Willow 16-103

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Profile

"Beautiful!" -Anonymous friend

 

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:
Date Posted Fence Kid Friendly Another Dog Cat Friendly
7/13/2016  Physical fence required Ages 10+ Not required Yes
This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

Welcome Willow 16-103 to RAGOM. While not a lot is known about Willow's previous life, one thing for sure is that she loves to be loved. Willow was surrendered to another animal shelter who asked RAGOM to take her in. She is close to 2 years old, as far as we know, and is at an ideal weight of 50 pounds. She is house-trained as she has had no accidents since being with me. She is able to go many hours without needing to go outside. I have let her have free roam when I am gone, and she is just fine. No destructive behaviors.

In her short life, Willow has been bounced around a bit and has some fears and insecurities. She is quite vocal around new dogs and people, but with proper introductions, she will warm up pretty well. She does best with other dogs who are smaller and not in her face. She does have times of great exuberance where she jumps on anyone present. But she is getting better and we are working very hard on eliminating this behavior. This happens the most when I come home, in the morning, or when we are going outside. Her energy level is high, but she entertains herself with the toys, and the tennis ball is her best friend. She will chase it as long as you will throw it. She would make a good running partner or perhaps do agility training. She's very smart and catches on quickly.

Willow is just a sweetheart! She loves to cuddle and loves to be petted. To the right home, she will just be a wonderful addition. If you think you might be that home, contact your placement advisor.

At a Glance #16-103

Golden Retriever Born: May 2014
Female Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

"Beautiful!" -Anonymous friend

 

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:
Date Posted Fence Kid Friendly Another Dog Cat Friendly
7/13/2016  Physical fence required Ages 10+ Not required Yes
This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

Welcome Willow 16-103 to RAGOM. While not a lot is known about Willow's previous life, one thing for sure is that she loves to be loved. Willow was surrendered to another animal shelter who asked RAGOM to take her in. She is close to 2 years old, as far as we know, and is at an ideal weight of 50 pounds. She is house-trained as she has had no accidents since being with me. She is able to go many hours without needing to go outside. I have let her have free roam when I am gone, and she is just fine. No destructive behaviors.

In her short life, Willow has been bounced around a bit and has some fears and insecurities. She is quite vocal around new dogs and people, but with proper introductions, she will warm up pretty well. She does best with other dogs who are smaller and not in her face. She does have times of great exuberance where she jumps on anyone present. But she is getting better and we are working very hard on eliminating this behavior. This happens the most when I come home, in the morning, or when we are going outside. Her energy level is high, but she entertains herself with the toys, and the tennis ball is her best friend. She will chase it as long as you will throw it. She would make a good running partner or perhaps do agility training. She's very smart and catches on quickly.

Willow is just a sweetheart! She loves to cuddle and loves to be petted. To the right home, she will just be a wonderful addition. If you think you might be that home, contact your placement advisor.

Updates

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Willow continues to be the sweet and lovable dog she can be. She loves to be loved and loves human bonding. Willow does still have some behavioral issues that we continue to work on.

Her periods of excitability haven't lessened a lot. She does seem to be able to calm down if approached quietly and then talked to for a period of time. It is hard sometimes when she is jumping a lot to be shown a calmness, but it really does help. Another way is to divert her attention with a favorite toy or the tennis ball. Once she has calmed down, a treat is readily accepted. These periods don't happen a lot, but mostly when new people come into the situation. She tries so hard, but sometimes it is just beyond her to calm down. Willow has had the Behavioral Evaluation team involved to work with channeling this excitability.

Willow is still very skittish of new noises when we are out walking. She does not walk real well on a leash, but with the Gentle Walker, she has made progress. She likes to be outside and smell and explore, and does have good recall. She will sit on my screened-in porch all day if she could and just watch the world go by. I, of course, cannot be far away. She seeks out the humans for reassurance. She is still very insecure, and having a routine helps her a lot. Her prey drive has diminished a lot for the rabbits and squirrels. When we walk and meet other dogs or people, she will bark and lunge. But telling her "no bark" has actually lessened the barking. Once she meets, and gets close, she warms up quite well.

Willow had a rough start to her short life. It's pretty much unknown what has happened, but for her age, she shouldn't have to have the fears and insecurities she has. She wants to please everyone, but just doesn't have the means to do it yet. She is a work in progress, and every baby step she takes towards achieving her self-fulfillment is so rewarding. It will take time to see her true potential, but if you are willing to invest that time, the rewards will be amazing.

Goldzilla is just a few weeks away, September 11. It is RAGOM 's biggest fund raiser and all funds raised help dogs like Willow get the care they need until they find their forever. Please donate so RAGOM can continue to do the great job they do for these special pups.