Peter 09-261

back to Adopted Dogs

Profile

Sponsored by: Chris & Christine O.

RAGOM welcomes Peter!! Peter was a last minute "save" from a shelter in IA. Thank goodness Peter's guardian angel, RAGOM, came to his rescue. Peter is listed as a one year old stray Golden mix. Based on the size of his feet, his long legs, and the excess skin he needs to grow in to, I believe he's younger than one year. We'll see what the vet says.

Poor Petey has entropion in both eyes. Entropion is when the eyelashes curl in to the eyes and scratch the eyeball. You'll see, in his pictures, that his eyes look squinty and matter filled. On Monday, June 29, Peter will have surgery to fix both eyes, as well as a neuter. Petey is the most handsome little guy. He's a darker golden color with such soft fur, you don't want to quit petting him. I'm having a hard time getting a picture that does him justice. He's far too curious to sit quiet for a picture. I'm sure I could get an awesome shot of the inside of his nostrils if anyone is interested :)


 

He's very treat motivated (the poor guy is so skinny, I'm sure he's starving) so he's doing well with basic commands when treats are involved. He'll definitely benefit from obedience training. I've been feeding small frequent meals to try and get some weight on the little guy. Petey is pretty calm for a young dog (maybe because of the discomfort from his eyes) but can still bounce like a ball, if you insist, when excited. Petey is not completely house trained, but we're working on it. I crate Petey at night and when I'm at work and he does fine. We are thoroughly enjoying this sweet little boy. He's trying to join play with my pack - they aren't quite sure what to think of this lanky clumsy pup, but all have gotten along famously. Funny story - on Petey's first night here, we went outside for a potty break - it was dark and the resident pack must have heard something in the back of the yard (no doubt nothing more that a slight breeze) and went tearing off to search and destroy. Petey was in pursuit - but about half way through the yard, he stopped on a dime, turned around, ran back to me, and sat in the most perfect heel, as if to say, "you know Mom, I'm just going to sit here with you and wait for them to report back". I don't think "watch dog" is in Petey's future :)

As I mentioned, Petey is having surgery on Monday. His medical costs will be high. If you've been looking for that special dog to sponsor, please consider Petey - the pup with a Golden heart wrapped in velvety soft fur. He will be forever grateful. 

  

At a Glance #09-261

Mixed Breed Born: September 2008
Male 50 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Sponsored by: Chris & Christine O.

RAGOM welcomes Peter!! Peter was a last minute "save" from a shelter in IA. Thank goodness Peter's guardian angel, RAGOM, came to his rescue. Peter is listed as a one year old stray Golden mix. Based on the size of his feet, his long legs, and the excess skin he needs to grow in to, I believe he's younger than one year. We'll see what the vet says.

Poor Petey has entropion in both eyes. Entropion is when the eyelashes curl in to the eyes and scratch the eyeball. You'll see, in his pictures, that his eyes look squinty and matter filled. On Monday, June 29, Peter will have surgery to fix both eyes, as well as a neuter. Petey is the most handsome little guy. He's a darker golden color with such soft fur, you don't want to quit petting him. I'm having a hard time getting a picture that does him justice. He's far too curious to sit quiet for a picture. I'm sure I could get an awesome shot of the inside of his nostrils if anyone is interested :)


 

He's very treat motivated (the poor guy is so skinny, I'm sure he's starving) so he's doing well with basic commands when treats are involved. He'll definitely benefit from obedience training. I've been feeding small frequent meals to try and get some weight on the little guy. Petey is pretty calm for a young dog (maybe because of the discomfort from his eyes) but can still bounce like a ball, if you insist, when excited. Petey is not completely house trained, but we're working on it. I crate Petey at night and when I'm at work and he does fine. We are thoroughly enjoying this sweet little boy. He's trying to join play with my pack - they aren't quite sure what to think of this lanky clumsy pup, but all have gotten along famously. Funny story - on Petey's first night here, we went outside for a potty break - it was dark and the resident pack must have heard something in the back of the yard (no doubt nothing more that a slight breeze) and went tearing off to search and destroy. Petey was in pursuit - but about half way through the yard, he stopped on a dime, turned around, ran back to me, and sat in the most perfect heel, as if to say, "you know Mom, I'm just going to sit here with you and wait for them to report back". I don't think "watch dog" is in Petey's future :)

As I mentioned, Petey is having surgery on Monday. His medical costs will be high. If you've been looking for that special dog to sponsor, please consider Petey - the pup with a Golden heart wrapped in velvety soft fur. He will be forever grateful. 

  

Updates

Sunday, November 29, 2009

From Pete's forever family...

We just wanted to send a quick update to let you know Pete is finally home!

In the photos below are Hope (08-378), Shiloh (07-557) and Pete (098-261). Pete has a new best friend in Ms. Hope. They are inseparable, share toys, bones, food and their space. That was our hope when we adopted Pete. We were looking for a younger mate with similar energy for Hope. Shiloh likes to join in on occasion. It is always her choice. We have a lot of energy in the house, so some days Shiloh chooses to just watch from the sidelines.

Pete has completed our family and is doing just great. He graduated from obedience school last week and passed with flying colors. For as big as he is, he is very gentle and has a heart made of pure gold.

As always, my husband and I are the true winners in this adoption. The furkids bring us more joy and laughs than we could ever imagine. We enjoy spoiling them and teaching them what it means to truly be loved.

As always, thank you RAGOM for the awesome job you and your volunteers do. You are simply amazing!

Thank you from Shiloh, Hope, and Pete. :-)
All is well from central Iowa! Go Hawks!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Ten month old Pete, found as a stray, deemed unadoptable (due to entropian in both eyes), saved from being euthanized (at the eleventh hour) by RAGOM volunteer Kelli M, endured two eye surgeries and the dreaded cone, is now living the Golden life that all dogs dream of. Heck, he’s living the life that we fosters don’t dare tell our resident fur-kids about in fear they’ll pack their leash and bone and request a ride to "where ever Pete lives"....

Amy, Chris, Shiloh 07-557, and Hope 08-378 will give Pete the life he so deserves. He is the sweetest pup. Not sure he has a drop of Golden in him, but he has a Golden heart to be sure and I have no doubt will keep Amy and Chris in comic relief as they watch him and Hope play, play, play, and Shiloh, relieved that Hope found a playmate that can keep up with her, enjoying the view from the sidelines.

 
Pete and Hope		  
Pete, Hope and Shiloh

I am so excited for Pete - he really hit the jackpot - a true rags to riches story for this cuddle bug.

Thanks Amy and Chris and Shiloh and Hope for welcoming Pete in to your hearts and home - you guys rock!

A very, very special thank you to Chris and Christine O. for sponsoring Pete. Your generosity and belief in our mission is what allows RAGOM to help dogs like Pete overcome their medical issues and find loving forever homes.

I miss you Pete, my little buddy - you mind your manners, OK? FM loves you and can't wait to see you at the RAGOM IA picnic next year! XOXO

A note FM received from Pete a few days post adoption.....

Hi Mom! It's me Pete! My new Mom said I could send you a note tonight so I'm taking her up on it. She said to tell you we have had a wonderful day with no incidents to report thus far. She also wants to know what size bed you have. She and Dad have a queen size and they tell me I take up half of it myself. It has a memory foam mattress and it's like sleeping on a cloud! I got to nap on it with Mom and Shiloh today and it rocked! They have a ceiling fan and and floor fan there so you always have a gentle breeze blowing on you.

I have been very busy here. We walk every morning and night and Hope and I play until we can hardly drag ourselves to the deck to come in. That Hope is one tough cookie, but she is cute ... I have a crush on her, Mom.

We shared a big stick last night and we play pull a lot. I try to kiss her by accident when we play pull. I don't think she has caught on to my trick yet. :-)

Shiloh is definitely the boss dog around these parts. I accidentally got in her dinner spot last night and she set me straight and then some. Scared the beJesus out of me! Mom came to me and gave me a hug and checked to make sure I was OK so I bounced right back. Boy did Shiloh get a scolding, but she had it coming for sure. I give her lots of respect and we get along just fine. She shares the toys and I like that!

I have to admit, I miss you FM, but my forever Mom gives me as many if not more hugs and kisses than you did. I didn't think that was possible. She keeps telling me she loves me and is going to protect me forever. That Dad ALWAYS has a pocket full of treats. I've never seen such a thing! He is really kind and gentle too. As much as I miss you all, I am feeling very loved and welcome here. I have a beautiful new blue tag with my name and address on it. I guess I am officially home.

I want you to know you were the best foster Mom ever. Thanks for taking such great care of me and for finding this new home. You hit the jackpot Mom. I don't know how I can ever repay you, but I think Amy will let me stay in touch as long as I want. That will be forever. I'm sending you a hug and kiss through the email machine. I hope you get it. I love you FM and I miss you all! Take care! Pete X O

PS: what is a drool bucket? Mom says I need one when I drink.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Hi Everyone! FM with a quick update on Pete. Pete had his eye "adjustment" this past Thursday and came through with flying colors. His eyes look awesome! I am so pleased. Of course, the dreaded collar is on until a week from tomorrow. I trust we'll get through it.... Today I had to reinforce the e-collar with duct tape as it was getting a little beat up already - Pete's a little hard on his e-collars during play, which seems to be non-stop :)

Here's a picture of Pete's eyes post surgery - isn't he the most handsome guy? I sure think so!

I'll let Pete update as soon as he gets his e-collar off - it's hard for him to see what he's typing with the collar on....

TTFN, FM

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Hi Everyone! It’s me, Pete. FM said that I needed to start out by apologizing, especially to my awesome sponsors, Chris and Christine O., for the delay in my updates. You see, I’ve been having so much fun chewing on and wrestling with Buster and Emma, chewing on raw bones, and partaking in a landscaping project here and there, that I’ve been neglecting my “update” duties. FM finally put her paw down this morning and said, “no more fun until you send an update”. It’s not just me, though, my human foster sister was told pretty much the same....something about the state of her bedroom....

Anyway, like I said, I’m really enjoying my foster family, especially FM and foster sis, but I’d really like my very own special family to bond with. You see, my fur is as soft as velvet and I just melt when you invite me to cuddle. I like to sleep in bed with you and I’m happy to be your back support when you sleep on your side. I’m happy to tell you when I have to go outside to potty. I’ve even learned that I get let out faster if I sit nicely and wait rather than body slam the door - and, I sit nicely when it’s time to come back in too - how about that? I guarantee you haven’t seen a fur-butt hit the floor as fast as mine does when I see FM with a treat in her hand. And, then, I take the treat so softly that FM wonders if I even open my mouth to take it. You see, FM taught me that sugar will get me a lot farther in life than vinegar will and my experiences to date prove she’s right. I eat breakfast and supper in my crate (we all have our assigned spaces to eat - it’s really funny cause when FM gets the dinner bowls out, all the fur-kids head to their assigned eating areas and wait patiently. I, on the other hand, get very excited and lift all four feet off the ground en-route to my crate. Once inside my crate, though, my fur-butt hits the floor and I wait patiently for FM to set my bowl down. I still inhale my food - FM said something about getting a Brake-Fast bowl so I’m forced to slow down a bit - we don’t want stomach problems. When FM and FD are away from home, I stay in my crate - usually with a peanut butter Kong or bone to keep me busy. I used to bark a lot when I was in my kennel, but now I’m pretty content in there during the day.

I love to wrestle with and chew on Buster and Emma. I wear one out and then engage the other. Boy, for a 10 year old, Emma can hold her own with me. I really don’t have too many bad habits - just one really, but if someone kept me busier, it might be a non-issue. You see, I like to do little landscaping projects around the yard. FD and FM don’t really appreciate it, but I’m really only trying to help - just move the dirt around a little bit, maybe dig up a plant or two for FD to transplant elsewhere - you know, just very helpful little things. So, the other morning, FM was getting ready for work and I wanted to go outside - she decided to send Emma out with me to keep my busy and out of trouble (tee hee). When Mom came to the door to call us in, imagine her surprise to see me AND Emma both digging to China! I heard FM say something to Emma about waiting until FD hears about this (FD thinks his princess can do no wrong)! She also said something to me about maybe I should’ve been named Marley. Not sure what that meant, but I think Pete suits me fine, thank you. Aren’t dogs supposed to dig - like to bury bones and stuff? Not sure what the big deal is :)

FM took me to see Dr. Dave for my entropian surgery follow-up. Guess what? I need a touch-up surgery. Yep, one more and then I’ll be good to go - cute as a bug (can I get any more handsome? FM doesn’t think so!), and ready to take on the world again. But.....that means the dreaded cone for ten days......arrrrrrgh, not sure who hates that cone more - me or FM. But, precautions must be taken to assure I don’t remove the stitches before I’m fully healed. Not because I’m naughty, but because the stitches will start itching and I’ll want to scratch - makes sense, right? Boy, I sure am a hit at the vet’s office. When me and FM walked in the door, Terri said, “Peter, what the heck are you doing here? I sure thought you’d have been adopted by now. You are the sweetest boy, I might just take you home with me”. Then, when I saw Dr. Dave, I sat like a statue when he gave me the once over, and then I laid down to take a nap. FM has a very hard time convincing the staff at the vet’s office that I’m full of energy and very “busy” at home. But, then again, FM says she can’t remember a foster dog that hasn’t made a liar out of her.....

Please be sure to check out my new pics. There is one of me helping FM do the dishes - yep, I climbed right up on the door of the open dishwasher and stuck my head in to start washing......OK, who knew that 52 lbs of weight on a dishwasher door might not be the best idea. Hey, a quick trip to Home Depot, and FD had it fixed in a jiffy. FM explained that, in the future, the humans in the house will take care of making sure the dishes are clean. Again, just trying to help.....sheesh.

I suppose I better run - I’m just sure Buster or Emma want to wrestle. If you think I’m the guy for you (aka charmer extraordinaire), please contact your Placement Advisor and ask them to let my FM know, OK?

TTFN, Pete

Monday, July 20, 2009

Hi Everyone! It's me, Pete, with an update on how I'm doing in foster care. First of all, I want to send a big shout out to my sponsors, Chris and Christine O! Thanks again for sponsoring me. I'll be heading back to the vet to see how my eyes are healing up and to determine if I need a touch up or not. FM is a little nervous because I still have watery eyes and I'm still a little squinty but, remember, my entropion started out worse than most according to the vet - maybe we need to give me a little more time to heal - patience FM!

I've been doing really good in my foster home. I love to play with my foster fur sibs, especially Buster, he and I can chew on each other and tumble for hours. I'm doing well on my manners - learning to sit before going out/coming inside, sit before dinner, and I'm a rock star at sitting for treats. I'm really working on not jumping up when I'm very excited - FM ignores me when I start to jump and I get the message pretty quickly - before you know it, I'm sitting like a good boy waiting for my pets. I still kind of go at my food like I might not get another meal. FM hopes I learn to slow down a bit - she might have to get one of those fancy bowls that slows me down.

Word is I'm a Golden Mix. Well, the general consensus is that I might have a little "hound" in me - OK, everyone I meet is convinced I have a little hound in me - you see, I have these awesomely long and soft as velvet ears, am tall and gangly, and have quite the swagger when I walk - my hips are just fine, thank you. And, every once in a while, I might let out a little howl - just a little one :) FM says it doesn't really matter what I'm made of, the important part is that I'm the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul. She really thinks I'm the cats pj's.

So, yesterday, I went boating for the first time. I was a little nervous when first boarding the boat, but Emma, the fur matriarch of the family, was there to show me the ropes. Emma is old and I am young and inexperienced, so we both had to have life jackets on. Emma can hardly control herself when she sees FD get the rope Kong out - FD tosses it and she flies off the platform of the boat like no other. I thought it was the coolest thing, but wasn't ready to take the plunge. FD helped me get my feet wet, but that was about it for me for the day - I did love waiting for Emma to get back to the boat each time after she retrieved the Kong. The closer she got, the more I danced. I really enjoyed laying on the seat of the boat and taking in the sunshine and nice breeze - nice snoozing weather. Next time, FM said she'd take me by the shore and see if I'm more interested in navigating the water from land.

OK, I'm going to briefly mention a couple of little tiny habits I have that could be a bit irritating to some.......I have been known to dig. If you tell me "no", I'll stop immediately and come running though. And, I've been known to "walk away" with stuff but, again, I drop it immediately once caught. This a.m. I took the TP off the dispenser and started to walk away. All of a sudden, FM says "Peter!" and boom, that TP was on the floor and I looked at her like "I have no idea how it got here!" I don't get it, FM wasn't even looking at me when I took the TP - she must have eyes in the back of her head.

And, I'm quite the watch dog - OK, not really, but.....if you have teenagers that occasionally try to sneak in after curfew, I am your man - nobody gets by Pete Dawg. I can be sound to sleep in a room across the house, and the minute the door opens, I'm ready to announce their arrival. I'm sure those teens love the welcome greeting, don't you think? tee hee

Well, I better run - I need to get to my kennel so I can have a snack and watch TV.

TTFN, Petey

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Hi Everyone! It's me, Peter!! I would've updated sooner but, you know, I have this dumb cone on my head and it makes it hard to see what I'm typing.

As you know from my last update, I had eye surgery and a neuter this past Monday. All went well with both surgeries, but the Dr. said that my eyes were more challenging than most. I don't know all the medical terms but when FM picked me up from the vet, she said I looked like I lost a boxing match - BIG TIME! She asked me what the Dr. looked like - ha ha. Anyway, I'm healing well and am counting the days til the cone goes away. OK, maybe FM is counting the days - she said something about a bull in a china shop. She should've put up the Tiffany lamp.... I'm pretty much accident free in the house since my neuter which I guess is awesome! I'm not overly fond of my kennel - maybe it's the cone, I'm not sure - it does make the air a little stuffy you know. I like being where my humans are and so FM moved my kennel in to the bedroom. After a few nights of me whining and clunking my cone around in the kennel, resulting in little sleep for anyone, she gave in and let me have free roam of the bedroom. Silly FM - I marched right up the steps to the bed, curled up in a very small ball at the end of the bed, and slept like a puppy.

Speaking of puppies.....I am definitely a puppy - I'm adorable, I'm busy, I love to play, play, play. The seniors here in foster land are very tolerant but they don't like to play as much as I do. So, when we chase the ball and they get it - every time (hey, at this point, I'm much more interested in running than getting the ball), I leap back and forth over them as we're running back to FM or FD. It's awesome exercise and great practice for whatever athletic activity my forever family has in mind - a frisbee champion perhaps??? I'm also quite the gardener - I dug up two plants (FD wasn't near as proud of me as I was of myself) - I was sure they'd look better somewhere else - like all over my face and in my cone :)

I'm filling out a bit so my ribs aren't as noticeable as they were - I attack my food as if I'll never have another meal, but I take treats so gently - I hardly open my mouth. I know "sit" most of the time and am working on other necessary manners. I also have a pretty reliable recall.

My dream is to have a family that will commit to helping me exert my puppy energy, either have a resident dog or promise to let me have play dates with other dogs, not leave me for long periods of time (I really love to be near my humans), cuddle the stuffins out of me (I just melt when you scratch behind my ears) and teach me all the things I need to know about being the best family member ever! Are you my dream family???

I'm enclosing a picture of my face - 5 days post surgery. FM wouldn't take one sooner - she said it wasn't Halloween so no need to scare anyone. All paws crossed that my surgery is a complete success and I'm good to go!

TTFN. Petey