Brick

#10-014 Brick

SUCCESS STORY

Brick is a typical Golden in that he is sweet, loving, and well behaved and has become an important part of our family. Unfortunately, he had to travel a long and treacherous path to get here.  It is evident that he came from a home where he was beaten and treated poorly which likely lead to his flinching when anything long is lifted and contracting heartworms, whipworms and two severe ear infections. Luckily he was able to run away from that situation and GRR was there to take care of him and deliver him to us as our first foster.  Since the day we got Brick he has been on a new journey,  this time to recovery and a living life as a carefree dog.

Heartworms were all I heard when we first got Brick and the concern about his treatment and recovery was on my mind all the time. I soon learned the treatment requires harsh arsenic-based drugs to kill the adult heartworms which did nothing to ease my concern. As we went through the treatment we went to numerous appointments, lived through a heart-wrenching scare and saw dramatic changes to Brick’s coat.  Luckily, today Brick has made it through the treatment and is getting healthier every day.

As he recovers and feels better we have introduced Brick to our pool.  It seems that the true Golden in him has yet to be unleashed as he is very timid about the water and swimming.  However, he is taking it one step at a time, literally! He has gotten to the point where he will stand on the first step and paw at the water from there.  On a couple of occasions, we have enticed him into a short swim with chicken strips (his favorite) as a reward. Since the summer is far from over I am sure he will take to swimming before too long.

When Brick is in the backyard and not swimming he loves to jump onto the outdoor couch and survey the entire yard as he has taken his place as king. When he decides to come into the house he likes to lie down at the window with his head resting on the sill so he can watch over his front yard and see the world go by. All in all he is a pretty good watch dog and is pretty protective (as much as a Golden can be) of his territory. Up to the point as he finds someone in the house then his barks are accompanied by his tail between his legs and running behind me like the other day when the cleaning lady had let herself in and surprised us both.

Brick is also am interpretive artist of sorts which I am hoping will lead to some big money some day.  It started with him getting every one of his toys out and placing them in very specific places around the house.  He doesn’t play with them, just uses them for his masterpieces.  As of late, he has started to incorporate our personal belongs (clothes and shoes mostly) into his art.  I am very flattered.

Brick is quite a dog but, the best thing about Brick is he is a member of our family.  From the beginning Brick was extremely sweet as he will just walk up to you and put his head in your lap, close his eyes and expect you to pet him, well forever I suppose.  It was this sweetness mixed with a little heartworm recovery guilt and his love of sitting on his outdoor throne that led to his being called onto the couch the first time. Since then he was worked his way onto the couch and bed on special occasions that are becoming more and more regular daily.

I think it is evident that Brick’s journey has changed (for the better, I believe) both him and our family. With everything said I believe   a dog’s companionship is unique and personal so it is hard to describe Brick’s impact on us, so I will try and close with my personal feelings. We got Brick a few months after I lost a 13-year-old lab I had literally from his birth (I pulled him out of the placenta). I was worried that the pain of losing him would keep me from wanting another dog. Brick, you have not only helped me moved on but have a place in my heart forever. Thank you.

Update 02/14/10

“Everyone just LOVES this sweet boy!” Brick has been getting a steady stream of great report cards from his foster family:

Completely housebroken—no accidents!  Good boy!  He is crated when we’re not at home, though;  I left him out once for about 30 minutes and he made himself comfy on my sofa.  I gave him a firm NO and he immediately climbed down.  He’s only attempted to get on the sofa one other time—the NO command worked great. He’s not crazy about the crate, but I'll toss in a Kong stuffed with hotdogs and that usually does the trick.  He barks some after I walk out the door, but then quiets down.

Brick just loves company, and he’s good with people of all ages.  Two rambunctious children, ages 5 & 7, were running around the house and Brick was just wonderful with them.  He was calm and very gentle.  He stood quietly (or lay on the floor)  while the kids gave him attention.  He did  great! He plays well with other dogs, too, and even my cat has expanded her boundaries with him.  He can get within 2 feet of her & he remains calm.  Curious, but calm.

Brick loves to retrieve!  His tag wags with joy! He gives up his toy when asked and waits for another toss. He loves brushing, too. He doesn’t care about storms (hooray) and sleeps well all night long, doesn’t get up until we do.

Like many rescue dogs, he doesn't like to go outside alone, so we're working on his confidence.  I can go out to the patio and he'll continually look back to make sure I'm still within sight.  I've been slowly moving back bit by bit and he seems to be more comfortable with that. 

Brick will be starting his heartworm treatment very soon and should be ready for his forever family in just a few months. He’s so sweet and mellow that he’d suit almost any home.

Charming red Brick was at a very small shelter, who sent out an SOS – “AC brought in a  year-old intact PB male, darker gold/red  in color. Time is up  if you have any space for him. He is very calm and obedient. Smallish, about 60 lb. or so.”

With wavy red-gold fur and a sweet smile, Brick turned out  to be just as nice as advertised. “He puts his head in your lap when you hug or  pet him. I did test him with their clinic cats and he was not interested in them at all.  He was great with the other dogs -- lab mix, pit bull, and the Jack Russell.  They house the dogs in a trailer with poor ventilation. There were only four dogs but when you open the door the smell almost knocks you over. His euthanisia date is tonight so we need to grab him today.”

Brick went straight to the vet for a VERY badly needed bath and his neuter surgery.  Unfortunately, he’s heartworm positive (darn it!!) but otherwise healthy, so he should come through the treatment with flying colors and be ready for his new home in just a few months.