ACE is a six year old, purebred, Golden Retriever, who is registered with the American Kennel Club and is being fostered at out home in Fargo, ND. We met him at the RAGOM picnic, Saturday, September 25 and transported him back to Fargo after the picnic. The transport person who brought ACE to the picnic told us he bathed him the night before but noticed ACE was very sensitive in the rear area and would not let him touch him in that area. We had the same problem. When I tried to groom the rear area he let me know very quickly that area was off limits. I discovered he had two very big hair matts on the insides of both his rear legs. I had him to the vet on Tuesday, September 28. The vet removed the hair mats. Now I am slowly getting him used to my touching him in the rear area but this will take time. He still has a lot of dead hair in the rear area which needs to come out. He weighed in at 78 pounds at the vet's office. He was up to date on most of his shots but needed a bordatella. The fecal sample I took to the vet was negative. The vet also tested him for heartworm. He is being treated for ear mites. He gets along fine with my own two Goldens. His prior owner said he was banished to their backyard for urinating in the house. He hasn't had any accidents in our home since we brought him home and has only chewed on his doggie toys. He rarely barks. He usually follows either me or Liz around the house. He is currently sleeping next to my computer chair as I type this update. He likes to retrieve rubber kongs in the backyard. I've also introduced him to the gentle leader and use it when taking him for walks around the neighborhood. He is still adjusting to noises and sudden movements. If ACE has a doggie toy, he definitely will let Hank (my Golden pup) know the toy is off limits. I think ACE would do best with a family that doesn't have any other pets or real, small children. ACE will need a forever family that will give him unconditional, tender, loving care.