Duke 05-125

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Are you ready for Zoom?s and Duke?s Big Adventure? If the past is any indication, this new adventure promises to deliver you a weekly dose of fun stories in the update. But before the fun and stories begin, let?s describe Duke.

Duke is a smallish, 65-pound, three-year-old, recently neutered male with a bit of zeal in him. He is reddish gold with a black nose and expressive brown eyes that compliment his wonderfully wavy and soft coat.

He appears to have had some training. He knows the commands come and sit. He also appears to be a smart little guy, and we are sure he will easily learn the other commands that are synonymous with being a good dog. He is very good in the house and hasn?t chewed on anything that wasn't given to him, and he sleeps through the night in his room. He hardly barks at all, which is in stark contrast to the ever noisy Zoom. He is, of course, house trained.

To familiarize Duke with his new surroundings, we spend a considerable amount of time in the backyard with him; and we take him on nightly walks so he will know the immediate area. He is very good on the Gentle Leader and leash. Duke will pull, but it is hardly noticeable. Thus far, he has been good when meeting other dogs from a distance.

Since Zoom is a park ranger, we go on a run every night at the regional park after work. Duke has been with us four times, and he loves this activity. He gets to swim, run, and be in the outdoors. He?d love to be off leash, but that is not a consideration at this early stage.

I realize it is not much, but that?s all we know at this point. Duke?s personality will start to show soon and we?ll keep everyone posted.

DukeDukeDuke

At a Glance #05-125

Breed not specified Born: March 2004
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Are you ready for Zoom?s and Duke?s Big Adventure? If the past is any indication, this new adventure promises to deliver you a weekly dose of fun stories in the update. But before the fun and stories begin, let?s describe Duke.

Duke is a smallish, 65-pound, three-year-old, recently neutered male with a bit of zeal in him. He is reddish gold with a black nose and expressive brown eyes that compliment his wonderfully wavy and soft coat.

He appears to have had some training. He knows the commands come and sit. He also appears to be a smart little guy, and we are sure he will easily learn the other commands that are synonymous with being a good dog. He is very good in the house and hasn?t chewed on anything that wasn't given to him, and he sleeps through the night in his room. He hardly barks at all, which is in stark contrast to the ever noisy Zoom. He is, of course, house trained.

To familiarize Duke with his new surroundings, we spend a considerable amount of time in the backyard with him; and we take him on nightly walks so he will know the immediate area. He is very good on the Gentle Leader and leash. Duke will pull, but it is hardly noticeable. Thus far, he has been good when meeting other dogs from a distance.

Since Zoom is a park ranger, we go on a run every night at the regional park after work. Duke has been with us four times, and he loves this activity. He gets to swim, run, and be in the outdoors. He?d love to be off leash, but that is not a consideration at this early stage.

I realize it is not much, but that?s all we know at this point. Duke?s personality will start to show soon and we?ll keep everyone posted.

DukeDukeDuke

Updates

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Duke and Zoom decided to have a slumber party this past weekend, so they invited Phoebe, a Basset/Beagle to join them. Phoebe is a little one, and Duke treated her like the little princess she is. There was no quarreling, and no fighting, but occasionally a little barking. Duke and the girls spent most of the time outside on a glorious summer weekend, playing in the pool and running around the yard. We noticed that Duke may initially come on like a ‘big’ dog, but he is like all other Goldens: sweet and gentle. His behavior indicated to us that he is fully sociable and can be trusted with just about any dog that comes over to play.

Duke loves to be outdoors. He could stay in the yard all day if we would let him. He loves to hunt in the bushes and grass for phantom squirrels and bunnies. The problem is that none are ever there, but that does not deter him from looking.

Duke is a very quick learner, and he knows how to sit, stay, wait, stop, heel, and come. We work with him daily on these commands, and he actually concentrates on learning. We think he is terrific! He has a high energy level that is typical of a healthy, 3-year old dog, and he needs plenty of exercise. We take him and Zoom to the park every day, weather permitting, and he enjoys a 3-4 mile run and 2-3 swims while he is there. This dissipates some of that youthful energy, and after dinner we normally have some additional outside training.

Knowing him better each day, we think he would fit well into any home, but small children would not be the best fit. He would need a fenced yard. He doesn’t do anything that is destructive, and he is as affectionate as a Golden can be. He is also AKC registered.

Duke is ready to meet you, and that can be arranged by emailing Placementatragom [dot] org.

Phoebe and Duke

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Duke has been with us for two weeks, and he is beginning to show his colors, and they are much brighter than you can imagine. Zoom and Duke share a room during the day, and although we haven’t seen them, we suspect there is plenty of playing during the day, but no rough housing. Toys are scattered around when we get home, but nothing else in the room is touched. They greet us at the door, not unlike Gigi 04-177 and Zoom did, and then it is off to the backyard for a quick dip in the pool or a game of catch before we go to the park. At the park, he patiently waits his turn to have his Gentle Leader put on and will not jump out of the truck until he is told. He is a fast study! While on the trails, Duke runs by my side on leash and he is learning to obey commands, such as ‘stop’ and ‘follow me’.

At home, he plays with Zoom either in the backyard or in the house. We don’t think Duke knew how to play when he first arrived. He had not had much contact with other dogs that we know of, and we think he didn’t know the ‘language’ very well. All of that has changed over the course of two weeks. He plays well with Zoom, shares toys and bones, and they don’t fight or even squabble over treats or for affection. They have become very good buddies.

Duke sleeps the night away and rarely barks. He rides very nicely in the truck. He meets people very well, and he is gentle. We think he’ll be ready for adoption in a matter of days. Please consider him. He is AKC registered; a 100 percent Golden Retriever with a golden personality. You have to see him in person to realize how wonderful he is.