From Laura K

May 3, 2011

Welcome to Ragom a lovely new golden girl. Mabel (who answers to Rylee), came into our rescue as a stray around mid-April in the state of MN. Therefore there of course is little to know about her, coming into rescue being picked up as a stray. Yes, you look at this girl and that is hard to believe, and add to that, the information we have to date on having her as a foster makes it more difficult to understand ‘why’ she is a stray golden. The beginning she was a city stray, and after appropriate time, came into Ragom. At the facility she was held at, the staff was so impressed with this beauty. Her personality and disposition; in-so-much-as the facility thought Mabel/Rylee was a great ‘introduction dog’ and ‘temperament judger’ for other new behavioral dogs at the facility. Very impressive already and she is alone and just a ‘stray’ dog. How can anyone not claim such a lovely golden? First I will list what we do know about this little girl:

PLEASE KNOW we have only had her a few days

• She is a smaller golden- weighs in at 43.5#
• We feel she is younger, more like 5-6 yrs old
• Reddish-golden in color with a shiny coat
• Is microchipped, frontlined, and UTD
• Heartworm negative
• Presently until testing, unknown about spayed (90% sure she is)
• Good with other dogs
• Good with cats
• Loves the outside
• Walks great on leash
• Does fine with children
• Fully housetrained
• Fine with car rides
• Is fine in a crate

There are some basics above. In getting to learn and know about Rylee, she is absolutely wonderful. She is learning our household schedule well. She is also learning about our resident pets. They consist of: 3 cats who are 9 years old; an eskie/border collie mix who is 9 (Maggie-black and white) and a PM golden (foster) Amber, 10-162, who is 10.

Rylee (Mabel) transported fine to our home, introductions were fine (we went very slow) and allowed Rylee to have her very large crate for her ‘safe spot’ which she appreciated. We have a large wire crate and leave the door open for her to land. I am not sure if she is used to this from being in one as a stray or even before that. We do know and can tell that, she has been a house/family dog. She gives definite signals to go out potty---goes to the door and waits. She loves to know where you are, yet not right behind you where you will step on her (like some others I know!). She is respectful of the pack, has said ‘hi’ to the cats and wags her tail, and all is fine. She is enjoying the fenced in back yard. Have never heard a sound or a bark. I used a harness with my crew for walking and Rylee walks beautifully. Great behaviors if we meet another dog, loves the fresh air, and really enjoys her time outside and could walk a fair way.

Again, she is a smaller golden girl at about 43#. Easy to get in and out of a vehicle; if allowed, would probably love to snuggle with you on your bed. She is provided a large wire crate during the day in a very open area in the kitchen, by the family room, where everyone hangs out. So Rylee is crated (for now) during the time I am at work which is 6am to 11:30am. She does fine in her crate….I do ‘coax’ her in with a snack/treat. Never a peep. She has free roam during the day with everyone while we are around. At night, we babygate her in a large bathroom off the master bedroom (where we do so many fosters), with a large doggie pillow, blanket and bowl of water. She is very quiet at night and seems to enjoy her space in there. Rylee takes treats fairly well; she is a hungry girl which if obvious why. She is underweight, and guessing perhaps 6-10# maybe. She is being fed 2X a day like the other two dogs. About 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cup at least twice a day. She snarfs it right down. With a slow low hand and ‘wait’, she is again, very respectful of the other two while they complete their meals. No problems there at all. No aggressions or anything with this lovely girl. Rylee is great to listen, knows some commands (sit, stay, shake and down). Pretty impressive. She is just a lovely golden girl, so shiny in the sun, loves the family and ‘belonging’ to family pack now. She is a gentle calm girl who would love to go for multiple walks each day. Patient while the harness is put on. Ready to go where you go. She will be checked thoroughly this weekend to see if she is spayed or not, but with almost certainty, she is.

I am completed baffled that this great girl was found as a stray but went ‘unclaimed!’ Here is one lovely, beautiful, smaller, golden-red PB golden retriever all set now for a new permanent home with lots of loving, care and walks. Oh what a love!