Hi, I'm Brutus. My new foster mom is calling me "Tuss" though because a Brute I am not. In fact, I'm afraid of just about everything. My foster mom says we'll work on socialization and that I'll be just fine. When I first met her, I was afraid, but I'm realizing she's not going to hurt me, so I like to follow her around and get lots of ear scratches. I also try to climb up on her lap whenever she sits down....she keeps telling me "off" though, so I'm guessing that I'm not supposed to be doing that. Oh, I hear that word a lot too when I put my paws up on the counters. I get off quickly but I have to be reminded that it's not appropriate for me to do.

I'm a sweet boy, just didn't get off to the best start in life. I will be 6 years old in April but I have the energy of a dog much younger. I weigh 61lbs. and my ideal weight is probably 65-70lbs so I can afford gain a few. I was neutered yesterday and brought up to date on my vaccinations. So those issues are all taken care of.

I had a couple of seizures on January 8th, which is the reason I was surrendered. My previous owner wanted me euthanized. Lucky for me, the nice doctor talked him in to giving me to RAGOM instead.

I'm looking for a home with no small children---their fast movements and loud noises would be to scary for me and I would be happy as the only dog in the household, however with patience and the right personality, I would be ok with another dog in the home too. As for cats, heck, they aren't a problem. I don't chase them nor am I afraid. Foster mom says "good boy" when I let the cats sniff me.

It's been a long day for me so I'm calling it a night. I'll write to you all again later.

Take care, "Tuss"

2/1/04:  Brutus is recovering from a bout of seizures. Brutus went about 3 weeks seizure free and was then hit with a "cluster" of seizures. Brutus, diagnosed with epilepsy, is now on phenobarbital to control the seizures. Brutus can live a normal golden life with a family committed to continuing him on the pheno. The day after returning from the Vet Hospital, Brutus was on his unsteady feet but walking. The seizures had caused a temporary blindness, which is now receding, if not completely resolved. Enough on that - Brutus is a sweetheart and a very handsome fellow. Brutus has run of the house with no accidents and no other mishaps. Brutus took a couple of weeks to adjust to his foster home and was on the timid side -cringing when one reached out to touch him. Brutus likes to play and enjoys playing with the ball and getting his foster sisters chase him. Brutus has not shown any aggression whatsoever. Brutus is a bit intimidated around male dogs (and has "marked" when male dogs came into the house) and while good with female dogs, he would do best as an only dog. Brutus would love someone who will teach him the basic commands. It appears that Brutus has never been for a leashed walk before coming to RAGOM, so he will need continued work with the leash. Brutus is a beautiful and playful boy, looking for a home with a fenced yard and where he will receive lots of love and attention.

3/1/04:  Brutus has been seizure free for several weeks now. He has also regained his vision and his walking abilities. In fact, Brutus does great with the gentle leader and is loving this more mild weather for getting out and stretching his legs. Brutus will do very well with someone who is willing to see that gets his medication reliably twice a day. He can lead a very normal and healthy life despite the fact that he has a tendency toward seizure activity.

Brutus loves to carry stuffed animals around the house, he holds his bear in his paws while he is resting and likes to give it a bath a few times a day. Have a tennis ball? Brutus is your guy if you have a ball that needs to be thrown. He loves to chase the ball whether it is around the yard or in the basement. When he gets tired, he is certainly willing to snuggle with you and just likes to feel your heart beat.

Brutus has been a very good boy with no incidents of counter surfing and has not marked the house since coming to reside with the other goldens in our house. Brutus is working on learning the commands of sit and stay. "Sit" is being reinforced when he takes his medication twice a day.