Sweet-natured and handsome Rocky is continuing his happy adjustment to indoor living with all its comforts and conveniences. He loves being indoors and cozy and warm...though that has inadvertently triggered a late shedding period which hopefully will be finished very soon. His coat remains in beautiful condition, healthy and shiny. He especially enjoys having his meals on a regular schedule and has an accurate inner alarm as to when breakfast and dinner are due. He is polite about letting you know when it is time to eat. He eats neatly and at a moderate pace.....no inhaling or gulping his food. Treats are huge in Rocky's new life, and he sits nicely for them, wriggling head to toe in anticipation of something yummy.

Rocky is making good strides in the manners department. We work steadily on discouraging his jumping and I rarely see it anymore...but it is still a work in progress. There has been one counter surfing incident in which he snagged a packet of salami, was quickly discovered, and he immediately released his untasted contraband without a murmur. There have been no food guarding behaviors with adults, children, or visiting dogs.

He is fully house-trained and is learning the best ways to let us know he needs to go outside. His current favorites are standing at the back door, or pacing and giving us "the look."

Rocky knows his name and has excellent recall, but that has only been tested within a fenced-in yard. Testing his recall unleashed and unfenced is not recommended at this stage. Though to his credit, the one time he slipped through a gate (my fault) and decided to do a little exploring on his own, he found his way back within 10-15 minutes...... to a much relieved and frantic foster mom. And that was when he was here less than 48 hours.

An interesting fact or two about Rocky that hasn't been mentioned yet is that he has webbed feet and a highly developed tracking nose. That nose probably played a key role in his quick return.

In regard to other dogs, Rocky's dislike seems to be restricted to males. Female dogs have not been a problem and he has had lots of interactions with them. He doesn't play yet with them, but does tolerate them and eats side-by-side with no problems. The only scuffle we had was over a toy and it was quickly and safely resolved. So while it is not mandatory, Rocky might benefit from having another dog in his forever family, especially if he is left home for a full workday. He is trustworthy with free roam in the house and when you return, he is full of joy and performs a special doggie tap dance for you.

If we needed one phrase to describe Rocky, it would be people lover! Everyone he meets is his instant friend and a new source of pets and belly rubs. Everyone who comes through the door is greeted with immediate love. There still is no barking when the doorbell rings....just a happy squirming pup anticipating his newest friend. Which of course disqualifies him as a watchdog for those who might be looking for one.

More than anything, Rocky needs to be indoors and with his people. He is allowed on the couch and sleeps on the bed. He loves being cuddled and petted and being told what a wonderful dog he is and that he is now forever safe. Once a RAGOM dog, always a RAGOM dog. At times, he will just lean back and drink in every word you say and his expressive eyes show the love and contentment he feels. He is a very, very special Honorary Golden and we are so happy RAGOM brought him into our lives.