River

River, 8-year-old female

Only-dog home

I’m the great communicator! I’m so happy when I meet people that they sense I’m trying to “talk” to them in my own doggie way. Plus, I whimper, wag, and offer one of my stuffies. I also “say” thank you for my meals.

One reason I get so excited to see people is that I want to be petted so very badly. People don’t seem to be able to pet me all day long, but I sure wish they would. I lie next to foster mom as often as possible and follow her everywhere, yes, I mean everywhere, including the bathroom.

Next after people, and that includes foster mom’s 4-year-old grandson, my favorites include tennis balls, playing fetch, and belly rubs!Just so you know, I’m housebroken, I don’t go on the furniture, I can be home alone without being confined, and I don’t need a fenced-in yard. But for safety’s sake, it’s a good idea to have me on a leash in an unfenced area. I also know the commands sit, stay, come, and leave it.

I’ve lived with a couple of different families during my eight years. Even though I can communicate in some ways, it’s hard to explain how I can get along with lots of dogs but had a problem with two visiting small dogs at my previous home. I did go after them, my parents put their hands between us, and I accidentally bit one of them. Gosh I had no intention of hurting the people I loved.  I don’t react negatively to other dogs I meet! In fact, foster mom has observed that I seem to get worried when the dogs next door bark or look hard at me through the fence; I then come running to mom for protection. In fact, foster mom gave me a little “test” using another golden. She had us a few feet away from each other—I didn’t care! Seriously I was more interested in getting petted by foster mom! Still, it’s recommended that I be the only dog in the house as I can sometimes do growly talk if I think other dogs might steal water or food out of my bowls.

Speaking of food bowls, I am over overweight by about 30 pounds. I was overweight when my last owners adopted me. They told As Good as Gold they didn’t feed me much and were giving me senior food. As Good as Gold had my thyroid checked and that was normal. Perhaps if my new family would watch what they feed me, take me on regular walks (I walk nicely) and play fetch with me I could become a svelte and even healthier lady!

I’ve been described as spunky, “as sweet as can be,” gentle, and loving.

Let’s talk . . .