Toby 06-202

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5/23/06: Toby arrived this weekend. He is such a big sweetie! So far today he has been pretty chill (well, for a nine month old puppy anyway). He just loves to get love and would sit in your lap and give you kisses all day if he could, except that he weighs ninty-nine pounds and two ounces! Toby is a really handsome, nine-month old, lighter-colored Golden. With some grooming he will really be something to see. He is currently at the vet, being neutered and getting up to date on his shots.

This weekend Toby had what I think are some ?firsts? for him: We were told that he knows how to sit (he does) and either he was already familiarized with the command to lay down, or he is an extremely fast learner as he was doing this after just a few tries. Also, he rode in the car twice today and behaved very nicely once he overcame his fear of jumping in. Another first (I presume) was wearing the Gentle Leader. We went for a walk with it on and it was a pleasure to walk him. I?m sure that with a little practice he?d be heeling in no time. Going into the crate appears to be a new thing for Toby as well. He?s pretty timid about going in, but once inside he doesn?t complain and settles down nicely. We?ve heard that Toby hasn?t had much exposure to other dogs, but when he met my friend?s (old and crabby) Beagle, he went right down into a play bow, then pretty much left her alone when he saw she wasn?t really into playing. What an accommodating guy!

What more can I say? With some patience and guidance Toby could make a wonderful addition to a family. He?s handsome, smart, playful, and willing. So, who?s looking for one hundred pounds of pure puppy love?

At a Glance #06-202

Golden Retriever Born: June 2006
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

5/23/06: Toby arrived this weekend. He is such a big sweetie! So far today he has been pretty chill (well, for a nine month old puppy anyway). He just loves to get love and would sit in your lap and give you kisses all day if he could, except that he weighs ninty-nine pounds and two ounces! Toby is a really handsome, nine-month old, lighter-colored Golden. With some grooming he will really be something to see. He is currently at the vet, being neutered and getting up to date on his shots.

This weekend Toby had what I think are some ?firsts? for him: We were told that he knows how to sit (he does) and either he was already familiarized with the command to lay down, or he is an extremely fast learner as he was doing this after just a few tries. Also, he rode in the car twice today and behaved very nicely once he overcame his fear of jumping in. Another first (I presume) was wearing the Gentle Leader. We went for a walk with it on and it was a pleasure to walk him. I?m sure that with a little practice he?d be heeling in no time. Going into the crate appears to be a new thing for Toby as well. He?s pretty timid about going in, but once inside he doesn?t complain and settles down nicely. We?ve heard that Toby hasn?t had much exposure to other dogs, but when he met my friend?s (old and crabby) Beagle, he went right down into a play bow, then pretty much left her alone when he saw she wasn?t really into playing. What an accommodating guy!

What more can I say? With some patience and guidance Toby could make a wonderful addition to a family. He?s handsome, smart, playful, and willing. So, who?s looking for one hundred pounds of pure puppy love?

Updates

Monday, July 3, 2006

A couple of nights ago, a neighborhood youngster appeared at our house inquiring if we had a new dog. Yup, we do and his name is Toby. That question made me think of the song lyrics as Toby was watching us from the window.

How much is that doggie in the window,

The one with the waggley tail?

How much is that doggie in the window?

I do hope that doggie's for sale.

As I told the youngster, Toby is not for sale at any price, yet he is available for adoption to the BEST home there is. The family that eventually adopts Toby will get the most gentle, affectionate, non-aggressive male we have ever had, except for our first Golden who came to us in 1980. We are still a bit biased about him, but Toby is like that dog in many, many ways: docile, smart, cute as they come, easy to train, affectionate, and a male that comes to his name every time it is called. Toby is also water, walk, and treat friendly. He doesn’t guard his resources and readily gives up a sock, shoe, or towel with the words: “Wanna trade?” “Need a trade for that?” “Is that a fair trade item?” You see, a scrap of paper is not a fair trade item, but the TV remote is. As a puppy, Toby likes to pick up things and carry them around, but his intent is not to chew them apart; he wants our attention. He focuses his chewing on more suitable items like bones and sticks he finds in the yard. Like the lyrics in the song, Toby is a tail wagger. When his name is mentioned, the tail either thumps the floor or fans the air. The more his named is called, the faster the tail wags.

He has been with us for a month and we have enjoyed his companionship immensely, but our job is to find him a forever home where he can become a part of his own family. Ideally, Toby would like a fenced in yard where he can enjoy being outdoors for long periods of time. He loves to walk and he adores water from any source. A playmate would be ideal. Throw in a family of kids older than 5 or so and he will be heaven. Toby is a large puppy, currently about 90#, and that should be considered when thinking about him. The problem is, once you meet him, his size becomes meaningless.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Toby is about to celebrate his first birthday (June 19th) and Zoom is organizing a pool party for him. She has found that Toby loves the water, the more the better. He loves the sprinkler and the neighbors' sprinklers, the kiddy pool, his water dish, puddles, the lake, and has requested a trip to the St. Croix River, which is only about half a mile away. All of this frolicking in the water has trimmed Toby down to about 90 pounds, and he very well could lose a few more before the summer is over. His ideal weight appears to be about 85 pounds, and that would be healthy.

For his size, Toby is one of the gentlest puppies we have ever met. He plays very well with Zoom and her friends, and he is never aggressive or out of control. He plays tag, chase, fetch, catch, tug of war, and wrestles without ever displaying any dominant behavior. He is one large, playful teddy bear.

Toby is affectionate and loves to be close to people. If left to his own devices, he would sit in your lap for hours. But, he is much too big for that so we are teaching him to sit before he receives his pets and affection.

What Toby needs to be a happy dog is a fenced-in yard, a playmate, and someone who likes to walk for miles or even run a little. He is motivated and energized, but he is definitely not a hyper dog. He would love to have a job and we think he could do about anything.

If you are curious about this kid, give RAGOM a call or email Placementatragom [dot] org and we’ll set up an appointment to meet him. Toby lives in Stillwater, which is not that far off the main road, and he has many open dates in June and July. Wait until you meet him in person; he is much cuter than his photos indicate.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Toby is a sweet, gentle, playful 99 pound puppy that dearly wants a home and a family to call his own. Toby gets along wonderfully with other dogs, has never shown any signs of aggression or even rough play, loves the water, toys, balls, retrieving, and being groomed. All of that in a big, furry kid.

We have had Toby for five days, and we are just getting to know him well. Over that five-day span, he has adjusted to our routine and fits into our family like he has been here for a year. He enjoys the backyard with Zoom, loves the pool, and doesn’t bark when the neighbor’s Schnauzers are out of control. Zoom, on the other hand, tends to be more vocal when the Schnauzer pack is roaming the streets. Toby also has great name recognition and comes immediately when called. He is great on the leash and Gentle Leader, and in spite of his strength and size is easy to walk.

He is trustworthy and we have let him have the run of the house for a few hours each day with no problems. He prefers, however, to hang out in the sunroom next to the fan with his toys. He is a toy guy, and likes to have a variety to play with each day. Thus far, we haven’t been able to identify a favorite toy, but it is fun to see a big Golden pup with a soft, little teddy bear in his mouth. He sleeps through the night without being restless, and he is ready to go in the morning.

We think Toby has unlimited potential for training. He is smart, a quick learner, and very attentive for a year old. Given some time and consistency, we think Toby could achieve anything he wants.

Toby & Zoom