We're so pleased to welcome Harper into RAGOM. He is a sweet guy just recently retired from life as a breeder dog.

He absolutely loves playing in our yard, rolling around in the grass and blending in with the leaves that have fallen over the last few days. He has a tail that wags easily - he's a very happy boy.

Harper has been with us for just one week, and his vet visit was a very easy one - he is now current on his shots and has an appointment to be neutered this coming week. He had his nails trimmed and will get a bath in the next day or so. 

He is a smallish boy, weighing just 49 pounds, although we expect that he'll gain a few pounds in the next week or so. He really does love his food and treats. He has a lovely coat and looks gorgeous in the fall light.

In his short  time with us, he's only had one accident in the house, so he's off to a very good start. He has learned his name; learned how to eat out of a dog dish; and mastered his fears about doorways, television, and stairs.

He is cautious but brave at the same time. He was initially frightened of doorways, something very common in breeder dogs, but he saw our resident dogs coming and going with ease and quickly joined them after less than 2 days of training. This morning, he learned how to go up and down the stairs and he's now done it 5 times - practice makes perfect!

We think that Harper probably didn't get a lot of time to socialize and play with other dogs, so he seems to relish in playtime and games of bitey face, and he balances them with nice long naps. He enjoys his kennel and often, when we're looking for him, he can be found snoozing away in his kennel.  

Harper was completely baffled by the snow this week, and it took considerable coaxing to talk him into going outside and not turning around quickly to come back in. He has a similar reaction to rain, too. It is almost funny to see.

He is a sweetie and seems to be a very gentle little guy.  We'll have more to share and new pictures next week after his neuter surgery.