Picnic Extravaganza

Where do we even begin? What a wonderful weekend! It started out Friday evening with Miss Lizzy - now known as Lilly - being adopted by the wonderful W family. This little girl has touched the hearts of everyone that has met her, but none as much as this incredible family. Miss Liz bugled her welcome to them when they first met her, Thursday night, and she's been wagging her tail ever since.
Look at these three...they were destined to play together...Lizzy will never lack for want of a ball game, a wrestle, and all the loving pats a Golden Girl deserves. Bless you Little Liz and know, Lizzies former family, that your Golden Girl continues to live the Golden life.Jerry Bear, Sam and I had the privilege of seeing her and her whole family at the RAGOM picnic today and I've never seen a Golden smile so hard. That tail was just wagging! And darn it if I didn't get a picture. Thanks wonderful W family, for opening your hearts and home to this fabulous little RAGOM princess.



Sammi didn't lack for attention this weekend either. This fabulous little guy made it to the picnic with over three hundred people and well over a hundred dogs with an equanimity that had many of us smiling. For all of you who saw us at the picnic and patted, petted and lavished him with loving words, thank you! This little guy was a trouper.

Another amazing development. Below is a picture of Sam and his sister, Sadie (Daisy). These two were running wild for well over a year before they came into RAGOM to learn how the Golden Life works. Thank you Heather and her husband (sorry guys, again my name oblivion shows its ugly face) for bringing little Sadie to the picnic. What a wonderful end to the day!

And of course, Lakota. While Mom didn't have enough hands to manage all three at the picnic, he found ways to entertain himself...this is Lakota chasing sun beams. Just a note to all of you out there that are contemplating the "cuteness" of playing with a laser pointer with your dogs. DON'T!!! As cute as this picture looks, this behavior quickly becomes obsessive. I made the mistake of entertaining Lakota as a puppy with a laser pointer. Now, every once in awhile, I'll find him a drooling mess pressed up against some surface, chasing a shadow or a light beam. Soooo not fun!

...and the treats weren't half bad either. Holy Bison, Lakota, look at that bone!

And we've saved the best for last. Magnificent Jake, the wonder dog, is doing wonderfully with his forever home. He has fit in like a duck to water and beyond a little bit of storm anxiety, has behaved himself like the king he is. His forever family tells me they couldn't be happier. YAY! Another RAGOM success story.

Welcome Miss LIzzy!

The Den welcomes a wonderful new little girl to the pack. Her name is Lizzy (08-441) and she is a RAGOM foster. This little girl comes from a fantastic family that, unfortunately, found themselves allergic to her. Lizzy is a delightful 1.5 year old pure bred Golden Retriever with vivacious intelligence and perfect manners. She fit into the pack like she'd been born here and enjoys the company of her foster brothers to an amazing degree. She's had Jerry Bear (08-175) running from the get go, chasing and wrestling, running and fetching for this new cutie pie. Thank you Lizzy - I was beginning to worry a bit about his exercise level. Before you came his favorite walk was the one to the car or to the couch.

Sam, I am

Sweet little Sam had a tremendously busy weekend this week. This gorgeous little guy had a puppy party on Friday at Christi's and got to play with Hunter, Robbie, Meg, Liberty, Jerry Bear, Molly and Casey. Talk about crazy times! I crashed on Mom's leg for a little while - it was pretty intense, all those dogs and people, some I knew some I didn't. Look at that crazy crowd!

Cross Transport

Look at this big new guy! What a doll he is. While not a guest at the Den, I did transport him from motley to the Twin Cities. Can you believe he was going to be SHOT? I was just amazed with this big, cuddly baby. He hopped in my backseat and pretty much form nose to toes took up the entire thing. I was just glad he made it inside the car. This gorgeous boy became a MARS foster and he's available for adoption!

Labor Day

It's a fantastic weekend here at the Den. Having been gently, but firmly persuaded by friends and family that four large furrbutts are just a little toooooo much for any social gathering, we decided at the Den to put meaning to the "labor" part of the Holiday. Mowing grass, deweeding the gardens, pressure washing the green room and deck and pretty much getting ready for the cold winter ahead. Here's a picture of little Sam - the baby - and HIS opinion of yardwork:
Kind of reminds me of my sister and I when we were kids... My own dear Mother told me - many many years ago - that it would only be fair if I had children that were just like me when I grew up. Isn't it funny that, one way or another, parents are always right?

Now Jerry Bear, he's been a huge help with the pressure spraying. He lunges at the mist that comes down from the windows and mock terrorizes the hose. He doesn't quite understand that, for once, the water isn't all about him. As for washing the deck..well, most of the kids have a firm opionion on that:
We had wonderful visitors Saturday morning. Amy and Meg came over with Amy's wonderful Golden girl Minnie (above first on left). The boys and girls played themselves out in a couple of hours and spent most of the evening lying around napping before going to bed at 10 PM and sleeping until 9AM!!! Wow, what a play date. Here's Amy with the pack...do you think she has their attention?
And now, the biggest news for last. Marvelous, miraculous magnificent Jake has found his forever home!!! With a family that is as spectacular as he is! At 1:30PM Saturday afternoon he met the C family who drove three hours round trip to come and see him! It was love at first sight, for Jake and I'm pretty sure for the family too. I wish I had pictures but my eyes were too blurry with tears - happy tears - to focus. They took him for a long walk and he cuddled up to their teenage daughter like the incredible dog he is. The C family will be back today (again, a three hour trip, without a blink of the eye) to take him back with them. I can't imagine a better new beginning for gorgeous Jake! I'll post pics when I get them :)

Here are a couple of other pics of Saturday morning. Little Sam was quite enamored with Miss Minnie! Believe it or not, there are THREE humans on the deck, about three feet from him.

OK...who looks happier... Magnificent Jake or his Fabulous Family?

Cheyenne 08-406, Liberty and Max 08-419

Three new RAGOM royalty came in this weekend. Cheyenne 08-406 has found a foster. She's a charmer! At about four years of age, this cuddle bunny is a lover, not a fighter. She is a Golden Retriever Springer mix and got the best of both breeds. Happy to curl up at your feet and roll for belly rubs she's very good on the recall, so so on sit and rides like the princess she is in the car. Gentle and good natured, Cheyenne is everything one could want in a four footed companion.
Liberty is a frisky, light colored Golden with a friendly nature and an intentness that speaks for the intelligence behind this pretty little girls playful nature. She's gorgeous!
And then there's our little prince, Max...front and center. (Jake, comfortably at home on the couch, Jerry Bear back and right, Lakota, back and left). He's a gorgeous light colored Golden with a really warm personality. He's another cuddle bunny and is great with other dogs. He also fell in love with the kiddy pool and sprinkler. He and Jerry Bear made a night of it out in the backyard.

All three dogs are up to date on their shots and in great health, looking for wonderful forever homes. Please visit the RAGOM.org website for updates and other available dogs. For those who've considered fostering, now is a GReat time to hit the website and put in your application...there are many wonderful dogs available that are in desperate need of a foster. Please, please, please...do it now!

Success Story

This is one of the most happily moving things I've experienced, through all the events and opportunities we've been exposed to through RAGOM. This is Rosie's Story and an incredible sixteen year old girl put it together! THIS is what it is all about. THIS is what 800 volunteers strive for each and every year as we transport dogs from sad circumstances as their first step in a journey to a life that is full of joy and love. Why we spend the time and volunteer power to visit each potential home - which may take some time but gives us the outcome we hope for. Why we foster these beautiful kids and strive to place them in homes just like this one. THIS is what it is like to live the Golden Life.

Rosie's Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKUmgKayHMc



Thank you, the H family, for sharing this. And especially Miss H, an exceptionally talented young woman! I'm still brushing tears from my cheeks.

Fair Lakota

What a great day Friday was. Lakota and I and Mari M. spent the afternoon at the Fair, manning the RAGOM booth. Of course, Lakota was quite convinced that everyone was there to see him and he hammed it up for the crowd. I've never seen Lakota so completely engrossed in his mission, which was, to receive as many pets, pats and kisses as was possible while playing to his adoring crowd. This first picture is of Lakota waiting patiently to begin his adventure. He knew something was up, because he got a bath on Thursday night and he knows well that Sunday night is bath night at the den. He wasn't moving away from the door for anythingHere are just a couple of the pics we took at the fair. Let the love flow!
















Later, we went in search of cheese on a stick. I wish I had pictures of our walk because the crowds parted for Lakota with more pets and pats from all angles...and he enjoyed it so much he made sure to paw print next years fair event. We hope to be back!

Executive Dog

Magnificent Jake here, wonderful humans...and truly, look at that photo. Am I not absolutely spectacluar? I've become an executive dog...can you believe it? Fostermom took me to the RAGOM meeting this morning. WOW! How exciting was that? We pulled into this parking lot and when I jumped out of the car, there was that gorgeous little cutie with the Golden curls, Miss Meg and her dad, Jim. I was so excited to meet up with someone I knew. Then we went into this building with paw friendly mats on the floor and low and behold....it was an amalgamation of dogs and humans. I was so intrigued I forgot to be scared...but I didn't forget my manners! Fostermom says I'm incredible. I walked in, head held high and greeted everyone two and four paws, with a friendly grin and, OK, I'll admit it, I was a tail wagging fool.

It was a neat situation...but those humans! Jeez they love to chatter. After the first five minutes, we found a great spot against the far wall and settled in. I just layed my head down and watched everything. Miss Meg and Jim came to join us and even Dick (Benji) and Mari came over.

Fostermom seemed to enjoy herself and I think she met lots of new friends today - that made both of us smile. I jumped into a really neat automobile to get out of the sun and Fostermom had to drag me out of it. I was HOT. About halfway through I think FM realized that she was doing the exact thing that made me growl once before...that must have been a really bad day for me because today, not even a grumble. What a neat day...I'd go to meetings everyday, if I could. I really enjoyed all the new experiences!

Jake the Magnificent

Den Mother Heidi, here. We got to foster Romeo for a night this week and is he a fantastic Golden. A little shy, maybe even a bit spooky at sudden unexpected situations, but a lover just like his name portrays. I'll put up a link to his page when his fostermom has had enough time to get to know him and post him.

What else...It was really nice meeting all the wonderful RAGOM volunteers that were at Sundays meeting. Jake had a whole lot to say to me all the way home. I really need to learn Golden because I'm betting he had some really good ideas!

Jake The Magnificent

Jake the Magnificent Golden here people *yawn*. It has been brought to my Fostermom's attention that the star of the show - me, of course - has gotten upstaged lately. So JUST as I'm getting settled, happily, at her feet, she makes me hit the keyboard. What's up with that? I just wanted to be petted...my belly rubs are important too!

But, the good news is...I have fans out there. YAY. Well, of course I do - I'm a fantastic dog! So...lately...let's see. I came down with a really nasty eye infection, so pictures have been a little scarce. Apparently, when my eyes match my red collar, it makes for a scary picture. Poor FM was a little frantic last Saturday. She had a long foster run set up and she took one look at me early Saturday and ran for the phone. Thank goodness for Miss Mari, she took me to the vet so that Peaches and Romeo could continue their own RAGOM journey. I'm really glad to report that my eyes are now doing fine. I reallllllly don't like that eye salve that has to be put on three times a day, but at least FM no longer gives me those painkillers in order to put it on. Talk about a loopy dog...I even caught FM biting back a chuckle or two, masked behind a worried glance, when I jumped up onto the bed the first time she gave me one of those. Suddenly the bed was much taller than it had ever been before...I got stuck half-way up and had to scramble like a puppy to make it all the way. Sleeping on FM's bed is the upside to being sick...now if I could just talk her into chicken soup...or maybe just the whole darn chicken!

Here's a picture of me and our favorite guest, Toby. We had to have a moment to pant after all the play. I may be eight, but eight is GReat!

FM says that I'm the lowest maintenance eighty pound dog she's ever met. A few pets, a belly rub, two meals a day and a treat or two is all it takes to keep MY tail wagging. Of course, I love the walks, and the dog park too. Thank you, all of you wonderful people, that are interested in me and my adventures in this wonderful dog Den of a household. I love it here...but...I sure yearn for my very own people. Somewhere, out there, is my forever home....

Jake the Great Eight

Sadly Shocking

Romeo Peaches

OK…I try to keep this lighthearted and fun, but this needs a serious note. I picked up a couple of gorgeous Golden’s today that were taken from that horrible woman in IA. You know the one? The one who’s up on multiple felony counts of neglect and abuse? Many of her dogs were found dead…a few survived. What’s beyond belief is this ISN'T the FIRST time she’s been accused of abuse of animals. Thank goodness she’s off the streets! Every dog on earth thanks the authorities for that one!

Here is the miraculous thing. Despite being housed in a hog shed and used for breeding, Peaches and Romeo are two of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met!

Peaches, the female, is such a cuddle bunny it brought tears to my eyes. She was happy lying in my lap, lapping up the petting, so to speak. She has multiple tricks to keep that going, including rolling over on her back for belly rubs and wiggling her rump when the pets get too slow. She plays well with others, furbutts and humans alike and has a kind, easygoing temperament and a vibrant personality. She’s Golden and since she’s now a RAGOM dog, life doesn’t get much better.

Romeo is exactly what his name portrays. He’s a lover and he’s crazy about Peaches! Where she goes, he wants to follow. He’s a bit more shy than that beautiful girl but he’s such a handsome guy that all the humans want to pet him. When he finally starts wagging his tail for you, you have a friend for life. His gentle approach and willingness to trust are miraculous and will fill your heart to the brim.

For those of you out there looking for a perfect companion, I’d recommend either of these two just as they are. You couldn’t find a better friend.

And on that note, I’d like to open this blog up a bit. I’ve been watching the analysis of the “hits” on this site and as of today, we have people from 24 states and three countries tuning in. That makes me smile and also gets my curiosity going. I noticed some multiple hits from Massachusetts, California and Colorado, as well as our local five neighbors. For any and all of you tuning in, I’d love it if you’d contribute! Send me an email with whatever information you want to give…who you are, where you’re from, how you found the blog and what keeps you coming back. Every dog lover has dog stories – share your favorite with the rest of our viewers, or tell us what your experiences are, with RAGOM, with fostering, with dogs in general. We’d LOVE to hear from you!

Heidi – Den Mother

PS: I went to Stone Mountain today and visited Peaches and Romeo. They are doing wonderfully. Both have found foster homes. Romeo will leave Friday afternoon and Peaches Saturday. YAY!! I'll be posting their links at the top of the page as soon as they are available.

Fun, Friends and Furrbutts

Sammy here, wonderful humans. I met PEOPLE today – new people and new dogs too!

WHAT a night I had…it took me sixteen hours just to find the energy to post for you! I’ve gotten used to the routine here and am comfortable with it, so much so that when Mom “jigged” things up last night I didn’t know what to think. I haven’t had to wear my halter in weeks, so when Mom pulled it out from under her shirt while I was cuddling with her I knew SOMETHING was up! My first instinct was to freeze and then fly, but she held onto me and soothed me and put that nasty halter on and then a lead. Oh boy, what’s going on?

So she puts my foster brothers out in the backyard and we go sit on the front porch. I’m thinking “this is really weird” and at that point the underside of the wicker bench looked really good to me but she wouldn’t let me retreat. That’s new. Finally, after about twenty minutes I relaxed and we played with a toy. Then this car pulls up and what do you know? Two MORE dogs come over to play. Wow, are we like the coolest dog joint around or what? Two humans came with them too and sat on the steps with us. I did my best to be brave but…that was tough. One of these ladies kept pointing this shiny thing at me and then her dog, Dick (Benjy) came up to play with me. Boy was he nice, and just about my size! In the end, I really LIKED those two new people. I managed to relax a bit, while all three humans sat and made noise and noise and noise. I think they call it talking.

I was much happier off my halter and running with the pack. We all went on the back deck and played like puppies. I even got brave enough to come back up on my own. I yearn to join in and I’m curious, I’ll admit it…maybe soon I’ll be able to come over and take all those tasty treats out of people’s hands. Robbie, the other ladies dog, loved the pool. He and Jerry (Bear) played like crazy.

Later, after company left, me and all the furbutts curled up around Mom in the TV room. The most miraculous thing happened. This flat screen that takes up most of one wall became a talking picture!! I’ve seen the flat gray screen, of course, but apparently this is what it was made to do…Mom’s going to have to turn it on more often. Fascinating! I sat reallllll close at first and we watched pictures of a far away cities….and these five huge colored rings…they looked like they could have been cool dog toys if they were a little smaller. Then all the sudden…boom…booom…hiss, screech and pow! Exploding colors, like the bonfires in the back yard but HUGE….and colored…and..well…just plain scary. I hightailed it under the bed…but…couldn’t help but stick my little nose out just a bit…after all, I have to keep an eye on things. Next thing I know, there are like…a MILLION people pounding on these round things…and the rhythm…that was pretty cool. I got up to sniff the screen for that. Not quite sure what they were doing but WOW!

My brothers and I were watching something called the Olympics? And later, there was this big place with….believe it or not…this HUGE, MAGNIFICENT pool. Oh my, you should have seen Jerry Bear…He pranced in front of the screen all the time they were swimming. So, we started discussing things later…we’ve all seen the puppy bowls on the Animal Channel. I think we need a Dog Olympics. My brother Lakota can swim like a fish and Jerry Bear…well, he’s a bit more like a beached whale, but I bet he’d be GREAT at water ballet! He and Robbie could do it together! Me, I’m definitely a sprinter. And Jake…well, do they do food marathons at the Olympics? We could call it the counter surfers event!! Here are some pics of the visiting furrbutts and ourselves, playing. Enjoy!

Heidi here, Den Mother. Thanks to Mary and Christine for coming over and introducing themselves to Sammy. He actually got up the next morning to help Paul (roommate) read the paper. He even sat still for an ear rub. I think the experience was one of the next hurdles he really needed and we’re all grateful! Pet the boys for me (Robbie and Benjy).

Please see the link at the top for information on Benjy (Dick) and his bio.

Slumber Party

Lakota Woniyah here, Top Dog at the Den. Look at these silly kids behind me - they've been playing for two days straight!

Toby has joined us for the weekend...It's a slumber party...YAY! Toby is a joy to everyone, he plays well with all of siblings, foster and resident and he always comes with BONES. With a gentle, playful nature he is always willing to give chase, give up his toys and pretty much anything goes. What a guy he is. We've had so many games of chase, and "squirrel" that finally, Saturday afternoon, about 6PM we snoozed...all the way til morning! WOW!

Little Sammi here...batter, batter, batter up! I think Mom was a dog in her last life. I get along with her so well. She throws balls for me and I bring them back. I even release, which is something that goofy Lakota has never learned to do. I'm soooo smart. We had a great weekend here! We played until we couldn't play anymore, there was always something to do, someone to chase. Also, I made the first touchdown in our doggie football. Of course, I hid the ball in the woodpile, which is apparently bad play but what the heck...if I don't hoard the toys who will? Here are a couple of amateur movies Mom took (let's hope she keeps her day job!)

Heidi here - don't listen to that impudent dog...these movies are a hoot and a half. The first I have titled "Squirrel".

The second is a game of football, with little Sammi making the final touchdown.

Oh yeah, and just by the way. If you have any picky eaters out there I have a food that is sure to touch their taste buds. The Blue Buffalo Company makes a chicken and rice formula called Life Protection. I usually laugh at mealtimes around here...it's like a canine version of merry-go-round. The furr butts usually wander around to each bowl, in an almost synchronated fashion, taking a nibble before moving on. In the last couple of days even Sammy has gotten into that. Well, no more! The Blue has tickled everyone's taste buds enough that they grab the first bowl available and don't leave until they're finished. That's a new trend for my resident dogs, who are so picky they will rarely eat more than half their food. This is a great product and scores well on the nutrition and protein factor (106 A+).

Progress

You never know what each day will bring. That's what makes each so very special. Each day this week I've been working on helping Sam become human confident...with some success and a couple of set backs. But TODAY, we've made a big step forward. Forget the treats.,..well, not really, he does appreciate them...forget the constant reassuring patter...well, not really either, it seems to soothe...but...go for the tennis balls! Sam has always watched yearningly as the other dogs and I play and roughhouse together. Sometimes he's even come halfway before sidling back to his safe zone (my bed or the space next to or under it). Tonight, he's made it all the way. YAY little Sam, you're SUCH a brave boy! That's Sam, above, taking a tennis ball from my hand.

From day one Sam was always willing to cuddle on the bed, which, despite the hard paws on tender areas, is always a joy. He's such a little minx, but once he's up on the bed he's all wagging tail and frolicking body. He snuggles well too. Sudden movements and unexpected noises still send him running for cover, but then, they do that to me sometimes too... We're leaping bridges every day!




And look at these two...best buds or what? So much playing going on that by evening, they're content to snooze through the night. This was a special moment. Usually, dogs sleep on the floor.
Oh, and we're working on a syncronous sleeping ballet as well *hehe*

















I have a plea for any of you wonderful RAGOM volunteers, fosters or interested adoptees.... August is going to be a quiet month, humanwise, here at the Den. Many of our friends are heading out of town JUST at the time when Sam really needs the interaction. We'd LOVE to see you drop by and visit. If you're interested in seeing this cute little tyke and helping his progress, please email me at the address above. We'd love to see you and your furry fuzzbutts as well!

Chase 08-290 has been adopted! YAY! Best wishes to that beautiful boy and his new family!

What a Weekend!

Can you say pooped dog? Jake 08-243 says enough! After two days of constant running, endless bone trade offs and three other dogs all under three our beautiful and big hearted foster Jake says, "Just let me rest."

For anyone out there looking for a beautiful senior, Jake is a magnificent guy! This eight year old Golden Retriever has a huge warm heart, a bright eyed curiosity about just about anything and the manners of a prince. It's really hard to believe that he's not three or four - he keeps up with the kids with little effort. Of course, as the tallest of the group, he takes one stride to Jerry Bear's two and out gaits Little Sam by about four. I have to say, this beautiful dog is a pleasure to have around!