Dutchess is a curly haired dark red Golden Retriever that came into Ragom because her family no longer had enough time to give her. She is 5 years old, heartworm negative, and up to date on her vaccinations. She will be seeing the vet later this week, but appears to be very healthy with only some mildly dry skin and an extra 10 lbs or so that need to be shed to give her back her girlish figure.
 
Dutchess is a VERY active girl for a five year old and will need an active family to take her for lots of walks to burn off some of her energy. She doesn’t play fetch, but does have a stuffed toy that she enjoys playing with. Once she becomes more fit she may make someone a good jogging partner.  She met our three resident dogs without incident and was even engaging in play with the resident Border collie within an hour of arrival. I really think she is a dog that would enjoy another dog in the home though this isn’t an absolute requirement. She does need someone who is committed to exercising her on a daily basis.
 
 She does fine with our two cats and backs off if they hiss at her which does happen on occasion. We don’t have children, but she lived with four little ones prior to coming into RAGOM and is said to be good with children except that she may knock them over in excitement. I think she would do great with kids over toddler age or so.
 
She is housetrained (will whine when she needs to go out), knows basic commands, and was used to free roam at her previous home though she would chew on the occasional shoe that was out. We have been crating her while we are gone so far and she  doesn’t seem to have any problems being kenneled. She is a Velcro dog and wants to be near people at all times. When you try to shut the bathroom door she will whine until she can see you again so she will need someone who is okay with a dog that wants to be near them all the time. She has been somewhat anxious since arriving here 24 hours ago, but seems to be settling in nicely and I know this will only get better as she gets more used to our routine.
 
Dutchess is very sweet, but does lack some manners. She can be kind of pushy when she wants through doors, wants food, wants pets etc. We are working on sit and wait before eating and going outside to help her with this. We really haven’t seen her jump or bark since being here and she has not attempted to get on the bed or the furniture. She pulls like crazy on a flat collar and walks much better with the gentle leader which she hasn’t resisted at all. She is also said to be a runner so she either needs a fenced in yard or a tie out while outside. She isn’t going to be the dog that can be off leash when out in an unfenced area. Our yard is not currently fenced and she has done fine on the tie out with us and has been pretty good when we call her back in. She enjoys being in the car, but does want to drive so she needs to be tethered while in the care. Bath time and nail trimming went well yesterday and she didn’t seem to have a problem with either.
 
Dutchess is a sweet, active girl looking for a family that will teach her a few more manners and make sure she gets the love and attention she needs. If you are interested in learning more about her please contact your placement advisor!