Charlie

Charlie  -  Age 6 1/2

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Update 3/28/12 

Here’s the latest from Charlie’s foster dad:

Since coming into my household, Charlie has been making lots of “puppy steps” forward. His “fear factor” is gradually decreasing; however, Charlie tells me that “sometimes new things just make me nervous. Like the time you dropped a paper towel right in front of me; boy did I jump. 

I was sorry to startle him! But we got through that one and many more. We have lots of techniques to assist Charlie in learning to accept things being dropped or waved in front of him. 

Charlie says, “I’m glad my foster daddy has a bunch of other fosters (we won’t mention how many), because I’m learning from them not to be so jumpy.” Charlie learned from his  Irish setter “brother” that asking for his dinner is okay, though sometimes the two of them do get a bit loud with their duets. Otherwise, Charlie is quiet and easy-going.

Charlie has finished his heartworm treatment, but that doesn’t mean he is ready to rock, roll and riot. He seems to like the “laidback easygoing life”—well, so would I. Charlie has gotten to like meeting and greeting, but just cannot understand that to go somewhere, one needs to get in the car. My poor back! Charlie needs to be lifted into the back seat every time. But, once seated and buckled in, he is a great rider and has no problem getting out. We take the accomplishments where they come and enjoy the positives!

Charlie wants his forever home and has indicated: “I’m still a little afraid of things, but with lots of love and understanding, I can be a wonderful Golden. Besides, my foster daddy has many dogs in need of a home, so if I can find my perfect family, that will make room for one more. Here’s hoping that someone out there already has room for one more in their home—ME!”

Update from intake:

We don’t have all the details on handsome Charlie’s early years, but we can tell he’s been through some hard times: he’s apparently had heartworms for a while, his teeth were awfully dirty, he wasn’t fixed (and had an undescended testicle to boot), and he doesn’t seem to have had much exposure to life in a home with soft dog beds, fun toys, and lots of loving human support.

That’s all changing now!

 Charlie’s heartworm treatment will start in a couple of weeks; his had his neuter surgery; and his teeth have been polished to a glow worthy of  a White Strips commercial. And on the social front, his foster daddy reports: “He has come a long way since arriving at my place. He’s sweet and easygoing, but still shy, timid,and clingy; he likes to check to see where I am. I am taking him out to help socialize him with people, stores, and the world in general.”

Charlie is totally housetrained and doesn’t need crating; he’s just fine loose in the house. He likes to “hug” you, especially when you return after being out  (he’s not humping your leg, either—he’s really giving you a grateful hug!). He’s perfectly happy and calm around children, and he’s fine with other dogs, though he doesn’t interact much. “I don't think he had much socialization  with other dogs,” says foster dad.

Charlie rides fine in the car, but he does need to be coaxed & lifted in.

He sleeps through the night, but when you wake up, watch out! Charlie knows when his person is awake, and in an instant he’s in bed with your to get some pets. Clever dog! He loves brushing, too.

Foster dad says, “Charlie needs a quiet, calm home to keep helping him learn more about the world. He still cowers a lot in new situations, but over time and with lots of patience,  he’ll just keep improving. Another calm, quiet, supportive dog would be fine. A noisy, busy household with young kids would not be the best; he does startle at quick movements, when you drop something, at unexpected noises, etc.”

A solid-gold gentleman inside and out, Charlie is just waiting for the family who can help him get past his difficult early times and really enjoy the great life he has now. We know you’re out there waiting for him!

New pics from 3/27/12!