Hi, folks! Cinder here to update you on my adventures over the past few weeks. First of all, I had an awesome Thanksgiving. I got to head over to Iowa City to see my old foster family, and I was so happy to see them--they really helped me in my first few months of foster care, so I enjoyed spending some time with them :-).  I know in my last update I told you that I was going to meet a family who had a few kids who I loved, so we really wanted it to work out.  However, I just didn't seem to mesh with their young male dog, so, good news for anyone who has been following my progress: I'm available again if you'd like to meet me! I'd like to give you a "refresher" on my requirements, in case you've been thinking about coming to meet me!

Here are a few things about me:

• I am extremely sweet, and the world's best cuddler.
• I am cat friendly, but might take a few days to fully adjust to a feline housemate.
• I prefer female dogs to male dogs and would enjoy a playmate.
• I'd also love to be the center of your world as the only dog in the home.
• I don't require a fence, but it would be fun to run around and play in!
• I love children, and FM and FD say I'd be a great family dog.
• I can have free roam of the house for up to 9 hours at a time.
• I'm a very gentle and well-mannered boy, but would definitely benefit from some obedience training.
• I'm an all around happy boy, and I simply want a family to call my own.

Do these things sound like something you're looking for in a dog? I know many of you are looking for a purebred Golden Retriever, but I can promise you that, while I'm a mixed breed dog, I am incredibly sweet, gentle, and loving, and isn't that all anyone is really looking for in a companion? If you'd like to meet me or know more about me, please let your placement advisor know. My foster mom and dad would love to fill you in!

Cinder had a great time at the RAGOM Volunteers picnic. He was very social and met some new friends, both the two-legged and four-legged kind. He got to be the demo dog for a presentation on how to shape dog behavior and he was perfect at it! I was really motivated and have signed Cinder up for obedience classes next month, in case he hasn't found his forever family yet. Based on what I saw at the picnic, I think this will be great for both of us.

The other thing we've discovered is that when Cinder gets stressed, he absolutely loves his Thundershirt. He seems to like it and doesn't mind at all when we put it on him. If he's a bit too stressed or anxious, we put that on him (we call it his jammies) and he calms down instantly.

Cinder is going on a bit of a doggie vacation to visit some friends and see what it's like to spend time in a household where there aren't quite so many dogs. We think he might just thrive in a house where he doesn't have to compete for attention and where he can settle in and be the affectionate guy that he really is. He's about the most affectionate dog we've ever met. His favorite thing is sitting on the couch, easing his way onto your lap if you'll let him, and then looking up at you with a sweet face and licking your chin. He could do that for hours!

Cinder is looking for an experienced dog family without little children so no one has to worry when he gets rambunctious and wants to play. He's a little guy, doesn't take up a lot of space, and walks nicely on a leash after the first few minutes. He waits patiently for his meals, sitting perfectly still and waiting until his dish is in front of him. He doesn't eat in a big hurry, but he also doesn't dawdle!

Cinder is really enjoying the summer.  He seems comfortable and really loves to take himself for a run in our backyard when the temperatures drop in the evening.  It's not unusual to see him roaring around, doing laps with what we think is a huge smile on his face.  At the same time, it's not unusual to find him taking a nap in a quiet spot in the house, all by himself, curled up on the bed or maybe in the living room, positioned just perfectly so he can see out the front window and have a good barkfest if a deer or bunny appears on the horizon.

This last week we started to notice that Cinder was very intrigued by shadows and the reflections of light in a room, in fact, he was too interested in them.  We talked with Cinder's vet and she has placed him on some medication that will help him relax a bit and not be so focused on those kinds of things. It's too soon to know the impact of the medication but it's fairly cheap -- only $4 per month, and he takes it readily with a small piece of cheese in the morning.

Cinder is so sweet but he's a young energetic boy who needs to be busy.  Unfortunately for me, last week I left my knitting on the floor upstairs in my office (what was I thinking) and that proved to be too much of a temptation for him.  He reminds me of the importance of keeping a house safe for a young dog, and I've learned my lesson!

You'll also notice that I've changed the requirements for Cinder.  We think another dog is optional -- he enjoys other dogs but we believe he's independent enough to be an only dog.  He's such a confident little guy with a strong personality that we think any other canine companions should probably be females.  He definitely wants to be the top dog and that doesn't seem to go well with our two resident males.  Although the males have all worked out a relationship, we've noticed that he gets along very well with our female dogs and they've had no issues at all.

Please contact your Placement Advisor if you have room for this lovely young boy in your home.  He's a great snuggler and great company!