-Anonymous I would like to introduce sweet Gunner, a 2 1/2 year-old Golden mix. I am not so good with breeds other than Goldens. He is really cute with a velvety, light coat, floppy ears and weighing about 56 pounds. He was surrendered to RAGOM after coming from a family that had 3 dogs who needed to move in with the parents and had to surrender the 'big dog'. So it is through no fault of his own that Gunner is here looking for a new FURever home. We are sorry that there are no pictures yet, but promise to post something by Sunday as the family camera is off at camp with the foster sister. As far his his health is concerned he came to us up to date on his vaccinations and is now complete with Heartworm and Flea/Tick preventative. He needs to be neutered, so that will be taken care of as soon as possible! His records also show that he has juvenile cataracts. The RAGOM vet told us today that they will let us know how that needs to be treated. They are guessing that he sees mostly shadows and shapes and this may also affect his depth perception. This could explain how he has been a little slippery on the steps in our house, but for the most part manages them just fine. He has been quite nervous in his first few hours here and didn't sleep much last night. FM is just waiting for him to crash! He loves his pets and belly rubs. Gunner would love to play with resident dog Sid, but Sid is taking his own sweet time deciding if he wants to play or not. We will share anything we can as we get to know him more.In the short time we have come to know Gunner his new Furever home could most likely be with another dog or a single dog. He is good with kids (we have 3 between the ages of 7 and 11). He needs a fenced in yard. He has tried a few times to push on the gate at our fence and I would imagine he might take off at least until he is settled and more comfortable in his new surroundings. He SO stated that he shows signs of anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. He is used to being crated, most likely when the humans are away. He LOVES riding in the car. When we went to the vet today he ran back and forth between the windows sticking his head out catching some good wind. When we stopped at a light, he jumped down and layed on the floor. Stopping seemed to make him a bit anxious, but the car ride over all seemed to be a good thing. We will report more on this sweet pup over the next day or two as we learn a bit more about him. Horray! He is sleeping on the floor, a much needed rest for sweet Gunner.Hooray!
Gunner has been given the opportunity for a much clearer future! He will be able to get his cataracts removed, and not just one, but both!!! That is huge for him and it wouldn't be possible without the wonderful people out there who support RAGOM. We realize Goldzilla just occurred and many people made donations to RAGOM, but if Gunner has found a special place in your heart and you want to help him out we would all be thrilled. This surgery is super expensive, but it will be worth it for this guy in the end. I told him that he will be given the gift of sight and he showed me how happy he was with a few licks, leans and snuggles, although who am I kidding, he showers us that sweet attention all the time.
The big day will be Wednesday, October 5th. Keep him in your thoughts and cross your paws for a successful outcome.
Because of his cataracts and his nervousness in new situations we felt it best not to bring him to Goldzilla. Hopefully next year he can go and enjoy all of the festivities with a new family and clear eyesight!
Gunner and resident dog Sid have been bonding nicely. Sid still likes to tell him who's house it is, and Gunner knows when to leave him alone. They have a blast wrestling in the yard. Gunner prefers to run circles around Sid and then Sid usually ends up on his back. They are good and tired after each romp in the yard. Gunner is also doing much better on the leash. He pulls less and sticks by Sid's side most of the time. We will let you know when there is a surgery date on the calendar. Have a great day!!!!
On Monday, Gunner will see the eye specialist about his juvenile cataracts and we hope to get some information and direction for this guy. I think he would really love to play fetch if he could see the ball! He is mighty fast and likes to run circles around Sid. Gunner prefers to let himself outside as he just nudges the back door open. Unfortunately he doesn't know how to close the door behind him just yet. If the door does close and FM doesn't know he is outside, eventually he will give a little bark to tell us he is ready to come in. Sometimes he prefers to lie under the deck and take a little quiet cool time away, but always comes when called. We will let you know how things go on Monday. Enjoy the beautiful weather until then!
I am posting a couple of pics today. I love when he eats! He just surrounds himself around his bowl. He may have learned to do this as Sid often likes to eat what he leaves behind. And Gunner needs to eat every last bit as he is a bit on the thin side. 
Thanks for checking in!
Sid went to the State Fair with FM yesterday to hang out at the RAGOM booth, so Gunner was left home alone for 5 hours. FM had another RAGOM volunteer come over to let him out of his crate and give him a potty break. When she got to the house, Gunner greeted her at the door! He had busted out of the crate! When FM got home he was there again at the back door. He seemed fine, the house was fine, so we will try to leave him in the house with free roam for periods of time. Toilet lids will need to be closed and bedroom doors will also be closed to keep the fellow hamsters safe. He drinks a lot of water! But that may also have something to do with being a bit anxious while this is still his first week here at his new home. He and Sid play a bit everyday. He is also content to relax and take a snooze anywhere anytime. 
Tomorrow Gunner will get neutered so we will keep him quiet for a few days. We will update after the procedure to let you know how he is doing. Gunner's foster brother summed up his personality the other day saying, "Mom, Gunner is always happy. He is always happy and wagging his tail."