It is my honor to introduce the very handsome and oh so very sweet Mr. Dakota to our RAGOM family! Dakota came into foster care almost 2 weeks ago, and has fit seamlessly into our home. He has been vetted, microchipped, and is up to date now on all shots and preventatives.

He weighs in at 75 pounds and has some minimal arthritis in his back knees, but his hips are good, and all of his senior bloodwork came out great. The vet recommended a weight loss of about 10 pounds together with supplements, to keep him healthy for a long time to come.  

Though he has a beautiful sugar-kissed face, Dakota is a very young almost 10 year old dog. He is an active boy, and his favorite things at our house are going on a couple of walks per day (he still likes to zig-zag a bit!), and playing with his new best friend forever, foster brother, Buddy. Of course, like any awesome older golden, after all of his playing and walking, he loves to settle in for a good long nap. 

He loves every dog that he has met while in our care, and people are pretty great too! Per report of his prior home, he gets along well with kids and cats, and the only naughty thing he did was chew on crayons once in while. He's had no accidents and goes to the door and quietly looks out when it's time for him to go outside.

He sleeps through the night and favorite places to sleep appear to be our bed, the couch, or any of the comfy dog beds scattered throughout our house. We have not crated him, and I would prefer not to see that in his forever home.

He recently went to the groomer with his foster sister and brother, and did great with that whole experience. (Dakota says he's the handsome guy in the middle!)

Our family, people and dogs alike, have already fallen in love with this wonderful boy, and I am committed to finding him a home that is meant just for him. What is that going to look like in my ideal world? I'd like to see him in a place where his family is home more often than not, as I think long days would get to be too much for him.

Though he grew up with a fence, he is doing fine at our house without one. But he would then need a family that is committed to keeping him safe and committing to giving him enough daily playtime and exercise. He needs to have someone that will focus on his weight loss, and keep him lean and strong so that he can be playful and energetic for a long time to come.

He is a boy who is into beds and furniture, and I think it's too late in his life to change that. Though I am not requiring another dog at this point in time, he truly loves being around and playing with our younger resident dog. So another playful friend might be a plus. Most of all, I want a family that has the time and ability to focus on Dakota, and give him the best that the golden senior life has to offer.

If you are interested in meeting Dakota, he'll be the handsome guy with the non-stop wagging tail at the Meet and Greet in Edina this Saturday, April 7, from 12 - 2:00 p.m. Otherwise, stay tuned for further updates!