Ruben
Updated 9/23/10

Life is good. Ruben had a day at the spa and he came home looking gorgeous.  His fur is so soft and silky.  He was a perfect gentleman for the groomer.  He now weighs 63.5 pounds and you can feel the outline of his ribs.Those fruit and veggie snacks (cucumbers and cantaloupe) are doing the trick. With less weight Ruben has more energy & more mobility –he even runs a little.  Hooray for Ruben!

Updated 9/8/10

Hi everyone, wow! What a difference half a year can make. Six months ago I was 15 pounds heavier and not feeling too good at all. Now I am way more svelte, I’m shiny & well groomed, and I enjoy every day. Just check out my new photos—I look so much better and younger than I used to. I guess I really did get rescued!

I love everything about my life now, but especially:

* My new streamlined self! Sure, I have some old-dog lumps and gimpy knees, but arthritis and mild pain meds keep me comfy, & of course the weight loss has really eased the pressure on my joints.
* Food! I enjoy my meals of “lite” kibbles and fresh veggies.
* Car rides! I do need a boost, but once I am settled at the window I just love motoring around taking in the sights.
* Plushies! I love to carry my "baby plushy" everywhere. A confession, however -- my foster sister Zoee & I did have “words” over toys,  because we both like to keep a good grip on our favorites. Our foster mom watches carefully to make sure no squabbles are going to erupt. With the other dogs I don’t have any problems.

And most of all:
* People!  I am very loving and want to be wherever you are.  Inside or outside, I like to be right beside you.

BEFORE	AFTER

Updated 4/20/10

Sing to the tune of the old children’s song, “Ruben, Ruben”:

Ruben, Ruben, I’ve been thinking,
What a grand world this will be
When the whole world knows Old Goldens
Are the best dogs they could meet!

Once there was a dog named Ruben,
Oh my! What a sorry pup—
Dirty, matted, sore and tired—
He was sure more “down” than “up.”

That’s when GRR said, “Welcome!”
Goodness! How the days flew by!
Bathed and vetted, praised and pampered,
Now he is a Happy Guy!

Ruben, Ruben, I’ve been thinking,
What a grand world this will be
When that special home says, “Ruben
Makes our family complete!”

Ruben came to GRR after he just showed up one day in a nice lady’s yard. “Old, fat and sweet,” she said. All true! And also so terribly matted that the vet said, “He needs a trip to a professional groomer.” Which he got… and a whole lot more, too. Ruben was having such a problem with excessive drinking and lots of accidents that his foster mom said, “This has got to be more than stress.” And it was – the vet ultimately determined that Ruben’s symptoms were due either to a tickborne disease or to his heartworms (he just started treatment today, April 19), and put him an antibiotic, doxycycline. “Immediate, miraculous improvement!” says his foster mom. “As long as we take him out right after meals, there are no accidents any more.”

Ruben is friendly, sweet, jovial, calm, & happy in his wonderful new life. That big smile says it all! He enjoys the company of other dogs. He loves to carry tennis balls and proudly shows them to his humans. He thinks car rides are great fun. He sleeps right through thunderstorms. He is trimming down and will love taking walks once his HW treatment is complete.

This spiffed-up oldster will be all through with his heartworm treatment in just a couple of months and ready to become someone’s cheerful and loving companion.

Adoption Procedures