Nugget 12-279

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Introducing the cutest little guy ever - adorable Mr. Nugget! Nugget is a 10 yr old, 47# neutered male, and our vet believes that he is an English setter, possibly mixed with some form of retriever. Well, whatever he is, he's absolutely gorgeous, and we're thrilled to welcome him as our newest RAGOM foster! Nugget (aka Lug-Nut) is quite the package: soft, silky pure white coat, with absolutely beautiful tan markings. Pitch black eyes that just sparkle with fun. A goofy little smile that just doesn't stop! You can't help but fall in love immediately!

Nugget had lived with the same family his entire life, after having been found wandering in their yard as a young pup. He was quite obviously loved and cared for, but unfortunately his owner died, and there was no one else left to care for him. In stepped a good samaritan, and Nugget was on his way into RAGOM - lucky boy! He has now been to the vet, and is UTD on all vaccinations and preventatives. He is heartworm negative, fecal negative, and has been microchipped. He is currently having some issues with either allergies or reaction to the flea treatment he had prior to coming into RAGOM - slightly infected skin, drippy eyes, and a minor bilateral ear infection. He will be treated for this for the next two weeks with a prednisone taper to calm everything down, as well as antibiotics for his skin, eyes, and ears, and is already doing much better. He takes his medicine with no problems whatsoever and stands by calmly when I put his eye and ear drops in - what a treat!

Though Lug-Nut is approximately 10 years old, he acts like a dog half that age - I seem to have a special gift of acquiring seniors that act like adolescents! He has a very good energy level, and absolutely loves going on our twice daily walks. He pulls on a flat leash, so I will start working on a gentle lead with him, but weighing only 47#, it's not much of a problem anyway! He does not appear to have any separation anxiety and had no trouble at all when we had a fairly loud storm a few days ago. (He wasn't very happy, however, when our neighbor's tractor mower backfired....poor little guy started shaking like a leaf!!!) He gets along great with the resident puppers, Belle & Bear, loves people of all shapes and sizes, and has had no issues with meeting the parade of dogs that live and socialize in our neighborhood. Cats are unknown, but I can get him cat-tested if necessary. He is housetrained, and either has been going to the door, or acting antsy if he needs to go outside. He does not like a crate, but I've had no trouble with him with free roam. He sleeps like a trooper all night long up in our bedroom, on the floor next to our bed. He's a very smart boy, and extremely treat motivated. He doesn't appear to know any commands other than "sit" and coming when called, but we'll see what else we can learn while he's in foster care. He hasn't played with any toys yet, though does love rawhides and hard bones!

Nug is one of the most gentle little souls that I've ever had the pleasure to foster, and doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body. He will make a wonderful dog for someone with or without kids, and he'd be fine either with or without other dogs - he is most interested in being with his people. He'd be perfect for someone looking for a bit of a smaller dog, plus he doesn't appear to shed the way the resident dogs do - a definite bonus! He will need someone fairly active, who likes to be outside and take him for walks, as he has a lot of years left in him - again, do not think he is a sleepy senior! But he's also absolutely terrific at curling up at your feet, and taking a well deserved snooze. He absolutely loves being outside, so will either need a fenced yard, or someone willing to keep him completely safe until he is trained to his boundaries. This is one fabulous boy - if you're the perfect family just for him - and I absolutely know there is one waiting out there for him - please contact your placement advisor!

At a Glance #12-279

Mixed Breed Born: March 2002
Male 75 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

 

Introducing the cutest little guy ever - adorable Mr. Nugget! Nugget is a 10 yr old, 47# neutered male, and our vet believes that he is an English setter, possibly mixed with some form of retriever. Well, whatever he is, he's absolutely gorgeous, and we're thrilled to welcome him as our newest RAGOM foster! Nugget (aka Lug-Nut) is quite the package: soft, silky pure white coat, with absolutely beautiful tan markings. Pitch black eyes that just sparkle with fun. A goofy little smile that just doesn't stop! You can't help but fall in love immediately!

Nugget had lived with the same family his entire life, after having been found wandering in their yard as a young pup. He was quite obviously loved and cared for, but unfortunately his owner died, and there was no one else left to care for him. In stepped a good samaritan, and Nugget was on his way into RAGOM - lucky boy! He has now been to the vet, and is UTD on all vaccinations and preventatives. He is heartworm negative, fecal negative, and has been microchipped. He is currently having some issues with either allergies or reaction to the flea treatment he had prior to coming into RAGOM - slightly infected skin, drippy eyes, and a minor bilateral ear infection. He will be treated for this for the next two weeks with a prednisone taper to calm everything down, as well as antibiotics for his skin, eyes, and ears, and is already doing much better. He takes his medicine with no problems whatsoever and stands by calmly when I put his eye and ear drops in - what a treat!

Though Lug-Nut is approximately 10 years old, he acts like a dog half that age - I seem to have a special gift of acquiring seniors that act like adolescents! He has a very good energy level, and absolutely loves going on our twice daily walks. He pulls on a flat leash, so I will start working on a gentle lead with him, but weighing only 47#, it's not much of a problem anyway! He does not appear to have any separation anxiety and had no trouble at all when we had a fairly loud storm a few days ago. (He wasn't very happy, however, when our neighbor's tractor mower backfired....poor little guy started shaking like a leaf!!!) He gets along great with the resident puppers, Belle & Bear, loves people of all shapes and sizes, and has had no issues with meeting the parade of dogs that live and socialize in our neighborhood. Cats are unknown, but I can get him cat-tested if necessary. He is housetrained, and either has been going to the door, or acting antsy if he needs to go outside. He does not like a crate, but I've had no trouble with him with free roam. He sleeps like a trooper all night long up in our bedroom, on the floor next to our bed. He's a very smart boy, and extremely treat motivated. He doesn't appear to know any commands other than "sit" and coming when called, but we'll see what else we can learn while he's in foster care. He hasn't played with any toys yet, though does love rawhides and hard bones!

Nug is one of the most gentle little souls that I've ever had the pleasure to foster, and doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body. He will make a wonderful dog for someone with or without kids, and he'd be fine either with or without other dogs - he is most interested in being with his people. He'd be perfect for someone looking for a bit of a smaller dog, plus he doesn't appear to shed the way the resident dogs do - a definite bonus! He will need someone fairly active, who likes to be outside and take him for walks, as he has a lot of years left in him - again, do not think he is a sleepy senior! But he's also absolutely terrific at curling up at your feet, and taking a well deserved snooze. He absolutely loves being outside, so will either need a fenced yard, or someone willing to keep him completely safe until he is trained to his boundaries. This is one fabulous boy - if you're the perfect family just for him - and I absolutely know there is one waiting out there for him - please contact your placement advisor!

Updates

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

 

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful Nugget. I wish I had added some updates in the past 3 1/2 years, but sometimes you think that you will have forever. Forever came much too soon, and I am finding it hard to accept he is no longer at my feet.

My Nugget developed a lot of anxieties over the years, and though we tried very hard, we were never able to get them totally under control. That being said, even with his fears, his life was happy and full. He preferred simply being "at home," and since I work for the most part from home, he was able to spend many contented hours with his fiercely devoted mom. He was also totally devoted to his fur siblings, Bear and Belle, and was never too far from either of them. We always laughed that he was Belle's "minion," as whenever she wanted something, he let out a sharp bark to alert us to her needs. I miss those barks, and even Belle seems baffled by the silence.

Though Nugget wasn't always fond of foster dogs in our house, there were some moments that will stay in my heart forever. For a brief period of time, we fostered beautiful Annie, the grand dame from a terrible breeding situation. She was terrified beyond words, and something in her reached out and touched my Nug. More times than not, we found him protectively and quietly guarding her crate, and I know she found comfort from his presence. Nug also thrived with foster, Red, because truly, was there a soul out there that could resist the Old Pirate? And finally, there was my last foster, little Wilson. Nuggie and Wilson were like soul brothers, bonded at the hip, and it was rare to see one without the other. You couldn't help but smile and laugh when you saw the joy they found in each other.

I wish he could have stayed with us longer, but his mind continued to fail him, and finally his body joined in and did the same. So many times, we have to make that heartbreaking decision to let them go, and let them go with their pride and dignity intact. Though part of me still aches with the decision, I do know that it was the right thing to do. His last day on this earth was full of joy, with non-stop spoiling and cuddling, lots of delicious and naughty food, and incredibly priceless time spent outside with his siblings, letting his nose lead him wherever it could. That was always one of his favorite things to do.

We held him tightly in those last minutes, and told him that better things were to come, and that our dogs who had already crossed would be there to meet and show him the ropes....Murphy, Lucky, Dukie, Red, and of course, Wilson. My heart aches and will ache for a long time to come, but I do smile and find some peace, knowing he is romping happily around the Rainbow Bridge with his nose to the ground and his tail high, strong in mind and body once again. I love you and will never forget you, my sweet Nugget ...run free and strong until we meet again.

 

 

Friday, October 5, 2012

Hello, everyone! Nugget here, and I have the best news EVER!! I have been adopted - and guess what, I get to stay right where I am!!!  FM and FD are now MOM and DAD, and I have 2 human siblings, and 2 fur siblings, and life couldn't get any better!

Mom says it ended up being very simple: sometimes a dog comes along that your heart just tells you to keep.  And I guess that lucky dog was little old non-golden retriever me. Mom always remembers the first night she saw me at Auntie Patty's house, and she said, "What's that??" There was tiny, trembling me, not looking like a golden retriever at all, and oh so very scared. I wouldn't even look up, and wouldn't even move, and  I think she fell in love with me right then and there. 

Well, just know I'm a very happy boy, and rest assured that I will live out my "golden" years with an abundance of of love, attention, walks, and treats!  Mom promises she'll write an update about me at my year anniversary, but in the meantime, enjoy these pictures of me at the farm!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Hello, everyone - Nug here! I had the best Saturday ever, and just have to take a moment before gulping down my supper to tell you about it! First off, I got to go to a really fun 3K walk in the morning with all sorts of family members to benefit the arthritis foundation.  It was absolutely awesome, with tons of sniffables, and everybody told me how absolutely gorgeous I was!  I also got lots of dog treats, little bits of hot dog, and a nice lady also gave me her entire banana after I tried out my best pathetic look on her!  She was even going to give me another one, but FM put her foot down, and said I'd had more than enough for one morning. What a kill joy she is.

Anyway, we then hopped into the car, and guess where we went? You got it - GOLDZILLA 2012!!! That was the most fun I've ever had in my whole life!  There were dogs EVERYWHERE, and I got to sniff and hang out with all of them, including some of FM's previous fosters (geez, you should've seen her gush all over them as if they were celebrities or something!)  I also met a ton of people, all of whom gave me pets and again told me how gorgeous I was, and guess what - I even got more treats!   FM thought you all might enjoy some pictures of me living it up at Goldzilla, so here they are!

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put Goldzilla together, and also thank you to all the wonderful people who came to see all of us foster dogs - we're very lucky that you love us so much!!!  Another 2 day event is coming up this weekend at Petco in Apple Valley, so check back later this week to see what times I'll be there!! I'd love to see you and snuggle on your lap!

Friday, September 14, 2012

Nugget has graciously relinquished the computer to me today, so it's time for an update from FM!! First off, I'm very happy to report that Nug's stitches are out, the life preserver around his neck is gone, and all is looking great!!

I'm also very happy to share that his nighttime "anxiety" issues have totally gone away - he happily crashes on the floor next to the bed at night, and doesn't get up until morning. And oh, he is so very sweet when he greets the new day! His tail thumps like mad, he wiggles all over, and he gets the goofiest little grin on his face - what a love he is! I was all set to dismantle his little "safe" corner, but foster brother Bear has decided it looks pretty darn comfy and has happily taken over the spot - at least we were able to get rid of the nightlight!

Nuggie is much more into toys than he used to be, and digs with glee into the toy bin. I'd love to have more soft toys around for him, as he totally fell in love with one at Auntie Patty's house, but foster sister Belle doesn't think soft toys deserve to live, so we have to make do with what we have. He also is TOTALLY in love with tennis balls, and we're adding some rousing games of fetch to our routine every day. He's not so good about handing the ball back over yet, but he's learning!

Most important to Nugget, however, is his people. The little guy is a total velcro dog, and when we're home, he absolutely has to be with us at all times. He LOVES to sit on laps, and happily snuggles in for a good cuddle whenever we let him! He's not a couch potato, and doesn't try to get on the bed, but wherever we are in the house, you can be pretty sure Nug isn't far behind!

I did cat test him yesterday, and it was actually the funniest thing ever. I should've seen it coming since he was afraid of the cat statue at the vet's office. Well, Lug-Nut was totally afraid, and almost dove behind my back so that the big bad kitty cat (sorry, Snickers) wouldn't get him! So - I'd have to say at this point in time he has no cat aggression (!), and it is our thought that he would get along with a resident cat just fine, once he got used to him/her!

Since he is far cuter in person than his pictures show, Nug is going to start attending events in the next several weeks. We'll be in Rochester this upcoming Saturday for Slobberfest, and will also be attending Goldzilla on Saturday, 9/22. There is also a weekend event 9/29-9/30 at the Apple Valley Petco, so given that's just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our house, we'll be there too! Please come out and see my Nugget and all the other wonderful RAGOM dogs!!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Nug here!!  Wow, those pictures of me above are really pathetic - I really know how to work it, don't I??  Well, to be be totally honest, I wasn't feeling very well at all, and that cone made me really sad:

But then nice Auntie Karen brought over a really neat new collar for me to try, and now I'm feeling much better!   I can use it as a pillow when I'm sleeping, and guess what else? The neighbors all saw me and said what a lucky dog I was, since I have my very own personal flotation device! I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it must be a good thing, since they all had big smiles on their faces...

FM said we needed to update people about what's going on with me, and obviously, I'm the best one to do that! So here we go:

  • My skin and ear infections are all but cleared up, and I should be done with all my meds shortly. I have no other medical issues at all - I'm just a prime specimen!
  • I will get my stitches out of my eye in about another week, and then that should be good to go too!
  • I have had no accidents in the house, and go to the door like a good boy when I need to go outside! (Or I get really antsy, but FM has that figured out too.)
  • I LOVE LOVE LOVE going for walks, and am getting much better on my flat leash, though I still pull a bit. FM says I'm just a little dude though, so it doesn't really bother her very much!  I have lots of energy and can walk really far!
  • I'm not so wild about car rides, though it's slowly getting better. FM says it's really hard when she doesn't know very much about my background, because she doesn't know why I feel that way. I'm not crazy and loud, I just get really quiet and curl up in a corner and quiver. But we're taking lots of small trips, to fun places in happy happy Apple Valley that give us things like treats and pup cups, so I'm slowly starting to decide that it's not so bad after all! Plus, the resident fur butts act like it's Christmas every time the car keys come out, so that must mean it's kind of good!
  • I kind of like to make friends with things like pillows on the floor, if you know what I mean, but FM has been a big meanie and has picked them all up, so I can't do that so much anymore.I don't do that with people or other dogs, which FM says is a good thing. I tell you, this place just has one rule after another. 
  • Storms don't bother me at all. Vacuum  cleaners definitely do!
  • I don't appear to have any separation anxiety, and things are where they should be when FM comes home. (And if they're not, I'm quick to point a paw at Belle and Bear.....)
  • I do have something that FM has labeled bedtime anxiety. Again, not knowing exactly what my situation was before coming into RAGOM, she can't quite figure out what is bugging me, but I tend to get a little wound up and nervous when it's time to go to sleep at night. That's getting lots better too, and I have my very own blanket and nightlight in a special corner of the bedroom, and that helps a whole lot! Once asleep, I'm out cold for the rest of the night - a guy has to get his sleep, don't you know!
  • I am REALLY a Velcro boy - wow am I ever! FM can't even move in her chair without me popping up to see where we're going! 

Finally, I'm going to take charge of making a special plea today, because FM is no good at doing this sort of thing. In case you didn't know, my eye surgery was pretty expensive. Lucky and Dok also had it done this month, and Faith/Ella will be having it shortly. Due to the generosity of RAGOM, we were all able to have it done without a second thought, and we'll all be feeling so much better really soon. Would you consider donating for our care, or even sponsoring one of us? I know it would really be very much appreciated. If you're interested, please go to: http://ragom.org/shop/donat.html 

Well, that should be enough for now! FM did say to tell you that I am a REALLY good boy, and would make a perfect dog for someone looking for a bit of a smaller guy! Remember that I don't act 10 at all, and still have lots of energy and fun and love left in me, so won't you consider making me your forever boy? This is a really nice place to hang out and I'm very happy and loved here, but I do know my real family is out there somewhere, looking just for me. If you think you belong to me, and I belong to you, please contact your placement advisor - tell them Lug-Nut is waiting just for you!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Just a short update on my sweet Lug-Nut!! He went in for entropion eye surgery today, and is resting relatively comfortably at home again tonight. The lower eyelid on poor Nug's right eye was turning inward, rubbing against his eye, and making it red, irritated, and very sensitive. Yes, he's unfortunately lived with that condition for ten years, but thanks to RAGOM and my favorite people at VCA Richfield, he'll now be feeling oh so much better in the near future!! But in the meantime, I can't say that my poor little guy is very happy with the dreaded cone!!

  

Check back soon for further updates! :)

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Hello, everyone - Nugget here!! Figured it was time that I got a chance to talk, since this page is supposed to be all about ME!

First off, we need to drop the Lug-Nut stuff. I don't know where FM comes up with these funny names, but I just don't think that is very flattering at all. However, I probably haven't helped matters much , because I smile and wag my tail and come running no matter what name she uses, but hey, a special guy like me needs all the attention he can get!

Next, I want you all to know that I'm doing MUCH better walking on my flat leash. I'm a little guy, so I really don't pull very hard anyways, but you just have to understand that there are so many good things to sniff and explore on our walks!  Well anyway, FM says she'll give me a little more time on the flat leash before trying a gentle lead, whatever that is. For all you wonderful families out there that might be thinking about me, please know that I'm really a good, well-behaved boy inside, but WOW - I absolutely love being outside!  I have the best "sniffer" nose in the whole wide world!

My "allergies" or whatever they may have been are settling down due to all the medicine FM has me on, and I'll luckily be done with all of that in another week or so. FM says that due to my prednisone, I eat like there's no tomorrow. Well, is that my fault? I didn't ask to be put on this stuff! If anyone is listening, could you please lodge a complaint with whoever is in charge of this outfit so that I can get some more food? Aren't there some rules about this sort of thing? For goodness sakes, she's even adding green vegetables to my kibble to help fill me up - help me!

Though I really truly do love people the best, I am getting along great with my foster siblings, the alpha one they call Princess Belle or Zena, Warrior Princess, and then a sweet guy like me named Bear (though they call him Hank the farm dog an awful lot.) He kind of rubs my nose in things sometimes though, because he says he was adopted by FM and FD, and is their forever boy, whereas I'm just here until I find my forever home. Well, hey, that's not very nice! What if I want to stay too?  Anyway, I've also met zillions of dogs in the neighborhood on our walks, big dogs, little dogs, yappy dogs, you name it, and I get along with each and every one of them.

FM said I do have to share my one "unique" quality with you. Though I can eat in a nice long row with my foster siblings, and nobody bugs anybody else for each other's food, I do absolutely 100% want to have my own water bowl. Seriously, you should see what that group bowl looks like after Hank has been there.........eeeewwww.  So, I have my very own water bowl next to the residents' water bowl, and I'm as happy as can be!  I don't think that's so much to ask, do you?

Well,I have to get packing, because FM and FD are going out of town for the next several days, so I get to go back to the people who took care of me overnight when I first came into RAGOM! I'm really excited, because they were super nice people, and their dogs were really nice too....and I'm thinking and hoping that maybe, just maybe, they'll let me have a little more food - HOORAY! Check back for more updates soon - I'm sure I'll have lots to tell you! In the meantime, if you're thinking that maybe I'm the little lovebug just for you, please contact your placement advisor, and we can get together and see if we're a perfect match! (PS - Just make sure to bring treats - I love treats!)

Lots of Love, Nugget