Hupi 09-430

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Sponsored by: Connie J.   

 

Hupi is a delightful 13-year-old golden retriever who had been stuck in a shelter for over two months. She is quite petite, weighing only 46 lbs. The vet said that she's slightly underweight and it would be great if she could gain ~ 4-5 lbs. That shouldn't be a problem because Hupi has a wonderful appetite....for food and life! Hupi is spayed, up-to-date on her vaccinations and heartworm negative. She does have a minor allergy which is well-controlled with an antihistamine.

Hupi has hit the doggie "trifecta", because she gets along great with kids of any age, dogs, and cats. She's even good with our birds! Hupi is perfectly housetrained; she has not had a single accident in the week or so that she's been here. The only minor behavioral issue we've noticed is that she's a bit wary of new men. But my husband has been very patient and gentle with her and she's finally decided that he's a good guy!

I know many people avoid seniors and I have to admit that there was a time in my life when I wouldn't have considered a senior. But in the last couple of years, we've adopted two seniors (one of whom is blind) and they are wonderful! They are so gentle that our 6-year-old daughter prefers to walk them over the younger dogs. And speaking of walking, Hupi loves to walk! She is quite energetic for a dog her age and I have yet to find her limit on walks. Hupi is like the "Energizer Bunny"...she just keeps going!

  

At a Glance #09-430

Golden Retriever Born: September 1996
Female 55 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by: Connie J.   

 

Hupi is a delightful 13-year-old golden retriever who had been stuck in a shelter for over two months. She is quite petite, weighing only 46 lbs. The vet said that she's slightly underweight and it would be great if she could gain ~ 4-5 lbs. That shouldn't be a problem because Hupi has a wonderful appetite....for food and life! Hupi is spayed, up-to-date on her vaccinations and heartworm negative. She does have a minor allergy which is well-controlled with an antihistamine.

Hupi has hit the doggie "trifecta", because she gets along great with kids of any age, dogs, and cats. She's even good with our birds! Hupi is perfectly housetrained; she has not had a single accident in the week or so that she's been here. The only minor behavioral issue we've noticed is that she's a bit wary of new men. But my husband has been very patient and gentle with her and she's finally decided that he's a good guy!

I know many people avoid seniors and I have to admit that there was a time in my life when I wouldn't have considered a senior. But in the last couple of years, we've adopted two seniors (one of whom is blind) and they are wonderful! They are so gentle that our 6-year-old daughter prefers to walk them over the younger dogs. And speaking of walking, Hupi loves to walk! She is quite energetic for a dog her age and I have yet to find her limit on walks. Hupi is like the "Energizer Bunny"...she just keeps going!

  

Updates

Saturday, June 11, 2011

I just looked at all of the wonderful dogs available for adoption, and Miss Hupi may win the prize for being the official "Grand Old Dame" of RAGOM! Sometimes I wonder if she found the elusive fountain of youth, because Hupi is still as bouncy as the day she arrived. Oh, she may have an extra "beauty bump" or two, but she still trots along on our walks with her tail held high. And woe is the UPS man if he rings our doorbell. Miss Hupi gives him her fiercest bark and then does the old "Hupi 180". She's the only dog I know who tries to scare people away with her derriere!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Hupi would like to say "thank you" for her cheerful spring icons!

Since it has been such good walking weather, we thought it would be nice to have another photo of "Team Retriever". Our daughter Abigail was kind enough to hold the dogs for me...no easy task for an eight year old. Hupi still loves her walks and is as bouncy as ever! I really marvel at her joy and enthusiasm. Hupi starts every day the same way....a stretch, a snort, a smile and a big tail wag!


Abigail is pack leader today!
Clockwise from top left:  Hupi, Dylan, Lili and Buddy

Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy Spring to the Golden Seniors from Anonymous Happy Spring to the Golden Seniors from Anonymous

"In Memory of my Abby" "In Memory of my Abby"

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

First, I would like to extend a very belated thank you for the generous Christmas donations in Hupi's name.

I just checked the "Available Dogs" page and it looks like Hupi is now the most senior dog. Thus, I think it is fitting that Hupi now be known as one of the "Grand Old Dames" of RAGOM!

Our Hupti Doo is still doing amazingly well for a 14-year-old dog. The only minor change I've noticed recently is that she is reluctant to follow me upstairs at bedtime. I don't want to make her do anything that is uncomfortable, so I've been making her cozy on one of the first floor dog beds. Sometimes she eventually makes her way upstairs during the night and sometimes she doesn't. Three of our other dogs are already taking Dasuquin for joint health, so I'm going to start Hupi on it and see if it improves her mobility. And it's just the stairs that seem to give her trouble. Outside, Hupi is still a young dog!

And of course, with Valentine's Day approaching, we had to do something special. So our daughter Abigail kindly volunteered to make Hupi a most unique Valentine's Day hat!


Happy Valentine's Day Hupi!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

In keeping with Hupi's tradition of dressing up for the holidays, you know we had to do Christmas dog!

Hupi is doing really well and hasn't slowed down one bit since she came to live with us just over one year ago. Hupi is still always ready and willing to go for a walk...for neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays this dog from the swift completion of her appointed rounds.

When we woke up to a blizzard this morning, I was afraid that some of the dogs would not want to go out. But not Hupi! She charged right out into the snow and barked at it! Now if only barking at the snow would clear the driveway, then we'd be in business!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

In honor of Sharon Mallak In honor of Sharon Mallak

Merry Christmas to the Golden Seniors and their fosters! Merry Christmas to the Senior Goldens and their fosters from Anonymous

Friday, October 29, 2010

Hupi would like to wish all the RAGOM ghouls and goblins a very safe and happy Halloween!


Bat dog!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

In celebration of Hupi's birthday this month as well as her upcoming one year anniversary with us, Hupi has been inducted into the Honorary Order of the Golden Hat! It is a very exclusive club and only a few goldens are selected each year. Congratulations Hupi!

Miss Hupi went for her annual check-up last week and passed with flying colors. She is in excellent health for a dog of a "certain age". Hupi does have a few new little "beauty bumps", but I think they make her that much more unique. I asked Dr. M. about the tiny limp that I see every so often and he suspects she may have a little arthritis. He kindly donated a month's worth of glucosamine chews, so we'll keep a close eye on her and see if she is more comfortable.

And last but certainly not least, Hupi has come up with yet another novel barking technique. I guess she grew weary of the James Cagney shtick, so now she's adopted what we call the "Hupi 180". Whenever we say "no" to the barking at the front door, Hupi literally spins 180 degrees and barks with her derriere against the door! One neighbor was so impressed, he applauded as he walked by! Now THAT'S entertainment!


Newest member of the "Honorary Order of the Golden Hat"

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Miss Hupi is thoroughly enjoying her summer vacation....lots of sunbathing on the deck and long evening walks. The only time she might be showing her age a bit is when she trots. Every so often I think I see a teeny tiny limp, so we'll ask Dr. M. about it at her annual check-up in August.

The only minor behavioral issue is a bit too much barking at people walking by the house, since the front door is open more during the summer. But she usually stops after a firm "no", so that's good. It's actually pretty funny, because after we say "no", she does her best James Cagney impression... "Ooooooooooooo!" (You dirty rat!).


Heading out for a walk with Abigail
And we're back....all smiles!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Just a quick note to let everyone know that our little Miss Hupti Doo is still happy and healthy! People often underestimate what seniors can do and I am no exception. I didn't want to take Hupi running with me because surely it would be too hard for her. Then one day I decided that maybe I should give her a chance. So off we went on an nice, relaxing 1.5 mile jog and Hupi loved it! She kept up just fine and was all smiles. And now that it is getting hot, we'll head down to the Missouri River and see if our little girl likes to swim too. I wonder if there is such a thing as a senior canine biathlon!


I'm lovin' it!
Too many dandelions

As soon as Mom is gone, the chaise lounge is mine!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Now that Miss Hupi has been with us for a few months, we get such a chuckle out of the silly little things she does.

When she wants to come inside, she taps the back door with her paw...just one polite tap.

When I kiss her on top of the head, she tries to rub it off on the carpet.

When we walk in late evening, she barks at shadows.

And at bedtime, Hupi runs up the stairs ahead of me and then turns and waits at the top with a huge grin....still faster than mom!

People talk about enjoying the finer things in life and spending time with Miss Hupi is surely one of them.
Aren't you coming?

Monday, March 8, 2010

About two weeks ago, we noticed that Hupi was having trouble chewing and her cheek was a bit swollen. It turns out that she had a broken molar that had to be extracted. Hupi did really, really well at the vet. Dr. S. put a note on her discharge instructions that said "Hupi was very brave!". Hupi recovered quickly from the procedure and is eating dry food without any problem. And it may be my imagination, but I think she smiles more! Also, Hupi weighed in at 49 pounds, so she's gained three pounds since she came to live with us. Dr. S. thinks her weight is perfect now.

 
Hupi and crew
Clockwise from upper left: Hupi, RAGOM Dylan, RAGOM Buddy, Lili
Not pictured - RAGOM Jake who was snoozing. 

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Hupi is still a happy little girl!  She is such a silly dog and some of her antics really make me laugh. She loves to rub her face on my legs and she weaves in, out and around....rubbing and snorting. I've been thinking of trying to make a movie of this little dance to the tune of "Hoop Dee Doo" by the Wiggles. My favorite is when we go to bed at night. Rather than just walk on to her bed she actually does a little hop and then lands with a poof!  It's so cute! The only minor problem she has had lately is walking on ice and snow when it is really cold,  After 10-15 minutes she starts to hold up her paws and give me a very woeful look.  I don't think there is anything wrong with her;  she just has cold-sensitive little paws. Her friend Buddy said that he'd loan her his boots so she can see if that helps.  If Hupi likes the boots, we'll get her a set....in pink of course!

 
                                    Happy Valentine's Day Hupi!

 

Monday, January 25, 2010

Our little Hupi girl hasn't changed much since my last update. Though she seems to have made progress in learning to trust men. A male friend of ours came for a visit and Hupi was very comfortable with him. Perhaps three months of my husband offering her treats has finally paid off! And I must say that Hupi continues to be one of the most joyful creatures I've ever met. Sometimes I wonder whether she's just very Zen...having achieved the state of mind called "Enlightenment". One thing's for sure, that sunny little face can brighten even the gloomiest day!

 
My kingdom for opposable thumbs!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Hupi is very grateful for the generous donations from Dale & Sue Giloy; Marilyn & Maggie-girl; Lori, Kerry, and the Mutts; Shayna M.; and the wonderful supporter who wished a Merry Christmas to the Golden seniors.

Our Hupi girl continues to be a joyful and spirited member of the family. We still enjoy our cozy little daily routine, though she's much more independent now. She doesn't feel the need to follow me around all the time, which suggests that she is more secure and self confident. Hupi is also apparently more confident in expressing her opinion, because she's become quite a "talker" lately! When it's time for supper..."bark, bark, bark".....time to go out ...."bark, bark, bark"....and time to tree the squirrel..."bark, bark, bark"! We just couldn't imagine life now without our little "Hupti Doo".


Thank goodness foster mom shoveled a path for me!

I know that Nylabone is here somewhere

Sunday, December 6, 2009

On behalf of Hupi, I would like to thank Connie J. for sponsoring this special senior girl.

Hupi has settled into a cozy little routine now. Every morning, when I open my eyes I see her waiting patiently on her bed....muzzle between her paws and those beautiful brown eyes watching me...just waiting for me to get up. Then Hupi and I shuffle into the kitchen...always the last two up. We keep each other company for breakfast. And as I do a few chores around the house before leaving for work, she follows me from room to room...just to make sure I don't get into trouble, I suppose. When I leave for work, she watches me through the glass door, and she's right there behind the door when I get home. At supper time, she keeps an eye on the cats to make sure they don't do any unauthorized counter surfing. After supper we all go for our evening walk, and would you believe that little Hupi is the pack leader?! And bedtime...ah bedtime....the coziest time of all. After "last call", Hupi runs and waits for me by the stairs. And then up we go. I fluff Hupi's bed and she settles down in a "poof"! Then those two beautiful brown eyes watch me ..blink, blink...until I turn off the light. Another wonderful day with my sweet Hupi girl....it just doesn't get any better than that.

 
Okay cats, listen up!
 
Are they listening? It's so hard to tell.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

 Dale & Sue Giloy                 Merry Christmas to the Golden seniors

Marilyn & Maggie-girl            Lori, Kerry, and the Mutts

 Shayna M.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hupi has now been with us about three weeks and we're seeing much more of her personality. She's an incredibly silly dog! Hupi loves to play with toys and her favorite is an old rope toy that the other dogs have ignored for years. She delights in pulling out the strings and arranging them ever so artistically around the house. Hupi also loves to play tug-of-war with the rope toy and boy, she puts all 46 lbs into it! She's also very fond of a catnip mouse that apparently isn't good enough for the cats. Hupi swings that mouse around by its tail and then sends it flying! If I didn't know her age, I'd guess that she's much younger because Hupi plays way more than our younger dogs.


Foster mom needs more strings to clean up!
Grrrrrrrrrr!

Hupi would be a perfect dog for someone who's looking for a super easy companion, who will think you are the greatest human in the world!

 
Hupi and one of our seniors, Buddy (Magnum 07-644)