Ruby (Aruba 10-201)

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Aruba got the best birthday present ever! That’s right… On her seventh birthday, July 3, she became a RAGOM girl! Not a moment too soon…

This lovely lady was living in a broken-down shed with no windows and many other dogs. She and her pals were surrendered to RAGOM when the backyard breeder who owned them had to leave the home due to a medical issue. Thanks to the hard work of transport volunteers, she made it safely to the Twin Cities and got her first taste of good lovin’ and a warm bath. Then it was off to Chad and Carla’s house for a great few days of R n’ R -- shout out to new buddies Barney 03-194 (check him out!) and resident dog Gopher -- before heading to Iowa.

Despite a urinary tract infection, bilateral ear infections, teeth in desperate need of a cleaning, and a tummy full of pups, this 60 lb. girl is full of love and life. She is a champion wagger (both speed and consistency) and just wants to be with people! She has adopted my cat-shaped, weighted leather doorstop and carries it up to the bed every time she finds it “misplaced” on the floor by the door. I’m off to the pet store tonight to see if I can find her a more appropriate “baby” to love!

Speaking of babies, ‘Ruba (Ruby, Rube-Tube, Tuba) is looking forward to retiring from her work as a super mom. Unfortunately her retirement date is a few months off yet, as she is due with her last litter sometime at the end of this month or early in August. Ultrasound shows at least two kiddos are coming our way, and possibly more. FM is more nervous about this delivery than she was about her own! I need a What to Expect When Your Dog is Expecting book!

Aruba has an amazingly soft coat with the exception of areas affected by bilateral flank alopecia, known by us non-vets as long, narrow, bald spots (‘Ruba, a closet NASCAR fan, prefers to call them “racing stripes”). These are areas on both sides of her belly that have darker pigmentation and suffer seasonal hair-loss without any irritation. According to the vet, there is no health concern associated with this issue, though the hair may continue to come and go. Right now she is working a 5 o’clock shadow on both sides, and loves to have it scratched!

Because she is classified as a puppy mill dog, she will require a physical fence, another dog in the home and no children. Frankly, this golden girl is fantastic with kids of any age, a complete Velcro dog, and in love with her people. However, based on her background, those things will be necessary for the family that adopts her. Her other requirements are absolutely minimal! She just wants to love you up and have free access to your bed! She is great with others dogs and very interested, but not aggressive with the cat. So, if you are in the market for a complete snuggle-bug, and are willing to give this super mama the relaxing retirement she deserves, contact your placement advisor!

At a Glance #10-201

Golden Retriever Born: July 2003
Female 55 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Aruba got the best birthday present ever! That’s right… On her seventh birthday, July 3, she became a RAGOM girl! Not a moment too soon…

This lovely lady was living in a broken-down shed with no windows and many other dogs. She and her pals were surrendered to RAGOM when the backyard breeder who owned them had to leave the home due to a medical issue. Thanks to the hard work of transport volunteers, she made it safely to the Twin Cities and got her first taste of good lovin’ and a warm bath. Then it was off to Chad and Carla’s house for a great few days of R n’ R -- shout out to new buddies Barney 03-194 (check him out!) and resident dog Gopher -- before heading to Iowa.

Despite a urinary tract infection, bilateral ear infections, teeth in desperate need of a cleaning, and a tummy full of pups, this 60 lb. girl is full of love and life. She is a champion wagger (both speed and consistency) and just wants to be with people! She has adopted my cat-shaped, weighted leather doorstop and carries it up to the bed every time she finds it “misplaced” on the floor by the door. I’m off to the pet store tonight to see if I can find her a more appropriate “baby” to love!

Speaking of babies, ‘Ruba (Ruby, Rube-Tube, Tuba) is looking forward to retiring from her work as a super mom. Unfortunately her retirement date is a few months off yet, as she is due with her last litter sometime at the end of this month or early in August. Ultrasound shows at least two kiddos are coming our way, and possibly more. FM is more nervous about this delivery than she was about her own! I need a What to Expect When Your Dog is Expecting book!

Aruba has an amazingly soft coat with the exception of areas affected by bilateral flank alopecia, known by us non-vets as long, narrow, bald spots (‘Ruba, a closet NASCAR fan, prefers to call them “racing stripes”). These are areas on both sides of her belly that have darker pigmentation and suffer seasonal hair-loss without any irritation. According to the vet, there is no health concern associated with this issue, though the hair may continue to come and go. Right now she is working a 5 o’clock shadow on both sides, and loves to have it scratched!

Because she is classified as a puppy mill dog, she will require a physical fence, another dog in the home and no children. Frankly, this golden girl is fantastic with kids of any age, a complete Velcro dog, and in love with her people. However, based on her background, those things will be necessary for the family that adopts her. Her other requirements are absolutely minimal! She just wants to love you up and have free access to your bed! She is great with others dogs and very interested, but not aggressive with the cat. So, if you are in the market for a complete snuggle-bug, and are willing to give this super mama the relaxing retirement she deserves, contact your placement advisor!

Updates

Monday, March 21, 2016

 

Dear RAGOM,

On March 8, 2016, my dear Ruby (Aruba 10-201) crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My sweet Ruby that thought it was her mission in life to follow me everywhere, could no longer do so. It was my mission to make sure this sweet Golden was able to explore and see this big wonderful world, despite her very rough start in life. Ruby loved to go on car rides, and visit many parks. Any stranger she met, she would go up to them with excitement, to get some pets. She became the ambassador for RAGOM, as I would tell people her story, and they would love her and the organization even more. There was not a day that would go by that Ruby did not show love by allowing me to give her a hug. She WAS my therapy dog. I know it is cliche to say that the day she left left this earth, a piece of my heart went too, but it did. Ruby was a true gem, that I will be forever grateful to RAGOM for allowing me to adopt this sweet, loving, and special dog. Ruby, I learned so much from you! Run free with Lucy, run free. Until we meet again....

Deb, Andy, Ben and (Charlie) too.

 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Dear RAGOM,

Just wanted to send an update on Aruba (#10-201), now named Ruby. We adopted Ruby in October of 2010, as we met the wonderful foster family at the Iowa border with our Golden, Lucy. After a brief transition to our house that included my husband, a teenage boy, two cats and of course Lucy, Ruby fit right in.

In November, Ruby began level one dog obedience at All Breed Obedience, in Woodbury, MN, and she shined, after initially being somewhat hesitant about the whole situation.

Ruby has gone on many runs with Lucy and I to the Battlecreek dog park where many people comment on her bright booties, enormous energy, and speed! She exhibits pure joy as she runs really fast, and meets other people. People are often surprised that she is seven years old. She still loves to play with many stuffed toys, placing them on her dog bed, as if they are her baby puppies. And yes, she still likes to position her back legs in a "frog" position, and her front paws crossed as if she has a prayer to give.

We have learned so much from this resilient dog that has taught us so much about life; forgiving the mistakes of the past (the junkyard place she once lived in), learning to let go and move forward (saying goodbye to her last litter of puppies), age is just a number (as described), and mostly, unconditional Golden love!

Thanks RAGOM fosters, and volunteers, for allowing us to adopt this wonderful Golden into our family.



 

 

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Hi everyone! It’s me, Ruby! That’s my new name… Cool, huh? I just wanted to leave you with one last picture of the smiling face FM saw as I drove away (riding shotgun!) with my forever family. When you look at this you will never forget how happy I am that I’m a RAGOM girl. Forever families, and RAGOM, and green beans, and retirement, and teenagers, and kitty cats, and fur-sisters, and life in general – It’s all good!

Friday, October 8, 2010

‘Ruba had her retirement party and sleep-over at the vet last week and all went well! Our awesome docs even threw in a free dental, and her smile looks fantastic! When I first met her, I wouldn’t have dreamed that they would be able to make her teeth look so good. She is off pain meds and is just finishing her antibiotics. Her stitches come out early next week, and then she will be ready to rock n’ roll. In true Golden fashion, I would never have known she had surgery when I picked her up. She was her lovely self, and hasn’t bothered the stitches a bit! No cone of shame needed for this pretty girl. She has come so far both physically and emotionally in the last three months!

She had a great time this week getting cat-tested at my brother’s house. Aruba has done fine with our cat, but she was so stressed when she arrived, that I wanted to see what she would do with a strange cat now. She passed! A+! She showed brief interest in two of the three felines, but quickly returned to the more exciting creatures – the other Golden and her peeps! Her adventures will continue tomorrow as we take a road trip up to southern MN to see some special friends who would like to meet the ‘Rube-Tube.

Just a few reminders about what Aruba and I would like in a forever home:

  1. Another dog of similar size (FM)
  2. A physical fence (FM)
  3. No small children (FM)
  4. Green beans (not negotiable) and soft liver treats (Aruba)
  5. Scratching hands (Aruba)
  6. A spot at the end of the bed (Aruba)
  7. Walks (Aruba)
  8. Big kids – optional, but appreciated, especially if they can help with items 4-7 (Aruba)

Aruba got a little screen time this week in the puppy video, so check it out.


Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hi guys! It’s me ‘Ruba! I had a fantastic time at Goldzilla (it may have looked like I was snoozing in the sun, but I was appreciating all the great scratches). I went on an extra long walk, showed off in the parade, and then hung out at the foster showcase and merchandise tent. I got to see some of my old friends from Wisconsin, too! One family with their two boys gave me the most gentle loves, and another boy took nice pictures of me and introduced me to the golden girl that lives with them. Someone even brought me green beans fresh from the farmer’s market! Wow! I’m sending a special thanks to everyone who asked FM about little Hank, and to all the people who worked so hard to organize a great event. Here’s hoping my forever family will take me back next year!

You should also know I’m turning into a world traveler. Since I left my home in Wisconsin in July I have been to Minnesota three times and Illinois once, with stops at home in Iowa between each trip. We made a special stop after Goldzilla at FM and FD’s old college in St. Peter. The students I met in the parking lot loved me (FM says this is a recurring theme)! There is tons of space there to run around in without roads, and guess what… I did! I got the zoomies or FRAPs (frenetic random activity pattern) while I was there for the first time ever. It felt great! It made everyone giggle, too, because I looked so silly. I am awesome in the car and have learned that when I’m invited it almost always means something good!

We have settled in back at home now, and I heard FM call the vet this morning to schedule an appointment for me. It must be something special because I am going to get dropped off early in the morning and then have a sleep over! The people at the vet love me (there’s that theme again), so I know we will have a great time.

Check out the picture of me sharing my rawhide with Hank! I’ll talk to you soon!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Hi Everyone-

We are heading up to Goldzilla this weekend to have a great time, and hope that Aruba’s forever family is waiting for her there with bells on (or no bells, we’re pretty flexible on that part)! She continues to be a furry bunch of love… Here are some updates on how things are going.

Potty Training: Aruba is doing great in general. We had a little set back with a urinary tract infection this week, but she is on medication and I’m hoping that will take care of things again. Because she won’t bark at the door, and doesn’t seem to have otherwise strong signals that she needs to go, we are training her to a bell on the door. She will now ring it with coaxing, and has rung it once on her own! Yeah, Aruba! Hopefully this will take care of any lingering problems since I think the biggest issue is understanding that she needs to go out.

Storms: We didn’t notice any storm anxiety early on with ‘Ruba. However, now that she is getting so adventuresome and stepping away from us to do her own thing, we do notice that when it storms she does prefer to be right with us. We haven’t seen anything beyond that desire to be close… No destruction, etc. I suspect if she were alone in the house and it stormed she would probably try to hide.

Puppy Project: I think it is safe to say we are easing into Phase III of the puppy project! The pups are eating three times a day and only nursing from ‘Ruba occasionally. We saw her “tell” them not to nurse for the first time the other day. And she and the resident dog are spending a lot of time on the floor getting chewed on and playing with the puppies! In fact, she is getting much more playful in general! I hope that side of her continues to emerge as she is freed from the pregnancy cycle…

As you may know from other updates, one of Aruba’s puppies, Hank, has some life-threatening medical issues. We are trying to sort these out, but I want to share something our vet told us about Aruba. He said she is an amazing mom, and explained that instinct would have caused most moms to remove a pup like Hank from the litter. We know that instead of removing him to let him die, she removed him to give him a chance – to nurture him and give him the extra support he needed to survive his first month. This mamma is special.

Come meet her yourself from 1-2 at the foster showcase tent this weekend! If that time doesn’t work, stop by anytime and let them know you want to meet this special gal, and they will give us a call!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

'Ruba here!

Someone asked FM what I was like when I came to her, and hearing her talk about it reminded me how far I have come!

When I arrived in Iowa in June, I had double ear infections, a urinary tract infection, bilateral alopecia (those racing stripes on my sides), yucky teeth and a belly full of babies. I wasn't potty trained, didn't know basic commands, refused to take treats from FM's hand, barely ate and couldn't go outside to the bathroom by myself. I smelled bad, too, and that was even after a bath!

What a difference a couple of months make! My ears are a nice clean pink, my UTI is cleared up and my racing stripes have virtually disappeared! My teeth have cleaned up dramatically just by eating crunchy kibble and my belly is full of food instead of wiggly little puppies. I know where to put my pee and poop (hint: the answer is not inside), and I am a fantastic sitter! I am a very flexible eater (though I gotta tell you the green bean thing still stands -- if you don't have access to them, we aren't a match), and am happy to take any food from your hand -- though so gently you can't even hardly tell I'm doing it. I will go out on the steps and off the deck by myself to do my business and I must say, I smell pretty darn good!

This morning I took off running for the first time and you know what? I am FAST! Wow! I ran off some ducks that were teasing me, cleared the yard of squirrels, and played chase with FM. It's like I just figured out how to run, and I like it! FM says after all those years of being a momma first and a 'Ruba second, I am free to find myself (whatever that means). I just know I am learning how to have fun!

I still have some things to learn, though. I love people so much I like to jump up and be face-to-face. I am working on staying down, but when I do jump I am so gentle that even little ones don't get knocked over. Now that I know about green beans and other stuff like that, I'm having to learn some table manners. Most of the time I can show you my good sitting, especially if you have a hand free to scratch me. But, once in a while I forget and want to see what's going on up there on the table. I'm very persistent about getting love (FM and I disagree on whether this is a good quality or something that needs work). For example, I know she doesn't need two hands to type this -- one pointer finger will work just fine. Because I am smart about that kind of stuff, I am trying to convince the extra hand to keep busy with my ears (you know what they say about idle hands, right?).

I still have some work to do with those silly puppies, too... feedings and cleaning and all that kind of stuff. But, like FM says, once I am finished with that job I can work on "finding myself". Maybe you could look for me too? Because, I think if we work together we might find the real me faster!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Hi Everyone! It’s me, Aruba! The little wigglers are finally spending enough time chewing on each other rather than me, that I get to write my own update!

So, last time we talked, I was at the cabin waiting for the great escape. As you know, FM missed the big event, which made me very unhappy. As a result, I made it clear to her that I wanted her to be with me at all times. I can be very persuasive!

After three weeks of providing full-service meals and wet wipes, I’m ready for some action!

I have my shape back, and then some (I think Ruby especially is helping me out with that – can you spell g-r-e-e-d-y?). The kids can officially pee and poop without my help, though they don’t always choose ideal locations. They are eating (falling in, walking through, sitting in) pans of mush once a day, and sleeping piled together instead of piled on me. Ernie is working on teaching the other two all about sumo wrestling, though Hank doesn’t really have the figure for it. It’s all good!

So, about that action? Yeah… The kind where you email your placement advisor and say you want an amazing girl, with great leash walking and bed-warming skills, awesome wagging rhythm, and the capacity for total devotion… Don’t worry. You don’t really have to say all that. You can just say, “I want ‘Ruba”.

Check out the picture of me licking my first empty container. Who knew those things would be smart enough to grab on to me and not let go!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Once in a while you see something that just makes you catch your breath. I had one of those moments last week. Aruba has struggled a bit since the puppies came, though she is a great mommy. It's her own comfort that has been hard to come by. In the month she has been here, she has grown very attached to her peeps. She wants to be with us all the time, and that's pretty hard to do when you are anchored to three miniature fur-butts! We have watched her run back and forth between people in one room of the house and her pups in another, keeping a concerned eye on everyone. Instinct told her not to leave those babies, but she desperately wanted the comfort of her people.

As a first-time puppy grandma, I was doing my share of running around double-checking on things, too! One of my big worries was little Mr. Hank. He was born first and was the smallest by a couple of ounces. As the first week wore on, it was obvious that he was lagging behind the other two. He lost weight initially and it took him several days to make it back up to his birth weight. In the meantime, the others were getting stronger, adding an ounce or more each day. Sometimes Hank would maintain his weight. Sometimes he would lose a little and sometimes he would gain... 1/4 of an ounce here... 3/8 of an ounce there. I was cautiously optimistic, but definitely concerned. By the end of the first week, Hank looked like a preschooler hanging out with high school kids. He was a bitty version of Ruby and Ernie, but he was awkward and his ribs stuck out, and a little nudge from one of them would send him flying. He seemed to try twice as hard and get half as much at mealtimes.

I was laying by the box reading one afternoon as the pups slept with Aruba. Without warning, one of the puppies began to wail in a way that would have brought me running if I had been anywhere but on the scene. As I watched, I realized Aruba had Hank in her mouth and was lifting him out of the box leaving the other two curled up together. She wandered around the room with him squealing at the top of his little puppy lungs. I thought it was the moment I had been dreading. She was going to abandon him because he wasn't strong enough to make it. She pawed at some towels in a plastic tub on the floor and dropped him inside.

Then, as I watched, she carefully climbed into the too-small tub, wedged herself down beside him with her head hanging out one end and her tail out the other, and waited patiently while he found a spot to nurse.

Today, at almost two weeks, Hank is still a full pound smaller than his siblings, but he is gaining consistently. Most days she pulls him out for some private dining at least once... A chance to fill his belly without wrestling with Ruby and Ernie. He's going to be just fine.

Enjoy the pics of Aruba with her babies (that's Hank in the middle), and of her visit with her old friend (or relative?) Jackie 10-202.

When you have a minute, check out video of the pups as they belly up to the mommy bar!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Operation Puppy Project Phase I: COMPLETE!

After a week of vigilant watching for any sign of imminent delivery, FM took off for St. Cloud for the one commitment I had on a potential whelping day -- Foster Dad's 40th birthday party! At 11:30 that night I got word that the great escape was underway, and so began the Midnight Ride of Foster Mom. I dropped my cards on the table, grabbed my keys, and I was off. 100 miles and an hour and a half later, I jumped out of the car, rushed up the stairs, flew around the corner... And learned the results!

Hank 10-240 arrived at 11:47pm on August 7th.
Ernie 10-241 arrived at 12:05am on August 8th.
Ruby 10-242 arrived at 12:52am on August 8th.
FM arrived at 12:57am on August 8th.

That's right. I was last. I missed it. By 5 minutes. Crushed.

On the plus side, Aruba clearly didn't need my help. First off, she was a complete pro. Secondly, she had my brother (who she likes to think of as her personal veterinarian) on hand, Foster Grandpa and Foster Brother I attending, and Foster Grandma, Foster Brother II, and Foster Cousin doing the requisite pacing, hand wringing, and over-the-shoulder observation.

Aruba has been a complete champ. She has taken fantastic care of the puppies, keeping them clean, and warm and fed. She loves to have people in the box with her to keep her cozy and love her up while she is tending to the critters. Her only demand is that she likes to have someone in the the room with her most of the time. If we leave her alone for too long, she comes looking to find out what else could possibly require our attention! She has clearly become accustomed to constant loving, and that, along with green beans, are the two requirements she has for her forever home. Of course, Foster Mom has a few demands of her own including a fenced yard, no small children and another dog in the home to help this puppy mill momma continue to adjust to her new golden life! She is looking forward to retirement!

Aruba will be ready for adoption once the pups have been weaned and she has been spayed, probably in late September or early October. If you are interested in giving this love bug the wonderful home she deserves after years of hard living, contact placement, or come to Goldzilla and meet her in person -- but be sure to bring your scratching hands!

Stay tuned for Puppy Project Phase II updates, and check out the pictures of Aruba hanging out in the bathtub (it's cool in there) and her new pups!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Hi everyone! It's me, Aruba (or as my foster family likes to say "Aruuuuuuuuuba"). It's taking me a while to get used to it, but I'm learning fast.

Here's some stuff I want you to know about me:

Foster mom's first pic makes me look ancient (what's with her camera skills?), but really I am the perfect age! I'm old enough to be calm and loving most of the time, but not so old that I don't want to play. At 7, I'm a perky girl with a bunch of good years left! I am going to be a great Mama! Right now I spend lots of time taking care of the resident stuffed toys (hedgehog, raccoon, warthog, dog and monkey). I make sure they are all together where I can watch over them and keep them in line. They don't give me too much trouble, but it's still a full time job.

Most importantly, everybody loves me! They say I am so soft (true) and such a lover (also true). Even the cat likes me! Better still, I love everybody! I especially like the people at the vet's office, and my foster brother Charlie. I like to be right in front of him every time he tries to take a step because I don't want him to miss me... Peyt, my other foster brother, is reading up on how he can help with my puppies, and it will be great to have an extra pair of paws because those little buggers are a ton of work. My foster dad loves me so much that he is building me a **custom** whelping box for my new babies. I don't really know what that means other than I'm very special and I get to help him in the workshop on the cool cement floor. Check out the pictures of us working on it together!

I'm still figuring out that even though I belong in a house now, my poop and pee do not. I'm getting a little better each day, and getting my urinary tract infection fixed up is really helping. Also, I do need a little boiled hamburger on my food to make it more enticing, but less than I needed just a week ago. A couple of nights ago, I showed FM and FD how great I am on a leash. I don't need one really (because who would want to get more than a few steps away from their peeps?) but FM says it's a safety issue, and as everyone around here knows, she's the boss.

So, keep your eye on me, because when I get done with the puppy-project, I could be all yours!


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