Theo (Tucker 11-351)

Profile

October 8, 2011

This magnificent tall boy came into our home for foster-care the first week of October. Where do I begin to describe such a fantastic golden? What stands out like the ‘bright star’ is his stellar personality. That is what grabs you right off the bat. Obviously he is gorgeous on the outside. Where to begin……. He is just so wonderful.

First: Tucker loves to ride in the truck/vehicle. Sniff the fresh air and let the ears feel the breeze. Of course, having the ‘height’ he is, one graceful stride up and he is in. He will stand and feel the breeze and then lie down and just enjoy the ride.

Second: Tucker has beautiful red-golden coat with the most beautiful feathering ever. He has a small white spot on his chest. Slight ‘frosting’ on his muzzle which could lead a person to believe perhaps he is more like 8 than 6.5 but who really knows. He enjoys being combed and brushed. Due to recent surgery, he cannot have a bath yet. He came with the longest toenails I have ever seen on a golden. Made walks other than the back yard difficult and very uncomfortable, and certainly made a lot of noise on the floor clicking. His tail is so full and beautiful.

Third: Tucker is fully housetrained and will go to the door when he needs/wants out.

Fourth: Tucker LOVES to play fetch with tennis balls and also chase and carry back soccer balls. He has great re-call. Half of the time he will ‘leave it’ and half I take out of his mouth to toss yet again, over and over. Just wonderful to watch him play and see how content and happy he is. As stated above, he has not had a long walk yet but we did get a couple short ones in and he walks with a harness and just great.

Fifth: Tucker is very respectful of other animals in the home. He grew up with another dog and a young child. He is currently here with our Maggie who is 10 (border collie/eskie mix) and three cats (who are also around 9-10). Introductions and subsequent living together is just harmony here. He gets along great with everyone. Because he is so much taller than everyone, the nudge for the first pets are his. Very typical golden boy, pet, pet and pet some more. Tucker does great with all our animals.

Sixth: Tucker was already neutered. When he was brought into rescue, had had not received any vaccinations, etc. He is now completely current on all vaccinations; microchipped; frontlined and heartworm negative and has been given Iverheart protection tab also. On the medical note side of things: Tucker also came to us with 2 very large masses on his back. One was more noticeable than the other. At this point they are diagnosed as cyst of some type and a biopsy was taken and subsequently sent out. We will not know results of these for a week or so. He did great during surgery and seems to be recovering well. He has two large spots on his back with about 15-18 stitches a piece. What a good boy he has been with absolutely no licking or scratching (yet!). I think he will heal well from this and seems to take it all in stride. During the surgical procedure, the very long nails were trimmed back and his feet look like ‘dog paws’ now and not bear claws. His ears seemed fine. He weighs 78#. He is lean but ok on weight .. perhaps with more walking and muscle building, he will put on a few more pounds. Prefer to keep these guys more on the lean side. His blood work came back normal. (****This is where ‘sponsoring’ and ‘donations’ are so helpful- help defer some of these costs to take the very best care we can of these rescue goldens!!! Please say you can help! J)

Before surgery

After surgery

Seventh: Prior to coming into foster-care, he did not have a fenced yard and did fine apparently. He is enjoying our large fenced-in yard and great place to play ball(s)—fetch and soccer. We have some neighbor dogs who like to bark (they are older tho) and Tucker just ignores them. I really think he enjoys the fenced yard and the security it provides.

Tucker does fine in his huge wire crate; he currently stays in there while we are at work as we have only had him a few days. I am pretty sure this boy can have free roam soon however, we need to get over the hump from surgery yet. He has a great appetite. He eats about 2 cups two times a day. (Loves apples and carrots!) We are also going to get hips x-rayed to make sure on the condition of those when the stitches come out in a couple weeks.

At this point and time, not knowing Tucker very well but from knowledge of previous owner and his current personality, a priority we would like for Tucker is to have a family home more often than not. He is a very people-friendly boy and with the information I have for him currently and from previous owner, a family who is home a lot would I think be the best for this beautiful boy. Of course, a fence would always be preferable also. More information and photos to come………….

At a Glance #11-351

Golden Retriever	Born: March 2005
Male	105 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

October 8, 2011

This magnificent tall boy came into our home for foster-care the first week of October. Where do I begin to describe such a fantastic golden? What stands out like the ‘bright star’ is his stellar personality. That is what grabs you right off the bat. Obviously he is gorgeous on the outside. Where to begin……. He is just so wonderful.

First: Tucker loves to ride in the truck/vehicle. Sniff the fresh air and let the ears feel the breeze. Of course, having the ‘height’ he is, one graceful stride up and he is in. He will stand and feel the breeze and then lie down and just enjoy the ride.

Second: Tucker has beautiful red-golden coat with the most beautiful feathering ever. He has a small white spot on his chest. Slight ‘frosting’ on his muzzle which could lead a person to believe perhaps he is more like 8 than 6.5 but who really knows. He enjoys being combed and brushed. Due to recent surgery, he cannot have a bath yet. He came with the longest toenails I have ever seen on a golden. Made walks other than the back yard difficult and very uncomfortable, and certainly made a lot of noise on the floor clicking. His tail is so full and beautiful.

Third: Tucker is fully housetrained and will go to the door when he needs/wants out.

Fourth: Tucker LOVES to play fetch with tennis balls and also chase and carry back soccer balls. He has great re-call. Half of the time he will ‘leave it’ and half I take out of his mouth to toss yet again, over and over. Just wonderful to watch him play and see how content and happy he is. As stated above, he has not had a long walk yet but we did get a couple short ones in and he walks with a harness and just great.

Fifth: Tucker is very respectful of other animals in the home. He grew up with another dog and a young child. He is currently here with our Maggie who is 10 (border collie/eskie mix) and three cats (who are also around 9-10). Introductions and subsequent living together is just harmony here. He gets along great with everyone. Because he is so much taller than everyone, the nudge for the first pets are his. Very typical golden boy, pet, pet and pet some more. Tucker does great with all our animals.

Sixth: Tucker was already neutered. When he was brought into rescue, had had not received any vaccinations, etc. He is now completely current on all vaccinations; microchipped; frontlined and heartworm negative and has been given Iverheart protection tab also. On the medical note side of things: Tucker also came to us with 2 very large masses on his back. One was more noticeable than the other. At this point they are diagnosed as cyst of some type and a biopsy was taken and subsequently sent out. We will not know results of these for a week or so. He did great during surgery and seems to be recovering well. He has two large spots on his back with about 15-18 stitches a piece. What a good boy he has been with absolutely no licking or scratching (yet!). I think he will heal well from this and seems to take it all in stride. During the surgical procedure, the very long nails were trimmed back and his feet look like ‘dog paws’ now and not bear claws. His ears seemed fine. He weighs 78#. He is lean but ok on weight .. perhaps with more walking and muscle building, he will put on a few more pounds. Prefer to keep these guys more on the lean side. His blood work came back normal. (****This is where ‘sponsoring’ and ‘donations’ are so helpful- help defer some of these costs to take the very best care we can of these rescue goldens!!! Please say you can help! J)

Before surgery

After surgery

Seventh: Prior to coming into foster-care, he did not have a fenced yard and did fine apparently. He is enjoying our large fenced-in yard and great place to play ball(s)—fetch and soccer. We have some neighbor dogs who like to bark (they are older tho) and Tucker just ignores them. I really think he enjoys the fenced yard and the security it provides.

Tucker does fine in his huge wire crate; he currently stays in there while we are at work as we have only had him a few days. I am pretty sure this boy can have free roam soon however, we need to get over the hump from surgery yet. He has a great appetite. He eats about 2 cups two times a day. (Loves apples and carrots!) We are also going to get hips x-rayed to make sure on the condition of those when the stitches come out in a couple weeks.

At this point and time, not knowing Tucker very well but from knowledge of previous owner and his current personality, a priority we would like for Tucker is to have a family home more often than not. He is a very people-friendly boy and with the information I have for him currently and from previous owner, a family who is home a lot would I think be the best for this beautiful boy. Of course, a fence would always be preferable also. More information and photos to come………….

Updates

Thursday, June 15, 2017

I just wanted to inform you of Theo’s passing. He was originally Tucker and was fostered by Rona D. I adopted him late October of 2011. He was the most lovely of dogs. Since his age wasn’t known, it was estimated that he was over 13.

I came home from work this past Tuesday at 4 pm and found he couldn’t get up. It was as if his left leg gave out on him. The vet wasn’t sure what it was and he wasn’t in any pain. Due to his age and size (90 lbs), it was decided to have him put to sleep.

I was so lucky to adopt such an easy dog. He was always happy and I spoiled him rotten. My husband, Paul K., and I adopted him. Paul died a year after Theo (aka Tucker’s) adoption, and I’ve since changed my last name. I may have adopted a rescue but he was the one who rescued me. Thank you for the privilege of caring for and loving this sweet RAGOM boy. Gail E.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

We find it hard to believe that we've had Theo fka Tucker for an entire year. He couldn't be more loved or adored. We say he is a vegetarian dog as, in addition to his lamb and rice dog food, he eats almost any fruit and vegetable known to mankind: squash, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, melon, apples, carrots, pears, bananas, peas, etc along with cottage cheese and plain yogurt. This is one healthy dog!

He is an absolute joy to have in the house and was a "turn-key" dog. He is perfect in every way and gets along with every person and animal he meets. He also loves his squeaky toys, going for bike rides, playing fetch and walking. Thanks again, RAGOM, for bringing him in to our lives and hearts.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Another update on Theo (formerly known as Tucker). We can't believe we've only had him in our home for 4 months; it seems like he's been a part of our lives for so much longer. Since we've gotten him, he's graduated from Beginner Obedience (we think he'd been there before!) and he's now enrolled in K-9 Good Citzen classes. My husband brings him to nursing homes every week; they've formed quite an inseparable bond!. Here are a few more pictures of Theo at a wildlife refuge where they often go hiking.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

From Theo's (formerly known as Tucker) forever family...

We couldn't be happier to welcome this lovely dog in to our household. Tucker, now known as Theo, has adjusted to his new home and has us wrapped around his paws. The pictures show how comfortable he is being a part of our lives. Thanks, Ragom, for all you do and to Tim and Rona for transporting him and fostering him.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Oh this wonderful boy is doing great. We had our vet appointment this week and all is fine. We got the stitches out (yeah). Wounds are healing great. No more T-Shirt! We did have x-ray of hips and one small note was there is a ‘slight’ subluxation of the right hip, very very mild. See this web page for more information on the hip dysplasia in dogs, prevention, treatments, etc. So basically good news on that. Vet prescribed Synovi G3 chews (they love them) for prevention (gluscosamine–chondroitin supplement). With your basic good diet and exercise and he will be great as with all goldens.

Tucker is just such a wonderful golden to foster. He so loves his human! He is such a rock star when he plays fetch. As you can see, he also enjoys drinking out of the bird bath! Just the right height!

When we play in the yard, he will fetch just about anything handy. He will also try to bring you back ‘multiples’ of things too. Balls, Frisbees or whatever happens to be out there to play. It is so cute to watch.

Tucker would be very happy to meet you here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota if you are interested in this lovely beauty!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Here is our lovely golden boy again. He is so stunning! He so loves to be outside and play fetch. His wounds from his surgery are healing just fine and we will be relieved when the stitches are out. He met our 3 young grandchildren this weekend ages ranging from 5 -7. Just perfect. Our 5 year old pet-crazy girl played fetch over and over and and Tucker is fine letting her taking the toy/ball out of his mouth when he chooses not to 'drop it." Just perfect around young children.

Tucker continues to amaze us with this stellar golden personality. Tall and beautiful. Loves all the attention he can get, his walks and fetch of course! Tucker is beautiful inside and out.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Oh our magnificent boy is doing so well. As you can tell, he loves our stuffed toys. We do like (hard) treats and greenies or doggie veal strips. What is better than this for an alarm clock in the morning? Tucker is quiet all night, sleeps on a pillow down by the side of my bed and he has our schedule down perfectly. When time to rise and shine, he is up with that cold nose right on your face and his huge beautiful tag just waggin’ as he is happy it is a new day. Sort of like a propeller J. Maggie too, does this with us. We get our morning ‘licks’ and love this time of day. Especially on weekends when we have more time to enjoy these loving doggie moments! With Tucker being so tall, and we have a king size bed which is up higher, he is just ‘nose-to-nose’ with you! Doesn’t get much better than this to start your day!

We have certainly been enjoying the great autumn days here (Sioux Falls, SD) and has been great weather to play and walk in. His incision sites are healing perfectly and are looking forward to the removal of them week after Monday. Again, if you wish to make a donation or sponsor Tucker, please help if you can. Such an incredibly sweet boy. If you are interested in our Tucker boy contact your placement advisor.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Some new fun photos of Tucker. He is doing just fine after surgery. Rather than a ‘cone’ with his height etc., we chose T-shirts. It seems to work pretty well. Hard to find one which fits him as long as he is, but it is working. So difficult when things ‘itch’ and Tucker listens to ‘no’ very well. Therefore considering, we are doing pretty good. Physically you would not have a clue anything happened! We take ‘strolls/walks’ nothing fast, and he does so well on walks. Perfect walking partner and I have a feeling a great jogging one also. On one of our walks we met some turkeys and he didn’t care about them at all and continued walking. He sniffs some but not all the time (like my resident Maggie!) and he so really loves his walks. Tucker is a ‘fetch the tennis ball’ NUT! About half the time he will ‘leave it or drop it’ otherwise I just take ball out of his mouth and toss all over again. He is so beautiful to watch too. That huge fluffy tail up, ears up and such a great stride and happiness. (I have not done a lot of tossing of course due to recent surgery and wait and see what x-rays show of his hips). He does not limp or anything, but in ‘manipulating’ his hips at the vet office originally, there are signs of discomfort and he does have an ‘odd’ look from the rear….bow legged? Therefore between the two things, I do not push a lot of physical exercise yet. ( Tucker would like to however!) Tucker has an appointment in 2 weeks to get his stitches out and have his x-ray done. The biopsy of the masses should be done this week.

Tucker really enjoys going in the car/truck with you for a ride and patiently waits while you run in and do your errands/visit. So enjoyable. He is not nervous, enjoys the air coming in the windows and does not bark at anything. Tucker and the cats are fine as well as with our resident, Maggie.

Tucker really listens very well. He is going to make a fantastic dog for a new family. Between the beauty and personality, Tucker is just awesome. Now, Tucker is a slob when he drinks . He shares the community water stations around our home with the resident cats (3) too and it is quite funny after he slobbers, the kitties are all about not getting their feet damp! Also on the drink subject, he is so tall that he just likes to drink out of the bird bath in the back yard (which of course is very clean)!

Seeing Tucker’s beautiful golden red coat in the sun is awesome and what a happy boy he is just shines through. He goes right to bed at night and is quiet all night. He has already learned very well in his short time here, our schedule: when we go potty, go to bed, quit playing, etc. Very impressive and one smart boy. He is such a well rounded golden between other pets and people. He is very enjoyable to foster-one great golden retriever.