I simply can't say enough great things about sweet Buddy, and I've only had him about 18 hours! He likes to follow me around the house but will lay quietly at my feet while I'm working. Of course every so often he gets up, puts his head in my lap and reminds me that I REALLY should be petting him instead of working! He slept thru the night well, he has had no accidents in the house, he has stayed off the furniture (so far!) and has really been the perfect gentleman. He quickly learned to give my older Golden girl Molly her space and her toys whenever she wants them. Because he is respectful, Molly is starting to get used to him already - I've seen her giving him a little kiss! Per his surrendering family, he does not want to relieve himself while on a leash. This can be good in some ways...at least your neighbors won't witness him watering their prize rose bush while you are out on a walk! However, it may mean that he will need a fenced yard so he can do his business easily. I haven't had him long enough to verify this. I've taken him on one 20-minute leash walk and sure enough, he did not "go". We do have a fenced yard and he has done just fine here. He is one handsome gent with a touch of grey on his muzzle and long legs that prance when he walks. He will melt your heart!

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Buddy continues to be a great dog! On Saturday he had a few exciting experiences. We went to Petsmart and he did great. One couple ahead of me in line just couldn't get enough of him! He also met a small child and was very gentle (he does have a kid history so that's not a surprise...he lived with 5 kids in his previous home). Then Saturday night we visited a friend who has two young very energetic dogs. Their "in your face" style of play had him running to hide! So I would not recommend a home with young, very active pups. He is great with my 9-year old, Molly. He may have some food allergies, as he is on special food with no wheat, corn, etc. He does scratch once in a while, but his skin looks good so I don't think any allergy would be very severe. I have also learned that he does like to give you those big sad eyes when we are eating! Overall, he is still a perfect houseguest, a real cuddle bug and a great office assistant and footwarmer!

Buddy was moved from his temporary foster home to his permanent foster home -- and am I ever happy! We say we don't have perfect dogs, but I have one -- Buddy is absolutely PERFECT. He is move-in ready, housebroken, gentle, fun yet well-mannered, loves to cuddle and be petted, gets along well with all kids, dogs and I doubt that he would chase a cat. He is healthy, correct weight, comes when called (even if I call another dog my buddy, Buddy comes running -- loves that attention) doesn't chew, doesn't dig, easiest, sweetest best dog. I don't often adopt to families with toddlers because I worry that the children will get knocked over or worse. But with Buddy, he is the epitome of the Golden Retriever temperament, plus he lived (for five months) with a family of five children, two of which were three-year old twins. I don't think this guy could hurt a bug, he is soooo gentle. His only requirement is that he have a fenced-in yard. Buddy is too much the gentleman to do his bathroom duties on leash and needs a fenced-in yard for some privacy.

When he was surrendered to RAGOM, he came with food for dogs with allergies. I called the surrendering owner and she said that he doesn't have food allergies, was just a little itchy so they put him on this food. Since that phone call, we have been spoiling him (as we do all our dogs) with various treats, last night he got to share some leftover roast beef, potatoes and green beans and all is well. No food problems at all, so I will be transitioning him to a regular diet.

This boy is a winner. If you don't adopt him, you are missing out on a great friend.

Buddy went to his new home with Joan O'B yesterday. His new mom is retired and he will get all the attention all day long. He also will have a cousin dog to play with as their daughter also adopted Randy 04-371 from us a few months ago. My adult son said, "In the four years you have been fostering, Buddy is the best dog you have ever had." He is a gem. I'm happy for him.