Riley 08-572

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Riley is a 7 year old neutered male. Riley came to us here in South Dakota from the state of Minnesota last night by some absolute wonderful transporters! He had a long ride in which he did very well for both transporters. So obviously he rides well! Riley came into Ragom for a couple reasons: First, in the past he has had seizures; it was stated perhaps every couple months(?)....second is there are two very young children and there is not much time for Riley now. Here is what we do know about this lovely BIG boy: 

  1. Riley is a 7 year old neutered male golden retriever mix
  2. Riley is a big boy, about 85# and is tall
  3. Riley has light golden hair, white tip on tail and a while blaze on his nose, your curly golden hair on his back
  4. Eyes that make you melt! Golden eyes....
  5. Riley LOVES to be pet
  6. Riley is SUPER nice; :LOVES kids (more on that later)
  7. Riley LOVES people
  8. Riley is VERY good with other dogs; he is now staying with 3 other dogs and 3 cats
  9. Riley seems to ignore or not think much of the cats (they of course scatter currently as they don’t know that however, they are not scared of him, just unsure as cats are)
  10. Riley listens very well and has been taken care of very well before Ragom
  11. Riley is UTD other than bordatella (more on that later too)
  12. In the past Riley has been crated all day in garage while owners were at work due to their concerns on a possible seizure otherwise Riley has free roam all the time; seizures were listed at approximately every 8 weeks or so, and more on that later....
  13. Riley is NOT on any medications
  14. Riley is somewhat scared of fireworks/storms---he will whine a little...no major anxieties at all
  15. Riley has free roam in foster home (more on that later)
  16. Riley is a BIG SWEETHEART of a boy! Riley is obviously a mix (probably lab) but has the golden personality

       

As stated above, more on that later because we have not had him long at all.........each day of course we learn more and more. What I can and will say is that this boy is a sweetheart and loves other dogs and people! He is just a wonderful boy and considering how majored confused he has to be, is adapting very well! He is a gentle giant in my impression. You can take anything out of his mouth, again he listens and re-directs very good! Riley will go to my Ragom vet next week for a check and a microchip and the ol’ once over! I asked Riley to ‘jump in bed’ with me last night and he did! He does however, prefer his ‘bean bag’ that he came with which is fine.....he took up the whole bed! He came with a large soft leather/vinyl adult bean bag which he always sleeps in. He has his kong and other toys. He loves to be brushed and has a nice coat and again, has been well kept up. He came from a family with two small babies........20 mos old and 2 weeks old so kids are fine! When Riley perks his ears up, he shows so much personality in himself! He has those light golden eyes which are beautiful! We are enjoying fostering this big baby! If you are looking for a big wonderful golden mix who knows many commands, gets along with other dogs, loves kids and people, ignores cats and is a lover and has such a super personality, please email: placementatragom [dot] org  

This is one special great boy!!!!!!!! More to come.........Can you provide a loving home for this lovely guy?

At a Glance #08-572

Mixed Breed Born: November 2001
Male 90 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Riley is a 7 year old neutered male. Riley came to us here in South Dakota from the state of Minnesota last night by some absolute wonderful transporters! He had a long ride in which he did very well for both transporters. So obviously he rides well! Riley came into Ragom for a couple reasons: First, in the past he has had seizures; it was stated perhaps every couple months(?)....second is there are two very young children and there is not much time for Riley now. Here is what we do know about this lovely BIG boy: 

  1. Riley is a 7 year old neutered male golden retriever mix
  2. Riley is a big boy, about 85# and is tall
  3. Riley has light golden hair, white tip on tail and a while blaze on his nose, your curly golden hair on his back
  4. Eyes that make you melt! Golden eyes....
  5. Riley LOVES to be pet
  6. Riley is SUPER nice; :LOVES kids (more on that later)
  7. Riley LOVES people
  8. Riley is VERY good with other dogs; he is now staying with 3 other dogs and 3 cats
  9. Riley seems to ignore or not think much of the cats (they of course scatter currently as they don’t know that however, they are not scared of him, just unsure as cats are)
  10. Riley listens very well and has been taken care of very well before Ragom
  11. Riley is UTD other than bordatella (more on that later too)
  12. In the past Riley has been crated all day in garage while owners were at work due to their concerns on a possible seizure otherwise Riley has free roam all the time; seizures were listed at approximately every 8 weeks or so, and more on that later....
  13. Riley is NOT on any medications
  14. Riley is somewhat scared of fireworks/storms---he will whine a little...no major anxieties at all
  15. Riley has free roam in foster home (more on that later)
  16. Riley is a BIG SWEETHEART of a boy! Riley is obviously a mix (probably lab) but has the golden personality

       

As stated above, more on that later because we have not had him long at all.........each day of course we learn more and more. What I can and will say is that this boy is a sweetheart and loves other dogs and people! He is just a wonderful boy and considering how majored confused he has to be, is adapting very well! He is a gentle giant in my impression. You can take anything out of his mouth, again he listens and re-directs very good! Riley will go to my Ragom vet next week for a check and a microchip and the ol’ once over! I asked Riley to ‘jump in bed’ with me last night and he did! He does however, prefer his ‘bean bag’ that he came with which is fine.....he took up the whole bed! He came with a large soft leather/vinyl adult bean bag which he always sleeps in. He has his kong and other toys. He loves to be brushed and has a nice coat and again, has been well kept up. He came from a family with two small babies........20 mos old and 2 weeks old so kids are fine! When Riley perks his ears up, he shows so much personality in himself! He has those light golden eyes which are beautiful! We are enjoying fostering this big baby! If you are looking for a big wonderful golden mix who knows many commands, gets along with other dogs, loves kids and people, ignores cats and is a lover and has such a super personality, please email: placementatragom [dot] org  

This is one special great boy!!!!!!!! More to come.........Can you provide a loving home for this lovely guy?

Updates

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Hello! My name is Riley, and I am a RAGOM dog. I’m going to tell you about my Happy Ending.

I arrived in my Forever Home in January. Our house has a BIG yard! I patrol the yard every day, taking care to sniff and pee in every corner. In the morning, I watch and make sure that the children in our neighborhood get safely on the school bus. I also greet everyone who walks by our fence. If they are lucky, they get to pet me! There are lots of dogs in our neighborhood, too – Buddy, Sam, Lena, Stella, Ruby, and Arlo—and we always take time to chat.

My day goes like this. Forever Daddy gets up first and feeds me breakfast. Then he goes off to someplace called “Work.” It must not be a nice place, because Daddy says he’d rather stay home and play with me. After Daddy leaves, I hop up on the bed so Forever Mommy and I can have Snuggle Time. Eventually, we get up. Mommy makes me wait while she drinks this funny-smelling stuff called “Coffee.” It takes forever, but finally we go for a Walk.

There is a creek by our house. There are lots of things to sniff, plus I get to splash in the water and play in the mud! Mommy says I always manage to find the stinkiest mud in the whole place. This morning I found a dead fish to roll on, and Mommy was so proud she was speechless!

Sometimes we go to the Dog Park. That is the best place, because all us dogs get to run and play and we never have to wear stupid leashes or harnesses. Plus, I get to ride in the car! Once a week, we go to Smart Dog School. That’s where I get to show off all the tricks I know, like Sit, Stand, Roll Over, and many others. A lot of the dogs are puppies, so Mommy says it’s a good thing I’m there to show them how it’s done.

Mommy works at home during the day, doing something called “Writing” on her computer. I have my own cave under her desk with a bed and blankets. I help her with her work and remind her when it’s time to take breaks and play. Sometime I steal socks from the laundry and run away so Mommy has to chase me. When Mommy cooks in the kitchen, I lie on the floor just in case she drops something. That way she doesn’t have to clean up. Mommy says I’m so helpful she doesn’t know how she got along without me.

In late afternoon, I wait by the door for Daddy to come home. We take a Walk in the evening, and then I like to lie on the couch with my head in his lap while he rubs my belly. I have a big rawhide to chew on, too. I always do an evening patrol of the yard to make sure everyone is safe, and then it’s Night-Night Time.

There are so many places to sleep in my house! I can sleep in my bed right next to Mommy and Daddy’s big bed, or in my cave under Mommy’s desk, or on the couch. If it’s hot, I like to stretch out on the wood floor. Sometimes I dream that I am chasing squirrels, and I bark to show them who’s boss.

So that’s my Happy Ending. Mommy wants me to add that she and Daddy are so grateful to my Foster Mommy Rona for choosing them to be my Forever parents. They feel blessed every day.

See everyone at the RAGOM picnic! Love, Riley

Sunday, January 11, 2009

What a great weekend it has been, for the B family, us and especially Riley boy. A wonderful, kind and heart-warming family drove down to Sioux Falls on Saturday the 10th, met and got to know Riley boy and yes, it happened....... The love, the connection, the fate.

Riley is adopted as of today.

This is such a great family, took the time, research, and heart to want one of our great senior goldens and Riley is and will be one happy camper!

He will be going to a home where mom is home almost all the time, both mom and dad know about goldens and dogs and are experienced with the knowledge, love and patience, and a nice house with a fenced yard. Another added bonus as always on these adoptions is the chance to meet such wonderful canine-love families out there. The B family is just delightful and so nice.

Riley was very happy to meet them and is on his way to a wonderful, happy, loving permanent home.

Riley, it was a true pleasure and great time to foster you buddy boy.

Well done by all.

Another great, successful Ragom beginning for a wonderful foster golden!

Love what we do.

Thank you B family for being so wonderful. Riley, I know you are going to be so very happy!

 

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Riley boy is doing beautifully. He is so attentive, really wants to please and do commands, is happy all the time (as long as you are near of course) and is so great to foster. He does not expect anything, yet wants to give so much. That beautiful face, comes and sits right in front of you, waiting...........waiting......do you want me to shake, lay down, roll over? Riley is there for you, always. Loves being near you and watching anything you do.

Then there is the part where he loves to watch you cook in the kitchen and lays right in the middle of the floor, which of course, a BIG target to miss........and I think Riley feels that is quite funny! Does not beg, just wants to be ‘right there.’ When asked to move of course, he does.

Riley is a dog who needs you close, knows he is welcome and really needs your love and attention and yet, your wish is his command. He will focus on your every move and totally wants to please you. This is one very bright boy. So beautiful to watch, so beautiful to love, just a beautiful boy. I so love to take Riley on his walks because he totally enjoys everything about them. Ice, snow, people, dogs, just being out there, with me walking, he just really takes it all in.

Riley totally has the routine down with every one else, and it is a hoot to watch all of the dogs and cats ‘file in for bed’ at night! Everybody has their spot, down and snoozes.......at the slightest ‘flicker’ of asking, Riley would LOVE to sleep with you! So considering his size and multiples around here, he is asked to come up early morning, snuggles and keeps us warm with total delight. What a blast.

Riley, is a great boy!

   
   

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Our Riley is doing so great. This is one dream foster boy! He continues to amaze us with his knowledge of ‘listening’ to commands or just stories. His ability to pick up moods, situations, and all that goes around him. Such a well behaved boy. This is the dog you can take any place, he loves people and is ever so attentive. Again I will go back to those eyes. There is so much to be seen in them. He learns new routines and not-so-new routines so well.

This is a very busy time of year and we are all busier and stressed than we would like to be. Riley, he ‘knows’ and just takes it in stride. He understands. He will ‘ask’ are we going for a walk now? Are we going for a ride? Are we gonna play games? Time for bed? Riley has incredible patience and understanding.

Again, he does so well with all the pack here....I think he and the kitties are really liking each other......Due to weather we have not been able to do a lot of things out in the yard. Riley loves his walks and is so well-behaved on them (unlike some other dog I have, but we won’t mention names!)

He is in physically great shape. A very good weight and no health issues at all. Riley loves to be pet, groomed and just sit and be with you. With Riley being so smart, he KNOWS where the treats are, the bones and toys. So cute. However, he will WAIT to get things, and wait to be asked. Want a dog to travel with you? Riley will. You want a big tall boy who will curl up and sleep by you, does not make a peep, just so loves people and companionship.........so smart and just a great boy! Riley has good Christmas photos now too! He is so much fun........

   
   

Thursday, December 11, 2008

BEHIND THOSE EYES.......I really must begin with that. Riley, my boy, those ‘eyes’. What conversation(s) we have. EXPRESSION, incredible. Riley, he listens and you can just tell, you can see---you just ‘know; how this great boy is listening to you, trying to really relate and understand you and what you are saying. It is just comforting, fun, surreal how with his gentle face, gentle manners, puts his head on your lap, and truly wants to listen to you....just have a conversation with you. Of course, that does not go without the huge hints he gives you for that great ‘conversation’ ........... a great head and ear rub goes a long way..........a neck rub, the all over body pet, or just the usual kiss on the nose.........!

I am totally fascinated on how Riley listens and you just ‘feel’ he understands what you are talking about. Want to give him a command, just ask him to lay by you, come with you to see something else, or just keep on asking him questions, I just love it. THOSE eyes says SO very very much. Add the perky ears, and wow, you about melt. He is so attentive, interested, eager to be with you, willing, and I could go on and on........What great conversations we have and he is just so great. Want a big boy to roll over, and want a belly rub and just be there for you? Riley. Again, his listening skills are super and incredible. In soft tones and words, he listens.

Ok yeah, Riley is a great bed partner, what can I say. He curls up right next to you in a smaller ball as if not to take up much room for such a big guy. No snoring either. He will wait to be asked and if things get to busy with the rest of the troops, he will lay on his blankets/bed next to our bed and nighty-nite. Our boy sure loves his walks. While the other dog (I won’t mention her name but yes, she does belong to me!) will bark at others while on a long walk, Riley remains BEHIND those eyes, listens and looks and comes with me as he is asked. No barking. Tail up, interested to see what things are about, does not pull and off we go to continue our walk. Awesome. He walks a great place with me (and the other mutt I have!) and does not pull. If you want to let him sniff fine, if not and you want to keep on motoring, no problem. Just a delight to walk. What a delight period! You can tell Riley loves kids, to hear them laugh and running around while we are out on our walks. Such an attentive look and curiosity. Loves and enjoys our young grandchildren. He has received a couple new bones to chew, but you can take anything away from him. Riley does just fine with free roam with the rest of the pets. In the beginning he was real interested in the Christmas tree, but a firm no, and we are fine....but hey, it’s a tree right? BEHIND those eyes, is a total lovely, kind, beautiful boy. He so wants to be by you, go with you, listen to you, and has some expressions that are just super. I wish I had a much better camera and experience to share these great looks with the world. There is so much to read in his eyes, his face, just him. Riley loves to play, be chased, play tug, and just run. One super great boy and such love, BEHIND those eyes.....I am so happy to be fostering him and be able to be with him.

   
   
 

Saturday, December 6, 2008

This golden mix boy continues to be amazing. In working with Riley, there are so many things he knows how to do (thanks to prior owners). He knows commands so well. He shakes, pray (if you put your hand/arm out in front of him and ask him to ‘pray’ he will put his paws up and wait for treat and then lay down. He knows crawl...laying down for treat and will ‘crawl’ for it; and he knows hand/sight commands for sit, stay, and down! He is so phenomenal! Riley is a very affectionate, dedicated LOYAL boy. He really loves to please. Riley is much more interested in being inside with humans than he is outside in the yard. And totally LOVES his walks and again, does very very well. He is walked every day about 1-2 miles, and we use a harness. He is fine when meeting other dogs or humans. Not afraid of noises or cars.

Riley continues to do absolutely great with our resident pets (all 6). No scuffles of any kind, that is just not him. He has never made a sound other than when we get excited for our walks, he will say a bark, along with the rest of them. Riley has full run of the house with no problems on that at all. He likes his red kong with a treat inside to keep him busy. Under strict supervision, he likes a rawhide....good teeth and jaw! He takes treats gently. In having our 4 year old granddaughter over, he was wonderful and so happy! Our little one is quite a busy girl and that was just fine with him! He snuggled with her on the big bed and he loved all the pets he got from her, and really good ‘conversation?" if you can call it that! It was so cute to see that. He does not knock her over or anything. He will follow around for the possibility of another lovin’/pet/snack or just because!

Riley has been worked with well by his prior family and it shows. Whom ever decides to give Riley a permanent forever home will love this and it will only get better the more you work with him. He loves working and performing for snacks.....very VERY bright dog and a GENTLE personality. Again, Riley is a tall boy, does not seem to shed much at all, loves be brushed and oh yeah, those belly rubs! Wow, he sure likes those. In transporting Riley on errands, etc., he rides in a car just fine....Riley is ever so loving and affectionate and happy. He has that ‘face’ with those ‘pale eyes’ and perked up ears that just makes you melt. Totally seems to understand what we are ‘talking’ about! Just a hoot.

Riley would be a GREAT dog to take to obedience classes! He is incredibly smart, patient, gentle and LOVES to please. This would be a huge bonus for both owner and Riley. This is one super foster boy........we so love having him in our family! Are you looking for a golden boy who loves to train, never a grumble, major affection, loves kids and loves walks? Have I got a great dog for you!

   

 

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Riley had his vet check yesterday and he is in great shape! He is actually SIX and Not 7. He is fully vetted now and micro-chipped. In reviewing prior vet records, Riley has only had two seizures and as far as we can tell, this is not a concern or a ‘special need’ at this point. Riley is a tall boy and weighing in at 91# and is at a good weight. Health wise Riley there are no concerns. No murmurs, growths, and hips are great. He did just perfect on the ride to the vet’s and I think he really enjoyed it actually, had fun looking out the window going with the flow!

He was a very well behaved boy at the clinic. Riley continues to do very well in the home with all the other crew! (Fine with cats and the other dogs). Riley really enjoys his walks and he does walk beautifully. He came with a harness which works great. He is so smart and knows many commands! He knows the sit, stay, wait, fetch, roll over, up, down….just incredible. Riley again, listens very well and really wants to please. If asked, he would sure like to sleep with you! He is quiet all night and sleeps on his big bean bag and/or a large comforter. He enjoys his real hard bone (hollow inside) to chew with some peanut butter in it! Riley is free to roam now and is fine.

He has a good appetite and of course, completely housebroken and stands by the door when he needs to go. He would much rather prefer to be in by us than roaming the yard very long. I think he is worried he might get stuck out there. A real ‘people’ dog. This is one super nice boy! A delight to foster and he is going to really make someone a very happy companion!