Rufus (Ramsey 09-350)

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Sponsored by: Dennis & Joanne M.

 
August 29, 2009:  Allow me to introduce you to Ramsey. Ramsey is a sweet 2 year old, intact purebred male. He comes to us from Missouri where a Good Samaritan discovered him in a shelter and contacted RAGOM. As you can see in the photos Ramsey has the typical Golden Retriever brown eyes that look into your soul. He is a very loving boy who is not feeling very well right now. He wants to play and wags his tail every time he sees his foster brother, a 13 month old purebred GR. Although his desire to play and run is strong he is unfortunately not well enough to do this at this time and also not available for adoption.

Ramsey is heartworm positive. Heartworm is a mosquito carried parasite that can infect most mammals but is present most often in dogs. It is a terrible parasite that can easily be prevented at low cost, but is very expensive, painful and dangerous to treat. Ramsey is full of classic golden love and peers deeply into foster mom and dad's eyes wanting us to fix him and make him feel better, which is what we are going to do.

Although he is not available for adoption Ramsey could use sponsors and well wishers to help cover his medical costs, any help would be gratefully appreciated by Ramsey with gentle wags of the tail and slobbery kisses.

 

At a Glance #09-350

Golden Retriever Born: August 2007
Male 60 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by: Dennis & Joanne M.

 
August 29, 2009:  Allow me to introduce you to Ramsey. Ramsey is a sweet 2 year old, intact purebred male. He comes to us from Missouri where a Good Samaritan discovered him in a shelter and contacted RAGOM. As you can see in the photos Ramsey has the typical Golden Retriever brown eyes that look into your soul. He is a very loving boy who is not feeling very well right now. He wants to play and wags his tail every time he sees his foster brother, a 13 month old purebred GR. Although his desire to play and run is strong he is unfortunately not well enough to do this at this time and also not available for adoption.

Ramsey is heartworm positive. Heartworm is a mosquito carried parasite that can infect most mammals but is present most often in dogs. It is a terrible parasite that can easily be prevented at low cost, but is very expensive, painful and dangerous to treat. Ramsey is full of classic golden love and peers deeply into foster mom and dad's eyes wanting us to fix him and make him feel better, which is what we are going to do.

Although he is not available for adoption Ramsey could use sponsors and well wishers to help cover his medical costs, any help would be gratefully appreciated by Ramsey with gentle wags of the tail and slobbery kisses.

 

Updates

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Time flies when you are making a house your home, and Ramsey has been busy! Not only has he claimed most of the couch as his, he has shown his new mom and dad and brother Smokey what a loving, playful, and stinker dog he can be! It is hard to know that he had been so ill this fall. When we let Smokey and Ramsey tear through the snow in our back yard, Ramsey bounds around ears flying, chasing Smokey and wrestling, and Ramsey sees to love to tunnel his nose into the snow, coming up covered like a Frosty the Snow Dog. The winter which has been tough on his new parents, seems no problem for Ramsey!

When they play tug of war, Smokey's strength is a bit much for Ramsey, but he doesn't seem to let it bother him. Its the only activity that shows he is still building strength. You'll note the presence of a vacuum in the tug of war picture. We've been pulling it out regularly as he seems to have a real thing for Time magazine. His foster fur bro Gopher taught him the delight of paper shredding--something we'll see if we can redirect!

And Smokey has been working on that. Ramsey has learned the fun of rubber toys--he attacks them with abandon. His forever fur bro Smokey taught him that joy, and its been fun to see them stealth steal toys from the other when they are otherwise focused!

The dog that didn't sit the whole hour we saw him in December (a rather strange quirk he had) is following that command regularly. Well, at least when focused! We have started doing some simple commands, he is really quick to learn and he and his bro both sit and wait patiently until released to eat their gourmet kibble morning and night. Several people have commented that he still looks a little skinny, but it's hard to figure out why based on his joy in food--both from his dish and snuck off the counter, though this mom and dad are pretty well trained to keep the counter Ramsey proof.

Ramsey has been to his mom's office at church several times already--but when free, he always seems to gravitate quickly to the church basement where the kitchen is located. Go figure! He's met several of the kids, he's so gentle and slow moving around them, that even those who 'had never seen a dog that big! " :) were taken with him and not scared a bit.  Everyone who has met him comments on what a sweet dog he is, what a great coat, and how handsome he is. He's making friends in IA now, too.

I wish that the weather here let us show you a picture of them running in the backyard, but indoor pics will have to suffice. And honestly, he spends alot more time on the couch than in snow, anyway!

To the countless people who have had a hand in bringing Ramsey to his forever home, and particularly to the foster mom and dad that chose to take on the difficult task of attending to every dog clue of trouble, consulting extensively for the absolute best treatment options, caring so anxiously, and passing on a joy that is giving us countless cuddles :   We cannot thank you enough for coaxing Ramsey through a tenuous autumn and many sad, sick days last year. We know that he has another heartworm test come April, but his big, loving heart is gaining stamina & strength to equal his love. God bless you all!

Monday, January 25, 2010

This is by far the hardest and happiest update to write. Ramsey has gone to his forever home to a great and loving family. It has been a long road and we just want to thank everyone again for their love and support of Ramsey and us over the last five months of his treatment. A special thank you again to Dennis and Joanne for so generously sponsoring Ramsey. A few last photos from the foster home.

The first photo is Ramsey with the staff of Maryland Avenue Pet Hospital who took care of treating Ramsey through his heart worm. The times he spent with Dr. S and his staff were sometimes long and many times dangerous but our little trooper pulled through with their love and attention.

This shot is the last photo taken of Ramsey with his foster family before starting his new adventure. His little foster brother Gopher is already starting to look for him, but this will pass soon.

The last shot is Ramsey with his new mom and new sister. The R's are such a wonderful loving family and he is such a lucky dog to have found them.

Now one final note to Ramsey from his foster family.

To our little Ramsicans,

After you left this evening, foster mom, foster brother and I went for a walk. We couldn't help but notice your paw print in the fresh snow leading away from the house and on to your new adventure.

That little paw has meant so much to us in the five months that we have had the honor to know you. When you first came those little paws couldn't take you too far without you struggling to breathe and getting tired, what a rough beginning you had.

Then once we began treatment and we had to lock you away from us for your own safety, but to your dissatisfaction many times, we held that paw to try and comfort you and show you the love you so richly deserved. I know you still don't understand, but we didn't want to lock you away like we did, but until those worms left your heart we had to do it, so you could live.

Finally after two long months of treatment we had the opportunity to start seeing those paws in action, watched you walk without straining to breathe and with time to play, run and frolic. Those paws have left quite a mark on your foster mom and dads hearts, and will help us, with the help of all RAGOM people, help the next dog in need, and RAGOM benefactors will be able to help a new set of paws soon. Thank you Ramsey for all of the love you have given us, and we know you will enjoy your new home and show them more love than they can even imagine as they start their new adventure with you.

We love you,

Foster Mom, Dad and Foster Brother

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

This update brings wonderful news for our dear little Ramsey and sad news for his foster parents. Ramsey has found his forever home. He is going to live with the R's in Iowa, where he will have a lavish life filled with a lot of love from his new parents and a new brother, a lab mix or "purebred holstein" per his color pattern. The R's are such a wonderful family as all of our adopters are and will give Ramsey such a wonderful home.

New mom plans to take our docile and friendly little boy into obedience and therapy dog training so that he may have an outlet for the ovewhelming amount of love this little boy has to give. He will be sorely missed by foster mom, dad and brother Gopher, but we have him for a couple more weeks while he is neutered and recovers from surgery.

We can't begin to thank everyone enough on their love and support of us and Ramsey during his treatment and recovery from heartworm. For all who have had an opportunity to meet this boy know how loving and gentle he is and how well he will fit into his new home and new role of therapy animal. We will update again once he is recovered from neutering and once he has gone to his forever home.

While waiting for his neuter Ramsey served with his foster brother Gopher at the Land O' Lakes dog show to represent RAGOM and Golden Retrievers. Meeting and loving so many wonderful people was a lot of work and periodic naps were needed by both pups.

 

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happy New Years everyone. Ramsey here, foster mom and dad have been so busy that I decided I needed to get on the computer and let all of you know what has been going on in my life. I want to thank everyone for making my page so pretty for Christmas, all those tokens look almost as beautiful as my golden coat. December has been very long and very busy. I was also an anxious little boy to have Christmas.

On the 13th of December I was taken home by Bill & Beatriz for a week as foster mom and dad had to go on a long trip and knew I wouldn't be happy. I didn't understand what was going on, but foster mom and dad were sad so I did my best to make them happy by cuddling in close before Bill came to get me. I had such a wonderful time at their house and was a good boy the entire time, I even helped Bill and Beatriz by going through their trash. I was just trying to help, but they did not seem happy and put the trash away from me after that. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you.

Foster mom and Dad came and got me on the 20th of December and I was so happy as I knew Christmas was just days away and I would get to go see my foster Grandma and Grandpa. We left for Iowa on the 23rd and it was a long drive as the weather was not great for travel, but foster dad took his time and foster brother and I stretched out and slept in the back of the car most of the way. I did not understand why they were bothered by the snow as soon as I got out I was leaping and bounding through the drifts and wrestling with foster brother.

Finally the day I had been waiting for arrived and I was able to celebrate Christmas. Foster mom and dad found my gift under the tree and gave it to me.

It was a lot of work, but I finally got it open to find a brand new bone, it was just what I wanted.

My foster family continued to celebrate Christmas as I dug into my new bone and paid little attention to what they were doing. Then it was time to fix Christmas dinner, and I had to get to work. Helping foster grandma and grandpa was a lot of work, but I think they truly appreciated all of the help I was giving them.

After all the celebrating and with Christmas dinner eaten it was all I could do to stay awake, and I had to lay down on the couch with foster dad for a much needed nap.

The rest of the weekend was a lot of fun. Foster mom and dad kept talking about the weather and how we couldn't go anywhere, but I was having a great time. Bounding through the snow, chewing on my bone and playing with foster brother and the rest of my foster family was wonderful. We watched movies and I got to give a lot of Golden love.

I can't wait until the next holiday season when I will get to spend the holidays with my forever family. There is no doubt they will love all the help I can be during the holidays. Talk to you all soon, Ramsey.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Ramsey continues to improve daily and shows more love and affection each step of the way. He had a wonderful time last weekend at the Wayzata Santa Paws event. Santa talked to him and he was able to make many Christmas wishes. Ramsey also wants to thank Peggy for scanning in his Santa photo so all his fans and followers could see it.

We are continuing to increase his exercise and allowing him more free roam. He has had no messes and, with the exception of attempting to counter surf when he thinks no one is watching, he is a perfect gentleman. Ramsey has also been with his foster brother Gopher to Therapy Dog class so foster mom and dad can get an idea of how he does around "strange" dogs and he is doing great. Slowly we are also working on some basic obedience, he does not pull at this time on the leash and he has learned to sit and offers it all the time in the hope of getting a treat.

Thank you for all your encouragement and fans, Ramsey continues to heal and to improve. He also wants to thank Roberta and Gerard for their lovely gift.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Roberta Jensen & Gerard Breiter                             Ska-zi

Jeff & Kathy M.                      Hatch 09-196

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Ramsey is now officially able to have more freedom. We are taking it slowly and easily so our big guy can take the time he needs to build strength that has been limited due to the length and severity of his illness. The first picture on this update shows Ramsey in the front with on the night of his inaugural walk. He went a whole block and a half with the help of his canine friend Juvat (the white husky) and his foster brother Gopher (the golden looking away). He also had the support and encouragement of mentor and foster aunt extraordinaire Kimmer on the right, foster mom Carla in the middle and foster aunt Kim on the left. He had such a good time, and even foster mom and dad let him wrestle a little.

Ramsey was also able to make his triumphant return at the event at PetSmart on Saturday the 21st. He met several adoring fans, and was so happy to get to be out in public and not left at home in the crate. He didn't even mind putting up with a crabby foster mom and dad after the U lost yet again in Iowa.

After such a busy week there was only one thing left to do and that was curl up butt to butt with foster brother Gopher on the couch. It is exhausting being such a great pup all the time.

Ramsey is being weaned more and more off of the medication. He is still unavailable, until he is neutered, but that should be soon. Ramsey will be at the Santa Paws event in Wayzata on Saturday the 28th, greeting his adoring fans. He will also be there to meet Santa and make a Christmas wish of finding his forever family soon.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Ramsey is doing better each day. He has had his final injection and is finally, after a long few months, starting to get to be outside his crate for extended periods of gentle roaming. He smiles and is so excited about his new found freedom. Ramsey was so ill when we first got him that we were unable to see all of his personality quirks.

With his new freedom we have discovered that Ramsey is among the elite rankings in counter surfing. He is ever so quiet and gentle when he does this, not making a sound or even disturbing anything else on the counter. He especially wants to thank his foster Uncle Drew, foster Aunt Mindy, and foster wiema cousins Luna and Luce for the delicious pumpkin muffins that were left on the counter for him, all four giant muffins were tasty and gone in one swoop.

In the horse community I know hoof positioning is referred to as a gait, I am not sure if this same term is used in dog shows, but in Ramsey's case it should. He has a beautiful prance and never really walks or strolls anywhere, he prances with his golden locks flowing with every exaggerated step.

Ramsey is going to get to go on his inaugural walk since treatment this Thursday with foster mom and dad, and foster mentor Kim and Kimmer. With this so far great success story I am sure there will be many wonderful photos.

Although Ramsey remains unavailable at this time he will be out meeting his adoring public on 11/21 at the New Brighton PetSmart.

Monday, October 19, 2009

What a wonderful pup we have the joy of fostering!

Ramsey was unable to undergo his treatment on Friday as he had developed a cough about the middle of the week, and we postponed as a precaution. He will be getting his second treatment on Tuesday 10/20.

Ramsey has also had a very special visitor three times, Nancy, a RAGOM volunteer, has been administering Reiki for Ramsey. Reiki is an eastern philosphy that uses energy to help heal. He has responded very well to this treatment and after each session he is a little calmer as he has been getting very bored with being in a crate all of the time.

The photo is from the other day when Ramsey cuddled up with Foster dad as he watched Gopher football.

We will be updating him again later this week to let you know how his second treatment goes. Thank you for all the love and support and as always keep our little Ramsey in your thoughts.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Ramsey is a brave and strong little boy. He has been doing wonderful with his first heartworm treatment. We still have a long ways to go, but each day his energy and desire keeps our hopes up. Thank you to everyone who has shown interest in adopting Ramsey, but he will remain unavailable for a while. He will be undergoing his second heartworm treatment on the 16th of October so please keep your fingers and paws crossed.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Ramsey is doing great. He is showing improvement everyday and hopefully we can get started with treatments soon. He continues to try and play.

Here are the photos as promised the other day. You will see him here with his new friends Connar and Garry. He also really wanted to play on Sunday, but has to be on limited activity, so his new friend Rhino and foster brother Gopher laid down on the floor with him.

Come and meet our sweet boy at Chuck and Don's in Lakeville on Saturday.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Ramsey is the sweetest little boy. Every night he greets foster mom or dad at the door with wags of the tail. He anxiously awaits for us to sit on the couch so he can climb up next to us to get love and attention giving so much more love than we can possibly give him. When he came in he was unsure of his name, but now turns quickly when he hears his name. Foster brother Gopher still doesn't understand why Ramsey won't play like he does but has adapted and the other night I saw him playing a game where he would nose a ball towards Ramsey and wait for Ramsey to nose it back to him, this gets Ramsey's tail wagging and brings that classic golden smile to his face.

Now on to his medical conditions. Ramsey has a pretty large worm load. He has pulmonary hypertension, and some congestive issues, all common side effects of heart worm. He has a long road ahead of him, but his spirit tells foster mom and dad that he is ready for the fight. Ramsey will be starting treatment soon and it will be ongoing for several weeks. I know we have a lot of great potential adoptive families who would be able to give this guy a great home and a lot of love, but right now what he really needs is a wonderful sponsor and well wishes for his recovery.