Thomas

Update: 01/11/10

Gorgeous T-Bone is still looking for that forever home! Meanwhile,  he has truly been one of the easiest fosters we've had.   We took him to my mother's for Christmas & he got along with all the people & other dogs & behaved beautifully.

It’s been great to see him getting more confident . When we first got him,  he was anxious,  afraid to go outside,  in the car,  on walks, etc. He is still a bit cautious, but it has made him easy to train.   He always comes when I call him,  sits,  and stays beautifully.   He is no longer afraid of getting in the car but still pulls a bit on walks when other dogs are barking.   He doesn’t bark back, but it does agitate him a little, so he walks faster.

We don’t kennel him.  He’s only chewed up one pillow but nothing else & no accidents! And overall, he’s really calm in the house (well, all right, there WAS a broken lamp after a wild romp the other night!). He does love sleeping on our couch.  He has a nice bed but prefers the couch—it’s where he loves to sit & watch everyone's activities.   That is not a good thing if potential owners don’t want a dog on the furniture.  But we consider dog hair on our clothes an accessory!  

He still has the funny habit of snapping/chomping his jaws... repeatedly.   His teeth click and it is almost like he trying to talk.  There’s no aggression behind it. Our Scout does it too! It seems to happen when they want the ball, want you to play,  see a squirrel or deer,   want to go out, etc . Our dog had almost stopped "chomping," but then Thomas came to us with this behavior & now they are both chomping away,  in stereo!

T-bone is a young dog & still needs reminders about his manners.  His new family should be ready to work with him on commands & behavior.  He knows our dog is the alpha in the house & respects that. That would be the first thing the new family would need to establish with him—because once he knows you’re the boss, he can relax and let someone else make all the decisions, which is what he definitely prefers. He is such a sweet, gentle guy.  Our best gauge of a foster's temperament is our own dog, Scout—if Scout doesn't warm up to the new guy after a few days,  then we know we might have a problem.  No such worries with T-Bone: he and Scout have been best buddies from the start. He has growled at Scout when he (T-Bone) has a toy he doesn’t want to give up, but it’s never gone any farther than a little grumble. And if a person tells him to drop something,  he does—and then usually rolls over.   A total marshmallow!

Nicknamed T-Bone, this wavy-haired youngster is one handsome hunk! Along with his friend Emily (who has already found her adoptive home), he was dropped off at the shelter by owners who found they didn’t have enough time for two busy young Goldens. “They’re digging up the yard and not getting enough play time.”

Thomas hadn’t ever lived indoors or seen much of the world, so he’s still a little timid with anything new. He’s getting used to household sounds, cars going by, dogs barking at him on walks (he just ignores them),  and all the rest. But though he may have been a yard boy, I've been really impressed at his indoor manners! He hasn’t had any accidents.   He loves  being able to follow us around and is always ready for a head rub, treat, or just a “good boy.”    He hasn’t tried to jump up (well, OK, he does jump just a little when he wants a treat),  doesn’t mind going outside to play,  and loves to lick.   He always likes to give me a big kiss whenever my face is near his. 

He pulls some on his leash… he likes to smell everything. As for retrieving…  YES!!!! He loves balls & brings them back, too. He’s great to play with. He already sleeps all night long, either on his bed or in the kitchen.

T-Bone is healthy as can be. At 88 pounds, he could stand to lose just a couple of pounds, but this guy is BIG! He is pretty calm for a one-year-old.   We make sure he gets plenty of exercise, but he is happy to stretch out on his bed--even during the day--& have a long nap.

T-bone likes to “chomp” – he snaps his jaws together. He is not being aggressive --  it’s almost like he is trying to talk! He will need a home with owners who have some experience with dogs.   He will flourish with additional leash & basic obedience training.   Overall, he's a beautiful, healthy,  smart, fun dog  & very adoptable!