Boomer 06-025

Profile

2/7/06: Meet Boomer! Boomer is a 10 year bundle of love. He loves people, car rides, and getting brushed and manicured. Boom Boom is perfect in every way except one.......he does not like small to medium sized furry things, such as cats, small dogs, etc. He gets along fine with my 3 Goldens, but the Poodles are another story. He also didn't care much for a Spaniel he met. Boomer has a bad back leg, an injury that wasn't treated properly. He still gets along well going up and down the stairs and on wood floors. I think that if Boomer drops a few pounds and gets on a good diet of glucosamine, fish oil, and a buffered aspirin per day, he'll be fine. He's very laid back, doesn't demand a lot of attention, happy to be sleeping at your feet. He sure is a love bug. More later.....

At a Glance #06-025

Golden Retriever Born: March 1996
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

2/7/06: Meet Boomer! Boomer is a 10 year bundle of love. He loves people, car rides, and getting brushed and manicured. Boom Boom is perfect in every way except one.......he does not like small to medium sized furry things, such as cats, small dogs, etc. He gets along fine with my 3 Goldens, but the Poodles are another story. He also didn't care much for a Spaniel he met. Boomer has a bad back leg, an injury that wasn't treated properly. He still gets along well going up and down the stairs and on wood floors. I think that if Boomer drops a few pounds and gets on a good diet of glucosamine, fish oil, and a buffered aspirin per day, he'll be fine. He's very laid back, doesn't demand a lot of attention, happy to be sleeping at your feet. He sure is a love bug. More later.....

Updates

Saturday, June 17, 2006

I’VE FOUND MY FOREVER HOME!!!

Whew! What a week! On Friday this cool guy named Larry came over and spent a lot of time hanging out with me. He was so nice to me that I just stayed with him the whole time. I thought that maybe this was it- my real dad. And then Larry had to go and I was really sad. I told Mom that this was the man for me.

Then on Saturday Mom asked me if I wanted to go for a car ride. I love car rides and we drove for a long time. We came to a cool house, rang the doorbell and I couldn’t believe it. Larry answered the door! I knew this was the real thing. When we went in, it was like heaven. There were dog toys everywhere and a cool ceiling fan to lie under. I got to explore the whole house and then Larry took me out to see the yard and meet the mail lady.

I said good-bye to my foster parents and then snuggled up to Larry. I finally found my forever home!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

The Golden Valley News headlines: BOOMER DOES PETCO!

Wow, did I ever have fun at PetCo on Saturday! When I arrived at 11:00 sharp there was already a couple waiting to meet me! When it rains it pours because there was another family there that loved me, too. I spent the day making lots of new friends. Gee, I’m blushing now just thinking of how popular I’ve become in the last couple weeks! Do you think it’s because I look better at 80 lbs. than my former 108? I’ve got to admit that I sure miss eating ice cream but I had to get “heart healthy” and Mom said I can only eat DOG food and dog treats. She also made me exercise to work off the extra pounds. I’ve heard that PEOPLE food is NOT HEALTHY for dogs. I guess people just can’t resist that soulful look I give them when I beg for food. The good news is that I no longer beg and Mom is really proud of me! In fact, she wants you to know that today is the very first day I did NOT bark for my breakfast. That’s right! I sat calmly and politely and WAITED while Mom scooped out my dog food. She was so proud of me she almost cried! Whoever said that old dogs can’t learn new tricks has not met me!

I had my yearly checkup and shots yesterday and I’m up-to-date and ready to go to my forever home. The doctor said Mom has to feed me more because I only weigh 80 lbs. and the doctor doesn’t want me to lose anymore weight! Can you believe that! I get to eat MORE! What a happy day!

One more thing- did I mention that my forever home SHOULD NOT have any small furry things like cats or small bossy dogs? I mean they could, but Mom said I would constantly chase them and she doesn’t want me getting my daily exercise in that manner. And of course, I can’t guarantee that I wouldn’t “catch” a small animal and only I know what I would do if I caught one! Hee, hee! :)

Well, gotta run! Time to go hop in the pool! Keep checking on my life here in Golden Valley. If you love snuggling, playing ball, going for walks and DO NOT have cats or small bossy dogs please email placementatragom [dot] org and ask to meet me.

Love and kisses,

Boomer

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Boomer is really enjoying the nice weather and cruising around the back yard. He especially enjoys lying in the kiddie pool to cool off. Boomer is an alpha dog and Boomer gets what Boomer wants when it comes to interacting with my two resident dogs. If one of the other dogs is in the pool and Boomer wants to go in, he just steps in the pool and the other dogs bow to the king and then jump out. When Boomer is running after a tennis ball my two dogs clear the way and let him get it. I haven’t figured out if they are avoiding a confrontation with “The King” a.k.a. “The Boomer Man” or if they are just humoring him since he is a senior. He is starting to play “chase” games with my dogs and also run with them when I shout “SQUIRREL!” It’s really hilarious to see all three dogs race up our steep hill in the back yard after a squirrel in the tree. They still think they can scare the critters and make them lose their balance. They haven’t caught one yet but they keep trying!

Boomer has settled in nicely into our home during these last 8 weeks. Sometimes I hardly notice he’s around because he is such an easy dog to live with. He can have free roam of the house for as long as 10 hours during the day and sleeps like a log through the night. He currently weighs 83.7 lbs and looks so handsome with his new trim body and beautiful long blonde feathering on his legs and stomach. Everywhere we go people comment on how “cute” he is and always want to stop and meet him. I must admit that he is one of the most handsome Goldens I have ever seen! Boomer has such a sweet disposition and smiles all the time. He loves to have his tummy scratched and ears massaged. He is content to snuggle on the floor with us or lie peacefully at our feet. He loves being groomed and he is very trusting of people. Boomer was a devoted companion to his previous owners and was never mistreated. He is confident and happy and has no “issues” at all about life (except with cats).

I had previously thought Boomer would do best being the only dog and “King of the Hill” but I believe he would love living with another big dog in his forever home. He especially likes walking with other dogs and enjoys being on a coupler leash with either my Golden or my small Lab. If the other dog is going too fast or if Boomer needs to rest he will just STOP in his tracks and sit or lie down on the road. No problem, just a little time out and he’s up and moving again! Boomer will need to walk or play daily in his forever home in order to keep his joints limber and muscles firm. He does have good muscle mass in his rear legs and often climbs onto the edge of the deck without using the steps. Of course, he continues to squish hostas on the way up, but who cares! I’m just glad he’s so happy and spry!

If you would like to meet this good natured senior fellow and possibly share the Golden years of his life, please contact placementatragom [dot] org and ask to meet Boomer!

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Greetings from Boomer!

Gee, I really like my foster mom and dad a lot but I know this is only temporary. Sometime I really want to go to a forever home where I can cuddle with my real mom and dad. All these nice people come to PETCO and say how much they like me but I never hear from them again. It makes me feel lonely. If you want to meet me please email placementatragom [dot] org.

Greetings from Boomer’s Foster Mom!

“These feet are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do…” Thanks Nancy (Sinatra) for the song! Boomer heard your song, changed the lyrics slightly, and sings this when we go for a walk! I think Boomer’s in his second childhood because all he wants to do is walk, play, fetch and run. He will not be content to just lie around on a rug in his “forever” home and get fat. He wants to exercise daily. He doesn’t need anything fancy like a treadmill or elliptical trainer. He will be more than happy with a daily game of fetch the ball and a walk. We think this new energy level is the result of losing 24 lbs. and working with a personal trainer (a hot Labrador chick named Katie). He not only looks better but he feels better!

Boomer thoroughly enjoys this beautiful spring weather, long days and a chance to play outside. We walk with friends at a local park. Heads turn when the Boomer Man takes a stroll in the park! The women love him! No one can resist this handsome white faced senior! He looks cute when he walks because he wiggles his rear end and struts his stuff! Boomer is a confident, outgoing dog and loves to meet new people. His friendly disposition instantly attracts people. He will cock his head to the side and get a big smile on his face. Boomer has never shown any aggression toward strangers, other dogs, or children when we are out. He happily accepts petting and attention. Boomer heels very nicely as if he’s been doing this all his life! He can even walk with a coupler leash that looks like a “Y”. I hook one dog to each end of the “Y” and then a leash to the coupler.

Boomer got a new wardrobe today. You’re probably saying “wardrobe??” and wondering why Boomer wears clothes. A man has to look good for his chicks you know! Actually, Boomer’s former mom told me he loves wearing long sleeved t-shirts. She put them on him to protect the calluses on his elbows. I discussed this with Boomer and decided to get him some new shirts. I found him some nice boy’s shirts at a thrift shop. He got a “Batman” shirt, one from the “GAP”, some striped shirts and a green one. Now he won’t have to be humiliated by wearing one of my pink t-shirts!

I’m still trying to figure out where Boomer came up with this game of “roll the ball on the window well grate, then push it back again. Roll, push, roll, push.” Now he plays this game with his Kong ball! He entertains himself better than most children I know! He tried pushing the Kong under the deck and I had to put a fence around my hostas there. Boomer will LOVE playing hide and seek in his forever home. But I suggest you hide the ball under a sofa cushion and NOT outside because he could dig a 3 foot trench in 5 minutes flat!

My husband has done some serious snuggling with Boomer lately and found out he is more cuddly than our own dogs! Boomer puts his head on Frank’s arm and snuggles his white face into my husband’s cheek. Then Boomer closes his big brown eyes and looks so peaceful and content. If you are looking for a senior Golden who is cuddly and sweet but also playful and outgoing please email placementatragom [dot] org and ask to meet Boomer!

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Greetings from Golden Valley!

Wow! What an exciting day I had today! I am busier now that I’m retired than when I was a working dog! First of all, Mom and Dad groomed me - hair, teeth, ears, etc. I looked so handsome when they were done I just knew I must be going someplace special. Then off we went (Mom and I) to the bank, post office, and then for a nice long car ride (22.7 miles to be exact!). It felt so good to stick my head out the window and smell the air. I saw lots of cool sites along the way! I thought the car ride was the reason they got me all spiffed up, but to my surprise we went to a place with lots of other Goldens and lots of dog toys and people too! Mom called it “PETCO”. It was fun! Mom even let me sniff some fish tanks and look at small furry things called “guinea pigs”. I thought they were called “dessert” but Mom said “Off”. Darn!

PETCO was pretty cool and a great way to spend a rainy day. When I walked into the RAGOM room everyone said “Boomer, is that you? You look so different!” I explained that I have a personal trainer now, a diet and exercise program and have lost over 20 lbs. They were so pleased with my “extreme makeover” and new look! Mom took off my Gentle Leader so I could smile really big and look “handsome” for all the visitors. Everyone thought I was sweet, calm, gentle, handsome, and polite. Some people said they liked my big paws and thought I looked like a cuddly “Teddy Bear”. I got lots of cuddling at PETCO today too!

Life is going very well here in Golden Valley. I don’t have to deal with CATS at my foster home. I am learning to tolerate smaller dogs, but really prefer larger dogs and older is better than younger. Mom forgot to mention that my “forever home” shouldn’t have too many stairs. One day, about a year ago, I got really scared during a thunderstorm and fell down some stairs. The vet checked me out. He said nothing was broken but possibly a sprained ankle. Sometimes it swells a little if I “work out” too much. I am a little paranoid of stairs now and would prefer a one level home. I do fine walking up hills, but stairs make me a little nervous and bring back some bad memories.

I have a “confession” to make before I hit sack for the night. I got in trouble with Mom the other day. We were playing fetch and I was having a blast. After a while Mom had to go inside and cook dinner. I got bored and wanted to play some more so I took my tennis ball and tried to play hide and seek with it. I pushed it under the deck and then couldn’t get it out. I tried and tried. I dug and dug. Dirt and hostas were flying everywhere. My foster sibs were watching and looked dumbfounded! One of them went to the patio door and tattled on me! Boy was I busted when Mom saw that mess! I got a sponge bath and was sent inside. I was “grounded” for the rest of the evening :( Now Mom won’t let me have tennis balls unattended!

That’s all for now folks! Sorry I don’t have any pictures from PETCO to share with you at this time. There were some paparazzi who were taking pictures of us famous RAGOM dogs, so be watching on our website at www.ragom.org for photos!

Until next time, love and kisses,

Boomer

p.s. If you would like to set up a date with me I am single and available! Check with placementatragom [dot] org (my dating service) and maybe we will make a love connection!

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Happy Spring and Greetings from Boomer’s foster mom!

Just wanted everyone to know how our “teddy bear” is doing this week! Boomer is so happy it’s spring time! He loves being outside where he can roll in the grass, sniff around for bunnies and squirrels, and look at earthworms wiggling in the dirt. In fact, he is a typical “boy” and doesn’t care at all if he gets dirty! Sometimes, one of the first things he will do when he goes out in the morning on a sunny day is to find the barest spot in the yard and start rolling around in the dirt. First his sides, then his back, then his face! He looked so funny the other day with patches of dirt all over his big white face that I took a quick picture of this silly boy! Luckily he loves to be groomed and having his face, ears, legs, feet, and tummy washed that I don’t mind at all if he wants to act like a “kid” again and get dirty. He is the first dog I’ve ever met that actually enjoys having his ears washed! What a good boy!

Like most Goldens, tennis balls are one of Boomer’s favorite toys. He plays the silliest game I have ever seen when he has a ball. He will lie down on the grass near a basement window well grate. Then he puts the ball on the grate and rolls it back and forth, back and forth with his nose! I have no idea where or how he came up with this game but he loves it!

Boomer also loves Kong balls and he can catch them every time I throw one to him. I’m sure if he was the only dog in the house he would LOVE to have a peanut butter filled Kong to feast on! Unfortunately, he has to share our home with 2 other dogs, so this just won’t happen until he has a forever home of his own and possibly only one other dog to share with.

We have a fire pit in our backyard and Boomer has discovered that fire pit ashes are fun to play in. He leans over the edge of the pit and sticks his face in the ashes. Then he will lift up his ghostly ashen head and roar like a lion while he shakes his head back and forth. “Oh Boomer, you’re so-o-o scary!” What a goofy guy!

Boomer went to the vet today to get a couple things checked. The vet was amazed at how calm he was while she poked and prodded, aspirated a lump, looked in his ears, mouth, tummy, feet, and eyes. He didn’t flinch once! Boomer has absolutely no doctor anxiety at all and was really well behaved! In fact, he was so relaxed that he wouldn’t even budge when she opened the door so we had to slide him across the floor! When we left the office though he perked up and started galloping toward the car! Boomer loves car rides!

If you want to meet a lovable, low maintenance senior dog who enjoys a slower pace of life and would love to be your best friend, contact placementatragom [dot] org and ask to meet Boomer 06-025!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

We’ve had Boomer for 3 weeks now and he gets more loveable everyday! He looks and acts like a giant teddy bear! He is adjusting to life with our two dogs and loves chasing after balls, Kong toys, and his new siblings Robbie and Katie. In fact, Boomer has been getting so much exercise we think he has lost weight too fast and we are going to increase his food a bit. He lost 2 lbs in the last week and now weighs 88 lbs! He has lost over 20 lbs in just 10 weeks! He can run and walk much faster now with his slimmer body. He can go up and down the stairs of our deck with ease and can also climb in and out of our SUV. He doesn’t try to jump on the bed yet though, thank goodness! Two dogs on the bed are more than enough!

Boomer attended the RAGOM Event at PetCo in Minnetonka this past weekend. He found a cool spot and was a silent observer. He perked up when meeting kids and their families though. We decided to have him wear his Gentle Leader throughout the day. It helps him relax and feel secure and calm in new situations where he may otherwise be anxious. He no longer tries to “paw” it off and heels nicely with it on also.

Boomer is very responsive to positive reinforcement and willing to learn new things. He would enjoy obedience or off-leash training classes. It used to take Boomer almost 5 minutes to let go of a “non-dog” item. Now he obeys this command within 5 seconds! Of course, being a purebred Golden makes it harder for him to give up tennis balls, but we’re working on that too!

During the day, Boomer has free roam of the house. He hasn’t had any accidents or chewed up anything. We have a basket of “dog items” that he is allowed to chew. Boomer loves to destroy stuffed animals therefore we have had to put Robbie’s basket of stuffed toys away temporarily. We will gradually introduce stuffed animals back into the house and reward Boomer when he can play with them gently with a soft mouth. Goldens are famous for wanting to greet people with a toy, shoe, towel, etc. in their mouths as if to say “Hi! Come on in and join my party!”

Many dogs bark for attention and we’ve found out that Boomer is one of these! He will quiet down INSTANTLY when we put on his Gentle Leader, but we don’t want to always rely on that so we will be working on some other techniques. We’ve been trying different methods of behavior modification with Boomer so that he will learn that he should not bark at his human friends. Dogs barking at each other during play is fine, but barking at people for attention is a different story!

We’ve found out that Boomer does not like hot weather and enjoys cooling off in our doggie swimming pool. The neighbor kids came over to give Boomer a bath in the pool. He loved being pampered and treated like a king! The little girls thought he was really sweet. Of course as soon as they were done bathing him he got up, shook water all over everyone, and then rolled in the dirt! Ugh!!! Why do dogs do that!

If you would like to adopt a sweet senior dog who will be your best friend and companion contact placementatragom [dot] org and ask to meet Boomer 06-025, the “Big Teddy Bear”.

Boomer enjoying the good lifeBoomer enjoys a spring dayBoomer and his pals

Sunday, April 2, 2006

Good afternoon friends! Hi, it’s Boomer again! This first week at my new foster home with fur friends Robbie and Katie went pretty well and I am a happy fellow again! It was so nice of them to give me that “Get Out of Jail FREE” card last weekend and get me out of boarding. Must have been an early Easter present! As you can see in my pictures I am living the good life again- chewing sticks, playing a little “Tug of War” and relaxing with my foster siblings.

Now that I know the house rules, I am acting polite just like my fur siblings. They are even amazed at how much progress I’ve made in just one week here! In fact, Mom was so impressed with my behavior that she even let me go to a RAGOM meeting with Robbie and Dad. I was so good, I even amazed myself! I got along with the 15+ dogs there and of course I got along with all the humans as well!

Besides meeting all the handsome/beautiful RAGOM dogs this week I also got to meet two dogs smaller than me. (Oh yes, I forgot to tell you that most dogs I meet ARE smaller than me!) I met a 35 lb. Cocker Spaniel named Raleigh. He was an old codger like me! We went for a walk, sniffed and said “Hi!” numerous times. I even got along with his human sister, Juliette. Then I went for a walk with another small dog (about 45 lbs) named Lightning. We got along too! I even got to meet a human boy about 2 years old. He liked me and I liked him too! He thought I was a big, loveable teddy bear!

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you something else pretty cool! You know that little twerp, Katie I told you about? I think she has a crush on me because she asked me to play “Peak-a-Boo” around a tree and “Chase Me” the other day! Then, she took a nap on the floor by me! I think I’m in love! Guess what else? The other day Dad called and called for me and couldn’t find me anywhere in the house. Do you know why? I was asleep on the couch! My legs have gotten so strong from chasing Katie around that I was able to crawl up on the couch and take a nap! Boy that was heavenly!

One more thing: I got weighed again the other day and I’m still at a slim 93 lbs! Eat your heart out all you Weight Watcher folks! I’ll keep you posted on my new life as a “slim man”. The girls are sure liking me better! Just ask Katie!

Until next time- Love ya! Boomer

Dogs on a couchBoomer and stickBoomer and Robbie

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Hi Folks!

I am one lucky dog! I just know this is going to be a good year! A new foster family came to the place where I was boarded and gave me a “Get Out of Jail FREE” card! I was so happy to meet my new friends, Robbie and Katie that I could hardly contain myself! We got along just fine! Katie is only half my size and a bit hyper, but I just ignore her when she bothers me. Robbie is a young Golden so I can teach him a few things since I am so wise and mature!

We had a nice drive to my new foster home in Golden Valley. I love car rides! Katie, Robbie and I went out into the back yard and mom showed me where I will be expected to “do my business.” I obeyed immediately and showed her what a smart dog I am! Mom was very pleased and proud of me! After a game of fetch, we all went into the house and took a nap. Later on, Mom brushed me and I was so happy that I gave her a big kiss!

Today I got to meet mom’s “human kids” who are in college. They thought I was really handsome! I smiled and behaved politely like any 11 year old Golden should! Maybe tomorrow I will get to meet some little “humans” who live next door. They come over to sled here and play with Robbie and Katie.

My new foster parents are really impressed that I don’t chew furniture or have accidents in the house. I mean, what did they think I was- a puppy! I am wise and mature! I don’t do those childish things anymore! I just relax around the house and hang out wherever everybody else is hanging out.

I really think I’m going to like it here. My young fur friends are going to keep me youthful and fit in their big fenced yard while I wait for a special “forever family” to adopt me! In the meantime, I’ll keep you posted on my life as a free man! Bye now!

Love, Boomer

Monday, February 13, 2006

Boomer has come to stay with Zoom until he finds his forever home. This 10 1/2 year old boy is a wonderful, kind, gentle, senior dog that adores being with people and enjoys relaxing days. Boomer is a bit hefty, weighing about 97 pounds, but he has been working on getting back into shape and hopes to be playing with Zoom before the tulips have merged. Currently, Boomer enjoys short walks in the morning and evening, and spends the rest of the day viewing the world from the sun room. He is UTD on his vaccinations, is house trained, and has total freedom to move throughout our house. He is to be trusted; he’s a perfect gentlemen.

We know a little about Boomer’s background, but we need a few more details to fill in the gaps before we can provide a detailed history of him. What we know after spending a week with Boomer is that he loves the affection and being outdoors on warm days, but he has trouble getting around freely. He needs to strengthen his back legs. He also loves to be a part of the family. He follows us closely as we go through our daily routine. He enjoys soft toys and chewing on Nylabones. He loves the challenge of a Kong filled with treats and peanut butter. He doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety. He is a sweetheart.

More on this boy as we get to know him. As we see it, he would be best suited in a home with a slower pace.

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

I broke Boomer out of doggy jail on Monday. He is a big, lovable senior with a bum back leg. He is 100 + lbs. so we are working on getting that down. Boomer gets along great with Nala 05-221, but has a problem with small furry things (my resident dog, Sue), therefore cannot go to a home with small or medium sized dogs or cats.

Boomer's favorite pastime is laying on his orthopedic bed and gutting stuffed animals. For being 10 years old and overweight, he sure has a lot of spunk! He just kind of lumbers around and everyone, including Nala just moves out of the way!

He is on a light dog food, cosequin for his joints, Rimadyl for pain, and he also has major callouses on his legs that I am treating with prescription gel every night. For all of these ailments, he is a big ol' teddy bear! If you would love to meet Boomer, contact PlacementatRagom [dot] Org right away!!!