Hanging out in my doo rag, while my fur dries off after chillin’ out in the rain!
Rufus 06-408
Profile
Sponsored by:
Julie K.
Rufus is a 10-11 year old purebred Golden Retriever. Rufus is being returned back to RAGOM due to his eye disease. He initially came into RAGOM in 2006 and we fostered him back then. At that time, he was seen by an eye specialist and was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. Rufus was blind in his right eye but still had sight in his left eye in 2006. This condition can lead to blindness in both eyes over time and that is where Rufus is at today. He may see some shadows in his left eye but other than that I don't think he sees much anymore.
This condition frequently causes the development of cataracts which can produce off and on inflammation which can lead to higher pressure in the eyes (glaucoma). This can lead to retinal detachment and that can cause hemorrhage in the back of their eye. In Rufus' right eye, this has happened at some point and so his eye is quite red and the whites of this eye look very bloodshot. The vet said that he is past the point where it is painful but we need to keep the pressure down so he gave us drops for both of Rufus' eyes. The drops are put in each eye every morning and Rufus is very good about it. Of course, he needs to have a special treat for being a perfect patient.
Rufus also has a tumor in his right eye called an epibulbar melanoma. It is a benign tumor of the surface of the eyes of dogs. These tumors grow very slowly in older dogs so for now, we are monitoring it. If it should grow too fast for some reason, the eye specialist said he can laser it to stop the progression. If this along with the pressure in the right eye become problematic, he suggested the eye be removed. At this point in time, we both agreed that just treating the pressure and seeing how things go would be in the best interest for Rufus, especially at his age. We don't want to put him under any added surgeries or stress if we don't need to. However, in the future, the right eye may need to be removed.
While at his regular vet checkup, the vet saw that Rufus had teeth with very heavy plaque buildup and some horrible breath. She suggested we get his teeth cleaned and it was more than likely that several teeth would need to be pulled. Last week, Rufus did get his dental cleaning and had 10 teeth pulled. His teeth look so much better and I am sure once his mouth his healed, he will feel much better also. Another thing was discovered while doing his cleaning, and that was a tumor on the under side of Rufus' tongue. They sent that out to see what it is. We will update on that in a few days.
Rufus is eating well and loves attention. We have our two resident dogs and also our other foster dog, Parker 12-254 so Rufus is just part of the pack. Rufus is a sweet, mellow, boy in his golden years who despite losing his sight, seems to enjoy life. He loves going out each morning to take his roll in the grass and his stroll around the entire yard sniffing at anything and everything. Rufus has learned the layout of the house pretty fast and also where the two deck steps are to get down into the yard. In his previous home, he has been called "Copper" for the past 6 years so that is what we call him. He is a very good boy and he listens well.
Rufus went to Bubbly Paws recently and got a very nice bath and brushing. He came home with his dark red coat all shiny and clean. Thanks to Amy L. for helping out with the three dogs I brought for baths that day.
If you are looking for a dog to sponsor, RAGOM and Rufus would appreciate any help you would like to give. With his dental work and eye care, we have stacked up some bills in a very short time. Without your donations, RAGOM would not be able to help as many dogs as they do each year.
If you would like a sweet, mellow companion that still has a lot of love to give, please let your Placement Advisor know.
At a Glance #06-408
| Breed not specified | Born: September 2002 |
| Male | Weight not specified |
Status: Adopted
Profile
Sponsored by:
Julie K.
Rufus is a 10-11 year old purebred Golden Retriever. Rufus is being returned back to RAGOM due to his eye disease. He initially came into RAGOM in 2006 and we fostered him back then. At that time, he was seen by an eye specialist and was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. Rufus was blind in his right eye but still had sight in his left eye in 2006. This condition can lead to blindness in both eyes over time and that is where Rufus is at today. He may see some shadows in his left eye but other than that I don't think he sees much anymore.
This condition frequently causes the development of cataracts which can produce off and on inflammation which can lead to higher pressure in the eyes (glaucoma). This can lead to retinal detachment and that can cause hemorrhage in the back of their eye. In Rufus' right eye, this has happened at some point and so his eye is quite red and the whites of this eye look very bloodshot. The vet said that he is past the point where it is painful but we need to keep the pressure down so he gave us drops for both of Rufus' eyes. The drops are put in each eye every morning and Rufus is very good about it. Of course, he needs to have a special treat for being a perfect patient.
Rufus also has a tumor in his right eye called an epibulbar melanoma. It is a benign tumor of the surface of the eyes of dogs. These tumors grow very slowly in older dogs so for now, we are monitoring it. If it should grow too fast for some reason, the eye specialist said he can laser it to stop the progression. If this along with the pressure in the right eye become problematic, he suggested the eye be removed. At this point in time, we both agreed that just treating the pressure and seeing how things go would be in the best interest for Rufus, especially at his age. We don't want to put him under any added surgeries or stress if we don't need to. However, in the future, the right eye may need to be removed.
While at his regular vet checkup, the vet saw that Rufus had teeth with very heavy plaque buildup and some horrible breath. She suggested we get his teeth cleaned and it was more than likely that several teeth would need to be pulled. Last week, Rufus did get his dental cleaning and had 10 teeth pulled. His teeth look so much better and I am sure once his mouth his healed, he will feel much better also. Another thing was discovered while doing his cleaning, and that was a tumor on the under side of Rufus' tongue. They sent that out to see what it is. We will update on that in a few days.
Rufus is eating well and loves attention. We have our two resident dogs and also our other foster dog, Parker 12-254 so Rufus is just part of the pack. Rufus is a sweet, mellow, boy in his golden years who despite losing his sight, seems to enjoy life. He loves going out each morning to take his roll in the grass and his stroll around the entire yard sniffing at anything and everything. Rufus has learned the layout of the house pretty fast and also where the two deck steps are to get down into the yard. In his previous home, he has been called "Copper" for the past 6 years so that is what we call him. He is a very good boy and he listens well.
Rufus went to Bubbly Paws recently and got a very nice bath and brushing. He came home with his dark red coat all shiny and clean. Thanks to Amy L. for helping out with the three dogs I brought for baths that day.
If you are looking for a dog to sponsor, RAGOM and Rufus would appreciate any help you would like to give. With his dental work and eye care, we have stacked up some bills in a very short time. Without your donations, RAGOM would not be able to help as many dogs as they do each year.
If you would like a sweet, mellow companion that still has a lot of love to give, please let your Placement Advisor know.
Updates
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
FM has been going on and on about this place called "the lake", talking about how much I'm going to love it at the lake, it's so fun at the lake, I get to swim at the lake, I will sleep like baby after being at the lake.... So on Friday night she tells me, "Copper, this is it, we're finally going to the lake, hop in the car boy cuz we gotta take a ride." So, RD and I scrambled into the back of the car; okay well really I don't scrabble I sort of pretend to put my front legs up on the back of the car and then I wait for FM to pick me up and put me in. I could do it, but why bother when I know she'll do all the work? Anyway, then we picked up FMs daughter and off we went. Finally, after 4 grueling hours of napping and listening to RD snore in the car we finally made it. I was greeted by all the other dogs that hang out there, they all smelled real fishy and lakey, mmmm, delicious! I thought to myself, whoa, I want to smell like that.
So after a good night's sleep, FM let me hang out on the lawn, lots of room to explore with no trees to bump in to, and then it was finally time to go in the water. FM led me carefully down the steps, I really appreciate that she always tells me every time I need to take a step down, and then pretty soon I was on the dock, FM said that was kind of tricky because it's not very wide but she showed me where to step to get on the entry platform and then she helped me into the water. I could hear all the other dogs splashing around, so I knew it had to be fun. Man did that water feel good. I walked back and forth and back and forth across the sand, and then FM helped me get out. I loved it! FM says we get to spend a whole week there in July and that she will teach me to swim. I can't wait to go back.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Photo of Copper exploring on the farm in Nebraska. I just put him on a long leash and let him do his thing while I stay close enough to supervise.
Copper, on the right, hanging with buddy, Stubby/Cooper, former foster dog, who has found his forever family and lives happily in Nebraska.
Hi All,Copper’s FM here. I had planned on writing about our fantastic adventure to Nebraska last weekend with Copper and 2 other family dogs, but instead, I’ve decided to share a little bit with you about being a foster and owner of rescued dogs. One thing you learn is that NO Dog is perfect, they all have their quirks. In my years of adopting and caring for dogs here are some of things I have experienced. I’ve had a brittle diabetic with seizures, a dog who had never been taught to go in and out of a door, nor do stairs, a dog who needed knee surgery and rehab, one who tackled one of my resident dogs to the ground and had to be dragged off, one who found the Rimadyl and ate the whole bottle, one who hated the water (can you imagine a Golden who doesn’t like water?), one without a tail, one who had never been taught to walk on a leash and literally pulled me off my feet, one who had never had human contact, one who had lived in a kennel and bred puppies her whole life, one who came from a bitter family split, and found his way back to his dad; I have battled ear infections, vomiting dogs, poop and pee in the house, chased escapees down the street, and of course taught basic manners and etiquette both in and out of the house. Any pet owner or foster will tell you similar stories!! I tell you all this to let you know that no dog is perfect, they all have their foibles, it is what makes each dog unique and special! Copper, too is a unique and special dog. He is a senior and blind. But, he is so much more than that! He is gently, loving, tolerant, happy and so easy! He truly is the easiest dog I have had, whether my own or as a foster. His blindness doesn’t inhibit him in anyway. He is happy wandering around the yard on his tie out, and he gets around the house with little trouble. He is low energy so while he likes a little walk every day, he doesn’t need hours of exercise to tire him out. He has never had an accident in the house. He has never barked once the entire time I have had him. He loves to get up and have his meals, and sits nicely for little treats during the day. He ignores the cat, and tolerates RD jumping on his head. He waits patiently for his eye drops and his daily dose of loving. I took him on a 7 hour car ride last weekend with two other dogs, and he rode in the car like a trooper and adjusted to the strange surroundings quickly. So what quirks does he have?
- If you want a dog to run or take long walks with you, he’s not the dog for you.
- He does wander on the leash, and doesn’t walk a particularly straight line, and he always likes to do a lot of sniffing. I have found a harness and short leash to be the best walking solution for him, and I have learned I walk him for his pleasure, not my exercise.
- He has done some digging in my plant beds, (not the yard itself). I actually considered it a favor as he got rid of some hostas that I was tired of! J When I scold him and tell him to knock it off, he stops.
Please, please consider this fantastic, dog, he won’t disappoint! Sincerely,Copper’s FM
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I just had to post this shot of Copper and RD. With the ice, snow and cold weather, this is their favorite position. I love that they are laying together in the exact same position!! I sure would love to see someone adopt this golden boy, he is one fantastic critter!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
From Stichez, Madison and Priya
Merry Christmas to the Golden Seniors! From Anonymous