Mac 06-532 [1]

Sponsored by: Frank Theatre Group 

11/25/06: Meet Mac, the newest St. Cloud dog to come to RAGOM. Where Mac came from, no one knows. He started out at the pound, then the Humane Society, and now he's in a nice warm house, with food and fun and best of all a playmate, Comet 06-495. I was told while at the HS he wouldn't have anything to do with people, stayed at the back of his kennel, but seemed to love other dogs. I don't think Big Mac has met a dog he didn't like or want to play with. After a couple of days in the house and a couple accidents (I'm still learning his schedule) he has warmed up to us lowly humans. Last night he crawled up into the recliner with me....yep, another Golden who thinks he's a lap dog :)

This young man is about 2 - 2 1/2 years old (best guess by the vet). He has beautiful teeth, he's blonde with more golden coloring on his legs tail and ears. He's mixed with something, but we're not quite sure what. He weighs in at 60 lbs, has sturdy legs, very muscular and with time will be the good looking guy with manners to match.

Mac hasn't been interested in dog food. He made it clear early on that anything on the counter, especially a chunk of roast beef, is fair game and that since he can put his paws on the counter, he should. After only a couple of days he is learning that begging at the table is not acceptable and will lie down during most of the meal. This morning I put moist food on his dry kibble and he finished it off, though he is a messy eater, grabs a mouth full and chews all the while there is kibble dropping on the floor. He has no interest in toys, bones, rawhides or even treats!!! He has tried a little chewing on a hoove. He is sweet, but hasn't caught on to doggie talk yet. Comet loves to have something in his mouth constantly and he loves his Kong, PB bone, rawhides and hooves. When he is enjoying any of his chew bones he doesn't want to be bugged, nor does he wish to share. Thus far Mac hasn't figured out when Comet wrinkles his nose at him and gives a low growl, he is politely telling him to back off. Needless to say, there have been a few tussles, and surprisingly Comet comes out on top, though he is a few inches shorter and about 20 lbs lighter. I think Mac has no need/desire to be the alpha, but he does like to "nose" Comet in the sides, nip at his neck and ears and constantly check out Master Comet's "privates", which then leads to "humping". Comet puts up with a lot, but when he's had enough, he's had enough and lets Mac have it. But then it's over. He does not bother resident Reba, our 14 yr old GR, so we are grateful for that. We had no idea about cats, but when our young cat Coutler, who is Comet's best bud, came strolling up to Mac, Mac didn't blink or give him the time of day. So whew, we're good there!

Mac went to the vet today to get his check-up and the rest of his shots, so he is now up to date on all shots, bloodwork was good. No lyme or heartworm and he is good to go come Tuesday when he will have his own "nip and tuck" done, thus gauranting no offspring from him. He is a big baby when it comes to exams, carried on to no end when his ears were swabbed, infection of course, and howled like someone was killing him. When the vet checked his mouth he gave her some mouth 'tude and so we had a discussion on that. He seems to have issues with people when in a new enviroment and they want to handle his body parts. I have had no such problems, though I will say listening to him whine and howl during "our shower", I'd say he's got a little drama queen in him.

Mac would do best with a dog savvy family and no small children as he's a big boy who still likes to jump on you. A fenced yard (at least 4-5' tall as he jumps the baby gates here with ease) or someone who is a runner or goes for long walks a couple times a day would be best. He has a lot of energy and outside of learning to understand a dog telling him to back off when they have a bone or chew, he would love and do so well with a dog who has a lot of energy and loves to play, play and play some more. I don't think he'd be happy as an only dog or with a family that worked long hours. I do kennel him at night for bed, while we're at work or leave for a couple hours. He will whine and howl for a few minutes and then he settles in til morning when he hears us get up. There is NO doubt in my mind this Golden boy needs obedience....period!! He would never be happy and any family adopting him would not be happy without the training, as he is still a puppy/teenager and need discipline and love and a playmate. I can easily picture him in a family with kids 10 and older, a fenced in yard and parents with patience and desire to see him mature and become a well mannered young man.

We are working on the mouthing, jumping up on us and the couple times he snapped when the vet tried to exam his mouth. I will continue to work with his ears as they need to be cleaned 3x/week and with his mouth til he understands that no matter what, you don't put anyone's hand or anything else in your mouth. He is a very strong dog and a Gentle Leader is what is keeping my arm in its socket :) This young man is a fast learner, is giving kisses, and is learning to come and sit (having Comet be an example has been a great help). Still gets excited about eating time if it involves moist food or rice on his dry kibble. Getting him to eat is first and while we make him sit and hold on to him til we tell him "ok" to eat, he's still pretty squirrely. But if you had pre-teens and teens, you know how it can be.

If any of this scares you, then he isn't the dog for you. If you have a dog or very active life style, are dog savvy, can take him to obedience to learn, bond with you and socialize with the other dogs, this boy is for you. He has made great progress in just a couple of days. Just would be easier if he was food/treat motivated.

If you would like to chat about Mac or meet him, please email placementragom [dot] org and we'll get together.

Foster Mom and crew