Decoy 13-368

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Merry Christmas to the Senior Goldens from Santa  Merry Christmas to the Senior Goldens from Santa  

 

Happy New Year - 2014 will be the year to find your forever family! Mary Jo    Happy New Year - 2014 will be the year to find your forever family! Mary Jo

 

 

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:
Entered Foster Care Fence Kid Friendly Another Dog Cat Friendly
 11/30/2012 No  Yes  Optional  Yes
This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

I would love to introduce myself to you, my name is Decoy and I am worth checking out due to my wonderful easy going and gentle nature. I am almost 11 years old (this month) but I look much younger as I have no grey at all. I am extremely handsome, as you will see by my pictures. I think I am a mix of Labrador and Golden Retriever. I have short hair like a lab but the head shape and lovely personality of a Golden. What you can’t tell from pictures is that I am one of the easiest family members you could ever have. I am curious about what is in the house so I like to look around but I will not chew on anything or even carry anything around. I don’t even like dog toys. I do like to be near my peeps but I am not pushy like many Velcro dogs. I don’t even beg for food but if you want to give me treats I will gladly accept! I do like attention but do not insist on it, I have very good manners! I do however do a great impression of a sad face when I want you to pet me (it’s all an act though but I have learned that it works)! I am completely house broken and could easily go a full workday without going out. I have lived in 2 different homes during my life and both were with wonderful families that loved me very much. I grew up with a few kids in the first home. I think that is why I am so nice and well adjusted. A new living situation was why my last mom decided to give me to RAGOM, she knew it was best for me since she was going to be traveling a lot. That is why she found such a great place for me with my new foster family, cause she loved me so much!

Have you ever seen such a gorgeous profile?

I went to the vet (Dr. Joe) on Dec 6th and he commented on how young I look and act. He also commented on how strong I am! I weigh 92 pounds and I am a tall guy. I am very muscular! Dr. Joe also says I am very healthy and am up to date on all healthcare issues. I do have a little damage to both of my ACL’s in my knee but the vet says I am doing far to well to fix them. Sometimes when I sit down I do it a little slow due to this but otherwise you would never know. I do take a little bit of medicine every morning for some mild arthritis. My FM puts in on a little piece of bread and I gobble it up. I have no problem with stairs at all and like to go up and down them if that is where you are. If you are my forever family I would sure love to meet you soon!

FM here. Decoy has been with us for one week and I am so impressed with his calm personality. He has free roam of the house, as he doesn't get into anything at all. He certainly does not need a crate or being restricted in any way. His SO said that he may counter surf. We haven’t seen that except one time when I left a small bag of dog treats right at the edge of the counter and he did manage to find it. The only thing left was some random bits of baggie. It was just too tempting! She also said he may get into garbage but not here yet. He sleeps on the floor, anywhere, except a dog bed, he doesn’t like them. He does like human beds and any available couch at night. He loves to go for walks and he pulls a little bit on the leash but not too much. He is very strong however and it would be difficult for some small people to walk him. For that reason I think a fenced yard would be the best as he could get some exercise in the yard. He loves to walk around and sniff things. Decoy is great with our almost 10 year old Golden, Gunnar. When they play and Gunnar pulls Decoy by the collar Decoy is totally OK with it all. He is so calm and nothing seems to get him upset. He is not spooked by loud noises like pots and pans and he totally ignores the vacuum cleaner. He does not seem to have any prey instinct. We have a large fenced in yard with many small animals running around and he is totally disinterested in them. He doesn't even look up when geese loudly fly over. For that reason I don't think he would mind cats but has not been cat tested.

At a Glance #13-368

Mixed Breed Born: February 2003
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

 

Merry Christmas to the Senior Goldens from Santa  Merry Christmas to the Senior Goldens from Santa  

 

Happy New Year - 2014 will be the year to find your forever family! Mary Jo    Happy New Year - 2014 will be the year to find your forever family! Mary Jo

 

 

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:
Entered Foster Care Fence Kid Friendly Another Dog Cat Friendly
 11/30/2012 No  Yes  Optional  Yes
This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

I would love to introduce myself to you, my name is Decoy and I am worth checking out due to my wonderful easy going and gentle nature. I am almost 11 years old (this month) but I look much younger as I have no grey at all. I am extremely handsome, as you will see by my pictures. I think I am a mix of Labrador and Golden Retriever. I have short hair like a lab but the head shape and lovely personality of a Golden. What you can’t tell from pictures is that I am one of the easiest family members you could ever have. I am curious about what is in the house so I like to look around but I will not chew on anything or even carry anything around. I don’t even like dog toys. I do like to be near my peeps but I am not pushy like many Velcro dogs. I don’t even beg for food but if you want to give me treats I will gladly accept! I do like attention but do not insist on it, I have very good manners! I do however do a great impression of a sad face when I want you to pet me (it’s all an act though but I have learned that it works)! I am completely house broken and could easily go a full workday without going out. I have lived in 2 different homes during my life and both were with wonderful families that loved me very much. I grew up with a few kids in the first home. I think that is why I am so nice and well adjusted. A new living situation was why my last mom decided to give me to RAGOM, she knew it was best for me since she was going to be traveling a lot. That is why she found such a great place for me with my new foster family, cause she loved me so much!

Have you ever seen such a gorgeous profile?

I went to the vet (Dr. Joe) on Dec 6th and he commented on how young I look and act. He also commented on how strong I am! I weigh 92 pounds and I am a tall guy. I am very muscular! Dr. Joe also says I am very healthy and am up to date on all healthcare issues. I do have a little damage to both of my ACL’s in my knee but the vet says I am doing far to well to fix them. Sometimes when I sit down I do it a little slow due to this but otherwise you would never know. I do take a little bit of medicine every morning for some mild arthritis. My FM puts in on a little piece of bread and I gobble it up. I have no problem with stairs at all and like to go up and down them if that is where you are. If you are my forever family I would sure love to meet you soon!

FM here. Decoy has been with us for one week and I am so impressed with his calm personality. He has free roam of the house, as he doesn't get into anything at all. He certainly does not need a crate or being restricted in any way. His SO said that he may counter surf. We haven’t seen that except one time when I left a small bag of dog treats right at the edge of the counter and he did manage to find it. The only thing left was some random bits of baggie. It was just too tempting! She also said he may get into garbage but not here yet. He sleeps on the floor, anywhere, except a dog bed, he doesn’t like them. He does like human beds and any available couch at night. He loves to go for walks and he pulls a little bit on the leash but not too much. He is very strong however and it would be difficult for some small people to walk him. For that reason I think a fenced yard would be the best as he could get some exercise in the yard. He loves to walk around and sniff things. Decoy is great with our almost 10 year old Golden, Gunnar. When they play and Gunnar pulls Decoy by the collar Decoy is totally OK with it all. He is so calm and nothing seems to get him upset. He is not spooked by loud noises like pots and pans and he totally ignores the vacuum cleaner. He does not seem to have any prey instinct. We have a large fenced in yard with many small animals running around and he is totally disinterested in them. He doesn't even look up when geese loudly fly over. For that reason I don't think he would mind cats but has not been cat tested.

Updates

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Foster mom here: Today we made it official and adopted Decoy (age 11). We think that Valentines day is a perfect day to add family- the day of love! Decoy came to us as our foster just after Thanksgiving last year. He has stolen our hearts and brought new life to our home. Our resident dog Gunnar (age 10) is now acting several years younger. The "boys" play together and hang out on the deck together. They have become good friends and we can't stand to break that up. Decoy is such a sweet and loving guy and we are so happy to make sure he is home- forever. 

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Decoy had a wonderful time at the Fargo event today. He was super nervous at first and did better with time. He is so mellow at home so doesn't show his real personality at these events. He seems to be saying to us- Don't leave me here! As soon as we got in the car and he knew he was headed home he fell asleep and the Decoy we know and love was back. Gunnar and Decoy are really tired tonight. So fun to show them off today!

Decoy has been trying to endure the cold temps as we all have. He loves to lay out on the deck or in a snowbank. Sometimes we have to remind him that he may be cold! We can't wait to see how he opens up with the weather getting better. He has a system of trails made in the snow around the fenced in yard. Sometimes he ventures off the trails and gets into deep snow but his long legs pose no problem to that! He loves his exploring in the pine trees around the yard and has a certain spot where he does his business which is very convenient!

Right now- he sleeps- tired from the busy day. FM

 

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Foster mom here. We have had Decoy since Thanksgiving now and we continue to learn more and more about his personality. We needed to kennel both "boys" for one night recently and Decoy was NOT happy about it. We have never needed a kennel of any kind so we didn't know he would be so upset. Decoy spent the first 7 years of his life with a family that had a financial situation where they could not keep him and he was left at a shelter. We don't know how long he was there before his second family brought him home. It is possibly due to that experience that he now does not want to be back at a kennel. We are going to work with him to bring him there only to visit and get treats and see if he can get over his fear but right now we know he should not be left at a kennel. He also will not go in a crate kennel. We also needed to leave him in a bedroom when an aggressive dog visited for a few hours and we saw later that he had tried to open the door with his mouth, the door handle was scratched by his teeth. There is something about being confined that makes him extremely nervous. Luckily, he is so mellow in the house that he does not need to be confined so it is normally not an issue at all. 

Decoy also had been learning much from our resident dog Gunner. He has learned that if he looks super cute and somewhat pathetic during dinner that he may get a nibble from the table. He has also learned that when we are outside it is really fun to play with foster dad- wrestling in the snow and pouncing on FD. What he does not realize is that he is a large guy! He thinks this is really fun! He likes to play with Gunnar also and they can get a bit rough for "old guys". 
Some things we think that Decoy should have in a forever home:1. Some way to get lots of exercise. He is a really large guy. He is not overweight, just a big guy at about 92 pounds. He would do best with a fenced in yard where he could run around and burn energy. The fence needs to be substantial however as our fence is weak in some areas and he figured that out quickly! He loves to go on walks but he is VERY strong and will need someone that can handle his strength if he decides to get curious about his surroundings. He does not like to be tied out on a rope. We tried that and he wouldn't take a step away from the door. 2. He really likes company. He loves other dogs and being around people. I think he would love to have lots going on around him as long as he doesn't have to play too much. 3. He loves to be on furniture, especially couches and beds. He thinks he is the owner of all such things. 4. He is obviously mostly a labrador and he sheds like one. 5. He wants to be loved and give love. It takes him a while to get comfortable but he gets more and more adjusted every day. 6. He is curious! He will go exploring if he gets the chance. He does not dart and run and does great with some commands but zones out and won't listen if he gets really interested in things. We learned that he loves to visit ice fishermen! 7. He is a very mellow and easy guy in the house. Outside he is curious, loves to explore and is VERY strong! He needs people who can handle his strength. 8 . He LOVES car rides!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Holiday greetings! FM here- We had wonderful Christmas celebrations and Decoy remained calm and collected through all of the chaos. He traveled well but when we got home again he pranced around smiling for about an hour. I think he especially liked being home. I know I said he was not a velcro dog but his personality has really set in and while he does not insist on attention he follows us around the house, wanting to be with us at all times. He is such a good friend and such a sweet guy. Here are some recent pictures of Decoy and RD Gunnar.

Happy New Year everyone!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Decoy here- Have I mentioned that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the snow? I especially like to lick it! Last weekend we drove for a few hours to visit family. When we got there I found out it was a birthday party for a 3 year old little girl! Her sister who is 5 was there too. I sure enjoyed watching everything they were doing. The older one read me a book! They had a small funny looking dog that the RD said was a pug. I thought maybe he had been in an accident since his face was so flat but RD said he has always been like that. We got along just fine! There were lots of new people at the birthday party- everyone loved me! 
FM here- Decoy is adjusting extremely well. He has been with us for 2 weeks now and is just so easy to have around I can't believe it! If you are looking for a beautiful and healthy 10 year old, he is your guy! I would love to brag more about him so let me know what else I can tell you!