Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota: RAGOM is a 501(c)(3) organization, rescuing Golden Retrievers and re-homing them through adoption since 1985. Serving Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Dogs Available for Adoption


Tanna
Tanna #08-275
(Fostered in Menahga, MN)

Sponsored by: Clarence Bagsby






Tanna, a 10 year old, Golden/Lab, arrived on Friday. She sashayed through the house like she'd lived here forever and totally charmed the resident lab. I've yet to find anything but pure sweetness in this good girl...she loves to go for walks and rides in the car, has shown no aggression, doesn't counter-surf, is housetrained, and has been completely trust-worthy when left alone in the house.

More after her check-up on Friday.


UPDATES:
05/24/2008:

The good news is that Tanna is a happy girl...she makes the funniest sounding grunts, humming noises and long sighs whenever something pleases her.

Typically, she's the first one out the door in the morning and stands tall while she breathes in, to savor the feeling of fresh air and wind in her face. She dances around and wags her whole body when she sees the leash come out because she knows it's time for a walk. She loves to take long naps, she loves to swim, she never passes up the opportunity to go for a car ride, and simply thrives on attention.

The not-so-good news from the vet yesterday. At first, everything was going beautifully. Tanna was flying through her physical. She sat pretty with tail thumping while being prodded, poked and chipped. Heartbeat strong, kidneys high, hips and teeth good. Everything positive. Then the vet tech came back with a long face...her heartworm and lymes tests were positive. Luckily, both diseases are curable and were diagnosed in their early stages so the vet doesn't expect any long term health issues. But the treatment is not only complicated, but painful and expensive. For about the next 13 weeks, she'll have to give up her walks, her runs, her swimming...the things she loves the most. And all because she'd never had proper vet care or preventive meds. After four to six months, she'll be re-tested to ensure the therapy was successful. During this time, my job will be to make sure she has complete rest (think couch potato). I'll also be sitting next to her, scritching her belly and ears, telling her how brave she is and how much I love her.


05/29/2008:

A quick note to let you know that Tanna had her first heartworm treatment yesterday...an extremely painful injection deep in the epaxial (lower back) muscles with a painful substance. Last night, she was whinny because she couldn't find a comfortable position. But after I put a warm compress on the injection site and gave her a Rimadyl, she slept all night without making a peep. Today, she's eating well and her tail is wagging so I know she's bouncing back. What a brave girl!

Another progress report in a few days, but right now, it's rest, rest, rest.


06/14/2008:

Tanna is doing great; in fact she was back to her old self no more than three days after her heartworm treatment. Tanna showed no symptoms prior to her diagnoses and a complete recovery is expected.

Tanna is a wonderful patient. She's perfectly content to lay and rest while we're reading or watching TV. To prevent her from following us around when we have things to do, she watches from inside her wire crate. The only hard time is leaving her because she furrows up her brow as if to say, "What about me?" But the rule is: no exercise.

Tanna will have her next treatment on June 27th, followed by more rest, rest, rest.


06/28/2008:

Thanks to Clarence Bagsby for sponsoring Tanna! You've chosen a great girl...so sweet and eager to please. To better explain her behavior, think of your favorite houseguest who doesn't make a mess, never complains, eats whatever you plate, is always ready to play and never touches the remote.

Now, we're just hanging out and resting during the final weeks of her heartworm treatment. But soon, she'll be ready to meet applicants.

Thanks again, Clarence, and watch for another update in about a week.


07/13/2008:

This weekend is Menahga's Annual Mid-Summer Celebration, which translates into art fairs and food courts and concerts and carnival rides and beer gardens and lots of tourists. We've had family and friends overnighting with us and people tenting outside the cabin next door. Unfortunately, last night's wind and rain shortened the parade a little, but nothing could dampen the spirits of those who stayed until dusk to watch the fireworks display over the lake.

Tanna doesn't go back to the vet for her ex-ray (to see if the heartworms are dead & gone) until the end of July, so we've kept a pretty low profile. None of the loud noises or extra people seemed to phase her until she saw a strange dog emerging from a tent next door and then, just a 'down' and some encouraging words calmed her right away.

That's it for now...we hope to have "Breaking News" to report in a couple weeks.

Again, THANK YOU to Gene (Clarence) Bagsby for sponsoring Tanna...here are a couple of new pictures just for you :)

 
 

07/21/2008:

A quick update to let Tanna's sponsor, Gene Bagsby, and her fans know that she's continuing to do beautifully.

A call to the vet confirmed that she has to wait one more week (sigh) for her final ex-ray and clean bill of health, but everything looks positive. Good girl!

Tanna is so pretty and such a happy girl...quite possibly my easiest foster with absolutely no bad habits. She doesn't show her (reported) age and has a ton of energy. She has no hip or joint problems and is always first in line to get in/out of the van or up/down the stairs. It will be great when she can run and swim with the big dogs again.

Tanna loves routine...she knows we take a short walk first thing every morning so she follows me from room to room until she sees me reach for my tennis shoes, and then gets so excited that her tail starts wagging wildly and she starts jumping straight up and down (think Biscuit in the comic strip 'Stone Soup') when I go for the leashes. One neighbor comes outside every morning just to say 'Good Morning' when we go by, and said that seeing Tanna starts her day off right. After our walk, it's breakfast-time, a little grooming and then the dogs settle down for naps. During the day, there are belly rubs and potty breaks and marrow bones and later on, it's time for another short walk before dinner. Tanna has claimed the spot right beside my bed and never makes a peep all night long.

Again, she's just the perfect companion.

Tanna will soon be looking for her forever home so if you're interested in learning even more about her, just email placement@ragom.org so we can visit.

Again, thanks to Gene for sponsoring Tanna and to all of you for following her story.


08/06/2008:

Late GReat Breaking News

We've learned that Tanna's heartworm treatment was totally successful and she got a Clean Bill of Health! Her antigen test was negative and no microfilada was seen on the microscopy. Good girl!

Quite frankly, I don't know who was happier with the news that she's cured, me or the vet and techs, so we had a little in-house celebration. Tanna enjoyed herself...what's not to enjoy when you're the center of attention and everyone is giving you doggie treats? She has no restrictions other than moderation in exercise...exactly our lifestyle. Good girl!

Yesterday, one of my friends (not a dog lover) was over and out of the blue, looked at Tanna and said, "You should adopt her...she's the perfect dog." First of all, yes she is, but to say I was surprised is an understatement because this friend has always questioned why I was going to foster another dog or why I was going to the vet instead of shopping/out to lunch, etc., etc. Sweet Tanna has stolen her heart, too :)

So I had to explain to my friend that while Tanna is the perfect houseguest and I would really love to keep her...now that she's healthy, I'm not. I've got some health issues to resolve and also want to keep fostering which is the best way I can make a real difference with these wonderful dogs.

Thanks again to Gene Bagsby for sponsoring Tanna.

Tune in later today to see Tanna's updated pictures and if you've got questions, just contact placement@ragom.org and we'll talk.


08/08/2008:

Some new photos of Tanna!

  
  

08/19/2008:

Ya gotta love August! The weather is perfect so we're dividing our days between swimming, eating, napping or just watching the grass grow. The only thing I watch for is that Tanna doesn't swim until she gets overly exhausted...apparently she thinks she's part fish and never wants to quit. After a long swim, she loves to lay in the grass and sleep...and snore. Too funny!

Thanks for looking in on her and we'll be back to talk to you again next week.

Now...our fabulous summer is winding down so we're heading back outside to enjoy it!

  

09/05/2008:

If you are hesitant about adopting a Senior Golden, did you know...
...Senior Goldens are very adaptable and can learn to love again.
...Senior Goldens can (and do) learn new tricks and are much more settled than puppies.
...Senior Goldens can live up to 15 years with proper care and veterinary support.
...Senior Goldens are often the best choice for individuals or families with busy schedules.
Senior Goldens enjoy long walks, retrieving, swims, but their favorite activity is being with you!

The sense of satisfaction and joy that giving a Senior Golden a new home brings is unequalled. Although you may not have as many years with them as you wish, those years will be full of sweet rewards.

Please email placement@ragom.org if you would like more information on Tanna.


09/10/2008:

Senior dogs are the best! And if you like one who is sweet and cuddly, Tanna Montana could be exactly what you're looking for!

Tanna's personality has really started to shine through since she's been given a Clean Bill of Health and with that, free roam of the house and yard. We have a small fenced area for the dogs' potty breaks, but can't fence the entire yard as it leads down to the lake. No problem...Tanna knows the boundaries. More importantly, she keeps me in view so when I go inside, she's right behind me or a quick recall will bring her running to the door. She also loves to lay on the deck and surveys "her world" while I read the paper/drink coffee or putter around inside. Good girl!

Tanna's favorite toy is her bright green ball and she LOVES to play fetch...which makes for a tired dog so we play that game every night :)

Tanna had four siblings in her previous home, hangs out with one foster brother here, but has no history with cats. I think she'd do fine as an only dog, but would prefer it if her human was home much of the time to lavish her with attention!

Tanna loves to go places...anywhere and anytime. She starts dancing with joyful anticipation when I even walk toward the leashes, is always first out the door and loves to meet people of all ages (with feet on the floor). She's an easy keeper and a real joy to share life with...she also has perfect house manners (doesn't counter surf or get up on the furniture). While someone is home most of the time, Tanna has been left for 4-5 hours and only had one accident in the house...and that was after I gave her a beef marrow with too much fat. My bad.

Again, high fives to Gene Bagsby for sponsoring Tanna.


09/24/2008:

The Canadian geese started migrating a week or so ago and since we're in their flight path, we've had large groups stop daily to eat and rest for a day or so before flying south for the winter. Tanna is naturally curious when they start their loud honking noises and loves to sit on the deck and watch them. I've let her swim with them and the geese are curious about her, too. Neither Tanna nor the geese seem threatened...no barking or hissing going on at all. Good girl!

We're still going on walks a couple times a day and have started using the flat leash afternoons and evenings. But it's definitely still the Gentle Leader for our early morning walk...there are just too many good smells from deer and rabbits going through the yard during the night (yes, they leave evidence). Even wearing the GL, her little nose immediately hits the ground as she goes from scent to beautiful scent.

Thanks for checking back to read about us and tomorrow, I promise, new pictures :)


09/26/2008:

 
On the deck, watching the geese.

 
Trifecta...guarding three doorways.


10/06/2008:

 
A beautiful autumn day in the northwoods


 Trick or Treat


10/22/2008:

Hey, Tanna Montana doin' my own write up for a change. Bet you're wonderin' what I've been up to lately. The tail has been waggin' and the nose has been sniffin'. Let me just put the rumor to rest right now. Yes, the FBI did hear about my super sensitive sniffer and wanted me to join their team, but foster mom said I couldn't go cause I'm a RAGOM girl and just too special to send off to school. And I'm waiting for my forever family. Don't want to miss them if I go to school. They thought they could teach this old dog new tricks. But, I've settled in here, diggin' in the leaves, carvin' pumpkins and gettin' my costume ready for Howlween.

I've been watchin' the geese hopin' one would swoop down on my deck so we could have a early holiday. No such luck. Not even gooseberry pie. I wish FM would cook up some pie. Maybe of the pumpkin variety. But that's off limits cause it makes dogs sick. So, my only hope is to sneak a piece of turkey and hope I don't get caught. Until then, I'll just help myself to the leftover candy from Howlween. Drat, I can't do that either, chocolate is a BIG NO for dogs. Maybe we can hand out rice krispy treats. YUM.

But the best times lately have been dog play dates. We took a long drive down to the burbs and met my new BFF "Princess" Liberty (adopted from RAGOM). Her brothers Skye & Red (also adopted from RAGOM) really know how to PARTY. We got treats and toys and played for hours in their HUGE back yard. We were all pooped pups after that. But then, we got back on the road so I could have more fun with Jake (adopted from RAGOM) and Max 08-136 in St. Cloud. That was the best weekend ever. Maybe we'll have some pics for you on the next update.

A special Happy Harvest to my wonderful sponsor Gene Bagsby. Thanks to you and all those paws crossed, I'm enjoyin' life more than ever. On November 6th, we'll celebrate my 3 month anniversary of kickin' the heartworm goodbye and good riddance.

I have more energy and vigor than any dog half my age. Just ask my foster mom. You can contact her at placement@ragom.org.  I'll even introduce you to a goose or two, but you better hurry, the BCA might call and then I'm gone for sure. Until then, I'm goin' to email "Princess" Liberty & her brothers and see what they're wearin' for Howlween.

Thanks for catching up with me..............."Princess" Tanna Montana


11/25/2008:

Update on Tanna

Nothing newsy to report so here are just a few of Tanna's qualities that make her the perfect dog:

    ...  Listens carefully
    ...  Obeys commands
    ...  Agrees with everything I say or do
    ...  Doesn't pout when I'm late
    ...  Comes immediately when called 
    ...  Never complains about her food
    ...  Loves her playtime and quiet time as well   
    ...  Lets me know when the doorbell rings
    ...  Doesn't tell me how to drive or where to go 
    ...  Lays right beside the bed to protect me

So if you're looking for a friend who is patient, tolerant and loyal, don't look any further.  Tanna could be your girl :)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!


12/22/2008:

It's been a busy couple of weeks just keeping the driveway open. Tanna absolutely loves the snow. While I'm shoveling or feeding the birds, she's busy digging for toys that got buried in the snow or bounding through the drifts and generally having a wonderful time. Most of the time, she's exhausted by the time we get back inside so flops down on a doggie bed and it isn't long before she's snoring. What a good girl!

Our best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 


 
12/31/2008:

After a couple of failed attempts to get together due to weather and scheduling, Miss Tanna Banana and her foster Mom met with Tanna's new parents. There was no doubt within minutes that this was the 'mom and dad' for Tanna. When you have  a foster for an extended period of time, it is very difficult to say good bye. Even in this case knowing you are welcome to 'come see us' anytime. But with the new year arriving and foster mom heading for Florida it all came together. This senior girl was blessed with having an awesome foster home thanks to RAGOM and the final blessing came when she left for Southern MN with her new family. What a great way to end 2008 and bring in 2009!!

You will be missed by your foster mom and fur foster brother.


01/09/2010:

From Tanna's forever family...

Dear Friends,

A little over a year ago we senior citizens adopted a "senior" dog, Tanna, from Ragom. We've never had a sweeter, more well-behaved dog--ever! Even her vet called her a "sweet dog."

In February we moved to a house on Cannon Lake west of Faribault. Tanna loved the lake--winter & summer. As soon as the ice was out in the Spring, she was ready to go swimming. If she didn't have anything to fetch, she'd just swim back & forth along the shore. Below are a couple pics we took of her.

Thanks again for Tanna and for what you do for dogs.

Yours truly,
Dave and Carole F.