Nellie 09-369

Profile

I am new to RAGOM - my name is Nellie. My previous owners moved to Sweden and were not able to take me. I am (just) seven years old, and living in a great house with my tiny six-pound buddy Asterix. We play together and share toys and food. (But just for the record I am the one in charge.) I love walks and people more than anything else. I enjoy getting brushed and having my belly rubbed, and I can never have enough pats. I am a gentle girl. You can use me for a footrest when you're watching TV. I'm pretty smart and I can do a few tricks. I am perfectly housetrained - no worries there at all. I have a crate that I occasionally go into to relax. But I really like relaxing outside in the sun, or under a table somewhere in the house. I lived with the same family for six years and I'm used to having people around. I like to be where they are.

In the outside world I can be strong-willed and bossy if I am not controlled. I need a firm hand when going on walks, or I just might decide to challenge another dog or dash after a cat. I need someone who knows how to be firm with me, or I will take advantage. I know how to behave and I will back down when I'm told, but I probably shouldn't be walked by someone elderly or very young. I would not enjoy the dog park; I might get into a scuffle!

I am generally very well-behaved and quiet in the home. I do bark when people come to the door. And -- if you leave a blueberry pie too close to the edge of the counter -- it might disappear.

I am looking for a loving family or couple to share my days with. I like living with another dog, too.

I am looking forward to finding a wonderful new home.

At a Glance #09-369

Golden Retriever Born: July 2002
Female 76 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

I am new to RAGOM - my name is Nellie. My previous owners moved to Sweden and were not able to take me. I am (just) seven years old, and living in a great house with my tiny six-pound buddy Asterix. We play together and share toys and food. (But just for the record I am the one in charge.) I love walks and people more than anything else. I enjoy getting brushed and having my belly rubbed, and I can never have enough pats. I am a gentle girl. You can use me for a footrest when you're watching TV. I'm pretty smart and I can do a few tricks. I am perfectly housetrained - no worries there at all. I have a crate that I occasionally go into to relax. But I really like relaxing outside in the sun, or under a table somewhere in the house. I lived with the same family for six years and I'm used to having people around. I like to be where they are.

In the outside world I can be strong-willed and bossy if I am not controlled. I need a firm hand when going on walks, or I just might decide to challenge another dog or dash after a cat. I need someone who knows how to be firm with me, or I will take advantage. I know how to behave and I will back down when I'm told, but I probably shouldn't be walked by someone elderly or very young. I would not enjoy the dog park; I might get into a scuffle!

I am generally very well-behaved and quiet in the home. I do bark when people come to the door. And -- if you leave a blueberry pie too close to the edge of the counter -- it might disappear.

I am looking for a loving family or couple to share my days with. I like living with another dog, too.

I am looking forward to finding a wonderful new home.

Updates

Saturday, March 5, 2016

 

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you my best friend and companion, Nellie crossed Rainbow Bridge Dec. 28th, 2015.

It was a perfect match Nellie and me. I knew the minute her wonderful Foster Mom and Dad brought her to meet me that she found her forever home with me. She made me laugh so many times.

I loved her so much and will miss her always, Dianne

 

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

DULUTH OR BUST

My bag is packed, even my favorite blanket, and I'm headed for Duluth.  Can't wait to meet you Diane.  See you Saturday!!

Love,

Nellie

Friday, April 2, 2010

Nellie had a great time at Leashes and Leads last Saturday.  There was a massage therapist there and Ms. Nellie got to be the guinea pig ...... or is that guinea dog (ha! ha!)  I have never seen a dog get pushed and pulled and squeezed and rubbed the way she was and instead of getting upset she was falling asleep.  There's just nothing like a good massage!!  I think you could almost hear her sigh.  It was certainly one of those moments I should have had the camera.

Nellie has some other exciting news -  On April 17th we will be traveling to Duluth to meet a very nice lady who has decided Nellie may just be her perfect match.  Honestly, we think so too.  We are so excited for her.

Nellie says . . . . . WOOF WOOOOF  (translation)   HI DIANE!  The attached picture was picked especially for you, see you soon.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Let's start off with some True or False:

1)  Nellie will lunge and pull when she sees another dog . . . . .  FALSE2)  Nellie is not good at meeting other dogs . . . . .  FALSE3)  Nellie is aggressive and can't be trusted . . . . .  FALSE4)  Nellie is not good with kids . . . . .  FALSE5)  Nellie will pull when she goes for a walk . . . . .  FALSE6)  Nellie will hate your cat . . . . .  FALSE What have we learned here - Nellie is super, stupendous, wonderful and kind!!  When we first thought about bringing Nellie into our home we were a little apprehensive.  Let's be honest, she was returned to RAGOM because she had a problem, right?  Her paperwork had negative stuff to say about her.  The great thing is - you can't believe everything you read!!!  Since Nellie has been here she has been very busy.  We have taken her on several home visits and she has been a great RAGOM ambassador.  She has received many compliments on her quiet, lovable personality.  Nellie has been exposed to all sorts of dogs on walks, in stores, and in her neighborhood and has never lunged or pulled or even shown her teeth.  She did let out a little bark when a dog passed by, but it was almost hard to hear her with our own girls talking.  She has shown no interest in the squirrels outside either, even when our girls do, so I don't think she has a high prey drive.  Nellie is the best snuggle bug.  We bought a new dog bed for our Josie because she loves to sleep with a pillow.  As soon as we put it on the floor Nellie decided it was for her.  Nellie loves it so much it has to be moved from the living room during the day to the bedroom at night.  It's not as if there aren't other beds for her, 3 dog beds in our bedroom, 2 dog beds in our son's bedroom, 2 dog beds in the living room, 2 dog beds in the basement.  Oh well, as you can see she is content. Nellie went to the PetCo event in Rochester, a huge Thank You to Dale and Janet for watching her.  When we arrived at the store, Nellie was met by a rather big RAGOM boy and her tail never stopped wagging.  We were able to spend some time at the event and I can honestly say Nellie surpassed my expectations.  Nellie visited some cats while she was at the store and she showed no great interest.  In fact, at one point, while I was showing Nellie a kitten it hissed at her and she immediately backed away.  So, if you have a dog smart cat I really don't think Nellie will be a problem.  Nellie got to be around many children and she was just wonderful.  Even though I don't believe Nellie would hurt a child, Nellie's forever home will have children age 4 and up.

If you would like to meet one of the best fosters we have had the honor of sharing our home with, please contact your Placement Advisor and we can talk.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD ..... TO GET TO NELLIE (HA! HA! HA!)

Okay seriously, why have you not called yet?  I'm wonderful, really! My paperwork says I lunge and jump at other dogs.  Well, I have gone on many walks and even two home visits and I have behaved so good my foster dad thinks I should stay here.  My foster mom thinks I'm wonderful and my foster fur have so much fun with me. My paperwork says I'm not very good with little kids.  My foster mom took me on a home visit recently and they had their little grand-daughter, 4 years old, with them.  I behaved very, very well.  My foster mom was so proud of me.  I didn't have any problem when she got right in my face or ran at me to pet me.  I didn't get nervous and I didn't get upset.  My foster mom is planning to take me to a RAGOM event soon to see how I handle myself, but she thinks I will do great. I play so nice with my foster fur siblings, even with Josie who gets scared some times.  I don't even get loud and I like to curl up on my dog bed with my special stuffed animal and just chill out.  I still have trouble sharing the toy box, so we are working on that.  If the toys are just laying around on the floor I have no problem sharing. I love to go on walks but will pull you down the road if you use a flat collar, my foster boy Cameron can't even hold me.  But, if you use a gentle leader I walk right by your side. Did I tell you my foster family thinks I'm just wonderful.  They really love me.  Foster dad keeps saying I should think about staying here.  Foster mom thinks there must be a really special family out there who will love me forever.  Not that mom wouldn't love to keep me too, but then there wouldn't be any room for a foster.  I know if I stay too long she will give in ... so you better hurry! Don't let my age be a factor.  I love to play ball (see my pictures) and I can keep up with you on long walks.  When you want to rest I will lay down right next to you.  I don't try to jump on your furniture or even your bed.  Trust me, foster mom has invited me to join her on the couch and I said, no thank you.  I will snuggle with you on the floor though and I really love tummy rubs.

Okay, I have other things to do .... Pepper Anne is calling me.  Gotta go.  If you want to meet me, and I know you do, contact your Placement Advisor.  Bye!!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Welcome RAGOM Fans to ...
ALL STAR WRESTLING

It's really not as bad as it looks, in fact Nellie enjoys wrestling with our girl Pepper Anne.  On rare occasions all three girls get going and it can get quite loud, but it's great exercise.  Once the battle royal is done everyone finds their spot on the floor, bed or couch for nap time.

We have discovered Nellie can be possessive of the toy basket, which was surprising to us.  When a foster first comes into our home we do not allow toys until they have had a couple days to settle in.  Nellie and our girls were doing very well with some toys and there were no issues.  Over a week had gone by without an incident so I thought I would try putting the toy basket down.  Nellie immediately removed all the toys from the basket and laid down with her usual favorite.  The problem happened when Josie walked past the toy basket.  Nellie had no problem with the toys, but the basket must have represented something different.  Nellie charged Josie.  Needless to say, the toy basket was put up and all toys were taken away.  Nellie was given a time out then reintroduced to Josie in a calm, submission state.  Since that incident, Nellie has had to earn her toys back.  We will work with the toy basket in a more controlled manner.  Other than that, Nellie has done very well.  I don't even consider that one issue to be too major.

After talking to Nellie's previous foster, I seems Nellie was allowed to run her original household (never a good idea).  So we have been focusing on manners.  When Nellie first came to us, she would knock her bowl over as if to say she was hungry and ready to eat.  She has learned to wait for her breakfast and supper.  It is a rule the girls must "sit" and "stay" before their bowl will be put down, then they must "wait" until they are told to "eat".  Nellie will now wait quietly for her meal.  Nellie was also pushy when she wanted something, she is learning to take turns.  Our girls use a tie-out because we don't have a fence.  Pepper Anne is always the first allowed out the door, Josie and Nellie have to sit and wait their turn.  Josie is second and Nellie is doing great waiting in a sit and not pushing or bolting out the door.  We did discover, Nellie will come right back to you when she is called...thank goodness.  Not knowing the garage door was open, the girls were let into the garage to welcome mom home.  All three girls ran past mom and headed for the street.  Nellie came when called and ran right back into the house with her tail wagging.  I'm not sure what Nellie would have done if another dog was walking by, but then, I'm not sure what our own girls would do either.  We have been taking Nellie for walks using a gentle leader.  If we see another dog, Nellie must sit and watch the other dog walk by.  She has learned if she sits quiet we will continue our walk.  It was noted, Nellie would jump or lunge at another dog while on her tie-out.  The other day a dog went by while the girls were outside.  Nellie started to bark, but FD walked out to her, took hold of the tie-out and told her "NO".  Nellie immediately stopped.  We have not had any problems with her jumping or lunging at another dog.  I can't wait to take her to a RAGOM event to see how she handles it.

Nellie really needed a bath, but didn't like the idea of having one.  It took a little bit for FM to convince this 73 pound girl bath time would be fun!  Once I got her to the bathtub, having her step in was a breeze.  When she was in the bath she was wonderful.  She stands very still and will turn around when you ask.  I have learned if I hold up a towel for long enough they will shake while they are still standing in the tub.  Nellie has had many ear infections in the past, so we clean her ears with an OTC cleanser each week . . . so far so good.  Nellie loves, loves, LOVES to be pet and snuggled.

Nellie was cat tested in her previous foster home and it doesn't sound like Nellie enjoyed the experience.  I can't say for sure if she is okay with cats or not, we will have to see.  Overall, Nellie is wonderful!!  She is one of those fosters who could steal my heart.

If you think you would like to know more about our beautiful girl, please contact your Placement Advisor.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Well, Hello Nellie

Well, Hello Nellie

It’s So Nice To Have You Back Where You Belong

It sure is nice to have this wonderful girl back in RAGOM. Nellie was adopted to a family with small children, and we now know she is not comfortable in that type of situation. As fosters, we try very hard to understand our furkids in the time we have them. However, there are those rare cases we find out something after they have left our care. Having said that, let me say ... she is absolutely fantastic. We love her!!

Nellie is 7 years old, completely housetrained, knows her commands like a champ, likes to play (especially with us and toys), does not get on furniture, loves her humans, sleeps on her dog bed, great snuggler, she will lean into your leg for pets, such a happy girl, loves her humans (did I say that already). She is not a velcro dog, but will make sure she knows what you’re doing.

It was noted in Nellie’s paperwork she has some issues meeting other dogs. Because of this we were cautious during introductions. Nellie met our Josie during transport and not a single word was exchanged. Nellie met our other girl Pepper Anne at home and again not even a lip was raised. In the 5 days we have had Nellie, she has gone on a couple walks and to the vet with almost no problems. A little dog was allowed to run around the vet office off leash and he ran right up to Nellie. It took both Nellie and I by surprise and she raised her lip just a little (no growl). I sternly said "HEY", placed my hand on her head and she immediately looked up to me for direction. The little dog stayed around Nellie’s legs and she did nothing more. I was very proud of her. The staff at the vet’s office kept giving her treats for being so good. She even placed her big paws on the counter so everyone could pet her (a Kodak moment). Nellie’s wellness check says she is healthy. She does have a mass/lump on the top of her tail that we will keep an eye on. We have introduced Nellie to the Gentle Leader, which she didn’t appreciate at first. Nellie is not a petite girl so she needs someone to understand she is big and strong. She is not strong willed and really wants to please. Nellie’s tail is constantly wagging, especially when you give her attention.

We will be working with Nellie to overcome her minor issues.  If you are interested in knowing more about her, please contact your Placement Advisor today!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Here I am at naptime... sharing the sunny spot with Asterix.

Some people who have expressed interest in me have a cat or cats in the home. My foster mom doesn't know yet how I am with cats, (other than on walks, where I am clearly in cat-chasing mode!) so in the next few days she will be taking me to some houses with cats in them to see what happens. Check back this week to see how my cat adventures went.

Who knows, maybe I can share the sunny spot with a feline friend someday...

Saturday, September 12, 2009

This has been my kind of morning.
 
Those of you who have been following my page probably think I'm a bit slow and sleepy, just laying under a table or the piano, taking the occasional break to chase around my tiny friend Asterix before returning to my sleepy ways.
 
Not so!!!
 
In fact, when we arrived at one of my favorite places this morning, a bystander said to my foster mom, "That must be a young dog!" This stranger thought I was 2 or 3, I guess because when I get outside I act quite puppy-like.
 
Here are pictures of me enjoying one of my favorite spots along the St Croix river. As you can see I am as happy as a clam down here at the riverside. I love to run back and forth, sniff everything, wade into the water and sink down, letting it cover my belly and sides. Ahhhhh... feels soooo good. And why not take a refreshing drink while I'm at it?
 
My foster mom is mean; she won't let me roll in the sand when I come out of the water! I don't understand these ridiculous rules.
At least she will run up and down the beach with me; we both like long walks and splashing in the water.
 
Foster mom is used to small dogs and is always learning things about having a Golden, like: if you take a Golden for a swim, it's wise to have a towel on the back seat of the car!
 
But she doesn't mind these kinds of things, and hopefully my new owners won't either.
 
I should mention, I have always lived with people who are around much - if not most - of the day. I have been very, very lucky that way. I am so used to this and wouldn't like it to change. Of course I can be alone here and there like any dog, but being left 9-5 every day would too big an adjustment for me. A stay/work-at-home situation is what I am looking for.
 
My old owner came to visit me yesterday. We were SO happy to see each other! He told my foster mom how much I love kids. I am absolutely gentle and loving around children. I like those little guys and gals.
 
Well, that's it for today. Enjoy the pictures! Hopefully I will get to a RAGOM event soon and be able to meet people in person.

PS: Did I mention I like having my belly rubbed?

Friday, September 11, 2009

Notice what good care I take of my toys. I've had this little stuffed puppy for maybe a year and there isn't a scratch on him. I like to bring him around the house with me. It's almost as good as carrying socks around.

Another thing I like is to lie with my nose propped up against something.

You can also see Asterix trying to entice me to play. Notice how he touches my paw to try to get some play action going. I have both balls... pretty soon he'll grab one and we'll be off and running around the house.

A RAGOM dog came by to visit today. I thought he was very handsome! The three of us had fun playing and chasing around. I do like being with other dogs.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Here I am in one of my usual spots, hanging out under the table near a person I like. It's always nice to have a chinrest, too.