November 18, 2010

Welcome back Parker! What a handsome, good boy! Parker was surrendered back to RAGOM because the owner’s life has changed and he can no longer care for him properly. His housemate Goldie 07-085 was also surrendered and is now in foster care.

Parker had been with his adoptive family for 2 years. He is 3-1/2 years old, born March 17, 2007. Yes, a St Patrick's baby. He is neutered and healthy. Yesterday we went to the Vet for his check up. Parker weighed in at 85 pounds. The doctor thought a good weight for Parker would be somewhere around 65 pounds for his build. He is UTD on his vaccines and I have past vet records confirming this.

Now on to the good stuff about Parker. WOW is all I have to say. He is an amazing boy. Parker has been with us for a little over 2 days. This is our first foster dog so our family wasn't sure what to expect as every dog is different. Our family has 2 children ages 12 and 10, along with a resident dog, Ditka, he is a 1-1/2 year old Toller. He is so good with the girls! No worries there at all. He would be perfect for a family. As far as how Parker took to Ditka, I was also amazed. The first 24 hours he growled alittle. This is expected. But by day 2 they were best friends. Parker has brought out the playful side of our Toller. I forgot how loving and caring Goldens are. Parker loves all the dog toys we have at our house. He tries to carry 3 in his mouth at a time. And if he can't find a toy he picks up a shoe or boot.

I was also amazed at how well he listens. He comes when you call his name and can sit on command. We are working on lay down and off as he jumps or puts your arm in his mouth to greet you. We have already seen a GREAT improvement on correction. The owner said Parker slept in bed with him. So this is another thing we are trying to change as the first 2 nights he slept with us. Last night we made him his own bed with a special blanket and he loved it! Not once did he try to get in bed with us. Parker is house trained. Not one accident. He also hasn't chewed on anything besides dog toys.

We have a routine that works for all of us. We take 3 long walks a day. He gets so excited if I even look at my shoes. I am home with him all day so that helps but have left him for up to 4 hours alone so far. We do not crate him and his owner hadn't either. There was a doggie door at his house along with a fenced yard. We don't have a fence so we do everything on leash outside. He is totally fine with this. But again I am very impressed how well he listens when you say "Parker come".

The only concern the owner advised us of was that Parker is not good with small dogs. 

Below are some pictures of Parker in the snow. He loves to roll around in it or just lay on our deck and relax.

It's been a few years since we have had the company of a Golden. WOW, only now I realize how much I missed it.