Remember that Golden Retriever that you grew up with, or the one that your neighbors or friends owned? That gentle, friendly dog that always walked around with a tennis ball in his mouth, followed you from room to room, was always by your side, was good with people of all ages, shapes and sizes, cuddled with you to watch TV or when you needed a special friend, not an aggressive bone in his body? Remember that special dog you knew, the one who is the reason that you are eagerly looking for a Golden Retriever to call your own? He’s at my house now in the Twin Cities and he’s looking for you, too.

Mason was transported to Eden Prairie today (thanks RAGOM volunteers). He is the epitome of the Golden Retriever and a nicer boy you won’t meet. I broke every rule in the book when it comes to introducing my resident dogs to this sweet boy. I had him in the backyard and tried to open the door and let 1 dog out so we could have a calm meeting. However, it didn’t work. All four dogs pushed their way past me and came bounding out at Mason with Taffy in typical puppy fashion jumping at his face and my other three with their noses sniffing him to make sure he checked out ok. The dear boy took it all in good stride. Not a growl or snarl, although he did keep trying to turn his head so Taffy would quit jumping on him, and his legs were stuck because my dogs’ noses were “down there” so he couldn’t get away from Taffy’s jumping, but even with her puppy behavior, not a word out of him. I apologized to him profusely, and thankfully he is who he is and he was able to handle the rude doggy behavior (and the human stupidity) without a problem.

I take my Allie (5-year old female) on RAGOM home visits – she is a very friendly girl, we’ve had her from puppyhood, she has never been abused or neglected, and has been through obedience training, but sometimes you’d never know it. She is extremely gentle, but has some bad habits; she countersurfs and she’s scared of cats so will lunge at them to keep them away from her. Potential adoptive homes always say to me, “I want a dog like her.” I tell them that most of our rescued dogs have been neglected, and usually have some issues to work through, but with love and training they can become that perfect dog that you are looking for. Very likely they won’t be like my Allie at the beginning, but they will get there. Mason is my Allie only in male form (except I haven’t seen him countersurf yet). He doesn’t have the behaviors of being neglected and I credit his previous foster mom for that. She has obviously showered him with love and provided a wonderful foster home for him. He is relaxed, comfortable and very friendly, wanting only your attention and a tennis ball in his mouth. What else could you possibly want?

His previous foster mom says he’s not a good match for a home with cats and he does like to chase the squirrels and bunnies, so a fenced in yard is a must. He takes a couple of pills in his food to keep him from the possibility of having a seizure. Other than those minimal requirements, all he needs is someone who wants a best friend. Mason is truly a wonderful dog.

Mason prefers to ride shotgun, and obviously is NOT a backseat driver :)