Jake 08-243 [1]
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Jake was welcomed into RAGOM the beginning of May, 2008. Big Jake the Wonder Dog. Eight year old Jake has come to the household from a wonderful foster in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was owned by the same family until the economy and hard times forced an even harder decision. Jake, in my estimation, is the ultimate dog. He is completely housebroken, save the urge to countersurf. He has beautiful manners and plays well with others, humans and canines alike. He is one of four Goldens and a Boxer in this household and he's a happy and chivalrous boy. He plays like a puppy with Lakota and Jerry Bear (both three year olds) and then is content to curl up with Nike (10 year old Boxer) and take a nap. He's affectionate and loves his pets and rubs - but not pushy about it and he has an endearing habit of talking you into one more pat - a ten second grumble that, if not followed up, provides him a good excuse to curl up at your feet. He's not growly about food, toys, treats or bones and willingly offers any and all up to the first interested party, to move on to something new. This big guy (83 pounds and not overweight) is a perfect addition to ANY family. Click here [2] to see Jake's original web page. |
July 23, 2008:
With the help of his first foster mom, Jake has turned into an absolutely divine, poised and gracious indoor dog.
We're on day three of our new foster adventure with Jake and little Sam and it has been a joy and a breeze. Jake met resident dogs Lakota and Bear (Jerry 08-175) with equanimity and a gentle playful spirit. It's hard to believe Jake is eight - he's keeping up with the two and three year olds with no problems.
Jake is a big beautiful boy. He has HUGE paws and his gait reminds me a bit of a black bear. Given his height, that is not so surprising - when you look at Jake the first thing you think is... "my, that's a big golden." The second is, "What a doll."
We haven't had one accident in the house. His counter surfing is not unreasonable - most of my Golden's have and continue to do it from time to time. What is wonderful is that Jake is very very responsive to commands. A quiet "no", to this point, has always redirected him, whether you're right next to him or twenty feet away.
It's hugely apparent that someone, at some time, in his past hurt this beautiful boy. We share the house with a male roommate, who quietly told Jake "No", out on the veranda, when he was table surfing. The big boy (Jake, not Paul) dropped to his belly, lifted his leg and peed himself in fear. Poor Paul felt just awful, but even when he bent down to pet Jake, there was no sign of aggression, or growlies, even the fear quickly dispersed. Whatever went on in the past, Jake has almost completely overcome it. Such an amazing spirit!
To this point we have tried many gentle ways of tugging, grabbing and wrestling with Jake to pinpoint the growly response, with absolutely no luck. I can't seem to make him growl at me for anything more than attention. OH...another great trait in this dog. He LOVES belly rubs. But unlike the other furrbutts in the house, he neither pounces on you for attention or butts any part of your body. He simply stares at you with soulful, hopeful eyes. When someone takes the time to pet him and then stops, he talks to you. A slow, quiet half growl half yowl that without doubt is a combination of "I love that" and "Please don't stop". He's not persistant. It's a ten second talk session, but it is so very cute.
What else? His table manners are perfect to date. He happily lies down a couple of feet from the table and occasionally thumps his tail, just to remind you he's there and he's interested.
He has no resource guarding that I've seen, is perfectly willing to share his food and move on to the next bowl - I think he enjoys a game of musical food bowls. He's definitely a Hoover - there will be no crumbs on your floor, ever - whether protein or plant, he'll take it. I offered him a piece of cucumber the other day which he took just as happily as if it were chicken or a dog bone. And BONES - he loves bones. He's also particularly good at guiding and leading - Sam - when there's stress and distressing any dog related arguments. He's a joy!
I was hoping for the best but prepared for the worst with both of these two. I'm amazed and delighted at the ease and grace of the transition. As much as I'm sure he misses his first foster Mom, he's happily ensconced himself into the middle of our pack.
Jake is, without a doubt, ready for his furever home. Please, if you're looking for a calm older dog with a ton of personality, don't hesitate to contact placement
ragom [dot] org ! OH! And if you want to keep up with our exciting play weekends, check out our blog at : http://anadventureingoldens.blogspot.com/ [3]
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Jake helping with the yard work! |
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