Theo (Tucker 11-351) [1]

October 8, 2011

This magnificent tall boy came into our home for foster-care the first week of October. Where do I begin to describe such a fantastic golden? What stands out like the ‘bright star’ is his stellar personality. That is what grabs you right off the bat.  Obviously he is gorgeous on the outside. Where to begin……. He is just so wonderful.

First:                Tucker loves to ride in the truck/vehicle. Sniff the fresh air and let the ears feel the breeze. Of course, having the ‘height’ he is, one graceful stride up and he is in. He will stand and feel the breeze and then lie down and just enjoy the ride.

Second:            Tucker has beautiful red-golden coat with the most beautiful feathering ever. He has a small white spot on his chest. Slight ‘frosting’ on his muzzle which could lead a person to believe perhaps he is more like 8 than 6.5 but who really knows. He enjoys being combed and brushed. Due to recent surgery, he cannot have a bath yet. He came with the longest toenails I have ever seen on a golden. Made walks other than the back yard difficult and very uncomfortable, and certainly made a lot of noise on the floor clicking. His tail is so full and beautiful.

Third:               Tucker is fully housetrained and will go to the door when he needs/wants out.

Fourth:             Tucker LOVES to play fetch with tennis balls and also chase and carry back soccer balls. He has great re-call. Half of the time he will ‘leave it’ and half I take out of his mouth to toss yet again, over and over. Just wonderful to watch him play and see how content and happy he is. As stated above, he has not had a long walk yet but we did get a couple short ones in and he walks with a harness and just great.

Fifth:                Tucker is very respectful of other animals in the home.  He grew up with another dog and a young child.  He is currently here with our Maggie who is 10 (border collie/eskie mix) and three cats (who are also around 9-10).  Introductions and subsequent living together is just harmony here.  He gets along great with everyone.  Because he is so much taller than everyone, the nudge for the first pets are his. Very typical golden boy, pet, pet and pet some more.  Tucker does great with all our animals.

Sixth:               Tucker was already neutered. When he was brought into rescue, had had not received any vaccinations, etc. He is now completely current on all vaccinations; microchipped; frontlined and heartworm negative and has been given Iverheart protection tab also. On the medical note side of things: Tucker also came to us with 2 very large masses on his back. One was more noticeable than the other.  At this point they are diagnosed as cyst of some type and a biopsy was taken and subsequently sent out.  We will not know results of these for a week or so. He did great during surgery and seems to be recovering well.  He has two large spots on his back with about 15-18 stitches a piece.  What a good boy he has been with absolutely no licking or scratching (yet!).  I think he will heal well from this and seems to take it all in stride. During the surgical procedure, the very long nails were trimmed back and his feet look like ‘dog paws’ now and not bear claws.  His ears seemed fine. He weighs 78#.  He is lean but ok on weight .. perhaps with more walking and muscle building, he will put on a few more pounds. Prefer to keep these guys more on the lean side. His blood work came back normal.  (****This is where ‘sponsoring’ and ‘donations’ are so helpful- help defer some of these costs to take the very best care we can of these rescue goldens!!! Please say you can help! J)

Before surgery

After surgery

Seventh:          Prior to coming into foster-care, he did not have a fenced yard and did fine apparently. He is enjoying our large fenced-in yard and great place to play ball(s)—fetch and soccer. We have some neighbor dogs who like to bark (they are older tho) and Tucker just ignores them. I really think he enjoys the fenced yard and the security it provides.

Tucker does fine in his huge wire crate; he currently stays in there while we are at work as we have only had him a few days.  I am pretty sure this boy can have free roam soon however, we need to get over the hump from surgery yet.  He has a great appetite.  He eats about 2 cups two times a day. (Loves apples and carrots!) We are also going to get hips x-rayed to make sure on the condition of those when the stitches come out in a couple weeks.

At this point and time, not knowing Tucker very well but from knowledge of previous owner and his current personality, a priority we would like for Tucker is to have a family home more often than not.  He is a very people-friendly boy and with the information I have for him currently and from previous owner, a family who is home a lot would I think be the best for this beautiful boy.  Of course, a fence would always be preferable also.  More information and photos to come………….