Dooley

#13-064 Dooley, age 10-11

75 lbs.

AVAILABLE

Updated: 08/13/13

Our resident big-boy Dooley is still truckin’ on and hoping to find a furrever home to park his keester in. Dooley is the large hunk that refuses to accept his senior age and ailments, and you wouldn’t even know that he’s “old” based off his energy and activity.  Dooley is the antithesis of a lay-in-the-sun-and-snooze senior as he is always ready to take on life’s daily activities - he shows no sign of slowing down.  Pump the brakes? Nah – that’s not Dooley’s style at all.    He just needs a family that can remind him that he should slow down so he doesn’t get ticketed for speeding.  He’s kind of like that old uncle in the family that refuses to believe he’s old and speeds through life with zest, and everyone fusses over him lest he break a hip.  He’s 10 years old, going on 3.

His foster family is still working on teaching him to abide by the rules of the road in slowing down.  He loves his treats and innocent fingers, so they’re still showing him how to take a treat like a gentleman.  Dooley still loves to scarf his own food, but he’ll surreptitiously sit next to you to see what you’re eating, too.  No worries, he doesn't steal your food at the dinner table.    Dooley used to let the cats roll by without paying them any attention, but now he’s interested in playing “chase.”  Dooley might do better in a house that doesn't have cats. Dooley still toots his own horn to get your attention, so he’ll let you know if he needs something.

He has an ear infection at the moment, but nothing that medication can’t fix.  He definitely isn’t letting his hips and spine slow him down, and his health issues are easily managed with pain medication.  He loves to be around family, so he’ll do great with a home that’s looking for an older active dog with plenty of gusto.  Big lovable hunky frame to love on? Check.  Looking for a mature guy with a young heart? Check.  Plenty of love to dole out? Double check.  Dooley is just waiting to zoom through life with YOU!

#13-064 Dooley, age 10-11

75 lbs.

AVAILABLE

“WOMP, WOMP, WOMP, WOMP, WOMP.” South of the Mason-Dixon Line, this familiar boom is often recognized as the unofficial “limousine of the South.” The favorite of rednecks and cowboys alike, this monster truck often referred to as a “dually” makes a statement with its massive dual rear wheels on each side and the thundering roar of one of the largest and most powerful engines.

So what in the heck does this have to do with Dooley—Gold Ribbon Rescue’s newest addition?

With a towering and muscular frame, this ten year old golden acts more like the dually truck than a typical senior dog.  But just like all vehicles, they must follow the rules of the road—and this Dooley is no exception.

So Dooley’s time in foster care is focusing on his “driving” etiquette. When he came into GRR care, it was clear this boy needed a bit of training, so his foster mom is working with him. He should be ready to rule the roads in no time.

One of the first rules when learning how to drive is avoiding distractions while keeping your eyes on the road, and with each day, Dooley understands this concept more and more.

When he’s out for a car ride, nothing can distract him!   He just LOVES to go for a ride.  Anywhere, any time, this lively golden hops into the car himself, finds the perfect lookout spot in the back seat, and never moves as he carefully investigates the scenery passing by.

But like many goldens, the rumblings of thunderstorms especially unnerve Dooley.  During a thunderstorm, his foster mom wrapped a Thundershirt around him, and Dooley went and lay underneath the dining table with GRR foster #13-037 Truman, using one another as comfort from the booming thunder.

Though thunderstorms tend to side-track him a bit, Dooley has that typical golden personality: loves to give and get attention from humans, friendly with other animals (especially cats) and gentle with children.  His foster mom says, “He wants to be right by your side giving you his time and attention.  But if you are busy, he will lay under the table and keep an eye out.”  In addition, his original owner remarked at how much he enjoyed roaming around the dog park with all the other dogs.

Another rule Dooley is learning while in foster care: all drivers should adhere to the speed limit signs.  But this lively senior is in a constant hurry—whether he’s eating his dinner, taking a treat, or meeting a new friend, Dooly tends to “drive” over the recommended speed limit; his foster mom says he acts more like a 3 year old. Instead of savoring each morsel of chow, he scarfs down his dinner in record speed.  Don’t forget the hand sanitizer—Dooley tends to engulf both treat and hand into his slobbery mouth before you can say, “Gentle.” And when greeting a visitor, Dooley wants to get to him as quick as he can.

Dooley’s foster mom is taking him through a refresher course on the basics of etiquette—it won’t be long before he’s become a most trusted “driver.”  She feels he’s catching on quickly as he discovers there are now rules to follow.

And though DPS does not recommend pounding on your horn to alert drivers everywhere of your presence, Dooley, on the other hand, toots his horn, yodeling for all to hear. Clearly desperate for attention, he loves all people, but especially his own, and he wants to be near them as much as he can—even if that means joining his foster mom in the shower!

Foster mom says, “He's one big HUGGA MUFFIN.  And someone is going to get a great dog.  Dooley will shower them with attention.”

Though Dooley may seem like a 100% healthy boy, he has been diagnosed with lumbosacral degenerative stenosis and spondylosis deformans—both medical problems which affect his hips and spine causing weakness and pain.  Because of Dooley’s age, the vet feels Dooley is not a surgical candidate, but instead, his pain can be managed with medication. Though he has these health issues, his foster mom insists Dooley is very active and definitely has energy to burn.   

According to his foster mom, “He is a perfect companion for a family who wants an older active dog, and who understands Dooley has some health issues but is still full of life.   He has a great big heart with so much love to share.”