From Pete's forever family... The Pete Report

Pete’s owner died following a long illness where she was not in the home. With the death of his owner his two cat friends were placed at the vet and his dog friend went to live with family. Pete watched life, as he had known it for eight years dismantle around him. His fate was now uncertain. Fortunately, a neighbor had heard of Ragom and interceded on his behalf promising to find him a good home. Ragom swung into action and Pete left Iowa arriving safely at his foster home in Climax Minnesota.

Our longtime family member TinkerBell had just passed away. Gaby and the cats were sad. As we followed Pete’s story on the website we felt that we might need each other.

He arrived with his green grinch and his deceased owner’s worn puppy dog slipper. Some Ragom saint thought to send a slipper; providing him comfort when he needed it most. His foster home stayed in touch with Pete’s neighbor, who watched his website daily, provided his vet records and history and remains Pete’s angel today.

The vet records revealed cruchiate ligament surgery, osteoarthritis, and an age related eye condition. Although his past surgeries and arthritis limit us to frequent short walks and careful retrieves; he manages well with no steps or stairs and is active today. There is a “hitch in his gitty up” and occasionally a fast paced “bunny hop”. He’s adjusted well to recent blindness in one eye and takes prevention meds. Pete has slimmed down to eighty-five pounds; which has helped his condition considerably and he enjoys life to the fullest.

Pete loves a good fire with a good bone, soft blankets and pillows, snuggles and rubdowns, romping, retrieving, naps with cats, field walks and geese watching. Best of all he loves his Gaby girl and Gaby loves her boy Pete. They are a joy to watch together and the bond they share is a highly visible one of playfulness, concern for one another, unmistakable tenderness and love.

Pete is doing Great! Thanks to his Ragom family!!!

Gaby and Pete

Pete just downloaded some Christmas tunes on the iPod. He is quite clever! There are several presents under our tree that say "To Pete." He especially likes to chew bones, but what he really wants for Christmas is for his forever family to find him. He is lying on his dog bed right now, listening to James Taylor's rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" and wondering why his foster home couldn't have been a little farther south. He is very content to stay by the fire and watch household activities. If we go into the TV room or kitchen, he jumps up and follows. He has figured out special spots to curl up in, and we make sure he has a comfy cozy dog bed in each room.

Pete has to get some blood work done soon to get a refill on his Rimadyl, otherwise he is doing great--such a charming fellow. A smile from Pete makes us all melt. He has sweeping eyelashes that make his face seem very expressive. "I love you." He likes to go for short walks (even in the cold) and he can make it all the way to the Post Office and back (two blocks), where Postmaster Sandy gives him a dog treat. He doesn't even attempt to chase stray squirrels or the occasional cat, but he does keep an eye out for unclaimed sticks. Pete is the perfect senior companion, and even resident dog, Toby Ed, admits he is kind of nice to have around. But Pete deserves to be the center of attention in a forever family where he can live the sweet Golden life. Pete isn't wishing for decorations bought at Tiffany's, a convertible, a yacht or a sable coat under the tree (he already has a pretty nice Golden coat). He's just wishing for someone to love him forever and a place to hang his stocking. Not such a big wish, "Santa Baby Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight" and find a forever home for Sweet Pete. He is waiting patiently with bells on.