Dog Blog: GODIG faqs and links

We co-alphas thought it would be handy to have an all-purpose source of GODIG info and links. Let us know if you think we should add anything.

What's GODIG?

It's our Good Old Dog Interest Group. Since the original blog entry about it, Calling old dogs..., was posted at the beginning of September, more than 80 senior dogs have signed up.

Our goals are to celebrate the joy we've had during our long lives; exchange information about making our senior years better for both dogs and humans; and help support each other.

Who can join?

We welcome any dog entering his or her second (or third) decade.

Can dogs join before they turn 10?

Yes, we define "second decade" as what starts after a dog reaches 9 1/2. For rescues, we're more elastic. (When exact age is unknown, estimates are often low. Those made later in life can be affected by adoptability; those made earlier by malnutrition-slowed growth and underweight.)

Who belongs to GODIG?

The GODIG member list is here. It has links to each profile, so it's easier to bark at each other.

How do I join?

You don't need an invitation, we just need to hear from you that you want to join (that way, nobody can sign up a puppy as a prank!) Give us a bark at Calling old dogs... After you bark, you get added to the GODIG member list. Then we send a bark about you to the other GODIG-ers, so they know you've joined.

Do I have to be pals with anybody?

No, neither before you join or afterwards. We do suggest in the bark about each new member that other GODIG-ers send pal requests, because one of the most important things we do is support each other as we face the troubles of age. Because it may feel awkward or intrusive sending a pal request when a dog is sick, or worse, we think that's the easiest way. But it's completely optional at any time.

What do I do if I think a dog should join?

One of the reasons that GODIG has grown so quickly is that MDS dogs keep suggesting seniors. When you tell dogs about GODIG, point them to this page or Calling old dogs.... Or you can have one of us send a bark. We don't want anybody to think it takes an invitation. GODIG will get a shuffleboard court some day, but we'll never be a country club!

Is there something members can put on their profiles?

Winston designed this selection of GODIG Members Banners which are on Butch's blog.

What's the GODIG-aroo?

That's our weekly news bark. Our intrepid news dog Mikey publishes it each weekend, and barks at everyone to announce that it's on his blog, where you can also read back issues.

What are GODIG tags?

Tags are a convenient way to find dogs on MDS. Whenever you press a tag link (on the MDS home page or on profiles), you'll get a list of dogs with that tag; here's the one showing GODIG. (We decided not to use GODIG-er because there are too many ways to spell it, and what's the point of tags if a bunch of them are supposed to be the same thing?)

Add it the same way you add other tags in your profile (Edit profile; in the tag box enter GODIG without quotes.) Note to multi-dog MDS members: each dog gets separate tags on his/her profile, so make sure you're editing the right one. If you need more help, see Putting tags in your profile. 

Who's the oldest dog in GODIG?

That honor currently belongs to Buster, who will turn 20 in June; he's about six months older than Gypsy, who had been the oldest until Buster signed up. See the GODIG age list, updated 03/06/09.