ADOPTED

Linc...This is so cool! I’ve got to be the luckiest Golden Retriever in Texas. I spent my first 18 months at a house with two other old dogs who never left the yard—guess their exploring days were far behind! None of us got to go inside much; we spent most of our time outside. Someone said something about an “Invisible Fence,” and that may have made an impression on my two geriatric pals, but it didn’t matter to me—a little beeping noise and a slight shock, and then you’re out of the yard and can go anywhere you want! So the people got tired of my daily escapes and gave me to Gold Ribbon Rescue.

Here’s where it gets great. I’m living with two old Golden Retrievers again, but in THIS house, we get to stay inside all the time except when we go for walks, or swimming, or just have to go outside for bathroom chores. It’s air-conditioned, and there are soft beds to sleep on, and people to play with. Way cool, man!

Oh, yeah – my name was Link, but my new family calls me Lincoln, or Linc. They said it’s because I’m long and lanky. I AM tall, and I weigh 75 pounds already. And I like to eat, too, so I am still filling out. But if they want to call me Lincoln, that’s okay. I love being in the house with them and showing off how smart I am. Their dog, Sam, showed me how to get the newspaper from the end of the driveway and bring it into the kitchen in the morning. That’s when you get a morning dog biscuit and lots of “thank you’s.” It’s nice to have someone say what a good dog you are!

I had some allergies at my old place, and I still scratch myself and chew at my feet when they itch, but my foster mom is giving me some medicine from the vet and it doesn’t bother me as much now. Anyway, it’s great being with people who like to take care of me. I take care of them, too, by letting them pet me and by climbing into their laps so they don’t miss me too much when they watch TV. I sleep on a bed in their room all night long and never bother them until morning. They don’t even make me stay in a crate when they leave the house in the day anymore. I guess they trust I won’t eat their house! I did get into the closet and chew on some socks, so they close the door now. And I guess I couldn’t help myself the other day when my foster mom left lots of cheese (brie, cheddar, and gorgonzola) and salamis and roast beef on the kitchen table and left me to guard it for about five minutes. I felt like it was my duty to find out just what I was “guarding.” It tasted great! And I’m sorry I broke the nice plate when it fell off the table. My mom scolded me, and then she and dad both went out for dinner, and I didn’t get any other dinner. I don’t think she’ll let me guard the kitchen table any more!

I walk nice on a leash and don’t pull too much, and when I sometimes give a little growl to new dogs I meet, my foster family teaches me to have better manners. I’m learning. They say I’m very smart. Actually, I’m very nice when we meet those “little people” on our walks. They like me, and I like them too. My public relations department wags a lot when I meet new people on our walks. I would like to find a forever home with a family that likes to have lots of activities and lots of walks. I will be nice in a home with another dog, or even in a home where I get to be the only dog, although I haven’t actually been all alone anywhere yet. But I’m a confident and laid-back guy and I’ll fit in just about wherever I go!

Almost forgot to describe myself to you: I’m almost blond, but I have some tinges of red. I’m tall and lanky, like I said before, and my coat is still filling out. It’s nice and soft and I like to have it combed and petted. I like being the center of attention, so how about some attention from YOU?

Update from Linc’s foster family:
A great dog is getting even better! In just a few short weeks, Linc has improved his social skills unbelievably. He has gained immense confidence and we can almost see his wonderful sense of self. When he meets other dogs on walks, he wags his tail and greets them nicely—no insecurity, just a cheerful “pleased to meet you!” Linc has been a fantastic "baby sitter" for Jazz, the 11-week old Golden boy pup we began fostering a couple of weeks ago. Linc is gentle and helpful to the little guy, and it's fantastic to see the two of them play together. Bitey-face and tug-o-war with an old sock are favorite games, and we love to watch them tussle. When they’re ready for a break, they curl up and sleep side by side—or sometimes with Jazz on top of Linc! But Linc will be a great family dog with or without another dog in the house. And he loves children, especially 5- to 10-year-olds.

On the health front, we’re happy to report that a little fish oil and an antihistamine capsule in his meals have completely stopped his itching and skin irritations. He’s in great shape.

He IS a counter-surfer and would take food from an unattended table if left by himself in the presence of temptation (like a lot of Goldens and, let’s face it, a lot of PEOPLE we know!). But on the whole, he's wonderful in the house and leaves our furniture, shoes, clothes and other things alone. We don’t crate him when we’re gone and we don’t have any problems. He sleeps through the night without making a peep! He’s one hundred percent house-trained, too.

Linc likes to bring in the newspaper each morning and wait for his reward. Clever dog! He’s a lover boy and will climb up on your lap if you let him—he loves to be treated like a lap dog sometimes. He's laid back and active at the same time—that perfect combination that everybody wants. You won’t meet a nicer dog than this one!

 

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