Hi Everyone, it’s Tank again – working on my own update. It was an interesting weekend for me. On Friday afternoon FD and my foster brother Beau left the house without me. Beau was all excited because he said that he was going to Ginny’s for the weekend. Ginny always has a lot of dogs at her house and Beau said he always picks out a special friend to play with. Of course, I was disappointed and, I admit, a little apprehensive about what was going to happen to me. Other than going to the Vet a couple of times I’ve never left FM’s and FD’s house.

On Saturday morning FD walked out the door and I heard the side door of the van opening. I knew immediately what was going on – CAR RIDE! We all hopped in and headed for the Twin Cities. I got to meet a new friend MJ. She and I spent the weekend together. I had my own bed, several bones, my own tennis ball, and a selection of stuffed toys. It’s fun sometimes not to have to share everything. I got to go for a ride, spend time outside on a tie-out while watching MJ pick up sticks, and generally have a laid-back weekend. Here’s a picture that MJ took of me relaxing.

FM and FD showed up late Monday morning and we all headed back home again. I had such a good time but I’m really tired. FD thinks I’d probably sleep all day tomorrow except that there’s going to be a lot going on. Beau comes home from his “vacation” tomorrow morning and then a new dog – Murphy 17-002 – is coming to stay with us. FD says that he’s an old guy, just like Beau and me which should be a lot of fun.

FD and FM told me they’re proud that I was so adaptable at MJ’s. I settled right into her household and was a very good dog almost all of the time. They all seem to like it that I can take everything in stride and just be a great companion dog. I think I like that too. Life is much more enjoyable if you’re not worrying about every little thing. My only concern now is to find my own furever home. I think I’m ready to go onto my next adventure so if you’re looking for an easygoing guy to share your life with please contact your Placement Advisor and ask about me. Thanks, as always for reading about me. Your friend, Tank.

Ps: I have to share a picture that FD took – me with foster brother Beau. We’re two handsome gentlemen don’t you think?

We received some very good news today.  The follow-up blood panel on Mr. Tank came back with all readings within normal parameters.  We were concerned that he might be in one stage or another of kidney failure but it appears that everything is completely normal!  Our Vet thinks that the stress of leaving his home of 10 years plus being underweight might have produced the initial readings.  This means that, effective today, Tank will be available for adoption.

We continue to learn more about Tank every day.  It appears that, sometime in his life, his paws were frostbitten.  When the weather got bitterly cold last week his feet became especially sensitive and we had to cut his walks and outside activity short.  We have ordered some “dog booties” and will be trying them out as soon as they arrive. 

Also he appears to have had an allergic reaction to Nexgard, the flea and tick preventative that he was given by our Vet.  He became very itchy.  He is on a dosage of two Apoquel tablets daily which has eliminated the scratching.  We understand that the symptoms may continue for as long as four months so he will have to continue taking the Apoquel for up to another three months from now.  They are not inexpensive – the cost for two-a-day runs from $2.50 to $6.00/day depending on where you buy the tablets.  Hopefully, at that point, he will no longer need them and he can be prescribed a different flea/tick preventative next Spring.

Aside from the few, pesky, medical issues, Mr. Tank has to be the easiest dog that we’ve ever fostered.  His laid-back personality is very easy to live with.  A simple “no” stops him in his tracks if he is ever doing something you don’t want him to do.  He learns very quickly as he is treat motivated.  He rarely, if ever, barks.  He is a gentle soul who loves to be petted and have his ears scritched.  He will thrive in a home where there is a clear routine.  He knows when it is time to eat, to take his long walk, to go downstairs to watch TV, and to go to bed.  He doesn’t bark or pester us when his internal alarm goes off but he does look up expectantly and will stand up and look right at us to gently remind us that it’s time to get moving.

Tank likes kids but we believe that he’d be happiest in a house where he will have some peaceful and quiet times to take the naps that he loves so much.  Older kids who understand his need for calm times would be fine.  We think he’d also be a wonderful match for a single or couple where he could be the center of their world.  He is fine with other dogs and cats and would be a good companion but, we believe, he would also do well as an only dog.

If you are interested in adopting Mr. Tank you can find the information you need at this address on the RAGOM Website:  http://ragom.org/adoption/adoption2.html .  We would love to talk to you about this wonderful guy.