Hello,

I ran across your website and thought I would give an update on Harley (his old name - "Owen"). Harley became part of my life back in 2000, when he was 2. He will be turning 11 on April 8th, 2009. He was rescued from the Arlington - Lodi area of Wisconsin, and fostered in the Madison area. At the time, Wisconsin did not have a rescue chapter for Goldens, so even though he's originally from the Wisconsin area, he came through the RAGOM chapter.

Though, I have to admit, at first I was a little reluctant about a "rescue dog". But I can tell you now, that I wouldn't take it back for anything!!! Harley supposedly had issues with "males", "hats", "facial hair", and was very "head shy" when you went to pet him. I have never had a bad experience, or any type of issues with him at all. Harley transitioned very well, especially considering a name change and being bounced around until his placement with me. Harley has been nothing less than an incredible companion from day one!!

The first day that Harley came to my house from the foster home, I remember saying "Wow!! Is he going to get any bigger?!". At 2 years old, he was about 90lbs.and very tall!! His paws were huge!! Well, since then he's only filled out a little (as we all do). His average weight has been about 105lbs. and he still gets a lot of comments on how large he is (height and paw size). Harley has always been very sociable and well behaved. He hardly barks, unless it's necessary. I get compliments on him all the time, which has made me extremely proud to take him with me wherever I can.

Harley has been aging gracefully. He is very dignified with his "platinum" highlights. He has had hip surgery (FHO) on both hips now, one side in 2006 and the other in 2007. Other than some stomach ulcers he unfortunately received from the pain medications he was on, he has recovered fairly well. As hard as it was on me to have him go through all of that, I truly believe that his quality of life is much better with pain-free hips. Before the hip surgeries, there was a time that we were out for a walk in the woods and he kicked up (and actually caught) a wild turkey in air taking off. He also use to be quite good at chasing down and bringing me back the unlucky squirrel of the day. I was told that the "black spot" that you see on some Golden's tongues, means that they are a "good hunter". Though, I've never officially hunted with him, he has always been very intent on fine tuning his instinctual hunting skills. But now with his age and hip surgeries, he has become content just watching them do their thing (if he feels he doesn't have a chance catching them).

Harley is always very interested in just being wherever you are. He really enjoys the dog park or other nature walks. He enjoys just going for a ride in the truck (even if it's to just go up the street and back). He especially enjoys riding up front on the bow of the boat when we get a chance to go out on the water. Harley seems to just love snow! He loves to roll around and make "dog angels" in the snow and loves to eat it too. He becomes a puppy all over again every winter!!

I would highly recommend to anyone, to seriously consider RAGOM or GRROW to rescue a golden in the Wisconsin and Minnesota areas. It is disheartening to see so many of these great companions (some from horrible circumstances) without a loving home. Harley has brought so much love and enjoyment to me along with all the people that have come to love him, and I feel extremely fortunate that I've been able to share my life with him.

Proudly submitted,

Scott and Harley