Scout (Vinny 14-406)

Profile

Vinnie, a purebred Golden, comes to RAGOM from a couple who loved him but he was just too much puppy for them. I had a large party at my home on my second day with him and he worked the crowd very well. He got almost everyone to pet him or play with him. I have had him five days and he has barked two times, both when he and I were playing. He does not guard his toys, food, or treats. He was a little shy at first but after a day he is fine. He walks well on a leash, loves to play, and loves car rides. One thing about him, he is missing half his left ear. You would not know it if I did not tell you. It looks like he has one ear perked up.

 

 

At a Glance #14-406

Golden Retriever Born: May 2014
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Vinnie, a purebred Golden, comes to RAGOM from a couple who loved him but he was just too much puppy for them. I had a large party at my home on my second day with him and he worked the crowd very well. He got almost everyone to pet him or play with him. I have had him five days and he has barked two times, both when he and I were playing. He does not guard his toys, food, or treats. He was a little shy at first but after a day he is fine. He walks well on a leash, loves to play, and loves car rides. One thing about him, he is missing half his left ear. You would not know it if I did not tell you. It looks like he has one ear perked up.

 

 

Updates

Monday, December 3, 2018

Well, time has been FLYING! We missed a pupdate on Scout on his 4th birthday (5/26/18) and figured we’d get one posted now before his adoption day (12/27) comes and goes!

Scout has continued to blossom and live the Golden life. We recently moved and he has met dozens of new people and dogs on our walks. He greets everyone excitedly (sometimes too much excitement) and they all know him by name. He really is a unique, funny and joyful dog.

The past year has been great with Scout. He has continued to grow and learn. Mom has taught him all sorts of new tricks that he didn’t previously master: dog, wait, shake, shake with both paws and a few others. This helps him stay engaged and is a great way for us to control him when he is bursting with excitement.

Along with these tricks he has calmed down considerably. Most of his weekdays are spent on the couch next to Mom as she works from home, and his nights and weekends are spent on long walks, trips to see family, and relaxing with both parents at home.

Scout continues to pester his brother Rogue but Rogue is a great sport. A few times per day they’ll wrestle or fight with each other to burn off some excess energy.

All in all, life is great for Scout. He is healthy, happy and always around his people.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Three years ago today my wife and I drove to Sioux Falls to meet a 6 month old golden that was missing ½ of his ear. It turned out to be an absolutely life-changing decision and one that brings us joy every day. Scout is now 3 ½ years old and the happiest dog you’ll ever meet. He enjoys everything and everyone. His favorite things are: playing fetch, going for his daily walk, SWIMMING at the lake and being with his people. Scout requires constant attention and if he is not given it, will “earn” it by bringing you a shoe, dish towel or whatever else he knows will get you to pay attention to him.

His best days are when Mom works from home, so he can sit next to her all day, lucky for him this happens 3-4 days per week. His newest fun game is climbing into bed and laying on Dad’s pillow right before he gets to bed, so he is forced to sleep with/on/around Scout since he is too large to move by simply picking him up. Playing with his “big brother” Rogue will always be his favorite pastime and the two of them are much better together than they ever could be apart.

The experience of raising Scout has been amazing. From his hip surgeries, to eye surgeries, to his destructive nature and now watching him be healthy, happy and loving is truly incredible. He is the most resilient creature anyone has ever met and we are so lucky to have him in our lives. He is a constant energy in our house and we are thankful for it.

Friday, May 26, 2017

5/24/2017 update

Today is Scouts 3rd Birthday! He has battled through a lot of adversity but has become the most fun, caring and loving dog imaginable. He is happiest when he is with his people, sitting on the couch, on the boat or on a walk. In the past 2 ½ years he has become truly obsessed with his brother dog Rogue. They sleep by each other, play in the backyard and beg for food like they are meant to be together.

Scout is at his healthiest he has ever been and his energy/enthusiasm for all things is really amazing. He is constantly on the go! This summer will be filled with plenty of time in the water which is his absolute favorite. He will stand in the water for hours, chasing waves and looking for fish. When his humans join him, he will play fetch for as long as they let him and will only leave the water if they pull him out or bribe him with treats.

Despite some early troubles, Scout has become such a mature, loving and easy-going dog. He has free roam of the house which seems to put him at ease. He does not like being separated by a door from his people so he typically barges right in! Everyday is an adventure and we couldn’t ask for a better, more loving, loyal or incredible dog.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Since our last update Scout has had some serious medical troubles that are finally appearing to be resolved. Initially he was having problems with his eyes which led to an eyelid surgery to relieve him from the constant scratching due to his eyelids turning in and the lashes rubbing. Two weeks after recovering from this Scout was walking with a noticeable limp. After many vet appointments it was determined he had a broken hip. Surgery on his left rear hip went great but it was discovered he has a rare disease in which the femoral heads are attacked and destroyed.  This led to a total hip replacement on his rear right hip. The staff at the U of M Small Animal Hospital has been WONDERFUL in helping care for him and despite the struggles Scout has remained as active, playful and loving as before.

Because of the hip surgeries exercise and fun has been limited. Resident dad carries Scout up and down stairs and takes him out to use the bathroom. Scout now weighs 89lbs so its physically demanding to haul him everywhere. At the end of August Scout SHOULD be cleared to use stairs and be in the yard on his own but that is only if both hip surgeries continue to heal and progress as expected.

Despite the struggle Scout’s parents fall more in love with him every day. He is such a huge part of our family it is hard to fathom life without him. The considerable financial ramifications of the surgeries aside, Scout is one of the best things to ever happen to us as a family. Our Bernese Mountain Dog Rogue and Scout are best friends. They are always playing together, sleeping next to each other, sharing toys and getting into trouble. They patrol the yard to make sure no squirrels, birds, chipmunks or rabbits are anywhere to be seen. Wrinkles, as he is affectionately called because of his abnormally wrinkly head, is one of the best things to ever happen to Rogue as well. He is more active, more playful and much happier with another dog in the house. It really has been great for everyone.

As Scout continues to heal we are able to get him more exercise. Before his hip replacement we were able to get him to the cabin for a few days of fun. He swam, retrieved, sat by the fire and slept in late. It was the happiest we have ever seen him and cannot wait to get him back into the water once he is healthy. If everything goes well the doctors at the U of M expect a full recovery that would allow Scout to be physically able to do the same things other dogs do.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Hello all from Vinny’s (now Scout) new home. We have had Scout just over 6 weeks and its been an amazing journey so far. Every morning starts with a walk for Scout. Typically 1-2 miles with resident dad. He walks great when not with the other dog and seems to really enjoy the early morning exercise. Our other dog, Rogue the bernese mountain dog, quickly adjusted to a puppy being in his house. They play together, eat together, walk together and have just started sleeping next to each other. Aside from the occasional bark at 3am, Scout is perfect at night. He has free roam of the main floor during the day and the first few weeks were trying as we dealt with some chewed up items. Scout has begun a 6-week training course to get him to follow basic commands. He has learned quickly and will come, sit, lay down, leave it and drop it when instructed to do so (especially if a treat is involved). Every night he greets us at the door as we get home from work and eagerly anticipates his second walk of the day, this one typically with the whole family. Trust me when I say that having Scout (80lbs) and Rogue (130lbs) on a walk by yourself quickly turns into a situation of controlled chaos.

Once a week Scout is brought to doggy daycare to socialize and tire himself out. He quickly became loved by the staff and is greeted happily when he walks through the door. His partial ear is a constant talking point when he meets anyone and his loving licks are his favorite way to greet anyone.

We could not be happier with Scout and are looking forward to warmer weather where he will get visits to the cabins, longer walks and more time to explore new areas. He has been an absolute joy for us. We are thankful we were given the opportunity to bring Scout into our homes.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Here is my last update on Vinnie.

He has been a great dog, fun, loves to play and great with all people. I bring him to work (I have an auto repair and tire store) and he meets all the customers with a wagging tail. He lays by the doors and loves watching people. Never does he go outside when the doors are open, he just moves in so people can come in.

He loves all the pets he gets and he has many toys and treats at work. When a customer is sitting and waiting for their car he will go lay next to them. Almost everyone loves this guy. So it was hard to pick the perfect home because I had many apps for him.

He is a big boy coming in at 64 pounds and still growing. But Vinnie has found his new home. He has two very active people and a fenced yard but he has a 125 pound 3 1/2 year old dog to play with. When the couple came out to meet Vinnie they brought this big boy with them and you could tell Vinnie fit in right away.

As a foster it is hard to say goodbye to these dogs because they all take a part of your heart when they go, but you feel good knowing these dogs are going to a forever home filled with love, toys, and the care they deserve.

Oh and his new owners, their families both own lake homes so he will have a summer filled with swimming and lots of people to play with. You can see his new friend in the picture.