Tara (Terah 05-211)

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9/3/05: Terah arrived about 3:30 today. A HUGE thank you to all the transporters who gave up their Saturday to make this happen.

Report is she was good on the trip up...very quiet, not interested in food, treats, etc. It was pouring rain when Tracy arrived with Terah and so we did our meet and greet in the garage. Jake 05-228 was very gentlemanly, and my resident, Reba, was very disinterested as usual :) We all hung out, walked out side for a few minutes, but no potty break seemed to be needed. We finally went into the house and Terah just stood, no interest in having a drink or anything else......didn't move for some time. Jake eventually had to try and get her to play...like that was gonna happen. Eventually Terah showed some interest and I guess between the 2 dogs and 2 cats there was smelling to do.

She does not like to be on a lead and balks at first. Later when we were alone we all went out and I put her on a long rope and let her wander where she wanted. Still no potty. While in the basement and trying yet again to get pics, I left her off leash and she wandered about, checking things out and actually wagged her tail when I was playing with Jake. Soon Reba and Jake were playing and she walked around and watched and just hung out. At this moment she is halfway under the desk....big surprise.

The storm doesn't seem to really bother her, but she didn't care for the rope attached to her and would pick it up in her mouth. But when called to come in the house she is right there. We are about to try feeding time. Will let you know how it goes and how she does tonight. Can I get 3 Goldens and 2 cats on a bed? Oh yes, she met Sam, Mr. Friendly Cat, and just ignored him. Not sure if she ever saw a cat before, but guess she must think he's ok if the other dogs do. I think it will be great for her to be around other furbutts. Her coat is very dry and has no soft under-coat and so we'll see what we can do with that. Tomorrow we'll do the bathing and ear cleaning after a good night's sleep, hopefully for all of us.

She is sweet but very timid. If anyone can get her going it will be this crew :) She is scheduled to be spayed on the 12th and hopefully will not come into heat before then. More updates as things happen.

 

At a Glance #05-211

Golden Retriever Born: March 2000
Female Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

9/3/05: Terah arrived about 3:30 today. A HUGE thank you to all the transporters who gave up their Saturday to make this happen.

Report is she was good on the trip up...very quiet, not interested in food, treats, etc. It was pouring rain when Tracy arrived with Terah and so we did our meet and greet in the garage. Jake 05-228 was very gentlemanly, and my resident, Reba, was very disinterested as usual :) We all hung out, walked out side for a few minutes, but no potty break seemed to be needed. We finally went into the house and Terah just stood, no interest in having a drink or anything else......didn't move for some time. Jake eventually had to try and get her to play...like that was gonna happen. Eventually Terah showed some interest and I guess between the 2 dogs and 2 cats there was smelling to do.

She does not like to be on a lead and balks at first. Later when we were alone we all went out and I put her on a long rope and let her wander where she wanted. Still no potty. While in the basement and trying yet again to get pics, I left her off leash and she wandered about, checking things out and actually wagged her tail when I was playing with Jake. Soon Reba and Jake were playing and she walked around and watched and just hung out. At this moment she is halfway under the desk....big surprise.

The storm doesn't seem to really bother her, but she didn't care for the rope attached to her and would pick it up in her mouth. But when called to come in the house she is right there. We are about to try feeding time. Will let you know how it goes and how she does tonight. Can I get 3 Goldens and 2 cats on a bed? Oh yes, she met Sam, Mr. Friendly Cat, and just ignored him. Not sure if she ever saw a cat before, but guess she must think he's ok if the other dogs do. I think it will be great for her to be around other furbutts. Her coat is very dry and has no soft under-coat and so we'll see what we can do with that. Tomorrow we'll do the bathing and ear cleaning after a good night's sleep, hopefully for all of us.

She is sweet but very timid. If anyone can get her going it will be this crew :) She is scheduled to be spayed on the 12th and hopefully will not come into heat before then. More updates as things happen.

 

Updates

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

 

On Wednesday, February 24th we lost our Tara (Terah 05-211) to cancer. She underwent surgery on January 7th and the lab results indicated that she had a very aggressive form of cancer, which it certainly proved to be. She passed peacefully at home bathed in warm sunshine lying in one of her favorite spots. She was surrounded by mom, dad, fur brother Jack (07-350) and the caring staff from the Grand Rapids Vet Clinic.

We adopted this special girl 4-1/2 years ago. We were never sure of her age but it was believed to be somewhere between 7 and 9 years old. Unfortunately, those years were spent in a puppy mill as a breeder and we can't even imagine how miserable her life must have been. When she was first turned over to RAGOM she spent her initial new life with her wonderful foster mom Joyce. Joyce took this poor, sad, insecure little creature and nurtured and babied her until we adopted her. She was extremely shy, nervous and needy at first. Getting her to just walk through a doorway without cowering and hesitating was a problem at first. It was a slow process with baby steps along the way but we learned to appreciate even small improvements.

She had the sweetest personality and an absolutely gentle demeanor that everyone fell in love with. She became a mama's girl and was always happiest when she could be close to me. She followed my every move and could always be found somewhere nearby me. She never did learn how to play with toys or with other dogs but she did get great pleasure out of romps outside in the snow and grass, taking a wade in the lake and exploring the woods. While she didn't understand the concept of play she always looked to her two fur brothers for guidance, security and support. She didn't even bark for the first year we had her, but once she learned she wouldn't get into trouble she did her best to join her brothers and sound the alarm when anyone came to the house. It was wonderful to see her evolve from a timid, anxious, nervous girl into a pup that realized it was O.K. to be a dog and to engage in doggie activities without fear of punishment.

We can only hope that she was able to forget the horrors from the first part of her life and that we were able to compensate for that misery by giving her all the love, attention and security that she needed to forget all that.

Here are some pictures of her enjoying life while she was our baby.

Jeannine and David


   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

Friday, March 10, 2006

Tara is still making progress and while the apparent steps may not seem as dramatic as her early adjustments, that's great because it says to me that she has already make the big adjustments and is now comfortable and feels safe here. As I watch her everyday, the things that still bother her are loud, unexpected noises, strangers (like UPS drivers, etc) and while she now excitedly goes outside, if you happen to be holding something in your hand like a bag of groceries, she is still a little hesitant to walk past you in the doorway. I'm sure she was probably kicked or hit with things as she entered and exited doorways etc. Overall, she is very relaxed, she has her favorite lounging spots and now loves to go outside with David or anyone else for that matter. She often times now pushes Cody out of the way to get in or out first. As you can see from the pictures of her in the chair, she can still look completely sappy. She climbed into that chair and assumed that position without any coaching...it's like she assumed the sitting position of a person rather than a dog. She does make me laugh !!!!!!!

As you can also see from the pictures, her fur is continuing to grow out. She has long curls on her rump, feathers on her legs and her coat is also getting long on her underside and pretty curly everywhere. I must admit that I have now learned however, that Goldens DO SHED. She fits in with the other two furbutts around here on that issue as well.

She is definitely a Mama's girl and is always either at my feet or lying near me on a piece of furniture. If I leave the room and she can't see me, she is hot on my trail. David tells me that when I leave the house for errands etc, all she does is stare at the door and wait for me to come home. She still wants to be touched, petted and talked to all the time so she is still a big sweetie. We were at one of my sisters house last week-end and not only does she now enter the house without any problem but she was going up to people for attention without even being called to them.

I still can't wait for spring/summer to get here to see if she loves the water. We got her so late in the season last fall that she really didn't have the opportunity to explore the lake between adjusting to her new life here and then the lake getting too cold. We are hoping that she will think it is as great as rolling around in the snow and grass.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

From Terah's forever family...

Cody is getting used to the idea that Terah is here for the duration. Both ends of the couch used to be his, but each pup has now claimed an end. When she's in the cabin, that's usually where she can be found. No room for Dave!!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Today was a bittersweet day for me. Terah has been with us for about a month. In that time she learned: it's ok to come in and out of the house through the doors, people will give you love, pats, scritches and treats, that rolling in the grass and then laying on your back will get you a belly rub, that walking in the field offers you the chance to sniff, smell, explore and run, that when someone calls you to come, it's safe to go to a human and be loved up, that it's great to lay on the couch next to a human and have your head petted, your ears rubbed and once in a while a cat will cuddle up to you and it's ok, and that best of all, sleeping on the bed next to a human is wonderful and waking up in the morning it's great to crawl up, stick your nose under the covers and then come up and give kisses, that it's ok to eat by other dogs and cats, that rawhide chews, flips, bones, peanut butter filled bones, pigs' feet and ears and regular treats are awesome, that even if you have an accident in the house right after you've been out....it's ok, that having your teeth cleaned allows you to eat food again without pain, that you are loved and cherished and wanted....and rolling in the grass is wonderful :)

I worried I'd never find the right family for Terah, and then Jeannine and Dave came into the picture. After emails and a couple phone calls, the day arrived....as did they and their Sheltie, Cody. If I had a tiny doubt about these people, it vanished after talking with them for over 2 hours and watching the love, patience, understanding and compassion they showed to Terah....and how they put up with Miss Reba bugging their Cody (she's partial to boys). Here was Jeannine and Dave offering Terah everything she would need to grow, become more confident, continue to learn to be a dog, love her and give her the chance to be all she can be, to become that Golden Girl living the Golden Life with her Forever Family. And so it came to pass that Terah went home with her new forever family today....amidst many tears and hugs....from the humans that is :) I know while she will be confused and may withdraw again....a little, she will soon understand she has a new Mom, Dad and furr butt brother that will always be there for her, will love her, accept her, be patient with her and help her to continue to learn about the good life.

I was very lucky to have had Terah in my life to teach me about Patience....it takes time for her to learn to trust you, to feel safe enough to venture away from your side....to stop being your shadow. Trust....is earned and must never be betrayed. Appreciation....she appreciated every day of warmth, food, love, shelter, attention and treats. Joy....unabashed joy in discovering grass, flowers, new smells, running, jumping, feeling the breeze blow back her ears, to hear the birds sing, to actually dig like a dog, to be just what God intended for her to be....a Dog with a family that loved her enough to wait for her to come into her own....little by little. But this is what fostering is about....loving, accepting, helping them grow and then letting them go on to their Golden Life.....with people like Jeannine and Dave. How fortunate we are to have this beautiful girl in our lives.....me for a short time, her new family for many years. Thank You, Terah.......I will miss you. And thank you too, Tamra, you're the best. Jeannine and Dave, thank you for understanding what it takes and for giving her a loving home.

 
Free at last
A goodbye kiss for Reba 

Smiling in the grass and getting a belly rub
A new Mom and Dad with Reba
 
A confident new girl
Terah's new bro, Cody

Sunday, October 2, 2005

Hi, gee it's been a week since I told you I was going on a Home Visit and I did. I went with another volunteer and her 10 month old puppy, Beckham. We went to a very nice family and met them and their Black Lab, Raisin. Boy, did those 2 boys play. I was offered a seat on the couch next to my foster mom and the Home Visit lady. I also was introduced to rawhide chew bones. They didn't appeal to me at home, but guess it's the flavor of the other dogs chewing on them that gives them more appeal. While the boys played I just layed on the couch enjoying my very own rawhide bone. It was awesome cuz the nice family sent me some home and I've shared with Reba. I did pretty good while on the Home Visit. I am still very wary of new places and people. I am getting better gong to PetCo tho. The week just seemed to fly by, but I was a good girl or overall, tho did have an accident. Still working on understanding that when I go out with mom and Reba I'm suppose to potty, not stay by my foster mom's side.....like being her shadow.

Friday Reba and I got to go to Willmar and pick up a new Ragom dog, Toby. He is a very nice guy, didn't bug me, rode nice in the car and was just a happy, happy boy. Reba liked him cuz he was a boy!! Saturday mom and I took Toby to Konnie's so he could go to his foster home. There were 3 resident goldens, Toby and me and 9 puppies. Wow!!!! I fogot how much energy those little guys have. But I was good with them and grateful I won't be a mom again :) I really didn't play with anyone, but Konnie had some great treats and so decided it was ok to go by her :) Then it was time to take Autumn to her new foster home in Alexandria. It was fun to see her. We stopped back home for a potty break and picked up Reba to join us for our trip up by Alex. Busy day. Today some friends and family came. The friends had their 18 month old Westie, Andre, with. He wanted to play with me, Reba, and of course the cats. Both the cats gave him what for and he tried a few more times....then got the hint!! I guess I wasn't thrilled with another dog here and 4 more men, and I wanted to stay on Mom's bed while they were here, but I had to come join the family. We all went for a walk in the field and while out there 2 Goldens showed up..they were very friendly, but I choose to ignore them......not into meeting strangers who interrupt me on my field time. But I'm still going in and outta doors ok, waiting for my treats at night, eating good in the a.m. and just snuggling with my mom on the bed or couch. So that's been my week, probably take me a couple days to recover from all the driving and visiting we have been doing. Next Sunday Mom and I get to go on a Home Visit and visit some people who'd like to adopt a Ragom dog. Other than that, I'm learning to be a bit more trusting. When the kids or visitors come, I am a bit more willing to go to them. When Reba is getting petted, I walk right up and stick my nose up for a little TLC. I know too, wherever my forever home ends up being, I really need another dog for company and to show me the ropes in becoming a dog that knows how to play a bit and just be a dog. Well, will keep you updated after I've been on my Home visit next week. Have a good one. And in case you would like to meet me, just contact placement.

Ta, Terah

 

Monday, September 12, 2005

While Terah is at the vet hospital recovering I thought I'd up date everyone on how she's doing.

In a week's times she has started to wag her tail, sniff the cats, almost tries to get Reba to play...they were just starting one night out in the hall when my husband came around the corner...just killed the mood :) We have been taking walks in the field and in most cases she stays pretty close to me, but every once in a while she will abandon me and follow Reba on some great scent. It's a thing of joy to see. She is still somewhat shy about coming....she will hang her head, but she will come. She is learning she cannot get up on the couch or bed unless invited. She comes to the hall when I get home from work and greets me with a wagging tail. When she meets someone new she will stand like a statue, but allows them to pet her. But the best thing is in the mornings. She sleeps right next to me and when I wake up in the morning I always reach out to see if she's on the bed...which of course she is. When she feels my hand she crawls up to my face and cuddles.....but this morning she gave me kisses....not one.....but many. What a wonderful to start your day :)

Saturday evening we went to my brother's for a BBQ and there were about a dozen people and a couple dogs there. We stayed in the house mostly and she actually went to a couple of people to be petted. Then she hooked up with a lovely young lady who sat on the floor petting her for a good half hour. She was so content. Being outside with the other 2 dogs didn't thrill her and if Reba was out of sight she would just stand like a statue. When it was time to go "home" she had no problem getting in the doggie mobile and cuddling up next to Reba.

Sunday we went to the Apple Valley PetCo RAGOM event (thank you PetCo for letting us come and play at your stores....we really appreciate it). I brought Reba along as Terah seems a bit more comfortable when she is around. Well, Reba did her meet and greet, hitting up anyone and everyone for pets, pats and scratches. Terah was a trouper. It was a bit over whelming but she held up. She actually wagged her tail a couple times for a couple of the dogs and a couple people. But she wouldn't sit down, so after 2 hours I felt it was enough for her. We went to a friend's and she was comfortable enough to drink and drink and drink some more water and then sack out under the kitchen table. Which is a good thing as she will be there overnight on Saturday without Reba. This foster mom has Newfoundlands, so it will be a good exercise in seeing how she does in a new place with 3 dogs :) But we met some wonderful families, people, and a lot of Goldens with a lot of energy and playfulness. We also got to see Jake 05-228 who was just adopted last week.....they came for the event. He is such a sweetie and got a wonderful forever home and family. So it was a worth the drive down.

One of the things that had concerned me was Terah wasn't eating and was losing weight. My friend said maybe it was her teeth...they were bad and maybe it hurt her to chew the dry food. Duh, ya think? So Sunday night when we got home I soaked some of the dry food til soft, added moist canned food.....never thought I'd use the word "gobble" to describe Terah eating :)

Today Terah was spayed, had her teeth cleaned, a tooth removed and had a little surgery on her gums. Her ears were really bad and I couldn't get all the gunk out, so while she was under they flushed out a lot of stuff. I didn't want her to feel I had "abandoned" her, so after work I went and spent some time with her. She wouldn't go potty for the girls, so she and I went out and walked around and I let her off leash (the area was fenced) and eventually she peed. It was a big deal and a good thing after a bag of fluids :) We came back in and I sat with her, but I could tell she was a bit miffed with me....can't blame her. I took her out a second time hoping for a little bit bigger action......no luck. When I tried to bring her back in she would not come...nothing worked. So finally I took her around to the front door and got her in. One of the techs had to gently push her butt while I coaxed her into the cage. I brought a pillow case from home that "we" sleep with in hopes she would somehow know I was coming back. I'm thinking she had other thoughts and the pillow case is history :)

I must say at this point Terah is teaching me patience I didn't think I had. It's so rewarding to see her make progress day by day. To see her run, roll in the grass, check out the smells in the field, come when called.....and to give kisses.....it's undescribeable...it's wonderful....it's worth every minute of working with her. At this point I would suggest she go to a home with another dog that would be outgoing and want to play, but not be aggressive. That's not to say a family without another dog couldn't give her a good home, but someone would need to be willing to spend a lot of time socializing her, walking her, getting her out in the "world" and making sure she had play dates with other dogs. Her pictures really don't do her justice.....and those soulful eyes just make my heart melt. I look forward to bringing her home tomorrow and the time can't come fast enough for me.....and I'm sure for Terah either. If you have the love and patience and desire to give this little (58#) girl a Forever Home and Family, please contact placementatragom [dot] org. Remember....you may only think you know what you want in a dog....til you meet the right dog :)

Terah's foster mom

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Terah put up with being bathed, ears cleaned and nails clipped and was happy to just lay out and dry off after. Sam the cat seems to think Terah should be watched over and snuggled up to whenever possible. Terah does like to lay close to someone or something all the time. Sunday night we went to Culver's and ate outside just to give her a taste of life out in the big world. She was a bit nervous but busy watching, watching and watching some more.

Monday I took her and Reba to PetCo for a bit of shopping. She was pretty nervous at first, but with Reba charging ahead to greet everyone she finally figured it must be ok. I had peope come up and ask about the girls and I had the opportunity to talk with them all about RAGOM. One lady even took the site and my name and number and was going to check it out and see if she would be interested in fostering. Terah will just stand with her tail between her legs when anyone pets her, but everyone at the store was great - quiet and gentle with her.

Feeding is another thing. I can get her to eat maybe a cup if I slather on the moist food. She will not eat by Reba, so put her in another area and then you have to be within sight, but not too close or looking at her. She doesn't care for any hand feeding. I feel good if I can get her to eat once a day. She has amazing kidneys...she didn't potty for the first 12-15 hours she was here, not for lack of not going out for a zillion times :) Now when she goes I praise her...but then I praise her for everything. It's difficult at this point to figure out her potty routine...so we have to work on that and try to figure out when she's nervously pacing if it's cuz she has to go out, or because she wants you to settle somewhere and pay attention to her.

She is going to the vet tomorrow a.m. for her pre-spaying blood work and over all check up. Meanwhile she's getting comfortable, sometimes too much so, as she thinks getting up on the couch or bed at her whim is acceptable. So no more being invited up for a while on either except at bedtime. Bedtime she wants to be close to me and Reba and sometimes to the point of being on top of one of us. Luckily she isn't too big :)

I think she will do best in a home with another furbutt to help her continue to learn social skills and just be a dog. She has no interest in toys, but I got pig hooves and boy, does she like chewing on those. She is learning what a treat is, but even with the small ones I break it in half and she will wander around and pace and finally chew it up. Then she's ready for more. She is so sweet and it's fun to watch her when she gets excited and wags her tail and gets a bit silly. Will keep you updated on her progress.