Chief 18-126
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At a Glance #18-126
| Golden Retriever | Born: June 2008 |
| Male | 70 lbs |
Status: Deceased
Chief's Well-wishers
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Updates
Saturday, March 21, 2020
This morning we had to help Chief over the rainbow bridge. He lived 12 years but eventually his health and mobility issues became too much. He was a wonderful guy, a joy to have in our home. Foster Mom and Dad along with his foster sister Zeeva 19-250 will miss him.
This photo is the last one we have of Chief in his favorite spot on the couch.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Chief continues to enjoy his life no matter how much his mobility becomes difficult. Sometimes Foster Dad puts him on the bed for a cuddle session; he loves every moment!
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Chief moves around slower and slower these days but still enjoys simple pleasures in life. This is his new favorite spot. He puts his nose on the couch cushion and then we lift him up—no trivial matter for a 70-pound dog!
Monday, April 22, 2019
Given his excellent retriever skills, Chief worked hard to participate in the children’s Easter egg hunt and do his part. He did donate his spoils to the children in the family though.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Chief has recovered from his slipped disc and no longer has seizures. He had a few bad days a couple weeks ago where it was really tough for him to get up and move around, but like the trooper, he has bounced back from that to a certain extent.
We gave him a little help by increasing his daily dose of Rimadyl. He definitely needs all the carpet runners in our house to be able to stand up and get around.
Despite all his limitations Chief is still one happy guy. We play ball by tossing it to him from a couple feet away. And although winter has not been cooperating lately, this is a photo of him doing his favorite winter activity!
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Chief, poor guy, cannot seem to catch a break. His seizures have stopped with the new medication, but a couple weeks ago he suffered a slipped disc. The problem is focused on his back legs with his movement limited but improving. We have placed rugs and temporary carpet runners over all non-carpeted areas, as hard surfaces are very difficult for him right now.
Like the typical Golden though, he is happy with whatever goodness life offers. This is a photo of him smiling while he sleeps and does small leg stretches on the temporary runners in the kitchen. Such a sweetheart!
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Unfortunately, Chief has had more issues with seizures. We have cancelled his adoption and started him on seizure medication. Everyone was disappointed about this turn of events, but it is best for us to fully understand his medical condition while he is still in his foster home.
The medication will take a couple weeks to become effective, and then we will see if seizures continue to occur. Given his age and lack of history, it is extremely difficult to determine if this is somewhat normal for him or is the result of abnormal brain activity that could occur in an older Golden.
Our hearts go out to the prospective adopters who were understandably disappointed!
Below is a photo of Chief chilling with his foster sister Clover.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Good news!
Chief has a prospective adoptive family that sounds absolutely perfect. They have experience with older Goldens and the medical issues that can occur. While we wait for the home visit Chief is enjoying fetch, play time with Clover, and relaxation in general.
This is his typical state after fetch and belly rubs!
Monday, August 20, 2018
Chief’s main events of the day were hugs and fetch, but last Saturday he welcomed a new foster sister named Clover. It took a few days for them to sort things out, but now they are playing and even laying down together.
I think it also breaks up his day to watch her play with toys by herself. She is two years old, so I can imagine him wondering what this crazy chick is doing.
All of Chief’s original medical issues are resolved. Unfortunately, he did have two mild seizures a week ago, but his blood work is normal and it has not happened again. The seizures lasted about 2 minutes where he was stiff with some shaking.
When it is over he wags his tail and all is good. Based on the frequency and severity seen to date, medication is not recommended. Since we have only had him about 6 weeks it is difficult to know if this is something that happens occasionally or not.
His glucosamine and thyroid medications are working well, though, and he loves the peanut butter that the pills are buried in!
Below is a photo of Chief and Clover resting after play time. They are so cute!
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Chief is always content to take in the outside air and watch me work in the yard. I can see his little nose twitching and smelling everything in the breeze coming from the yard and woods. After a while he gives into a nice nap. His sign that it is time to go back in the house is one polite bark.
We will continue to monitor his ear but the infection seems to be gone now. His fur is quickly growing back in where there were scabs. Overall we can tell he is feeling much better and are marking him as available for adoption.
If you are looking for a laid-back guy and are willing to play many rounds of fetch in the house and yard, please consider Chief for a treasured addition to your family!
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
It has been unbelievably joyful to watch Chief blossom in our home. The first day with us he came in the house, walked around a bit, and laid down in the living room as if he was waiting for what unknown thing might come next.
Fast forward three weeks and we have a dog that is truly letting his Golden personality shine.
Chief is improving on the medical front. Almost all the scabs on his body are healed and the glucosamine is improving mobility in his back leg. His ear infection seemed to be gone but is now back, so we will see the vet about that.
Chief loves, loves, loves to play catch and fetch!! It warms our hearts to see him so happy to play. Here are some action shots of Chief outside with his tennis ball. His favorite move is when he can get a little air when catching the ball. Pretty good for a 10-year-old guy!
Friday, July 6, 2018
Chief has been with us for a little more than a week but has quickly warmed up to Foster Mom and Dad. He responds to come, sit, heel, and in general wants to please. He loves to cuddle up with someone on the designated human/dog couch. He sleeps on the floor next to the human bed at night.
Chief has free roam when we are not home; he is housebroken with no accidents. He is not kennel trained (he's never been in a kennel). He doesn’t counter surf, and he has no separation or storm anxiety.
Chief has some medical issues that we are dealing with before he will be eligible for adoption. If things go well, we anticipate a good medical bill of health in about 4 weeks (early August).
- He is being treated for an infection in one ear.
- His blood work shows he is hyper thyroid. We have started him on twice daily medication and will confirm dosage in 4 weeks.
- Chief has scabs on his body in various stages of healing. He is taking an antibiotic for that, and the thyroid medication should also help with prevention in the future.
- He shows some limited mobility in his back left leg, so we have started him on glucosamine and fish oil.
- Chief is missing all toes on his left front foot; the cause is unknown. A dirt road or pavement is not an option for walks, as it causes him pain in that foot. But Chief loves to play fetch and catch! A potential adopter could definitely count on handling that activity in the yard on grass or inside the house on carpet.
Although Chief could be happy as an only dog, he could also live in a home with female dogs. He cannot live with other male dogs.
