Ska-zi 03-216

Profile

Ska-Zi is a one year old male, that was given up because his elderly owners could not handle his energy! To quote his previous owner - this dog is too dynamic for a 78 year old man. His unique name is a Lakota word that means "golden," and once you get the hang of the pronunciation, it works pretty well (hmmm - seems I had trouble with that at first!)! His previous owners loved him, but knew they could not handle him and want the very best for Ska-Zi. Therefore they gave him up to RAGOM in hopes that he would find the best home possible!

At a Glance #03-216

Golden Retriever Born: August 2002
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Ska-Zi is a one year old male, that was given up because his elderly owners could not handle his energy! To quote his previous owner - this dog is too dynamic for a 78 year old man. His unique name is a Lakota word that means "golden," and once you get the hang of the pronunciation, it works pretty well (hmmm - seems I had trouble with that at first!)! His previous owners loved him, but knew they could not handle him and want the very best for Ska-Zi. Therefore they gave him up to RAGOM in hopes that he would find the best home possible!

Updates

Friday, April 29, 2011

Hi RAGOM,

I wanted to let you know that our dog Ska-zi (we adopted in 2003) who was once known as the dog "too dynamic" and "pretty hyper" has passed the Canine Good Citizen test on April 20th. We have been going to training classes that are offered at the Humane Society and he has flourished. We have trained off and on in the last 7 years that we've owned him but this time we were getting serious. We passed Level I in one class, Level II in one class, Level III in 5 classes and Level IV in 3 classes! It has been awesome and I have never been a prouder mom than I was that night. He sailed through each and every object. Now we are going to begin therapy dog classes. We will see where that leads us. I think this goes to show that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! (Ska-zi will be 9 in August).

Again, Russ and I THANK YOU for rescuing Ska-zi and giving him a chance. He has been the most perfect dog any person could ever ask for. He's been our rock since losing one of our beloved cats last month. We could not asked for a better match.

Thanks again for all you do,
Kristi and Russ

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Hi RAGOM,

Ska-zi here (03-216). The year of 2010 so far has been great. I have been playing, playing and more playing with my neighbor/girlfriend Xena. She is a black lab and we are both 8 years old now. Well I’m not 8 quite yet, but I will be on August 13th. My Mama tells me that I will be having a special birthday cake. I will share some with Xena. My friend Duke (Mama’s Grandparents dog) had to have TPLO surgery so he’s been outta commission for a while. I will see him after August though when he’s all healed up.

I still hear every day what a good boy I am, how wonderful I am and smart and kind. Mama and my Daddy say they know I understand every word they say. I do, too. Especially when something is mentioned about going in the truck, toys, or cheese. My toy bin is overgrown and every day I do what is called the “toy parade” where I pick out different toys to scatter about the living room. My favorite is the stuffed pumpkin. I think that’s because I love Fall. It’s when I was adopted 7 years ago!

I am strong and healthy and enjoy every day. I still love the kitties I live with. The orange cat Louie really loves me. He’s always rubbing me and lies right next to me. Sometimes I lick his ears and back. He’s a weird kitty but that’s okay. The other kitty Mario likes to lay by me but with a few feet in between. He’s more cautious cause sometimes I get really excited when people come over and my tail has a mind of it’s own and Mario has been hit in the face with it. That’s why he kind of keeps his distance.

I wanted to let you know that I am still the best dog ever. Maybe I can be a little hyper sometimes but Mama says she likes that because it keeps her active too. She likes a dog that works and plays hard. She says we’re going to go back to Obedience classes again for fun and try to get Canine Good Citizen certificate. I know I can do it. >I have my reputation of “the best dog ever” to hold on to!

I love my life and everything is going great and I wanted you to know that I know it’s because of you RAGOM. Thanks again for everything. I am fur-ever grateful.

PS.  I attached a silly picture of me showing I am a #1 Minnesota Wild fan and a picture of me playing tug with Xena this winter. I always can win tug matches.

Monday, July 6, 2009

From Ska-Zi's forever family...

Hello RAGOM!

We adopted our dog Ska-zi from RAGOM in October of 2003. He was a little over a year old. He had been given up by an elderly gentleman from South Dakota because Ska-zi was too "dynamic" for him. It was said in his intake form that he "steals" items like forks and knives and barks at the television.

I remember the day that Denny and Gay brought Ska-zi to our house. Energetic was too small of a word to describe him. He was unbelievable. He jumped on our counter, took all of our cats' toys, and ripped the one dog toy that we had to pieces. We said we'd think about it.... Denny and Gay were bringing Ska-zi up to their cabin for the weekend and we said we'd give them an answer on Sunday evening.

Russ and I talked it over and decided, what the heck, we're young, we can handle his energy. We just knew we'd have to work with him.

It was the best decision either of us have ever made. Our lives have been completely enriched by Ska-zi. He is the most kind, wonderful dog. He loves our cats and is always decent and respectful around them. He has tons of doggie friends that we bring over (sometimes for a slumber party). He goes camping and visiting to our friends' and families' houses, and is always a welcome guest. He doesn't jump on the counter anymore or take the kitty toys. We've learned to channel his energy into other things like; tennis balls, toys, rollerblading and biking. Also we've done obedience classes and agility classes.

Ska-zi is truly the best dog ever. Thank you RAGOM, for allowing us to adopt him.

PS. He's coming up on 7 years of age and his energy level has gone down only a bit. Which is fine by us! Keeps us active! :) 

Here are two pictures. One is at the lake last summer. It's an action shot I took as he's bringing back his ball. The other, it looks like he's actually smiling with dirty hair and a dirty, muddy ball in his mouth. That was taken last summer as well.