05/12/2017:

Charlie is a 4.5-year-old Golden Retriever who is dark red with a definite curl to his hair. He was surrendered to RAGOM on April 8th when it was determined he would need major surgery due to a urinary blockage. His family made the difficult decision to surrender him to RAGOM where he could receive the care he so badly needed.

With the help of wonderful transport volunteers, Charlie was brought to a vet hospital on that Saturday where he would be monitored and wait for a much-needed surgery on Monday, the 10th. Those special volunteers continued to visit him over the weekend to make sure he was doing okay and to tell him to "hang on" until Monday when his surgery was scheduled. They returned again on the 10th and lovingly brought him to the hospital where his surgery was completed by a doctor who is a very special friend to RAGOM and the dogs she has treated. Charlie was very fortunate to be in her care, and later that day, his new transport buddies helped to bring him to his first foster home.

The saying it "takes a village" is so true of RAGOM. Charlie had the "best of the best" his first week with two temporary fosters who helped him through the first week after surgery, which was the most difficult. He was later transported to his permanent foster on Monday, the 17th, and it didn’t take long for Charlie to start getting curious about his new surroundings as his energy level started coming back.

Charlie has been here for 3 weeks, and we’re still learning about this special boy. He has completed a few trips to the vet to bring everything up to date, and we’re working to finalize what type of low protein/low sodium diet he will need to hopefully prevent future issues with blockage from stones in the future.

He weighs 65 lbs, loves to eat, and is a pretty busy, active guy. He loves to go on walks, play with toys, and also tries to engage his foster sister, Nicole. Charlie has had the opportunity to meet other dogs during play dates, which has helped him to learn about boundaries and how to read other dogs. He especially likes to chase Carolyn 17-049A and loves to play with his big, red ball.

We’re working on other commands, but he certainly knows "sit" and is very treat-motivated, but not always that interested in training. An Obedience 1 and 2 class are recommended for him to learn commands and what will keep him safe, as well as socialization. He does fine with other dogs during play dates, but still is learning where the boundaries are.

Charlie has a lot of love to give and he shows it by lots of kisses, wiggles, trying to sit on your lap, and just snuggling up close. He likes to lay under the table or desk at your feet and he even has tried to win over his foster sister, Nicole, with his sweet ways – but she’s playing hard-to-get.

Charlie will need a home with a family that has time to spend with him during the regular course of the day, as well as making the commitment to taking him to obedience training. Another dog is not required; however, Charlie has always had other dogs with him and appears to enjoy their company. He is crate trained and has not had any accidents in the house. A fence is not required, but it will be important that Charlie gets daily exercise as that will be just as important as the special diet for him to stay well.

A little more of Charlie emerges every day as he begins to learn a new environment and works to find his way. This special boy has a lot to give to the family who has just as much to give back to him. He'll be waiting patiently and getting ready for that special day when he meets his forever family.

If you think Charlie would be a good fit in your home, please submit an "Inquiry for Application" form. If you have already filled out an "Inquiry for Application" form, please send an email to applicationragom [dot] org with the dog's name, RAGOM number, the name you submitted the Inquiry for Application form under, and a sentence or two why you feel you'd be a good match.