Murray 11-116

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Profile

Meet Mr. Beautiful!!!  Murray is a 2 ½ – 3yr. old, 63 lb. Golden Retriever Mix (GR/ Siberian husky is our best guess) with the sweetest disposition!  Murray comes to us from another rescue group that felt Murray would excel in a foster home rather than at the shelter where he had been after being picked up as a stray over a year ago.  Thank you to our friends down south for getting this boy into RAGOM!  He is settling in perfectly with our pack and wiggling his way into our home and our hearts!

Murray is timid around humans (obviously has not had much socialization) but LOVES other dogs and follows their cues!  He met our resident dogs without issue and has been engaging them in play since arriving.  At this time, we know Murray will need another confident, playful dog in his life---he relies on our dogs to let him know it’s safe---be it to enter a room, walk the stairs, or to approach new humans when they show up.  He is very much like a Puppy Mill dog---trusting of dogs and learning to trust humans.

Murray has been to the vet and impressed everyone there and surprised Foster Mom when he walked right back with a stranger, got his shots, talked with the vet and proceeded back to the room without issue—HA!  Murray does need to put some weight on his frame due to a worm issue--both Hook and Whips--which he’s being treated for now. The vet would like to see him gain about 7 lbs---which would put him at a lean, but healthy weight of 70 lbs. Other than his weight & worms---Murray passed all his other tests and is a very happy, healthy, young doggie!  We are going to the groomer on Saturday for a buff and shine—like he needs to look any more beautiful than he already does right?

One reason Murray was at the last rescue so long was because he is said to be a little escape artist---able to clear a fence with little effort and so they required a 6’ fence for this boy. We do not have a 6’ fence and so the jury is still out on this requirement as Murray has done beautifully on a long leash with us.  We do have a 4’ fence that he is interested in, but when I call him, he turns away from it and comes to me.  I have no doubt that he would jump it in a heartbeat if we were not outside with him—but we are always outside with our dogs so he is content on his long trailing leash.  We started with a 25’ leash to give him some room to run—but still allowing us to grab hold if we need to.  He is now up to a 50’ leash that just trails on the ground as he runs with the other dogs.  So far—this has been a “safe” and manageable way to allow Murray his freedom with the other dogs but takes the “flight risk” out of the equation.  I’ve had Murray out in the unfenced area with the long leash and he’s been great…so a 6’ fence would be ideal—but not necessary.

And how does this ex-shelter, ex-stray dog do in the house you wonder?

Murray is crate-trained and loves his little “den”---definitely his “safe spot.”  He is crated for bedtime (for his comfort) for now and while we are at work.  When we are present, Murray has free roam to play with all the toys, wrestle with the dogs, and relax on a doggie bed or in his open door crate. Murray had just one “leg lift” on the first day in the house---but none since.   It took Murray about 12 hours to enter our home---he was not coming in no matter what we tempted him with and we feared he had never been in a house before (or trained to stay out)---but his will power finally ran out and that Father’s Day pork chop finally won him over!  Now Murray is quite comfortable as you can see and he’s learning all about being a family member!

We are very much enjoying this funny little boy and we know there is so much more to him!  So…we will keep you posted as he continues to come out of his shell more and more each day!  Keep an eye on Murray---he is something REALLY special!

At a Glance #11-116

Mixed Breed Born: April 2008
Male 80 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Meet Mr. Beautiful!!!  Murray is a 2 ½ – 3yr. old, 63 lb. Golden Retriever Mix (GR/ Siberian husky is our best guess) with the sweetest disposition!  Murray comes to us from another rescue group that felt Murray would excel in a foster home rather than at the shelter where he had been after being picked up as a stray over a year ago.  Thank you to our friends down south for getting this boy into RAGOM!  He is settling in perfectly with our pack and wiggling his way into our home and our hearts!

Murray is timid around humans (obviously has not had much socialization) but LOVES other dogs and follows their cues!  He met our resident dogs without issue and has been engaging them in play since arriving.  At this time, we know Murray will need another confident, playful dog in his life---he relies on our dogs to let him know it’s safe---be it to enter a room, walk the stairs, or to approach new humans when they show up.  He is very much like a Puppy Mill dog---trusting of dogs and learning to trust humans.

Murray has been to the vet and impressed everyone there and surprised Foster Mom when he walked right back with a stranger, got his shots, talked with the vet and proceeded back to the room without issue—HA!  Murray does need to put some weight on his frame due to a worm issue--both Hook and Whips--which he’s being treated for now. The vet would like to see him gain about 7 lbs---which would put him at a lean, but healthy weight of 70 lbs. Other than his weight & worms---Murray passed all his other tests and is a very happy, healthy, young doggie!  We are going to the groomer on Saturday for a buff and shine—like he needs to look any more beautiful than he already does right?

One reason Murray was at the last rescue so long was because he is said to be a little escape artist---able to clear a fence with little effort and so they required a 6’ fence for this boy. We do not have a 6’ fence and so the jury is still out on this requirement as Murray has done beautifully on a long leash with us.  We do have a 4’ fence that he is interested in, but when I call him, he turns away from it and comes to me.  I have no doubt that he would jump it in a heartbeat if we were not outside with him—but we are always outside with our dogs so he is content on his long trailing leash.  We started with a 25’ leash to give him some room to run—but still allowing us to grab hold if we need to.  He is now up to a 50’ leash that just trails on the ground as he runs with the other dogs.  So far—this has been a “safe” and manageable way to allow Murray his freedom with the other dogs but takes the “flight risk” out of the equation.  I’ve had Murray out in the unfenced area with the long leash and he’s been great…so a 6’ fence would be ideal—but not necessary.

And how does this ex-shelter, ex-stray dog do in the house you wonder?

Murray is crate-trained and loves his little “den”---definitely his “safe spot.”  He is crated for bedtime (for his comfort) for now and while we are at work.  When we are present, Murray has free roam to play with all the toys, wrestle with the dogs, and relax on a doggie bed or in his open door crate. Murray had just one “leg lift” on the first day in the house---but none since.   It took Murray about 12 hours to enter our home---he was not coming in no matter what we tempted him with and we feared he had never been in a house before (or trained to stay out)---but his will power finally ran out and that Father’s Day pork chop finally won him over!  Now Murray is quite comfortable as you can see and he’s learning all about being a family member!

We are very much enjoying this funny little boy and we know there is so much more to him!  So…we will keep you posted as he continues to come out of his shell more and more each day!  Keep an eye on Murray---he is something REALLY special!

Updates

Monday, August 1, 2011

Hi Murray Fans!!!

I know everyone is waiting to find out how the family visit went on Sunday! Murray met a wonderful family with 4 children and a great fur friend.  Murray and their doggie hit it off right away and the kids and parents were wonderful with Murray knowing it takes Murray a little time to warm up to new people.  Even though this "could have been" a match, we all realized that it would not have been the perfect match for Murray or the family;  and in the end, we agreed that Murray needs a little less active "forever" home.  So...on goes the search for this beautiful boy's forever family.

Murray continues to blossom with our crew.  He is very happy and much of that is because we have allowed him to "become" the dog he is meant to be...without expectation and without a timeline.  By allowing Murray to just relax,  "let his hair down," and exposing him to as many different situations, people, and other dogs as possible, we get to discover who he really is and what he needs to be comfortable and happy.  He teaches us something new about himself everyday and we love him for it!  Murray is such a wonderful dog and we know his family is out there...ready to give Murray the life he more than deserves so that he can continue to be the dog he was created to be. 

We have been so fortunate to watch him come out of his shell over the past 6 weeks.  There are little things he does to show us he's really comfortable and trusting of our family.  For example, Murray runs the whole yard with the other dogs, but when it's time to go in---he can have a stubborn streak in him so he runs off to the back as if he didn't hear you calling him.  I make a lap and of course he's faster than I am so I say, "OK Murray, I'm leaving without you...have a good night!" and I begin to walk back towards the house.  Not a minute goes by before a big fuzzy face is brushing up against my hand--totally precious!  Another cute sign of growth for Murray is he now loves to engage us "humans" in play. This is a HUGE step for Murray and he loves it!   We no longer crate Murray while we are away or at night as he's totally earned our confidence.  He's a very laid back young man and such a lover---in his own way---not your typical cuddle bug at all---but you know when you have worked your way into Murray's heart.  Murray shows you his love in very delicate ways---a little lick to the hand, a gentle brush up against your leg, a slight little head bump to your body or a head rest on your foot or on the arm of the couch.   It's so rewarding knowing what it takes for him to feel so comfortable and then to have him give you his love in such a meaningful way.   

While Murray seems content around children---the activity level is key.  We believe Murray's "forever family" will have a low key home, active lifestyle (walks, dog park visits, car rides to different places) and most importantly, another dog or multiple dogs in his home.   He loves to play with the young dogs, but he also likes the calm, confident nature of an older dog as well.   A physical fence would be great, but not totally necessary--as long as the owner is the type that is always outside with the dogs (using a trailing leash until boundaries are established and understood---allowing Murray space to run, explore, and play. Murray is not a fan of water---but I imagine the frozen kind is one of his favorite things to play in!

If you think you are Murray's long lost forever family---please contact us!  Someone out there is missing out on the most incredible dog!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hi Murray Fans! We just got back from a long walk with all 4 dogs----and I just have to say how proud I am of this boy! Murray is such a nice walker...after the first 2 blocks that is! His excitement is contagious and the little sled dog comes out as soon as we get through the gate...so hold on! But...in the matter of 2 blocks, Murray takes all the proper cues and falls right into line with the pack just like a Pro! He's so much fun to go on walks with because he LOVES other dogs and so it's fun to stop and visit with all the neighbor dogs. It was so beautiful out tonight that we took an extra long walk and Murray was in his glory every step of the way. When we returned, he crashed in the grass and enjoyed the rest of the night air with us. What a boy!

I received this picture from the shelter Murray was at when he first arrived there 15 months ago. A professional photographer wanted to take his picture....and you can see why----he's quite the little model!

Guess what? A very special family requested to meet our special boy and will be driving a long way with the whole family for a play date with Murray on Sunday. They have a little girl dog named Izzy and she is already sending Murray emails. Hmmm...do you think this could be a case of "puppy love?" We will keep you all posted...

Friday, July 22, 2011

Hi Friends!  It’s ME—Murray! Do you notice anything missing in this photo?

Yes…no more worms, but that’s not it. Yes…no more ear infections, but that’s not it. Look closer at the photos…do you see?

NO MORE long trailing leash! I’m FREE! YEAH! My foster family has been testing me for a couple of weeks now and I must have passed the big test! I still run up to the fence, but FM just says, “No Murray,” and back I come! I could jump that 4’ fence if I really wanted to, but why? I love hanging with my foster family—they are always out with me so really, fence or no fence…as long as my people are with me---I’m good!

Meet my new friend Andy---he was a RAGOM dog too! WE are dog sitting Andy this week and I’m in charge of making sure he knows his way around.

Did I tell you that Foster Mom thinks I was a CAT in a previous life---can you believe it? She says it’s a compliment, but I’m not buying it. She says I’m really gentle and sweet---never jumpy or aggressive; I’m playful, but not crazy like most young pups are, and I’m very patient and happy to wait my turn for treats or affection. She says I even eat like a cat—this I already know. Her most favorite thing about me is that I rub up against her with my whole body just like a cat does to show how much I love her and that she is mine. Maybe I’m GR/Cat mix??? I even run like a cat she says---Ughhh! Maybe she means a Big Cat—cuz I can live with that! FM is not sure if I’m good with cats yet, but the shelter said that I did want to play and chase them. Unfortunately, they also noted that I'm especially fond of chickens---yummy!     What? You eat chicken don’t you? 

I wonder if cats like ice cubes as much as I do.

Another thing I really like is being part of a loving family—it’s the very best thing I’ve ever experienced in my whole life! I sure hope there is a wonderful family out there that sees what a special boy I am. My foster fur-butt siblings tell me not to worry---my perfect family is looking for me right now…but sometimes it just takes awhile for them to find their way to "Hugo."

Well…I’ll just have to make the “best” of my current situation until my wonderful family finds me! Rough as it is...Right?

Did you know I did such a good job as Door Greeter at Chuck & Don’s last week that FM bought me a new toy. I really like playing Tug-o-War. Andy and I played a lot this week with a furry stuffed bunny---but I always let him win---he likes that and I like to play with him, so it’s a win/win!

We have a BIG family birthday party to get ready for this weekend so I will not be making any special appearances---but you know---if you’d like to meet me for a play-date—you just have to tell your Placement Advisor!

Well…Andy is calling, so I gotta run!

Love,

Murray

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Photos from Murray’s big Debut!!!

Murray is doing so well out in public!  He loves other dogs (as you know) and is getting more and more comfortable around 2-leggers everyday now. One thing that was reinforced at the event on Saturday was his need for another confident doggie in his forever home. I say this because when we first arrived, Murray followed me right in the store without hesitation (much progress from 3 weeks ago when I couldn’t get him through an unfamiliar doorway) but once inside, where there were no dogs he could see, he just sat down next to the door and wouldn’t move an inch. Of course, that is until RAGOM girl Ginger came over to greet him and then all was well, as you can see from the pictures. Once Murray knew he was in a safe place---obviously Ginger and the other RAGOM doggies filled him in---he turned into Mr. Greeter—making sure everyone was properly welcomed to Chuck & Don’s and to the RAGOM booth.

After our event---we had a play-date with Sam 11-010, Cooper, RAGOM alum Bauer and our crew!


Pool Party!


Anyone ready for a game of TAG?


The BOYS and the Referee

With all this new activity in his life, Murray has “lost” weight instead of gaining---now down to 61lbs—but the vet attributes that to a fun, new, active lifestyle and since he has some “working dog” breed in him---and he’s young—it’s most likely he’s just not a huge eater…just eating enough to keep him going.  We are offering him food more often right now just to make sure it’s there when he’s hungry.  We are also treating a couple little ear infections…but you’d never even know he has them---he’s such a happy boy!

Murray wanted me to let his forever family know that he’s still looking for them, and even though he is having a ball at his foster home, he’s dreaming of the day when he can settle in to his Forever Home with his new family. If you are interested in meeting this wonderful boy, just let us know!

Murray will be out at the Roseville Chuck & Don’s event from 11-1 this Saturday!  Come out and say, “HI!”

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Hi Murray Fans!!!  What a hit the Lake was with Murray and Murray with the Lake!

We had a great time introducing Murray to a whole new world. He took everything in stride, watched Miley (our Resident Golden, and ex-puppy mill momma) for cues, learned that the water was OK and people were only there to pet him. It sure didn't take him long to figure out the people thing....and of course with dogs at almost every campsite, Murray was in heaven!

Here are some pictures of Murray's Lake Adventure:


"Chillin' with Miley on the ride up to the Lake"

"Ahhhh, I can get used to this"

"All pooped out"

Murray did meet a very nice family on Saturday that had an older dog as the resident. It soon became apparent that Murray's puppy antics and playfulness with other dogs proved to be a bit much for this older gent. The best part was that between the Lake experience and his first family meeting, we feel we have a pretty good idea what Murray is looking for in his forever home.

Murray's forever home wish list:

  • a playful, confident, fun resident dog that loves to play chase and wrestle is a must
  • an active family, or a runner in the family, or a family willing to provide a place where Murray can run and play with his people present.  An open field will be perfect once bonded and with a long trailing lead
  • fence is optional---but a tie-out/long lead is a must for the first few weeks until Murray "wants" to stay and is happy with his new family. Murray is not bothered by the long trailing leash and it's not tied to anything---it just allows us to grab if needed. He's getting better at recall and makes a game of it---he's so happy to please you and get pets. He did fantastic up at the Lake all day on a lead with no issues.
  • a family willing to provide love, patience, and a safe environment for Murray to continue to blossom.
  • Murray is potty trained, can be trusted with free roam, likes his crate as a "den" but has been good with free roam when left alone for a few hours. Of course--any training his new family can give him will be a total bonus as Murray is such a great dog and with some recall training will be just about as perfect as they come.
  • Murray likes to go for car rides, hang his head out the window and he especially likes to meet dogs everywhere he goes. And he LOVES going for walks!! (pulls on the walk out---walks very nice on the walk back)
  • His "perfect" family match would be ok with Murray sleeping on the couch or bed :) HA!

If the list above describes you and your family---there is a very special dog waiting to meet you and his name is Murray 11-116! Please let your placement advisor know that you might just be the family Murray is dreaming about!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Hi Friends!  It’s ME—Murray J

This is my favorite foster bother Shadow.  Foster Mom started calling me “Shadow’s shadow” because I follow my buddy everywhere.  I really like playing with the other dogs too, but I especially like Shadow…I think it’s because he has that “fatherly” feel to him.

Guess what?  Foster Mom removed one of my long leashes last night.  She says I’m doing so well with running in the yard and feeling safe that I don’t have to run with such a long leash anymore----I’m down to 25’---Wahooo!  You see---I kinda like it here---these 2-leggers are really good to me and I love my doggie friends too.  The food is pretty good and I really like the petting and belly rubs.  So---why run away?  I do go and stand by the fence—you know---old habits are hard to break---but as soon as I hear the dogs playing or the 2-leggers calling me----I come looking for the fun.

My foster family has been soooo impressed with me this week that they are taking me up to the Lake for the holiday---just like everyone else!  I’m not sure what the “Lake” is, but I’ll be sure to report back when we return.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!  Foster mom isn’t worried about the fireworks with me because I slept right through that last big storm we had and there is a gun range my by foster house and I don’t even flinch.  The only thing I’m still a little scared of is really quick movements---they startle me a bit, does that ever happen to anyone else?

Well---I better go find Shadow before he realizes his shadow is missing.

Talk to you soon!

Murray
11-116

Monday, June 27, 2011

Hi Friends!!!  Just wanted to send you a little update on the Murr-muffin!

Murray has been with us for exactly a week now and has relaxed so much in the last two days! He is even giving out kisses to the dogs AND to us now!!! He loves to be rubbed and even leaned into me for a body hug this morning! YEAH!!!

Murray has mastered the interior stairs and has found some comfy spots to call his own---outside of his crate!

We had a doggie playdate yesterday with the Wookie (Sam 11-010) and Murray had a blast! Sammy's parents knew Murray was a bit people shy and so acted accordingly and this made Murray very comfortable. We then wisked him off to the groomer and ---ohhhhh, does he look so handsome!!! Murray captured everyone's heart at the groomers and they couldn't get over how beautiful he is! Some of his feathering had to be buzzed away due to some big mats---and though he looks kinda funny on the rear end---he is adorable!!

Murray continues to do great on the long trailing leash and is having a ball running with the dogs. Last night he had a case of the "zoomies" and took off running in our yard so fast we couldn't keep up and so one of us went one way and one went the other hoping that Murray at least stayed within the fence---and when we both came around back to the house, there he was...standing by the back door waiting for us to let him in! HA!!!! What a good boy!

We are hoping Murray's worm issue is done (recheck next week) and he can get on with gaining some weight. He eats like a bird and so we've been enticing him with chicken noodle and rice soup over his food and that has been a hit. I also started him on a high calorie, high protein, high quality food and he loves it so we are hopeful that he is feeling better and will begin to fill out that beautiful frame.

Murray is a very gentle spirit and one that has so much love to offer! We can't believe how much he's relaxed since arriving and we just look forward to seeing how he continues to blossom. If you are looking for a sweet peanut to give your loving, gentle home and family to---Murray wants to meet you!