You know how sometimes
you first meet a new Golden, and you immediately decide he
is a great dog? Well that was how we felt when we first met 8 year
old Shelby. He was very excited to see us, and went straight to his tennis
balls in hopes of a game of fetch, although I think he knew we were only
visiting for a short time. After a
few
ball tosses, he came over and laid down on the ground for a belly rub. This
prompted our one year old to take a spin at crawling across his
belly. Honestly, with unfamiliar dogs, even Goldens, I am resistant to
letting her be so "friendly" until we know them better. However, in Shelby's
case, I watched how he sort of smiled as she put the whole of her 23 lbs on
his body and slid across the other side, using one floppy, soft ear as a
handle.
Shelby was originally an
indoor dog, and later became an outdoor dog because he is
thunderstorm phobic. While at his owner's, he would try and "find someplace
to hide" by jumping into the bathtub or crawling into spaces not designed
for his 90 pounds. This prompted the owners to move him to his more recent
outside status. They did inform us that he does okay with thunderstorms, as
long as he is near you, and you pet him or rub his belly.
If thunderstorm
phobia is his only fault, I consider whomever adopts him quite
lucky. He is housebroken, affectionate, silly, loves to play, and gets along
fantastic with other dogs and people. We have a sometimes moody 4 year old
GR male named Sherman, and every time Sherman looks crossly at Shelby,
Shelby simply chooses to ignore him and carry on with his activities. He
lays at our feet, following us a good part of the day, alternating between
hoping for snacks, a game of fetch, or just a "hey there good boy".
He has
a nice amount of energy for an 8 year old. I believe this is based on
his strong need to please. He has been out on a few walks with us already,
and as you know, it isn't exactly Juneau here right now....yet he trots
along, keeping ahead of us, excited for the opportunity of a nice stroll
with his new canine and people companions.
It didn't take him long
to figure out the highchair, and its many benefits. He waits patiently
underneath during all snacks and mealtimes, although he does not
counter/highchair surf. He does do a little staring though when you eat, a
la Eddie from Frasier. I have a feeling that he has promised the baby a few
doggy-back rides in exchange for some hot dog remnants, seeing as lately she
has been finishing every morsel of food on her tray.
Overall,
this guy is a keeper. Thunderstorm phobia can be controlled and he c an
be comforted, I'm certain of it. He will someday soon make some family or
person very happy, and likewise I'm sure.
View Pictures
Here
Shelby