You may have noticed that Anya's status has been "Unavailable" for a few weeks. Recently, our sweet Anya took flight on us again and she spent two nights outside in the cold and fled when anyone tried to approach her.

With the help and support of many, we were able to locate her and bring her back into safety. Shivering, wet, muddy, and full of burrs from head to tail, she needed to decompress for a bit before we begin again. A lot of rest was in order, as well as support from her foster buddies, Nicole and Paddy.

This was Anya's second time taking flight, as she also ran away when she first came into RAGOM in March. From both these experiences, we've learned that Anya will probably always be a high flight risk, especially during any transition times in her life or when anything new is being introduced to her that she's uncertain about.

Slow introductions and a few extra visits before placement will need to be part of her transition plan to help her become familiar and to start the bonding process with her future family.

The good news is that Anya has rebounded quickly and is up to her usual antics with Paddy. That means there is lots of chasing Paddy, continuing to pick up new toys (just to make Paddy jealous), and helping to track down those critters.

The fall season and frost has brought about a new friskiness in Anya, which I'm using to begin training her on the "stay" command. I noticed that she would run out my patio door before I was ready to let everyone out, and it seemed like the perfect timing to re-train the whole pack.

It's definitely not her favorite thing to do, but we have seen some progress and this can be an important command to keep her safe in the future.

We'll be using this time to continue exposing her to new things and people while also trying to work on her ability to respond to commands, especially since she is now much more treat-motivated. Anya is a very smart girl, but sometimes may work to outsmart you by the choices she makes.

A good example is when she's following me into the house in the back yard only to dart off at the last minute when she realizes she has lulled me into thinking she's listening to me. Part of this is definitely being playful, which is so great, and another part is trying to show me she's in charge and assert her independence.

We are taking in every moment of the lovely fall season, and Anya has learned that those piles of leaves can turn up some good sticks and are very fun to roll around in. She'll be continuing to soak up all the sun she can get while working hard to get prepared for her forever family.

It's been about a month since our last update—the time has just been flying as we get ready for Goldzilla!

We've been busy with Anya's birthday on August 26th when she turned 7, and we had a little get together with some of her foster friends. She posed for a few pics, and then the hat was history as she made sure she got her share of ice cream.

I've noticed that while Anya has become more independent, she also likes to always be close when it's nap time or bedtime. She has turned into a Velcro girl and loves to be right up against my chair when I'm working and will squeeze in between Paddy and Nicole for attention and treats.

She has a special bond with Nicole who shares the same commercial breeding background. Somehow these two often end up sleeping as mirror images of each other or close enough to be touching.

Anya continues to get more playful with Paddy both inside and outside. They definitely feed off of each other from an energy perspective and can be a bit of "double trouble" at times. When Paddy's prey instinct kicks in outside, Anya is right there to help him.

She's learned to put her front paw through the chain link fence to scoop up anything he wants on the other side. I've seen her do it several times (great eye-paw coordination), and once it was with a baby bird who was just barely out of the nest. I'm not sure that it's her prey instinct kicking in or just wanting to help out Paddy. His paws are a little too chubby to make it through the fence.

I've also seen her initiate play much more and be more strategic in her play. Sometimes pouncing, and yesterday even up on her back paws to challenge him a bit.

With the cooler weather, we are definitely getting back on our walking schedule, and Anya does love to walk and definitely doesn't want to be left behind. She's a great walker. No pulling, walks right by your side and may be a little timid around new things but plows through it.

She continues to love running around in the yard and also loves going under the evergreen tree to hide, then comes blasting out. When she gets tired, she just plops down in the hostas enjoying the cool ground.

We will very much miss this sweet girl when she finds her forever home, but I know there is a family out there that can provide her with even more love and Golden adventures, which she certainly deserves.

July is almost to a close, and we have more of those first-time experiences with Anya to report. She's been a busy girl, but finds her time to rest with her pals, Nicole and Paddy.

Anya's personality continues to emerge as she gets more comfortable, feels safe, and knows she can trust us. Here's the latest news on Anya:

• First time going after a bird by herself and then stalking it in the evergreen tree with her head in the air and her front paw up and pointed. This girl might have a little prey instinct after all...
• Anya has been going to doggie daycare once a week for about 4 -5 hours. She has her friend Jessa 17-227A there with her and, much to our surprise, she follows the pack around and the worker. I was worried she would go off in a corner to lay down, but she sure surprised me. Of course, I'm the nervous mom and watch her on the webcam, getting worried when I can't see her. Guess we're both learning from doggie daycare.
• I've been working on Anya taking treats from the palm of my hand, and this last week, we had success. Seems so small, I know, but for both of us, it was huge - another step forward in trust.
• The best news is the first time not whining in the car. We've had several trips back and forth to doggie daycare and meet-and-greets, and she has stopped whining. She still mostly hunkers down on the back seat, but has started sitting up a bit and looking out the window as well. I realize now it was the newness of both the car and me that she needed to overcome, and now she seems to know a trip or two are just part of the schedule.
• And last but not least, first time retrieving. This girl likes to run after the decoy and bring it back sometimes with a little shake of the head and attitude. She also grabbed the rope toy once when it was in Paddy's mouth. I could tell she didn't know what should happen next when he didn't give it up. I think it will be just a matter of time before they start playing tug-of-war.

Here's a video of Anya learning to retrieve.

Anya has had the opportunity to meet some wonderful families at the meet-and-greets. She still is very shy and definitely out of her element at the meet-and-greet, but everyone stopping by to see and pet her helps to socialize her a bit more. She is like a kid at the end, though, with that look on her face as if to say, "Let's go home."

As you read her updates, please know that she will go through an adjustment period when she finds her forever home. Her new family will need to just be loving, patient, and somewhat selfless in not expecting immediately all the wonderful Golden behaviors we always look for to make us feel good.

Those behaviors like the nudging, snuggling, retrieving, and a big smile will be there, as you can see by her updates, but it will take time for her to feel safe in her new home before she reveals them to you. And I don't think I've mentioned in any updates before, but Anya can definitely nudge with the best of them.

Having the ability to spend time in the yard and do a zoomie or two, or just lay in the grass and chill, will help both Anya and her forever family during the initial transition. Looking back, I think the yard is where she would first come up to me with Nicole and Paddy, and it is where she can experience a type of freedom that didn't exist for her most of her life and it definitely brings her joy.

If you are able to love her and just wait for her to emerge as she feels safe, she will reward you with many heartwarming first experiences that you can celebrate together. If you feel you might be this special family who can continue to support and help Anya find her way on her Golden journey, please forward an inquiry.

One last special note - Anya's birthday is August 26th, and she will be 7. First birthday this little girl gets to celebrate!!!

Anya and I would like to give a huge thank-you to the Anonymous donor who sponsored her recently. It touched our hearts to know someone was following her story and the progress she is making. We so appreciate your support for RAGOM and our sweet Anya. She's sending RAGOM love and a big smile your way.

It has been a little over 2 months since Anya came into our home, and she has become so much more relaxed in the house, outside, with the routine, and just being part of the pack. She doesn't hesitate to go into other rooms to find us and has been caught a few times belly up on the floor wiggling and wagging while she rubs her back.

In the last few weeks, she has also started playing with Paddy on the floor where they nuzzle each other and share their own little secrets. I'm working hard to catch a picture or video of one of these special moments, but they both are a little camera-shy.

We're still working on a few commands. The "sit" command has been the most difficult as she doesn't like you standing over her, but she's doing much better at "stay" and "lay down." She also has started being interested in treats and will join the pack to get her share, which will really help to get her attention for training.

With the weather being so hot, we just haven't been able to get in good walks. She does get in her share of running with Nicole and Paddy in the yard, along with a zoomie or two in the morning when she first goes out.

To cool off, I'm having Nicole teach her how wonderful it is to lay in the pool, but baby steps first with just a little standing for a bit of relief from the heat.

Anya got to experience her first two meet-and-greets which were a little scary at first, but then she found a spot she felt safe for people to stop by and pet her. Afterwards, she got a special treat of a little ice cream (another first for her) which made it all worth it.

Her confidence at home has grown incredibly, but going out into the world is still a big learning curve with each new experience helping to give her a foundation from which to trust. There are a few signs this is starting to happen, as she now will take treats from others at times and will go up to them for pets if she sees that Nicole and Paddy are there. 

I also have to tell you this little girl gives out a big snort as she settles in for a good sleep. My other dogs let out a big sigh when they are relaxed, but Anya just gives a big snort as she settles in - very cute, even if a little unladylike.

We've had a few more car rides, and she's getting so much better at jumping in and out of the car. Even though she is nervous at first, she will now usually lay down on the back seat and just hunker down until the ride is over. I think it has helped for her to get comfortable with my car and learn with each trip that we always make it back home.

With the exception of when I'm at work, Anya has had free roam of the house with Nicole and Paddy.  She's right there with the pack to greet me when I get home and will start barking if I don't get in the house as fast as she'd like.  I can tell she likes to have her people where she wants them - close by.

As I've observed Anya, I think she could do well with another confident dog regardless of age, male or female. She has bonded with Nicole who is 10 and Paddy who is about 4 and receives different things from both of them.

She is capable of play and also able to initiate it once she has learned to trust and feels at home. It will take time initially for her to build her confidence and comfort level when her forever family finds her, and they will need to be patient with her.

Another volunteer put it very simply - she really responds to love. As she feels the love consistently day in and out, her love for you will grow, and she's not shy about showing it.

Anya is hoping to be at the upcoming meet-and-greets in June if you'd like to meet this special little girl, and she's definitely looking forward to the ice cream treat that will come to top off those days!!

Anya is definitely getting more comfortable, and her joyful personality just can't be controlled at times. This girl is starting to give the Golden nudge, and kisses are plentiful when she first sees you. She also has started seeking out being with everyone and has learned to snuggle in front of the TV.  

There's been lots of time outside which is definitely one of her happy places. Before the recent snow, she spent time checking out the yard along with all smells and sounds. She comes running when you call her name as she doesn't want to miss out on a little love.

We did experience fireworks one night in the distance, and she did head for the house. She seemed to associate the place in the yard where she was when she heard them and stayed away from that area for a day or two. We also had the "snow thunder" when she was in the house, and it got her attention, but she was able to go back to sleep.

Anya sleeps in her crate at night, and it is her safe spot right now. She knows "kennel up" and she usually goes to bed with a classical CD playing. This seemed to relax her early on and now it's just part of our routine. She also likes 99.5 FM, and I think my resident dogs are enjoying all the music as well.

The recent snow and all the wind was somewhat new to Anya. She wasn't quite sure what to think. She looked at me like "What happened to my backyard?" - but she quickly learned that it was okay and she put her nose in the air, following the lead of my dogs. She also learned that snow can make the pack frisky and you'd better be ready to run with the best of them.  

Next week, Anya will have a follow-up vet visit to get her last booster shot, and we also have a bath on the agenda. She does get nervous on car rides, so this will be good practice for her. Our goals for next week also include starting to work on a few basic commands like "sit" and "down."

Sweet Anya has just started to live the Golden Life and will be working very hard to get ready for that special forever family that finds her. Can't wait to have her experience her first spring outside -- so many firsts for this special girl as she continues to blossom....