Laker 07-218

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Profile

Laker is a super sweet 10 year-old neutered male Golden whose owner is moving overseas and has become a RAGOM dog.  Laker is a big boy at 91 pounds and is currently undergoing an Extreme Makeover at my house.

He is good with kids, cats, and dogs, and was an indoor-dog with full run of the house.  He is not destructive or aggressive, does not have any anxiety, and loves car rides.  Laker has a few health issues such as arthritis in his front legs, a thyroid disorder, and some sort of skin allergy.

Changing Laker's diet has already begun to help his skin allergies, and he is now taking Glucosamine daily for his arthritis.  His thyroid pill is a snap to give in the middle of a piece of cheese twice a day.

Laker is a very loving senior guy looking for a new place to call home, AND he makes an excellent foot-warmer during these chilly Spring days!

At a Glance #07-218

Golden Retriever Born: April 1996
Male 102 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Laker is a super sweet 10 year-old neutered male Golden whose owner is moving overseas and has become a RAGOM dog.  Laker is a big boy at 91 pounds and is currently undergoing an Extreme Makeover at my house.

He is good with kids, cats, and dogs, and was an indoor-dog with full run of the house.  He is not destructive or aggressive, does not have any anxiety, and loves car rides.  Laker has a few health issues such as arthritis in his front legs, a thyroid disorder, and some sort of skin allergy.

Changing Laker's diet has already begun to help his skin allergies, and he is now taking Glucosamine daily for his arthritis.  His thyroid pill is a snap to give in the middle of a piece of cheese twice a day.

Laker is a very loving senior guy looking for a new place to call home, AND he makes an excellent foot-warmer during these chilly Spring days!

Updates

Friday, April 4, 2008

Hi there it's me, Laker showing off my new bed. A nice gal from Fargo named Michelle (she has 3 goldens, too - whew!!) donated it to me and I am so grateful. I have been slowing down quite a bit and I pant alot. I started coughing so we went to the Dr. and he heard it too. So I am on pills and feel better. No more coughing. He said my short fur looks really nice, no more hot spots. Mom said the backyard is full of brown spots but no fertilizer for us this Spring..that would surely get me itching again. I still get real excited when it's time to go on our walks and we saw many deer yesterday morning and we just stood silently and watched. I wanted to chase them but that wasn't happening.I am the only golden in the house who can catch an apple slice in the air with my big floppy mouth. We all share an orange every night; that is one of my favorite times too...a short back rub and it's off to sleep for me.  See ya later...

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Laker has been staying with me while his foster mommy is on vacation for the past few days.  He leaves tomorrow morning, and I must admit I'll be sad to see him go.  He's gotten along wonderfully with 3 other big dogs and 3 cats, despite the close quarters in my townhouse (yikes!).  We weren't sure if Laker would like another male dog, but has become quite buddy-buddy with my senior foster Tobias 08-061 (really, who couldn't like Toby?!?).
 
Laker came packed with everything but the kitchen sink, so I'd like to say a heartfelt "Thank You!" to Laker's foster mommy, Peggy, for all the love and care that she gives him on a daily basis.  Laker is on a considerable amount of pain medications for his arthritis, plus Peggy has him on raw and organic meat, vegetables, and other yummy supplements.
 
It seems Laker loves his poodle-like hairdo, and hasn't had itchy skin or hot spot issues since he's been here.  He loves his rub-downs and massages, which I've been happy to do for him.  Laker's limping has gotten so much better since I last saw him, which I attribute to his weight loss and awesome TLC from Peggy.  Yes, Laker is on the thin side but with arthritis like his, you don't want even an extra pound for him to have to carry around.
 
And, Laker has been my good-luck charm this week...  After six months of unemployment, I finally got a job!  Of course, I couldn't start until the day after Laker goes home...!  :)
 
Sweet baby talk, body rubbies, and kisses to you, Laker.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Saturday, August 18, 2007

I enjoyed meeting everyone at Petco in Burnsville on Saturday. Although I didn't get adopted, I think alot of people thought I was special and I had a really good time. Thanks for all the pets and kinds words.

Ranger 07-237 and Laker

A tired Laker and not so tired Ranger 07-237

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Hello everyone, Laker here!

Well I haven’t been updating lately, but I am here to let you know I am here and I love my new home. I have a new foster mom, she is really nice. I also have a new friend to play with. Foster mom has a golden just like me, Libby! She and I hang out quite a bit in the back yard in the shade of course!  We have become quite companions so my new home can have another dog. I won’t mind. If not, that is okay too, because I love attention.  

 

I just got back last week from the vet and he weighed me. Guess what? I am at 78 pounds. Yep, I lost some weight. I am looking pretty slim and trim. Foster mom says I only have a few more pounds to go. Make sure you check out some of the picture of me. I don’t think I look to bad at all. Oh and the other dog, yeah that is Libby. My foster mom tells me all the time on our short walks that I need a little exercise to help me gain the muscle and boy does it help. I love to go for walks, I may not be able to walk far, but boy do I love ‘em. My foster mom gives me lots of brushing and I really don’t mind as long as she doesn’t sneak up on my tail. My foster mom said my “hot spot” are healed; now we are just waiting for the hair to grow in. I am still on glucosamine for my arthritis, and a thyroid pill. Foster mom spoils me and gives it to me in a “meatball”, umm it is so good.  

 

I love to be where my foster mom is all the time. If she is in the kitchen I am right there blocking the door, laying down of course! As a matter of fact I am told I block all doors so foster mom can’t get out! I get to sleep in my very own dog bed in foster mom’s room too! I love that, Libby doesn’t seem to mind me there either. I have my favorite toy; I try to have it with me at all times. Foster mom says I need to work on my resource guarding. I tend to not like it when someone comes to close to taking my toy or getting near my food. I mean hey I am on a diet, so I take what I get! 

 

That is all for me now. I am going to go and lay down for another afternoon nap. Dog life is great! 

 

Chow!

 

Laker


Sunday, April 29, 2007

Laker just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter!  I gave him a bath last week and was quite the undertaking, with all his thick fur (of course minus the bald spots on his back).  I wanted to make sure I got the boy dry so that it didn't contribute to any skin problems like hot spots that are so prevalent in Goldens.  But, OH, is he ever soft and fluffy now! :)  I dried and combed him for what seemed like hours, and he just layed there and soaked up all the attention.

The limping on his front leg has somewhat improved with Glucosamine treatment, but will take a month to fully take hold.  I continue to take him for short, daily walks to help keep and build muscle mass, and he works hard to keep up with the other two dogs (and me).

He continues to love his car rides, and approaches everything with a big smile and an occassional sloppy kiss.  He sleeps right next to my bed, all sprawled out like a bear rug, and doesn't bother me in the least.  He is very cat friendly and likes my neighbor kid.  He does like to bark at people on bikes or joggers, though, but wouldn't hurt a fly.