Tate

Update 11/13/08:

It’s been almost one full year since GRR collected Tate from the shelter, but we’re still sure that the right forever home is out there for him somewhere. He’s doing really well in foster care:

Tate is bright and anxious to please. He can be excitable, but on the whole he’s a very calm guy. He was nervous for a long time, but I’ve learned how to get ahead of that and control it. He’s really a sweet dog.

He’s very reliable on the housebreaking front, and when nobody is home he’s just fine loose in the house with our other two Goldens. He’s a wonderful car rider and walks well on lead, especially if kept in the heel position. (I walk him with a flat collar; Gentle Leaders for the other two.) Loves swimming and is a champion diver. He’s unruffled during thunderstorms and very relaxed indoors overall; just likes to hang out. Adores grooming, though he’s sensitive about his feet.

One special skill—he can tell time! If meals are late, he will definitely let you know.

Tate doesn’t demand a lot of attention, but he loves to be around people. I think he’d be ideal for a retired person. The more time you can spend with him, the happier he is—and he’s a great companion.
 

Introducing Tate—aka Tater Tot and Sweet Tater. He’s the liveliest, most alert 7-year-old you'll ever see, with a lovely, kinky, and ultrasoft red coat.

Losing a loving home, where he had reigned supreme in his own backyard with a private dog house, was an unsettling experience. Middle-aged dogs can learn new tricks, though, and Tate very quckly decided that a cozy indoor life (with nights spent sleeping in the bedroom!) isn't at all a bad. Learning to take turns with two other Goldens for food, treats, and attention took a little longer, and completely relaxing into his new environment longer still—but he’s settled and comfortable now.

When Tate first arrived, we crated him at certain times, and he took to that very easily—but he’s proven to be quite reliable in the house, except for occasional irresistible impulses to investigate countertops and the trash bin.  He quickly learned to accept a Gentle Leader and now trots happily and comfortably by our side for long walks. He loves being bathed, although we're told that manicures are not his favorite! He knows the basic commands, but still needs practice in holding them. The hardest one to obey, for understandable reasons, is "Puppies out of the kitchen." He's bright and very communicative: if the water bowl is empty, or he needs to go out, or it's within  5 minutes of mealtime, he's very quick to tell you. He does retrieve, but his favorite pastime, aside from lying curled up near you, is chewing (nylabones and toys only, luckily).

Tate is ready to move on into a new, forever home. If you're looking for a sweet, reliable Golden guaranteed to adore you, he may well be your guy.