7/4/05: Bones is a 6 ? year old Golden Retriever who was turned into RAGOM several weeks ago ? unfortunately, we were not able to find him a foster until recently and Bones has been boarded at one of our great RAGOM veterinary clinics. While he was at the clinic, he was neutered, brought up to date on his vaccinations and treated for severe ear infections in both ears. His pictures do not do him justice; he is a handsome boy with a sweet heart.

Bones is very happy to be in the company of people and even other dogs ? anything but being in a kennel! He was previously an outside only dog, so this getting to be in the house ?thing? is taking some getting used to. At first, every time he went outside he was hesitant to come back in the door, but with plenty of encouragement and watching my three hooligans, he?s getting the idea that it?s an OK thing to do.

We haven?t had any accidents per se ? but Bones did some marking in the house the first day he was here. We quickly corrected him and sent him ?outside?. Today is only his second day and he?s doing much better. We received information with Bones that he may try to jump less then a 5? fence so we have watched him very closely in the yard, but he hasn?t made any attempts to jump our less then 4? chain link fence. Poor boy has to put up with some construction in the backyard but is taking it all in stride. So far, he has good recall ? and has a fairly good sit but needs a gentle hand and more training.

Bones will soak up all the pets and attention you give him and has been great about sharing time, and even toys with my dogs. Although he does like to keep the squeaky balls to himself and will dodge and weave to keep another dog from getting them! He basically ignores and is even a bit intimidated by my 21 year old cat ? giving her a wide berth and even backing up to go another direction if she moves toward him. I think Bones could easily be an only dog in a household ? or peacefully coexist with others ? cats are definitely not a problem!

More later as we get to know Bones ? he?s sure to be a favorite, so let us know if you?re interested in meeting him!