| Golden Retriever | Born: July 2006 |
| Male | Weight not specified |
Status: Deceased
Simon went away seven months ago. He went away to be with Big Red who transferred to the Happy Trail place six years ago. Both were RAGOM Goldens.
Simon came to us through foster parents in Iowa. They gave him up to our forever home with tears and smiles as we left their home, and with Simon reaching back to them with mournful eyes. Back to the time before, when first sitting on foster folks sofa this extra large happy Golden charged up to my wife and me, and I knew in a split second, if we were very lucky, that he would be our dog, our pal, our partner with unconditional trust and closeness.
He was 100-pound-plus size, 7 years old, and had a somewhat chequered past, but, never mind, our hearts were full. That dynamic never wavered for the next five years until our trusted pet and friend advised us "it's time."
The crush of losing man's best friend has tempered over time and we have finally let go, but our memories and our appreciation for his time with us is a never forgotten treasure. I can finally write this down now, with a new chapter beginning: his name is "Bailey 18-068."
A quick up date here. Today is my birthday. Yes, turned 9 years old. I have been in my forever home now for 1 and 1/2 years. I am so happy. I get to swim, play ball, fish. I am so glad Sherri and Larry took me into their foster home where I met forever family. Yup, life is good.
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We thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of our big gentleman golden Simon:
He checked out the Northern that came through the ice.
Caught a few loves while checking out the fish.
Inside of the ice shack was crowded, but there was room for Simon.
And of course, he got more loves....
He would have gladly joined the kids in Yatzee, but you know.....
He has found his spot in the kitchen...
And in the bedroom... Isn't he beautiful?
And he is not opposed to snuggling on the sofa.
He is getting along so well. We feel so fortunate to have him. Many thanks to RAGOM for making this possible. Ralphe and Katie R
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE! My foster sister Sandy and I just got home from the beauty shop and Foster Mom and even Foster Dad said we look gorgeous. I loved riding in the car so much and was a very good backseat driver.
Simon 07-082 & adopted RAGOM girl Sandy home from the beauty shop. All ready for Christmas!
The shampoo girl told FM what good dog kids we were and I walked so nice in and out of PetSmart. Boy, does that place ever smell good!! FM said she got Christmas surprises for us when we were there, but she didn't let us see and she hid them when we got home. I really am trying to be good so Santa Paws stops at our house. We have been very busy getting ready for the holidays (whatever they are, but must be important). FM is doing lots of baking and I am trying so hard to stay off the counters. Are you watching, Santa? Everyone in the family wants me to wish you all a wonderful holiday and joyous New Year. Remember, Santa, I am wishing for a family of my very own for always and always!!
OK, I want to tell you my side of the story. Foster Mom & Dad left us home alone for a few hours. There were rolls and the rest of the "punkin pie" left on the counter. I thought that was so nice to leave us a snack and dessert too. Wasn't that a super compliment to clean them all up, but--oops, guess not. FM said if we had a doghouse, I would be in it!! Gosh, I thought this was the dogs' house and we let FM & FD stay with us. Somebody has to take care of them.
WOW---that "punkin pie" was awesome. Next time, I hope I get that fluffy white stuff on top.
FM here. So, I guess we have to put counter-surfer on Simon's list and sometimes bedroom wastebasket getter-inner. But I sure wish someone would look past some of Simon's quirks. He is such a great dog, so good-looking, and so loves his family. He lives to hang with you, ride with you, sleep by your bed, and walk with you. He does not bark often and stops when you tell him, "no bark." Simon has never chewed anything inappropriate or left the yard. He loves to fetch the tennis ball, run back to you, and then let you PRY the ball out of his mouth. I think possibly his former owners chased him with it, because he seems to try and tell me I am not playing the game correctly.
Simon was a little bossy when he first came, but that has totally disappeared. He waits for his food, waits until I tell him he can go outside, and jumps out of the car when given permission. If you want a loving, easy companion, Simon could be the boy for you!
Ohhhh--LIFE IS GOOD!
Need a new best friend? If so, Simon could be the guy for you!
As a foster, the greatest joy is watching an unsure, confused, and sometimes frightened dog bloom into the great dog he is supposed to be. After a little over two weeks, we are seeing the good, loving dog that is Simon. He is the complete package: loyal, minds well, understands much, a nice walker, loves riding in the car, and fun-loving in a beautiful body.
We have two resident dogs and all three have eaten out of the same bowl at the same time. Simon and Jack play and wrestle more each day, judging by all the stuffing I have been picking up after a great game of tug-of-war. Simon does have a tennis ball fetish and can be possessive of them. We now put them away until we go outside and play fetch, and this works well.
Jack (resident dog) and Simon. The best time of day--tug-of-war!!
The reason Simon was surrendered. There had been major changes in his life. His owner was recently married and he had been spending a lot of time at his human grandma's house that has a lot of young children around. Simon bit an unsupervised child that had been aggravating him (no doctors visit was required, but he did break the skin). No one saw exactly what happened, but I have to believe he wouldn’t have been put in this situation if they felt Simon was untrustworthy.
I explained the details when we went to the vet for a wellness check (which he passed with flying colors). Simon needed a couple shots, blood drawn, and the doctor did a couple of small personality checks, and the vet said, “In no way is this an aggressive dog.” I think Simon was put in a situation that obviously frightened him and he reacted in a normal dog way. Even so, a home with no very young children is a must for everyone’s best interests.
We have not had one regret fostering Simon. In fact, we are becoming VERY attached; he just loves his people! If you think Simon could be the dog for you, contact your placement adviser. He will enrich your life as he has ours.
Simon - a great copilot
Are there any more tennis balls under these leaves?