Miss Golden Girl has settled in just wonderfully. Her over excitement when I get home and wanting to jump up on me has gotten much better. She slept the first night I had her in a large open air crate. That was the last time. I crated her when we went out for Easter Brunch. That was the last day crating. She has full run of the house with Jax, our cocker. They play, nap and watch the birds on the deck. She is AWESOME!!!
Jax was always been babied by our old golden (who passed a short time ago), and by the lab, Lake, next door. So when another dog has something he wants, he goes up and stares and whines at them. They give up whatever they have. He takes it. One day Jax and Goldie were out in the yard playing and rough housing and it got a bit heated. Well, Jax wouldn't back down and so Goldie taught him it was time to learn. She pinned him down and he was submissive. No blood, just Goldie teaching Jax he doesn't always get his way. Same thing with toys/bones, just cuz she has it and he wants it, he's not getting it. I am so pleased to have her teaching him these lessons.
Miss G. is still a cuddle/love bug. She loves to cuddle up on the couch, and loves to sleep next to me on the bed. OK OK I know I shouldn't, but she is so starved for love and affection. I did finally put a pillow between us so she is slowly learning she can't be right on top of me. Jax could care less if she's on the bed or couch.
She has been fine eating next to Jax. The other night when Lake was here, he wandered over to her bowl while she was still standing near it but done eating. She gave him a warning growl and that was it. I have been able to put my hand in her food and nary a sound. After Goldie and Jax are done eating they take turns licking one another's bowl. Apparently Lake hasn't won that honor yet.
She has been fine with the cats in and outside of the house. I took her on a home visit with me and they had a cat, Baby Girl, who is 9 years old and rules the roost. She did some hissing and watched Goldie the entire visit. As we were getting ready to leave we were walking out of the living room and Baby 'stalked' Goldie, Goldie kept going. Eventually she turned around and Baby gave her a swipe with a clawed paw. Goldie howled a minute and barked and then left the room. She didn't try to do anything to the cat. Whew!!
I think Goldie must have been in a family situation with at least adults at some point in her life. While she listens to me, she listens harder to my husband. She knows how to act in the house, never has had an accident etc. I think perhaps the 'hoarder' got her sometime after she was in that situation. She is loving, I have gently pulled on her ears, tail and rubbed her paws. She handles it all very well. Goldie needs a fenced yard as she loves to run, jump and just plain enjoy life. I don't want to ever see her tied up or crated/kenneled again. She deserves better than that. She has not been 'kid tested' but will be tomorrow and I'll let you know how it goes. We are also going to be taking a trip to PetCo and see how that goes. I think Goldie will do well in a home with another dog if both parents work, or an only dog if someone is home most of the time. She is still needy to a degree and I think she would be lonely. Then again, we know how these sweet souls adjust.
The one thing that will need working on is her love to dig holes. She has found a couple places and I must say her digging is impressive. I think she does it more if she gets bored. She is almost always out with Jax and there are toys and bones, so not real sure why the digging. It is one small flaw in her otherwise golden personality. She loves to sun on the deck or in the grass, so she is content most of the time.
She has been updated on her shots, is negative for all things nasty, is on her frontline and interceptor. She will be spayed on the 19th and have her teeth cleaned, which in turn should give her just a bit of sweeter breath. She weighs in at about 54 lbs and can gain maybe 2 more. She will be available after that.
If you would like to chat more about Goldie or even meet her and are a qualified applicant, please contact your placement advisor.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Foster Mom and the troops
Goldie is 2 years old with beautiful golden fur, almost white feathering, but shorter ears than a golden. She is definitely a mix, but has the pure Golden demeanor. She comes when called by name, knows sit and takes treats nicely. She loves to cuddle and will stand on her hind legs and gently place her paws on your chest and 'cuddle' you. She is great with other dogs, fine with the cats over all (see below). 
