Charlie 08-382

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Charlie's loving owner surrendered him back to RAGOM's caring hands after her husband passed away and as she prepared to move to Alaska to live with her daughter.

He is a big, lovable, gentle teddy bear of a larger size: 99 pounds of sweetness. If you like big feet, you will love Charlie. I don't think he'll need snowshoes in the winter. You know what they say about the size of a dog's foot: Big Foot = Big Heart.

This 9-year-old gentleman is getting along great with my 9-year-old resident dog (Duke). Charlie usually takes direction from Duke around the house and yard. They're both aspiring to run (and catch) a slow, three-legged deaf squirrel, as neither is real speedy or quiet as they let the neighborhood squirrels know this is "their yard." I'm pretty sure neither of them wants to live with a young pup that's always looking to play.

Charlie is taking 3 medications: an antibiotic as he came with a hot spot on his elbow, a spray for the hot spot, and a medication for his anxiety. I had a Golden when I was younger that got a similar hotspot from laying on concrete. That's mostly healed up in the 6 days I've had this beautiful and friendly dog.

He takes pills with his breakfast and supper. He did have Pill Pockets and gladly took them dipped in peanut butter, but after observing him inhaling his food at a speed that competes with my 20-amp, 240-volt wood shop vacuum, I just throw them in the bowl and watch them disappear.

I don't believe I've seen any sign of separation anxiety in the few times I've left him alone. That is what the third medication is for. He started getting that from a prior owner when left alone for 10-12 hours a day on a regular basis.

Duke's favorite game is to show you or other dogs that HE has the ball or stuffed animal. Charlie shows no interest at all. Charlie does like rawhides which disappear as if it was put into a wood chipper.

Charlie's loves:

  • Dinner. Won't be late. Eats fast.
  • Car rides. Loves to ride in the car, but isn't quite sure on the best way to get into my SUV.
  • Walks. He walks extremely well on a flat leash (with Duke by his side). Given the opportunity, he will walk himself.
  • Being with his people. He pretty much stays off the furniture and usually lies in the same room. He and his friend, Duke, follow me from room to room. He likes soft.

Charlie is an escape artist. He's gotten loose 3 times in the week I've had him.

  1. Pushed open the double gate in my backyard. He was observed checking out the main in-out gate, then leaning into the double gate to open it. He then took off and joined the Holy Angels Soccer Team practice and said hello to everyone.
  2. Squeezed by me as I was leaving. He moves quickly. Came right back when I backed the car out of the driveway. He likes car rides more than walks.
  3. Magic. He escaped Wednesday morning by (pick one):

a) Opening the front latched, but not locked, screen door.
b) Opening and then closing one of the gates in my backyard.
c) Leaping my 5-foot chain link fence in a single bound.
d) Climbing the fence which has been sufficient for all prior resident or visiting dogs. My house has had dogs for most of its 58 years.
e) Has a friendly Terrier buddy whose dad wears kilts - "Beam me out, Scotty!"

He went about 3 blocks, found a Pitbull puppy to play with, then laid down to take a nap on the neighbor's front porch. She found him, got his microchip read, and contacted RAGOM. He had a fabulous time that ended with a great car ride! His former dad took him for 5 1-mile walks every day.

The weather has been wonderful, but he's lost free in-out privileges and unsupervised freedom to the backyard. In nice weather, I just leave the back door open, figuring I'm perfectly safe from any wandering squirrels. I had felt safe with my 5-foot fence.

Charlie will carry shoes to some place else in the house that seems to need some redecoration. Only 1 of a pair, at a time. Either he's stopped opening freezer doors, or he's not used to my side by side fridge (yet).

Charlie will be at the Edina Chuck and Don's on Sunday, July 20th. He would love to meet his furever family. He is a handsome, fabulous, furry and friendly dog who wants love to make his humans feel loved.

 

At a Glance #08-382

Mixed Breed Born: February 2005
Male 80 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Charlie's loving owner surrendered him back to RAGOM's caring hands after her husband passed away and as she prepared to move to Alaska to live with her daughter.

He is a big, lovable, gentle teddy bear of a larger size: 99 pounds of sweetness. If you like big feet, you will love Charlie. I don't think he'll need snowshoes in the winter. You know what they say about the size of a dog's foot: Big Foot = Big Heart.

This 9-year-old gentleman is getting along great with my 9-year-old resident dog (Duke). Charlie usually takes direction from Duke around the house and yard. They're both aspiring to run (and catch) a slow, three-legged deaf squirrel, as neither is real speedy or quiet as they let the neighborhood squirrels know this is "their yard." I'm pretty sure neither of them wants to live with a young pup that's always looking to play.

Charlie is taking 3 medications: an antibiotic as he came with a hot spot on his elbow, a spray for the hot spot, and a medication for his anxiety. I had a Golden when I was younger that got a similar hotspot from laying on concrete. That's mostly healed up in the 6 days I've had this beautiful and friendly dog.

He takes pills with his breakfast and supper. He did have Pill Pockets and gladly took them dipped in peanut butter, but after observing him inhaling his food at a speed that competes with my 20-amp, 240-volt wood shop vacuum, I just throw them in the bowl and watch them disappear.

I don't believe I've seen any sign of separation anxiety in the few times I've left him alone. That is what the third medication is for. He started getting that from a prior owner when left alone for 10-12 hours a day on a regular basis.

Duke's favorite game is to show you or other dogs that HE has the ball or stuffed animal. Charlie shows no interest at all. Charlie does like rawhides which disappear as if it was put into a wood chipper.

Charlie's loves:

  • Dinner. Won't be late. Eats fast.
  • Car rides. Loves to ride in the car, but isn't quite sure on the best way to get into my SUV.
  • Walks. He walks extremely well on a flat leash (with Duke by his side). Given the opportunity, he will walk himself.
  • Being with his people. He pretty much stays off the furniture and usually lies in the same room. He and his friend, Duke, follow me from room to room. He likes soft.

Charlie is an escape artist. He's gotten loose 3 times in the week I've had him.

  1. Pushed open the double gate in my backyard. He was observed checking out the main in-out gate, then leaning into the double gate to open it. He then took off and joined the Holy Angels Soccer Team practice and said hello to everyone.
  2. Squeezed by me as I was leaving. He moves quickly. Came right back when I backed the car out of the driveway. He likes car rides more than walks.
  3. Magic. He escaped Wednesday morning by (pick one):

a) Opening the front latched, but not locked, screen door.
b) Opening and then closing one of the gates in my backyard.
c) Leaping my 5-foot chain link fence in a single bound.
d) Climbing the fence which has been sufficient for all prior resident or visiting dogs. My house has had dogs for most of its 58 years.
e) Has a friendly Terrier buddy whose dad wears kilts - "Beam me out, Scotty!"

He went about 3 blocks, found a Pitbull puppy to play with, then laid down to take a nap on the neighbor's front porch. She found him, got his microchip read, and contacted RAGOM. He had a fabulous time that ended with a great car ride! His former dad took him for 5 1-mile walks every day.

The weather has been wonderful, but he's lost free in-out privileges and unsupervised freedom to the backyard. In nice weather, I just leave the back door open, figuring I'm perfectly safe from any wandering squirrels. I had felt safe with my 5-foot fence.

Charlie will carry shoes to some place else in the house that seems to need some redecoration. Only 1 of a pair, at a time. Either he's stopped opening freezer doors, or he's not used to my side by side fridge (yet).

Charlie will be at the Edina Chuck and Don's on Sunday, July 20th. He would love to meet his furever family. He is a handsome, fabulous, furry and friendly dog who wants love to make his humans feel loved.

 

Updates

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

My heart is breaking today, I had to say good-bye to my Charlie, who made his journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

I adopted Charlie, 08-382, four and a half years ago, and can’t begin to tell you how much he meant to me!

We spent every summer going to the cabin, and even though Charlie wasn’t a swimmer, he enjoyed digging holes on the beach to lay in the cool sand. He loved going for walks and having free run at the dog park. I will miss his silly antics; raiding the refrigerator (until I finally out smarted him by strapping it shut)  stealing butter off the counter, and carrying my purse or an article of my clothing around  when I was at work.

At 13 &1/2, Charlie’s rear legs were getting very weak, and even the meds didn’t help much anymore.  The worst thing was him losing his eye sight recently...he could not handle that.  

I will remember him making a doggie angel in the first snowfall of the season ! He loved the snow!

From, Cindy N

Charlie 08-382

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Planning on bringing Charlie to the Roseville Meet & Greet Saturday! There have been a few people that have shown strong interest, and hopefully they'll get through the approval process. I'll really miss the big guy, but want him to be happy, happy, + happy.

Charlie and Duke have been having tremendous fun at the meet and greets. We all were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of exuberant dogs at Goldzilla who were all having a fabulous time. So I apologize to Duke's and Charlie's former fosters whom we met there just after arriving. There was a whirlwind of wagging tails surrounding us, and none of us could concentrate on those other people/dogs that had such big influences on their lives.

Fridge Updates
The modifications to the fridge door have been successful! I was concerned Monday when I spent 3 hours at the doctor's, and remembered I forgot to lock the fridge before leaving. But no issues, I still had a couple of brats for dinner.

Wandering & Separation Anxiety
Charlie has NO issues in being the separator. He's been so good lately that I let go of the leash after returning from a car ride as a test.

Charlie Failed. He took off through the neighbors backyard through the open gate at his lope. It's really a quick trot that a jogger might keep up with, but I'm no jogger. He was briefly stopped as the right side of the house was totally fenced in. He did a graceful pirouette, not even breaking stride, reversing to the left side of the house. As I yelled, "CHARLIE!" he looked directly at me and smiled, as if to say, "Yup, that's my name!" I ran after him to see which way he went, then ran back grabbing Duke and the Car.

I drove down the street that was my best guess of his escape route. I saw someone in their driveway. I hate to tell Charlie that a 100-pound, beautiful, white, smiling dog bounding down peoples front/back lawns is going to get noticed. He's incognito - NOT! A brief finger point and I headed Charlie off at the pass (the next street), with an open car door and yelling his name (not angrily). He happily jumped in the car, a little short of breath, ready to go home.

Redecorating

Charlie continues his tricks of moving things around. I've noted that he tends to put a pair of shoes (see picture) near the back door as if to remind me to go for a walk. As things are usually left out in the open, this hasn't been an issue.

Now, if I could only find my wallet.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Another week of the Charlie - Duke show!

Charlie has begun answering to his new nickname "Fridge."

Charlie continues to astound me with his skills. He brought an empty peanut butter jar into the living room and showed us how he could reach the very bottom of the jar with his big tongue. Foster Dad thought this was the mostly empty jar he had thrown out last week and let it go, enjoying the zen-like meditative look on Charlie's face as he worked diligently for the last spot of peanut butter.

Charlie left the spotless and clean jar on the floor and, 2 minutes later, came back with another jar of Jif, this one with a lid on it. He quickly opened the jar. This was getting a bit much for Dad, who took it away from Fridge and discovered this was the empty jar, and the full jar was sitting on the floor without a speck of brown nirvana left. Oh well, another trip to the grocery store.


Let's see. Turn 3 times right to 16, left ...

Fridge-Cracker: Last week, I ended saying that Charlie's issues were manageable by his (hopefully) more intelligent human family. The rope tied with a square knot was keeping Foster Dad's brats safe from predators.

This week I'm back to hoping.

Charlie "Fridge-Cracker" can untie square knots. I arrived home Sunday evening to a repeat of empty brat and cheese bags, with asparagus, tomato, and potatoes strewn across the floor lit romantically by the open refrigerator door. The rope was lying in peace under the bag of potatoes that didn't meet the bandit's desire for a meal high in fats and flavor.


Foster Dad's new custom fridge door - On Order. ;)

I'm planning on bringing Charlie to the Edina meet & greet on September 13. He'd love to thrill you with his shopping expertise, also to get tummy rubs. He is a fabulous dog that deserves a forever family that can give him the love and attention keeping him out of trouble.

Goldzilla is almost here, September 14th. There will be a large board (near the baseball backstop) with all the pictures of available dogs. You can help by purchasing a foster paw print sticker at the merchandising tent in increments of $10, $25, $50, and $100. Once purchased, you will place the paw print sticker next to the picture of the dog you’d like to support. You will also have the opportunity to write that particular dog a note, which will be posted the dog’s page after the event. This is a great way to show support for RAGOM and a particular dog that may be pulling at your heartstrings. Please consider stopping by the merchandise tent to purchase a Foster Fan Board paw print while at Goldzilla.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Charlie is a happy, easy-going, gentle dog. He's had another pretty good week with his buddy, Duke.

I wanted to clarify last week's post: Charlie doesn't seem to care for un-neutered male DOGS. Humans he loves.

He's started crawling up on the couch on occasion. I think his last mom had trained him to stay off the furniture as he looks to 'dad' to see if he'll get into trouble.


Charlie and Duke on the couch (Dad got off the couch, so Duke is following him closely).

Tuesday, Dad went out to see the new hit, Guardians of the Galaxy. He was surprised when he got home and discovered there was a need for guardians of the fridge. Charlie is Duke's new hero. Charlie can (and will) open the refrigerator and pull out the deli drawer. While dad munched on popcorn, the boys munched on ham, cheese, and Johnsonville Cheddar Brats. Potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries were left strewn all over the floor. Now, if he would only get me a beer.


Surprise!

We also ran to Petco to get more dog food and a new toy. Charlie rolled over on his back to encourage a cute 4-year-old girl to scratch his belly. He's so gentle with kids; I only worry about his relative size. We also got a new toy which Charlie enjoys. He pretty much ignores most of Duke's treasures, but did enjoy the super squeeky snake when Duke will leave it alone for a minute (Duke is a super duper squeeky toy squeeker). This was also a test for Charlie to see if he would share. Charlie shared better than Duke, but there were no aggression issues. Charlie does like his 'own' food and water dish.

No more escapes as Dad makes Charlie sit when he goes out. Charlie has been observed testing the 'locked' screen door. And if he can open a fridge, I wouldn't put much past this intelligent pup.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

It's been a good week for Charlie!

Last weekend, we had fun at the Coon Rapids and Edina Meet & Greets! Charlie did want to do R-rated greetings to a couple of other dogs, but went back to G ratings with a quick and gentle correction. He was gentle and very well-mannered with all of the people from the smallest to the largest. He doesn't seem to have a preference for age or gender. He also is more reserved than your typical in-your-face and lap-friendly Golden Retriever, such as Jimmy 14-178.

He loves to shop. Obviously has been at pet stores before. He took me to the carts, just in case we bought a lot of stuff, made a beeline to the dog food, then sniffed everything until we got up front. He's obviously got the cashiers figured out - they have TREATS!

Jimmy 14-178 came for a sleepover on Saturday night and got along fine with the other 2 dogs. Jimmy was much slower about running across the yard to tell off those pesky squirrels.

Charlie continues to get along great my my resident (Duke 12-257) and they both aspire to catch a squirrel in the backyard. Former fosters have reported issues with Charlie getting "snarky" with other dogs over food or younger dogs just wanting to play too much. I've had no issues, as each pup knows which bowl is his and inhale his food so fast there isn't time for anything else.

No escapes this week, but Foster Dad has been keeping an eagle eye out. Charlie is on a leash anytime we're outside the house or backyard. The front screen door is latched. Other fosters have reported that Charlie can open just about anything and used to open the freezer to check stuff out. Foster dad has had 1 Golden that could turn doorknobs and 2 that learned to ring neighbors' doorbells. So they're a smart breed.

We went to the vet so Charlie could get his monthly heartworm medication. The vet wanted to see Charlie first, so we had a little reading opportunity in the waiting room. He likes going to the vet's; they have TREATS!

He ran out of his anxiety meds; a monthly refill was $8 at Target. FD had some questions on how bad Charlie's separation anxiety was, so we recorded via webcam his reaction when I ran out to the store. Charlie did stand up to watch the car go, gave a couple of barks, then calmed down and watched out the front window. Happy when FD got home, but it was a calm greeting, not the exuberant gotta-get-something-in-my-mouth greeting from Duke.

Charlie should not be crated and is reported to be much better with free roam versus being locked into a smaller room. Part of that is his breeding; Great Pyrenees want to "patrol," having been bred to guard llamas (sheep and goats too). FD asked about his separation anxiety to his former fosters and one reported it was severe. So either it's gotten quite a bit better (free roam helps) or having another calm dog around who knows the program has helped. The former foster suggested the meds are working, so he's getting the drugs while he's here. He hasn't been left alone for more than a few hours at any time so far.

Charlie does like to go in the car, but doesn't like it when he has to stay. He wants to go with his people into the store. I did take him to Target for a quick stop and put the Windows about 1/2 down as it was starting to get warm. A few barks is OK, but he wanted to climb out the car, so we cancelled the trip to Target - it was starting to get a bit warm and the sun came out.