March 19, 2011

Hello, I am Winston (11-066) a 5-6 year old male Golden Retriever weighing 56 pounds, found as a stray and rescued by RAGOM, and now fostered in Olivia, MN.

I want to let you know I am so grateful to RAGOM for helping me get a better life. It is not very good being a stray and not getting food and being afraid and no one to love me. When they rescued me I traveled a long way to Olivia, to be with my RAGOM foster. I was very scared and actually got sick after arriving, of course I didn't want to throw up in the car. I also had very loose stools, which didn't help my weight problem. I got a bath after arriving and smelled and felt really good afterwards.

The first night I slept in the kennel because I was tired and ill. I was having to learn what was expected of me in this new home. It helped to have a resident dog and cat to help out. Playing with the cat helped me relax and feel at home and I included a picture of my friend named Mouse. I didn't feel like playing with toys or balls to begin with because I was not feeling real well.

The third night I found a way out of the kennel to be with my foster and slept on the floor by the bed and that is where I get to sleep now, which makes me feel better. Of course I won this battle because the resident dog and cat share the bed with my foster already, so now we are all in one place at night.

I have learned to play with toys and balls, but some toys I get carried away with and bite holes in them. So if the damaged toys get taken away, I have plenty more to keep me happy. I prefer tennis balls to carry around and chase outside at play time. I also walk very well on the leash - no pulling - and I got to walk a few times up the driveway to get the mail with foster mom. It takes a while to settle in and RAGOM fosters are great people with patience and lots of love to give us, so we may find good forever homes.

I was taken to the vet for checkup the first week and brought up to date on all vaccinations and set up a neuter for a week later after settling in and eating and feeling better. I was also wormed because of weight issues and I did have tapeworm and I'm glad that problem is solved.

I have been taken on a few more rides to get groceries and did fine now in back seat of car. I love to ride and don't feel sick when I feel good. I have learned I can nap or just lay and watch my foster on computer, but I love to be petted and cuddled on the couch whenever I can. That is the best!

I was just neutered on Tuesday and needed a lot of hugs and rest that day. The next day I had to be reminded to not lick the stitches a few times, but a verbal reminder was all I needed. Today I am feeling much better and a lot of the pain is gone and I want to play ball again.

My foster says I am great all the time as I do so well on the leash, don't counter surf or get in the garbage, get along with the resident dog and cat, I'm not a runner, no food or toy aggression, don't jump on people, not a real high energy level in the house but it comes out when I want to play ball, do well in the shower to be cleaned and toweled off, and I have great teeth, with only a couple in the front broken off. I can sit and will stay sometimes when told. I have some beautiful traits such as really dark eyes to beg with and make me look sad at times, a soft gorgeous curly coat to pet and brush, and even a dark mark in center of tongue to help identify me.

Of course, I do need a dog around to keep me company as I don't like to be alone and need someone to play with at times. I have needed to be let out more right now, but working on holding it longer. We are also working on me standing instead of turning over to get belly rubs when I need to get my feet wiped as it's getting kind of muddy now with all the snow melting. Also working on foster holding my feet and not pulling away as she said that will be better for grooming me. I also have to be introduced to more people and kids to see how I do because there are not many children in the area. Another thing we will be working on is eating food without someone near or walking away if resident comes by food as I am more mellow and would rather have pets than eat.

So remember to watch for more updates and pictures as I am looking for a home that can share the love.