Leo 12-357 [1]

RAGOM would like to announce the arrival of Leo. Leo is a tall 83 lb. six year old platinum blonde purebred Golden Retriever (GR), complete with the “golden paw” and a heart of gold. His coat is gorgeous with long silky flowing fur on his chest and back legs. Leo is a fabulous dog who loves to be with people and older kids. He is a vocal dog who likes to “talk” to us with soft whines and groans. Sometimes, he sounds like Scooby Doo, which makes us laugh.

Thanks go to Leo’s surrendering owner (SO) for loving him so much that they made the heartfelt decision to re-home him, entrusting him to RAGOM. Leo was their “only child” until their baby arrived. Due to Leo’s size and his inability to share his toys, the SO felt it was better for everyone to find him a family where he is free to “just be himself”.

His favorite things to do are: go for car rides; lie outside in our fenced in yard; play tug-of-war, keep away and fetch (which sometimes resembles keep away); de-stuff soft toys; and, squeak his Air Dog ball. Leo will sit nicely for treats and takes them gently from our hands. He shows no reaction when we pet him or put our hands by his food bowl when he is eating. Chew toys and knuckle bones are enjoyed by this big sweetie. He lets us know that he wants to go outside by whining a little. Sometimes he even rings the bell that is hanging from the back door knob. He has had free roam in the house from the moment he arrived. Leo has not shown any desire to be on the furniture. He sleeps on the laminate floor, on a dog bed or on his blanket. Our grandson invited him up on the bed and Leo was pleased to oblige.

Leo enjoys going on walks as long as you follow his lead. He is one stubborn guy when foster mom (FM) or foster dad (FD) doesn’t go where he wants to go. The phrase “stubborn as a mule” probably would describe Leo on these occasions. He simply sits down, puts his paw over his leash and refuses to go any further. Needless to say, we are working on correcting this behavior. (We did learn that when our GRanddog, Bella, walks with us Leo follows her lead and doesn’t stop.)

Leo needs slow introductions to other dogs and seems to prefer to be an only dog. He does not like to share his toys or food with other dogs. However, when all toys and food are put away, Leo’s guarding behaviors are almost non-existent. Leo and Bella sit side by side to get their treats and ride together in the car without any problems. Sometimes Leo does give warning growls when we show affection to Bella. Leo initiates play with Bella but when she responds he is not sure what to do.

Each day that goes by we are learning more and more wonderful things about this big sweetie. Be aware, when this gentle giant looks you square in the eye with his big brown eyes, he will touch your heart. Stay tuned for more updates.