Tracy arrived in Minnesota by way of the Missouri “taxi,” thanks to a wonderful RAGOM transport volunteer. Miss Tracy was a breeder girl who will now get to be a much-loved family pet. We are grateful to her temp foster mom Marsha for opening her heart and home to Tracy until we were able to welcome her.

Since she has been with us she has learned all kinds of new life lessons. Tracy was a little skittish about going out the door to get to the backyard, but she has conquered her fear and will even nudge the door with her nose if it’s not open far enough.

In her first few days we had several accidents, but now she will walk toward the door or start to pace to let us know she needs to go outside. I wouldn’t say she’s housetrained but she is definitely getting the idea.

We’ve had a few instances when we have moved too fast or tossed something and scared her, but she is getting much better. We routinely try new sounds just to continue her exposure. Tracy was very brave the other day when I turned on the garbage disposal. Instead of running away she just took a few steps back and watched me until the sound stopped.

Tracy likes to be outside and is now running around in the yard acting like a typical Golden. Our older resident girl acts as her mentor and will occasionally walk over and give her a little bump like she’s trying to direct Tracy. We’ve even watched Tracy give our resident girl a little kiss on the nose.

Tracy is a beautiful 6-year-old light Golden with a heavy coat and very short legs and tail. Tracy is up to date on her vaccinations, but is struggling with some ear issues and is constantly itchy. 

We have changed her food to salmon with sweet potato to see if that helps. She will be visiting our RAGOM vet soon for her spay procedure, so we’re hoping to get some answers to her scratching and possibly get her some relief.

Miss Tracy is on the heavy side at 67.5 pounds and should probably be more like 45 – 50 pounds. We just started her on walks and she did great with just her martingale collar with a slip lead for extra protection.

She was certainly excited when we first walked out the garage door but it didn’t take long for her to slow down. When we got back home, after only one block, she went right into the living room and took a long nap. Once she sheds some of the extra weight I’m sure we’ll be able to go a little farther.

We were originally kenneling Tracy during the night, but now she sleeps in our bedroom with the resident dogs and we just use a baby gate to stop any wandering. Tracy is kenneled during the day while we’re at work with no issues; however, Tracy and Foster Mom had to come to an understanding.

Miss Tracy did not like the idea of going into her kennel when it was time for me to leave. I am so happy we came to this understanding because she is just too heavy for Foster Mom to carry. When I’m ready to leave I’ll just call her and tell her it’s time to go to work. She will trot right into her kennel now and then she gets a little treat.

We think she enjoys her kennel by the sliding glass door so she can watch everything going on outside. She seems particularly interested in squirrels and bunnies. I don’t think she has a high prey drive; she just seems curious.

Because Tracy is so short she will never be a counter surfer, but she does like to check out the garbage cans in the bathrooms. Tracy loves to carry things around, like slippers or shoes that don’t get put away, but she never chews them.

Tracy seems interested in the children who go past our house but because she can startle easily it would be best if she lives in a home with children 10 years and older. Tracy is great with other dogs and will need another confident dog in the house to continue to learn the ins and outs of being a loved house dog.

We have a fenced yard, so Tracy is used to being able to walk around freely. Because of her background, it would be best for Tracy to have a fenced yard so she will always be safe. Because she does not have a high prey drive she could probably live with a cat in the house, but we’ll have to test that theory.

Tracy loves to be near her people, even more than the resident dogs, and will sit by you forever if you keep petting her. You can’t walk far without her right in front of your feet and since she’s on the shorter side you really need to keep an eye on where she is.

Miss Tracy is just about the easiest foster we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a quiet, super loving girl you might want to consider Tracy. Her birthday is coming soon, May 16, so we think finding her forever home would be the best birthday present.