Kota (Sparky 09-376)

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Introducing Sparky the wonder dog! Sparky is a PB, neutered male, Golden Retriever. He was found as a stray running along a highway (yikes!!) and no family could be found, so he was surrendered to a vet clinic, they called RAGOM, and now we have our newest foster boy! :) Since he was a stray we don't know anything at all about him. The vet clinic he was dropped at estimated him at 6-7 years old, I think he could be younger? He is a big, tall guy about 80-85 lbs. is my best guess... whatever his weight, it is perfect for his frame. He is BEAUTIFUL! He has a soft, medium golden colored coat, with a little bit of a white "mask" and light brown eyes that sparkle.. what a hunk! :)

He is as wonderful as he is handsome. He is very, very friendly! Loves other dogs (is on the submissive side), loooves people (especially people that want to pet him!) He is totally house trained. He does not get on furniture (yet! this is allowed here!). He takes treats very gently, and knows basic commands (sit, down, shake). He pulls a bunch on a leash, we are working on getting him used to a gentle leader. He has jumped up a bit in excitement but listens to corrections very well. He has great energy and loves to walk, and loves to wrestle with the resident doggies, but also settles down nicely when it is time to chill out. Sparky has that classic, lovable GOLDEN personality that is impossible to resist.

He was very matted and had quite a few ticks when he showed up yesterday, so we had quite the grooming session! He was a total angel throughout the entire process. He looks better now, but he will be going to the groomer to get some extra TLC Thursday :) I can't imagine how fabulous he'll look after that!

He will also visit the vet tomorrow to get a microchip, be brought up to date on vaccinations, have a heartworm test, and an entire once over. I am hoping he is as healthy as he seems. It will also be interesting to find out their take on his age, and to get his actual weight!

Fostering a stray dog is always just this huge mystery. I actually love it when you have no idea what you are in for... anticipating what the dog is going to act like, and look like... it's kinda like getting a present :) You sure wish they could talk and tell you their story!! Sparky is a dog that was obviously loved, and trained, and cared for at some point in his life. It makes me sad to think about what must be going through his mind. I do always feel a big sense of relief for stray dogs like him though... when I placed the RAGOM collar and tag on his neck I told him... you're a RAGOM boy now, you are safe, and you will be loved for the rest of your life! He wagged his tail and thanked me with a kiss :)

Stay tuned as we learn more about Sparky!

 

At a Glance #09-376

Golden Retriever Born: August 2003
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Introducing Sparky the wonder dog! Sparky is a PB, neutered male, Golden Retriever. He was found as a stray running along a highway (yikes!!) and no family could be found, so he was surrendered to a vet clinic, they called RAGOM, and now we have our newest foster boy! :) Since he was a stray we don't know anything at all about him. The vet clinic he was dropped at estimated him at 6-7 years old, I think he could be younger? He is a big, tall guy about 80-85 lbs. is my best guess... whatever his weight, it is perfect for his frame. He is BEAUTIFUL! He has a soft, medium golden colored coat, with a little bit of a white "mask" and light brown eyes that sparkle.. what a hunk! :)

He is as wonderful as he is handsome. He is very, very friendly! Loves other dogs (is on the submissive side), loooves people (especially people that want to pet him!) He is totally house trained. He does not get on furniture (yet! this is allowed here!). He takes treats very gently, and knows basic commands (sit, down, shake). He pulls a bunch on a leash, we are working on getting him used to a gentle leader. He has jumped up a bit in excitement but listens to corrections very well. He has great energy and loves to walk, and loves to wrestle with the resident doggies, but also settles down nicely when it is time to chill out. Sparky has that classic, lovable GOLDEN personality that is impossible to resist.

He was very matted and had quite a few ticks when he showed up yesterday, so we had quite the grooming session! He was a total angel throughout the entire process. He looks better now, but he will be going to the groomer to get some extra TLC Thursday :) I can't imagine how fabulous he'll look after that!

He will also visit the vet tomorrow to get a microchip, be brought up to date on vaccinations, have a heartworm test, and an entire once over. I am hoping he is as healthy as he seems. It will also be interesting to find out their take on his age, and to get his actual weight!

Fostering a stray dog is always just this huge mystery. I actually love it when you have no idea what you are in for... anticipating what the dog is going to act like, and look like... it's kinda like getting a present :) You sure wish they could talk and tell you their story!! Sparky is a dog that was obviously loved, and trained, and cared for at some point in his life. It makes me sad to think about what must be going through his mind. I do always feel a big sense of relief for stray dogs like him though... when I placed the RAGOM collar and tag on his neck I told him... you're a RAGOM boy now, you are safe, and you will be loved for the rest of your life! He wagged his tail and thanked me with a kiss :)

Stay tuned as we learn more about Sparky!

 

Updates

Friday, January 27, 2012

 

Sparky, renamed to Kota when he was adopted, went to the Rainbow Bridge this evening about 5:00. He had a major stroke Thursday evening and was paralyzed on his right side afterwards.

He was a GReat companion and was by my side always, he went with me on all my transports and loved car rides more than anything. He always welcomed the transport dogs warmly and was their friend for my leg of the trip. He was the epitome of a Golden, warm, friendly always wagging his tail. I will miss him dearly.

Bob M.