Hi Everyone - it's me, Preston!  I had another great weekend and thought you'd want to hear all about it!  I went to the Meet & Greet on Saturday and had a really fun time!  It was extra special because we were celebrating Joy's birthday - I just love that peanut, she's so sweet!  You want to know what else was extra special about the event?!  A wonderful couple came just to meet ME, Preston!  Can you believe it?!  They were so wonderful and nice, they had been reading all about me and came just to see me!!  Wow, I felt so very special!  I hope I get to see them again soon, they were so very nice and I know they really liked me, too!  :)

After the event we went to stay at the relatives for the weekend - one of my favorite places!

We hiked thru the woods and did some snow shoeing ...

.....then I helped make sure all the bird feeders were filled.....

.....and then I came in and took a nice long nap in front of the fire.  Ahhh....relaxing weekend at it's finest!  

I did have another small seizure this weekend, but again they are not frequent.  My last one was 4 months ago and it was a small one, too.  Shortly after, I was rolling in the snow and playing like nothing had ever happened.

In other news, Foster Mom took me to the vet on Monday because my awesome sponsors, the M Family, contacted RAGOM about my cloudy eye. Their dog had the same problem and was diagnosed with Uveitis, so RAGOM had mine checked out to be on the safe side.  This is why I love being a RAGOM boy!  I should start by telling you that everyone LOVED me at the vet!  They kept saying how sweet I was and everyone wanted to pet me!  Of course being the wonderful boy I am, I leaned right into them and let them love me up!  Then they did the pressure test on my eyes and I was a very brave boy.  And the best news of all is that things looked pretty normal!  She could tell my eyes were aging a little, which is to be expected in a handsome 8 year old boy like me.  :)  She said the pressure test in both my eyes was good, and believes my one eye is cloudy due to some sort of trauma - like getting scratched or something like that when I was younger. I made sure to stop on the way out so everyone could pet me again.  It was pure torture, I tell ya.  :)

After the vet, Foster Mom took me to Chuck and Don's to pick out a special treat for me and my foster siblings. Being the social butterfly that I am, I said Hi to the staff and then went behind the counter to help them work.  I think I was probably the cutest greeter they've had in a long time!  Foster Mom just laughed and said I was way too cute.  What can I say, I'm pretty dang irresistible.  :)

I've been having lots of fun since my last update!   

I've been cuddling with Foster Dad.....

....lounging on the bed with my foster brothers.........and running and playing in the snow.  The only thing missing from these pictures is my forever family.  I've been waiting for 5 months and they haven't found me yet.  If you have another large breed dog, no young children, and a fenced in yard, I could be the one you've been waiting for!

Happy New Year!  It's your pal Preston, coming to you with another update!  I don't even know where to begin, I've had a lot of fun and adventures these past few weeks!  It all started a few weeks ago when I got to meet my foster cousins - they have fur just like I do!  They live on a lot of land and we all ran and hiked thru the woods.  I had lots and lots of fun!  Their humans were so nice to me and even sent a Christmas gift home for me!  I can see why my foster siblings love to spend time with them.  Then, not long after that, a pretty little girl came to spend Christmas with us!  You may have seen her on the website, her name is Gypsy 12-414.  She was rescued from a puppy mill just like me, so we bonded and had lots of fun together.  Because we were all such good boys and girls, Santa came and brought us lots and lots of yummy treats and toys!  Some were from foster grandma, too - she loves me just like her own.  I felt like such a lucky boy! 

  As if I wasn't having enough fun, we went down to see my foster cousins again for New Years!  We got to hike in the woods again and there were some new humans that weren't there the last time.  They loved me, too!  Auntie Jill just couldn't believe I haven't been adopted yet - she knows what a sweet boy I am and loved having me come to visit her.  I hope she knows how special she made me feel - Uncle Gary, too!  My foster family is so lucky to have them in their lives.  After we recovered from the holidays, I visited another volunteer's house to meet their cat.  My Foster Mom hadn't officially tested me yet, so to be fair she wanted to see for her own eyes if I like cats or not.  I made her so proud and I PASSED THE CAT TEST!  YIPPEE!!  I went up to it when it was on the floor, sniffed it, and then walked away to see what was in the toy bin.  The cat was out the entire time we were there and I didn't even notice.  Let's see...what else should you know about me?  Well, my two favorite times of the day are in the morning when we get up and at night when my humans come home from work.  In the morning, I run around the room with Betty and we try to drag everyone out of bed to go on our morning walk.  I run around and shake my little butt super fast because I'm just so excited!  Then we go on our walk, come home and eat breakfast, and take our morning nap.  Well, my foster parents stay up and get ready for work, but the rest of us catch some zzzz's!  I have free roam during the day and just hang out and sleep.  Then when my humans come home, I wake up and bark a few times in excitement because I'm just SO happy!  I race down the stairs to see them, grabbing a toy along the way.  If I can't find a toy, I pick up the next best thing - one of their shoes!  I run around them in circles and try so hard to put my butt down to say hi, but I'm just way too happy to do that.  Instead I run outside and do a few laps around the yard in excitement - usually with the toy or shoe still in my mouth!   Then I flop down in the snow and roll around. I love, love, love, fluffy toys and I'm almost always cuddling with one.  My friends Jeanine and Tyler gave me the cutest stuffed animal for Christmas and it's one of my absolute favorites.  I sleep with it almost every night!  I love going to events because I love all the love and attention I get.  I'm so sweet and gentle - I love getting pets from everyone that I meet.  I do just fine with the kids that come to visit me at events, so if you have grand kids or nieces or nephews that come to visit you, I would do just fine with them.  Puppy mill dogs like me just can't have kids living with them permanently, but visiting kids are just fine.  I love people so much that I would be the perfect dog to visit nursing homes - I love giving everyone the "Golden paw" and charming them with my good looks.  I could sit for hours and let people pet me.    Before I go, I want to thank everyone again for the winter icons!  Thank you Jeanine and Tyler, Mary and Carl, and my Anonymous friend for thinking of me.  I really hit the jackpot the day I became a RAGOM dog!  Your pal, Preston

Preston had a great weekend! He started at the groomer on Friday and was a perfect gentleman - he was a big hit and the staff just loved him. He traveled to both events over the weekend and got lots and lots of pets - his favorite thing! Everyone commented on how soft he was. His most favorite part of the weekend was meeting Santa! I just had to include this picture because Preston looks so happy! He can be camera shy at times but this one really captures his spirit - I think it's my all time favorite of him! I heard him ask Santa for a new stuffed pheasant for Christmas, which is one of his favorite toys. Little does he know, I have a direct connection to the big guy so his wish might just come true! :)

Preston has been in foster care for three months and we really can't believe he's still available for adoption. It's true he has some requirements and needs but he is such a wonderful boy! He's by far the easiest foster we've had. As we've gotten to know him, and he's settled in more, we've learned that Preston doesn't necessarily need a female in his forever home. He was very attached to me in the beginning, but now he's Foster Dad's best friend! Preston can be found going to him for pets almost more than me these days. It's so great to see how much they've bonded.

Preston will be out and about later this month, so please check back often to see which events he plans to hit up. In the meantime, please contact your placement advisor if you're interested in meeting this sweet guy!

Hi everyone – it’s Preston again! I’m excited to write another update and tell you all the latest news about myself. I’m fully transitioned to a grain free food and I’ve also lost a couple pounds – it’s given me a little extra spunk and I love it! I love to run around the yard when we go outside – I used to be the first one in after a potty break, but now I take my time and do a few extra laps around the yard with Bauer. We have so much fun! Speaking of fun, did I tell you how much I love my Foster Dad?! He is so much fun to hang out with – he even lets me watch the Vikings game with him!

I am a very lucky boy because my foster family lives close to a state park. The other day we all went hiking - I can’t remember ever having so much fun!! They had a long leash on me, so I could still stretch my legs. Oh boy, I was in heaven! Foster Mom said I surprised everyone because I ran and ran and ran like a 2 year old! There were so many great smells out there and we even saw some deer! I tried to chase them but they were faster than me. I also showed my foster family how much I looooove water! Every time we were near the water, I would try to dart off and take a swim. They finally caught on to my game so they would pick up my leash and keep me close each time we passed the water. I tried to be sneaky and hang back, pretending to sniff something, but they were totally on to me! Foster Mom took lots and lots of pictures and she’s having a hard time deciding which ones to post. I told her she can post more in the future, if I’m still in foster care of course!

I don’t remember if I told you, but I used to go to doggy daycare in my old home. I had lots of fun there. I would also love to go to the dog park, if that’s something you like to do! I get along with just about every dog I meet and I’m incredibly sweet. When Foster Mom takes me to events, people just can’t get enough of me! 

If you think I might be the one for you, don't forget, this is what I’m looking for in my forever home:

Another large breed dog – I’ve been around big dogs my entire life and they make me feel comfortable and secure. 

A fenced in yard is a must – I come from a puppy mill and dogs with my background can startle easily. Plus, if there was a rabbit in the yard, I would chase it and probably wouldn’t know when to stop!

Preferably a home without kids, or at least with older kids. Little ones make us puppy mill dogs nervous so a quiet home is best for me.

If you meet my requirements, what on earth are you waiting for? Your next best friend is right here!

This past weekend we took a road trip to Duluth so Preston and Bauer could meet and greet their fans at the Duluth Petco. To say they had a great time is an understatement! Preston loved all the attention and simply could not get enough pets from everyone that walked by - that's our Preston! He gets a lot of interest at events, but unfortunately they haven't met all the requirements he needs in his forever home. Preston is looking for a home with another large breed dog, a physical fence, and a quiet environment without young kids. As you can see below, Preston is a "SUPER" dog! :)

Preston has been with us in his permanent foster home for almost a month and he’s the easiest foster we’ve ever had! People always ask how we can handle having 4 dogs, but with dogs like Preston, it’s hard to tell we’ve even added to our pack! He’s calm, sweet, obedient, and very loving. He gets along with our dogs very well and fits seamlessly into our routine. He’s potty trained, loves walks, takes his medicine like a champ, and doesn’t fight over food or toys. He loves his humans and will often nudge us for pets. He loves both of us but he is really bonded to me, his Foster Mom. He enjoys going to events because he gets lots and lots of belly rubs and pets from everyone he meets. He’s a dream!

Preston does have some requirements in his forever home and we’re confident his perfect family is out there waiting to meet him.

• Because Preston lived in a puppy mill for the first 4 years of his life, he’s used to having another large breed dog around at all times. This helps him feel comfortable and safe, so it’s a must that he has another large breed dog in his forever home. He doesn’t care much for puppies and would do best with a dog that isn’t too energetic and rambunctious. He does like to play occasionally, but overall he’s just a laid back guy.
• Due to his upbringing in a puppy mill, he will also need a physical fence to keep him safe. He does have good recall and tends to stick close to his humans, but dogs with his background may startle easily and we never want to risk him taking off and not coming back.
• Finally, Preston needs a quiet home without young children. This is a requirement for all dogs with his background because the movement and energy of young children tends to make them nervous. Preston has had no issues meeting kids at events, and actually seeks out pets from them, but for his day to day life he would really love an adult only home or a home with older children where he can feel relaxed and completely comfortable.

Preston has been an absolute dream to foster and we love having him here. He will often put his head on our knee, let out a big sigh, and fall asleep. He is a very loving boy who is waiting patiently for his forever family to find him.

Preston arrived at our home last week and we are absolutely smitten! We can’t thank his temp foster family enough for all the love they gave him while he was in their care. Preston sends lots of kisses your way!

Preston now lives with 2 adults and 3 other Golden Retrievers named Cooper, Bauer, and Betty, ages 6, 4, and 2. He enjoys their company and will play from time to time, but is also happy just lounging with his humans. He stays off the furniture unless invited, and loves to relax on his dog beds. He sleeps thru the night on the side of our bed in our bedroom.

Preston had a few accidents when he first arrived at our home, which often happens when a dog moves into a new environment. Everything is new and sometimes they just need to learn the routine and settle in. We also learned we were originally given the incorrect dosage instructions on his Proin, and after looking thru his vet records and visiting the vet, found out he should be given a ½ tab twice a day, rather just once like he was being given. Once we got that straightened out, things started to improve and he hasn’t had an accident for days. I know some people may be scared off by the fact that he has been diagnosed as having incontinence. His condition is mild and most people would be surprised by how many dogs have the same issue and are on the same medication. One of our residents was on it and it is very cheap – less than $10 a month for the dosage Preston needs. You can’t even go to the movies anymore for that price! We also learned his cloudy eye is genetic, as there was another dog rescued along with Preston a few years ago that also developed this same issue. They took their dog into the vet, who believed this condition wasn’t serious and didn’t affect the dog's sight. Our RAGOM vet said the same thing during Preston’s visit.

Preston is a total love bug who seeks out pets and belly rubs. He loves to carry stuffed toys around in his mouth and looks forward to our daily walks. It was reported he was nervous in the car and would get car sick from time to time, however, when he went to the vet today he did well with his foster brother Bauer along for the ride.

We know Preston is going to make his forever family very, very, happy. Here is what he needs in his forever home:

• Another confident medium to large breed dog to help him adjust to his surroundings. He likes to play from time to time, but otherwise just lounges around.
• Cats are unknown to us, but it is reported he needs a cat free environment
• A home with children 12 or older, or an adult only home
• A family committed to providing the medication he needs. Remember, it’s cheap!
• A physical fence to keep him safe

Since Preston just came back into foster care a short time ago, we decided to let him relax at home with his foster sister Betty during Goldzilla. If you were looking forward to meeting him, you’re in luck because Bauer has offered to accompany him to the Petco event in Apple Valley this weekend! We are hoping to take a shift sometime on Saturday, so check back later this week to find out all the details. He is already practicing his handsome smile!

If you are thinking Preston is right for you please contact your placement advisor. He is a great dog and will be ready to go home with you the weekend of September 22nd after his follow-up vet appointment. He just needs to live with another dog, have a fenced yard and adults who love him. He would like to have one if not two human Mom’s, since he is attached to the woman in his life.

Preston went to the vet yesterday for his surgery to have the mass in his mouth removed for biopsy. While he was under the vet cleaned his teeth and removed a cracked tooth. I asked the vet what she thought of the mass and she thought it was promising the mass was just that…a mass.

Preston’s clean teeth

We will know for sure early next week. Please do not let this keep you contacting your placement advisor. Asking to meet Preston will put you first in line to adopt him. Then you could be “checked out” to this wonderful boy until we know the results. I cannot say enough good things about this dog. He is wonderful!!

We knew Preston had a history of eating Kleenex or paper. (Our resident dog does the same thing) Today he proved this. Preston snacked on the aftercare instructions from the vet. He must have like the smell of the paper. We all know the vet clinic can smell like treats and other animals.

Tastes great!

Preston will not be at Goldzilla. After taking Preston to the Chuck and Don’s event we have decided the Goldzilla event would be too stressful for him, but that does not mean he does not want you to come meet him at his foster home.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Hanging out in the yard	Caught mid-sneeze
Preston and Ally (Preston on the left)	Getting some love

Preston continues to great at our house! We were even snuggling with him last night and he was kicking his feet while dreaming.

We took Preston to the vet for his check up and to get him up to date. He weighed in at 64lbs and from his history he is most comfortable at 60lbs. The good news is he is now up to date. He did have a small skin infection which we are trying to clear up with a few baths. It is starting to look better and he does not seem itchy. I have made an appointment for the groomer next Wednesday. Preston also had some troubling news. The Veterinarian found a mass on the upper left side of his mouth. We need to schedule a surgery to biopsy the mass to test the tissue.

Thankfully RAGOM is able to help out many dogs, just like Preston. If you are looking to sponsor a RAGOM pup, please consider Mr. Preston. He could use 3 to 4 sponsors to help offset his vet costs.

We are planning to take Preston to the Chuck and Don’s adoption event this Saturday, September 8th, from 12:30 – 2PM. Please come say hello if you want to meet Preston or just visit with him. We have not had Preston to an event before and some dogs can be stressed out at these events. You may want to come early; Preston can be a little shy and we may need to leave if the event is too stressful.