Jack 12-229

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Sponsored by:

Barb and Ken

June 12, 2012

Please welcome Mr. Jack to RAGOM --- all 135 lbs of him!  Yep, you read that right. One.  Three.  Five.  This special boy was whiling away his days in an outdoor dog run when fate knocked on his door.  His family, who he had been with since he was a puppy, was moving and Jack would have to move too.  Lucky for him, instead of being surrendered to a shelter he became a RAGOM boy!  While he hasn’t been fully vetted yet, he did get his initial round of shots, some medicine to help his painful ears feel better, a possible explanation for his excessive weight (thyroid), and a lot of loving from the vet techs who stayed after work on a Saturday to help us out.  Then it was off to the old homestead where he met the resident pack, with tentative, but friendly, tail wags. 

This fur-kid is a gentle giant!  He clearly loves kids and didn’t even turn his head when the cat ran by (as you can see on this video http://youtu.be/zC3oPzkROX0 ).  I am surprised at how well he moves despite his size, and he is perking up even further as he gets more comfortable here.  He did refuse to eat the first night, but since he is in no danger of starving, not really a problem… When he arrived, he had tufts of hair sticking out all over, and a thatch of old fur next to his skin.  He looks so much nicer just with the surface globs of hair removed, and even better than the handsome picture he presents, Jack loves to be brushed!  He gets the wiggles he is so excited (which is a treat to see with a boy that big)!  He also has tremendous mats holding his ears down, but we are going to let him chill out for a while and work on his ear infections before we tackle those. So far no accidents in the house despite being an outdoor dog – he is willing to squat right away when he goes outside, and he pees like a girl!  Yay!  I love a guy in touch with his feminine side!

Jack definitely prefers me to my husband if we are messing with him, but he is happy to lay outside by FD’s feet all day.  He doesn’t like crazy Clyde, the resident dog, in his face (who does, right?), and will give him a lip raise to let him know to back off, but does not object to being in the same area as long as Clyde isn’t popping his bubble. I would guess he doesn’t have much experience outside his run -- meeting new people, and going new places – so he is tentative with strangers and new situations, but he will learn that people are good!

And who better to set the perfect example for him than Barb and Ken who stepped up with a sponsorship for this awesome pup before his transport was even complete!  Watch out you two. You have a huge hunk of burning puppy love who can’t wait to thank you in his own signature, slobbery style!  Thanks for giving him a push toward the good life!

At a Glance #12-229

Golden Retriever Born: June 2007
Male 120 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:

Barb and Ken

June 12, 2012

Please welcome Mr. Jack to RAGOM --- all 135 lbs of him!  Yep, you read that right. One.  Three.  Five.  This special boy was whiling away his days in an outdoor dog run when fate knocked on his door.  His family, who he had been with since he was a puppy, was moving and Jack would have to move too.  Lucky for him, instead of being surrendered to a shelter he became a RAGOM boy!  While he hasn’t been fully vetted yet, he did get his initial round of shots, some medicine to help his painful ears feel better, a possible explanation for his excessive weight (thyroid), and a lot of loving from the vet techs who stayed after work on a Saturday to help us out.  Then it was off to the old homestead where he met the resident pack, with tentative, but friendly, tail wags. 

This fur-kid is a gentle giant!  He clearly loves kids and didn’t even turn his head when the cat ran by (as you can see on this video http://youtu.be/zC3oPzkROX0 ).  I am surprised at how well he moves despite his size, and he is perking up even further as he gets more comfortable here.  He did refuse to eat the first night, but since he is in no danger of starving, not really a problem… When he arrived, he had tufts of hair sticking out all over, and a thatch of old fur next to his skin.  He looks so much nicer just with the surface globs of hair removed, and even better than the handsome picture he presents, Jack loves to be brushed!  He gets the wiggles he is so excited (which is a treat to see with a boy that big)!  He also has tremendous mats holding his ears down, but we are going to let him chill out for a while and work on his ear infections before we tackle those. So far no accidents in the house despite being an outdoor dog – he is willing to squat right away when he goes outside, and he pees like a girl!  Yay!  I love a guy in touch with his feminine side!

Jack definitely prefers me to my husband if we are messing with him, but he is happy to lay outside by FD’s feet all day.  He doesn’t like crazy Clyde, the resident dog, in his face (who does, right?), and will give him a lip raise to let him know to back off, but does not object to being in the same area as long as Clyde isn’t popping his bubble. I would guess he doesn’t have much experience outside his run -- meeting new people, and going new places – so he is tentative with strangers and new situations, but he will learn that people are good!

And who better to set the perfect example for him than Barb and Ken who stepped up with a sponsorship for this awesome pup before his transport was even complete!  Watch out you two. You have a huge hunk of burning puppy love who can’t wait to thank you in his own signature, slobbery style!  Thanks for giving him a push toward the good life!

Updates

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

We bring a foster into our home and give them a roof over their head, good food in their tummy, a soft place to lay their head, and we take them into our hearts with love.

In the end, we let them go, wish them forever happiness and shed a few tears. Our job is done.

Jack went home with his new family last night. He impressed them with his wonderful personality, goofy smile and silly antics. Jack will have a new furgirl (Maggie) to play with, and a mom and dad who will love him as much as his foster family does.

Once Jack figured out the house thing, he became the most amazing, funny, beautiful boy we have ever had. It was a hard decision to let him go; but, we know there is another foster that needs a roof over its head, good food for its tummy and a soft place to lay its head ..... so we move on.

Hugs and Kisses  XXXOOO

your Forever Family

Monday, August 13, 2012

Jack has become such a good boy, he makes us laugh continuously.  Although, you will hear a lot of Jack ... Jack ... Jack during the evening.  Why?  Jack has learned, with very little effort, he can reach just about anything on the counter.  I don't think you can call him a countersurfer when all he has to do is open his mouth.  We have never had an issue, which says it has become more our problem than his.  I mean, really, if you have a dog as big as Jack and leave yummy BBQ pork chops near the edge of the counter (foster dad) and he reaches out and grabs one .... who is really to blame???

My younger son came home for the weekend and Jack was sooooo happy to see him.  Jack has never even tried to get on the furniture, not even a bed.  BUT - when Chandler decided to lay down for a nap Jack decided he just had to crawl up on the bed to give Chandler a kiss.  Yes, Jack crawled onto the bed ... not jump ... not step .... crawl.  What a happy boy!!

Once Jack got comfortable (boy did he like the bed) he decided he would take a nap with Chandler.  Here's a reference for you ... my son is 6'3" .... now look at Jack - isn't he beautiful

Jack had a recheck with our vet - GREAT NEWS - Jack is now a slim 115 lbs. and his thyroid is within the normal range.  We will be keeping Jack on his two pills a day, for now.  Dr. Tom believes it is doing exactly what it is supposed to, so it will stay the same until his 6 month recheck.  Maybe then he can be reduced to one pill a day.  You can really see a difference in our boy, not only in looks but his energy level has certainly increased too.  I'm sure he feels so much better now that he has lost 20 pounds.  We have also discovered Jack loves the garden.  Foster dad isn't so happy, but Jack sure is.  If there is a green tomato within Jack's reach ... it's a goner. 

Jack has some other exciting news ...

He will be meeting a family on Tuesday evening.  They have a 5 year old female Golden that loves to play.  Considering Jack has been living with two females for the last two months, he should have no problems with another.  We will keep you posted on his visit.

Jack would like to send a BIG Thank You to his sponsors.  It is through your love and generosity RAGOM boys and girls are able to get the care they deserve.  Thank You!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hello …. Are You Out There???

I have been patiently waiting to meet you, where are you?

Foster mom says I am such a good boy. I have learned to behave in the house, absolutely no accidents. I have learned to sit, stay, come, wait, walk, enough, leave it, drop, kennel, bed time and most important NO! Foster mom says that one is most important because I am kind of a BIG boy, so I need to know when I have gone too far …. but mom says it’s not very often. I do like to give a shout out (bark) when people or dogs walks by, but mom just says “NO” and I stop. I’m not trying to be naughty, I just want to say HI to everyone … mom says my tail is always wagging, so she knows I’m a happy boy. My foster mom is always giving me kisses, she thinks I am sooooo handsome and a big goof-ball. I give really good kisses too.

I thought I would tell you what my day is like, maybe then you’ll see I’m really easy to love:

4:30 AM - Get up with foster dad, go outside potty

4:45 AM - Go back to bed and wait for foster mom to get up

5:30 AM - Get up with foster mom, go outside potty

5:40 AM - Breakfast (eat right next to resident dogs – no problem)

5:50 AM - Get my thyroid medicine (pill smashed inside piece of bread)

6:00 AM - Watch foster mom in the shower

6:15 AM - Play with Pepper Anne (foster mom says - slow down in the house)

6:30 AM - Say ‘Good Morning’ to foster brother and play wrestle until he leaves for work

6:50 AM - Go outside potty and play fetch with foster mom

7:15 AM - Go in kennel (I like my kennel and mom says it’s safer)

TICK TOCK …. WAIT …. TICK TOCK …. WAIT

4:00 PM - Foster mom’s home …. YEAH!!! Run and Play!!! Potty!!! Fetch!!!

4:30 PM - Foster brother’s home …. YEAH!!! Run and Play!!! Wrestle!!!

5:00 PM - Foster dad’s home …. YEAH!!! Run and Play!!! Walk!!!

5:45 PM - Supper (I eat all my food)

5:55 PM - Get my thyroid medicine (pill smashed inside piece of bread)

6:00 PM - Help foster mom make supper (foster mom says I’m not much help, sometimes I check on foster dad in the shower)

6:30 PM - Go outside potty.

6:35 PM - Watch my foster family eat supper …. I watch but don’t beg

7:15 PM - Go outside potty and play fetch with foster mom or dad

7:30 PM - Play with Pepper Anne until foster mom says “enough”

9:30 PM - Bedtime …. I sleep next to my foster parent’s bed (no baby gate needed)

Jack is the ideal boy, he is eager to learn, wants to please and is treat motivated = easy to train. When Jack arrived it was obvious he had little exposure to the outside world, but with time and love he has discovered there is so much more than a dog run. Jack has learned how to behave in the house, learned several commands, and understands our resident girls. Jack even participated in a summer parade and did fantastic, the children gave him lots of hugs and pets. Even though Jack did great with the children (all ages), because of his size, he should probably go to a home with older children who can play/wrestle with him. If you have small children who come to visit … NO problem, just hold his collar and he is the best boy …. he is NOT bad …. just BIG. We don’t think Jack has a mean bone in his body. Even though there have been so many new things for Jack, it’s been amazing how much he has learned in such a short time.

The old adage “a tired dog is a good dog” is certainly true for Jack. It’s not that he is naughty, it’s just he has a lot of energy and needs an outlet, not uncommon for most dogs. If Jack doesn’t get an opportunity to expand all his energy he will seem naughty by chewing on a dog bed, tossing his ball at you, grabbing a blanket/sock/stuffed animal (personally, I believe that’s our responsibility to our dogs). Fortunately, Jack LOVES his walks, LOVES to play fetch, LOVES his toys, LOVES to wrestle, and LOVES to go everywhere with his people.

I still need to take Jack to the vet’s office for a weigh in, but you can really see a difference in his size. He will be going back to the vet in the next two weeks for a thyroid recheck. I have no doubt things have drastically improved. We are hoping Jack will get down to one (1) pill a day. We continue to brush him every day to get all of his undercoat off, and I will have to take off his back feathers because of all the mats. I must say, Jack is gorgeous. When the recent storms came rumbling through Jack seemed unaffected, so I don’t think that will be an issue. Jack has the opportunity to run in a fenced area and be on a tie-out … Jack’s preference is the fenced area. Because Jack likes to be close to his people, I think he would be a good candidate for boundary training.

If you would like to know more about our handsome boy, contact your Placement Advisor today. We enjoy talking about him.

P.S.  Have ball .... will travel

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

PERSONAL AD …..

Healthy, young, single male looking to meet active male or female (or both) for committed long-term relationship. Would be willing to consider children and pets. Enjoy kissing, travel, long walks, playing in the yard or just snuggling on the floor. Have own bed and toys. Must be willing to give 100% love. If you would like to meet, contact RAGOM Placement today. Could you be my forever love match?

H. J. (Handsome Jack)

 

The picture is of Jack at the RochesterFest parade.  Jack was a HUGE hit (ha! ha!).  Even with all the loud noises Jack walked the whole 2+ miles without one single problem and he loved all the attention from the children.  These days, all is well in our foster home.  Jack is doing so well learning commands and enjoying life in a house.  We have overcome the diarrhea issue .... thank goodness .... and moved on to being a super wonderful boy.  Jack is eating well and doesn't seem to be picky.  We have even progressed to learning to sit and stay before getting breakfast and supper.  Jack has not had an accident in the house for two weeks and has learned to pace back and forth when he wants to go outside.  Jack can go all night without any issues.  He sleeps next to our bed all night without a sound (except heavy breathing) and waits until everyone is up before going outside.  He is a constant source of amusement around here.  Jack and Pepper Anne have learned how to play, which amounts to Pepper Anne jumping on Jack's back or neck and Jack putting his nose under Pepper Anne's tummy and lifting her in the air (we are trying to get a video).  About the only thing I can say takes a little getting used to is he's slobbery.  He does require a drool rag.  This has gotten better as his weight has gone down.  I need to take him to the vet's office to weigh him, but you can really start to see a difference.  He will probably be a good sized boy, we are thinking around 100 pounds.  Jack continues with his Thyroid medication, which by the way is very inexpensive.

If you love big dogs, if you love a complete snuggle bug, if you love to laugh .... Jack is your boy.  My family thinks I won't let him go, SO, if you think you want to meet my special boy you need to contact your Placement Advisor soon.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Jack has been with us for two weeks now, sorry for such a late update .... we have been busy getting Jack's stomach settled down….

Jack was very lucky during transport to stay at a volunteer’s house overnight before heading to boarding. It didn’t take long for us to decide we needed to spring this boy and bring him home. When we met our transport buddy (thanks Amy) we were a little surprised by Jack’s overall size and appearance …. BIG didn’t really describe him …. But soooo cute. Once we got him in the car (it took two of us to hoist him in) off we went for home. The entire way home we were wondering how our girls were going to react to this big boy. When we got home, our next obstacle was getting Jack out of my car. With both hands on the leash, using my sweetest mom voice and holding treats I tried to coax Jack out. Unfortunately, the neighbor's little Shih Tzu was out running around across the street. Jack took one look at that little dog and dropped. No amount of coaxing or sweet mom voice or treats was going to get Jack out of my car. So, we waited, and waited, and waited until the neighbors got hold of their little dog and Jack was no longer scared. Right then, we knew our girls were going to rule!

We decided we would take Jack and the girls for a walk before letting them run around the yard. So, I took hold of Jack’s leash while foster dad got the girls ready to go. Off we went. Well … I wrapped the leash around my waist (Jack weighs more than foster mom) and as Jack was walking forward, I was pulling backwards, just so Jack couldn’t pull me over. Jack is not good at walking with a flat collar. The next day, I tried a gentle leader …. Jack really  didn’t like that idea …. but if I keep my hand on top of his head while we walk he is perfect (ha! ha!) Sometimes you just have to find what works.

It didn't take long before the kiddie pool came out and Jack got his first bath.

Jack loved his bath and really loved getting brushed.  We were able to get three full shopping bags of hair off our boy and clipped all his dirty mats from behind his ears. What a difference that made for him. He was so dirty and was so hot with all that extra hair.

Jack is a BIG scaredy.  There are so many things we have discovered that make Jack afraid .... fans!!! (floor and ceiling), loud noises, blow dryer, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, lawn mower .... Jack is having to learn all these things will not hurt him. Jack was also afraid of his dog bowl. It's pretty obvious he was not exposed to much. Other things we are learning about Jack are:

  • LOVES his people (male or female)
  • LOVES to play fetch
  • LOVES to be brushed
  • LOVES water
  • LOVES to go for his walks (must use a gentle leader)
  • LOVES to wrestle
  • LOVES to chew on his Kong and Kong ball

Now that Jack has settled in he has decided it's more fun to bark (WOW what a bark) at cat's passing by.  He has also started to bark at people and dogs going by, but those he is easily redirected just by saying NO.  Jack and PepperAnne are trying to figure out how to play, given the size difference.  So far, they will play chase around the dining room table and a little back and forth head bobbing.

When Jack arrived at our house he weighed in at 134.5 lbs., but at his first vet appointment he was down to 129! I wish I could say it was because of all his walks, good food and ball fetching, but it's mainly because we have been having nonstop diarrhea. Jack was brought up-to-date on all his shots, he is heartworm negative and no worms - YEAH!!! We are now making progress on the diarrhea with special I/d food, so things are starting to look up. Jack does have a thyroid problem, which would explain his large size and poor skin and hair. Jack is on two pills a day, morning and night, and will need to be rechecked in 6 weeks. If his thyroid is showing improvement, it is possible he could go down to one pill a day.

All in all .... Jack is a puppy inside a BIG dog body.  Jack is having to learn manners, commands, human and dog language, and, housetraining.

Jack would like to say .... THANK YOU to his sponsors .... Jack sends you a sloppy kiss

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