River

Age 4

MATCHED - Heartworm Positive

Updated 3/12/12

It’s been a busy time lately for River. He’s having a blast at his foster home while carrying a full course load, taking classes such as “Learning to Be a Very Good Dog,” “Walking without Pulling,” and more! (Naturally, he’s earning good grades.)

Here is his foster mom’s report: 

River is great in the house.  He usually leaves the trash alone, though on a few occasions he has plucked a tempting item or two from the basket.  He has never stolen anything from counters or tables, chewed or shredded anything inappropriate, or acted too wild. However, this guy loves his food and does a cute happy dance when he sees his meals being prepared, so if the people are enjoying a snack while sitting on the couch, he’ll appear, sit about 2 feet away, and watch. Maybe willing the food to levitate into his waiting jaws! He’ll lie down after a few minutes, though.

He’ll go in his crate, but he makes sure you know he’s not a fan of confinement by letting out a few barks and whimpers. Actually, since he’s proved himself to be so reliable in the house, we now give him free roam when we aren’t here. No problems! He sleeps through the night if the bedroom door is closed—but if it’s open, he seems like a bit of a night owl.  We aren't quite sure what he does, but we can hear him strolling around the house. Perhaps he’s being a good Guard Golden and checking the perimeter? We usually just call him back in and shut the door.

River loves his foster brother Bruno.  River is pretty playful and usually tries to get Bruno to play more than Bruno would like, but he’s not persistent to the point where Bruno gets annoyed.  He’ll try for a few minutes a couple times a day and then, if he gets no satisfaction, just go back to hanging around. When a person comes over, he’ll sometimes jump up—it’s just so exciting!—but he settles down quickly. He’s always so happy to see you and loves any attention. 

This boy is great in the car.  He enjoys sitting in the back seat and either lying down or looking out the window. On walks, he’s pretty good on leash, but could use some work on pulling.  Due to his recent neuter surgery and his heartworms, we haven’t walked him much, though—with practice, he is sure to improve.

River just seems like a funny dog in general—it adds to his charm!  If he wants some attention, he will sit in front of you and place his paw on your leg.  It really is the cutest thing ever.  He doesn't scratch you with his claws; it's almost like a "hey, I'm down here and would like a treat."  River also loves to roll on any toy he can.  If there is a toy on the floor he is not going to miss an opportunity to get his smells on it and roll all over it.  It doesn't matter if it is the same toy all day either.  If he hasn't rolled on it in a few hours, he will be sure to do so whenever he can.  River does not get on the furniture, but if you are petting him while on the couch he enjoys putting his top half on your lap and will bury his face under your arm or in your lap and it is so cute!  He will just enjoy sitting there for as long as you will let him.

River would be great for a family with a dog who enjoys playing with other dogs.  He seems to enjoy playtime and will take any chance he can for a game of chase!

Updated 3/10/12

Golly, that shelter was NOISY! So much barking & other dogs lunging & who knew how it would all end? Talk about stress. Then, after I’d been there for a few days, a nice lady came walking down the kennel run. She slowed down and stopped in front of ME.  Could it be that my luck was about to change?? I was so thrilled that I couldn’t stop wagging my tail. She checked me out all over and when she got down on the ground to look at my paws I figured that would be a great time to crawl into her lap! I wanted to make sure she wasn’t going to leave—and she didn’t. Well, that is, she DID leave, but can you can guess who got to go with her? I knew it was important to keep on making that good impression, so I didn’t even pull on the lead very much, and I was careful not to make a peep when got in the van and headed down the road. New life, here I come!

Sweet River has a beautiful big head and a thick, full coat, including a gorgeous plume of a tail. He’s a trusting boy and a calm one, too. And if there’s one thing this sweetie loves, it’s attention from his family.

It’s clear that River hadn’t had the best of care in his former life – he is heartworm positive, his ears are thickened and crinkled from chronic untreated ear infections, he was loaded with ticks, and he had just an awful case of hookworms. We’re getting rid of the intestinal parasites first! – and then, on to heartworm treatment.

Meanwhile, he’s enjoying the good life at his foster home. Photos and more details soon.