Adopted
Murray... “He’s well bred,” said the vet. “With a solid rear end and nice
teeth.” Murray is a long, lean red fellow with a big head and a bigger heart. He
loves all creatures, great and small— people, kids, dogs, cats, even armadillos.
He was found running stray on August 31 and taken to the shelter, and then made
his way to GRR just one week later.
Murray has such a sunny disposition! If a big dog barks in his face, trying to
start something, his only reaction is to stop wagging his tail. While
submissive—he lies right down on his side at just a touch—he has an outgoing
personality and strong opinions on food, attention, and cars. I suspect his old
diet consisted primarily of people food, because he shows a lack of enthusiasm
for his kibble and even for canned food (!), but has come around to eating it.
However, whatever his people are eating is so much more interesting. Yes, he’s a
bit of a beggar, but is gradually improving in this category, because the payoff
just isn’t coming.
Murray is a leaner, a nudger, a chronic attention-getter. But not a jumper,
licker, or barker. The word “Enough!” will temporarily put an end to his pleas
for attention when you’ve had all the dog love you can stand. He could outlast
anyone in this category if given the opportunity!
As cooperative and willing to please as he is, Murray doesn’t like to ride in
the car. I suspect he was “driven off and dumped” or only taken on trips that
were no fun at all. It takes two to lift him in, but we’re working on luring him
with treats (he’s very treat-oriented!) and I expect this to improve with time
and positive travels.
More Murray facts:
* He shows signs of having had some sporadic training: knows COME and SIT, but
acted like he’d never seen a leash.
* He’s not a couch potato, but can settle in for long, serious naps.
* He seems much younger than his estimated age (perhaps prematurely gray?)
* He thrives on his morning walks, and likes to do a little “jogging.”
* He shows no fear of thunderstorms.
* He’s never had an accident in the house. In fact, his bladder is quite
amazing, and even if he’s been inside all day, is in no big hurry to rush out
and “go.”
* He sheds less than any Golden I’ve ever seen.
* He often wants to party at bedtime, but sleeps like a rock by our bed once he
settles down—and he never wakes us up early. He doesn’t snore.
* He’s a very good fetcher/retriever.
8 Most important—HE’S A LOVER, and I suspect he’d blend in beautifully with
almost any family (with or without kids, with or without other pets) who would
love him back and love him lots.
Murray-the-furry is irresistible!