Jake (Lazarus 09-370)

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February 13, 2012

Please help us WELCOME BACK Jack/Lazarus to RAGOMland!!!

Jack is a 6 yr. old, 73lb (68# is ideal) Golden Mix (Lab or possible Pointer—definitely a hunting breed in this boy) that just returned to RAGOM. Jack’s adoptive family recently added a 3rd child to the home and with less time to commit to Jack’s training, they felt it best to return him so that he could get the direction, attention and environment that is best for him. We thank them and promise to do just that for Jack!

Jack originally came to RAGOM as a stray named “Lazarus” in 2009 and spent some time in foster care learning the ins and outs of being and indoor doggie! In foster care, it was discovered that Jack has a dire fear of storms and did not like being crated. Being a stay, we have no idea what the cause of these fears are, but we can only imagine…an outdoor dog…possibly locked in an outdoor kennel/crate regardless of the weather and since he can break out of crates when storms come…this may be the reason he was found as a stray back in 2009? Speculation of course…but there is always a good reason for fear…

Jack made huge strides learning to live the "good life" with the consistent direction and love of his foster families in 2009/10----he was potty-trained, taught some good manners and helped with meds for his storm anxiety. From the sounds of it…the meds were not as helpful as hoped and so we are going to work on a good plan for this boy. Yesterday at the vet, it was realized that the dosage of the med was much too low and would have had limited effect if any---so this was a good find indeed!


Jack, front and center, with his foster brothers

As you can see----Jack is a VERY happy boy! He likes both dogs and CATS!!! We even have old pictures of him curled up with 2 cats---HA!!! Above…our resident Pete (RAGOM Boy Pete/Bear) is giving “Make-up” kisses to Jack after a small scuffle the first night….this foster thing is new for Pete so Jack got the brunt of Pete’s anxiety…but Jack recovered well and took the cues perfectly! Good Boy Jack! He’s been great with our 3 resident dogs (1 female/2 males) and has them chasing him outside and initiating play…Man, can he run!Jack is without a doubt---the BIGGEST love bug ever!!! His previous family said, “A Beautiful Dog. He will Love you to Death!” We CONCUR!!!!!What we’ve learned in 4 short days: Jack...

  • adores his people like you can’t believe
  • loves to cuddle on the couch and in bed with you
  • is fearful of the vacuum and backs away at the sight of it.
  • loves to be outside …runs and tracks like a Lab…very independent but also enjoys your company
  • walks beautifully on a leash
  • does fine in the car…a little anxious at first but settles down easily
  • his idea of “Fetch” is more like “Catch me if you Can” or “Keep Away” J
  • displays no aggression at all with toys---loves the tennis ball and Nylabone/bone
  • makes himself right at home!

It was mentioned that Jack loves to steal food from counters, pet food dishes and kid’s hands. He eats faster than I’ve ever seen a dog eat and is a bottomless pit! Being a stray---we can all understand where the sense of urgency comes from…but it’s all about teaching manners and consistent leadership from the Lead Dog---Jack’s Family. In the 4 days we’ve had Jack, we have not experienced him stealing food from our hands…though we don’t allow such a thing. He does counter surf, but responds to the word, “Off.” Children are notoriously easy targets for the “food thieves” so we will be looking for a family with no small children and consistent leaders that will continue teaching Jack his manners with food. As for with the resident dogs....we feed Jack about 10 feet from the other dogs--allowing him space and comfort knowing no one will take his food. So far, not even a growl. Once he's done eating, he scavengers the area for more food---checking bowls and the floor. Again...food in his past life must have been hard to come by.

Jack will teach us more and more about what he needs in his forever home….but we know this for sure…just like with children, dogs need unconditional love, consistent direction/training, commitment and a positive environment in which to excel in. We are on a mission as his foster family to find just that home for his special boy! Looks like he in on the same mission too! J

Go get ’em Jack!Jack will be out at the RAGOM event on Saturday at Chuck & Don’s in Highland Park for his big Welcome Back Debut! Stop out and meet this Lover Boy…but I will warn you….you can’t take just one kiss from this boy!

At a Glance #09-370

Mixed Breed Born: August 2005
Male 40 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

February 13, 2012

Please help us WELCOME BACK Jack/Lazarus to RAGOMland!!!

Jack is a 6 yr. old, 73lb (68# is ideal) Golden Mix (Lab or possible Pointer—definitely a hunting breed in this boy) that just returned to RAGOM. Jack’s adoptive family recently added a 3rd child to the home and with less time to commit to Jack’s training, they felt it best to return him so that he could get the direction, attention and environment that is best for him. We thank them and promise to do just that for Jack!

Jack originally came to RAGOM as a stray named “Lazarus” in 2009 and spent some time in foster care learning the ins and outs of being and indoor doggie! In foster care, it was discovered that Jack has a dire fear of storms and did not like being crated. Being a stay, we have no idea what the cause of these fears are, but we can only imagine…an outdoor dog…possibly locked in an outdoor kennel/crate regardless of the weather and since he can break out of crates when storms come…this may be the reason he was found as a stray back in 2009? Speculation of course…but there is always a good reason for fear…

Jack made huge strides learning to live the "good life" with the consistent direction and love of his foster families in 2009/10----he was potty-trained, taught some good manners and helped with meds for his storm anxiety. From the sounds of it…the meds were not as helpful as hoped and so we are going to work on a good plan for this boy. Yesterday at the vet, it was realized that the dosage of the med was much too low and would have had limited effect if any---so this was a good find indeed!


Jack, front and center, with his foster brothers

As you can see----Jack is a VERY happy boy! He likes both dogs and CATS!!! We even have old pictures of him curled up with 2 cats---HA!!! Above…our resident Pete (RAGOM Boy Pete/Bear) is giving “Make-up” kisses to Jack after a small scuffle the first night….this foster thing is new for Pete so Jack got the brunt of Pete’s anxiety…but Jack recovered well and took the cues perfectly! Good Boy Jack! He’s been great with our 3 resident dogs (1 female/2 males) and has them chasing him outside and initiating play…Man, can he run!Jack is without a doubt---the BIGGEST love bug ever!!! His previous family said, “A Beautiful Dog. He will Love you to Death!” We CONCUR!!!!!What we’ve learned in 4 short days: Jack...

  • adores his people like you can’t believe
  • loves to cuddle on the couch and in bed with you
  • is fearful of the vacuum and backs away at the sight of it.
  • loves to be outside …runs and tracks like a Lab…very independent but also enjoys your company
  • walks beautifully on a leash
  • does fine in the car…a little anxious at first but settles down easily
  • his idea of “Fetch” is more like “Catch me if you Can” or “Keep Away” J
  • displays no aggression at all with toys---loves the tennis ball and Nylabone/bone
  • makes himself right at home!

It was mentioned that Jack loves to steal food from counters, pet food dishes and kid’s hands. He eats faster than I’ve ever seen a dog eat and is a bottomless pit! Being a stray---we can all understand where the sense of urgency comes from…but it’s all about teaching manners and consistent leadership from the Lead Dog---Jack’s Family. In the 4 days we’ve had Jack, we have not experienced him stealing food from our hands…though we don’t allow such a thing. He does counter surf, but responds to the word, “Off.” Children are notoriously easy targets for the “food thieves” so we will be looking for a family with no small children and consistent leaders that will continue teaching Jack his manners with food. As for with the resident dogs....we feed Jack about 10 feet from the other dogs--allowing him space and comfort knowing no one will take his food. So far, not even a growl. Once he's done eating, he scavengers the area for more food---checking bowls and the floor. Again...food in his past life must have been hard to come by.

Jack will teach us more and more about what he needs in his forever home….but we know this for sure…just like with children, dogs need unconditional love, consistent direction/training, commitment and a positive environment in which to excel in. We are on a mission as his foster family to find just that home for his special boy! Looks like he in on the same mission too! J

Go get ’em Jack!Jack will be out at the RAGOM event on Saturday at Chuck & Don’s in Highland Park for his big Welcome Back Debut! Stop out and meet this Lover Boy…but I will warn you….you can’t take just one kiss from this boy!

Updates

Monday, March 26, 2012

YES!!!! Our Sweet Boy, Jack, went "Home" last weekend! Sorry for the delay on this post but as you can see, Jack--now known as "Jake" is fitting in perfectly with his new dad, Paul! :) Another RAGOM Match made in Heaven!!!

Jake's first week with his new dad was spent acclimating to his new role at "work," and as a new friend and companion to his dad. Paul said, "It's amazing how it feels like Jake has always been here!" Jake and Paul spent their first week together learning the ropes at "work," tending the yard, enjoying a bonfire or two and riding out the weather on the couch together. Of course, FM was nervous about Jake's reaction to a new home and the first "thunder" of the season rolling through, but Jake's new dad Paul said "Jake was nervous, panted, and buried his head in the couch, but it wasn't too bad." Paul's last doggie had some storm anxiety so Paul knew just what to do to comfort his boy!!! Thank you Paul!!!

We will look forward to hearing about "The Adventures of Jake & Paul." Paul has so many plans for Jake, but most importantly, he has found his wonderful new friend and Jake has found his perfect "Family." Tears of total joy from Jake's foster family about this match. These two boys are made for one another!!!!

Jake is HOME and we couldn't be happier for him!!!! Have a GReat Life Jake---you sure left an impression on us!!! We LOVE you very much!

FM, FD, FS and the whole furry Pack!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

HI Jack (Lazarus 09-370) FANS!!!!

Well, we had a SUPER busy weekend attending 2 RAGOM events!!! Jack met some really awesome new friends---esp. Hunter 12-070! Thank you to everyone that stopped out to meet our boy! Jack is so comfortable now and loves nothing more than going on a new adventure with FM---and would like nothing more than to go everyday. When I pick up my car keys---Jack is at the door with his tail in full swing J

Since Jack is a returned RAGOM boy---I thought it might be fun to post some of his previous foster updates from 2009/2010 J It gives you a little more info on Jack (as Lazarus) and its kind of fun to see how similarly he is described regardless of the writer J He’s matured in 2 years, but he’s still the people-loving, great boy he’s always been—that’s for sure!

Enjoy a ride through Jack’s past as Lazarus….

09/10/09

Hi! My name is Lazarus and I am happy to be a RAGOM dog. I am approximately 3-4 years old (2009) and a golden retriever/ lab mix. I was a stray that was starved before I made it to the shelter. I put on some weight while I was at the shelter and my foster home is continuing to try to put some weight on me. I love people and I love to get attention! I was neutered, micro-chipped and got a clean bill of health at the vet yesterday. I love to go on walks and have gotten used to my gentle leader. I get along really well with the cats and the dogs at my foster home though the girls didn’t appreciate it when I tried to put the moves on them.

10/22/09

Some of Lazarus’s favorite things…chow time, walks, playing with the tennis balls, taking naps on the couch, cuddling with his humans, doggie treats, stuffed toys, and getting to meet new people. Here is a picture of Lazarus napping on the couch with FM over the weekend.

11/01/09 (Jack was originally kenneled for potty training in 2009)

We have had a couple of storms now and Lazarus does have some storm anxiety. He just wanted to be near us with the first one and you could tell that he was scared because he was doing a lot of panting. We were gone during the second storm and he managed to get out of his kennel. The good news is he didn’t chew or ruin anything; the bad news is he had an accident. I think his anxiety is very manageable though and one thing I learned from it is once he is potty trained, he will probably do quite well with free roam. 


Cuddling with his kitty friend

4/22/10

Lazarus got to check out VEISHEA this weekend which is a huge festival at Iowa State University. He had many children and adults alike come up to him to get pets. I was amazed by how awesome he did. There was no jumping on people and he only tried to crawl on top of people a couple of times which most didn't seem to mind at all. He loved getting all the attention and never got overwhelmed with all the people and other animals at the festival. Previously I said that he should probably not go to a home with children, but he has gotten a lot calmer over the past 8 months and I think he would do wonderful in a home with children as long as his parents were vigilant about making sure he had his own space to eat alone. He didn't meet one person that he didn't love this weekend and thought everyone was there just to pet him.

So storm season is now upon us and we have discovered that Lazarus is not a fan. He is very scared from the moment that he hears that first thunder and seems to anticipate when a storm is coming. We talked to the vet and we decided to put him on a medication called Acepromazine to help him with his anxiety during the storm. Hopefully this will help with his anxiety during the storms.

6/10/10

Lazarus has moved to Eagan, Minnesota. He is hoping that his furever family is nearby. To help his furever family identify him, I have listed some of his attributes:

  1. Lazarus is very social. He met all three resident dogs perfectly.
  2. Lazarus is house trained, and does great with free roam both day and night.
  3. Lazarus plays nicely with the resident dogs and enjoys retrieving tennis balls.
  4. Lazarus shows no signs of resource guarding. He eats in the same area with the resident dogs. He sits for treats. We are working on him waiting his turn for treats. He has made tremendous strides with this in just one day.
  5. Lazarus respects signs from other dogs. He knows when to give them their space.
  6. Lazarus now enjoys rides and stays calmly in the back of the SUV. It was previously noted that he wasn’t great in a car, so we have taken him on quite a few rides. He has become a pro. We are also working on the wait command before he jumps out. He is now ready for an enjoyable ride to the lake.
  7. Lazarus loves his walks. He sits and waits for his leash to be clipped. He walks nicely with a flat collar. New smells may distract him somewhat, but he is easily redirected. He walks well with another dog also and meets dogs on our walks appropriately.
  8. Lazarus is a great running partner. I have gone on a few short runs with Lazarus and our resident dog. Lazarus runs right next to me with no crossing over. He has plenty of energy, but paces himself to my speed.
  9. Lazarus is not prey driven. We have walked past a wild turkey, rabbits and squirrels with no issues. He is also cat approved.
  10. Lazarus loves his humans. He follows my husband around the house and lays on the floor next to him at night. He is a great snuggler also. I would say that he is also kid approved. He does well with our 8 and 4 year old nieces. However, I think toddlers or crawlers may be too young for this active dog.

    Cuddling with former foster dad

We are having a great time fostering Lazarus. We have been taking Lazarus to work with us for some one on one time. He has shown fabulous social skills and greets all our clients appropriately. We also took him to a party this weekend. He met over 30 people of all ages beautifully and had a great time playing with a new dog friend in the lake. He even left all the yummy food on the tables alone. We received many compliments on Lazarus’ good behavior.

6/22/10

How’s that for a trip down memory lane? Well---our boy is just as special if not more so now…we have the potty-trained, free roam, food-motivated, more mellow version, but still a very young active boy at heart! More updates from 2012….coming soon J

Friday, March 2, 2012

HI Jack (Laz) Fans!!!

Just wanted to send in a quick update on our sweet boy Jack! Couple things we learned this week:

  • Jack is the perfect alarm clock---4:58am every morning –“Time to get up,” so I have not had to set my alarm once since he arrived
  • Jack has a “Snooze” button---you just invite him into bed and you get to sleep as long as you want!
  • You can turn Jack’s inner alarm off by inviting him to sleep with you all night---I recommend this on Friday and Saturday nights J Warning: you will need to wake Jack up in the morning because he sleeps like a rock!
  • Snow storms have no effect on him---rain, sleet, snow. Played in it and slept right through it. Good to know---anxiety must be triggered by the sound of “thunder” only. Even with the sleet hitting the sky-lights and the windows most of the day and into the night…Jack showed no reaction what so ever…he was very relaxed as shown below J Yes---he’s the short-coat in the middle J
  • Jack is learning and proving that anyone can train a dog to have good manners with good consistent direction and positive rewards. Jack showing full restraint with the family dinner just a “counter-surf” away. He knows FM will give him a special treat for being a Good Boy!
  • Jack’s favorite thing in the world is a good nap with his BFF—Foster Dad!
  • Jack has mastered the “Do you really have to go to work?” pathetic look!

Jack is just an easy boy----he knows our routine and is just a “go-with-the-flow” kind of guy! Jack will be traveling with a new RAGOM Buddy (Hunter) to the Duluth event on Saturday! We are sooooo excited to meet all Jack's RAGOM fans in the north!

Jack will also be attending the RAGOM Chuck & Don’s Bloomington Event on Sunday from 11:30-1:15.

If you are in the area this weekend---we invite you to stop in and meet this incredible boy!!!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Hi Friends---it's ME--Jack!

Wow---I had such a great week! Foster mom has been taking me all over the place! Someone told her I didn't really like the car but I'm telling you---I love going everywhere!!! FM says I'm a great riding partner...I sit in back like a good boy "sometimes" and other times, I rest my paws on FM's console and help her navigate the road. She likes the company and I'm happy to help so it's a win/win in my book!

The cool thing is---every time we go in the car, FM brings me through these things called, "Drive Thrus" and I stick my head out the window and everyone goes "Ohhhh" and then they give me treats! Boy--I can get used to this! I hope my Forever Family will bring me LOTS of fun places and bring me for car rides all the time!

Speaking of treats---FM is so embarrassed! She's supposed to be helping me lose weight but get this...I've gained a whole pound!!! UGH! FM finally realized that when you switch to a better quality food, you need to reduce the portion size.......yep, that will add an extra pound or two right there! So...sounds like my treats are going to be "green beans" from now on. I now have to lose 6 lbs...thanks a lot FM! FM says there is just more of me to cuddle with...and speaking of cuddling...

Yep---I LOVE to cuddle! my 2-legged foster sister was sick and so I laid with her all night until she felt better. "What are best friends for?" is what I always say! My foster family is convinced I'm a cat when it comes to cuddling because I climb right up and work my way in like a 10 lb fur-ball.....hmmm...maybe that's why FM is putting me on the green bean diet???

So far, I have been the perfect guest. Like---I'm not sure what that means totally or what they expected from me...but FM is pretty happy that she can leave me alone with free roam and toys scattered around the only destructive behavior so far is I shake my stuffed animals to death.

Well, isn't that what you are supposed to do with these things? When I want to really chew, I have 2 bones and those keep me busy. I get rawhides on specials days and all us dogs can have one and we don't fight or anything....it's awesome!

Of course----I love going outside. I hunt for special treats out there too. You know....those brown, frozen treats.....I think they are called "Poopsicles" and boy do I like them. FM starts yelling my name every time I have one....I think she wants one too. Maybe she should find her own...I mean they are quite plentiful around here. Yum!

I sure love to run and explore. Boy, I hope I get to go to those wonderful dog parks I keep hearing about when I get adopted. So many smells and great friends are there I hear! FM said she will find me a family that loves to be active and social and will bring me places like dog parks and lots of good walks! Seriously, who doesn't love to get out and smell the poops...ummmm...I mean "roses" every day????

OH---and before I forget----THANK YOU to all the nice people that came out to meet Aspen, Pallas, and me at the Rochester event yesterday!!! We had SO MUCH FUN and of course we LOVED all the attention we get at the events! Here is a picture of my friend Aspen and I. I was trying to get FM to move. I do this crazy thing and stand behind FM and push her when I want her to move. She thinks it's totally cute...and I'm ok with that as long as she "listens" to me.

Not sure if I told you but my foster brother put me in my place the other day and bit my ear again. This time---it was really an "ouch" and it got all infected so FM is fixing it all up and we had to go the vet for yummy pills that FM wraps in bread with peanut butter----And she wonders why I've gained 1 lb. HA!!! Well...she tries and I know she loves me so we'll cut her some slack on that.

And yes----I totally learned my lesson and I have not dared to mount any of my foster fur-butt siblings since---got that message LOUD and CLEAR!

Other than that, Life is really good and as you can see, I'm a very happy boy looking for a very special family to call my very own FOREVER. I really want to be someone's "companion" and not just a "pet"---do you know what I mean? Well, FM knows and so she is keeping a good eye out for me. Nice to have a foster family in your corner on these things!!!

So...that's the scoop for now...boy could I use a nap! Sounds like we are heading to Duluth this coming Saturday----YEAH---another car ride with FM! I wonder what Drive-Thru she's taking me to this time???

Do you think my Forever Family knows how much fun they are missing out on without me in their lives??? I'm in my prime and looking for a family to share all the rest of my days with....let's not waste another day...ok???? Email petfindersatragom [dot] org if you think you might be my Forever "perfect" Match!

Signing off for now...BIG week ahead....so stand by :)

Love you!
Jack

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Hello Jack Fans!!!

It was a big day yesterday for Jack---his big debut! First the car ride! We were told that Jack was not too thrilled about riding in the car...but as you can see...he was pretty excited about this trip!

A very special "Thank You" to everyone that stopped out to meet Jack and all his friends at the "Sweetheart" Event at Chuck & Don's in Highland Park! We had so much fun and Jack was in total HEAVEN with all the bodies he could lean into for pets and hugs...except that foster mom was soooo proud of Jack she couldn't keep her hands off of him---Jack was polite and took it all in stride....I'm sure he was thinking, "C'mon Mom...give me a little space."


FM & Jack
Ahhh...that's better!

Jack met some really nice people and sure enjoyed all the attention he received. He sure felt comfortable engaging everyone---we played "Door Greeter" and Jack made sure everyone met him on the way in. He sure liked the kids too! Little hands came right at him and he took it all in stride----what a good boy!

By the time we arrived home, I thought Jack would be ready for rest but the second he laid eyes on the other dogs, it was "Game On!" Everyone was happy to see one another----this was a very good sign of course!!!

The pups played hard while FM cleaned up the yard----spring poop clean up---my favorite! Since we are fenced in...I allowed Jack space to really explore on our acreage without checking on him every two minutes as I do the first week or so with a foster dog. It was nice to see Jack coming to find me about every 15 minutes to "check in."

At the event, I was asked if Jack needed another dog and if he needed a fence. My answer was "yes" and "no" to both as really---it just depends on the owner.

For example--the "other" dog question: We truly believe Jack needs other dogs in his world----not necessarily to live with---but to play and interact with on a very regular basis. He does really well with our dogs and dogs he meets along the way. He reads dog language really well and always backs down if confronted by one that is more dominant. Jack would do really well with regular trips to the dog park as he really enjoys running and playing with the dogs. And if his storm anxiety is helped by having a "pal" at home he feels comfortable with---of course that is always a good thing. Jack LOVES his people as well so if the owner is one that is home a lot and is Jack's "buddy" I can see that relationship being equal in value in lieu of a doggie friend----though dogs should be part of his life one way or another. So...we will just have to make that determination as we meet applicants.

Does Jack need a fence? Hmmmm...again, it depends on the owner. If the owner commits to boundary training and time spent together outside working on Jack's recall, then Jack would be in heaven to have land to run on and enjoy fence free. He's very food motivated and loves praise. If the owner is willing to commit to Jack---then a fence will not be needed...but if the owner is just opening the back door and letting the dog out-----a fence is then required.

Jack has been one of the easiest foster boys we've ever had. He has full run of the house---even when we are away 7 hours for the work day. He is completely potty trained and has not be destructive other than the stuffed animal toys that he likes to chew on a lot! He has shown not resource guarding at all---we've brought out the rawhides and bones and he minds his manners. He loves to snuggle and has been fully excepted into our pack of dogs.....it usually takes about a week for everyone to gel and as you can see...he's in like Flynn---Miley finally gave her "Paw of Approval."

This little boy has been such a wonderful foster dog!!! He's so easy going and in just 1 week has really settled in with us! I hope applicants will not hold his fear of storms against him. Jack is just about the perfect dog you could ever want! Storm season will require extra care and extra patience on the adopter's part----but out of 365 days a year...how many of those days will you enjoy "perfect" love and companionship? I believe that gift will far outweigh the days Jack will need "perfect" love and companionship from you to help him through his "scary" times. :)

Well....off to enjoy more fun in the sun! More on Jack soon....