Marvin 21-041
Profile
At a Glance #21-041
| Mixed Breed | Born: February 2012 |
| Male | 94 lbs |
Status: Adopted
Profile
Updates
Saturday, July 24, 2021
I have had the privilege of fostering Marvin for four months. He is the sweetest and most loving dog, with anxieties that were a challenge to figure out. Once learning what led to those anxieties and then to help avoid getting him in those situations resulted in his true quirky and funny self to prosper.
I really didn't have to do anything except to remove those anxieties. Marvin was already one who was willing to please, love on anyone he met, and of course to receive pets and then more pets. And now, he has a place to call home.
I'm so happy for him and also his new family. They already love him so very much!!!
Monday, June 14, 2021
I went for my first boat ride and enjoyed the wind in my face, smelling every scent there was to smell. When we slowed down, I noticed a couple red and white balls in the side cubby and wondered if they were for me. Wasn't that nice of my foster parents to bring a couple red and white balls for me?
My curious self walked over to sniff them and boy were they delicious smelling. When my foster parents cast them in the water, I wanted to jump in to get them; I was quite excited, actually (they don't call me a retriever for nothing). I jumped in. I know they would be proud of me!
Swimming was so fun and the water was pretty satisfying, but more importantly, I retrieved one of the balls for them. What I didn't realize was how I was going to get back in the boat. Where did the dock go? Where are the steps? And why can't I get on top of the water to jump back in the boat?
I kept the ball in my mouth while my foster Dad pulled me straight up out of the water and into the boat. He's gotta be pretty strong, because I'm not the tiniest dog on the planet! Both my foster Mom and Dad were laughing and I'm guessing it's because they were proud of me for retrieving the ball for them.
I stood there and shook off the excess water right in front of them. I figured they would want to enjoy the water as much as I did. They thought it best to bring in the other ball and continue to allow me to sniff the breeze as we cruised on.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
I have fostered Marvin now for two months, which has given me time to get to know him.
Marvin is an aging dog with lots of love to hand out and kisses to give. He is a large, strong boy with some very loveable quirks. He’s curious about everything I do and always wants to be by my side.
Enjoying outside is the life Marvin prefers everyday. He enjoys sniffing around the yard along with laying in the grass, watching life or chasing a ball. Having a fenced yard would be preferred but not necessary as long as he would have a tie up. He has darted off a couple times for no reason (to me but maybe he saw a rabbit?).
My husband and I have a cabin and ultimately, that’s where Marvin loves it the most. He’s outside just about all day and can jump in the lake when he wants. He usually is ready for bed around 6 p.m. and breakfast no sooner than 9 a.m.
When I’m home, I will take Marvin for a 2-3 mile hike. I will gauge whether we walk that day on how tired and/or sore he was the night before and the morning of.
Marvin is good with all kinds of dogs. He doesn’t wrestle, but will let them sniff him and will either run around with them or walk away.
Because Marvin doesn’t like a lot of busy-ness or a lot of noise, I’m thinking a home without children would be ultimate. Marvin enjoys people of all ages, but for his home, a quieter one would be best. Because he loves to be outside in the yard watching life, being at the cabin, and a more quiet atmosphere, I do not think he'd do well living in an apartment.
I can’t emphasize enough about the strength Marvin has. He is very strong and will need one who is able to handle him. I really don’t think Marvin knows how big and strong he is. He’s like a little puppy running up to you to say, “Here I am”, but because of his size and strength he seems to be forceful when he approaches!!
Marvin is a loveable, funny, quirky and sometimes klutzy dog and would be a wonderful companion to anyone that can meet his needs.
Sunday, April 18, 2021
My foster family has been helping me understand what “too far” means. I am always leashed during my walks, as I don't always listen to my foster mom and dad but I do like to get way ahead of them. I'll just be minding my own business smelling the grass, leaves, and dirt and I'll hear “too far.”
At first, I didn’t care what it meant. But I found out it's for my own safety; my foster family doesn’t want me to be “too far” away from them. I think they just walk too slow. By the end of the week, each time they said, “too far,” I knew what they meant and did as instructed. They keep telling me I’m a smart boy. I don’t even know what that means!
I do see squirrels and birds while on our walks (and at home) but I would rather sniff around. Once, I heard a very loud noise and it startled me. I stopped walking immediately, picked my head up, listened and looked around. I thought maybe I would see a bone fall from the sky! I continued to sniff around.
We’re still working on “sit” and “wait.” I have it mastered as I receive my food but now my foster family is using those commands for other things such as when they open a door or when I’m in the car wanting to get out. I’m doing better but still need to learn patience.
Sunday, April 11, 2021
I moved to a new foster home and love to sniff all the new smells. The new noises I hear always get my attention and I just want to know what is going on. My foster family shows me what they’re doing but then I decide I don’t need to help.
I am learning to sit and wait before my foster family puts my food dish down and I am finding out this helps me settle down so that I don’t eat so fast. I’ll even lay down to eat! I sit and wait for them to put my leash on, too. If I could, I’d give myself a pat on the back!
Oooo and car rides—I love car rides! If the ride is a little longer, it makes me so sleepy. I just fall asleep and wake up when we’ve arrived.
Did I tell you that in the morning I love to sleep in? If you get moving around too early, you’ll hear me groan but don’t let that fool you. I’m always happy to see you and give kisses! I give lots of kisses.
I am playful but just for a short time. I am a good boy with other dogs. Young children are usually intimidated by my size but all I want to do is see if they have a treat and give them kisses. Older children think I’m pretty cute and love to pet my soft fur.
Saturday, March 20, 2021
It's been quite a week for Marvin!
Marvin went in for his neuter and dental work on Monday during the big snowstorm. Rochester to Kasson got 8 inches of slushy snow! Foster Mom went out in the storm to pick him up at the end of the day. Marvin was quite confused by the sudden change in weather but he loves eating snow! He's adjusting to having to wear the cone and uses it as a scoop to get more snow in his face.
Marvin's long walks have been curtailed because of the surgery but he's just doing shorter ones.
New experiences for Marvin this week:
- Meeting some of Foster Mom's friends. He sits nicely and gets pets.
- Working on loose-leash walking with Foster mom. He is learning that if he comes back to Foster Mom, the treats are really good!
He is so happy to come out of his crate at the end of the day and get his cone off. Once that energy gets burned off a little, he is happy to curl up with Foster Mom and watch TV or watch her sew.
Next week will be his second treatment for hookworms and he will get his heartworm preventive medicine.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
If you are looking for a canine coach as a trainer for your next 5K race, perhaps you need to meet Marvelous Marvin.
Marvin came to RAGOM as a stray from central Minnesota where he was picked up and brought into the Humane Society, but no one came for him. I wish he could talk because this boy has some stories to tell! Marvin is a big guy, weighing 94 pounds, and is pure muscle.
Initially he was a little confused over his obvious stroke of good luck after leaving the Humane Society and ending up at my house a week ago, but seems to be settling in and is showing improvements every day.
He spends the night in his crate—a big one! —without problems. When he first comes out of the crate, in typical Golden fashion, he likes to have something soft in his mouth. At first it was my slipper, but it’s now one of his stuffed toys.
He is crated during the day and seems to do fine while I am at work. I leave the radio on for him for company and check on him at lunchtime. He is a big fan of his Kong when it’s filled with peanut butter and frozen.
He didn’t bark for the first four days. Now he only seems to bark sporadically if he needs to alert foster mom. He hasn’t barked at the doorbell.
Marvin had his initial vet check on Monday. He is estimated to be about 9 years old. He was given all of his immunizations, microchipped, and sent home with treatment for hookworms. Marvin will be going back to the vet on Monday, March 15 as he will need dental work and needs to be neutered.
Marvin has been walking 5+ miles daily with me, and we have been working on his manners. He is learning "sit," "wait," "down," "kennel up," and "relax." He loves attention and treats! He is very smart and seems to remember everything. Being in an obedience class would help him build more confidence and be a better housemate.
Marvin has an endearing habit of "chomping" when he's excited. Because of this, older children (age 13+) are recommended. He can be mouthy but is learning to be "gentle" or wait for treats and toys. He’s been very calm and polite when we meet people out on the walking trails.
Once Marvin is recovering from surgery, we will work on introducing him to other dogs, but so far have been letting him settle in and adjust. When we know how he reacts to other dogs, we’ll provide an update.
We don't have a cat so I am unable to test him. But he seems to have a bit of a prey drive, so living with a cat might not be in the cat's best interest.
Due to his history, a physical fence is preferred. But this is optional as long as Marvin’s family has a plan to keep him safe.
He’s a sweet boy that loves to be near his people. He likes playing with toys, will shred a stuffed one to get to the squeaker, and can catch a tennis ball in the air.
