Louie: Look out for that tail!

During the October spay/neuter clinic two Golden mix dogs came in with hard-luck stories, Louie and Rufus (see post from yesterday). Poor Louie has lived on the streets of one of the villages. We tried to catch him on many occasions. When we park to shuttle animals to the clinic, we leave kibble for the dogs. He would come to every shuttle pickup site to hungrily eat, but he would run off. Finally, Heather and Jayson were able to catch him and RAGOM (Retrieve A Golden Of Minnesota) took him into foster care!

RAGOM FOSTER WRITES:
We have had Louie for over two weeks now, and have come to know him better. For one thing, he is not good with cats. He chases cats and squirrels, and loves to spend his day sitting in the backyard looking in the trees for squirrels. 

He lets me know he needs to go out by coming to me and doing a happy dance while panting. He is just starting to learn his name and usually comes when asked, unless he is preoccupied with something else, like a squirrel. 

Initially, Louie was unsure about getting in the car, but now he knows it means a walk, so he is happy to oblige. He has started playing with our resident dog. Did well with the people at RAGOM's Meet and Greet in Duluth Petco, and spent quite a bit of time enjoying pets from two little girls, then started following them when they got up to leave.

Louie never jumps on people; he is a calm dog. Louie really charmed the vet -- he sat waiting for the vet to emerge from the back room to the exam room, and happily greeted him even though Louie had never met the vet before. 

Louie absolutely loves tummy rubs. Cocks his head when he is trying to understand something he hears or sees. Louie has been described as having the fastest wagging tail this side of the Mississippi, just check out the photos! Loves to be petted and brushed. Sleeps on a dog bed, but enjoys coming up on our bed in the evenings to relax and be petted.

Content sitting in the house and also enjoys walks. Not food motivated. Vet identified many broken and missing teeth (recommended extracting 3 teeth in the future), and previous cut to the side of his tongue indicating Louie sustained a severe trauma to the mouth at least 6 months ago or more; the molar teeth are all intact and look good. Vet commented on how Louie is trusting and very friendly.

11/22/2013:
Louie was adopted today! He is going to have a mom and dad all to himself, a deck to sit on and watch squirrels, and an official title of 'King Louie!" Lucky dog!