Gilda 09-361

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Sponsored by:  Sandra L.

    

Let me introduce you to our newest RAGOM girl - Gilda 09-361. She is such a sweetie. She was found as a stray in the parking lot of Grand Casino Hinkley back at the begining of August. She has been staying with a wonderful Good Samaritan for the past two months until we could take her into foster care. Gilda is about 50 pounds of dog who I would guess is part border collie and part golden retriever. She is definitely fluffy! She was groomed while with the Good Samaritan but she didn't like it much. I think with time she would get used to it.

We are guessing that Gilda is around 8 years old and was positive for Lyme's Disease when she was found. She has been treated for Lymes and is done with that treatment. She will be going to the vet next Monday to see if there is anything else that needs checking out otherwise she is available for adoption. She walks very well on a leash and enjoys spending time outside. I would guess she would do very well in a fenced in yard but will most likely bolt out the gate if left open. She met my other foster dogs (Duci 09-222 and Ginger 09-330) and was a little snarky with them. She has been in a kennel for the past 2 months with very little socialization so we will be working on "getting along" and "playing well" with others. She is starting to relax so I think it will be only a matter of time until we see the "real" Gilda.

Over the next couple weeks we will be seeing how she is with kids. Nothing else is really known about her so we will be testing her out. Today she met a couple small dogs and was just fine with them. She does very well meeting other adults - we will keep you updated on the children aspect. She likes balls and squeeky toys. She got an new one and she has been carrying it around the house with her. She is not shy about making herself at home on my bed with her toys. I think Zoe (Duci) is a little miffed at her since the bed is generally Zoe's domain but she's "allowing" it. Gilda also likes to follow my son around and stay with him. Check out our photos and keep tuned for more updates on this wonderful fluff ball.

Thanks to Julie and Kelly for bringing Gilda to us!

At a Glance #09-361

Mixed Breed Born: August 2001
Female 54 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:  Sandra L.

    

Let me introduce you to our newest RAGOM girl - Gilda 09-361. She is such a sweetie. She was found as a stray in the parking lot of Grand Casino Hinkley back at the begining of August. She has been staying with a wonderful Good Samaritan for the past two months until we could take her into foster care. Gilda is about 50 pounds of dog who I would guess is part border collie and part golden retriever. She is definitely fluffy! She was groomed while with the Good Samaritan but she didn't like it much. I think with time she would get used to it.

We are guessing that Gilda is around 8 years old and was positive for Lyme's Disease when she was found. She has been treated for Lymes and is done with that treatment. She will be going to the vet next Monday to see if there is anything else that needs checking out otherwise she is available for adoption. She walks very well on a leash and enjoys spending time outside. I would guess she would do very well in a fenced in yard but will most likely bolt out the gate if left open. She met my other foster dogs (Duci 09-222 and Ginger 09-330) and was a little snarky with them. She has been in a kennel for the past 2 months with very little socialization so we will be working on "getting along" and "playing well" with others. She is starting to relax so I think it will be only a matter of time until we see the "real" Gilda.

Over the next couple weeks we will be seeing how she is with kids. Nothing else is really known about her so we will be testing her out. Today she met a couple small dogs and was just fine with them. She does very well meeting other adults - we will keep you updated on the children aspect. She likes balls and squeeky toys. She got an new one and she has been carrying it around the house with her. She is not shy about making herself at home on my bed with her toys. I think Zoe (Duci) is a little miffed at her since the bed is generally Zoe's domain but she's "allowing" it. Gilda also likes to follow my son around and stay with him. Check out our photos and keep tuned for more updates on this wonderful fluff ball.

Thanks to Julie and Kelly for bringing Gilda to us!

Updates

Saturday, August 3, 2013

 

Last Thursday, July 25, Gilda went to the Rainbow Bridge. This came on very suddenly. She was lethargic most of the day and could not move to go outside or eat. We took her to wonderful people at the University of Minnesota vet clinic who told us sadly that the sac around Gilda's heart was filled with fluid most likely caused by cancer. It was basically the same disease that took our first RAGOM dog Sophie from us 4 years ago. It can affect different organs causing one to fail. With Sophie it was her spleen and with Gilda it was her heart. They could have drained it but usual prognosis was perhaps another week or so before it refilled. We made the sad decision to send her to the Rainbow Bridge.

Gilda came to us in October 2009 as my 10th foster. She was found wandering around the parking lot at the Grand Casino Hinkley. She was a beautiful Golden Retriever/Border collie mix - about the smartest dog I have ever met. She also had a wonderfully engaging personality. She walked into my house, took one look around, hopped up on the bed and basically broadcast that she was here to stay. And stay she did. My second foster failure.

My favorite Gilda story, and there are a lot, has to do with her relationship with my last foster Ginger. Gilda LOVES squeaky toys and they are ALL hers. She will let others play with them when the squeezers are gone. When Gilda moved in, Ginger had all of the toys as my resident dog, Zoe, didn't play with them much. In less than a day, Gilda figured out that 1) Ginger would give them up if Gilda insisted, 2) Ginger never got up on the bed and 3) Zoe got on the bed but didn't care about the toys. Putting that all together, every day when I was gone, Gilda would take all the toys and put them in the middle of my bed so Ginger couldn't get them. I would come home to a bed full of toys. When Ginger was adopted a week later, she stopped doing that. SMART.

Gilda was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met and her passing has left a big hole in my heart. She had a huge heart and loved nothing better than being as close to me as possible - if I was home she never left my side. She was my fuzzy back warmer in the winter time, lying on her back and snoring. She loved my family - especially my grandson Carter and she was best pals with my other dog Zoe. You could even sometimes catch them actually sleeping butt to butt. Needless to say, Zoe is missing her pal very much. She keeps looking and sniffing for her.

Run free Gilda - we will all see you again someday. You were very loved and will be in our memories forever.

 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Hey out there Gilda Fans! This is the dog FINALLY getting on the computer to update my page. Man have I been one busy little furr butt. FM has finally taken some time off from teaching to spend time with Zoe and I. We liked it a lot except for the visit to the vet. It was time for Zoe to have her 1 year checkup. She is all healthy and got her shots. I got to go along too. I thought I was just going to sit around and look beautiful but seems FM had something else in mind for me too. In April when I went to get my white blood cell count checked again it seems I flunked the test AGAIN. Just can't seem to get it right. One part of my WBC continues to stay elevated for no apparent reason. So in June they decided to do a different test - a creasol test or something like that. If it's elevated it means one thing and if it's down it means another (Addisons disease or Cushings disease). Well - I didn't flunk that test - I was perfectly normal. So, the bottom line is - we don't know anything. No parasites, no allergies, no Cushings or Addisions. I could have something else like a tumor or something but the vet doesn't want to do anything more invasive. So, we are in wait and see mode again.

Oh well, I really don't care - this is truly the life around here. I just hang around with Zoe and watch the world go by. Sometimes we visit our friend Jasper but mostly we get to go on long walks (sometimes even in the rain - gee do we smell like wet blankets!) and eat good food. I'm not complaining - better than the parking lot in Hinkley. FB took a photo of FM, Zoe and I the other day. He's not the best with the camera so I don't think we got my best side. The grandsons came to visit again this weekend. I had fun with the little guys. Carter likes to go walking with us too.

Well, off to sleep on my back like I always do. I'm so predictable. Have a great day - hopefully the sun will come out soon. Slobbery kisses to my wonderful sponsor Sandra L. It's such a big help with the tests I keep having to figure out the mystery of ME. Thanks again!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Hi everyone - FM is writing this update as Gilda is not speaking to me. She is kind of put out because I took her to visit Megan (our favorite groomer at Petco Brooklyn ParK). Now she has her new summer "do". She had so much HAIR we decided to get back to basics and see if she would be any cooler. Right now she is laying on the bed ignoring me. Zoe keeps growling at her as she doesn't smell right (she smells like Jelly Beans for Easter) or look right.

Gilda wanted me to say hi to Meg, Heather 09-275 and Cliffy 10-071. We went over to Mari's house to visit and chase again. I must say Gilda felt she was rather above chasing dogs this time but Zoe did a little chasing. We'll have to go back when Mari gets her new fence! Thanks again for inviting us.

Gilda has one more trip to the vet for her final blood check (after her 3rd Pancure treatment) to make sure white blood cell count is finally down. Will keep you updated. Have a great Easter! Gilda and Zoe have been out looking for the Easter bunny!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Hey everybody - this is Gilda.  I'm so sorry I haven't written in a long time but I've been having so much fun with the snow and my foster family.  Life is great.  Since I last updated I now have a SPONSOR!  Thank you so much Sandra L. for sponsoring me!  I sent lots of slobbery doggie kisses your way. I hope we get to meet sometime.  I give great hugs too - I'm so soft and loveable.

Nothing much new to report - I've been hanging out, going for walks with my foster mom and foster sister Zoe.  I love my toys and I have been an exceptional house guest.  There was that one time with the garbage can but that's only once in 5 months and it WAS a tex mex turkey meatloaf pan calling to me.  Couldn't resist - but - oops, foster mom caught me.  I promise I won't do that again.

There is one thing - one night last month, FM woke up and thought she heard them plowing the golf course parking lot in the middle of the night. She was very puzzled because it wasn't supposed to snow.  So she got up and looked - and NOTHING was out there.  Weird.  As she went to get back into bed she realized that I had been sleeping right along her back with my nose by her ear.  I was sleeping on my back - can't help it - I'm so comfortable that way.  And guess what - it wasn't the plow she was hearing - it was little old me SNORING.  Loud enough to make her think it was the plow.  She just laughed and laughed.

I'm including a couple new photos of me and my foster family (except FB - he was taking the photo) and of me with one of my toys.

So long until next time!  I'm off to make more doggie snow angels - I'm really good at that.  I heard there was some new snow out there tonight!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hi there everyone. Gilda here again. I think I'm getting the hang of these updates!

It has been a very BUSY week around here. Zoe and I went to the groomers before Christmas. Still not too fond of it but Megan was very nice to me. Zoe told me she was very good. Boy do we smell and look good! We're all fluffed and buffed for the holidays. Foster mom's daughter came over and the moment she touched me she says - "oooh - Gilda went to see Megan! She is so soft!" I got hugged and kissed and petted a lot. Maybe this groomer thing isn't so bad after all.

Well, the little humans came to visit again and I think I really like them. I overheard the little one (Carter) say to FM - "Grandma, are you going to keep Gilda? PLEASE keep her. We really like her and Zoe." Both of them helped to feed Zoe and I every day they were here. And for the last two nights, I slept in bed with Jeremy (the older one). I especially like them when they are sleeping - Hee hee.

And - we got to go to the BIG dog park by the airport. What an awesome place. I had a great time chasing the little humans up and down the hill where they were sliding. I also chased Zoe and FM's daughter's dog Jasper. He's a lot of fun. There were also lots of other dogs there and I was very good. I always came when I was called - I think I must know my name. I hope we go again - it was a lot of fun!

Well, one more thing FM thinks I should tell you. FM has been taking us for longer walks now. She has lost a lot of weight (almost as much as I weigh) and she has been going farther and farther each day. One morning when she least expected it, she discovered that I like to chase cars - especially dark SUVs for some reason. We've never really walked by the street before so it surprised her when I took off after one. Fortunately she had a firm hold on the leash. I certainly got the bad dog/road kill lecture. Ooops. BUT I was also a VERY good dog. On one of the walks by the golf course, somehow my collar came right off over my head. Surprised both FM and me. FM says "oh oh". I think she was expecting to chase me around the golf course in the deep snow. BUT I promptly turned around, came back to her and let her put my collar one. GOOD DOG!! VERY GOOD DOG!!! she said.

I think that's it for now. Hope everyone is ready for 2010! I sure am. I hope I find my furever home! (Maybe I can stay with Carter!) FM is attaching a picture of Zoe and I sleeping. We sleep right next to each other most of the time. We get along pretty well - most of the time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE and thanks to Heather and Meg for the decoration on my page. With all the exercise I'm getting I'll be sure to come over and chase you again Heather!

Love, Gilda

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Gilda here! I'm having a great week. Foster mom went to Petsmart and bought me MORE TOYS THAT SQUEEK! I got a penguin and a Christmas Hedgehog. The hedgehog is my favorite because it still squeeks and grunts. FM thinks it's pretty funny. She got more toys but she's not giving them to me all at once. Something about me not sharing the toys with my Foster Sister Zoe. She says I'll only let her have the ones that don't squeek. I think I detect a note of sarcasm there (whatever that is). Zoe just doesn't like the toys as much as I do so. (Zoe says ya sure Gilda.) I think that's more sarcasm.

Anyway, the other news of the week is that my WBC is coming down. It's still not quite normal but it's getting there. The vet says I have to do one more treatment of the Pancure in March and have another blood test in April and we're hoping that will do it. Since the WBC is responding to the Pancure we don't need to look for any other causes. So, now I am available again and looking for my furever home. Anyone want a fluffy, nice, laid back senior girl for the holidays?? Contact your placement advisor!

Have a very Happy Holiday everyone. And thanks again for decorating my page!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Gilda here - YIPPEEEEE it SNOWED! I love snow! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. FM says it's really cold but I don't care - neither does my buddy Zoe. Bring it on! We were outside last night and this morning jumping around and having a great time. I love to roll on the ground. FM says I'm trying to make doggie snow angels whatever those are. I just know I love to roll in the snow.

I also saw some Christmas decorations on my page! Thank you so much for making the season jolly for us RAGOM dogs. Big slobbery kisses - watch out - they'll freeze! Keep warm today!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Hey everybody! Gilda here. I've been hanging out with my buddy Zoe (Duci 09-222) and having a great time. I was kind of bummed at Thanksgiving as my foster mom and her family went OUT to dinner and I didn't get any turkey leftovers. BUT I did get a lot of attention because all of the family came over for their "dog fix". Great grandma and grandpa came all the way from Austin just so they could pet Zoe and I. Foster mom said she was feeling a little bit ignored because everyone just wanted to see us! The miniature humans came back again to visit and they got to take Zoe and I for a walk.

BUT the highlight of the weekend was going over to Mari's house and playing with Heather 09-255 and Meg. That was just a hoot! Mari took some photos of us playing chase. Heather just loves to run and Zoe and I gave chase. After awhile, Zoe would chase her and I would go the other way and cut her off at the pass. We work really good together. Must be the border collie in me. We were all really good dogs and didn't fight or anything.

I also got my picture taken with Mari's angel which means that I should be finding my furever home really soon! I'm keeping my paws crossed. Tomorrow I get more medicine and then on December 14th I'll get another blood test to see if my WBC is still elevated. Hopefully everything will be normal. Foster mom says I need to go see the groomer. I remember I didn't like that very well before so we'll have to see.

Enjoy my new photos - we really had a great time! THANKS TO MARI, HEATHER AND MEG for inviting us.


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Susan Myers                                  Merry Christmas to the Golden seniors

 Meg & Heather 09-275

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Gilda here - well, some miniature humans showed up here at FM's house this week. FM called them "grandkids". They were pretty cool. The older one really liked to walk me and I was really good for him - until I saw a bunny. Then we took a really fast run. Ooops. FM said she learned that I had pretty good recall when he lost my leash. I investigated the golf course a little but I came right back with a grin on my face. Guess I kind of like it around here - they have good treats.

Oh - and we got some really coooollll toys at the store. Squeeky ones! FM and the grandkids bought Ginger 09-330 and I some Halloween toys. We sat around her and squeeked them in stero. HA HA. Unfortunately, we also learned that I'm a toy hoarder - I want them all for myself so I keep stealing Ginger's toys and putting them up on FM's bed where Ginger can't get them. I have been known to run up and snatch them right out of Ginger's mouth. Sometimes we fight about them so FM put them away. So I am learning to share. It's really hard. I don't think I had to share before so I'm learning.

FM here - Gilda has definitely been kid tested and she passed with flying colors. She loved the little guys. The younger one even got up on my bed and used her for a pillow (he wasn't feeling well). He said she made him feel better. She had a hard time deciding whether to sleep with them or me that night. I think she spent most of the night in front of their bedroom door. It was cute.

Gilda would probably be best as an only dog. She is getting more socialized with the dogs here but sharing toys is definitely an issue. She is not cat tested but she seems to ignore smaller animals (except bunnies). If you are interested in this sweet girl - please contact your placement advisor.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Well, we've had Gilda for a week now and what a sweetheart she is. We had some issues with the other dogs earlier in the week but that has resolved itself. I think the main problem with all three dogs (Gilda, Ginger 09-330 and Duci/Zoe 09-222) is that all of the dogs were most likely only dogs and had not spent any time being socialized. When that happens they are unable to read other dogs body language. Ginger and Zoe had gotten used to each other but Gilda was the new kid on the block so everything seemed to set her off. We have made great progress in this area - this morning, Gilda and Ginger were actually trying to play with each other with Gilda doing a little woofing and Ginger doing so play bowing. Zoe just watched and thought they were crazy I think.

Here is what I have learned this week:

Gilda was very likely an indoor dog. She is fully housetrained and will go out on a leash to do her work. Since we go out on a regular basis I don't know what her signals are for having to go potty but I am sure she would probably stand at the door and woof for you. She loves to go outside any and every time you ask her. A fenced in yard and people who like to be outside would be heaven for her.

She knows how to sit, shake and lay down. We are working on "stay". She LOVES treats and gets a little excited when getting them but if you tell her to "be nice" she will take the treats from you very nicely.

She loves to sleep on the bed at night but will sleep on the floor if asked. Since it has been a little cold it's been nice to be the filling on a "dog sandwich" (Gilda on one side and Zoe on the other - Ginger prefers her own bed).

Today she met a variety of new people and was VERY well mannered. The kids she met ranged in ages from 7 - 17 and she was curious about them and loved to be petted. Earlier this week she met a child of about 3 and did not approach him until I allowed her to. She preferred the mom but was curious about the boy. She does not jump on people and will sit to be petted when commanded. She is still a work in progress but I was very impressed with her today. I was not worried about her behavior in the least.

She also has had free roam of the house since Thursday. My son was sick Monday - Wednesday so there was always somebody home with her those days. On Thursday I left her out to see what she would do. And she did NOTHING. She did not get in the garbage, she didn't counter surf, she didn't chew anything inappropriate. In short, she was a perfect house guest.

I have no idea how she would be with animals other than dogs as I don't have any cats, bunnies, etc. When we have met smaller dogs on our walks she sniffs them but really isn't interested. She is more likely to be snarky with dogs her size and larger but with some socialization and training she will be a great dog. She loves her people!

If you would like to meet Gilda, please contact your placement advisor. I've enclosed a photo of Gilda snoring (yes she does snore sometimes) on my bed. It's hard to tell in the photo but she is sleeping butt to butt with Zoe. They were very cute!