I am happy to introduce Howie!  He is a 3 year old, 55 lb Golden Retriever from Turkey.  He is one handsome guy now, so I cannot imagine how he will look when his fur has grown out to full length.  He is already attracting a lot of "nice looking dog"comments on his walks!

Howie has been with us a little over a week.  The first day he was quite timid, but the second day he was like a different dog as he settled in, with a lot more pep and curiosity.  He is such a sweet guy, loves cuddles and follows us around the house like most Goldens.  He simply loves to be with his people.  He sleeps on a dog bed in our bedroom but doesn't hesitate to get up on the bed for hugs.  He asks for attention by putting his head or paw on your lap, just adorable!

It does not seem like he had any training before but he is catching on fast now.  In just one week he has mastered sit and come and is responding to his name really well.  We are working on ringing bells hung on the door to go outside, right now we let him out regularly and have had no issues.  He loves his walks on the trail and any opportunity he gets to play with other dogs he meets - it is always so fun to watch the younger dogs wrestling and chasing around!  Howie also enjoys a good roll in the grass.

He has done some counter surfing but responds well to corrections and it is improving.  Oddly enough though, he lays down very nicely when we are eating at the table with no begging. He has shown no prey drive to squirrels or deer; he has not been cat tested.  For now we are holding off on free roam while we are gone.  Besides dog toys, Howie likes odd items for toys such as clothing or shoes.  He doesn't really chew them but carries them around as if to say it is his job to transport things from the bedroom to the living room.  I finally tied knots in an old bath robe and he is quite happy with that as a dog toy.  He needs some coaxing to go in the kennel but once there lays right down.  He is friendly to new people coming to the house and does limited warning barks.  Although he uses a tie-out here, I would say a physical fence is optional given his low prey drive and rapidly improving recall. 

Howie would be a great addition to a forever family that enjoys regular walks and that typical lovable Golden Retriever nature.

If you think Howie 17-089TD would be a good fit in your home, please submit an "Inquiry for Application" form. If you have already filled out an "Inquiry for Application" form, please send an email to applicationragom [dot] org with the dog's name, RAGOM number, the name you submitted the Inquiry for Application form under and a sentence or two why you feel you'd be a good match.