Update on G.B.: Ben did have his eye exam and all is well (8/25/11). All is fine. The ‘wart-like’ bumps are little growth/’tags’ which should probably be removed at some point (perhaps during a dental or something) otherwise not a big concern at all. He has one in the corner of his right eye and one on upper lid of same eye. The eye looks just fine. Ben was anxious at first at the vet clinic (as he was at the groomer’s). I believe he has an ‘apprehension fear’ of something---being left at a clinic or place with office/cages, etc. This behavior is something more to try to read into our crystal ball about his past. (who knows?) Once we were in the exam room, paced some, a few treats, let him just going around and around for pets etc., he became trusting and listened pretty good. We can understand there was sure something in the past which makes him feel anxious and somewhat nervous. Not out of hand, just ‘worried.’ After about 15 minutes we began to chill a little. (I think that is why he does fine with free roam and not a crate).
The exam of ears and eyes etc was fine. I asked Ben at the office to ‘lay down’ and he did, and vet checked his belly/tummy area for any more rashes from being confined in shelter etc. before, and he is healing well with the antibiotic. Ben needs to perhaps learn to know that no one is going to do anything to him nor hurt him. We were pleased to learn too that he has lost 3# since he came into our home for foster a little over a week ago. He is down to 75# from 78#. I believe a big part is good food/schedule, exercise and NO human food (begging or otherwise). I say that because he really is interested in ‘people’ food and I have a feeling that is what he used to get some? However, Ben is in relatively good shape and now that my groomer cleaned him up so well, he really looks great. (He will do behaviors for treats! Chicken, deer meat, cheese, etc.) Just a stunning looking golden boy.
Ben really loves to be by us, follow, wants attention (gets the golden nose thing going and try to force your arm up for a pet!). He will respect firm ‘no’ and with your back turned, will learn that this behavior is not acceptable. With repetition, he is learning………. He has already really learned our household schedule well. The thing he has learned so well which is sort of touching, is he now knows when it is bedtime, goes back way to the back of the house in the bedroom, and lays on his blanket by my side of the bed and happily waits for me to come to bed. Just wonderful! No concerns, just content. To be by human…..just a lover boy.
He does not drag a specific toy around although he loves, loves to play! He is really getting the ‘fetch part’ which is ‘go get it, bring it, give it.’ We are very impressed. Ben is FUN. We are working on the pulling when we first go for a walk. He really loves and enjoys his walks. He is ready at the door so be ready and careful. He ‘knows’ when we are thinking about going (so does our Maggie). Ben is very content once we are back from the walk and a happy boy. Ben is great when meeting other dogs and people. He will want to run up and pull to meet them.
Ben enjoys the cool hardwood floor by the ‘library-office’ or the linoleum in the kitchen, especially with a fan blowing on him. Yet, he sleeps on a blanket on the floor by me and/or a large doggie bed off the master bedroom in the large bathroom. I am sure these are contingent upon the warm or hot weather as well. Perhaps when cold out he will enjoy a doggy bed more? Ben is wonderful with our 3 resident, nuts-o cats and our Maggie girl (10). He is very respectful of all of them. Ben really wants his attention however. He is riding in the truck better. Sniffs all the fresh air coming in and now is learning slowly, not to be anxious, that a truck/car ride is a good thing and nothing will happen to him. (perhaps he has been taken places he didn’t like?). We don’t know. Once he in comfortable, I really think he enjoys it. (you better have room!)
Ben eats along side and near our resident dog, Maggie, and sometimes cats, and he does just fine. I can give his medication (antibiotics) in a chunk of good food (chicken/cheese etc) or in his kibble (hid in his food) or no problem putting them down his throat with a chaser of good kibble. (reminder that these are large antibiotic capsules…ick….these are not a small tiny pills to hide, he takes 2 pills 2X a day.) This is very impressive. He wags his tail and takes in stride. He loves to be brushed and has an awesome coat. We are slowing getting less licking (some times feet and sometimes belly) but he is healing fine from a prior (staff?) infection from before rescue.
If you want a dog who is a real lover, boy, Ben is it. If he was invited, he will jump up on your lap, bed, chair, etc. (we as fosters do not encourage or do that, but he is ready to BOND with you and be by you whichever your preference is). I can only brag about this magnificent, regal boy. He is stunning inside and out. We of course would really like to see someone home longer as I do feel he is anxious after a few hours. I am only gone 4 hours a day and home every afternoon. We are home on weekends. He is great lover of people who come over however, he still needs to learn to be calm and not to want or try to jump up in excitement. He is housetrained however, I would ‘watch’ him if he is not let out steadily. I have seen him try to lift leg a couple times, and out we go. Ben really enjoys the outdoors. Due to our location, I have no idea on a lake/water but he seems to really enjoy walking on the bike bath by the river. Ben is one beautiful lovely golden boy.
-Anonymous
