As fosters, we are so proud of every new step our foster dog takes and are always excited to share it with you. The progress Cheyenne has made over the months is a result of consistent care and unconditional love through RAGOM’s fostering program.

This has served as the foundation for her to build trust and feel safe. Her future forever family will need to understand it will take time and work to help her get to that point again when she transitions to a new home. I believe it will definitely be a shorter transition as she responds to being loved and is very food motivated, but it will still take a little time.

Cheyenne was very fortunate to meet a few applicants recently that were interested in being her forever family, however, true to her name she was extremely “shy” during the meetings. She didn’t quite demonstrate the progress captured in her updates or the wonderful traits we all expect to see every time we meet a new Golden. Each meeting was good for her and I’m grateful to the families that expressed interest and spent time with her.

In Cheyenne’s future forever home, it will be so important that she continue to have consistency in her daily routine and the people that care for her. A daily routine helps her to know what to expect and look forward to. For example, she’ll quickly learn where you turn on walks and which is the way home.

She’ll also have that inner clock working when it gets close to meal time and will come over wagging to remind you just in case you forgot. And when she’s starting to get comfortable and feel loved, she will seek you out for some loving pets and attention. Until she gets to that point, you will just need to be patient with her.

It will be a building process for her to feel comfortable throughout the house and to not jump when she hears a new noise or is fearful of something. Although it doesn’t happen often at my house, she will still have fearful moments if I turn suddenly or something surprises her. These moments are fleeting and telling her “it’s okay, Chey” in a soft voice helps her to get past it. I’ve learned not to dwell on those moments and instead redirect our activity to something positive or happy.

The progress you see in her updates is real but I wanted to balance it out with some of the commercial breeding fears that may still surface at times and also are very real. Her learning will come from you initially as she forms a bond with who is caring for her first.

She then will start following the signals and picking up the energy from your dog once she is comfortable with them. It will never happen as fast as any of us want it to, but there are no words to express how you’ll feel each time she takes a step forward.

From Paddy, she has learned how to be excited when someone is at the door. Wagging and running to the door with him even if she’s not yet ready to meet anyone for a few pets.

Cheyenne has also learned how to feel comfortable in all areas of the house from Paddy and most recently learned how to get on the couch. She’s been watching him for quite some time and finally figured out it’s just a small climb to get up there. Since it is somewhat new to her and Paddy sharing the couch, I have been watchful to be sure they are doing okay especially since Paddy is a “space invader” and likes to snuggle a little too much.

We are still working on the “sit” command which can be difficult for commercial breeding dogs. Stepping close in front of them often makes them want to back up as they are not sure about what might happen next to them. The good news is she does come in close for treats and doesn’t want to miss out but needs to do it her own way – usually from behind or on the side of you.

RAGOM does have information about retired commercial breeding dogs on the website in the section “About Our Dogs”. I’ve included the link to this section below as you might find it helpful to review as you consider Cheyenne or other RAGOM dogs for adoption with commercial breeding backgrounds.

https://ragom.org/retired-breeding-dogs

As I reflect on 2020, fostering Cheyenne was very much a surprise blessing. She has given us purpose during a difficult year, kept us focused and has helped us slow down to appreciate the little things. My hope is that there is a forever family out there for Cheyenne who is patient and willing to work with her on this next phase of her journey so that they too can be touched by this very special girl.

Time for a quick update on our sweet Cheyenne and what she’s been up to.

First, I do believe Cheyenne experienced her first snow storm right before Halloween when we received 9 inches of snow. She was a little uncertain coming out of the house and then just stood there blinking as she quickly became totally covered with snow.

It took us a few trips outside and the shoveling of a little path for her to feel comfortable before going potty but she adapted quickly. We had another little snowfall this morning and Cheyenne decided to stick her head right in that refreshing white stuff doing her own little version of the polar plunge.

In between our early snow storms, Cheyenne has been outside a lot as we work to get all of our fall tasks done.

She recently met another Golden in the family, Cosmos, who is 9 years old, and I think she may have a thing for older men. She definitely had a little more pep in her step and a gleam in her eye when he was around which was so cute to see. And of course, she loved “treat time” which is always the best part of any little playdate.

As I write this update and look at her pictures, I’m amazed once again at the resilience of the commercial breeding dogs RAGOM rescues. Although it can take time for them to respond to consistent love and care, every step they take forward touches my heart. 

Being a part of Cheyenne’s RAGOM journey has been so much fun as we see her little personality emerge. From play bouncing Paddy to giving little “good morning” kisses and even a few golden nudges, Cheyenne is learning each day what living the golden life is all about.

Always the little lady, Cheyenne will be patiently waiting for her forever family with “paws crossed” that they will find her soon. And we’ll be loving every minute we have with this sweet soul until that happens.

Hi Everyone – it’s me, Cheyenne!  I’m finding my voice a bit and thought I’d do my own little update this time. 

I’m really starting to settle in with my new Foster Mom and I’m a perfect example of the 3 day, 3 week, 3 month rule for dogs going through a big adjustment. I’m about at the halfway point of 3 months and I find myself trying new things every day and my beautiful tail is wagging so much more.

I’ve learned all about the rest of the house and found a new comfy spot right by the piano bench. I don’t even mind it when Foster Mom plays the piano.

And I’ve learned about this wonderful area of the house called the kitchen and the magic door to the fridge. Foster Mom just needs to call “who wants turkey meat” and I’m there. I take treats from her hand regularly and give her a little thank you kiss to surprise her every now and then. 

I’m really good going in and out of all the rooms in the house and to Foster Mom’s surprise I don’t seem to have any issues with doorways. I just follow her or Paddy wherever they go and look around the house all by myself if I can’t find her. I’m always so happy when I do find her that I’m sure to give her a little tail wag and a big smile.

You’ll see that I also have a little “jump” in me and recently got up on the futon with Paddy much to everyone’s surprise. He looked so comfy up there I just thought I needed to try it too. 

Foster Mom says I need to get to know new people and dogs to get ready for my forever home, so she’s been having little playdates in our backyard. It was pretty scary at first but I’m starting to learn that I just need to follow Paddy and he’ll show me the way. He sure seems to get a lot of love from everyone and I’m thinking I could use a little of that too. Here I am with my foster mom and new friend Jessa.

Foster Mom is trying to teach me to sit but it’s a work in progress. I am able to join the pack for treats, but just can’t quite understand what’s so great about sitting for a treat. I can tell she’s not going to give up so I’ll probably need to give in on this one if I want to get my share of treats.

We're still going on daily walks and I found myself leading a couple times this last week. With the cooler weather, I just love to stick my nose in the air and take in all the wonderful smells. I also get to be outside now when Foster Mom mows the lawn and I like to follow her around. She was very surprised I wasn't afraid of the mower and she's very careful to watch for me when she turns.  

Well, you can tell I've been a very busy girl as I get ready for my forever family to find me. The time is just flying by and I’m enjoying every minute of my new RAGOM journey.    

Hope you stay tuned for my next update as I’m sure there will be so much to tell you!!  

Cheyenne recently made the long journey from South Dakota to our home in Minnesota as her first foster family was moving. They helped her through so much over the last three months as she had two ear surgeries and needed lots of TLC to recover from a severe ear laceration. She sends all her love and a big thank you to her former foster mom and foster dad who helped her when she needed it most.

She’s now adjusting to a new home and we’re taking it very slow with this sweet lady. We’ve started calling her “Chey” pronounced just like the word “shy” as it just fits her quiet, soft little self. She’s only been with us a week but we’ve already learned that she’s a good car rider, walks very well on a leash, loves a little cheese treat from time to time, and can snore with the best of them. 

As a result of her most recent surgery, Cheyenne is unable to hear in her left ear and has a little nerve damage on the left side of her face that may still improve over time. It’s very subtle but you can see a droopiness in her jaw at times when she’s panting and her third eyelid isn’t allowing her to blink making her left eye appear larger at times. It doesn’t seem to bother her at all and it certainly doesn’t take away from her beautiful sugar face.

Cheyenne clearly forms attachments with people first rather than dogs. She is a little follower in the yard and also likes to be sure everyone is together when we go for a walk. Another medium to large sized confident dog is required in her forever home to help show her the way.

Initially she may not show a lot of interest in another dog but she’s very aware of where they are at all times and what they’re doing. When my resident dog, Paddy, runs to me in the yard – Cheyenne will follow knowing it’s okay.

Sweet Cheyenne loves to be loved. Right now, she will only come so close, however, she will walk nearer when I start scratching her face and we’ve even seen a few wags.

We’re still learning more about sweet Chey so be sure to watch her page for updates. Her Minnesota journey is just beginning - so stay tuned.....

Just a short update on our lovely girl. She did fine with the 4th of July fireworks around us and wasn't bothered by them and that is a huge bonus for these girls!

We had a new issue with her injured ear.The lump which was on her lower ear next to jaw line abscessed. It was quite a big mess and I am sure she was having a lot of pain with that pressure but they just do not show it!

The abscess was very large with blood and pus. She needs a surgical procedure to relieve it and prevent any further serious infections.

With that, this week she will be having a surgical procedure called ear canal ablation. In other words, her ear canal and ear drum need to be removed. It is a same day surgery and she will be able to come home at the end of the day! She is obviously a tough girl and has endured a lot and will be just fine.

It is so wonderful that RAGOM is able to help these rescued goldens with such medical issues! PLEASE, if you would like to DONATE or SPONSOR our beautiful girl, it would be greatly appreciated! We need help with mounting medicals.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sponsor a RAGOM dog

Cheyenne had her spay surgery and ear re-check (with stitches out) last week. Our girl did really great. She didn’t lick at anything once. Her spay is healing just perfectly. So glad that poopy part is behind her now. Her ear is coming along nicely. There is more infection draining out but not nearly like it was. The “flap” is doing well…we thought we might lose it.

So all is well and just shows you just HOW these rescue dogs are tough, want to have this better life, and show us fosters in their own way, how great it feels. To enjoy the outside, the sun, soft winds, comfortable home and bed, good food and the biggie, lovin’! That sure is not asking for much in life……and I LOVE what we do. 

To see these goldens showing us how they emerge and showing us their very own personalities…. All so different and all so very special.

With this nice weather (barring the ‘rainy season’!) she sure enjoys her relaxing walks. So many new things to learn, see and smell. She is more and more showing us she is coming out of her “shell.” Little bit further out of our crate which is always open.

Her appetite is so much better now too. Cheyenne loves her “babies” and she must have been a super mama. So many taken away…..but here is she now, very spoiled and happy!