Yipppeee, skippee, It's (all about me) Heather,
It's been fun, fun, fun in my world.  Playtimes & walks and treats.  Maybe a dog party in May and then the parades start up.  I love those parades.

It's been so long since my last update that I almost forgot about my new boyfriend, Dempsey.  We met at the MG Petsmart.  I am in LOVE.  Dempsey is a service dog with Helping Paws.  He's very smart and handsome, don't you think.

We played "catch me" and meet the neighbors.  There are 4 tails in the picture.  

And that same nite Cliffy 10-071 came to stay with us.  And it's been "all about him" ever since

Aunti JoEllen makes awesome punkin/cinnamon and peanut butter cookies for us furbutts. They are absolutely fabulous!  I'm supposed to share with Meg & Cliffy 10-071, but I don't want to.  I'm getting a little chubby and if I don't quit eating those treats, it's the ole green been diet.  YUCK.

I've been tending to Cliffy 10-071 during his recovery

He's heading to his new family in a couple days.   I'm really gonna miss him.  Sometimes I think that he thinks I'm his very own personal toy and then I take him down and we count to 5. 

Today I even made him squeak. FM came running to see what that was all about.  We just said we were playing. 

It's kinda fun having a big silly brother.  Wish we could keep him.  Doesn't look like I'm going anywhere soon.

   Well, that's all for now.  FM has to write about Cliffy's dr. appt. today.  See ya at Petsmart. Maybe my wonderful sponsors Curtis and Elizabeth will visit me Saturday.  My paws are crossed.

Whoo Hooo.  Happy New Year Everyone, especially to my sponsors, Curtis & Elizabeth G. 

It's almost 3 weeks into the 2010 and I'm just getting my letter in.  We have been so busy.  Let's see, here's the scoop.

Me and Meg celebrated the new decade with a bit of the bubbly.  That was fun.  Evidently I had too much fun cause Meg took the squeaker out.

I'm sure glad it's warming up.  We had to wear these dumb boots and coats when it was freezing and walked on the snow.

My new name is Cinderella cause I lost a booti when I fell in the snow pits.  Me & Meg slow dance when we get bored outside

Now that it's warmer I don't get stuck anymore cause I leap like a deer.  Meg hardly ever catches me when I do that and it's even funnier when FM tries to catch me.  One time she even lost her booti in the snow pits.  It was easy to find.  Mine is still lost.  How hard could it be to find a hot pink booti in the white snow?

We have a lot of fun chasing the tennis ball.  I even bring it back.  Kinda funny cause I'm not even a golden and I retrieve.  Meg is a golden and she doesn't....hahaha. 

Saturday we went to Petsmart.  There were so many dogs and people, I was dizzy.  Lots of people are interested in me, but don't have a fence.  And it has to be something I can see or I'll just keep running and chasing.  And I absolutely-positively need another dog furbutt or 2 in the house.  I lived with 30 dogs and do really good with dogs and I'm completely lost without a brother or sister to be with me.  And last of all, but very important is that I would love to hang with you during the day.  I like my house, but I spend too much time in it.  It would be really kool to have a mom & dad that don't work so much. 

Remember my story about the bird in the house in October?  This morning FM, Meg and me were playing outside.  FM threw the tennis ball and Meg came back with something that had a tail.  And it wasn't a stuffed toy.  It was a real squirrel that was stiff, but still warm & squishy.  Meg had to sit and give it to FM.  Boy, that took FOREVER.  FM took it through the kitchen & out the back door.  She was saying ....don't wake up, don't wake up, OMG, OMG.   Not like the bird.  We don't need a wild squirrel, cat and 2 dogs in the house.  OMG.  Then she put it on the steps and covered it with a towel and I had to go in my house.  And we got a treat and FM went to work.  I wonder if its ok.  Sheeeesh. what next. 

And I have to mention that I have been very very good.  Since the invisible ladies talked to me, I don't do naughty things.  I don't look at cords or wires or shoes or anything.  I'm still anxious and bark at FD but he's getting used to it.  I feel kinda bad, but I follow him everywhere and sometime I even paw tap his butt.  I let him pet me sometimes if I'm in FM's lap. And the other nite when FM was gone I even slept at the end of the bed with FD & Meg & MiMi.

Me & FM had a heart to heart last nite,  Here is how our talk went.

H:    Why doesn't anyone want to adopt me?
FM:  You are very special, Heather.  We are waiting for your bestest forever family and that takes time.

H:    How much time?
FM:  As long as it takes.  You have special needs, baby girl.  You need a fence, a resident dog and someone that is home at least part time. It won't be much longer.

H:    But nobody is even asking about me.
FM:  I'm sure some people are asking about you, Heather.  Placement is screening applicants that don't have what you need,  so we're not contacted.

H:    Does it matter that I'm a mix and not a golden retriever like Meg?
FM:  Sometimes people want a larger dog and/or purbred golden retriever. You are only 23# and a small dog.  We don't know what you are mixed with. We think your parents were a beagle and a  sheltie. You may have a touch of golden retriever somewhere.  What we know for sure is that you have a heart of gold & a golden soul. 

H:    Why do we go to places that have other dogs all the time?
FM:  We go to adoption events to find a wonderful family for you and other RAGOM dogs.  When people come to the events and see the RAGOM furbutts, sometimes they go online and apply to adopt or volunteer with RAGOM.  You represent some of the best that RAGOM has to offer.

H:    Why don't you adopt me and be my forever family?
FM:  That's a really good question, Baby Girl. You know we LOVE you, right?  We want the best for you and that is someone that is home with you. You're stuck in your house all day now. Another  reason is because you're not comfortable with FD.  You've grown so much emotionally with everything else but him. You and I are going to meet the invisible lady this weekend and find out what this all about.  If she helps us figure that out, then we'll talk again about keeping you. Plus we're going to learn the T touch and how to massage you & Meg.  Maybe that will help relax you with him.

H:    Thanks for talking with me, FM.  I love you.  I understand why I’m not adopted yet.

O Boy, O Boy,
Another road trip.  I am so excited.  We're all tripping down to Byron to that really cool Leashes and Leads place.
We'll be there about 11:00 and stay untl the end. (one of us stays in bed until 9:00) so we can't get there till 11:00.  Come see Meg & me if you get a chance.

Shhhhh!!! Secret time...  Don't tell Meg that she is coming with us to be re-united with Annie, a RAGOM furbutt that she grew up with.  Annie might be her mom.   I'm so excited.

I'm still looking for my forever family and its been awhile since my wants and needs have been listed:

Resident Dog
Physical Fence (wood, chainlink, vinyl) anything I can see that sets my boundaries
Someone home at least part time so I don't have to stay in my "house" all day
I'm ok with a cat.  I might chase a little & play hide n seek.
You have to have a sense of humor, cause I'm a joker and a manipulator and a cleptomaniac
I'm a good back warmer in bed
My own "house" AKA wire crate (safe place).  This is important cause when you're away, sometimes I can be an interior designer.
I'm ok with kids, I like to run and chase them.  They scare me a little, but I warm up soon to them.

There ya have it.  I will let you know how Byron shakes out.

I almost forgot to tell you about the dog party last week at Auntie Christi's.  Meg & me had a blast.  There was 13 dogs 9 people.  It was very very cold. 

 Don't ya know after that cold party we got new winter coats and I'm gonna get booties, too.

One last thing.  I'm supposed to tell you about the next picture.  Not my proudest moment.  And they were very heavy, let me tell you.  FM put these wine bottles in a plastic bag on the deck to chill one day for a party.  I decided we should party somewhere else, so I got one almost down the steps when I was so busted.

                              Shheeeesh, foster parents can be such party poopers. 

Oooops gotta go go, go, see ya in Byron.........Heather 

 Girl Scout Troop 51752: Emily, Sydney and Natalie                    Susan Myers

Sunshine, Henri, Cocoa, BooBear, Asti, Micki, Tekla, Yogi, Trixie

 Jeff & Kathy M.                         Hatch 09-196

Yippie-skippy!  Outside sure is slippery!  What are all these shiny things on my deck?  I'm slipping and sliding all over the place!  Br...it's cold on my tender little feet.  I think I need a coat and a pair of boots!

Okay - enough complaining!  We've been very busy since my last letter!

Last week, my brave sister, Meg, caught a bird and brought it into our house for FM.  No heartbeat but the eye blinked and she stroked it and almost cried because she thought it might be dead.  A miracle happened when she was walking to the garbage though - the bird started flapping its wings and came back to life!  Then FM handed it off to FD and he set it free outside.  I almost had a heart flutter and MiMi - well, she almost had breakfast.

Last Saturday, I went to the best place ever:  Leashes and Leads in Byron!  We left Meg at home and hitched a ride with my boyfriend, Jake, and BFF Jayden.  My new friend, Sunshine 09-381, joined us too!  Sunshine and I are still looking for our forever families!

First we needed nutritional sustenance for the roadtrip...

YUMMY!

Then we enjoyed the long ride to Byron...

Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?

I bet I met a hundred dogs.  It was a blast!  I met these really big dogs, called Great Danes.  They are gentle giants.  And I met this teeny little dog that looked like a chicken.  Some people were interested in me but they didn't have a fence or another dog in their house so I will have to wait.  That okay since I kinda like it here.  FM thinks we found Meg's mom from her other life.  I'm expecting another road trip so they can meet.

Before I knew it, we were on the way back home, exhausted...

Jake makes a nice pillow!

This Saturday (Oct. 31), I'll be at Chuck & Dons in Roseville at 11:00am! I bet you won't even recognize me because I'll be in costume!  If you give me a treat, I'll give you a trick!

Treats and tricks, kisses and squishes to my sponsors, Elizabeth and Curtis G.  I hope you can come to see me!

Happy HOWLoween!
Heather

Yippee!  I get to do my update again.  Sorry for the delay.  We've been really really busy.  Pippin came over last week so we could learn to relax.  The lady had energy in her hands and had a drum and it was kinda scary, but I think it helped me "relax" a little.

I am learning to lay down on the bed for some cuddle and sleepy time with FM and Meg.  We do that after "good girl poddy outside" in the morning. 

The other day, when FM wasn't feeling well, I kept her feet warm under the covers.  We slept a long time.  When FD got home, I was stuck down there because Meg blocked my way out.  You try to bark under the covers and almost be smothered!  That wasn't much fun at all.  Everyone was laughing but me.

Sunday was a really fun day because my adopted sister, Rose, brought her whole family over for backyard play.  That was a blast.  We have this tube thing to run in and out of.  It was really scary at first, but there were treats in it and I LOVE those.  Scary dog Meg wouldn't go in there, so Rose and I got lotsa treats.

I haven't been naughty, except for today when I found a weird underwear thing.  It dropped on the floor and we have a 5 second rule around here that I take full advantage of.  Get out the sewing kit FM!

"Tail spins" and doggie kisses for Curtis & Elizabeth G.  I haven't forgotten about you!  Thanks for being my super duper sponsors! 

Ooops, gotta go, its scoopey uppey relax time....yea!

Have a good week,
Heather

A quick update on Heather from FM:

She had a fun, exhausting holiday weekend. Saturday morning, Heather had an oatmeal spa treatment in the shower. After her brush and polish, we went for a long ride. Heather is a quiet co-pilot and curls up in the front seat without a sound. She loves to be talked to and stroked, especially when we are lost.

Sunday Meg and Heather had a playdate with Murphy. If you can imagine a gold bullet chasing a silver one, with Meg trying to keep up.

What a riot!

A short time later Miguel from Michigan came over and here we go again...

It was nonstop chase, play, and wrestle for 3 hours. 

Heather has met her match.

Miguel rolled her and pinned her down and Heather encouraged more.

Heather & Miguel dragged MiMi's bed into the crate...

The girls and Miguel were exhausted and probably a little achey that night.

Monday we had a short walk and then went to the lake for a quick dip to soothe those tired muscles. Heather walked into the water with some apprehension and stayed close to Meg. She was a little scared when she couldn't touch, so we walked back to the shore. She was concerned when she lost sight of Meg on the way back to the car and relaxed when she saw her. Heather will definitely need another dog to keep her company and secure.
At the parks, several famlies commented how adorable she is and will check out RAGOM.

Heather has grown considerably since early July, both physically and emotionally. She is 21 lbs of solid muscle. That's probably why she can pin Miguel so easily. We have loosened her collar 3 times. You can't feel or see her backbone or ribs. 

She is allowing FD to pet her and will lick his hand if he goes slow and does not look at her. She is still on alert about him and cautiously quiet with occasional barking episodes. We tell her to "shush" and it's effective. I think our "relax" time has helped. She is constantly meeting new people. Other guys are no problem at all. 

I read "The Loved Dog" by Tamar Geller.  This book is worth its weight in gold in understanding dog behavior, working through the negative with positive results.

Heather will be at the Bone Adventure in Wayzata tomorrow (9/12) from 11:00-3:00!  She would love to meet you!

Hey All!

First, I want to tell my sponsors, Curtis and Elizabeth, "THANK YOU!"  Would they would like to adopt me, too?  I'm looking for another home...

There is whispering around here that I am skating on thin ice.  My days are numbered.  I better shape up or ship out.  I think you get the picture.  What does 'eviction' mean?

And now a message from my foster dad: *&*@%#$*!

(Uh-oh...I think he's mad.)

So, now I'm re-thinking that house cord issue.  They're finding my pre-occupation a little unnerving...

Let me explain:  The utility trailer in the backyard had these long, pretty wires on it.  I didn't think they were necessary so I decorated the plants with them.  I am lightening fast.  I do my best work in the dark just before bedtime when we go out to potty.  Didn't think I'd get busted so soon.  So anyway, FD was repairing those stupid wires and he was in and out of the house and so were Meg and I.  When he was in and we were out, I played hide n seek with his tools.  We have a big boring backyard that needs color so I "borrowed" them.  The rubber handles tasted so good after I pulled them off.  So far he's found 5 of the 7 connectors.  It's a good thing he can't catch me because I woulda been toast. 

Remember when I said I work best in the dark?  Yup, that night before bed, I went back to those "repaired" trailer wires and really fixed the fix.  I stripped that new wire right down and left the evidence on the deck.  FD was not a happy camper when he found my handiwork in the morning.  Now there's a stupid box over those darn wires and I can't get at them. 

So, what's a girl to do?

Well, I'm not one to sit still for very long, so I've been sneaking FDs workboots from right behind FM when her paws are on the computer.  I like chewing on the strings and the leather.  Not as tasty as the cord on FMs vacuum and favorite lamp though.  FD has encased the cords in our dining room and living room inside PVC tubes and even tied the cord in the air to the picture so I can't get it.

When we go on walks, I pull a little on the leash because I like to be ahead of Meg.  But then I slow down down.  Sometimes little kids wanna pet me and as long as they don't scream or scare me, I'm ok. They sure can be noisy and get in my space.  When that happens, I just hide behind FM and Meg.

I love to meet other dogs because I lived in a house with lots of other dogs.  There are 3 huskies and a shaggy poodle mix we see every night on our walk.  We are all good friends. Somtimes we talk to the boxer across the street and the ankle biter (pet shop/puppy mill) dogs next door.  One of the dogs had his voice cords cut.

I'm getting really good at "sit" and "down." Not a big fan of "off."   I have excellent recall and understand "get outta there."  Most of the time, FM just needs to give me a little "no-no" and I don't touch it again.  My favorite words are "come for a treat."  I'm understanding "relax."  That's when FM cradles me like a baby and rocks me just before FD gets out of the shower because I'm on "high alert" then.  And I'm really good about "go in your house" (aka crate).  My house covering is at the FAIR right now so I have a different one with Christmas designs.  It will be good to get my Golden Retriever one back, though.

Just in case you missed my first angel photo, here's another one. 

This means I'll find my forever family in a month or less.  My paws are crossed.

Guess I better get outta here.  If you want some excitement in your life, have patience, and like fun surprises, then I am the perfect match for you.  Hop on your laptop and email your Placement Advisor to let them know you would like to meet me! 

Have a SAFE Holiday weekend,
Heather

Hey all! 

It's me again, Heather.  Did you see all the furbutts that have been adopted?  I hope I get that someday.  FM says I have to be patient and wait for the right time.  We are still working on my issues.  FM is reading a book by a Caesar Somebody that might help us.  Just when they think I'm housebroken, whooops.  They finally figured out that I don't like cushie stuff.  I just need a rug or towel and a couple toys in my crate and I'm a happy kid.

I almost forgot to tell you about our Sunday company.  We had the funnest furbutts come to play.  Aunt Devon brought Pippin and Chaz.  Pippin used to be Ronnie and we came into RAGOM together with Rose and some other dogs. Devon took these pics of us:

That's me and Chaz!

This is my friend, Pippin!

We got caught digging.

My favorite color is purple.

I hope they come back soon to play again.  That was a fun day.
 
MiMi had a vet check a couple days ago so me and Meg went along for the ride.  Just for kicks I jumped on the scale and I am a whopping 21 lbs. Now I gotta start watching that I don't gain more.  It kinda runs in the family around here.  So Meg and I can't trade pounds anymore.

FM says FD has to be the pack leader if we are gonna work on my issues.  Good luck with that.  We know who's the pack leader around here, don't we. Tonight, FM put the strap thing on my face.  And then the guy that lives here took me for a walk. I didn't like that at all.  Then she took me and did the same thing.  I've decided I don't like Caesar or this strap thing.  Something tells me I don't get a vote on it though.

That's about it for now. 
Catch up with ya later,
Heather

Hey, it's me - Heather!  Wow, so much has happened as a RAGOM girl.  Where should I start?  FM says the beginning is good, so grab a lemonade and read about my new life.

For starters, I'm having what is called a "liquidation" issue.  Yup, that about sums it up.  In other words, the water bill for the washing machine is gonna spike this month.  And as if that's not enough, I'm still a scaredy dog with my FD and all guys.  That's another reason why towels around here are at a premium and I'm unavailable. I have a ultrasound test on Thursday to see what all this is about.   Other than that, I'm darn near perfect.  

And I have some really good news...I've gained almost 2 1/2 lbs.  We have good food.  And even better is that it's okay for me to gain a couple more pounds!  It shouldn't be too hard because I'm gaining what Meg is losing.  So me being here is a win-win for her too.

Saturday, Meg and I were in the Shoreview parade.  That was the best time ever!  I wore a stupid t-shirt that said "Princess" and some bead things around my neck and everyone pointed at us.  It was really weird, but fun.  Then we met more people and dogs and foster furbutts at the RAGOM space.  We hung around with Clifford 09-199, "The Big Red Dog."  He's a cool dude and has a video on his blog you should check out.
 
Our FMs were talking after the parade and he almost dumped some lady's lunch on the ground.  His tail accidently knocked a lady's elbow.  Unfortunately, the 5 second rule didn't apply this time.  Darn, I almost had a taco salad appetizer.  Good thing FM was hungry and shared her hot dog with us.  Why are they called that?  I think it's a don't ask, don't tell thing.  Anyway it was gooood.

So after that, we got lost on the way to the dog park in Burnsville.  Thank goodness for cellphones.  Anyway, we finally got there and met more RAGOM furbutts and did some shopping.  I'm not one to sit still very long so I dragged FM under tables and chairs and kept getting stuck under stuff.  It was funny watching her unstick me. She's not the littlest foster mom ya know.  When she was talking with a dog food guy, I was helping myself to his free treats.  I guess that was a NO.  What can I say...they were FREE and I must add very good.

Next, I joined Clifford, Meg, and our FMs on a walk around the dog park.  Wow, what a cool place.  There's a picnic place and a clean pond and a space for little ankle biters.  I can hang out in either space.  We finally dragged ourselves to the car and left.  I heard my cozy crate calling me for a nap.  But then we went back to the parade place so FM could shop.  Meg and I put our paws down and refused to get out of the car and told FM she had to hurry up or we would really be "hot dogs."

Sunday was another fun day.  They set up the mini pool in the back yard.  I saved the duck and tennis balls from drowning. 

I only tipitoed in that pool, so we went to lake.  Wow, that's the biggest puddle I ever saw.  I stayed on a leash, but Meg had to be on a long rope.  I thought I was gonna drown.  It was really scary.  I guess I'll have to learn the doggy paddle thing.  I stayed right next to Meg.  I really trust her even with my life.  Next time, I might get my back and head wet, but not that day.  Geez, we brought the camera but didn't take any pics. Maybe next time.

That night, Howard 09-277 and his FMs came over.  Howard and I were in the same place before RAGOM.  I remembered him.  We played like crazy, chasing around the loveseat and outside with Meg.  He is a blast.

Last night, we went to his house and we played again. I hope we keep in touch.  FM says if I pursue a relationship with him, I'm a cougar because he's only 3 1/2 months and well, let's just say I'm a teenager...haha.  I think she just called me a big cat.  Silly!

Well, that about sums up the last few days in RAGOM.  Stay tuned for the "rest of the story" and have a "golden day".  Paws crossed that they figure out my problem with the ultrasound thing!