Spirit 12-104

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Profile

Sponsored by:

Kathy & Murphy
"In memory of Sweet Miley Girl"

 

This dog came into RAGOM from a commercial breeder and has not been adequately socialized to humans. RAGOM requires that any adoptive homes contain a physical fence (due to the risk of escape); another fairly confident medium to large sized dog to role model from (everything is new and scary for them); no children under 10 years old in the home (normal kid behavior scares these dogs). Our goal is to find the forever family for these dogs and our experience leads us to use these criteria.

April 3, 2012

It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to "Spirit," one of the MO puppy mill girls that came in 1 week ago.  The "Spirited One" or the one that rendered the glamorous title, "Tempermental" during the Intake process does live up to her name....but...with good reason.  She is strong, courageous, and knows what she needs to feel safe---she is a Survivor! 

Spirit is an 11 mo. old PB Golden Girl and is absolutely as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside.  Spirit met our crew with great joy and comfort.  She went from hiding in her crate...


Spirit's Safe Place

to play-bowing and engaging in a game of chase with our resident dogs in a matter of days.  Still extremely cautious around us, she is the complete opposite--confident, playful and adventurous--while  surrounded by our resident dogs. 


Room to Run!
Exploring with the pack...


Spirit and Foster Brother Jonah playing chase!

It took us a few days before we even attempted going outside with her.  She was so fearful of being on a leash, she bucked like a bronco so we contained her to the house and the attached garage became her "outside" for doggie play and potty breaks.  Yes---potty and poop in the garage---but technically---it was "outside" and not "in the house" so it works for us for now.  Spirit keeps her kennel clean and while in the house, chooses the kennel (with the door open) for comfort.  Last night (6 days after arriving) she ventured out to explore freely without scattering across the floor back into the crate at the first sign of noise or movement.  This was a great sign indeed!

Today, we went to the vet.  Spirit weighed in at a whopping 35 lbs.  It doesn't appear that Spirit has had a heat cycle so we are thrilled about that and hoping to get her in soon to be spayed.  No motherhood for this girl!!!  Spirit does have ear mites---very common in dogs that live in tight living quarters with lots of other dogs.  She also is suspect for an intestinal parasite...so we'll have the results on that in a few days.  Other than that---the vet was very impressed with this little lady.  She found comfort in us (which was a joy to experience) and she allowed the vet to touch her, look in her ears and mouth, and give her a good once over.  He thought for a puppy mill girl, she showed great signs of adjusting to this brave new world of hers in such a short time.


Cuddle time with Foster Dad

While it appears that Spirit is "settling in," please realize there are still many trying days ahead before Spirit is ready to be adopted by a family with a fence, another confident med/large sized resident dog(s) to teach her the ropes, and no small children.  These photos tell a story of very good progress thus far...huge baby steps....but also know that everyday we begin anew---If you've seen the movie, 50 1st Dates or Groundhog Day, you may have an idea what I mean :).  Each day, we reintroduce ourselves to Spirit.  She is afraid of us every day, but each day the time it takes her to warm up to us shortens and these are the little steps we celebrate.  This is progress....each day we just hope to touch her and show her love.  And as you can see, this little beauty is going to find her way to the Golden Life just fine....she is AMAZING!

More to come as we continue working with Spirit.  If you are looking for a dog to sponsor, please consider this special little lady!  She is a Survivor and will make you very proud in the days ahead...one baby step at a time!!!  THANK YOU!!!!  

At a Glance #12-104

Golden Retriever Born: April 2011
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Sponsored by:

Kathy & Murphy
"In memory of Sweet Miley Girl"

 

This dog came into RAGOM from a commercial breeder and has not been adequately socialized to humans. RAGOM requires that any adoptive homes contain a physical fence (due to the risk of escape); another fairly confident medium to large sized dog to role model from (everything is new and scary for them); no children under 10 years old in the home (normal kid behavior scares these dogs). Our goal is to find the forever family for these dogs and our experience leads us to use these criteria.

April 3, 2012

It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to "Spirit," one of the MO puppy mill girls that came in 1 week ago.  The "Spirited One" or the one that rendered the glamorous title, "Tempermental" during the Intake process does live up to her name....but...with good reason.  She is strong, courageous, and knows what she needs to feel safe---she is a Survivor! 

Spirit is an 11 mo. old PB Golden Girl and is absolutely as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside.  Spirit met our crew with great joy and comfort.  She went from hiding in her crate...


Spirit's Safe Place

to play-bowing and engaging in a game of chase with our resident dogs in a matter of days.  Still extremely cautious around us, she is the complete opposite--confident, playful and adventurous--while  surrounded by our resident dogs. 


Room to Run!
Exploring with the pack...


Spirit and Foster Brother Jonah playing chase!

It took us a few days before we even attempted going outside with her.  She was so fearful of being on a leash, she bucked like a bronco so we contained her to the house and the attached garage became her "outside" for doggie play and potty breaks.  Yes---potty and poop in the garage---but technically---it was "outside" and not "in the house" so it works for us for now.  Spirit keeps her kennel clean and while in the house, chooses the kennel (with the door open) for comfort.  Last night (6 days after arriving) she ventured out to explore freely without scattering across the floor back into the crate at the first sign of noise or movement.  This was a great sign indeed!

Today, we went to the vet.  Spirit weighed in at a whopping 35 lbs.  It doesn't appear that Spirit has had a heat cycle so we are thrilled about that and hoping to get her in soon to be spayed.  No motherhood for this girl!!!  Spirit does have ear mites---very common in dogs that live in tight living quarters with lots of other dogs.  She also is suspect for an intestinal parasite...so we'll have the results on that in a few days.  Other than that---the vet was very impressed with this little lady.  She found comfort in us (which was a joy to experience) and she allowed the vet to touch her, look in her ears and mouth, and give her a good once over.  He thought for a puppy mill girl, she showed great signs of adjusting to this brave new world of hers in such a short time.


Cuddle time with Foster Dad

While it appears that Spirit is "settling in," please realize there are still many trying days ahead before Spirit is ready to be adopted by a family with a fence, another confident med/large sized resident dog(s) to teach her the ropes, and no small children.  These photos tell a story of very good progress thus far...huge baby steps....but also know that everyday we begin anew---If you've seen the movie, 50 1st Dates or Groundhog Day, you may have an idea what I mean :).  Each day, we reintroduce ourselves to Spirit.  She is afraid of us every day, but each day the time it takes her to warm up to us shortens and these are the little steps we celebrate.  This is progress....each day we just hope to touch her and show her love.  And as you can see, this little beauty is going to find her way to the Golden Life just fine....she is AMAZING!

More to come as we continue working with Spirit.  If you are looking for a dog to sponsor, please consider this special little lady!  She is a Survivor and will make you very proud in the days ahead...one baby step at a time!!!  THANK YOU!!!!  

Updates

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Well…our little “Spirit” has gone HOME.  Her new family is just SMITTEN with her and first reports have been very good.  It’s amazing how far she came in such a shorttime.  And then to see her so comfortable in these photos--- outside her crate, in a new home with her new family.  It’s really priceless and such a testament to how these dogs come around once they have the “right”environment to be all Golden!  


Home at last!
Sweet Dreams Baby Girl!


Spirit with her new brother Ernie - Day 1

Spirit touched our hearts in a way only a Puppy Mill dog can.  We still think its interesting (and such a “gift”) that this little girl came into our lives when our own sweet Puppy Mill girl was leaving us.  The Circle of Life…and now we get to watch from a far as Spirit spreads those BIG paws and pounces right into the Golden Life; this really is the greatest reward in fostering!

Thank you again to Kathy and Murphy for sponsoring Spirit in Miley’s memory---what a gift it was on so many levels!  None of this could have been possible without generous donors like you!  Spirit thanks you. We thank you. RAGOM thanks you---and 28 other MO puppy mill pups thank you! We also want to thank EVERYONE that stepped up to bring this group of pups into RAGOMland and start them on their way to the Golden Life they so deserve!  

And to Spirit’s new family----thank you so much for opening your heart and your home to your 1st RAGOM Boy, Ernie, and now RAGOM Girl Spirit!    

We are so excited foryou all!

FD, FM & the Boys!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Hello Spirit Fans!!!

Wow!  Did Spirit have an EXCITING week!    First… Little Miss Spirit decided she was ready to join the resident boys on their evening walk.  Brave Girl that she is, Spirit surprised us all and did really well!  She walked slightly behind us most of the way….stopped often (if we looked at her)...and then continued on with the boys with a little tug on the line and with our focus forward.  After 2-3 nightly walks, she was a PRO!  The little turd even decided to take her chances and walk slightly in front of FM with her tail in the upright position----she didn’t get that name for nothin’ you know!!!

Then we had a weekend of company.  We store boats for the winter and of course with the advent of spring come the boaters ready to get back on the lake.  Well, Miss Spirit had to meet a handful of new people this weekend and though she was VERY cautious, she eventually walked by these strange people and allowed a few to touch her.  Of course all the dogs were getting tons of love from these strangers so Little Miss Spirit wanted to see what all the fuss was about…impressive!  She was so exhausted by the end of the day---she just plopped down with her foster brothers.

 

Spirit is the "Tired" Pooch in the Middle!

We also had our first “doggie play-date” and boy did we have fun!!!  My sister stopped over with her pup Marco and Spirit met a Whippet!!!  She LOVED him and they ran and ran and ran!  She can keep up with the best of them…especially when they have a tennis ball or toy she likes!

 

After about an hour of play, we ventured into the “indoor” outdoors---and Spirit decided that my sister was AOK…and she even took treats from her!!!

  

Then----another play-date!!!   Monday night with a very special family that came out to meet our little Spirit with their adopted RAGOM dog Ernie!  The “J” family hung out with us for a couple hours—running around outside and then inside—sitting on the floor---allowing Spirit to just take it all in as we gabbed away.  The “J” family is familiar with the “scaredy” dog types and so they knew not to rush or overwhelm Spirit.  Luckily, their “experienced” approach won our little girl over and she even decided to give out 2 kisses!!!  What???  It took us a week and a half of “wining and dining” this girl to get a kiss! HA!!!!

Well, Ernie won Spirit over at “Hello”--which was super cute—and so we know that there will be many more kisses given out in days and weeks to come.

Tuesday morning, Spirit went in for her spay and everything went very well---except that no one told her she had surgery and should be laying low.  We decided to stop the pain meds so that perhaps a little soreness might help slow her down so she could heal and prepare to go “home.”

YES---you read that correctly-----Spirit is ADOPTION PENDING and will be “going home” with the “J” family in a few weeks…once she is fully healed so she can run and play with her new brother and so that her transition can be focused on just her continued development and not her physical healing.    The “J” family is busy preparing for her arrival and they will be mimicking all the work we’ve done with Spirit thus far so that any regression (which is normal and to be expected) will be countered with familiar routines, comforts and guidance to keep her safe, happy, and blooming into the dog she is meant to be.  

So…we will continue to love this little girl up (which is really easy to do)---get her healed up and continue our daily work with her---exposing Spirit to new people and activities while enjoying the comforts she’s learned to love---daily walks, playtime with the dogs and nightly body massages.    

 

There is something very special about this little puppy mill girl named, “Spirit!”  How blessed we are to be her foster family and how thankful we are to her SPONSOR—Kathy & Murphy!  Because of you, Miley’s “magic” will forever be on this girl and we know---Miley is smiling down on Spirit and her new family!!!   Sometimes we all need a little “Magic” and a great Sponsor!  

We will update again when Spirit is ready to join her forever family!

 

 

Saturday, April 7, 2012

YaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Spirit has a SPONSOR!!!!! What a lucky GIRL!!!!

THANK YOU Kathy & Murphy! And even more…. what makes this sponsorship so special is that it was given in Miley’s memory---Spirit’s foster sister---who left us unexpectedly on Saturday. We so thank Kathy and Murphy for their love of Miley and for sponsoring Spirit in Miley’s memory. Miley was from a Puppy Mill as well and Kathy knows first hand what an amazing girl she turned out to be!!! A true RAGOM Ambassador through and through---as Kathy says, “What a beautiful, confident, loving girl Miley became in spite of her rough start. Now, Spirit can and WILL do the same thing…It is definitely MY honor to honor Miley Girl's memory by sponsoring Spirit.”

As you can see, Spirit will have some “Miley Magic” surrounding her to help her become all that she is meant to be. While we are here to help Spirit, she is in turn helping our broken hearts mend. She brings us laughter everyday and she sure knows how to keep the “boys” company---never more than a step or two behind them just like their Miley Girl! J 


Spirit & Playmate Jonah
Spirit & Big Brother Pete

Spirit & Foster Dad

Spirit has been spending more and more time out of her crate and has started to seek out attention and touch from us. Ohhhh….such a reward for her foster family! Of course we were thrilled to cuddle with her and touch her…but….does she STINK!!!! We decided it was finally time for a B-A-T-H!


Towel Dry
Air Dry

It may take a few more to get ALL the stink out---but it’s a good start!

Spirit loves her crate when she wants to feel safe and secure—a place to get away and relax. We catch her from time to time like this….on her back---feet in the air—head twisted up----so cute! A good sign of comfort indeed!


Oh yeah…I can get used to this!

We are just in the process of scheduling Spirit’s spay---hoping to get that done SOON! We’ve been cleaning her ears daily to get rid of those nasty mites---yuck! She’s a little trooper and doesn’t mind at all. Her ears must be feeling better because she’s so much more active and not shaking her head as much. Of course---now that the ticks have found Spirit---she scratches to show us where they are….luckily those like buggers die quickly from the Frontline…UGH! One bonus is she’s such a light color the ticks are easy to find.

OK---I could go on and on about this little peanut but gotta run…..Please Stay Tuned…more coming as Spirit’s Golden Life Adventures continue…