11/5/06: Leo the fabulous has arrived at my home! Leo was surrendered to RAGOM due to some difficult life changes his owner was going through. This five-year old boy has been bounced around some, since his surrendering owner rescued him from a humane society just this past June. Prior to that he was an outside dog, but you'd never know it now. Gina, you did a fantastic job with him in the short time you had him!
Leo moved into my home like he's always lived here. He and the resident Golden boy, Mason, hit it off immediately and, they not only play well together, but Leo followed Mason's lead right up onto the bed last night. The fact that he was allowed to stay is the surprising part, since very few fosters are welcome on the bed (by Mason, not me), on the first night. It usually takes a while to earn that right -- don't ask me, but the dogs seem to have it figured out. Needless to say, I was cozy and warm with a big furbutt on either side of me!
I already know this big lovebug is going to have many suitors. He's handsome as can be, with a dark red coat, and a big chunky blockhead on a nice lean frame. He's got the classic, docile Golden personality; he loves everyone, and is just such an easy-going guy. But I'm going to need a few days to get to know him better before I know what kind of family will be ideal for him. I've promised him (and also his previous owner), that his next home will be the "perfect" home for him, and that it will truly be forever.
| Breed not specified | Born: March 2002 |
| Male | Weight not specified |
Status: Adopted
11/5/06: Leo the fabulous has arrived at my home! Leo was surrendered to RAGOM due to some difficult life changes his owner was going through. This five-year old boy has been bounced around some, since his surrendering owner rescued him from a humane society just this past June. Prior to that he was an outside dog, but you'd never know it now. Gina, you did a fantastic job with him in the short time you had him!
Leo moved into my home like he's always lived here. He and the resident Golden boy, Mason, hit it off immediately and, they not only play well together, but Leo followed Mason's lead right up onto the bed last night. The fact that he was allowed to stay is the surprising part, since very few fosters are welcome on the bed (by Mason, not me), on the first night. It usually takes a while to earn that right -- don't ask me, but the dogs seem to have it figured out. Needless to say, I was cozy and warm with a big furbutt on either side of me!
I already know this big lovebug is going to have many suitors. He's handsome as can be, with a dark red coat, and a big chunky blockhead on a nice lean frame. He's got the classic, docile Golden personality; he loves everyone, and is just such an easy-going guy. But I'm going to need a few days to get to know him better before I know what kind of family will be ideal for him. I've promised him (and also his previous owner), that his next home will be the "perfect" home for him, and that it will truly be forever.
Leo is going to be on TV tomorrow (Friday) morning! He is representing RAGOM of course, on the Kare 11 early morning show. Leo is so excited for his television debut, he had a bath and some extra special primping, so he is looking more handsome than ever! If you're an early bird, watch for him at 5:45 am. If you're like me, set your Tivo. I sure hope all this fame doesn't go to his head. :)
Off to bed now, this budding star needs his beauty sleep...
Leo the fabulous is... well, still fabulous! He is easily the most laid back guy I've ever fostered. Not that he doesn't love attention -- he is definitely your typical Velcro Golden and will seek out and soak up any and all attention he can get. But the minute you aren't petting or playing with him, he lies down and takes a nap. The great part is that he's a really active guy--loves playing with other dogs and going for long walks, and I'm told he loves swimming and boating. But as soon as he's got some "downtime," it doesn't take long before he makes himself comfortable and is happily snoozing away. In fact, he did this at the vet's office tonight while we were waiting in the exam room. He didn't just lie down with his head on his paws, but fully on his side like he didn't have a care in the world. No vet nerves for Leo!
Speaking of vets, Leo got a clean bill of health. He is already neutered and microchipped, up-to-date on shots, no ear infections, on heartworm preventative, and basically in great shape. He weighs 69 lbs, near perfect weight for him. I am going to follow up with a previous vet on a note in his records that indicated he might have mild displasia in his right hip. The RAGOM vet didn't see anything that would indicate a problem during the exam--no pain or limited range of motion--so I'll report back when I have more details on that.
As far as Leo's forever home is concerned... boy, he could probably fit right in to just about any household, but I've consulted with his previous owner and I think we both agree the IDEAL family would look something like this:
#1- Willing and able to give Leo tons and tons of love and affection -- he will give it all right back!
#2- Provide direction and structure in a very positive and gentle manner. This guy is not timid, but definitely has a gentle spirit that could be broken by harsh words or actions. He's a lover, not a fighter! :)
#3- An active family, that would help him maintain his great condition well into his senior years, and will give him lots of tennis ball time, as he loves to play fetch.
#4- He hasn't met kids yet with me, but reportedly loves them. I think he'd do great in a family with kids, young or old, because of his gentle nature. As long as they are taught to treat him with respect (he doesn't want to be a riding toy), he would be a wonderful playmate for kids.
#5- Other dogs -- at this point, I could go either way on this one. He certainly gets along well with other dogs, and is pretty submissive. He definitely follows my dog's lead, which is why I think he seemed to fit right in from the beginning. But if I had to call him either a "dog" dog or a "people" dog, he's without a doubt a "people" dog! So I wouldn't want his family to be one where the people are always gone, and want a second dog just to keep their first one company.
#6- Lastly, and less important... I was told he doesn't get up on furniture, but that hasn't been the case here... again, he follows my dog's lead. :) So I would certainly be thrilled to find him a family that will let him cuddle with them on the couch and/or in bed. He is just such a lovebug, how could you not???
So, there you have it... Leo the fabulous! Or, as his previous owner called him, Leo Handsome Pants!!! And that he is. Let placement
ragom [dot] org know if you want to meet this big, gorgeous Golden cuddlebug!
Leo is planning to attend the Petco event this coming Sunday, but if you want to meet him, let us know NOW, since I cannot guarantee he will still be available by then. He's already got the RAGOM volunteers all a-flutter, and we are getting lots of new applications thanks to Kare11's press coverage of last weekend's Yappy Hour. So don't wait for us to come to you... let placementragom [dot] org know if you could be the perfect forever family for Leo the Fabulous!
