Sam 11-010 [1]

February 2, 2011

Introducing the newest SWEETHEART to arrive in RAGOMLAND!!! This is SAM (aka Radar, Elf, and our new favorite name—Wookie—which you can only understand when you play with Sam!) Sam and 11 other doggies belonging to other rescue groups made the long 6 hour transport from the southern border of Iowa up to the Twin Cities just 5 days ago. Thank you to those very special angels that brought Sam all the way to us! We are so thankful to have the privilege to meet and foster such a doll! Sam walked right in our home, met our pack with a few play bows and made himself right at home. Ahhhh…that is always a pleasant start!

Not much is known about Sam’s history as he was found as a stray about 6 years ago by a Good Samaritan and there he stayed until the family lost their home. With not many other options, Sam was surrendered to a local rescue group by his owner in hopes he will have a better life…and that is something we will make sure of!

Sam weighs in at a whopping 44lbs. and is thought to be a 10-11 years old, neutered male Golden Retriever MIX---the vet has the mix pegged as GR/Australian Sheppard, but Foster Dad thinks some Terrier is in there---but we are sure there is some “herding/working” dog breed blended in this beautiful Golden boy for sure! One thing's for certain--Sam has a heart of Gold and everyone that has met him has fallen completely in love!!! Just wait Sam is super playful and makes the funniest noises when he wants to play---hence the “Wookie” name! Seriously---we crack up when he wants to play----he makes the craziest noise from deep within this sweet little peanut!

Sam did not receive any vetting in the 6 years with the surrendering owner and the living conditions were not the best for this boy, so Sam's skin is recovering from a bad flea issue and the effects of poor nutrition. With a few oatmeal baths and some good Flea killer (what a God send that was!) under his belt, we are starting to see the scabs, flakes & itchies disappear. And,of course---GOOD Food! In just 5 days, his skin on his back, rear, and tail look so much better!!! Sam totally loves to be pampered (hmmm maybe a new concept for him?) and will play “dead” for hours to be brushed!

Sam also received his second nail trim IN A WEEK as his nails had been severely neglected---the first cut removed about 10 inches total (Thank you Joyce!) and the second trim—another 5! Yes---still more to go but we need to wait until the quick recedes a bit more. I think Sam has found his freedom to run and play again---you’d never guess he was 10+years old the way he wrestles and plays tug-a-war.

We made a trip to the Vet for Sam's first checkup and Sam passed all his tests with flying colors! Negative on everything!!!!! Loved to hear that! I think even the Vet was surprised since Sam was looking a bit rough! Sam got the “works” at the vet and he is now UTD with shots, blood work is good, officially micro-chipped, and has started a joint supplement---time to spoil this boy and make him feel like a kid again! Of course, Sam has all the lumps and bumps, and loss of hearing (probably 80% gone) of a senior boy, but hey---don’t we all! Doc wants to recheck one kidney # that was just a tad elevated, but the other 2 kidney numbers were right in line, so the vet said it could be just the change in food, so will recheck that one # in a few weeks to confirm either way. Again---very normal for a Senior Boy!

I could go on and on…but I will fill you in as we learn even more about Sam the Man!

Sam is looking for a Great FOREVER HOME----one filled with lots of love, walks, and humans to pet and play with him!

We will be out at the Plymouth PetSmart event on 2/12 for Sam’s Valentine Kissing Booth! Come out and get a Sam’s special---but I’ll warn you----make sure your mouth is closed! Hope to see you all there!

P.S. if you are already in love and can’t wait till the 12th—contact your placement advisor---I totally understand...he does have that effect on people!