Kaitlyn 10-159

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Meet lovely Kaitlyn.  This 5.5 year old Golden beauty joined her foster family in the Twin Cities this past Sunday, May 16th.  Kaitlyn was retired from a non-ideal breeding operation.  She has experienced a lot of new situations and circumstances in this past week.

Kaitlyn hasn't had exposure to many things, as she was solely used for breeding.  When she arrived, she first had to get used to walking on a leash.  Her foster mom thinks she is doing a splendid job already.  As so very many things are new to her, she can be quite timid when seeing or hearing something for the first time.  But she is a trooper and is already enjoying our twice daily walks.  She enjoys having a resident seven year old Golden Retriever to help her learn the ropes.  She has been exposed to children of all ages and does very well with them.  Although, she really prefers that they approach softly and quietly, as they are definitely new to her.

Kaitlyn's foster mom had a bit of a time getting her to eat or drink when she first arrived.  Her foster mom finally figured out that canned, soft dog food was something that she would eat.  Her foster mom also figured out that she would eat and drink if she placed her food in her crate, so that she knew it was hers.  In addition, her foster mom noticed that Kaitlyn's teeth were in pretty tough shape and were perhaps giving her difficulty when eating. 

On Tuesday, Kaitlyn had her first visit to the vet.  She did very well traveling in the car with the resident Golden along for moral support.  The vet weighed her in at 72 pounds.  Her exam also revealed that Kaitlyn has an ear infection in her right ear, and that she had a couple of teeth that would require extraction, as well as large amounts of calculus that were causing extreme inflammation and pain in her mouth.  She was sent home with some pain meds and antibiotics for her ear infection and mouth inflammation.

Wednesday, Kaitlyn spent the day hanging out with her foster family and continuing to adjust to life indoors.  Her foster mom thinks she is doing spectacular as a house dog!  She hasn't had a single accident inside her home or in her crate in the week that she has been here.  She currently spends a lot of time in her crate with the door open, taking in the newness of family and home life.  Her family has an open concept living room, kitchen and dining room and Kaitlyn's crate is right in the middle of all the hustle.  She enjoys watching all the action, and will venture outside her crate more and more frequently to see what foster mom is up to in the kitchen.  She also frequently heads out to the second story enclosed deck on her own, and catches some sunshine or watches the birds.

Kaitlyn has free roam of the house when her foster family is home, but she has yet to wander too far from foster mom or her crate.  She does really well in the crate at night and while her foster family is out.  The only vocalization her foster mom has heard from her, was one night she heard her whining.  When foster mom went to check out what was wrong, she discovered that Kaitlyn had tipped her water bowl in her crate.  After cleaning it up and putting down new towels for bedding, she was happy as could be.  As she is such a quiet, easy foster dog, foster mom was happy to learn that she will let you know if something is needed.

Early Thursday morning Kaitlyn was off to the vet again.  She was spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, had her teeth cleaned, and two teeth were extracted.  Foster mom spoke with the vet and found out that the surgery went well and that Kaitlyn actually had fewer teeth extracted than was expected at her exam!  Kaitlyn spent the night recovering at the vet and was picked up Friday afternoon by her foster mom.

Kaitlyn is doing really well with her recovery.  She is on pain meds for a few days and will continue her course of antibiotics (she takes her meds like a superstar).  She will have her sutures removed in about two weeks.  She was also sent home with medication for a right ear infection.  The vet recommended soft food for a week, and hopefully soon, Kaitlyn will be up for dry food when she has recovered from her extractions.

This beautiful girl is as sweet as sugar.  Foster mom thinks she is really one of the most gentle animals she has ever met.  She does really well with other dogs, children and adults.  But because of the circumstances where she spent her first five years, she'll require an adoptive family that has a resident, large breed dog - to help her overcome her shyness.  In addition, she will require a physical fence.  Also, although Kaitlyn is so very gentle, a family with older children (or no children) that aren't quite as boisterous or make sudden movements, would be ideal for her. 

Kaitlyn is shy, but is quickly adapting to the comforts of home life.  Kaitlyn loves to sit next to you and have you stroke her head for as long as you'll do it.  She loves to be loved and will make a WONDERFUL furry family member.  Kaitlyn is gorgeous, gentle, and a sweetie - who will be the perfect Golden girl for a family that will help her overcome her shyness with lots of love to share.  If you think you have the love and patience share with this angel and would like to show her what life should really be all about for a Golden family member, please contact your placement advisor.

  

At a Glance #10-159

Golden Retriever Born: September 2004
Female 60 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Meet lovely Kaitlyn.  This 5.5 year old Golden beauty joined her foster family in the Twin Cities this past Sunday, May 16th.  Kaitlyn was retired from a non-ideal breeding operation.  She has experienced a lot of new situations and circumstances in this past week.

Kaitlyn hasn't had exposure to many things, as she was solely used for breeding.  When she arrived, she first had to get used to walking on a leash.  Her foster mom thinks she is doing a splendid job already.  As so very many things are new to her, she can be quite timid when seeing or hearing something for the first time.  But she is a trooper and is already enjoying our twice daily walks.  She enjoys having a resident seven year old Golden Retriever to help her learn the ropes.  She has been exposed to children of all ages and does very well with them.  Although, she really prefers that they approach softly and quietly, as they are definitely new to her.

Kaitlyn's foster mom had a bit of a time getting her to eat or drink when she first arrived.  Her foster mom finally figured out that canned, soft dog food was something that she would eat.  Her foster mom also figured out that she would eat and drink if she placed her food in her crate, so that she knew it was hers.  In addition, her foster mom noticed that Kaitlyn's teeth were in pretty tough shape and were perhaps giving her difficulty when eating. 

On Tuesday, Kaitlyn had her first visit to the vet.  She did very well traveling in the car with the resident Golden along for moral support.  The vet weighed her in at 72 pounds.  Her exam also revealed that Kaitlyn has an ear infection in her right ear, and that she had a couple of teeth that would require extraction, as well as large amounts of calculus that were causing extreme inflammation and pain in her mouth.  She was sent home with some pain meds and antibiotics for her ear infection and mouth inflammation.

Wednesday, Kaitlyn spent the day hanging out with her foster family and continuing to adjust to life indoors.  Her foster mom thinks she is doing spectacular as a house dog!  She hasn't had a single accident inside her home or in her crate in the week that she has been here.  She currently spends a lot of time in her crate with the door open, taking in the newness of family and home life.  Her family has an open concept living room, kitchen and dining room and Kaitlyn's crate is right in the middle of all the hustle.  She enjoys watching all the action, and will venture outside her crate more and more frequently to see what foster mom is up to in the kitchen.  She also frequently heads out to the second story enclosed deck on her own, and catches some sunshine or watches the birds.

Kaitlyn has free roam of the house when her foster family is home, but she has yet to wander too far from foster mom or her crate.  She does really well in the crate at night and while her foster family is out.  The only vocalization her foster mom has heard from her, was one night she heard her whining.  When foster mom went to check out what was wrong, she discovered that Kaitlyn had tipped her water bowl in her crate.  After cleaning it up and putting down new towels for bedding, she was happy as could be.  As she is such a quiet, easy foster dog, foster mom was happy to learn that she will let you know if something is needed.

Early Thursday morning Kaitlyn was off to the vet again.  She was spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, had her teeth cleaned, and two teeth were extracted.  Foster mom spoke with the vet and found out that the surgery went well and that Kaitlyn actually had fewer teeth extracted than was expected at her exam!  Kaitlyn spent the night recovering at the vet and was picked up Friday afternoon by her foster mom.

Kaitlyn is doing really well with her recovery.  She is on pain meds for a few days and will continue her course of antibiotics (she takes her meds like a superstar).  She will have her sutures removed in about two weeks.  She was also sent home with medication for a right ear infection.  The vet recommended soft food for a week, and hopefully soon, Kaitlyn will be up for dry food when she has recovered from her extractions.

This beautiful girl is as sweet as sugar.  Foster mom thinks she is really one of the most gentle animals she has ever met.  She does really well with other dogs, children and adults.  But because of the circumstances where she spent her first five years, she'll require an adoptive family that has a resident, large breed dog - to help her overcome her shyness.  In addition, she will require a physical fence.  Also, although Kaitlyn is so very gentle, a family with older children (or no children) that aren't quite as boisterous or make sudden movements, would be ideal for her. 

Kaitlyn is shy, but is quickly adapting to the comforts of home life.  Kaitlyn loves to sit next to you and have you stroke her head for as long as you'll do it.  She loves to be loved and will make a WONDERFUL furry family member.  Kaitlyn is gorgeous, gentle, and a sweetie - who will be the perfect Golden girl for a family that will help her overcome her shyness with lots of love to share.  If you think you have the love and patience share with this angel and would like to show her what life should really be all about for a Golden family member, please contact your placement advisor.

  

Updates

Friday, June 25, 2010

Sweetie Kaitlyn continues to make great strides adjusting to home life.  Please look at the first pic for this week!  She now makes herself comfortable in the living room on the chair!  Who knew this little girl could come so far in such a short time?  After watching Ella take her daily naps on the matching chair - Kaitlyn must have been thinking "why not"?  And so she did.  Foster mom was just so happy to see Kaitlyn make herself at home, get comfortable and relax. 

Kaitlyn is rarely crated, and is only crated if foster mom runs errands for a few hours.  Otherwise, she spends her days hanging out with her foster family in the house.  She continues to have free access to her crate, but she now realizes that it is so much more fun and comfortable to hang out with her human pack and furry foster sister.  Foster mom thinks that eventually she will be crateless, as she has left her for 1-2 hours uncrated and unsupervised in the house.  Kaitlyn has always demonstrated excellent behavior when unsupervised and uncrated - she has not had any unwanted conduct (such as chewing non-dog items, counter surfing, "dumpster diving" or the like).  Yeah for Kaitlyn!

 

She has even realized that those treats that are handed to her aren't for her to leave for her furry foster sister, Ella, to eat - they are hers to enjoy.  Too bad for Ella, she was double dipping for quite awhile.

Kaitlyn's other big news of the week - she has learned the "down" command!  Kaitlyn loves to seek out affection, but she previously would most often stand at attention while getting her lovin'.  Foster mom was hoping to get her to lay down, so she could be more relaxed and comfortable.  Foster mom decided that she would sit next to Kaitlyn and pat her hand on the ground and say "down" - when Kaitlyn learned that is all it took for a good, long pet session - she mastered it in no time flat (seriously, this was mastered in just a few times - so foster mom is now contemplating what other commands she'll tackle next).  Whoever said you can't teach an old dog (not that 5 is remotely old, but you know what I mean) was sorely mistaken!  Now she will relax so much that she lays her head on foster mom's lap, closes her eyes, and groans the gutteral doggy noise that translates as "oh my goodness, this feels sooo good!"

Kaitlyn did have a little hijinx this week.  Foster mom was in the unfenced backyard with Kaitlyn, Ella and her two year old foster brother of the two legged variety.  Kaitlyn's foster brother who is rather demanding at this stage in his development, decided that he wanted milk - this very minute.  So foster mom tied up Kaitlyn's lead and went inside for no more than two minutes, when she returned with the milk - Kaitlyn had chewed through her canvas lead and was contentedly sitting next to Ella (foster mom swears she saw a glint of merriment in Kaitlyn's eye). 

The good news is, she has never chewed anything inside the house (other than her rawhide chews - which she LOVES), Kaitlyn didn't run away, and she came right in the house when foster mom called her.  However, foster mom did learn a valuable lesson - she will only use a metal tie out even if she has to run a quick errand inside the house!

As an aside, foster mom forgot to mention that when Kaitlyn stayed with her temp foster last week, there was another thunderstorm and she didn't even seem to notice it according to her temp foster mom!  She just "rolled" with it.  She has passed the thunderstorm tests with flying colors - she did especially well, as she was not in her usual environment.

Princess Katie (as she is sometimes called - it just rolls of the tongue a bit easier) patiently awaits her forever home.  If you'd like the privilege of calling this lover girl your very own, please contact your placement advisor.


Sleeping Beauties
It's so exhausting being gorgeous

Is it possible to be any more gorgeous?

Monday, June 21, 2010

Miss Kaitlyn has been a busy girl lately.  She spent another long weekend with Brandi's foster family.  Although, Brandi has found her furever family and was no longer there (yeah for Brandi).  Kaitlyn did have a brilliant time with the rest of the pack though.  She got to run around in four fenced-in acres without a lead.  She had a great time, meandered with the rest of gang, and came when called to come in!  Again, Kaitlyn sends her love and thanks to her temp foster family for taking such excellent care of her! After she returned to her foster's home, Kaitlyn went on a walk alone with foster mom.  Ella decided she was too exhausted to join us.  Kaitlyn ran into the same puppy she played with a week or two ago.  She learned his name was Genghis and the two had a ball playing.  Kaitlyn likely didn't have much of a puppyhood, so she is getting her chance now to play catch up.  She is really starting to embrace the good life! Kaitlyn has recently decided that she no longer wants to hang out in her crate (even though it's always open with free access)!  She now spends 95% of her time hanging out around the house when her foster family is home.  She has found a favorite spot to lounge in the dining room, so she is sure to keep on eye on all the family affairs. Kaitlyn also took a treat from her foster mom's hand for the first time this week - which shows just how far she has come with trusting that all is well with humans.  Previously, she would only eat when she felt safe in her crate with the door closed.  She was never quite sure if it was OK to eat, so she would wait until no one was keeping a close eye on her and then she would get to nibbling.  This week Kaitlyn also rolled on her back and let foster mom give her a tummy rub - she is just making enormous strides with trust and feeling comfortable that she really will have a great life from here on out!  Another adorable and giant leap (literally) taken by Kaitlyn this week... foster mom had Kaitlyn and Ella outside for the afternoon with her human foster siblings and a number of neighborhood children.  The Golden gals napped and sunbathed quietly away from the kids.  The kids were all playing in a sandbox when out of the blue, Miss Kaitlyn decided that she would join them.  It was like a scene from a movie...Kaitlyn leapt up from her nap, bounded over completely unsolicited from the kids, and jumped right into the middle of the sandbox amidst five busy, noisy, sandy kids.  She stayed RIGHT in the middle of the sandbox while the kids played around her for at least 30 minutes.  It was ADORABLE!!!  Please see pics. Lastly, Kaitlyn enjoyed a visit from a former RAGOM puppy, Charlie (#09-477).  He was foster mom's first foster, and boy has he grown into a handsome big boy.  Kaitlyn, Charlie and Ella got along well together.  Unfortunately, foster mom forgot to get pics of Kaitlyn with Charlie.  The whole family was thrilled to be reunited with Charlie for the afternoon! Kaitlyn's foster family had a BBQ on Father's Day.  Many compliments were bestowed upon Kaitlyn, as to how beautiful her coat is, and how she is so gentle and sweet.  She hopes that soon she'll have her very own permanent parents to celebrate the holidays with her! Kaitlyn continues to be sweet as pie and a lover girl.  If you'd like to meet her, please contact your placement advisor.


Six kids in the sandbox!


Hanging out in the sandbox


I'm so photogenic


The girls napping outside


Happy girl!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Well Miss Mellow Yellow had another great week.  She had a lovely time at her "vacation home" with Miss Brandi 10-127 (Foster mom tooted Brandi's horn before, but will do it again - Miss Brandi is a silly sweetheart, and has more energy than most three year old Goldens.  Someone also failed to mention to Brandi that she is nearly 11 with a few extra pounds - because she is a mover and a shaker.) and her pack, while her foster family was away for Memorial Day.  Her temporary foster mom reports that she got along well with all her new furry friends there. 

She was a bit shy for the first three days, but by day four she had decided it was quite entertaining there.  She reportedly didn't eat much the first few days, as she adjusted to her new surroundings.  She slept in the master bedroom at her vacation home with the rest of the gang and did well with that too.  Foster mom is really grateful for the graciousness and kindness extended to Kaitlyn by Brandi's foster family while she was away.  They really took great care of her - helping her finish up her antibiotics and treating her ear infection and making her feel comfortable and loved while she was away.  Plus she had a great role model, from Miley (RAGOM #08-005 adoptee), a former puppy mill mama and RAGOM Happy endings success story who has learned how to happily live and enjoy the Golden life outside of a mill.

Kaitlyn was really happy to return home and see Ella, her best friend and resident Golden.  When they reunited, her tail was wagging and she was all kissy face and loves to her.

On Wednesday, Kaitlyn headed to the vet for her suture removal and an ear check.  The vet reported that her spay healed nicely and that her ear infection was "85% better".  The vet asked that we continue to clean and put drops in her ears daily and we'll have her ear rechecked in two weeks when she goes in for another vaccination.  She had also lost 1.6 pounds and now weighs in at 70.4 pounds.  The vet said that she could lose 2 more pounds and then she thought she would be at her ideal weight.  Foster mom thinks she looks pretty foxy already!

Kaitlyn continues to be really mellow around the house.  She has great manners, and has been a really easy girl to care for.  She sleeps uncrated in the master bedroom on a dog bed.  Foster mom is hoping that she'll learn to make herself more at home soon - she still likes to spend a lot of time in her crate with the door open.  She loves her rawhide roll and will spend time chewing on that in her crate and will watch the activity around her.  She continues to love the deck and spending time outside there.

Foster mom got to see Kaitlyn play for the first time yesterday and was ECSTATIC about that.  On our evening walk, Kaitlyn met a 1.5 year old puppy and the two had a great time playing together.  It was so wonderful to see her enjoy being a carefree dog!

Cute, curly-butt (not sure the pics do her justice, but she has beautiful curly hair on her backside) Kaitlyn awaits her furever home and hopes that soon a loving family, with a penchant for evening strolls will call her their very own!


Brandi and Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn all worn out

Kaitlyn and former PM Miley 08-005
Kaitlyn and the gang

Sweet Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn chillin

Kaitlyn and the gang

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Kaitlyn had a FANTASTIC week.  She is recovering very well from her spay and dental surgeries.  Twice daily foster mom gives her ear drops for her right ear infection and antibiotics (she'll be done with those in two days).  Foster mom is very proud of her - she takes them so well!  She'll go back to the vet the Wednesday after Memorial Day for suture removal and for an ear check.  Foster mom isn't a vet, but she thinks her ear looks pretty good, and you'd never know she was just spayed a week ago.  She is always game for our 2-3X daily walks and continues to give and request lovin' from her foster parents.

Kaitlyn seems like a new girl already in only 12 days with her foster family.  Daily, she is coming out of her shell and learning that she is now living large.  Her foster family adores her, she loves the resident Golden, and walks are currently her favorite thing to do.  Foster mom took her on a walk the day after she arrived here and met a man training his 9 month old and 2 year old yellow labs in a field.  Kaitlyn did well with meeting them all, but she stood still and silent, with her tail tightly tucked between her legs - not yet knowing what to expect of this new world she was in.  Yesterday, foster mom was walking her, and again came upon the man with his dogs.  His exact words were, "WOW, you would never know that is the same dog as last week".  Her tail was wagging, she wasn't shying away, she was genuinely interested in the other two dogs, and she was nose bumping her foster mom for head pets while she talked with the man. 

Kaitlyn loves the outdoors, exploring, sniffing around and walking with her pack.  A few evenings ago, she got to see a dozen horsebacks riders on her walk.  She was fascinated watching them go by and looked like she wanted to join them on their evening stroll through the fields.

She is still more reserved indoors, but she continues to make progress.  Two days ago foster mom tried having her sleep in a room with the resident Golden and a baby gate (versus her crate).  She did great!  She slept on her dog bed, snuggled up next to the resident Golden and respected the baby gate.  As she did so well, foster mom got really brave and decided to let her sleep with the resident Golden and the pack members of the two legged variety in the master bedroom.  Again, she was fabulous!  To date, she has yet to have an accident, and foster mom is beyond impressed with her behavior and manners indoors and out.  Foster mom really couldn't be prouder of her!

Foster mom also wanted to report that we experienced our first thunderstorm together and again Kaitlyn did really well.  She did pace a bit around foster mom for a few minutes, but later settled quitely into her crate.  Foster mom is just so impressed with everything she has learned about Kaitlyn.  She has such a calm, loving personality and each day she is showing us what a beautiful gem she is - with so many facets.

This week for the first time Kaitlyn also tried to play with the resident Golden, Ella.  Unfortunately, at the time, Ella was pooped out from her walk and didn't reciprocate the play.  Foster mom was thrilled to see Kaitlyn try though!  She hasn't expressed much interest in play thus far, but who can blame her - she has had a lot going on these past two weeks!

Kaitlyn has also been enjoying a rawhide chew roll in her crate, so foster mom thinks she must being doing pretty well with healing from her extractions.  She has been on soft diet since she arrived, but the last couple of days foster mom has been adding in a bit of dry food to her soft food and Kaitlyn has been eating it all up.  So foster mom is going to slowly add more and more dry food, and see how she does over the next week.

Foster mom is quite certain that she is forgetting lots of info about Kaitlyn's past week, but she is heading out of town for the Memorial Day weekend and wants to keep Kaitlyn's fans posted before she goes.  While her foster family is away, Kaitlyn is staying in Golden paradise.  She is having a four night sleepover at Brandi's (another available RAGOM gal, #10-127 - who foster mom wants to throw in a great pitch for - she is a really happy, silly girl) house.  She is being pampered by Brandi's foster mom, she'll have four fenced in acres to enjoy romping in, a kiddie pool to cool off in and four other dogs to hang out with!  She met them tonight with tail wagging away.  Foster mom knows she'll do great and can't wait to hear how her mini-vacation goes when she returns on Tuesday.

Foster mom apologizes for the rushed update, and is certain that she'll recall all sorts of good things she wanted to report on her car ride up North tomorrow.  Hopefully, she'll remember to put them in her next post.  This curly haired Golden Beauty is a bundle love- mellow and sweet in nature, and will truly bring joy to her forever family.  Foster mom is already in love and is certain she'll melt your heart too!

Here are a few pics from this past week...


Kaitlyn and Ella - Check it out down there
Kaitlyn and Ella - Say cheese

Such a gorgeous girl