Sunrise

Updated 2/21/11

“You can call me Sunflower if you want to!”

Sunrise… Sunshine… or Sunflower… this beautiful red girl with the sunny disposition answers to any of these delightfully appropriate names. We have a slight preference for Sunflower, though, because with her dazzling auburn coat and yellow collar, she’s the perfect picture of a red and golden sunflower.

She has only been fostering with us for a short time, but she has proven to be an excellent houseguest. She shares her space and time with her elder foster buddy Zappers, and they  enjoy each other’s company. She has been to breakfast at the Snack Bar and lunch at the Bouldin Café (not in the same day, mind you) and has done well hobnobbing  with all the other dogs enjoying coffee on the patio with their owners.  (That would be the owners enjoying coffee,  not the dogs—though who’s to say that Sunrise wouldn’t enjoy a nice cup of coffee herself as she keeps you company in the morning!)

On our walks, she’s met other dogs on leash, too, with no problems. She does however love to chase anything that’s small and moving, and that includes cats and squirrels—so you have to keep your eyes open. Otherwise, you can be walking along with a loose lead, just enjoying the day, when suddenly  WHAM! You’re  being  hauled off on a chase. We are working on this, but it’s important to know. Sunrise also likes to  trot. She’s a bit heavy right now, so this pays right into her slimming program:  she loves to get into a nice little trot for a block or so and then walk again. Once she slims down more, I think she might make a good companion for a speed walker or trotter. Of course, she’s perfectly happy just to stroll, too. Getting out and about is the main thing!

We have not been  swimming yet, but my instincts tell me she would love it.

She does play ball, but has not yet learned to return the ball… I see it in the very near future though!

This beautiful girl just wants a family who will play with her and let her be active with them. She wants to run errands with you, smell the flowers in the neighborhood,  go swimming (I am sure!) at the park and then come lie at your feet and snore. (Oh yeah, forgot to tell you that sweet Sunrise snores! Not loudly, mind you, but I know where  she is most of the time by her little snore. Funny!)  She’d also adore helping you watch TV. She actually does watch TV when there are dogs on.  She watched Westminster with us and she was so cute trying to figure out where those dogs were. Maybe this goes back to that moving animal thing—perhaps she has a little sight hound in her!

She also LOVES brushing & petting more than any other dog  I’ve ever met.  Her eyes actually go into slits and she gets this heavenly look on her face; it is so cute.  You could brush her forever and it would never be enough.

If you are looking for a dog who is already trained almost to perfection, wants some (but not constant) activity during the day, wants to give you love love love for just a few pets and cookies… well, this girl is for you. She is very very special and deserves a special home.  Right now she is sitting on  the porch with the door open,  listening to all the night sounds, but if I get up to leave the computer and go into another room I know she will be there in an instant, ready to help me do whatever I need to do next.

Come meet Sunrise/Sunflower and add some brigntness and color to your life

Updated 2/18/11

Updated 1/28/11

Is it any wonder we named her “Sunrise”? This girl just beams! That smiling face says it all – she has a sunny personality, no doubt about it.

We wonder just how Sunrise got lost and why nobody was looking—because the vet says she’s had really good care, including a fairly recent teeth-cleaning. Just look at those pearly whites… amazing for a ten-year-old dog! Like many a middle-aged Golden, she is just a little bit plump & needs to pare off around ten pounds. Looks like she’s had ear infections in the past, but they’re nice & clean now. She IS being treated for a bladder infection—probably she was just holding it in too long while confined at the pound. She’ll be all better soon.

The early reports are A-plus: “ Great personality.  Gets along with all the other dogs and fits right in with the pack. Affectionate without being clingy. Has a happy face.” One thing, Miss Sunrise DOES like to chase the kitties – so a no-cat home would probably be best for her!