Brandy 08-465

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Meet Miss BranDee. She was found as a stray along Highway 90 in southern Minnesota and taken to a shelter which like all the rest was full. But they agreed to take her and after 2 weeks and no claim on her, Ragom was called. BranDee and I want to thank Amy and Mini immensely for spending their Friday driving down to get this girl. You started her on her Ragom venture and I know she will be forever grateful.

Many thanks also to Connie V who spent hours with me shaving, cutting, and bathing this very stinky girl. Her coat in many places was much like that of a sheep. Very wooly. I know she has to be feeling better getting a lot of that off her, mats cut out and a couple baths. She now smells much better. It really does take a village sometime to get these dogs onto their forever homes.

I have an appointment for her tomorrow at the vet. We will get her checked out and hopefully soon she will be available to meet families. She is a very Velcro girl and follows me everywhere. We have spent the last 2 nights sleeping on the floor together. I think she will be moving into our bedroom tonight and we should all sleep much better.

Stay tuned. More updates to come.

At a Glance #08-465

Golden Retriever Born: July 2000
Female 55 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Meet Miss BranDee. She was found as a stray along Highway 90 in southern Minnesota and taken to a shelter which like all the rest was full. But they agreed to take her and after 2 weeks and no claim on her, Ragom was called. BranDee and I want to thank Amy and Mini immensely for spending their Friday driving down to get this girl. You started her on her Ragom venture and I know she will be forever grateful.

Many thanks also to Connie V who spent hours with me shaving, cutting, and bathing this very stinky girl. Her coat in many places was much like that of a sheep. Very wooly. I know she has to be feeling better getting a lot of that off her, mats cut out and a couple baths. She now smells much better. It really does take a village sometime to get these dogs onto their forever homes.

I have an appointment for her tomorrow at the vet. We will get her checked out and hopefully soon she will be available to meet families. She is a very Velcro girl and follows me everywhere. We have spent the last 2 nights sleeping on the floor together. I think she will be moving into our bedroom tonight and we should all sleep much better.

Stay tuned. More updates to come.

Updates

Friday, April 8, 2011

 

It’s with a broken heart I write this as Miss BranDee crossed over the rainbow bridge Monday night. Her health had started to decline, her appetite next to nothing and her strength was no longer. She lost that little twinkle in her eye. She survived 2 cancer surgeries, and was now being treated for Cushings. She had her ups and downs, most days good, with a not so good day in between.

I remember when I offered to foster her. She had been found running along I 90 in Iowa. Clearly a stray. She was dirty, matted, skinny, and needed some TLC. We got her cleaned up but had to cut so much fur off of her because it was matted and she had developed a skin infection from it being so wet all the time. Her final groom looked much like a petticoat. I know she felt better but I could not help but chuckle as I looked at her. She did great with our little Clohe only to find out that she did not care for other dogs. Funny how smart they are and just seem to know things. She never growled one time at Clohe because she knew if she did she would have to find a new foster. Yet when she was brought to events she had to sit in a corner because she did not do well with all the other dogs in attendance. I remember thinking I had to do something to make applicants notice her. There was another young Brandy on the site so I thought I would change the spelling of her name and let people know how funny I thought she was. It did not take long. Little did I know that there was an Iowa couple who already had their eye on her. Hence: Gary and Vicki. Low and behold she became the apple of their eyes. She left Minnesota to become a Hawkeye fan (Good choice Branny girl) and learned to camp and hang out on a pontoon. Her FAVORITE thing in the whole world was to ride in the car. She didn’t care if she had to wait in the car. Just so she got to go. Her foster Dad retired and they became inseparable. Walks around the pond, going to work with him and just being number 1. You hit it BIG little girl. Not sure what your previous 8 years were like but I do know that you were treated like a queen the last 3 years of it.

I know you don’t like to be kissed but a BIG kiss to you from all of us. You were our girl and you will always be very special. Run free……. And feel good. No more illness for you. Love you

Minnesota foster Mom and Dad
Iowa adoptive Mom and Dad



Miss BranDee showing off her smile
 
Her Minnesota foster Mom and Dad and her Iowa adoptive Mom and Dad. She was so blessed to have 2 Moms and Dads.

One of her favorite toys.
She loved to lie in that soft grass

 

Monday, November 8, 2010

A note from your Minnesota foster Mom:

Look at you girl. You are beautiful. You have come a long way from that petticoat cut that Connie and I gave you when you came into Ragom.

Not only were you at the Iowa Pet Expo with many other dogs around (not your favorite thing) but you also posed for this picture. Not your favorite thing either but you are very photogenic. Clohe taught you all she knew!

You've got some medical things going on right now that worry both your Iowa family and your Minnesota family. Our paws are really crossed for you and I know that this is just a hurdle in the road and you are going to come out of this with many years left to share with us.

I'm praying hard for you girl. Be strong.

Love you,
Your Minnesota Mom and Dad and Clohe

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Miss BranDee was the perfect houseguest while she was here. It’s like she never skipped a beat. It was nice that Harry, Clohe, and I could see her and it just confirms what we already knew. She is one lucky girl. I don’t know what her past was but I know moving forward she could not have gotten any luckier, even if she had won the lottery. In a way she has!

Many thanks to Gary and Vicki for giving this girl what she deserves. She will always be welcome back in our home.

I have attached some pictures of her getting ready for her venture home. Her fur cousin Josie came along for the trip and is in the back seat along with BranDee’s new toy she gets to bring home.

You make me smile little girl. I know how incredibly happy you are.

Foster Mom

    

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Hey Ragom family……. Remember me? I was lucky enough to be welcomed into your BIG family last fall and found my forever home on November 1st 2008. My new Mom and Dad are the NICEST people and they treat me like royalty. Just the way I like it. They take me everywhere with them (well just about) and we even have a camper that we go camping in. We live in Iowa so I now am a Hawkeye but I don’t mind. I have a nice fenced in yard to romp in and I love to roll in the grass as always. One time I even caught a bunny! Yay for me, not so for the bunny.

They had to go to a wedding on the east coast so I am now back in Minnesota at my Foster Mom and Dad’s. They say it is like I have never left and Clohe remembered me the minute I stepped a paw into the house. Our tails were wagging as if to say “How have you been?” I still try to take toys from her and she lets me but FM is pretty firm about trying to teach me some manners. I must have forgotten that from before. Oh well.

I am hoping I can make an appearance at the picnic but you know I am not at my best with a lot of dogs around and it’s also college football season so Dad and I just might be doing some cheering. We’ll see. It is nice to visit all my old neighborhood friends and I must have made an impression because they all remember me. Lots of social functions to go to these couple of weeks. All those graduates and those open houses. They just cannot resist this face so I always get a little something something. J

Thanks for reading about me and I will check in again some time soon.

BranDee (08-465) or Branny (that’s what my Mom calls me!)

Monday, November 3, 2008

BranDee has been adopted.

My sweet baby girl:

It’s with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to you today. I missed you before you even got out of the driveway but I know that you will be loved as much as I could love you if not more. What could be better than a fenced back yard to play in and a pond and walking trail right behind it? With geese galore. You will be the queen of that pontoon in the summer. Happy boating to you sweetie. You have come a long way from the day you were found sitting along a highway in southern Minnesota. You are now living the good life. Remember to let your new Mom kiss you. Mom’s like to do that you know!

PS: I think Clohe really misses you. Look at those sad eyes.

We love you!

FM and FD. And even Clohe..

We miss you, BranDee!

Monday, November 3, 2008

My Foster Mom, Dad and resident Clohe

 

So long Gophers, now I'm a Hawkeye....what's that?

 

 My new family!

Aren't we quite the pair?

 

Thursday, October 30, 2008

 Oh my bags are packed…… I’m ready to go…… I’m standing here outside my door…… to meet the Iowa family I adore

Only 1 day to go....WOO HOO!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Hear Ye Hear Ye: News Alert

Miss BranDee here. I have some exciting news to share. I have a couple coming all the way from Iowa to meet me on Saturday. I am so excited. I heard FM talking and telling them what a great dog I am. I had to beam….. just a little. She told them my quirks too although I really do not have many. Remember how the only people food I eat is bread? Well last night I had a little piece of a donut. YUM YUM. I just might be a carb girl.

Ya think I might have a new home? I have really settled in here but FM says she cannot continue to help dogs like me if she keeps them all. FD rules when it comes to that. Shhhhhh…. FM was crying when she hung up the phone. I’m expecting flood waters on Saturday.

I suppose this new couple has a camera too huh? Seems nowadays everyone does. I can only hope they don’t have any hats for me and that FM does not send any home with them. Here’s the latest and greatest. Clohe is such a camera hog.

Night night. Keep your paws crossed!

BranDee

 

 

 

Sunday, October 26, 2008

 

                  Seriously, who bought her that camera?

Miss BranDee is such an awesome dog. Her personality is really starting to blossom here. I took her on her first home visit today. She was perfect and represented Ragom well. She now takes toys outside with her when she goes potty. Something Clohe taught her well. She, just like Clohe, drops them and then forgets they are out there. I find myself picking up after both of them. She does extremely well with the resident dog. Never so much as a growl. She does not like dogs that get in her face initially and Clohe was good about giving BranDee space. Now Clohe takes toys and food away from BranDee and she could care less. Slow introduction I think is key.

I tested her on stairs today. Both carpeted and hardwood. She will do fine with either. This girl is really a keeper. Thanks for checking her out and if you are interested in this jewel, email placementatragom [dot] org - I know she would love to meet you.

I’m sure you will be hearing from BranDee soon. She never lets too much time lapse before she’s at this keyboard again. Funny girl…..

 

Just  yesterday it seemed like Halloween!

Friday, October 24, 2008

 

Hey everyone, remember me? BranDee. My FM has been so lax in updating my bio. Geez, you would think she was busy. No wonder I am still in foster care. I really shouldn’t be. I am such an awesome girl and my foster family would agree. I kind of go with the flow and am happy if you have plenty of time for me but also am quite satisfied just following you around if you are busy making supper, folding clothes, doing lawn work whatever. I have never had an accident in the house, am a very gracious eater, a neat drinker (not many can say that!) and I will be waiting for you by the door when you come home. Your arrival will prompt me to give you a happy bark and I will find the closest toy to take outside with me. Of course I would rather go with you in that car but understand that I cannot always go. (Did I say that? I really do not understand but I am ok if I need to stay home)

For all of you who came out to senior day, a big thank you. There was a wide assortment of us and it seemed like everyone was on their best behavior. I had just a little bit of trouble. So many dogs and it was just a little overwhelming for me. While I sat in a corner away from everyone, I did have a lot of visitors who came to check me out. Not one asked about my skirt or my fuzzy legs. For that I was very grateful. It’s taking so long to grow back.

I had my liver biopsy last week and I do have Pre Cushings disease although I have no symptoms other than my large belly. What that means is that my adrenal glands produce too much Cortisol. Cortisol breaks down protein and turns it into sugar. This causes the breakdown of muscle. Thus the reason for my large belly. It’s just lacking muscle support. Excessive thirst is another symptom of Cushings. Until that happens I will not go on any meds. The vet said there is no way to know when that will happen. It could be months or even years. I also have some lesions on my liver but the tests were inconclusive for what that might be. The good doctor didn’t seem to be too upset by it. So with that behind me now, I am looking for that GReat home that I can move into and feel like I have lived there forever. Could that be you?

I am attaching a picture of my human foster sister and my fur foster sister. FM thinks she has the prettiest girls ever. Foster sister no longer lives here but she sparks a lot of excitement when she comes home to visit. Always a nice long walk for us around the lake. Whew hew.

Time to hit the hay. Clohe is already in bed. What a bum. Thanks for taking the time to read about me. Feel free to email placementatragom [dot] org if you would like to meet me. I would love that.

Sweet Dreams

BranDee

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

 

BranDee here…… checking in…

Clohe wanted to do my update but I said “Fat chance”. I have attached a picture of the two of us. We really are best friends now. I just knew I would win her over. This was right after one of our walks. Note who the tired one is. Certainly not “Diva” who rode in the stroller!

I have really settled in here. I get so excited when FM comes home from work. I now bark at her when she comes through the door. My excitement just gets the best of me. We go outside for a potty break and I love to roll in the grass. Back in we come and it’s dinnertime. I am now willingly eating Dasuquin. It is much better tasting and FM says it will help my joints. I love to walk but get a little sore the next day when we have gone a great distance. I still just eat my dog food. I am ok with cold cuts but that is about as far as it goes. This week they tried giving me popcorn and ice cream. No way.

Still wishing my hair would grow faster. Last time I checked it still looked like that skirt. Oh well, when you meet me you won’t get past my sweet face. I’ll be smiling. See you Saturday.

 

Saturday, October 11, 2008

 

Cannot wait to meet you all at our event next weekend. One of you could be my forever home. FM says I am a Dream Dog. I have never had an accident in the house, am left alone for work days, sleep like a baby and do not get up on the furniture. I adore car rides. However I have to tell you that FM has caved a couple times. She has invited me on the office love seat and last night the living room love seat. I went up willingly. Not very roomy though with both of us on there. My goal is to work on that couch and possibly the bed. Hee.Hee. It’s always good for a girl to have goals.

Thanks for checking in on me.

 

That could be Clohe on the cover...

 You won't find me on this book!

 

 

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Hey everyone…….. BranDee checking in. I see FM did my last update. Hmmmm…..She left out a few things so I will catch you up. I see she told you about my professional grooming. How generous of Rich to donate those grooming sessions to Ragom for those in need. FM failed to tell you that she was questioned about my peculiar haircut. The groomers stated that from the back it looks like I am wearing a mini skirt with fuzzy legs that could stand to see a razor. EMBARRASSING? YES! Seems to have been the result of FM and Connie thinking they were groomers. My legs have healed nicely but I sure could use some quick hair growth. Rogaine comes to mind. Hope it grows back in time for the senior event.

I am doing great here. I go for a walk every night. I am the perfect walker minus a gentle leader. I like to take some sniffs but walk at a steady pace and am friendly with everyone I meet. Again, Clohe (Miss Diva) rides in the stroller. I did a double take when I first saw her in there but now it is old news. I still am not taking any glucosamine but I seem to do fine. FM thinks I might take it in bread. I doubt it. I will eat the bread though.

I go in on Tuesday to see Dr. Ralph who will be doing my ultrasound and liver biopsy. Wonder what that is all about? I love car rides so I will go willingly.

I attended the Doggie Palooza on Saturday. I was a little overwhelmed so I don’t think I had the greatest time. Many dogs. A lot of them got right in my face. I prefer to meet a canine nice and slow. I do just fine on my nightly walk with our meets and greets

I wait very patiently for my humans to come home from work. I sleep by the door so I don’t take a chance on missing your arrival. I go to bed with everyone else and sleep nicely on my dog bed. No snoring (but someone else in that room cannot say that!) Whew.. Took a little getting used to.

I hope you have marked your calendars for the senior day. We will have a great selection of us to pick from. We’ll come into your home, adjust in a day and it will be like we have lived there forever. You won’t regret it.

Nighty night

BranDee

 

Soooo tired.

 

Giving Mr. Hedgehog a break.


 Ball Anyone?  Hello??

 

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

 

BranDee continues to do well in foster care. She loves to ride in the car, eats well and does great when left alone for a normal work day. She only cares to eat her kibble and does not care for any people food. I did give her a little piece of bread yesterday and she ate it. I was amazed. I would like to start giving her some glucosamine but have not found a convenient way to do so. When I do try to give her anything but kibble, she spits it out and turns her nose up. It is the cutest thing even though I get a little frustrated when she will not take her pill. She is definitely a people dog. She only cares about humans. She follows me everywhere from room to room even though I tell her I will be right back. She does not get on the furniture but I think she would like to be invited up in bed. Last night she put two paws on top of the bed and waited to be invited. It was the cutest thing but I did not give in and asked her to go lie on her bed. She did with a big sigh. Wonder what that meant???

I had her in for a good grooming (unlike the cut Connie and I gave her) last week and she looks beautiful. Her coat is still a little brittle but I think it will improve within a couple weeks given the good food she is on. Many thanks to Rich who donates the grooms for our Ragom dogs in need and also to Kris of Blue Ribbon Grooming in Oakdale who does such a great job on these furkids.

She is scheduled for her ultrasound and biopsy on Oct 14th. It will be nice to have that behind us although she appears to be very healthy. Stay tuned and mark your calendar for our Senior Day on Oct 18th in Maple Grove. She will be one of many beauties you will get a chance to meet. It’s like she has lived here forever.

 

Ball...ANYONE?

 

 

Relaxing...No squirrels in sight.

 

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

 

Hi everyone, BranDee checking in. I watched FM do this the other day and I told her I could take care of the next one. So here goes. I have been here about 5 days now and I love it! I have settled in nicely and am the perfect house guest. I went to the vet the other day and made lots of fans there. I weigh 65 pounds and seem to be a little arthritic but nothing serious. I am now taking glucosamine in hot dogs! How cool is that? FM tried everything to get me to eat them but no way! DISGUSTING. Tonight it went into a hot dog and what can I say? HOT DOG! YUM YUM!

My blood work came back with an elevated liver count so they will be doing further testing to check it out. I have no clinical symptoms but they mentioned possibly Cushings? We should know soon. I am kind of picky when I eat. Tonight I had a little chicken stew on my kibble and that was ok. I do not beg but sit nicely at your feet and wish I had some of what you have. However when you try to give me a little, I snub it. Boy that makes FM mad. Now she doesn’t even try to give me any. I might have blown that. Now I want to tell you a little bit about FM. She’s kind of funny (even FD said so). She has this thing where if you happen to be a stray (like I was) she makes up your life history and where you came from. She thinks I lived on a farm because my coat was so wooly, dirty and matted. I spent a lot of time outside possibly sleeping in the barn. I spent the day chasing squirrels and rodents and seem to be very focused in doing so. She doesn’t know anything for sure and when she asks me about it, I just wink. Wherever I came from, I feel very fortunate to be in Ragom’s care now. I feel so loved.

I have free roam of the house and am quite fine alone for a normal work day. I spend the majority of the day sitting by the front door waiting for you to come home. I could possibly counter surf if you left anything out to tempt me. I love people. Can you spell VELCRO? I will follow you everywhere. I do not get on the furniture but if FM invited me, I would do my best to hop right up there. I have just begun to discover toys. Boy they have a lot here. I love to play with tennis balls throwing them in the air and trying to catch them. I’m getting good!

I would love to meet you if you think I am the girl for you. I am low maintenance and just love to be petted. Email placementatragom [dot] org if you find me irresistible.