Perfect. Ideal. Superb. Wonderful.

I was trying to think of how to start to write about Otis, and these are a few words that immediately came to my mind. He is truly the quintessential Golden Retriever – the kind of companion you have always dreamed of having in your life!

Otis is a very friendly, easy going guy. He is 5 years old (his vet records say he was born on Christmas Day, 2005). He’s at a great age where he loves to play, run, and fetch, but is also laid back and relaxed. We just love looking at his happy-to-lucky “smiling” face.

Here are some other wonderful facts about this “perfect pup:”

Otis gets along great with other dogs – and cats too. He and our resident German Shepherd, Thunder, and became great friends right off the bat. Although he had never been exposed to cats before, he was extremely well-mannered when meeting Jack and does not chase or bother him.

Although Otis was separated from his litter-mate brother, Ned (also available for adoption), he seemed to quickly adapt very well to our home and his new situation. He is good about taking cues from his foster “brother” Thunder.

He is has been a great house guest. From the minute he walked through the door, he has been the perfect gentleman. He slept on a doggie bed in our room and didn’t even whine or try to wake us up once during the night (and that says a lot for a dog in a new environment on his first night!) He does not climb up on the furniture, or even seem interested in doing so. He seems a bit curious about food but has not been greedy or naughty. Given the chance, however, he’d probably grab any food left within his reach.

Otis loves to fetch and play with toys. He didn’t come to us with any toys, so I’m not sure what kind of toys he had to play with, if any.

Otis definitely wants to be near people and will follow us from room to room but is not intrusive or under-foot.

He seems to enjoy bathing and grooming. He stood so nicely while getting washed and only shook himself off once when I wasn’t ready for it. He didn’t flinch an inch while having the mats combed and removed from around his tail and ears and just laid on his back while I trimmed the hair off his feet. Although a little hesitant at first, he
also let me trim his nails without much of a fuss. He went to the vet and received all necessary vaccinations, although he has a touch of gingivitis and a small sore (healing up) on his foot which is being cleared up with a round of antibiotics. He also has a mild ear infection which we are also taking care of with some Animax. Otis seems to enjoy having his teeth brushed, although he may need a professional cleaning to remove some
tartar build-up. Other than these minor things, he is the picture of health.

All this, AND he walks PERFECTLY on a leash with a just a flat collar. I was amazed!

He knows the basic commands, such as “sit,” “down,” “come,” and obviously “heel,” but as with most dogs, could probably use a little refresher obedience course, although not necessary.

He came from a home with a fenced in yard. We don’t have a fence, so we hook him onto a trestle run when it’s time to go outside, but he comes right to the door when he’s done with his “business.”

The only reason this wonderful guy is available for adoption is due to a pet allergy in his previous family.

Otis will make one family very lucky by joining them. Will that lucky family be yours?