At this time of year our thoughts often turn to reflections of the past.  I can't help but think of the many foster girls and boys we have had come and go through our house.  We our grateful RAGOM is there for them and feel blessed to have been a part of their lives. Miss Scout is one of those wonderful gems we have the honor of giving our hearts and home to.  I really should apologize though for the lack of information I've given to you all.  So, let me tell you more of Scout's story. Scout came into RAGOM because she had a torn ACL in her back knee and her family could not afford the costly surgery to repair it.  They made the difficult decision to give Scout to RAGOM so she could get the care she really needed.  Scout had knee surgery and is now as good as new.  She has completed her rehab and has no problems running, playing, stairs, walks or anything else.  Scout has no visible repercussions from her surgery...not even a limp.  We call Scout our little clown.  She has a very different personality.  Scout is not your typical Golden, she does not require a lot of individual attention.  Scout does not put her paw on your lap or tap your hand for attention, she will stand close to you and look right at you.  If it's urgent (like potty time) she will give a small whimper.  That is her signal.  She loves it when you talk to her .... her ears will perk up and she will look intently at you, almost like she is trying so hard to understand everything you're saying.  She is not a velcro girl but does like to know where you are and will come to check on you.  When we let her outside she will prance around the yard, but when she is done (or cold) she will hop right back into the garage and wait for everyone else.  Scout does enjoy going on her walks and walks very nicely on her gentle leader.  When she does feel the need to "talk" to another dog, it is not difficult to redirect her attention. Scout is completely trustworthy.  I have several teddy bears and she does not bother them.  She does like to destuff the toys, but so do the resident girls.  Scout has free roam of the house day and night.  Scout likes her doggy beds.  When it's bedtime, Scout heads to her dog bed and FD covers her up with her favorite blanket.  All three girls get up with FD during the week, but on the weekends we all sleep in. As you can tell by her new pictures, she is not a fan of the camera.  Every time I try to take her picture, she gives me this ... "are you done yet" look.  Scout does like to scratch.  We've asked our vet if she has allergies but he didn't find anything.  He did say some dogs just like to scratch.  We have noticed she has dry skin, so I'm sure that could be part of the issue.  We have started giving her a bath with oatmeal shampoo and conditioner and she is doing better. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  Scout will be meeting a nice family on December 31, we are keeping our paws crossed for her.  If all goes well, she could be starting her new year with her very own family to love.