It is my proud privilege to introduce this Prince Charming named Gator.  He is sure to charm you into making a spot in your family for him:)  Our family has had him for several days now and are completely in love with him.  He is such a nice dog.  He forgets that he is 77lb's and will sit in your lap anytime you're sitting on the floor. He absolutely craves attention and is as happy as can be if you are petting him. He is great with all age groups, we have as young as 4 year olds up to seniors and he loves them all:)

Here is what we "think" we know about his past... He was picked up in Missouri from a vet clinic that the previous owner left him at.  So be prepared for his southern accent barking:) He was used by a back yard breeder and was no longer  needed.  He wasn't potty trained so he probably was not a house dog.  He is working hard at getting potty trained and is doing a good job but will probably still need some addition training time and when not in his crate he will need frequent trips outside until he masters this skill.

Gator was neutered right before he left on his journey to Minnesota.  We went to the vet yesterday and his neuter sight was swollen.  The vet said it could take several weeks for the blood clots to dissipate but shouldn't be a problem.  Besides that, he got a clean bill of health and the vet was very impressed with him and his condition.  His weight is perfect (he is very lean) and she wants to keep him thin because a thin golden has less of a chance of being affected by any hip dysplasia they may have.  She made a comment that "as soon as your neighbors are asking if you are forgeting to feed your dog, you know he is at the perfect weight":) His teeth made her think that he is only between 1-3. So we split the difference and are calling him 2:)

As far as how he is in the house, he is a good house dog.  He is excellent in his crate and is very excited when he is let out of it to be with his people. Gator loves to go for rides in the car and is a very good boy while riding.  I don't feel like he would ever run away from home because he is just too into loving on his family. He has barked when in his kennel and needed to go outside and when we are in the car and a stranger has come up to the car.  He would probably bark if the doorbell rang (I'm not sure) but it's not excessive it's protective and you could feel safe with him.

He does need some basic obedience lessons for sit/down/stay etc but that shouldn't take long because he seems pretty smart.  He get's along great with my female golden but has been growly with a couple males that he has run into.  That may or may not change because of his neutering last week but it could take a couple months to know for sure.  If you are interested in him but have a male dominate dog, introductions might be necessary first to see if they get along.  We brought him into the house and with both dogs on leashes they took turns smelling each other before we let them face to face.

Now that I have written a mini book on him I will end in saying that if you are interested in meeting Gator to please contact placement and we can set up a time.

Oh, and did I mention how absolutely beautiful(handsome) this boy is.  Everyone who sees him comment on how great looking he is.  You really need to see him in person to get the full affect:)