11/25/06: Tyler is a big red cutie pie! He's 5 going on 2 when it comes to energy level, and still has the typical Golden puppy exuberance, but also the ability to calm down and chill (that's how you know he's 5 and not 2). He has a very playful personality, and I just loved watching him play with my 2 year old Golden boy tonight because he really dances around on his feet, and on the hard wood floors it almost sounded like he was tap dancing. Quite the talented guy! Tyler was relinquished to RAGOM as a result of divorce, and, although the decision to give him up was incredibly hard on his previous owner, it was done out of love for Tyler, because he wanted the very best for him.

Tyler is a purebred Golden who had been with his family since he was a puppy. He lived with an 18-month old child, and was great with him. He's done fabulously with my dog so far, and he reportedly even likes to snuggle with cats. Tyler is already neutered and current on shots, and he will be going in for a checkup in the next few days. He does have allergies, but they are under control with medication. He has apparently had some allergy testing done, and they are environmental, not food related.

This big lovebug loves to swim and fetch tennis balls, although he doesn't always give them up. He would happily sit and chew on them if you let him. One time this morning he really clenched down on the ball when I tried to get it from him, but there was no growling, and he readily dropped it when I offered to trade for a treat. We'll be working on readily giving up the ball and letting him know that dropping it means he gets to fetch it again. So far he hasn't touched any of the many stuffed squeaky toys we have lying around, but I'm guessing that's probably because he was taught to leave them alone at his previous home with a young child. I won't encourage him to play with them (yet :)) in case his new adoptive family has small kids... I would imagine that's a huge plus to have a dog that leaves the baby toys alone.

So far I think this boy could go to just about any type of home, as long as his family is active and includes him in many of their activities. He is used to being an 'only dog' where he gets all the attention, but so far he's also doing fine in a multi-dog household and seems to enjoy the company. He is used to having a fenced in yard, so that would be a plus, although he isn't a runner and his previous owner often had him off-leash. He is well-socialized, and good with kids, dogs and cats. He has free reign of the house, and doesn't have accidents or any sort of destructive behavior. He has been trained to use a Gentle Leader for walking, and does great with it. Sound like your dream dog? Yeah, this guy is the complete Golden package, and the only thing he really needs is a new, loving forever family to call his own. Email PlacementRagom [dot] org if you want to meet Tyler.