Adopted Dogs · Happy Endings · Rainbow Bridge Memorials
Sponsored by:
The H Family (in loving memory of Ada Mae)
Peggy Moriarity
Rhonda Von Mosch
With the new year quickly approaching, it is only fitting that Ranger should have a new web page! To give you a quick update on Ranger's background: Ranger came to RAGOM in May, 2007. My original impression of him was "sweet, outgoing, loving, kissing, wanna play, good manners and I'll whine when I have to go out kinda guy" and that has not changed one bit! He is a terrific dog who is a joy to have around.
Ranger arrived with hip dysplasia and immediately had surgery on the right hip. It has since been determined by the veterinary clinic that surgery on the other hip is not needed at this time, and may never be needed (see below for input from an owner who had a dog with a similar problem). Ranger is doing absolutely GReat! No health problems - no mobility problems - he loves all people, children, dogs, and cats!
Plays and gets along with ALL dogs! | |
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A cat can be his best friend! | |
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Very intelligent... very focused... eager to learn... ready to please! | |
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A note from one of Ranger's newest fans |
| In the course of other rescue business, I had the good fortune to get to meet Ranger last Saturday. I was surprised to learn how long he had been in foster care, still waiting for his forever home! If the words "hip dysplasia" are causing any potential homes to pass this boy by, they're missing out on a gem of a dog! Years ago I adopted a golden puppy who I named Ripley. At five months he was diagnosed with severe bilateral hip dysplasia and he had hip shelf arthroplasty on both hips at six months old. I never regretted it for a second, and he had a long, active, healthy, pain-free life until hemangiosarcoma (a catastrophic vascular cancer) took him from us at age 13, a year ago this week. Ripley completed his AKC Companion Dog title, served as a Therapy Dog for many years, and never missed a chance to go hiking or to the lake. Ranger can expect a long, active, wonderful life, too! I understand RAGOM has already had surgery on one of his hips, and that the consensus is that he may never even NEED surgery on the other hip. He is very lean and active, keeping that muscle tone up and unnecessary weight off. He is sweet and playful and loving, and just about as much fun as a golden can be (and that's saying a LOT!). He played great with his young foster brother and a young guest dog, and was attentive yet respectful of the older resident dog. I KNOW if someone is willing to take a chance on Ranger, they will never be disappointed. Keep him trim and in good shape, and put him on a high quality joint support supplement (which, if you have ANY golden, you should be doing anyway) and enjoy him! With our goldens, as much as we love them, we never know what their orthopedic future may hold. Sadly, that risk is part and parcel with the breed, along with other health conditions, such as the hemangiosarcoma that claimed my Ripley. But hip dysplasia wasn't a big issue in Ripley's life, and it doesn't have to be in Ranger's either! One hip is "overhauled" and ready to go, and the other may be fine forever with the right nutrition and exercise. But don't miss out on a great dog because you're concerned about what MIGHT happen someday! |
Another testimonial! |
| Mason, Zach and I had the pleasure of having Ranger as a houseguest for a long weekend. And it truly was a pleasure! First of all, he is absolutely adorable, just this tall, lanky, adolescent-looking, happy guy who loves to play with other dogs, toys, and fetch a ball, but is also incredibly well-behaved in the house! I know his foster mom has mentioned how well-behaved he is for a ONE YEAR OLD, but I'm here to tell you that she really means it! I also have a 1 year old Ragom boy, Zach (06-487), and he and Ranger hit it off SO well, they are seriously like two peas in a pod. Except that Ranger doesn't chew rugs, shoes, towels, and other household items... (ahem), so I was hoping he would teach Zach a thing or two about "inside" behavior. Well, at least he kept him busy during the first couple of rainy days, so Zach didn't have time to get into trouble... and eventually they managed to tire each other out. Even my 3 yr old GR, Mason, loved Ranger, which is saying a lot. Mason can be discriminating with his doggie friends, and I'm happy to say that Ranger passed his test with flying colors. Ranger brought me to the RAGOM Chuck and Don's event on Saturday and had a ball meeting and greeting both people and dogs. His only downfall with other dogs (which my 1 year old shares) is that he can come on a little strong at first. He is SO friendly and playful, and so sure that every other dog will love him and want to play with him, that he is sometimes a little too "in their face", and thus received a few growls on Saturday. Overall, he's a really well socialized young guy, so I think this is something he will learn as he matures, and realizes that not all dogs will love him right off the bat as much as he loves them. I am really not sure why this handsome, GReat young guy is still in foster care. I know he's got hip dysplasia, and with it comes the potential for more problems down the road, but for now his right leg has recovered very well from the surgery, and he showed no evidence of limping or pain, even after several days of hard-core running, jumping and playing! I'd say this guy is a diamond in the rough, and the family who is willing to overlook his "imperfect" hips, will be very lucky indeed! I know I'd welcome Ranger back here anytime... the door is always open for you Mr. Ranger Rover! |
Please note: you can read all the original updates on Ranger, from his arrival at his RAGOM foster home in May 2007 until November 14, 2007.
This new web page gives me an opportunity to once again thank Ranger's sponsors:
- The H Family, in loving memory of Ada Mae
- Peggy Moriarity
- Rhonda Von Mosch
Your wonderful support makes it possible for us to help this fantastic dog!
Holiday greetings to Ranger's sponsors, Ada Mae's family, Rhonda and Peggy. Hope you got your shopping done, I haven't even started:)
I would like to thank Rhonda for the cool, soft, unique squeaking hedgehog she sent to Ranger. He is so enamoured with it, but is only allowed to play fetch in the house with us. We do let him 'chew' a bit, but if left alone it would be de-stuffed in 5 minutes. Also, thank you for the joint treats, Ranger can use all the help he can get.
We've been busy with painting, playing, cleaning, well you get the picture. Our daughter and boy friend were home for a long week end last week and so it was full house with her friends and her friends pugs, Summer and Templeton. Ranger loved them and played nicely with them. They were a riot to watch running around in the yard. Just when Ranger thought he would gain on them, they would turn and chase him. Lake was over for a while so it was really busy with dogs and people, just like we love it.
Ranger loves the snow, but the snow isn't really kind to him. He has been a bit 'off' and quiet for himself. I have been keeping a close eye on him and have discovered his right rear (surgery side) paw doesn't do well in the snow for too long a period. Tonight we were out for maybe 10 minutes and he had his hind legs up in the air and one front paw....balancing on one paw. I think his cold tolerance is a bit low and boots may be the answer. I think the cold may be bothering his hip a bit and it's slowing him down. He likes to nap a bit more:)
Ranger has been very good with our temp foster, Sloan 07-665. Where Ranger goes, Sloan goes. Jake is a bit of a grumpy old man when it comes to new dogs and especially new and friendly dogs. But Sloan is so happy to be with the pack, and without Ranger it would have been more difficult for Sloan to adjust so quickly. As always Ranger was the perfect host showing him the how -to's of going in and out, running in the snow, playing tug, wrestling and how to get your treat eaten before he helps finish it off.
Ranger is, as always, a joy to have around, always ready and up for a game of tug, playing, going for a car ride, you name it. He is just starting to test the powers that be.....like if he's outside and I want him to come in, he will stand and stare at me, plop down and then just wait. I have learned to wait him out, and with a firm 'come' he gives in and trots in.
Nothing too exciting per se, just enjoying the weather when it's a bit warmer, and having short time outs when it's really cold. So from all of us, stay warm, and remember Ranger wouldn't mind spending his Christmas with his forever family:)
Foster Mom
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| Hi Ranger-Man!!! This is Darwin, formerly your foster-brother Bushido! I just saw your new pictures on the website, and HEY, I gots a hedgeyhoggie JUST like yours!!!!!! I'm not allowed to un-stuff mine, either. Today I went to work with Mom. They messed with my butt AGAIN, but my anal glands were fine. They also cutted off my toes. OK, they trimmed my nails, but you know how that goes. I'd rather they didn't. I almost caught a cat, but he got away. I get the BEST food!!!! It's MEAT! LOTS of meat! Right off the critter, it seems like! And little doggie crunchies, and some good fishy stuff, and some powder that tastes like the inside of cows, and sometimes raw eggs or yogurt. I get an extra-big bowl, but I eat faster than ANY of my brothers, and my Mom didn't think ANY DOGGIE could eat faster than Ozark! I'm TOTALLY with you on the snow thing. It's fun for a few minutes, then I get iceyballs in my feets and would rather go inside and lay on the couch with mom and de-ice my paws. Mom says the carpet, the couch, and her socks won't be dry till spring, with all four of us! Yesterday I mostly laid on the bed with Dad and watched football. Those guys are really dumb. They go get the ball and run the other way. Don't they know they're supposed to take it BACK to the guy who threw it? That's what retrievers do, and we are the best and smartest beings on the planet. WAY better than "receivers!" So, anyway, I just wanted to say hi and that I hope you get your forever family really soon! Whoever they are, maybe in May you can come visit and swim in the BIG POOL here. I tried to go in it when I first got here, but it has a cover on it, and only a little icy water was on top. In the summer, though, it's gonna be GREAT! Take care of Jake, and have fun with Lake, and I'll write you again soon! Woof, Darwin |
Hey, Darwin Dude ,
It's great to hear from you. FM keeps in touch with your new mom and tells me all about the your new life. Sounds like you got it SWEET!! Gotta say I miss ya, but Coulter and Sedwick are sooooo happy to be free and go where they want in the house (you really cramped their style)! We had another foster here for about a week, Sloan 07-665, and he liked to play once I showed him the ropes and stuff. But now he's in IA at his new foster home.
Lake and I are still hanging out, but he loves the snow and his feet never seem to get cold. We play outside for a while and then in and chase around and play tug. Next to you he'll always be my best buddy.
Well, I've got really, I mean HUGE NEWS, I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!!!! I'm so surprised cuz I figured I'd be living here forever, which would have been cool. I had one family finally come meet me, and they liked me, and their boxer liked me, but it just didn't click for me and now I know why. I was waiting for my new family, Mom Deb, Dad Frank and fur butt brother Sam who is like 9 but acts like about 7. He's so awesome. I think I have met my match though, cuz when he gets something in his mouth and no matter how hard I tug, I just can't get it away from him. We had great play time while they were here on Sunday. My new mom got down on the floor and played and played with me. Then her and FM talked and found out she helped her boy, Gunner cross the Rainbow Bridge the same day FM helped her Reba. I think they call that fate or something. Anyway, my new dad is great too, but Sam has been his dog and so he said he had to let mom decide. Well, once the mom's got it figured out and talked they both cried. Cripes, what's to cry about, I am getting my forever Golden family and home. My mom is already deciding what to get me for Christmas. I mean how great is that. I try not to act too excited cuz FM cries alot and says mushy things like I'll love you forever, I'm going to miss you, I can't believe you are leaving me blah blah blah. Well, I'm gonna miss her too, and Jake, Lake and the cats. I wonder if Coulter will miss cuddling with me, cuz Jake sure won't let him do that with him.
My family is coming Wednesday morning to get me so they can have the whole day and night with me. What's really cool is dad works from home alot and they have a big big yard with trails and woods and I will have an in house brother to play with every day. I know I'll miss my foster family and it will take time to adjust, but I know you wanted to go home with FM and FD when you got to your new home and now you are living the Golden Life, which is something I never thought I'd do. FM said she can't visit me til next spring cuz I have to 'adjust' to my new family. But then, I think my new mom would be willing to bring me over for a play date and swimming AND maybe Foster Mom would come too. I LOVE to swim and fetch the tennis ball in the water. Then I can meet your 3 fur butt brothers and we won't have to play in the S N O W!!! Oh thinking about snow, I'm going to have my very own boots to wear for when we go for walks on the trails. I guess Sam will only walk so far and when he gets those icy balls in his feet he just lays down and won't move, so I'm going to wear boots just like my new big brother. Cool, huh?
FM said she'd take some pics of me, my new mom, dad and Sam when they come on Wednesday. But I'm going to send some with now so you can see my new mom, dad and brother. Wow can you believe how lucky we got? We are sure lucky we got to be a RAGOM DOG, cuz they always end up finding their Golden family and home.
Last but certainly not least, I want to say thank you to my sponsors one last time. I will always be grateful for the wonderful and generous people of Ada Mae's family, Rhonda and Peggy. I have had some whopper bills and your monetary help has been unbelieveable. Rhonda, FM said I get to take my 'hog', treats etc that you sent me, to my new Forever Golden home. And yes, my family knows I can't play with "hog" to destuff it:) Whoo Hoo I have my forever home at LAST!!!
RANGER DANGER, RANGE ROVER, BUBBA, LITTLE BOY
AND NOW
DEB & FRANK'S NEW BABY BOY AND SAM'S NEW LITTLE BROTHER :)
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After 6 months of updates on Ranger there is only the happy ending to add. He has been adopted by Deb and Frank, will have a 10 year old fur butt brother, Sam the GR, a couple human siblings and a cousin fur butt too. He will be loved and lack for nothing in any area of his life. Jake wanted to go with him today and got in the SUV twice, and was pretty down hearted to not be able to go with Ranger. Coulter will surely miss his cuddling buddy, and I know Lake next door will not find Jake to be as much fun as Ranger was.
But from the moment I talked with Deb on the phone, and they stepped in my house, I knew this was "the family" for Ranger. I will miss him so much, but know he will settle in, be happy and in the spring I will go visit my Range Rover. Once again, a piece of my heart left with this sweet young boy. Thanks for the great memories, Bubba, and see you soon.
Hugs and kisses
FM, FD, Jake, Coulter & Sedwick
PS Thanks, Con:)
| RANGER'S EMAIL TO FOSTER MOM Hi FM - It's me Ranger Danger! Just want to let you know I am doing great! I had a really good ride home and when we got to the vet, I was the best boy ever. I met Dr. R - she said I was one handsome dude! She was so glad my new mom had decided to adopt me! They gave me lots of treats there and one tiny shot that did not hurt at all. Then I got back in the car with Dad, and we waited for Mom so they could make copies of my paperwork. We then went home. It's really awesome here - I got to check out the whole place - Sam showed me where all the rooms are and then Mom took my stuff and put it all in its new spot. My blanket is in the room with Mom and Dad and I heard them say that if Ranger wants to sleep on the bed tonight he can - ha ha - I plan to find my spot! After I checked out the inside, Dad took me outside - WOW they got this really big yard and a bunch of woods - I peeded on a lot of trees! I do have the squirts still and Mom had to wipe my fur butt two times. I heard her and Dad say they will have to keep an eye on my poop - ISH! Maybe tomorrow I'll be firm! Anyway it was really cool. Then we went for a short walk down the street, they did not want me to overdo so we will go to the dog park on Friday after I get settled in more. Sam and I then got to eat, I was really hungry and ate all 4 cups of my food. Mom has bowls for both Sam and I in the laundry room and I lapped up all most all the water in this big dish that has dog paws - like they think we need dog paws on the dish so we know it's ours! Humans! I got to meet Mom's two kids tonight - they both thought I was really cool. The boy Erik layed on the floor with me and rubbed my tummy - you know I like that! The girl Carrie was very gentle with me and gave me lots of hugs. It's been a busy day and I am tired tonight. I think Mom wants to write a couple things and Dad is going to take me and Sam outside for a potty break before bed, then my pills. I really miss you FM, but I want you to know I really like it here and my new Mom and Dad promised they will keep in touch with you always. I gotta go now.....Sam is beating me to the door! Love you. Ranger |
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For those of you who have followed Ranger's saga these past months, I thought you would enjoy seeing a few pictures of his new life. Now not only does he have GReat parents and wonderful fur brother, Sam, he goes to a dog park. At the park he has made new friends (see the one with the St. Bernard) and just loves the freedom and socializing. Life is AWESOME for this young boy, and as much as I miss him (sniff sniff) I know he is happy, happy, happy!!!
Lake (the lab next door and Ranger's best friend) has been lost without his buddy. He came over one night and whinned and cried the entire night. Resident Jake just isn't as much fun. Lake still looks over to our yard waiting for signs that Ranger is 'back'. Maybe one day way down the road Ranger will come to visit.
Enjoy the pictures, thanks again to his fosters, The H family, Peggy and Rhonda....who I think may just see Ranger at the dog park one day:)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL..........
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I know there may be a few of you out there who wonder how Ranger is doing in his new life, so thought I'd share these wonderful pictures with you. I still miss him and when I am really lonesome for him I go online and look back at all the pictures I took of him. Meanwhile, he has the best life any dog could want. When I feel saddest I think of him with his new family and Sam, his fur brother, playing at the dog parks, racing around, exploring and showing he can beat any dog in a race. Just ask his mom:) His mom made him his very own forever quilt, and that says a lot about her and how much he is loved.
So Happy New Year in your new forever home, Ranger!! Foster mom misses you a lot, but I know you have the life you deserve.
| Hi Joyce, Thought I would let you be the first to see Ranger's New Quilt! I worked on it all day yesterday and finished up about 3:00 today. I think he likes it! I especially like his name and his paw prints in the corners. It will be his forever! He is doing great, has a wonderful personality and is such a character. He had his first correction on the fence today (I hate doing it). It scared the heck out of him, and he made a bee line for the house. This is good! We want to keep him safe. He now knows not to go near the flags, so he now just needs to know not to leave the driveway without one of us with him. He is very smart and catches on rather quickly. He and Sam have been playing indoors most of the day due to the cold, but they still venture out (it's Frank and I that freeze out there). Enjoy the pics! Will keep you posted! Deb, Frank, Sam & Ranger |
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FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE FOLLOWED RANGER'S STORY, I THOUGHT YOU WOULD ENJOY HIS LATEST UPDATE. I SURE MISS HIM BUT KNOW HE IS IN THE BEST, PERFECT, GREATEST HOME HE COULD BE, AND HAS THE BEST FAMILY....BETTER THAN EVEN ME:)
| Hi Joyce, Thought I'd give you an update on Ranger! Of course he's doing great! His fence training is going well but I have to share a funny story about the fence. Frank had Ranger and Sam outside and was throwing the ball last week during the day and one of the neighbors who have a 2 year old GR was running down the road. When Ranger saw Daisy he was soooooooo excited, but yet followed the fence line all the way never trying to get out. He came to the driveway and just leaped! and was giving kisses to Daisy. Frank said he could not believe he did not get zapped by the fence. Ranger then just stood outside the driveway and looked at Frank like what do I do now? Frank took off the collar and got him back in the yard. He then called the invisible fence people because we thought what the heck happened. Well, we found out that the fence was only set to a 1 ft radius and you can adjust to 15 feet. We never even gave it a thought that the long legged Ranger could just step over the fence. We have since changed the range to 6 feet so he cannot leap! He has free run of the yard and he loves the woods. He brings us back a stick (huge) each time. So the yard has a few new branches! We love him so much! He reminds me so much of my Gunner when he was young. He is so soft mouthed and so emotional. He sleeps on the floor on his quilt (he and Sam have been snuggling together - it's so cute) but then will ask permission to come up on the bed and then just digs in with us. We continue to go to the dog park (even in the cold - they love it) His feet seem to be doing fine, we were leary to put his boots on yesterday because they can be a bit slippery when there is no snow. We don't want any leg injuries - but the cold did not seem to bother him. There were only 3 of us there yesterday and we met a dog that was part German Sheppard and part greyhound and the owner was telling us how fast she was. She was very, very lean and a very nice dog. She and Ranger were just hanging out together. Frank and the guy ran down to the other side of the park and I held the two dogs way up front. Then they both called Ranger and Bailey - Guess What…………………Ranger could outrun Bailey. The guy could not believe it! And we chuckled because Ranger did not even turn on his little 5th gear! It's so cute to watch that - when another dog at the park is chasing him, he tucks his legs underneath and turns on the 5th gear and away he goes! Frank is not working today due to the holiday so he is off to the park once again. Last week we started the obedience training, but it was for parents only. This week he meets the others. Most of the dogs there are rescue dogs and from what the owners were saying, they need much help. We think Ranger is doing great on listening, so I'm sure he will be in the head of the class. He has also learned that when I say who wants a Frosty Paw - he heads to the kitchen and sits right down. We then take the Frosty Paws to the family room and make them sit and stay for 2 minutes while the Frosty are right there in front of them - He does GREAT! You can see the excitement but he does not move. He licks that thing and does not take his nose out until it's gone!. Well I have rambled on now so my apologies for jumping all around in this email. Talk to you soon. Deb |
We adopted Ranger 07-237 in December of 07 - he was 17 months old. He melted our hearts immediately and fit right into our family. We love him very much and I do believe the feelings are mutual! To tell you a bit about him since December of 07…He has attended 40 + weeks of obedience school and earned his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certificate and is currently working on hand signal commands. He is very eager to please and we have taught him several tricks which he loves to do. He speaks, spins, reverses, rolls over, takes a treat from your mouth without taking your lips with him! and many more. He is very active, loves his tennis balls, he can run like a deer and is very loyal. He loves the boat in the summer and swimming at the lake is at the top of his list. Ranger had hip dysplasia when he entered into the care of Ragom and had surgery on one hip. He has had absolutely no issues since. At the time we adopted Ranger, we also had a 9 year GR - Sam. After several months, we realized Ranger needed a buddy that was just as active. He was wearing poor Sam out! So…………
We adopted Radar (formerly Jasiek 08-298) in July of 08. Radar was 7 mos when we got him. Once again, our hearts melted with this young boy and he too fit right in. He followed Ranger everywhere - hence the name Radar (he always knows where his buddy is). This boy also had hip dysplasia but showed no signs of discomfort and none since. Radar has also attended obedience school and earned his GCG (Canine Good Citizen) certificate in just a little over 8 weeks. He too is working on hand signals and knows many tricks. This young boy is SMART! And PATIENT. It's so much fun to watch him grow physically and to see how much he has matured. He's not as fast as his brother when it comes to running at the dog park, but he continues to give it his best shot and is getting very close to catching him!. He is a very affectionate boy and loves his dad! He will snuggle with you anytime he can - anywhere. Many times he thinks he's a lap dog! He's now as big if not bigger than his brother Ranger.
The two are almost inseparable.
R&R lost their big brother Sam in January of 09 to cancer, so thank goodness they have each other and we have them. We feel very fortunate to have two such lovable, friendly, healthy good boys! I would hope any potential adopters would not pass on any of the RAGOM dogs because of a few little medical issues that may or may not ever come up. They give back so much to you!
Ranger is on the left in these two photos:
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