ADOPTED

Mulligan... One morning in late June, early arrivals to a local golf course found an unusual “mermaid” taking a leisurely swim in the pond: a very large Golden Retriever! Persuaded to emerge from the water, the super-sized bathing beauty rode back to the clubhouse in a golf cart, and then headed to the shelter. Aptly named “Mulligan,” the friendly boy waited there for 2 weeks—but no one claimed our Mully, so off to GRR he went.

One first impression of this loving boy is his size: Mulligan weighed in at 120 pounds! That’s about 40 pounds heavier than he should be, so needless to say he is now on diet-and-exercise plan. He has grayed prematurely, but don’t let his pale-blonde face fool you: two veterinarians have both estimated Mulligan to be just 5 years of age at the most.

Mulligan is a funny boy who makes “moose” noises when he stretches or rolls on his back to give himself a back rub. It is enough to make anyone in earshot burst out laughing. He loves to go for walks and is very well behaved on the leash, strolling along with a loose leash. When the leash comes out, Mulligan walks over and politely sits while waiting to be leashed. He adores a good scratch behind the ears, and when you scratch his neck, his back leg gets to thumping. Mulligan is perfectly housebroken – not one accident! He knows “sit.” He likes to chase a ball or foam football, but prefers a good swim!

Mulligan gets along well with other large dogs and cats, although some good introductions between him and any cats will set a good policy for behavior. A basket on the floor full of dog toys is the only thing that Mulligan has gotten into. He hasn't even looked twice at any of the flip flops strewed about on the floors! He is most happy when someone is petting him, and every now and then, Mulligan will walk up and give you a gentle “bump” with his head to get a reassuring pat. Then off he goes to play with another toy!

Mulligan will do best in a home that will provide him a lot of love, companionship, exercise, and dietary restrictions. Although his weight is on the way down, Mulligan is still very large and needs to continue on a strict diet, along with walking and playing, to shed those pounds. He will do fine with kids, but since he is so big, slightly larger or older kids would perhaps be a better fit than toddlers. Mully will provide someone a lot of smiles and joy! He is a funny, smiley, happy boy who is anxious to find his forever family!

Update 08/16/05:

Mighty Mr. Mulligan - our adorable gentle giant! Since he's been with us, we've learned quite a few things about this sweet, loving guy. By the way, Mulligan has lost 15 pounds and is becoming friskier and happier each day! He also now comes when called. In Letterman style, here's Mulligan's top 10 favorite things list:

10) Morning alarm clock going off for the morning walk. When Mully hears it, he gets up and waits by the side of the bed until your feet hit the floor with his tail wagging and thumping against our wall. He tries so hard to be patient, and peeking out of one eyeball, you'll witness one very big goofy grin and front paws marching up and down in place. Hmmm, was this a bad routine to get in? Actually, if you sleep in on a weekend and no alarm goes off, Mully respects your “zzz” time.
9) Fuzzy toys and kongs filled with treats (okay, so they're reduced fat treats).
8) Snuggling—preferably with you on the floor with him as you watch TV so he can spawl out with his head in your lap. If you get absorbed in your show and forget to give him a pat, he’ll remind you :)
7) Mealtime. If you find that all of a sudden he is walking around as your shadow, and you find yourself wondering why, check that you haven’t forgotten to feed him. He reminded me one morning when I almost left for work without giving him breakfast! He is a respectful eater in our house and has never tried to get into Tucker’s food bowl. Mulligan might or might not taste his food; we're not sure, as he kind of inhales it! After he’s done, he prances about the house with a big smile on his face.
6) Bounding around with other dogs in a park. He is great with big dogs, but with little dogs he should be monitored because he doesn’t realize his size.
5) Catching a tennis ball in the air after you bounce it on the ground.
4) Getting scratched on the sides of his head, belly, top of his head, okay, really anywhere.
3) More snuggling.
2) People, especially kids! When we’re out in the parks and neighborhood and encounter children, Mulligan gravitates toward the kids every time. We first thought he would do best only with older kids, but after observing him with very young children, we can say he is great with any age. With toddlers, he walks up to them and sits or stands still so he can soak up all the pets and hugs he can get. What a gentle, giant love bug!
1) To love a family with all of his wonderful and gigantic big heart and to be loved in return.

Update 07/06/06:

When we first brought Mulligan home, he walked around for a few minutes and then lay right down like he owned the place.  If we left, he would be howling when we returned… afraid he had been abandoned again.  But now, he knows the routine.  We go for a walk around the neighborhood every morning before work.  Then he settles right down on his big pillow until we return.  He made friends with our cats, though we did have to make a special inside cat door so he can’t get to their food or litter box!  Mulligan is truly a gentle giant, and he follows me around the house no matter WHERE I am.  He sleeps right by my bed and is a great watchdog.  Every child in the neighborhood knows his name and waits for us to stop and say hello.  He has lost a little bit more weight since we got him, but many more inches.  He eats his meals in just over a minute flat.  He loves almost every raw vegetable there is.  He is well-trained and polite on his leash, and he loves to be combed and groomed.  We took him on a road trip to Dallas this weekend, and he did great.   Born to ride!  People says he is huge, but to us, he is just … Mulligan! 

Carol and Erin Casey

P.S.  When I got home from work today, Mulligan had found a whole loaf of bread that had been left open on the counter.  Needless to say, all I found was a plastic wrapper in the living room.  He likes that Honey Wheat!

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