Sophie 06-479

Profile

10/30/06: Single, lovely 7-year-old blonde female seeking long-term relationship. I am a trim gal at 65 lbs. with the softest fur and lots of love to give. I know how to sit and lie down, but am not too good with staying. I am learning to walk on a leash without pulling. I appear to be housebroken. I can be trusted to be left alone (be sure to keep your dirty laundry out of my reach though) with free roam if you don't mind that I like to lie on the comfy couch and beds. I get along great with others, dogs and people, that is. I don't know how I do with cats but would probably be fine with them, too. I have not done any counter surfing, but am great at sitting close by when you are eating to clean up any crumbs you might drop. I will be spayed early this week and micro-chipped. I am UTD on everything else. So if you are looking for someone to snuggle and keep you warm on the cold nights coming, send off an email to placementatragom [dot] org, as I am anxious to find my perfect family!

Fondly, Sophie

At a Glance #06-479

Breed not specified Born: March 2000
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

10/30/06: Single, lovely 7-year-old blonde female seeking long-term relationship. I am a trim gal at 65 lbs. with the softest fur and lots of love to give. I know how to sit and lie down, but am not too good with staying. I am learning to walk on a leash without pulling. I appear to be housebroken. I can be trusted to be left alone (be sure to keep your dirty laundry out of my reach though) with free roam if you don't mind that I like to lie on the comfy couch and beds. I get along great with others, dogs and people, that is. I don't know how I do with cats but would probably be fine with them, too. I have not done any counter surfing, but am great at sitting close by when you are eating to clean up any crumbs you might drop. I will be spayed early this week and micro-chipped. I am UTD on everything else. So if you are looking for someone to snuggle and keep you warm on the cold nights coming, send off an email to placementatragom [dot] org, as I am anxious to find my perfect family!

Fondly, Sophie

Updates

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Miss Sophie spent time with Foster Mom #1 in the metro area while I was in TX.  Thursday it was time for the exchange.  But this would be the last time FM #1 would see Sophie.  Sophie had met her forever family while with FM #1.  They would be coming to St Cloud to get her the week end I was back.  Sophie was happy to see me, Ranger 07-237 and Jake, and it was like she was back 'home' yet again.  The next 2 days went fast.

Saturday morning arrived early for us, 6:00 a.m.  Sophie's new forever mom and human sister would be arriving around 7:30 a.m.  Sophie and Ranger did their last hurrah in the play tug department.  Soon it was time to say good bye for Sophie.  Interestingly she was more than ready to get in the SUV and be on her.  Infact while her new mom was laying down a towel, we had to hold Sophie back from jumping in.  She was kind enough to pose for a couple pictures, but then was ready to go.  

While it's sad to see your foster go, when they are comfortable enough to go with the new family, you know it will be ok.  Sophie is now settling in at her new home with her mom, dad and 2 human sisters.  She is one lucky girl and will enjoy a wonderful life of being loved and pampered by her new family.

Have a sweet life, Sophie.....we'll miss you.

Foster Moms 1 & 2, Ranger, Mason, Zach and Jake

 

Ranger and Sophie

Bye Foster Mom!  Let's GO, Mom!

 

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

OK Sophie here.  Well, Ranger 07-237 and I took FM2 to the picnic on Saturday, and she was so busy with her former charges she didn't get but one pic of me there.  Bad FM2.  As you can see the little girl was trying to 'teach' me how to walk with a gentle leader.  I liked it better when she just ran and called me or threw the ball.

Well, FM2 is heading outta state for about a week, so Thursday the 27th I head for FM1 in the metro area.  So if you are looking to meet a good looking blonde girl, just let placement know.  I met a couple really nice families at the ragom picnic and I think they were thinking I'd fit into their life  and home.  

Not a lot of news to report.  Still hanging with boyz, chasing balls, and I discovered I rather like 'picking' at stuffed toys.  FM wasn't too impressed.  She won't let me have a tennis ball in the house cuz I want to play all night.  Oh and something about chewing the fuzz off the ball.  So I get my own balls that I brought with me.  I'm feeling and looking good.

Well, Ranger has to write his update and then it's time to go out between the thunderstorms passing through, and play some ball.  Just contact  placementatragom [dot] org to hook up.  Remember I'll be in the metro area with my FM1 until next Thursday, then back to St Cloud while FM1 goes to a wedding.

See ya,
Sophie

Sophie and Ranger 07-237

 The floor bed just didn't cut it!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Hi Everyone, Sophie Girl here.  Just wanted to let you know I have 2 foster moms, they call it 'co-fostering', to me it means I spend some time with them both.  My other foster mommy had surgery and has to take it easy, so I came to St Cloud to hang out with Ranger 07-237 and former foster, Jake.  He got adopted by my St Cloud foster family.  Anyway, we're just hanging out, chasing balls, playing with stuffed animals ( I don't shred, like to cuddle or carry them around, but can get protective of them when Ranger comes around and tries to take them away from me) and trying to stay clear of Ranger and Lake, pup from next door, when they are out chasing balls same time as us seniors.

I'm pretty much a happy go lucky kinda gal.  Easy to please; feed me, hit tennis balls, go for a walk, hit tennis balls, well you get the idea.  I am adjusting to the cats here.  When I first saw them I would just bark and bark at them.  I'm pretty much over that, and I don't chase them like some guys I know, no names.

As my other foster mom ( FM1 ) said in my update, I am off all my meds and doing great.  All the places I licked the hair off is growing back in.  I'm in great shape for a senior, and if you met me and didn't see the gray in my face and only saw me chase balls, you would never know I was 8 years old.

I have adjusted to sleeping on the bed with foster mom (FM2) and the boyz.  We each have our own space and pretty much stay there.  If Ranger spreads out too much I usually get off and crash on the floor.  My bed is there, but really haven't used it much.  I love cuddling on the couch, and it is big enough so all three of us can get up there and cuddle with FM2 (my foster mom in the metro is FM1...ok:)  Anyway, I have also enjoyed my first marrow bone and I give it up to FM without a problem, but if Ranger comes near, I will let him know to back off.  I am eating really well and have gained a couple pounds. This I know  because FM took us to the vet and had us all weighed.  Everyone was right where they belonged....in the 4 legged family, not so much for the 2 legged. 

Ranger and I are bringing FM2 to the picnic on Sat. at Snail Park and FM1 will be there.  Depending on how she feels I may go home with her, or come back up here for another few days.  Seems my FM's are busy and coming and going, so when they write their updates, they'll have to let you know where I am.  I am hoping to find my forever family at the picnic maybe.  I am ready for my forever home.  I loved my past home and was very sad to have to leave, but it couldn't be helped.  So to Cedar and Johanna, I miss you, I'm being good and I hope you are both doing well.  Please say hi to Paddy for me and tell him none of the boyz I've met are half as great as him:)  

If you have been thinking about meeting me, Saturday, Sept 22 is your chance.  Come to the RAGOM picnic, enjoy the day meeting lots of dogs and people, and ME:)   Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about me, contact   placementatragom [dot] org  and we, well ok, FM1 can talk with you and answer any questions you might have.  Just remember I'm house trained, love to chase balls, listen well, take treats nicely and you'll love this; when you want me to lay down you just say "Sophie, flop!"  Yep, flop.  Go figure huh.  I am sweet natured, love to cuddle, go for car/van rides (I'm very good in the car) and I'm just plain great to have around for a companion.  I can be with other fur butts, or an only child.  Doesn't get much better than that!!

Hope to see you Saturday at the picnic

Sophie Girl

Sophie's favorite toy

Former foster Jake, Sophie, and Ranger

 

 

Monday, September 3, 2007

Hey everyone, it's me Sophie! Foster mom said I've been such a good girl that I get to do my own update today. First of all, I want to correct one thing she said the other day… there is NO love affair going on here. It was completely one-sided, and while I like my foster brother as a friend, he is WAY too young and immature for a confident, sophisticated girl like me. So, I don’t want to hear any more of that nonsense.

 

Also, I want to give a big shout out and thank you to my former moms, J & C, who I know loved me very much, but are going through a rough period, and I just want you to know that I understand, and I really hope that everything turns out ok for you both, like it seems to be doing for me. I am feeling SO much better! I am off the medicine that made me hyper-active and made me feel like I was starving all the time (I still have a lot of energy, but it is normal, well-directed energy, like for playing fetch and chasing young boys) ;) and I don't pee all the time anymore. I'm also on this really yummy new food that (so far) doesn't make me itch, and my beautiful feathers are already starting to grow back. There is a thin white fuzz which already helps to cover up my privates (they were exposed for a while, how embarrassing!). Thank goodness for butt feathers!

 

So even though I’m no longer “hyper”, I’m still a very young-at-heart kind of girl, and have plenty of active years left in me… and did I mention that I LOVE to play fetch? Foster mom told me she’s never had a dog as consistent in returning the ball and dropping it at her feet as little old me. It’s no big deal, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that if you bring it back, she’ll throw it again. Duh! The two boys chase me when I fetch the ball, but they don’t try to take it away anymore… guess I taught them to respect their elders, and they’re falling in line pretty nicely. Speaking of which, I really do like my foster brothers, and get along well with both of them. Zach, the 10 month old puppy is a big marshmallow, so I pretty much knew he would let me take charge. We have a lot of fun wrestling and chasing, and I guess I should admit that I sometimes I feel the need to “mount” him a little, just to remind him that I’m the Queen Bee. I don’t think he really minds it though, and we just keep playing. Mason has finally gotten a hold of himself, and is no longer drooling over me, thank goodness. That was so annoying!  We play too, and sometimes we still mount each other, but it’s never caused any tiffs between us, and we just keep playing. Foster mom says Mason and I are both "alphas", whatever that means, but she says it works b/c we've agreed that he can be “top boy” and I'll be “top girl”. Personally, I think he still has a crush on me, so he kinda lets me do whatever I want to.

 

Anyway, it’s been a busy weekend. We’ve spent a lot of time just playing in the back yard, then coming inside to cool off, which gets us all wound up again, so then we go back outside to play for a while. I’m really good in the fenced back yard, and don’t bark unless someone new walks by, then I might bark once or twice. I would never try to escape, I just like to be with my family too much, but I do enjoy having a fenced yard for playing fetch and chase. I have to sleep on my bed in a big crate at night, which I think is totally unfair b/c I am perfectly well behaved in the house, but mom says none of us would ever get any sleep if she didn't separate us b/c we’d play all night long. Anyway, I know I need my beauty sleep so I can keep up with these guys again the next day, so I'm really good in my crate and sleep all night without making a peep.

 

I guess what I really want everyone to know is that I am a very happy & healthy “middle-aged” girl, who is ready to find her forever home! I am up-to-date on shots, spayed, chipped, have no ear infections (yay!), and just need some stability and love in my life. I really don't ask for a lot, but I do love to get pets and snuggles, the more the better. I would be fine with a fur brother, and probably ok with a fur sister as long as she let me be in charge, but I'd be fine without one too. I like to get all the attention, so as long as my family is committed to keeping up with my daily exercise, feeding me a high quality food, spoiling me rotten, and maybe taking me to an obedience class to sharpen up my skills, I’d be fine as an only dog too. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a cat or not, but I’d be willing to try. I don’t try very hard to chase squirrels; I think I prefer balls. I do know that I’m good with kids and really like them, b/c my previous family had grandkids that would visit. I’m also not afraid of anything, not vacuum cleaners, or storms or fireworks. Someone let off a couple of fireworks the other night, and scaredy cat Zach ran and hid in the bathroom and wouldn’t come out to potty… but I was brave and didn’t bat an eyelash. What’s the big deal?

 

Well, I guess I had an awful lot to tell you about myself. Good thing Mom let me write tonight, or you might not have learned everything you need to know to decide if I’m the girl for you. Remember, just because I’m 8 doesn’t make me a couch potato… I've got lots of active years left in me, and foster mom says that I deserve for them to be the best ones yet!!!

 

Email placementatragom [dot] org if you think you might be my perfect forever family. I can’t wait to meet you!

 

xoxo,

Sophie 

 

 

Taking a breather with my ball

 

Me and the boys (I'm in the middle)

 

Here you can see my missing butt and tail feathers. Hurry up and grow back, hair!

Friday, August 31, 2007

Sophie's adoptive family was experiencing some medical issues and could no longer keep her, so she has been returned to RAGOM. She is in a new foster home, since her previous foster mom is caring for a long-term foster, Carter 07-487, who has cancer :(. We are very happy that she was able to come and stay with us! Sophie is now 8 years old (or maybe 8 years young is a better way to put it). She is gorgeous and sweet, and a little spunky too. She moved right in and made herself at home, and boy is she driving one of the resident boys wild. And I do mean WILD. He is so enamoured with her that he cannot leave her alone for a minute, and unfortunately I don't think his feelings towards his new foster "sister" are very platonic (he's been mounting, panting, drooling, playbowing, talking, and other pretty  much frenzied behavior :)). She was initially playing hard to get, but as of tonight, I'm not so sure the feelings aren't mutual. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was in heat, and he was intact. Luckily, neither is true, she is spayed and he is neutered. We'll have to see how this plays out... I've had twenty-some fosters in the past two years, and seen many different "relationships" between my residents and fosters... but an intense love affair would be a first!

So, more about Sophie. In addition to resident Mason, she LOVES tennis balls, and is a fantastic retriever. This girl could definitely get all her exercise playing fetch, as she brings it back every time and drops it right at your feet. She is definitely an active senior! But she's also very calm in the house, and settles right down. She loves to snuggle on the couch, and just be with you. I really feel like I'm seeing her true personality for the first time today. I transported Sophie last weekend and brought her to the vet, since she'd been having skin problems, and had itched/chewed a lot of the feathers off her back legs and tail (you can see in some of the pictures that her tail is kind of thin, but it's already starting to grow back). Her surrendering family had been working with their vet to address this issue, and the vet had prescribed several medications for skin allergies. When she came in, we were told that she was experiencing quite a few new symptoms, so we wanted to get her checked out right away. I am very happy to report that all of Sophie's bloodwork, skin cytologies, and urine tests came back perfectly normal. It turns out she was (most likely) having a negative reaction to being on a high dose of prednisone, which was making her ravenous, anxious and antsy, and causing frequent urination. She was slowly weaned off the prednisone this week, and the side effects certainly seem to be subsiding. Her demeanor is much calmer, her appetite is healthy but not like she is starving, and her urination seems almost back to normal. This is all GReat news, since we really weren't sure what we would find.

Sophie is now off all her medications (YAY!), and I've started her on an all natural, single protein source food (fish and sweet potato) that is made with limited ingredients, and is specially formulated for dogs with allergies, or sensitive skin and coats. Time will tell how this works for her, but so far so good, and she seems to really like it.

More soon on this sweet Golden girl, and the ensuing soap opera drama that unfolds at my house. :)

 Just a girl and her ball, so happy!

I know I shouldn't say this....but my foster sister is HOT!

Well, of course he has a crush on me - it's SO obvious!