Calendar Pin-Up Crosses Rainbow Bridge

Our sweet November 2010 Calendar pin-up, Purdy, has crossed the rainbow bridge at 14 years young. She will be missed by her mother, Michelle, and four-legged sibling, Bosco. Michelle opened her home and heart to Purdy at 9 years of age and was blessed with her presence for 5 fun-filled years. Thank you Michelle for welcoming one of RMGDRI's seasoned citizens into your home. We are glad that she is now immortalized in our calendar

Help Wanted, part 3

RMGDRI is still seeking some committed volunteer help to fill the following positions:

TV Producer

RMGDRI is unveiling its own internet TV channel. We need someone to coordinate all aspects of this new venture from video idea development through channel promotion. This person will work closely with our social media, marketing and promotion teams in an effort to provide cohesiveness to our public image. The producer is responsible for the "look and feel" of RMGDRI's web TV presence. This position requires a go-getter with video experience.

RMGDRI Dane Campaign Coordinator

The CORPORATE MARKETING COORDINATOR (CMC) will be the key person for the RMGDRI Dane Campaign, a program designed to solicit cash donations, materials donations, program sponsorships, and related items from businesses and corporate entities. In addition, the CMC will contact dog product manufacturers to solicit suitable donations in the form of quality dog food, toys, crates, blankets, and related products that RMGDRI requires in its day-to-day operations.In the event of an applicable fundraising event, the CMC will contact suitable vendors and schedule them to participate in the event, with follow-through to insure attendance and create a positive working relationship with vendors to cultivate future participation.

This position works directly with businesses and organizations that support RMGDRI's mission of Adoption First. This person will actively recruit Dane Campaigners with the idea of cross promotion (i.e. swapping links).

Grant Writer

As a non-profit corporation we rely 100% on donations and grants to cover our operating expenses. Grants are a crucial aspect to our ability to further our mission. RMGDRI is seeking someone interested in researching and applying for grants. This person does not need to be an experienced grant writer but some knowledge would be helpful.

Happy Holidays, Daniacs!

Here's hoping everyone is planning a safe and happy holiday season with their dogs. How about two safety tips and then a really cute video?

Safety tip #1: NEVER feed your dog chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs if they eat enough of it. Find a safer doggie treat!

Safety tip #2: Some dogs will eat ANYTHING - if your dog is one of those, put the holly and poinsettia way up high where the dog won't get them, as both of these plants are poisonous, too.

And here's some Great Dane fun on YouTube.

The Biggest Heart on the Block

When my kids were babies, acquaintances used to come into our house and look over the size of our dog, then at the baby affectionately tugging on the dog's leg, and give me the 'have you lost your mind?' look. Friends who really knew our family well never did that...because they knew our Dane was great with the kids. Beyond great, actually.

The dog breed guides usually list Great Danes as excellent family dogs, but if you don't already know a Dane with kids, you might not know why. Mainly it's just temprament. Great Danes are usually loving and devoted to their humans, and more inclined to let a toy go than to make a big fuss if a child wants it, too (unlike siblings!) Because they are so people-centric (Great Dane lovers call them "Velcro dogs" because they stick so close to you) children rapidly learn that the dogs are big and that coming up behind them can mean getting bumped into by a great big dog butt if the dog decides to turn around. So they generally don't get knocked over by accident too often.

And giant breed dogs don't jump up on kids and knock them flat on their backs. They are already at eye level - no need to jump!

Finally, to a small dog, a child can be physically intimidating. Great Danes are big enough that they are more likely to see a child as a small pack member needing their protection and assistance.

Small children who haven't met a Great Dane before can be afraid at first - a totally reasonable reaction to an animal larger than you are. But with careful introductions and proper adult supervision, children and Great Danes can develop loving and safe relationships.

Boulder Running Company Event a Huge Hit

RMGDRI teamed up with the Boulder Running Company last weekend to promote their doggie gear while they promoted RMGDRI. The 'meet and greet' was a huge success and their customers loved having the big dogs in the store. Our volunteers said they had a great time, too.

Brad T wrote...

I have the most tired dog in all of Denver. He has been napping since we got home. This was a very cool event and I think we got word out to several new people and even some strong candidates to adopt. One girl came by that had lost her dane in September. I could tell she was still very sad. She spent a little time with Kane. He likes hugs and I am sure it made her a little sad and maybe brightened her day.

Our new volunteer, Dane S, who is a professional photographer, took some great shots. You can view a few of his awesome shots here.

Dane S wrote...

I enjoyed meeting everyone at the event, and learned a great deal about the breed. The danes were a lot of fun to photograph, and were very good sports about having a camera around! One note...I was able to get some good shots of Ezra, even though he is camera shy. They all did great!

Linda B wrote...

Kevin and Duke, and Kasey and I had a wonderful time. The folks at Boulder Running Company were excellent. Kasey had fun modeling a back pack and playing with the toys. I also am looking forward to seeing the pictures. This was a lot of fun and I’m hoping that we can do it again sometime.

Many thanks to Nicole of the Boulder Running Company for asking us to participate and also to our wonderful volunteers:

Dane Stephenson - Photographer (http://www.pawparazziphotography.com/)

Alicia Garcia

Brad Townsend & Kane

Kevin & Linda Bowers & Kasey & Duke

Molly Barath & Arthur

Tavis & Lindsay Krings & Ezra

If you are on Facebook, become a fan of The Boulder Running Company and check out the event video at http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1620858415400&oid=201896876473&comments.

HELP WANTED, part 2!

Daniacs, we still need more volunteer help to make everything happen for our big furry friends. The CORPORATE MARKETING COORDINATOR (CMC) position is still open. This person will be the key person for the RMGDRI Dane Campaign, a program designed to solicit cash donations, materials donations, program sponsorships, and related items from businesses and corporate entities. In addition, the CMC will contact dog product manufacturers to solicit suitable donations in the form of quality dog food, toys, crates, blankets, and related products that RMGDRI requires in its day-to-day operations.In the event of an applicable fundraising event, the CMC will contact suitable vendors and schedule them to participate in the event, with follow-through to insure attendance and create a positive working relationship with vendors to cultivate future participation.

This position works directly with businesses and organizations that support RMGDRI's mission of Adoption First. This person will actively recruit Dane Campaigners with the idea of cross promotion (i.e. swapping links).

Want something a little lower profile? We ALWAYS need people to process applications and check prospective adoptive homes or foster homes! If you have just a few hours a month to spare, you can make a difference. Go fill out a volunteer application and get started.