Jake 08-243

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Profile

Meet Big Jake. So named for a couple reasons; one we have a resident Jake (former RAGOM boy 07-349), BJ is tall, his head hovers over the kitchen table and when he plants his front paws on the counter, he is tall :) He has been with the same family since a puppy, but has mostly been an outdoor kenneled dog.

Jake came to visit me last week to see how he would do. He has never been separated from his family, never in another truck, car etc with anyone else etc etc. Upon getting home I made the mistake of taking his Gentle Leader and leash off and telling him to get out of the doggie mobile. Aah let's just say he wasn't interested in doing so. After no success I returned him home. Gave it a couple days, got him again and left the leash on, out he popped when we arrived. So yesterday I made the decision to have him over again and keep him. His family had to move out of their house and so Jake would have had to stay out in his kennel and they would have to come and feed him and check on him. So it was an easy choice last night to decide to officially bring him in. After making that decision I decided it was bath time, nail trimming and brushing time. Since it was all new and I had discovered when frightened he will lay down, raise a leg to be submissive, but can get growly. So I put on the infamous Italian basket weave muzzle and proceeded with the spa treatment. All went fine. He does NOT like the hose, but did well.

Big Jake is in love with little Sam 07-690 and wants to be by him. When Sam is in his crate he doesn't want company especially if he has an old bone in there with him. I have been amazed at how well Sam has done putting BJ in his place. He is feeling secure enough with himself to tell the other dogs to back off :) BJ is finding his place in the 'pack' here, and it will take a couple days.

We had marrow bones last night and everyone was fine. When I went to get BJ's he was growly, but I waited him out and he gave it up. My Jake was that way when we got him, but he ended up realizing he would always get another. For now BJ will have his bone and learn that it's ok to give it up as he will always get more. So many things to learn.

First night here I tried to crate him in the big mastiff crate in the family room...... that didn't work, he cried and carried on. So up to the bedroom we went, and once he settled in he slept all night, never touched a thing. Second night here BJ jumped on the bed and wouldn't get off. Again faced with the growly act I waited him out, once off the bed I crated him. Once he settled in he cried, so I let him out and he slept free just fine. Again, when we got our Jake he would get up on the bed and when you told him to move or get down he got this whole 'tude going and was growly/snappy. He learned that when told to get off he should, and when invited up it was ok. I look for the same results with BJ once he feels safe, loved and secure. We must remember he has been with the same family since being a puppy and he will be 8 years old in August.

We have had no accidents and if there was going to be one, it would have been in the family room where a number have happened and still leave a lingering fragrance :( But he just sniffed and went about his business. Jake has seen the cats, but I don't think he is sure what they are. Coulter the cat finally decided to brave Bruno (visiting German Sheppard cousin) and BJ. Big Jake was interested, sniffed, licked, followed him around, but never tried to hurt him.

Jake has had some training, knows sit and down. Stay is not in the program yet :) He needs a Gentle Leader to be walked and even with that he is a strong boy and can pull. Perhaps a halter would work better for him. Not really sure. Obedience to freshen his memory would be good and a great time to bond with his new family.

As for his new family it will be best for him to have a fenced yard or underground fencing as he has been kenneled or tethered and we found out today he loves to run. I opened the door to get something in the garage and at the same time BJ whizzed past me and hubby came home and opened up the garage door. Yikes, he was gone in nothing flat. I finally got in the doggie mobile and opened the door when I saw him and asked him if he wanted to go for a ride. That would be a YEP...jumped right in. He will do best with older kids who understand while he is learning that he is safe, secure, loved and wanted, he can become growly when scared. Patience and talking to him help to alleviate those fears most of the time. I would not allow him on furniture until he knows his place and is willing to respect his human pack.

Big Jake is a beautiful dog who with time, love, patience, obedience school and the right family will be a great family member. We will be going to the vet after the long week end to be microchipped and have the usual check up. Will let you know the results then.

Meanwhile, feel free to contact placementatragom [dot] org if you would like to meet Big Jake.

Foster mom and the crew

 
First visit to my house

 
Long legs

 
Sam 07-690 and Big Jake

 
Sam and Big Jake

At a Glance #08-243

Golden Retriever Born: August 2000
Male 65 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Meet Big Jake. So named for a couple reasons; one we have a resident Jake (former RAGOM boy 07-349), BJ is tall, his head hovers over the kitchen table and when he plants his front paws on the counter, he is tall :) He has been with the same family since a puppy, but has mostly been an outdoor kenneled dog.

Jake came to visit me last week to see how he would do. He has never been separated from his family, never in another truck, car etc with anyone else etc etc. Upon getting home I made the mistake of taking his Gentle Leader and leash off and telling him to get out of the doggie mobile. Aah let's just say he wasn't interested in doing so. After no success I returned him home. Gave it a couple days, got him again and left the leash on, out he popped when we arrived. So yesterday I made the decision to have him over again and keep him. His family had to move out of their house and so Jake would have had to stay out in his kennel and they would have to come and feed him and check on him. So it was an easy choice last night to decide to officially bring him in. After making that decision I decided it was bath time, nail trimming and brushing time. Since it was all new and I had discovered when frightened he will lay down, raise a leg to be submissive, but can get growly. So I put on the infamous Italian basket weave muzzle and proceeded with the spa treatment. All went fine. He does NOT like the hose, but did well.

Big Jake is in love with little Sam 07-690 and wants to be by him. When Sam is in his crate he doesn't want company especially if he has an old bone in there with him. I have been amazed at how well Sam has done putting BJ in his place. He is feeling secure enough with himself to tell the other dogs to back off :) BJ is finding his place in the 'pack' here, and it will take a couple days.

We had marrow bones last night and everyone was fine. When I went to get BJ's he was growly, but I waited him out and he gave it up. My Jake was that way when we got him, but he ended up realizing he would always get another. For now BJ will have his bone and learn that it's ok to give it up as he will always get more. So many things to learn.

First night here I tried to crate him in the big mastiff crate in the family room...... that didn't work, he cried and carried on. So up to the bedroom we went, and once he settled in he slept all night, never touched a thing. Second night here BJ jumped on the bed and wouldn't get off. Again faced with the growly act I waited him out, once off the bed I crated him. Once he settled in he cried, so I let him out and he slept free just fine. Again, when we got our Jake he would get up on the bed and when you told him to move or get down he got this whole 'tude going and was growly/snappy. He learned that when told to get off he should, and when invited up it was ok. I look for the same results with BJ once he feels safe, loved and secure. We must remember he has been with the same family since being a puppy and he will be 8 years old in August.

We have had no accidents and if there was going to be one, it would have been in the family room where a number have happened and still leave a lingering fragrance :( But he just sniffed and went about his business. Jake has seen the cats, but I don't think he is sure what they are. Coulter the cat finally decided to brave Bruno (visiting German Sheppard cousin) and BJ. Big Jake was interested, sniffed, licked, followed him around, but never tried to hurt him.

Jake has had some training, knows sit and down. Stay is not in the program yet :) He needs a Gentle Leader to be walked and even with that he is a strong boy and can pull. Perhaps a halter would work better for him. Not really sure. Obedience to freshen his memory would be good and a great time to bond with his new family.

As for his new family it will be best for him to have a fenced yard or underground fencing as he has been kenneled or tethered and we found out today he loves to run. I opened the door to get something in the garage and at the same time BJ whizzed past me and hubby came home and opened up the garage door. Yikes, he was gone in nothing flat. I finally got in the doggie mobile and opened the door when I saw him and asked him if he wanted to go for a ride. That would be a YEP...jumped right in. He will do best with older kids who understand while he is learning that he is safe, secure, loved and wanted, he can become growly when scared. Patience and talking to him help to alleviate those fears most of the time. I would not allow him on furniture until he knows his place and is willing to respect his human pack.

Big Jake is a beautiful dog who with time, love, patience, obedience school and the right family will be a great family member. We will be going to the vet after the long week end to be microchipped and have the usual check up. Will let you know the results then.

Meanwhile, feel free to contact placementatragom [dot] org if you would like to meet Big Jake.

Foster mom and the crew

 
First visit to my house

 
Long legs

 
Sam 07-690 and Big Jake

 
Sam and Big Jake

Updates

Sunday, July 20, 2008

As you can see by the pictures, Lake the lab was over this weekend and fun was had by all....except for the stuffed toy that Lake and Max 08-136 had a tug with. It was fun to watch Jake get in there and play tug and chase around. He is so sweet, he has reached his ideal weight, his coat is starting to shine.....and he has not displayed any more Cujo traits:)

Today I bathed, clipped and cleaned ears on Jake. He stood still while I sprayed him down and shampoo'd him. No problem with the nail cutting but not real thrilled with the ear cleaning. Nary a lip curl, growl or snap. Later while we were loading the doggie mobile all the dogs jumped in. Jake did not have his collar back on and there he sat wet on MY seat. I reached for him.....nothing. So I went in and got a slip lead, put in on and out he jumped. Progress!!! What a good boy!!

The reason for the bathing and loading up of the van was because due to health issues on my part, I had to make a very tough decision. Big Jake and foster brother Sammy 07-690 were moved to a new foster home. The very wonderful and awesome news is that they went to the same foster. That helped me to swallow this bitter pill a little bit easier. No matter what the dog issues have been, I have never relinquished a foster, not even after 8 months and some serious issues. But I don't have the energy to continue fostering 3 dogs right now. This has been a very painful decison, made only more bearable by the fact that I knew the boys would be with a Foster Mom that worked from home the majority of the time, has 2 goldens of her own and she was willing to commit to Sammy, which could be months, and that's a commitment for anyone. It shows her dedication and what she's willing to do for the boys.

It is like leaving your children, even though you have written everything down that you can think of, you are sure no one will care for and love them like you. And they don't. They do it their way, and they love them in their own way. They say dogs live in the moment.....perhaps....but my moment of leaving was very difficult. I tried not to cry and let my emotions set the tone for the boys. That didn't happen.....I was crying before I left and it broke my heart to see Jake and Sam come to the gate and look at me like....'hey mom you forgot us'. I cried all the way home...and then some. Only later when Jake's new Foster Mom called to tell me they were doing fine, did I relax and allow myself to believe they would continue to flourish and make strides. I am hoping that with Jake in the metro area, and new updates from a fresh new persepctive, someone will realize what a wonderful family member this guy could be and will ask to meet him. Though new Foster Mom says, not too soon. She may change her mind with 4 dogs full time:)

I am so very, very, very grateful to this wonderful young woman who has opened her heart and home to Big Jake and Sammy. I know she will give them all they need and help Jake to continue to feel secure and loved. After all that's what we all want....just to be loved. So thank you for taking my boys and letting me know I am welcomed any time to see Big Jake. I am sure your boys will keep him busy and enjoying the great fenced in yard.

So Big Jake, tonight you and your foster brother will sleep in a new home and possibly a new bed:) I will be waiting to hear how your first night went and how many sloppy kisses you delivered and what early hour you got the whole crew up. Enjoy your new foster family and know I will miss you tonight....and tomorrow.....and know you are loved.

Be a good boy...........

 
Max, Jake and Laker and 3-way tug

 
And soon the stuffing was flying

 
Jake and  Sam's usual night spot

 
The only dogs on my bed are on the pillowcases

 
Jake's favorite toy

 
Good bye SamSam and Big Jake

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Foster Mom is too embarrassed to do a new update because she forgot to do mine when she did Max and Sam's :( She says it's cuz I've been so good. And it's true. I really have come a long way since I arrived...no more Cujo action from me. I know where my feeding station is, I know when it's time to go outside, my new favorite spot to lay on the deck is in or on the empty wading pool....depending which side is up!! I respect baby gates, the other fosters and resident Jake, and I'm listening pretty darn good. While I still like to smell the counter area, my counter surfing is much better... of course if you leave something really delicious out I am sorry to say I would probably have to sample it. I still like to lick Coulter the Cat. Bailey, the new boy, is afraid of all of us dogs, and we just want to get a good meet n greet done, but boy does he hiss and carry on. And it's not just me interested, like Max and resident Jake are interested too.

I still love to go for rides and and resident Jake has taught us all to run for the door when FM gets her purse and bag in the a.m. I am really good about going into the kitchen when told and I'm standing in front of the door to go out to the garage. Dang, I keep trying and hoping for a 'work day'.

I am in great health and have reached my ideal weight of 73 lbs!!! Yep, I went in and got weighed and after weeks of eating 6 cups of food a day, the weight finally arrived. I have now been cut back to 4 cups a day, but that's ok. I never complain and am learning patience to sit and wait for my food.....but it seems FM rushes thru it, something about all the drool on the floor.

I am more than ready for my forever home. If you give me a chance I will sit by you while you pet me, I will go for nice walks with my Gentle Leader on, I will be good at the vet, if you give me security and love, I will learn that going outside alone is ok. I have not done my "drop, lay on my side and get growly when you reach for my collar" in a long time.............I am really trying to be the best guy I can. I am tall, handsome, healthy, loving and if you have a dog savvy cat, I'm the senior guy for you (though I only look about 5 or 6 :). Oh and I take good care of my stuffed toy...the bright colored one in the picture as I brought that with me from my original home. I know there are a lot of handsome seniors out there, but I really am special......my fosters tell me so. So if you'd like have a meet 'n' greet just contact placementatragom [dot] org and they will hook you up with foster mom. By then she should be done being so embarrassed about forgetting to do my update.

I'll be waiting to hear from you real soon.

Luv Big Jake, BJ, Big Guy.....

 
Any stuffed toy will do

 
Jake's favorite toy

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Hi Everyone, Big Jake here. Yep, that's me, Big Jake, cuz there's a resident old guy here named Jake too. But I think Big Jake is pretty cool for a name.

OK let's see. Well, been here in foster land for a couple weeks and have adjusted just fine thank you. I admit I was a bit testy when I first landed here, didn't want to give up my bone or have you lead me by my collar. Hey, I needed my space and time to figure everything out, ya know!! I had a couple of accidents but tell ya what....Dora the boxer foster here is not the nicest girl around. I prefer to go out to potty and play with the other fosters when she is in the house. It took the foster parents a bit to figure it out....old and slow ya know:) Anyway, have not had any more accidents. I let FM/FD know when I have to go out by getting ancy and barking. Sometimes they have to force the issue a bit to make me go out, but hey I don't always feel it's necessary to go when they say. Sometimes I'm kenneled when the parents have to be gone for a longer time than normal, but usually I'm just baby gated in the kitchen/hall/laundry area with resident Jake and Max 08-136.

I know where my eating station is and will sit when told and I'm working on the 'wait...ok eat' part. This living indoors and learning all this is ok, but feeding time is feeding time ok! I had my abcessed back tooth pulled and with stitiches had to eat soft food for awhile, which was totally awesome, though the rest of the fosters didn't think it was fair. But now I'm back on dry kibble with moist added cuz I only weighed about 65 lbs and need to get up to about 72 or 73 lbs. Gotta fill out my bones with some meat. So I'm working on it.

I love being with my humans, but am not demanding. Just like to be in the same room so I know you are ok. I will kennel up with help....see I don't like to go into my kennel, but if you put a leash on me I'll go. I like to play with the other fosters.......but not Dora. I don't know what her problem is with me, but she don't like me. Period!!

I like the cats...maybe a bit too much. I am drooler to begin with and when I see Coulter the Cat I just want to lick him (read drool on him) and nudge him etc. I would never hurt him, but I could live without cats for sure.

I'm so tall my head is above the kitchen table so I have to be extra careful by it or they accuse me of 'table surfing'......ha give me a counter anytime. OK I admit it, FM turned her back for a minute and I had the top piece of bread of her sandwich gone before she turned around. BUT I am getting better at leaving stuff alone. I also feel I'm teaching the foster parents how to keep things put away......again slow to pick up on stuff.

You would never know by looking at me or watching me play that I am 8 years old (in Aug). I even play like a much younger man. Given the chance I would love to stretch my long legs in a doggie park. I'm very submissive and easy going. I'm also very strong and so FM uses a Gentle Leader with me. I'm not a jumper, I don't mouth, I don't do the GR paw at you to pay attention to me......really I'm pretty cool all around. I would be happy to live with another fur butt or not. But I do know I would love my humans and be as good as gold. I'm really ready for that special home and family where I can hang my leash and have my own doggie bed (or share with you:) and know this is where I will spend my remaining years.

I"m ready to go, and if you look real close you may just hear yourself say.....'that's him, that's my dog'....................so if that happens please contact placementatragom [dot] org and my foster mom will be happy to talk to you any time.

So hey, I'm ready for summer.....ready for walks....ready for some playing in the doggie park....ready for some lovin' up.....aaahhh get the message?

Big Jake

 
Big Jake


Hanging out 

 
Beautiful eyes and coat