Hero

Status: 
Adopted
Gender: 
Male
Positive for heartworms?: 
No
Extraordinary Golden Fund recipient?: 
Yes

GRR Number: 17-22

Type of Surrender: Owner Turn In to shelter

Status: Available

Age: 2

Weight: 43

Have you ever met a real life hero? Does it seem like you’ve been holding out for a hero for too long? Well, stand back and meet this young Golden, because he qualifies in all regards.  Just like the song says, he’s sure, he’s strong and he’s fast, and larger than life!  This boy has justly earned his name – HERO!  

Turned into the Laredo animal shelter, this boy was struggling to survive with a shattered femur bone (incorrectly partially healed), and a knee cap severely out of place.  Painfully awkward with limited mobility, Hero was saved by GRR volunteers and his heroism was just beginning.  Based on his injuries, Hero was evaluated and underwent multiple surgeries.  First up, clean out the scar tissue and then properly re-join his femur in place. This was followed by a 6 week healing period with movement limited to brief trips to the backyard and then immediately back into his crate. Oh, how he wanted to play with his canine buddies!

Next, he underwent a second surgery to re-position his knee cap so that he could properly move that leg – only to find that he had another 3 weeks of convalescence with limited mobility and the dreaded cone of shame! The long term limited movement was hard on Hero (he complained consistently) and on his fosters, but Hero never lost faith and dreamed of the day when he could romp with his foster brothers.  From the beginning of his ordeal to the end of his recovery, his foster mom kept singing to him “I’m holding out for a hero at the end of the night” and Hero took it to heart.  He absorbed all the pain, and he always showed appreciation for the care he received.

His foster mom kept coming up with creative strategies to keep his mind occupied, including  basic command training using that all-time favorite, bacon treats.  At long last, that day of freedom from the crate has now arrived and Hero is free at last!

Personality: Following his rehab, Hero’s vibrant personality is out in full force.  Months of forced inactivity have given way to lots of fun with his foster brothers.  Hero’s fosters knew he was smart from the start, and he is making up for lost time by exploring the house, backyard and memorizing every aspect of their daily routine.  Training continues, and he is confirming that he is one smart cookie because he “gets it” so quickly.  He has already learned to sit for food, for the occasional treat and to attach his leash for walks.  His home schooling is going so well, that his foster thinks that obedience school would be a great addition.  As a full energy two year old Golden, Hero is primed for action.   He was so ready to play with his brothers during his forced restriction that he showered them with attention and play invitations once he was free from the crate.  He just loves other dogs! His reaction to felines, on the other hand, was to invoke his chase instinct!

Hero now seems to be in excellent health following the repair of his leg, and has gained weight during his rehab.  As far as household manners, he has had zero accidents inside, now that he is free to roam around the house.  He is a sound sleeper at night, and an early riser in the morning.  His curiosity extended to the booming thunder during recent storms, but he was not afraid of the noise or lightning at all -  just curious.

Nowadays, when Hero looks in the mirror, he sees his heroes Dr. Matt O’Donnell and GRR fosters Jo and Ron Kautz smiling back at him. But he also sees you, and he’s sure, he’s strong, he’s fast, and larger than life!  Been waiting for your Hero? He’s here.

Ideal Home:    His ideal home would include one or more other canines and an active lifestyle of daily interaction with his two legged family members. His young Golden energy needs to be channeled through consistent training and one-on-one mentoring by his forever family.

To learn about the adoption process and complete an application, click here.   We do not guarantee the availability of the dog that you have expressed interest in as it may be matched to another waiting family.  However, there are always new dogs available as rescue is dynamic.  We appreciate your interest in adopting a rescued golden.

 

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