Mason 08-156

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If you love Golden’s, it will take you about 5 minutes to fall head over heels for Mason.  He is a coppery red, PB Male Golden , a stray with a ticket for a one way trip to heaven until a great lady stepped up to rescue him.  She surrendered him to RAGOM because although her heart is big, her house is small.   He came to our home two days ago and despite a sassy reception from one of our resident dogs, he won her over in 24 hours.  Now we have three happy campers.

Mason is a big dog.  He hasn’t had his vet check yet because of the Easter holiday, so we don’t know just how big.  He is house trained ( hasn’t had one accident in the house so far) and he lets you know in no uncertain terms that he needs to go out by standing in front of you and whining or standing by the door.

He sits on command and picks up his paws on cue for wiping when he comes in.

I thought that our couches weren’t made for big dogs, but I was wrong.  Mason showed me that they were real comfy, and his smile convinced me that he was right.  Who am I to argue with that?  As you can see, he has great persuasive powers.  However, when he jumped on our bed the first night, my husband and I convinced him that two is company, but three is, well, crowded.  He sleeps on the floor by our bed without a problem.   Mason will kennel up with “persuasion” and he doesn’t complain, but his reluctance tells us doesn’t much like it either.

Mason would make a great sled dog, because he sure does pull on a leash!   We will try him on a Gentle Leader soon.  His rescuer said that he loves to run, and there is no doubt he would love the chance.   We had him on a tie out for a few minutes yesterday and he ran in circles, around and around. I think he would love a fenced in yard in his adoptive home where he could safely run to his hearts content!

Stay tuned. We will post more soon as we get to know this GReat dog better.

 

At a Glance #08-156

Golden Retriever Born: September 2006
Male 67 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

If you love Golden’s, it will take you about 5 minutes to fall head over heels for Mason.  He is a coppery red, PB Male Golden , a stray with a ticket for a one way trip to heaven until a great lady stepped up to rescue him.  She surrendered him to RAGOM because although her heart is big, her house is small.   He came to our home two days ago and despite a sassy reception from one of our resident dogs, he won her over in 24 hours.  Now we have three happy campers.

Mason is a big dog.  He hasn’t had his vet check yet because of the Easter holiday, so we don’t know just how big.  He is house trained ( hasn’t had one accident in the house so far) and he lets you know in no uncertain terms that he needs to go out by standing in front of you and whining or standing by the door.

He sits on command and picks up his paws on cue for wiping when he comes in.

I thought that our couches weren’t made for big dogs, but I was wrong.  Mason showed me that they were real comfy, and his smile convinced me that he was right.  Who am I to argue with that?  As you can see, he has great persuasive powers.  However, when he jumped on our bed the first night, my husband and I convinced him that two is company, but three is, well, crowded.  He sleeps on the floor by our bed without a problem.   Mason will kennel up with “persuasion” and he doesn’t complain, but his reluctance tells us doesn’t much like it either.

Mason would make a great sled dog, because he sure does pull on a leash!   We will try him on a Gentle Leader soon.  His rescuer said that he loves to run, and there is no doubt he would love the chance.   We had him on a tie out for a few minutes yesterday and he ran in circles, around and around. I think he would love a fenced in yard in his adoptive home where he could safely run to his hearts content!

Stay tuned. We will post more soon as we get to know this GReat dog better.

 

Updates

Friday, May 2, 2008

Hey!  It’s Mason here!  I’m wondering what’s taking so long for you to come and get me.  I love my foster mom and dad, fur sister and brother but I’m looking for a home of my own.  Foster mom and I have been taking walks with the Halti (a Gentle Leader sort of thing) and I’m getting better with it each day.   I’m so excited to be outside that I really would rather run off some energy, but Mom insists that I stay with her.  I’d love to have a safe place to run and scare up birds and little furry things.  That is so fun to do!  Foster dad found out I like to swim too, so I can’t wait for summer and the beach.  I love to snuggle, and when I get in trouble (not very often) I try to make up right away with kisses.  I try to watch the house as best I can, and I do a pretty good job.  I’m always interested in looking out the window and seeing who is coming and going.  When something looks suspicious, I let out a warning, but it’s pretty safe around here, so I usually get to mellow out on the deck or on the easy chair waiting for something to happen.   Mom says I’m a really smart guy and I learn fast. I didn’t get a lot of training in my life so far, so I have a few things to learn.  I can sit, and wait (for a few moments), I come when I’m called and I shake hands.  I always let mom and dad know when I need to go out. But I hope I’ll get to go to obedience school some day (or maybe you’ll home school me if you know how?). Then I’ll really get a chance to show how smart I am!  I think I’ll make you proud!  

 

 

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Mason has found a new pastime!  He is now a bird watcher.  He recently noticed the bird feeder in the kitchen window and he is hooked.  He doesn’t bark or bother the birds other than following their comings and goings with enthusiastic head movements.  It is so cute to see his fascination with those fuzzy flying feather balls.  As long as the snow blows he’ll have a show to watch.  It almost makes one wish winter would hold on for awhile. (or not)

Mason is making good progress with the Gentle Leader, and we are taking it slow and easy so he is successful.  He is a quick learner, but there are so many interesting things outside, I don’t want to tempt fate by taking ambitious walks beyond his attention span.  I’m very pleased, and he loves the attention he gets with the pets and “good boy! ”praises.  He is also coming to his name consistently, inside and out. 

Our vet declared Mason healthy and heartworm free.  Showing that friendly, patient Golden Retriever temperament, he cooperated great during his exam, even after three sticks to get a good blood sample. He isn’t as “big” as we thought, only 67 pounds so he is a tall boy.

Mason is ready to find his forever home, and he will truly be a wonderful companion with lots of love and laughs to give.  Give this sweet, affectionate guy a chance and he will steal your heart in no time at all!

 

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Well it’s been a week of firsts.  Mason had his first shower, and he did surprisingly well once he accepted the inevitable.  He even lifted each leg as I sprayed, and went along with the whole routine, but boy was he glad to be done!  He continues to be excellent picking up each paw to wipe when he comes in from the muddy yard.  He expects it, and just sits down by the door until the job is done. 

He also had company for the first time, and he loved everyone!  I had to run an interception on several occasions, so jumping up is on the list of things to work on.  But he does not jump up on us as we come in the door, so I think it was just all of the excitement.  True Golden, he wanted attention from everyone.  I thought he might like some quiet time from all the excitement, but he (loudly) said he’d rather be with us. He settled down on the tether lead, and was fine for the rest of our visit.  He just wants to be where the action is.

Mason likes those furry little creatures called cats.  Boy, are they fun to chase!  He didn’t get an opportunity to catch one, but from his response, I think it would be best for him to be in a home without cats.  He continues to love to go on walks and loves any opportunity to run.  His last home said he will sneak out of an open door and we found that to be true twice.  He always came back to us when we called him, but on his time not ours…usually after a few minutes; long enough to take a good run and give us a heart attack.  Then he’d come to us with tail wagging and head held high, expecting pets and praise. (Which we gratefully give him.)  I know he was thinking, “Wow!  That was fun!”   Walks on a leash and lead are improving a bit, but he still pulls.  We are trying to get him used to the Gentle Leader, and he is now getting into it without a problem.  Hope to extend his tolerance for the Leader in the house for a little walking so we can try him outside.  We’ll get there.

Here is what I find remarkable about this dog.  He has such a gentle heart.  Zoe, our schnoodle, has really warmed up to him.  They love to play together even though Zoe is about one fifth Mason’s size.  Mason is so gentle with her, and accommodating too!  Zoe loves to play tug of war with Mason’s knots, and he will very patiently let her pull with all her might, as he holds the other end and tugs gently.  He even let her pull him around the house for awhile, just so she could feel like a big dog!  What a sport! When he want’s to play, he’ll bring his knots and swing them in front of Zoe with that come hither look.  (She always takes the bait.)  Mason has no food or toy guarding, so he would be great with a fur brother or sister.

Mason is an affectionate guy, but not in a pestering way.  He will come up for pets and hugs, but is then happy to go look for a playmate or settle down for a quick snooze.  Did I mention we have not had one accident in the house?!  He will bark when there is someone at the door, or on the property, but he is not overly barky. He’ll make a good watch dog. 

This sweet guy is a true diamond with only a few rough edges that training can soon polish.  He’ll make some lucky family an outstanding pet!