Hello RAGOM friends, meet Duke, a very sweet loving pure breed male. He's just 3 years old with puppy-like energy, weighs 85 pounds, with a beautiful red coat and block head. He is neutered, UTD on vaccinations and has a microchip. Duke does have epilepsy and is on two medications. We also believe Duke is partially deaf, but can hear low tone sounds.  Duke was lovingly surrendered to RAGOM as an outside dog by a family who lived on a farm and felt that he needed a safer place inside a home.  He is an affectionate boy who longs for a loving family, playing ball and stability in his life.

Duke has been a joy to have in our home.  He loves to be around all ages of people and dogs.  He has been with us now for 3 weeks.  Our 10-year-old resident Golden and Duke were introduced immediately.  Our resident dog, Benny, took about 2 days to feel comfortable around Duke as he still has puppy-like energy.  Not destructive, but wants to play bite at Benny’s ears and is also mouthy with us when he wants to play.  Nibbling at our hands, arms and feet.  This is something we immediately started working to correct.  He is slowing understanding we won’t continue to play if this happens.  We also trade him with a toy to use distraction.

Duke loves walks! Because he came from a farm with free roam, it’s very important to keep him on his leash before we open the door.  He has never tried to bolt away but I worry for his safety due to his hearing.  He walks well on a retractable leash.  He doesn’t pull but will go in the street if he smells something.  Duke usually follows behind or is side by side with our dog Benny.  Benny has become a great leader for Duke, as he has never had direction from another dog on how to behave.  I feel because of this he would do great with another dog for guidance and safety due to his hearing.

Duke will need a loving family who is dedicated to understanding his epilepsy and seizures. Duke’s previous loving family advised us of his past seizure in February of 2017.  It was very serious and it took two weeks for Duke to recover.  He was unable to walk and the high body temperature may have been the cause of his hearing loss.  Duke now must take 2 medications twice a day.  The cost of the medication is $110 a month.  Along with this he must be checked at the Vet twice a year to monitor the medication dosage.  This brings costs to Dukes care.  Duke’s forever family will want to make sure they are able to give this care, cost and time to his everyday life.

Regarding his hearing, a few examples of what he can’t hear is when you call his name from behind him or when the garage door opens.  Also, his surrendering family said he laid under the tractor when it was off and when started, he didn’t even wake up or move.  We have noticed in our home that he can hear the dog living behind us bark (that has a low tone) and when a car goes by with loud base speakers.  There are resources that can guide you on how to use hand signals with a deaf dog.  Duke will need this as he has never had training.

Duke is an incredible dog!  He is a loving, playful, companion who will be the greatest buddy for a family!  Our family just adores him.  He has free roam execpt at night; he sleeps in our high school daughter's bedroom with the door closed.  They are cuddle buddies.  He alo has never had an accident in the home, but did chew on a shoe once.  Duke would love to have a fenced yard to keep him safe so he can chase after the tennis ball.  He is a total lover-a true Golden.  Just wants to be your best friend and touching you at all times.