella but we need a foster for 8 year old Carolina who has had her first shot and is in boarding.

We are planning a Picnic with your Pyrenees in April. More to follow. Next Adoption Day is Sat. Feb. 11.

Thanks,

John

GPRA Update - January 29th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Please listen to the attached voice mail that we just received. This Gentle Giant was hit by a car, shot in the neck and is now under the threat of being shot dead. We will rescue this GP immediately but I think it's important for you to "feel" what our dedicated volunteers sometimes have to deal with and, more importantly, why the core of our mission is to rescue those that need rescue most. We committed to rescuing a record number of GPs last week, four from Tenn. with two more we said yes to from Tenn. today, plus multiples from Ga. and Ala. Six are heart worm positive so far.

We passed our 300th rescue since we adopted out our first GP Sam two years ago this coming Feb. 4. We could not have done this without your support.

Voice Mail Recording

John

GPRA Update - January 8th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Please view Philip's video from the Atlanta Marathon and you'll better understand why GPRA was the highlight for the runners. The Giant with the Yoda around his neck is YODA!!!

HTML 5 Version
http://www.rcdgroup.net/gpra/

Flash Version
http://www.rcdgroup.net/gpra/flash.html We will have 10 in boarding with more incoming and need fosters badly.

John

GPRA Update - January 5th

Dear Great Pyrenees Friends,

Happy New Year!!! 2010 was a remarkable year for our entire GPRA Family. We rescued 178 Gentle Giants in our first full year, raising our total to 285 since we started in 2009. We have 7 in or incoming already in this first week of 2012. We now have close to 700 volunteers and, thanks to many of you, we are financially sound. We have attempted to run GPRA compassionately, professionally and with a sense of urgency. We rescue the GPs most in need and are often their last and only chance for survival. Imagine Korrine,Yoda, Cody, Greta, Bruno, Jasper and so many others that simply wouldn't be the healthy and beautiful GPs they are today. We have experienced many success stories and I think most of our forever families are very happy and I know our Gentle Giants are in the homes they so desperately deserve. I know I am guilty of talking numbers and, on behalf of our passionate board, I want to make sure you know our goals and objectives are focused on quality, not quantity. We will be more than happy if we rescue the same substantial number of GPs in 2012 as long as we continue to improve and strive for excellence.

We have a bittersweet problem. We continue to lose outstanding fosters, who are intent on fostering only, that get so attached to their GP that they adopt them. Heading into the holidays we were down to zero in boarding after our big Adoption Day. We now need fosters for Syd, Coco, Nick, Vienna, Hank, Frosty, Magic, Kallee, 2 incoming and probably Evey and Sheba. Most are laid back, easy and house broken and don't deserve to be boarded. Please let us know if you would consider fostering and we will match you with the right Giant.

Thank you again and please continue your support as we anticipate 2012 to be a spectacular year.

John

GPRA Featured on ABC Channel 2 News:

GPRA Tornado Rescues on Fox 5 News:

ARCHIVED NEWS:

GPRA Update - January 5th

GPRA Update - December 17th

GPRA Update - December 8th

GPRA Update - November 22nd

GPRA Update - November 9th

GPRA Update - November 7th

GPRA Update - November 3rd

GPRA Update - October 30th

GPRA Update - October 27th