8/15/2008: Meet RAGOM's newest clown, Birky Bear von Schnauzer--also known simply as "Bear" or "Birky." Birky Bear was sadly and reluctantly given up by a gentleman who had raised him from a puppy and, because of life circumstances beyond his control, could no longer keep him. Despite the major change in his life, Birky is a fun-loving, cheerful dog, and it's been a pleasure to have him around the house for the last couple of days.
Birky is a young 7-year-old purebred, neutered Golden Retriever. He has a thick, silky show coat with some of the most unusual and beautiful blond highlighting I've ever seen. Birky Bear is Mr. Personality and often makes me laugh. He can amuse himself for long minutes just tossing a stuffed animal into the air and catching it again. He's also very expressive, both vocally and physically. When it's time to head to the door for a potty break, he runs a few feet, then circles back to make sure I'm following--just like Lassie trying to lead someone to little Timmy who's stuck in a well.
At 79 pounds, Birky is a solid, barrel-chested boy, but the vet thinks his weight is just right. He has a small bump on his neck which was aspirated and determined to be just a sebaceous cyst--nothing to worry about. He does, however, have a staph infection on his belly, so he is receiving antibiotics to try to clear it up.
Otherwise, Birky Bear is a healthy, happy, energetic fellow. He knows the basic commands--"sit," "stay," "lie down," "come"--and a bonus trick: "sit pretty" (see below). Somehow Birky Bear has connected barking with "sit" and can make quite the racket when asked to sit down. So we are working on changing that habit. He's a smart dog, and I'm sure with repetition he will understand that the mouth doesn't have to open just because the butt hits the floor.
The ideal home for Birky Bear would be with someone who is committed to giving him daily vigorous exercise and consistent grooming. While beautiful, his coat does require daily attention or it will easily develop mats. He is a Velcro dog and likes being around people, although at this point I believe he's capable of being left alone during the day (provided he has potty breaks, of course) and might be fine with a family that has a 9-5 work schedule.
Birky gets along with other dogs, including strange dogs we meet on our walks. He's good with children and has also been wonderful so far with with my cat--curious but gentle. Because he can be so vocal at times, I would recommend he live in a single-family house and not a condo or apartment with common walls. On the positive side, Birky has a guarding instinct and will bark an alert when strangers are on the property, or when he hears someone enter the house unannounced. As the victim of a break-in and burglary a few years ago, I can appreciate a Golden who'll warn me about intruders. (Like many other Goldens, my resident dog Chaz will greet anybody, at any hour, with a wagging tail and directions to the silverware.)
Birky's a wonderful boy and I don't expect to have him for long. So if you want to meet this garrulous goofball of a Golden, contact Placement
ragom [dot] org right away.
Birky and his gorgeous blond highlights.
So silky, he could model for L'Oreal.
Hanging with Chaz on the back deck.
"Sit pretty!"
Smart, handsome and funny, Birky Bear is the Owen Wilson of Golden Retrievers.
