Jake 07-349 [1]

We have welcomed Mr Jake to our home.  He is 10 year old (young really) who likes to play ball and is in wonderful physical and mental shape for a gentleman his age.  He does have cataracts, but doesn't seem to detour him.  He was to the vet today and had his blood work done, shots updated and as soon as we get his results back, he will be going in for a good teeth cleaning and possible removeable of a broken lower canine.  He was also microchiped and is officially a RAGOM dog!!

Jake was with his family for many years and was loved.  Since a move to a new neighborhood, it became obvious that he was too old to learn to deal with small kids that want to hug him or come up and surprise him. Meeting and learning to socialize with new dogs (and cats), was a bit much for Jake to take on.  It was a difficult decision for the family, and rather than advertise in the paper and not know about the family he would go to, they found RAGOM and we are fortunate to welcome him to our stately senior group.

Jake is very loving, adores cuddling and belly rubs.  When brushing him and you hit a snarl, he will curl his lip to warn you he doesn't like it, so he is appropriate in letting you know he wants you to stop.  He loves to be brushed and we spent a few hours on the deck doing just that last night.  Then we had a nice oatmeal bath and conditioner.  The bad news was my hot/cold pipe in the garage broke and flooded the basement, thus the delay in getting Jake on site.  Since we had his vet visit today I figured I would wait and do the whole update tonight.  Anyway, Jake listens, comes, sits, lays down and thought didn't care to eat his first night away from home (which is pretty normal) he did decide last night and tonight to eat.  His weight is perfect at 55 lbs.  

The sad news is that because of his thick and beautiful fur, the matts are right down to his skin and he will be shaved.  We have tried 2 nights to work on them, but it is painful and Jake has let me know as such.  He will be cooler, but probably needing sun screen. So don't let the shaved look turn you off, just look at all that beautiful coat he had and WILL HAVE AGAIN!!  Those pictures to be in next update.

Jake has never been around cats til his move to his new house.  He did give the neighbor cat a run for its money.  He met my Coulter and nary a look.  However, he was confused when Coulter came up to him and rubbed against his legs.  Jake just looked at Coulter like....what are you and what are you doing.  On the other hand if the cats are on the deck or down on the grass, Jake feels like it's another animal.  Last night he went for Coulter. After the first time I told him NO he tried a couple more times, but stopped when I said NO.   I would say a home without a cat would be best, unless you have a very dog savvy cat and the cat has a safe place to go to.  Meanwhile Coulter is doing his best to acclimate Jake to the feline world. Stay tuned.

Jake has not had a great deal of socilaization and so meeting new dogs in the neighborhood went ok as long as they were girls.  Guys, not so much.  However, when we arrived here we got out and did meet 'n greet on the drive way.  Ranger 07-237 was excited to see him, resident Reba was curious and Jake....well he could have cared less.  It was time to check out the bushes and leave his mark.  In the house he has been a perfect gentleman with the dogs.  Tonight while on the deck Reba kept nudging him to play and he simply ignored her.  Her feelings were hurt:(  Here she thought was a senior who would enjoy some senior play. No such luck.  

Jake spent his summers sleeping in the garage and winters indoors.  I must say that after 2 days he has decided the a/c is wonderful and a great place to hang out during the day.  He is gated in one part of the kitchen, Ranger in another and grandma Reba has the lower level where she sleeps all day.  Jake has not chewed on anything, has no interest thus far in toys or bones.  He will finally take his treats his family sent along and so that means he is getting more comfortable here.  He loves to get up on the couch and cuddle when he isn't busy exploring and exploring he does.  He sleeps in the bedroom at the foot of the bed on the floor all night without a peep.  This morning I was dragging and so he had to wake me to let me know it was time to get up....he had to pee.  No accidents of course.  He's too much of a good guy for that.

I think Jake would be happy  in a house with older kids, teenagers, that know how to play ball and treat him with respect.  Or a family of adults who would enjoy his companionship, cuddling, playing ball and going for walks.  He is not a runner, but at his home if another dog or sometimes the kids would be out in the street he would wander out there.  If someone is with him during his outside time he would be fine.  He spent many nice days out on the deck at his previous home, and he loves to be out on ours.  Jake is not mean or aggressive, but as I said will let you know if you are hurting him or trying to make him do something like roll him over.  Just a bit touchy in that area.  

If you have been looking for a "young" senior, house broken, still likes to play ball and go for walks, great health......well HELLO, here he is.  He has been loved and needs someone to continue to love him and enjoy his golden years with him.  He is a diamond waiting for the right setting.  If you are an approved applicant, please contact  placementragom [dot] org and if you aren't an applicant, you can apply on line on our home page.

Foster mom and the crew