Sebastian 08-153

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Sponsored by: Cornelia Sampson

 

Meet Sebastian! Quite a handsome, loveable guy here!

We just got home, so I thought I'd send in some pics and a quick note! He rode super well in the car (1 hour car ride-lucky!). From what I can see, he's a big guy - probably around 85-90 pounds! He's probably about 4 years old. His coat is short, but he does have that under coat! He needed a bath, so he got one and did GREAT! He'll need another soon!

He walks OK on a leash, using a Gentle Leader. The Leader helps him DRAMATICALLY, but he'll still need some work! Definitely harder, since he's such a big guy! But, he's super sweet and always finds the right spot under my elbow to flip my arm up so I can pet him! He likes to know what I'm doing and where I'm going!

He'll be going to the vet tomorrow, so I'll update again after we get the scoop from the vet!

   

At a Glance #08-153

Golden Retriever Born: March 2003
Male 85 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Sponsored by: Cornelia Sampson

 

Meet Sebastian! Quite a handsome, loveable guy here!

We just got home, so I thought I'd send in some pics and a quick note! He rode super well in the car (1 hour car ride-lucky!). From what I can see, he's a big guy - probably around 85-90 pounds! He's probably about 4 years old. His coat is short, but he does have that under coat! He needed a bath, so he got one and did GREAT! He'll need another soon!

He walks OK on a leash, using a Gentle Leader. The Leader helps him DRAMATICALLY, but he'll still need some work! Definitely harder, since he's such a big guy! But, he's super sweet and always finds the right spot under my elbow to flip my arm up so I can pet him! He likes to know what I'm doing and where I'm going!

He'll be going to the vet tomorrow, so I'll update again after we get the scoop from the vet!

   

Updates

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

We adopted Sebastian in August after we had to unexpectedly and abruptly put our golden, Katie, to sleep. Our 4 year old son wanted a new dog and wanted a boy. We searched, and were contacted by Nicole about Sebastian. He was probably 5 and had a seizure disorder, was big, had a funny looking head, and a huge tongue. We drove up to Brooklyn Park and fell in love. We got him the next day and he's been our family member ever since.
 
Sebastian warmed up right away. His seizures are controlled now that we've gone up on his dose of phenobarbital. He's the most loyal, loving, and friendly dog and is fantastic with the kids. He is a "big puppy" as we say, weighing in at 104 pounds. Our friends say he's half horse, but we adore him. Every night, he waits until my husband and I crawl into bed and then jumps up for his snuggles. He just wiggles his way right up between us. He gets to stay for a bit and then gets down. When my husband is on call, he gets to sleep with me, and he knows it! He'll stand at the foot of the bed with his chin resting on the mattress waiting for me to settle in, then up he comes. He doesn't just sleep at the end either, oh no, his entire back must be touching me. I do like my little furnace in the dead of winter!
 
Seb, or Sebe, as we call him, fits right in with our family, we comment that we picked the funniest looking, biggest, epileptic dog RAGOM had to offer and he's PERFECT! We can't imagine life without him. He even went all the way to Wyoming with us for Christmas vacation!
 
Sebe is enjoying a great life! Thanks for all you do.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sebastian has been adopted by the "H" family!!!! He will definitely soak up the rest of his days living the golden life!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long! But really, there hasn't been anything new to report! We've been on lots of home visits with new RAGOM adoptive families, and everyone just LOVES me and says I'm SO cute! So, FM finally took some pictures of me outside, as many people said that might help my non-photogenic curse! What do you think? Can you finally tell that I'm the cutest guy around now?

I did have one family come to visit me, but we just weren't the right fit! So, I'm still looking for my forever family and I'm open to visitors!

I am still doing great on my medication and haven't had any seizures for over 3 months now! I'm continuing to learn to share with foster sister and everything else is just awesome!

Thanks for looking at my site! I know there are a lot of folks whom I've met through Home Visits the last couple months who are checking out my page and thinking of me! Thanks for all the positive thoughts and hopes of my finding my very own forever family soon!

Oh! I did forget to mention that FM and FD have been teaching me this silly thing called..."Puppy Kisses". It sure seems strange, as I've never had a real bond with humans and learned to lick their faces...But they sure do get excited and give me treats and toys and tussles when I lick them! They say I'm catching on fast!

   
   

 

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Hello to all my fans! Sorry it's been so long, but there hasn't been much new here! I was waiting to hear back about my Phenobarbital levels and they're low (13, if you know anything about these #'s), but the doc said it's ok, since I haven't had any seizures in about six weeks! So, I'm doing great!

Foster Mom says I'm doing much better learning how to "move around" inside. I now know I have to turn around or back up when my humans are walking. And I know where I can sit and lay down without being in the way. I still don't whine, bark, or go to the door to go potty, but I do walk back and forth. FM says I can hold it the LONGEST out of any foster they've had. I'm also good at standing still for a bath, getting my teeth brushed and coat brushed! I'm always getting better at walking on a leash and waiting for my humans to go through the door first. That Gentle Leader also isn't as bad anymore, but I definitely need it! Especially with all the FUN critters like rabbits and squirrels running around now!

Thanks for looking! But, I still haven't had ONE person come to visit me :( I like people and want to meet you! PLEASE at least send an email - placementatragom [dot] org - with any questions you have!

   
   

Friday, April 18, 2008

Sebastian had another seizure (his third since he's been here). The 1st and 2nd were 13 days apart. The 2nd and 3rd seizures were 10 days apart. Therefore, we had some bloodwork done on him and it all came back normal. The vet then concluded that the seizures must be due to epilepsy alone. So, he will be starting Phenobarbitol today to control the seizures. He will need to be on this medication for the rest of his life, but it is better than having to endure seizures every 2 weeks! So, he will be going in for a blood level check in one month to see if the dose he is on is working at the correct level. If the blood level is right, he probably won't have another seizure in his lifetime!

Otherwise, he's been doing great. He's still very interested in chewing on bones. We've also started petting his nose, looking at his teeth daily, and brushing his teeth every few days. His first vet visit wasn't so comprehensive, because the vet couldn't really look at his teeth, because he didn't let her (He wasn't mean, he just kept moving his head fom side to side). So, we're desensitizing him to being touched there and it's going very well.

We went to the dog park and that went well. He does seem to have an issue with nipping playfully at smaller dogs. He did it once while we were there. The small dog was not hurt and after that Sebastian walked by the dog many times and did not bother it. He also lives with cats and never chases them. So, I think it just depends on the dog.

He is also very baby gate respecting! Sometimes we just lean the gate against something or even leave room on the side of the gate, and Sebastian NEVER even attempts to test it! He's such a sweet, gentle BIG guy!

As you'll see in the pictures, he has an affinity for socks. He can sniff a dirty sock out of anywhere! So, we're trying to keep them behind doors, but if we forget, he helps remind us!

 
Sebastian tired

 
Sebastian and The Sock

 

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Hey everyone! I went to the vet the other day and he said I look FABULOUS! He said my weight loooks great (I'm down to 90 pounds), my teeth look great, my paws aren't swollen anymore and now I'm UTD. Everyone who sees me calls me either gorgeous :) or handsome!

I am such a gentle soul...I'm a very sensitive guy. My FM doesn't need to say anything to me more than once. And sometimes when she tells the resident to "get" (usually out of the litter box or garbage), I get up and move too even though she didn't say my name. I do it just to please her, because I really like to please my humans.

I've also been playing quite a bit with the resident here. I've even been initiating play...My FM says it's SOOOOO cute! I lay down with my front paws and stick my butt up in the air with my tail just a wagging! I am even being submissive to the resident! I'll lay on my back and just roll around so she'll play with me! I've also been getting better at initiating play with my rope!

I guess I also haven't updated since last week...I had a second seizure last Friday...Looked pretty much the same as last time...If I have another seizure in the next 2-3 weeks I'll get some bloodwork done and probably go on some Phenobarbital to stabilize my seizures. If that's the case, I probably won't have seizures any more as long as my blood level stays stable!

Thanks for looking, and PLEASE! come visit me! I love to get petted! FM is trying to get me to like kisses, but I've never had them before, so she said she's going to keep trying!

   
   

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Hey all! Thought it was about time for an update! So, let's see...What's new?

My teeth AREN'T as bad as we previously thought! FM has been giving me quite a few awesome bones! Apparently, the tartar was caked on SO thick, that it just scraped off when I actually got to chew on a bone! So, my teeth are looking PRETTY GOOD! But, we'll check with the vet, to see what she thinks about professional cleaning!

Also, I've been getting better at letting my foster sister play little bits of tug of war with me! When I carry my rope around, I'll allow her to grab it most of the time, and let her pull for about 30 seconds before I growl and pull it away. I still growl at her when she comes near me and my rawhide. My FM and FD can take anything away from me, but not dogs!

FM has also been taking me on walks with a different dog and up to the pet store OFTEN! She says I need to get used to being on my leash around new and different dogs, so I don't get so growly around them on leash. She said I'm getting better! It will take time though!

As you can see in one picture, I also get along with FM and FD's umbrella cockatoo. I like to watch her (from a distance is fine) and she likes to show off for me! So, it's a win-win situation!

That's about it for now! Thanks for reading! Please, come see me! Email placementatragom [dot] org if you're interested! And I KNOW you are!

   

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Hello to all my fans (Or soon to be fans!)! Sorry it's been a while, FM has been BUSY! Anyway, not much is new here. BELIEVE me, that is a GOOD thing!

First and foremost I need to thank my GRACIOUS sponsor Cornelia S! She is an ANGEL! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!!!! :)

As you'll see in one of the pictures, I am starting to play with the resident dog. The picture looks mean, but it's not! We're up on FM and FD's bed playing! So, we've started wrestling a little bit, that's good! However, when I am carrying around my prized toy (which changes, depending on the day), I still don't want to give it up, or let her NEAR me when I have it! I don't understand tug of war with dogs (since humans DO NOT play tug of war!). So, FM is hoping that'll come with time!

Also, there are pics of me in FD's closet, up on top of his clothes basket! I am a SILLY boy and I don't know that I weigh almost 100 pounds (although, I AM on a diet and exercise program, as I should probably drop a FEW pounds!). This happened one night when FD was baking and the smoke alarm went off! FM didn't think I seemed scared, but I might have been, because that's the only time I've climbed in the closet!

As for my seizures, nothing new on that horizon. No more to report, so just waiting for the next couple to track how far apart they are and we'll look at a prevention/treatment plan from there.

   

 

Sunday, March 23, 2008

So, I went to PetCo in St. Paul yesterday and everyone told me how handsome I was and how soft my coat was! I knew I was a special guy, but having all that human attention showered on me was great! I wasn't so much into the dogs since I was on my leash, but my FM said we'll work on that as a team!

However, after we came home, my FM had a headache, so she laid down. I woke her up though, cause I had a seizure. Kinda worse than she thought. Seems to her experienced eye that I had a mild (more like grand mal) tonic-clonic seizure (Feel free to contact us for more info or Google it!). From start to finish, she tracked my symptoms for about 12 minutes, and my cluster of seizures was about 5-6 minutes. I let out a little pee and drooled pretty extensively at the mouth. So, she'll be calling the vet on Monday to have liquid Valium on hand for my next seizure, whenever that will be. Maybe I'll have to take Phenobarbitol every day to control my seizures. Maybe not, just depends on when my next one is!

My paw pads are still kinda red and swollen, so FM said they'd be switching me to Nurtro, to see if that helps my paws improve. So, there's a lot going on right now. Hopefully it'll all get figured out soon so I'll feel better! But my FM is very experienced, so I couldn't ask for a better home!

Don't let this info scare you away! Please contact placementatragom [dot] org if you have that soft spot in your heart for me! Maybe you'd like more information about me or want to come visit me! I'd be SUPER happy to see you and would be the most super-de-dooper host!

As for the pics...My FM finally found a toy that I REALLY like and I LOVE to chew on it, so maybe that'll help my teeth and gums! I get kinda silly when that ball comes out!

 
Sebastian and TOY
Sebastian and resident Bailey

 
Sebastian's LONG tongue

 
Half Sebastian

Friday, March 21, 2008

First, I will be at PetCo in St. Paul this Saturday, the 22nd.

Second, I forgot to tell you guys some things about me.

I might have an allergy, as my paws are kinda red and swollen. But, we aren't getting too excited about it...We're just gonna watch it for the next couple weeks.

Also, I have had two seizures in the past year. However, they are NOT bad AT ALL! I think they are petite mal seizures, as I don't even foam at the mouth, chatter my teeth or lose control of my bowels! I just sit down and get this dazed look on my face for a minute or two. Then I'm fine! My FM would LOVE to talk to you more about that if you're concerned about it! But, you should be, as nobody thinks I need any medication to control the seizures!

I really have that lovable Golden "velcro" personality. If you look my way or shuffle your feet, I HAVE to come and see what you're doing. I even helped my FM pick out her clothes the other day! She said she didn't need the help, but I pitched in anyway! I attached my head to her hip (and I mean, to her HIP, I'm a tall boy, even when I sit), and nudged my nose right under her hand so she could pet me while she contemplated what to wear!

I have some sort of issue with being backed into another corner by my foster sister ( a German Shorthair ). I don't like that and will growl if she backs me into a kennel or a corner. I did, however, like the nylabone she started to chew up. It felt pretty good scratching on my teeth and gums. FM said it was pretty dirty and kinda bloody when I got done, cause my teeth are in such bad shape. But, she told me I was a good boy and that my teeth would feel better soon!

As far as my new pictures, FM said she's sorry about the same poses. I'm kind of a camera hog. Every time I see FM take her camera out, I jump up and get right in front of her. So, she has to catch me when I'm not paying attention!

Otherwise, all is well, not much else for news! Hope to see you in St. Paul this weekend!!!

   

 

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Well, the vet went pretty well today. She said I'm a BIG handsome guy, and pretty healthy overall. I weighed in a at whopping 96 pounds! But, she said I'm big boned (for real) and I should probably stay in the upper 80's. So, not too shabby! I have hookworms, but those are being treated. My teeth were really the worst part, and I will have to go back and have them professionally cleaned. I've got ALL KINDS of layers of gunk on there!

My FM said I take treats like a real sweetheart, nice and gentle. I already know how to sit and shake with my left paw and now they're trying to teach me to lay down. I'm actually a pretty well behaved boy! I'm also getting used to this Gentle Leader. I'm starting to slow down a little bit. I still don't know how to tell these humans how I need to potty, but I don't go inside, because they take me out regularly. She has also been brushing me A LOT lately! I LOVE all the attention though! I have a LOT of dead undercoat on me, so she said she's brushing out the last 3 years of dead fur! So, my undercoat shedding is starting to slow down, kinda :)

So, all in all, a good day. I'm now UTD on all my vaccinations, I'm microchipped and I'm already neutured. So, if you're interested, please send an email to placementatragom [dot] org and let someone know!