Shadow 12-243

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Introducing Shadow.  He just came to us a couple days ago.  Shadow is one big boy weighing in at a hefty 97 lbs., gorgeous thick wavy coat and beautiful tail.  Shadow just turned 6 on the 4th of July.  Shouldn't he have been named Liberty, Freedom or even George?

My husband says he reminds him of a young Shadow from the movie "Homeward Bound." 

Shadow came from a loving home that could no longer keep him.  He was given to a friend that did not know how to treat a pet and thus came to RAGOM.  He is fully vetted, micro-chipped, has a hot spot on his neck that is healing nicely and seems to be in perfect health, other than the weight.

The first night home Shadow slept all night by our bed, met the resident and foster dog with no issues.  He has free roam and yesterday he hung in the unfenced yard with us with no problem, layed in the baby pool and had perfect recall.    We went for a walk and I had Shadow and Grizzly Bear and they both walked wonderfully on the flat collar.

He has been trying to interact a little bit playing with the other dogs, but things are still strange and unsure.  He does seem to want lots of pets and love and that is ok.  Shadow is 100% potty-trained, knows sit, shake, down, no, outside, wailk and we will find out more as the days go by.  Kids and cats have not been tested yet, but Grandkids are coming next week.

If you are looking for a fully-trained beauty of a boy that  can be a great addition to your family for a long time to come, Shadow is your man!

At a Glance #12-243

Golden Retriever Born: July 2006
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Introducing Shadow.  He just came to us a couple days ago.  Shadow is one big boy weighing in at a hefty 97 lbs., gorgeous thick wavy coat and beautiful tail.  Shadow just turned 6 on the 4th of July.  Shouldn't he have been named Liberty, Freedom or even George?

My husband says he reminds him of a young Shadow from the movie "Homeward Bound." 

Shadow came from a loving home that could no longer keep him.  He was given to a friend that did not know how to treat a pet and thus came to RAGOM.  He is fully vetted, micro-chipped, has a hot spot on his neck that is healing nicely and seems to be in perfect health, other than the weight.

The first night home Shadow slept all night by our bed, met the resident and foster dog with no issues.  He has free roam and yesterday he hung in the unfenced yard with us with no problem, layed in the baby pool and had perfect recall.    We went for a walk and I had Shadow and Grizzly Bear and they both walked wonderfully on the flat collar.

He has been trying to interact a little bit playing with the other dogs, but things are still strange and unsure.  He does seem to want lots of pets and love and that is ok.  Shadow is 100% potty-trained, knows sit, shake, down, no, outside, wailk and we will find out more as the days go by.  Kids and cats have not been tested yet, but Grandkids are coming next week.

If you are looking for a fully-trained beauty of a boy that  can be a great addition to your family for a long time to come, Shadow is your man!

Updates

Sunday, September 16, 2012

It is official!  Shadow has been adopted by the ‘W’ family!!!  I think the ‘W family’ knew he was their dog from the moment they met.  Shadow reminded them of their beloved ‘Hana’, that passed away this spring at only age 7. 

He will be living it up on an acre of land with his forever Mom and Dad.  He is the only dog and will get kisses as much as he wants!  He will also get lots of hugs from their little granddaughter. 

We will miss you, Shadow.  You have been an unforgettable member of our family.  But boy, what a lucky, lucky dog you are!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Shadow has settled into our family routine very well.  I believe this dog would do well with any family.  Have kids?  GREAT!  No kids?  No problem!  Have other dogs or pets?  Awesome!  I am home a lot, but Shadow does very well when left alone for periods of time.  He is NOT crated and does not need to be.

When my 8 year old took this picture of Shadow, I thought, NOT SO CLOSE!!!  But I love it!  I believe it captures a glimpse of this sweet boy’s soul.

We continue to work on Shadow’s barking for attention.  He used to bark non-stop at our mealtime, and I am happy to report that has improved!

Shadow and our resident golden, Buddy, get along GREAT!  (Buddy on left, Shadow on right)

 

I have to be honest.  I want to keep this dog!  I know I can’t keep every dog that comes through our door.  And if we keep Shadow, my fostering days will be over.  I don’t want it to end as I feel I have truly found my calling in life.  To describe the feeling when a dog that YOU SAVED comes into your home and you love him like your own, and then that dog finds the MOST PERFECT forever home…well, there just aren’t words to describe how it makes me feel.  THAT is why Shadow will find a forever home, instead of staying with us.  And THAT is why I continue to foster ;)

Shadow has his paws crossed that he will meet his perfect forever home.  He will be at Goldzilla on Sept 22nd.  Please come meet him and I challenge you to NOT fall in love!  ;)

Friday, August 31, 2012

Shadow arrived at our house last Sunday from 300 miles south.   (Thank you Sherry J and Cindy B!)  Shadow was fostered by Sherry in Walnut, Iowa and due to their upcoming busy schedule, she thought it best for Shadow to find a new foster.  We were actually Shadow’s first foster family, but only for a week.  So when Sherry asked if we’d like him back, we said, ABSOLUTELY!

 This is where Shadow has chosen to sleep!  He will walk between the wall and curtain and plop himself down.  Very cute!

Our resident dog, Buddy, and Shadow get along great.  (See photo in previous entries)  I don’t think he’d have a problem with any dog, actually.  He has met our neighboring dachshunds without any problems.  He was also introduced to a fellow RAGOM volunteers’ cats with no problems (or interest!)

What we know and have learned of Shadow:

Positives:

·         Great with other dogs/cats

·         Loves attention

·         Great with kids

·         Good recall

·         AWESOME when walking on a lease

 

Negatives:

·         Barks for attention, while eating and when someone comes to door (Our res. Golden taught him that, probably)

·         Weird Kleenex fetish and will steal them from garbage or coffee table

·         Will give a warning if you try to clean his ears with a Kleenex!

We are working on the barking thing.  It’s rather annoying to be eating and have this very loud bark in your face!

If I could choose one word to summarize Shadow, it would be relaxed.  This guy is quite comfortable laying on our deck, just watching the world go by.

Couldn’t resist sharing this picture!  I dropped a cucumber and Shadow, the big helper that he is, carried it into the kitchen for me!

More to come as Shadow settles in with us~

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

It's me Shadow.  Just wanted to say hi.  FD gave me a bath yesterday and I just stood and enjoyed every second and I love, loved FM toweling me dry and brushing my beautiful natural curly hair.  Hate to brag but the truth is the truth, I look quite GOR-GE-OUS!

I met the neighbors cats the other day--what's the big deal?--they're so full of themselves and I would much rather get hugs and rubs from all the people on our block.  The other dogs--who cares?--I have my foster brothers and we have a great time playing together.

FM and FD laughed at me and I don't know why.  I was just laying on my back, holding the ball in the air and playing catch with myself.  FD said I was very talented!

It's been so hot here with my beautiful fur coat, I'd rather be inside except when it's walk time (we go 2 miles each morning) and I am really starting to like riding in the car.  I am a great co-pilot.

Well forever family, I am happy here but I'd much rather be spending my time loving you!!!  Get in touch with FM.

 

 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Don't look beyond this page if you are looking for a beautiful golden boy that has lots of love and companionship to give.

Shadow loves his walks and he walks well both on and off leash.  We have been walking as much as the weather will allow as Shadow LOVES to eat and really needs to lose some weight.

The "big guy" had only been with us a few days when the grandkids from teen to toddler came to visit a couple days and he had absolutely no issues with any of them.  He endured lots of hugs, kisses and bossiness.

Shadow is fully house-trained, has had free roam at all times and sleeps by the side of the bed with not a peep all night long.  We have put the stuffed toys away, but tug-toys, kongs and balls (even tennis balls) are fine.  He loves to carry the balls around and way more fun when its two at the same time.

The downside---Shadow can be stubborn and barky at times.  When he wants pets and love, he will look at you and bark, stop when you give him some loving and the second you let your hand down, he will bark again.  I have been putting my hand on the top of his nose and saying "no bark" and even though he is getting it, we are still a work in progress.  Shadow also has a kleenex fetish, not shred them, eat them.  Yikes, no idea where that came from!  It didn't take us long to realize no kleenex or napkins can be laying around. 

Shadow has only been with us for a week and my thoughts could change as we get to know the real Shadow better, but for now I would say that he needs a calm home environment.  I think he would also thrive as an only dog but has gotten along just fine with the other dogs that live with us.  We haven't met other dogs on our walks or cats at this time.  He will chase a squirrel or rabbit 15 or 20 yards and then turn and come back to us. 

I would love to see this deserving boy in his forever home soon, he has many wonderful years to share.


A bone, a ball; maybe I can fit a toy in here too!
Two beautiful boys - Shadow (left) and friend Buddy