Blue 

Blue, age 4

Update 6/12/12:

Where do I begin with this success story? There is so much to say, so I will start with my first encounter with GRR. 

I started looking at GRR when my last Golden, Ranger, turned 9. I knew he was getting older and did not want to be without a dog. I have had Goldens since 1997 and knew they were the only breed for me. I thought a good way to find the perfect dog was to foster. I filled out the application and I was on my way.

In July of 2011 Ranger stopped eating. I took him to the vet and the blood work showed very high white count. The vet said could be an infection or cancer. The last thing I wanted to hear was cancer. I had lost my previous Golden to cancer. The vet decided to try antibiotics and it seemed to work. I had to go for walks by myself for a week without Ranger. It was then I decided that I wanted to start looking for a Golden as a permanent addition.

I was set up with Donna as a Matchmaker. She called me about a dog but could tell by my voice that I was not sure (even though I said it could be a match). She told me it is OK to say “no.” I picked out a couple of dogs, but either they were already matched up, or they just weren’t quite the right fit. After I’d been trying for a couple of months, Cathy came over to meet Ranger and get a better idea of what kind of dog would fit in. I also have cats which made it even harder 

In October I took Ranger to get his vaccinations, and the vet noticed an irregular heartbeat. He did an echocardiogram, and that is when I got the devastating news: Ranger had at least one tumor on his heart, and  it most likely was not the only one. I was so upset my boss let me go home. I called Donna and Lisa crying and not knowing what to do. I decided to bring Ranger home and give him all the love and attention I could during the time he had left. I lost Ranger in November and for the first time since 1997 I was without a walking partner.

Two weeks later, Donna called me with the news that GRR had a 5-year-old male coming in and she thought he might be a good fit. I was so excited! I couldn’t wait to get home so I could meet him.

Blue’s family was getting a divorce and could no longer keep him. He had gone from being an inside dog to an outside dog. He was almost 30 pounds overweight and had no feathers on his tail or back end. I put him on the famous green bean diet, and by April he was down to 79 pounds and had lots of feathers.

Blue is a great dog and loves to walk, swim and ride in cars. We have joined Nature Hounds, a walking group for people who have dogs, and do several walks a week with them. He loves people and dogs. We also do our weekly trip to Petsmart.

I cannot say enough about Donna, Kathy, Lisa and all the other great people at GRR for their great work. Their matchmakers are the best!! It was a long three months but it was worth it. Thank you for keeping my head straight and not matching me up with just any dog. I know where to come when I’m ready for my next Golden 

Thank you,

Anne & Blue

P.S. I’ve attached pics of my new best friend.

Update 12/8/11

MATCHED

He’s already found his forever home, but every dog deserves his share of the spotlight! Here’s Blue’s story…

Blue no more! Things were a little sad and confusing for 4-year-old Blue for a while, but luckily things are looking up now—with a new home, a new life, and a brand-new loving mom.

Blue came to GRR when a change in family circumstances had his folks going their separate ways… and neither one of them could keep him. Plus, for one reason and another, the former indoor dog found himself living outside almost all the time. That’s tough for a social Golden! He’d also been eating too much for a while—well, we can all relate to stress eating—and had about thirty pounds to shed. “He is such a sweet-natured dog,” said the owner, “loves to put his head on your lap. Great with other dogs and so tolerant with kids, has let toddlers ride on him. I just can’t care for him now.”

Could GRR find him a home?

No sooner said than done!  A GRR mom turned out to be waiting in the wings, and Blue moved right on in. “He’s loyal and loving and outgoing,” she says. “He follows me everywhere. He’s not a counter surfer or a chewer! He just wants to be where you are. We are working on the weight with a combination of the Green Bean Diet and plenty of walking. He seems to like other dogs & he does love those walks and car rides, too (likes to poke his nose out the window).  He is also very good about getting baths. He seems to like pretty much everyone! He was scared of my neighbors at first, but made friends when they gave him a treat. He may just lack a little bit of confidence—but since we are on the go at least a couple times a day, I think that will only get better and better.”

Should be a great New Year for Blue!