Kelby #03-118

(Fostered in Twin Cities Metro Area)

Kelby is, obviously, not a purebred golden.  In fact, he isn't really a golden at all.  But RAGOM recently helped a couple of goldens gain their freedom from a puppy mill and there was a golden lab there with two black puppies.  Kelby and his brother Dudley 03-121 are now honorary goldens.  Kelby's fur may look and feel different than most of the dogs we are used to having, but, like his fellow rescues, Kelby is all gold inside!

Silky soft ears and coat, stroking Kelby is pure heaven. For about one day, it was obvious that Kelby was a scared puppy-mill pup. That all changed on day two, today - when Kelby has been acting pure puppy - running and jumping around, chewing on his toys, and romping around the creek. He is intelligent, seems to like other young dogs, understands "no" and has only had a few wet accidents indoors.

The only thing he doesn't like is passing through doors! We literally have to carry him in and out of doors, which we cannot understand. Once he is inside or outside however he is fine - just the transition that bothers him. He is playful with my Shepherd resident dog, always wanting to be closer by him or keep him in sight.

Tomorrow: vet visit, and more updates.

UPDATES:

5/27/03:  Kelby has learned to mix well with people and the resident dog. He is learning his commands, and is 95% house-trained. He has a positive attitude, and realizes how much fun he can have as a puppy. He does not have a nervous disposition at all, and sat merrily outside when there were some loud city noises. He spent Memorial day at a temporary foster home (thanks Hodges family!) and we heard he was very well behaved even in a new environment. Kelby is incredibly patient and loving. His future family will adore him to pieces.

5/18/03:  Kelby has fully settled into being a healthy, happy puppy. He has sprung back to life. He is full of energy, and plays with us and the resident dog all day. He slides around on our hardwood floors, comfortably climbs up and down stairs, has a voracious appetite, and loves to fetch a tennis ball. We have had fewer and fewer accidents all week, so there is definite improvement in the house-breaking department too.

When we go walking by the creek, he does not splash into the water, which I found surprising, expecting him to love it. He loves other dogs, and got quiet when a neighbor's dog barked at him - he just went and lay down quietly, the first time I've seen him be quiet around another dog.

Kelby would do really well in a home with another dog(s), he is a a pure delight to have around.

5/12/03:  Kelby and I visited the vet today, and he was kitted out with all of his shots. He also received an (almost) clean bill of health: no worms, no fleas, vital organs appear to be in order. We began his seasonal heartworm pill today too. The inside of his ears are a little grubby, so we'll be cleaning them a few times a week.

Kelby acted like a superstar today - a real day of firsts: he waddled up a whole flight of stairs, jumped out of my car (we've been carrying the little prince in and out up till now) and drank lots of water without prompting (we had to encourage him yesterday). We also went for a walk on this beautiful evening, and he is amazing on the leash, better behaved than my 7-year old Shepherd! He does like to chase moving things, such as bicycles, roller-bladers, and other small puppies.

So far, so good!