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The seven of us are having loads of fun. Seven Goldens makes for a wild house. My three cousins will be here until Saturday, so we have a lot of playing to get done. Sadie and Junior are joining in the fun and we are running and playing like never before.
We are all ready for the second snow storm, the last one was a wimp of a storm. We barely had enough snow to run and play in. Three or four inches is "wimp snow". But the weatherman says that the one tonight and tomorrow will be a real storm. The snow blower came out of the shed, the snow shovels came out, even the winter boots showed up.
Best of all, we gathered all the toys in the yard, brought them in so we could find them to take them back out again. A "snow dog" who posted a reply on our blog asking what was wrong with snow? Nothing is wrong with it, but our outdoor privileges are limited as the house keeper does not like wet dog drip everywhere.
The chauffeur is worried he may get into trouble tomorrow with the snow storm coming in. Sadie, Junior and Piper all have an early morning Vet appointment over in the foothills, that is where the snow gets deep. Sadie has to have her stitches removed, Junior needs his physical so he can go be certified healthy to go to a new home when one is found and Piper needs her blood test to see if her med's are stable. We may get to spend a lot of time in the car, sitting on the highway behind the traffic.
Today the squirrels are busy gathering all the food they can, that makes them easy targets to chase. A squirrel with a nut or apple in his mouth can not run as fast as usual. All of us are enjoying the last decent day to chase squirrels.
Mogley G. Retriever
The Treat Dispenser took a couple of pictures of all seven of us lined up to get our evening peanut butter treats. He thinks he is pretty sneaky, he hides our pills in the peanut butter. Three of us get daily pills, but all of us get treats. We let him think we don't know about the pills, just as long as the peanut butter keeps coming.
Dinner time was pretty easy. I was afraid it would take till midnight before everyone lined up at their spot and sat, waiting for their food. I forgot that my three cousins have to sit for their food at home, so they were in training. Bella and I always know where to go sit by our bowls, even Junior and Saidie have been here long enough to know what they have to do to get fed. We lined up like champs. Then came treat time, and we all sat in the kitchen waiting for the treat, we have that drill down pat.We have a very bad dog to hand ratio at the moment. Our three cousins arrived for a week visit. Emma, Molly and Piper will be here while their family is off taking a vacation. They are headed to Florida, and a snow storm is heading towards Colorado. What kind of a plan was that? They go to warm sun and we get snowed on.
For the next week we will have a very bad dog to hand ratio. On the other paw, we will have a good time playing. Molly and Piper are constantly jumping in front of one of us, trying to get a game of wrestle, chase or tug-o-war started. Junior and Saidie have accepted the new arrangements and they are willing to run and romp as well.
The Treat Dispenser keeps going to the medicine cabinet and taking out some funny pills, they call them tranquilisers. At first they wanted to give them to the seven of us but they decided a better use of them was to take them themselves.
Saidie is feeling much better now that her mouth no longer hurts. The Treat Dispenser keeps taking balls and toys away when Saidie tries to chew on them, he is afraid she will pull the stitches out or start her gums bleeding. She says she is doing fine and sneaks away with another ball in her mouth. It will get exciting around supper time, we all have to sit to get our dinner, but it is hard for all seven of us to wait till our turn comes.
Mogely G. Retriever
Sadie (Left) and Junior watch Bella and I chase a ball. They each have their ball on the ground in front of them, waiting for the Treat Vending Machine to put down the camera and throw the balls.
If you have ever dreamed of throwing two balls at once and having both of them returned, then Sadie and Junior can answer your dreams. If you have two feet and you would like to adopt a dog but you are worried that one foot might get cold if you have only one dog to lie at your feet, these two can help you by keeping both feet warm.
Sadie and Junior are two of the best guests we have had in our home. When Bella and I bark at the front door, Sadie and Junior stand quietly and watch as we greet the visitors. When I fetch the paper in the morning, Junior and Sadie watch, they don't even try to run out the door. They are well housebroken and they don't even tear up toys.
Bella and I have decided that they are are setting unreasonable standards of behaviour in the house, Bella and I are wild and boisterous. Sadie and Junior are calm and quiet. That is a bad precedent to have in our home. If we don't get them adopted out quickly the resident chauffeur may decide that Bella and I should behave also.
Yesterday Sadie and Junior were separated for a time. Sadie actually became more lively by herself. Around Junior she tends to slink around or hide, acting very shy. Without Junior, she played a little with Bella and I, she came out of her shell a little. Now they have to decide if they should be adopted together or separately. More evaluation will have to be done to find out if Junior is accidentally intimidating or dominating her. Sadie went to the vet today, she has a small growth that needs to be looked at. She will be back this evening, just in time for the rain storm that is moving in.
Mogley G. Retriever
I can't help but make a few more comments on the "training for rescue foster parents" class that my humans attended. The class did not take the dogs point of view into account. Can you believe that they actually covered "how to introduce a new dog"? Apparently they don't like our method of shaking hands at the door and exchanging business cards. Maybe a homeless dog does not have business cards?
Then they discussed how to introduce cats and children to the new dog. This might be useful information, most cats don't shake hands and children never seem to have business cards.
They discussed how to evaluate a prospective home but they did not talk about the important points. No discussion about the quantity or quality of treats. No discussion as to the size and contents of the toy box. No test for the ability of the humans to throw tennis balls. No test to see if they understand how to give tummy rubs and tail bone scratches. What about the thickness of the dog bed? Some of those little skimpy pads they sell as "dog beds" should disqualify a home from ever having a dog. Bella and I have our own couch and chair, that should be the minimum standard for adoption.
Bella was disappointed, they discussed collars and leashes, styles and types, including the "control" collars. She asked if they talked about colors of collars and how to match the highlight in her hair. It turns out that was not covered either.
The human felt good about the class, but I think it was a waste. Perhaps some of my blogging friends could help to write a class outline from a dogs viewpoint? If you have suggestions, let me know.
Mogley G. Retriever
My chauffeur took off today to attend a class on "How to be a foster parent". It took him most of the afternon to attend it. I told him I could save him some money, save him a trip and save him five hours of time.
All he had to do is listen to my critique of his parenting style. Their shortcomings in the foster parent department are mostly in the area of treats and toys, trips to the dog park, a shortage of indoor heated swim pools for the winter, and he is far too mean to us. I am sure they will teach him that dogs deserve to sleep on the big bed, not beside it. When roast beef is cooking, we like ours rare. We also need to have a refrigerator magnet with the number of the SPCA hot line on it just in case. We can take off all of those emergency numbers that we never use anyway, I mean that 911 thing is so lame.
He came home and announced that he does appreciate us more. He said there were people from many rescue organizations in attendance. He said some of the problems other people have with other breeds make him appreciate the sensitive, mellow Golden Retrievers even more. When they talked about discipline methods, he was expecting them to say that when your Golden cringes when you tell him "No", you are too loud. Instead he says there are some breeds that apparently don't listen when they are told no. They discussed real discipline, withholding our treats, not allowing us to watch Animal Planet, or even worse. In our Golden world, most of the time one or two stern "No" commands will correct even a new dogs behaviour.
He did not admit that they taught him to give us more freedom to jump on furniture and sleep on the big bed. He served us dry dog food for dinner again this evening, the roast beef was not in sight. But I am sure that we will see the changes shortly. unless he slept through the class. I will look for that hot line number for the SPCA, just in case.
Mogley G. Retriever
Below, Bella and I welcome Junior(center) and Sadie (front right) to our home.
We are flattered to receive the Bravo Zulu Award in Memory of Spencer, presented to us by the Bumpass Hounds and Cats, the award if for a "Jog well done". The Bumpass Hounds sure do know a thing or two about rescuing and fostering homeless dogs. They have 10 rescues now, and are tireless workers in helping their local rescue. If you have not read their blog, visit them at http://bumpasshounds.blogspot.com/
Thanks to all who help with the rescue efforts all over the world. Meanwhile, we have another blog to post tnight. More news from the rescue front.
Mogley G. Retriever
Bella II is still with us, she will probably be going to a new home this week end. We need to remind you of Bella's special talents. Bella is "Air Golden". She plays fetch and catch in the house, she does spectacular leaps in order to catch the tennis balls. You see, if she does not out jump me, I get the ball instead. So she has learned to leap over our backs and to out jump me in the air. She puts on quite a show with he leaps and twists. We wonder what would happen if we used a Frisbee outdoors, she should be able to put on quite a show.
She has learned the dog door, and she is in and out constantly. Freedom! No squirrel is safe now that Bella II can run into the back yard whenever she needs to.
Mogley G. Retriever
I think I may have left the wrong impression in the last post.
GRRR did not have to turn down a rescue, at the last minute someone volunteered and we were able to pick them up. But it has been close, we are full up and we need any help we can get. We have several double rescues coming in. We may try to place Bella II in time to take one of the pairs. We have had several inquiries and are working hard to make a match.
Since we have readers all over the world, we need to remind you that your local rescue is running on "full" as well and they can use volunteers. We have received several e-mails from other groups telling us they have the same need for temporary homes.
This weekend there is a training class for foster volunteers to help understand how to introduce a new dog into your home, as well as coping with relocation problems.
My humans say that there is nothing more exciting than working with a homeless dog. It is like getting a present under the Christmas tree. If you ever find your life to be boring, here is the answer.
Help a homeless dog find a forever home.
Mogley G. Retriever
If you have room to help, we can use foster homes. Recently Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, GRRR, had to turn down a dog because we were out of room. We are facing that situation again with several more scheduled to come in.
If you can volunteer to take in a homeless Golden, please let us know.
Thank you,
Mogley G. Retriever
We said good by to Aspen this afternoon. Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR) sent us an e-mail with a note that we should set up a meeting with the family who's application was attached. We read the application and then let Aspen read it. She said it sounded like it would be a possible home, but she would have to visit with them to make sure. She packed her bag to take along in case they met her high standards. She took a couple of tennis balls just in case they did not have any to throw for her, she took a stuffed toy to make sure she had something to tear up. Some of her favorite dog food, a few treats and a rawhide chew were thrown in just in case.
When we arrived, they met us on the path to the front door. Aspen ran in and was welcomed with open arms. She was shown that the house had a lot of open doorways, no restrictions to keep her from mingling with the family. She was shown the back yard, it passed her inspection. It had a sturdy wood fence, with peep holes where she could watch the dogs go by on the sidewalk. It had lots of grass and gravel for her potty trips.
She was introduced to the resident cats, she went nose to nose, then everyone went about their business. No trouble there. Then she was shown a basket of toys, just for her. They even played catch in the living room. She was promised a walk very day, and a soft bed to sleep on. The deciding factor was the dog to hand ratio. At our home the dog to hand ratio is 4 to 4. At this home, the dog to hand ratio was 1 to 4, a much better deal. Being an only dog has its advantages. They were having guests for dinner that evening and there would be many more hands available to pet a dog. Aspen accepted their offer of a forever home and waved goodbye to us at the door.
Aspen, we enjoyed having you stay with us. You are a great lady and we think that GRRR has found you the perfect match. Have a wonderful life, you deserve it!
Mogley G. Retriever
I have been writing about Bella II so often that Aspen had to remind me that she is still looking for a home as well. 
The resident chauffeur came home last night with a bag of dog toys. Aspen, Bella II and I had pretty well demolished all of the toys in the toy chest. When Bella II cleaned out the toy chest and scattered it around the floor, the humans saw that most of the toys were just threads and scraps of material or pieces of rubber. We get to start all over again. Aspen decided since she was the Senior dog, she should test all of the new toys first, she grabbed them and took them to her place behind the couch.Below, Bella II and I wrestle for a ball. I caught it but she wants to fetch it. 
Bella II had a fun evening last night. Her former family came by to visit with her and to make sure she was being well cared for. They even took her for a ride. When she came back she was feeling pretty frisky, she had more attention than we had. Below, five Golden friends sit for a snack during a going away party for Tess and a welcome party for Bella II. From front left, Mogley, Bella, Aspen, Tess and Bella II. Tess left shortly after the party for a new home in rural Colorado.
Below, Bella II seeks some of my advice on how to find the best home possible.
Bella II was surrendered to Golden Retriever of the Rockies (GRRR) by her family. There were a lot of tears when they had to give her up. They lived in a home with only a short fence. The low fence had been adequate for their old Golden, but Bella was able to clear it easily. 
Above, the farewell picture of Tess. She has a new home.
Saturday night the chauffeur went across town without taking a single Golden Retriever along to a Golden Retriever party. Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR) threw a wonderful volunteer recognition party. It was to thank the chauffeurs, the groomers, the walkers, the trainers, the transport team, the medical team, the home inspection team, the web team, the special events team and the fund raising team, all of whom work together as volunteers to make it possible to re home over 350 dogs a year. He said the evening was wonderful, they met new people that have come forward since our last event, they shared great food and they shared stories about the many rescues that had taken place. After the food was finished, each person was invited to share with the group a special story about a rescue they had worked with. The stories were wonderful and heartwarming. So many helping hands, so many wonderful new homes.
The chauffeur said that the thanks were miss placed. He thinks the volunteers should be thanking GRRR for all the wonderful dogs that we are allowed to foster. He said that each Golden we have fostered was a special experience for which we are all thank full to GRRR for allowing us to have. Each new Golden that passes through the foster system is a Golden on his way to a new and better life. We are privileged to be allowed to meet these wonderful Golden's, we enjoy sharing our home and our lives with them, we enjoy learning about them so we can help them find their perfect home. Each one has touched us, each one has left a memory. For that we thank GRRR.
There are so many wonderful people telling great stories about the dogs they have rescued. Several stories concerned other breeds that came and went through GRRR volunteers and cooperation with other breed rescues. Dogs from puppy mills, dogs bought at a farm auction. Dogs that were slated to die if not taken immediately. Dogs with medical problems that the owners could not afford to treat. Dogs that went on to become service dogs, rescued from bad people but then forgiving them and spending the rest of their lives helping the same people that abandoned them.
One person told how he had gone to an ATM machine and pulled out $200 after he watched a man try to sell a young Golden out of a pickup along the road. The man picked up the Golden by the scruff of the neck and by the tail and tossed it back into the truck, at that point he knew he had to re home that dog, even if it did cost him $200.
Our human said he told the group about Tess (currently with us) and Chase. Chase was the Golden that went to such a perfect home, only to be returned. GRRR does not allow people to "try dogs", but Chase was a special case. You see, Chase was a wonderful, large and energetic retriever. He loved his new home, but he soon started very inappropriate retrieving. He started playing "keep away" with the lady's prosthesis. Chase would steal her leg and play keep away. That could have been worked on but then he went farther, he began trying to steal her leg while she was walking. After several dangerous and bruising falls, it became clear that no matter how much they had bonded, Chase had to go. When we picked up Chase, we had Daisy as a foster. Daisy made an immediate and much calmer impression. Daisy went home that day to a very special forever home, and Chase stayed with us. Chase found a new and very special home a few days later. Don't you just love it what a story has a happy ending?
We remember Sandy, she lived with us for several weeks. When they called to set up an appointment with a possible new home, the chauffeur tried to stall, he told GRRR that he would only bring Sandy over to meet if GRRR would guarantee that Sandy would get an extra special home (a possible foster failure in the making?). Sandy went from GRRR directly to heaven. No, Sandy did not die, Sandy just went to heaven. Sandy was adopted by a wonderful lady who owned a small horse property outside of town. The property had a small pond, just the thing for a Golden swim on a hot afternoon. It also had a horse training track. Every morning Sandy gets to ride in a small two wheeled sulky as the horses are trained around the track. Golden Heaven!
We have had almost 40 fosters so far. Each one has been a joy and a sorrow. It is a joy to rescue them, a joy to see them settle into a friendly home and become companions. It is a sorrow to let them go, even though we know that a better life waits for them in their carefully selected forever home.
I still think I should have gone along to the party, I can say "thank you" better than anyone. If you remember, I was on a Vet's table about to get a very, very final shot, when someone said "GRRR will take him". Thank you GRRR for all you do for us rescue Goldens. Thanks to all the volunteers who transport homeless dogs, thank you to all of the folks that give us our medical inspections, wash and groom us then care for us until we can find new forever homes. Thank you GRRR for all the wonderful friends you have sent us to foster. We have had many memorable moments.
From all of the Golden Retrievers in our happy and warm new homes, to all of the GRRR volunteers that make it possible, Thank you!
Mogley G. Retriever
Here is Aspen, enjoying the last few rays of sun before the rain and snow arrive. She is very skilled at napping.
Bella and I have been in mourning since Saturday. A big storm with rain and snow was coming out of the mountains. So they covered the swimming pool. No more swims in the pool. No more fun in the sun. The humans say that they have found a new place where we can swim until it freezes, they promised to take us all this week end. We will see if it is as much fun as the pool.
Aspen and Tess are still with us. Aspen plays a mean game of fetch. She fetches balls and even drops them on command. Tess is learning her manners rapidly. She sits well, comes when called, even "stays" a little bit. She is ready for a new home. We hope they can meet with some prospective new homes this week end.
It has been raining and even snowing since Saturday. We have been inside because it is too wet to play outside. They make us go out, then we come in wet and they complain because we smell like wet dogs. Duh!
Mogley G. Retriever
World, we would like to introduce our two new foster friends. Aspen and Tess are staying with us until we can find them new homes. Below is 10 year old Aspen.
Below is Tess. This is her normal position. Three years old and full of energy, Tess is enjoying having a big yard, lots of room to run and new friends to run with.
Below are Tess and Aspen, enjoying the sun and grass. 
Thursday afternoon the chauffer left without us. The story we heard was that he wanted to look at a new SUV. He had cleaned out the old SUV and was making the rounds of the dealers trying to find a new one. While he was gone, Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR) called him and told him they had two new fosters to pick up. Aspen and Tess had been to the vet for their check up and were now being blow dried at the groomer's. By then the chauffer had picked out a new car so Aspen and Tess were the first to ride in the new dog hauler. Bella and I are a little angry that we were not the first, but I guess it worked out all right, we did get two new play mates.Aspen is 10 years old. She is the victim of unemployment. Her family lost their jobs and lost their home. Two adults and two children were forced to surrender their life long friend. Aspen is such a wonderful companion, the loss to the family must have been devastating. To Aspen, the loss of her familiar home and her life long friends was a huge blow. She is rebounding by being the best Golden that she can be. She is succeeding by settling in to her new surroundings very quickly. She is wonderfully housebroken, she uses dog doors with ease, she is well socialized and plays well with others. The three resident cats have accepted her and she ignores them. She shows her excitement by barking a single bark when she wants something. If her leash is in sight she will stand in front of it and bark once or twice, trying to entice someone into a walk. She is very polite on a leash, not trying to go her own way but taking her cues from her human companion. She is so well mannered, she would be a wonderful addition to a quiet home. She will ask to be let in and out the back door when she needs to go, if the dog door is not available. If you have a quiet home, Aspen would fit in beautifully. But don't think there is no fire in her, she still has a sense of adventure, within one hour of arriving at our house, all clean and fluffy from the groomer, Aspen jumped into the Koi pond and came out soaking and smelly. Her heavy coat took a long time to dry. Her family spent a lot of time training her and it shows in her wonderful behavior. It was truly a tragedy to the family who lost her, but she will be a wonderful addition to a new home if you are lucky enough to adopt her.
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Tess is almost the complete opposite of Aspen. Tess is three years old and has the energy to prove it. She was surrendered by her family who were elderly. Having a ball of energy in their house was too much for them over time. They were not up to the exercise she required, or to providing the training and discipline to help Tess become a wonderful companion. Tess has all the personality you could ever ask for. She is attentive and very motivated to please. She will be well behaved once someone tells her what the rules are. She is very well housebroken, and she is a lover. If a hand is available she will be under it getting petted. She should have been named "Attention Hound". She needs work on her commands. She is wonderful with "come". She is challenged by "sit" and "stay". Her strong point is how well she pays attention and how quickly she learns. After two days, she is responding to "sit" and will sit (for a moment) on command. "Stay" is the next project on our list. If you need a loving young lady to join you on your jogs and adventures on mountain trails, Tess is the Golden for you. She will require an investment in training and discipline, but the rewards will be tremendous. She is so intelligent and so motivated to earn your praise that she will be the ideal companion in a very short time.
Help us find the perfect forever home for these two wonderful Golden girls.
Mogley G. Retriever
Sunday was the annual Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies Reunion Picnic. If you were not in attendance, well, we warned you it would be fun, you missed out by not attending. Saturday we had a cold front move through Colorado and it rained hard, with temperatures in the high 50's. Very cool for this time of the year. Sunday dawned clear, but with fog and clouds hanging around until the sun was hot enough to burn them off.
Bella, Muffin and I were so excited, we started bouncing around the house as soon as the humans started putting on their travel cloths. We arrived at the picnic site early, we had talked the humans into volunteering to help set up so that we could be there to play sooner.
Below, a peaceful scene at the lake before the hoards arrive. 
Our cousin, Emma, is not a big fan of swimming, she spent her day digging holes in the sand. She said it was some of the best digging she had ever had, and no one yelled at her. Several people fell into the holes she left behind. That is Muffin on the right, she saw the camera and did her "go hide under something" trick when she sees a camera.
When the guests started arriving, they were full of energy and there was a lot of running, splashing and general playing. What fun it is just to run and play with new friends. 
Early in the day there was a lack of ball throwers. Lots of dogs to fetch, but no one to throw. They were all busy getting the food set out and the tents set up. Below, we are waiting for someone to get busy throwing balls. As more guests arrived, more ball throwers went to work. Mostly we did not care who threw the ball, just do it! We met dogs from three states, many of our friends drove long distances to attend and enjoy this special day. 
The crowning event of the day is the Great Ball Toss. All of us had to line up on the shore and wait while the official ball throwers put out the tennis balls. Some of the balls had numbers on them and if you retrieved a numbered ball, you received a prize. Then they counted down and released the retrievers. Mostly we did not care about the prizes, there were balls floating everywhere, we grabbed whatever was floating and headed back to shore with it. 
Below is a photo of me with my prizes. I found two numbered balls and I even got all the way to shore with them, then I handed them over to a human. They took the balls, exchanged them for gifts and I got to keep the gifts and the balls. I won a bag of treats, two bandannas for my neck and some note paper. I gave the note paper to the humans and I kept the treats. I may bury the bandannas before they make me wear them like some sissy dog. 
Attendance was down from prior years, we only had about 150-200 dogs, compared to 200-300 in prior years. This was mostly due to the cold day on Saturday and the heavy fog and clouds early on Sunday morning. The day started out cold and cloudy but by noon the sun was out and it was a wonderful day at the lake. I did get cold, I had been in the lake for over five hours, they made me stand on the shore in the warm sun for a while after toweling me off. Then I went back in for a final romp. When I came to shore, I went looking for the keys to the car, I was ready to find a good place to nap. It seems funny to be happy writing a sad blog. It seems strange to be sad while writing a happy blog. So I don't know how to feel about this blog. You see, Muffin went to her new forever home today. She had become so much a part of our life that we did not really think about losing her. We knew she had to find a forever home soon, she was 10 years old and she had to enjoy some good years with her new family while she could. We are happy to report that Muffin went to the picnic with us today, she met four different possible family's there. She spent time with each one. We don't think there was a single time during the day that Muffin was not getting attention from someone. People came by and introduced themselves then stopped to pet and love Muffin for a while.
When it came time to go home, she went with a very nice couple. She had to meet their two resident goldens first to see if they were compatible, but they passed the test. Muffin will share a home with two older goldens, she won't have to worry about a puppy pulling her ears or stealing her toys. She will have a loving home, quiet and caring. Shortly after we arrived home we had a telephone call from the new family, they wanted to know what type of bed Muffin would prefer. Now that is a home that knows how to spoil a lady. The family are long time Golden Retriever Rescue supporters, they like to help older dogs enjoy their golden years in style.
We helped Muffin look for a forever home, but the reality of her leaving is only now slowly sinking in. We will miss Muffin, she was truly a queen. But we have a feeling they will keep us updated on her progress and her life. We are sad she is gone, but we are overjoyed that she will be living with people that care for her, appreciate her and will love her. Muffin will truly have a few golden years ahead of her. Meanwhile, there are two other abandoned Golden's walking on concrete and living behind chain link tonight, we should pick them up tomorrow and give them a home until we can place them permanently. That is what rescue is all about, we have to give up a wonderful friend in order to help two Golden's that are in need of someone to rescue them, evaluate them and help them on to their new life as well.
The people that deserve a special mention are the ones who will take an older golden into their lives. They will have a very special friend, a mellow, mannered and loving older golden. But they also know they will face the pain of loss soon, there is a balance, it is a wonderful time in their lives and it is more than worth the pain of loss that inevitably will follow. Thank you for what you do for these senior citizens.
I will write about the picnic at the lake and post some photos later, but we thought the news about Muffin was pretty special and deserved its own blog.
Mogley G. Retriever
As you can see from the above photos, I was given a brand new toy. Even with a new toy, life is boring. I miss Kiwi. Without my friend, Kiwi, I only have Bella to play with and she only plays when she wants to play. We love taking care of fosters, we love helping them find new forever homes, but sometimes when they leave we feel really sad.
Since Kiwi left, it has been too quiet around here. Bella and I miss the good times we had playing with Kiwi. No disrespect to Muffin, she is a wonderful foster also, but she does not play very much. She is too busy following the nearest human around. They call her Velcro Dog, She sticks to them. Our mission is accomplished, at least partly. Today we took Kiwi to meet a possible new home and it was such a good fit for her that we left her. The person had lost his older golden and his four year old golden was suffering from a case of lonely. Griff was his name, and he was a very nice, mellow golden. Kiwi and Griff were a good match. First we all went for a walk together, then we let them hang out in the yard for an hour to make sure they were going to be friends. All their Golden's have been from Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, so we knew them and we were comfortable leaving Kiwi with his new home.
What makes it strange is that when they were looking for a new companion, a name had already been settled on, Kiwi. That is right, they were looking for a dog and intended to rename it Kiwi. In addition, Kiwi looked so much like the dog he had recently lost that it was an instant match.
Kiwi was on her good behaviour, she came when called, sat on command and showed herself off. She received lots of attention and since he works from home, there will always be a hand available to pet a golden head. Another golden lives next door and there are frequent play dates. It will be a happy life for Kiwi and Griff.
We are so happy to see Kiwi get a stable home with someone that will invest the time in Kiwi to make her a member of his family.
Mogley G. Retriever
The above picture of me was taken at last year's picnic. By the end of the day I was so tired I found my human and asked him to open the car door so I could climb in and rest. I was too tired to swim any more, I just wanted to lie down and sleep. Bella was not tired, she spent her day patrolling the food tent for dropped morsels.
Above, another photo from last years Reunion Picnic. If we could piece together all of the photos from along the long beach, you could count the happy dogs. I wonder if there is a place in the Guinness book of records for "The most happy Retrievers In one place at one time"?Kiwi has a terrible fear of cars. She went for five car rides in which she was abandoned in a shelter. She is afraid to get into a car for fear she will lose her home again and end up behind chain link, lonely and frightened again.
But we can't go to the dog park, the pet food store or even the ice cream place without getting into the car. We have been enticing Kiwi into the car with us. When Bella, Muffin and I run out the front door and jump in the car, Kiwi runs with us, then puts the breaks on at the door of the car. With a few treats and lots of urging from us, she finally climbs in. Then we drive around the block, back to the house and back into the house. Then we do it all again.
Then there is the problem with Kiwi coming when called. She is getting better about walking on the leash, sitting and staying, but she still thinks that "Come Kiwi" is a suggestion, not a command. So it is out back in the yard with dog treats and lots of attention to make Kiwi respond when called. The humans say this is a must before we go to the big picnic because there are no fences at the picnic, she has to stay close and come when called.
She is getting better about coming when called and getting into the car, we think she can go to the big picnic next week if she continues to improve. Otherwise she is going to feel very bad if she gets left home while we go romp with the Goldens.
Mogley G. Retriever
Below, two photos from last years Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies Reunion Picnic.
Below, I am on the left, then Kiwi with Bella on the right.
Photo proof that Kiwi is riding in a car. Without shaking or trying to run away. Kiwi has been a major problem to get into a car. She has fought so hard that the humans finally gave up and just left her home. They started working to get Kiwi excited about rides. Slowly they have worked her into the car using us as bait. With us in the car, Kiwi was concerned about being left behind. They gave us treats in the car with the door open. Then they left Kiwi behind while we drove off with us hanging out the window. Kiwi finally decided her fear of cars was less than her fear of being left behind and she began climbing in on her own. So now we get rides around the block just for practice.
Kiwi is joining in and playing with us in our wrestling and romping. Kiwi is a very good mouth wrestler, she can put up a good fight. Kiwi also is playing fetch. She is good at fetching, she is a little hesitant about dropping, she is afraid we will take it away before the human can throw it for her. She is right, we will steal it if we get the chance.With Sarah happily in a new forever home, we are focusing on finding forever homes for Kiwi and Rusty Muffin.
Muffin had her surgery on Wednesday. She had two fatty tumors removed and had a growth on her eye lid removed. The eye is doing well and she is leaving her stitches alone so they are healing well. Muffin is ready to go to a new home now, she is in good health and good spirits. Muffin is such a wonderful lady, she is a lover and a gentle companion. She went for a walk with us yesterday and did very well. She is ready to bring Golden Love to a needy family. If your home is short of love, we can offer you 70 pounds of it in one easy to care for package.
Kiwi had a home visit yesterday. Because she is so frightened of car rides, we thought it would be better for family's to visit her here. She got along well with them and their other Golden, Sam. They still have to visit another homeless Golden, then they can make a decision. Kiwi needs a home where someone cares enough to train and work with her. She is very well housebroken, but she does not come well yet. She is sitting great because of the regular treats she has to sit for. She has car fear from being dropped off by her owner. We worked with her on just playing around a car with open doors, that did relax her a little. Soon it will be behind her and she will be riding with her head out the window and ears flapping in the breeze.
Cross your paws and hope we find homes soon for Muffin and Kiwi.
Meanwhile, we need to remind all of our readers about the big swim party coming up on September 13th. The annual Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies Reunion Ruckus (GRRRRR) on the lake is coming up fast. If you have never seen over 200 wet Golden Retrievers playing fetch with 300 tennis balls in a lake, you have missed something special. Our picnic with all of the wet and swimming dogs is a wonderful time. Lots of food, lots of old friends, and a lake full of tennis balls. Last year we had alumni that traveled in from four states just to play with old friends and fetch tennis balls. Some of the tennis balls have numbers on them and represent prizes to make it more interesting. What more could anyone ask? If your grin muscles are not hurting by the days end, you need professional help.
Mogley G. Retriever
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