Adopted Dogs · Happy Endings · Rainbow Bridge Memorials
Hello there, interesting and wonderfully friendly humans! Saia (sigh-ya) here. I'm a four year old female Golden Retriever, and a stunningly beautiful one at that *preening*. I come from a commercial interest in South Dakota.
For the first time, I'm living inside a house, with humans and other dogs...and we run free! So much has happened to me in three short days that my head is kind of spinning, but I'll tell you one thing....I LIKE what the future has in store for me! My Foster Mom is particularly taken with me - she's says I'm incredibly smart, very talented and outrageously pretty. I don't know about all that, but what I do know is that this indoor thing - it's OK with me. Initially I was really scared of the doorway, silly me, but apparently FM has seen that before. My foster brother, Jerry Bear did the same thing when he showed up here, but I got over it much quicker! I was in the house after an hour of patient coaxing and then my curiousity got the best of me. FM wondered if there was some feline in me *ruffled fur*...how rude! It was just SUCH a neat experience - new things all over, new smells, new sights...WOW!
So I've been watching my foster fur brothers closely for the last three days and trying to follow their lead. It took me twenty-four hours to get that the outside is the place to potty. After that, Foster Mom let me sleep outside the laundry room and I haven't had one accident yet! Of course, that first day it was pretty funny to watch Mom watching me, and running and hopping to get me outside before I finished my circles...but, I've got it now! I also have free roam of the house while she's home...and I don't get into ANYTHING I'm not supposed too...yet. Of course, I'm starting to eye the fuzzy stuffed things that the boys seem to love....and the round rolley things that FM calls balls. I even have my own BED - and since Monday, it's been placed right next to FM's bed. Gosh, I love that!
My foster brother Sam has a crush on me. Apparently he USED to be really shy and quiet and ummm...what was that word...reclusive? Could have fooled me - he's done a really good job of showing me the ropes here. He's even taught me how to play - by chasing me like a little demon my first day. I got really tired of that and once, turned and chased him. OH MY WHAT FUN! Even Lakota let's me play with him once in awhile, when he's not playing the stoic lead dog role.
So let's see...what else. I'm 68 pounds and in very good health. I came with an ear infection, but the medicine they gave me has cleared that up beautifully. I have no fear of handling and even got my nails cut yesterday. My foster brothers whine and fight to get away but me...didn't bother me at all. I also love baths - but I DO NOT like that water room - the one where the water falls from the ceiling? Uh uh...no way. I got a bath in the laundry tub yesterday and now my curls shine like fire and FM says I smell like mangos...I wonder what a mango is?
Alright, fascinating two legs - my foster brothers are eyeing my bed so it's time for me to curl up...nighty night.
Hello everyone, Heidi here. This gorgeous girl is AMAZING! It's obvious that she's never played with a toy, or spent any time in a home, or even maybe had much interaction with other dogs, but little Saia has taken all this in her stride. It took us about an hour to get her to come in the house on her own on Sunday, but once inside she was all eyes and ears and nose, checking out the nooks and crannies like a puppy. She LOVES my roommate, has the biggest crush on him imaginable. Whenever Saia disappears, I know where to look - she's lying at the foot of his door with a wistful expression.
Just in the last twenty-four hours, Saia has really started to join our little household, playing with the other three fuzzy four foots and joining everyone for meals. She hasn't displayed much more than cursory interest in the toys, but I'm quite sure Jerry Bear will teach her the error of her ways - he's a crazy nutty toy thief and loves nothing better than teasing whatever dog is closest with his current favorite toy.
So far, we have had one accident in the house - stopped in mid stride, so to speak. That was the first day. Since then, she's done her business outside just like all the rest. I give her free roam of the house while I'm here, although I do put her and Jerry Bear in the laundry together while I'm out. She's eating well, her ear infection has cleared and she's a very smart, quick little learner. Sam is nuts about her...where Saia is, Sam will follow. They're quite the pair.
Saia is very very very camera shy. I have been reduced to sneaking shots through banisters and under cushions in order to catch her pretty face, so we will keep trying for better shots. This little girl is a wondergirl, considering everything she's never known. She's quiet but not overly shy and absolutely adores any attention she receives, but will not initiate beyond a wistful glance from across the room. She knows her name and comes when called and is very intent on watching and reading body language and tones - she wants to make you happy and a small word of praise or a pet will have her tail wagging like crazy. She's adorable. For her forever home, what she needs is love...lots and lots of love. She will pay in back in spades. If you're interested in learning more about Saia, or meeting her, please contact placement@RAGOM.org.
Saia's favorite spot...at the foot of Paul's door.
Little Saia is a deft and clever escapee! Throughout all the fosters this house has seen, she is the first to escape the backyard, which she did this morning with ease and aplomb. I'm still baffled - the back yard has an eight foot wooden fence with no gaps under or at gates. There are no holes that I can find, although there is a very small gap near the back gate - but way to small to get through. The only thing I can think of is she actually CLIMBED the fence. However, all it took was a step out the front door, a whistle and her name and she came waltzing back from the neighbors yard and into the front yard with no worries. Thank goodness, talk about totally freaking out her foster mom! Gosh, I thought I was going to have to call in the recruits this morning and then there she was, prancing up to me as if to say...how neat, what a clever girl I am.
We've rigged up the outdoor cameras and spent some time outside the back fence this afternoon, trying to catch her at it again, but no luck so far. I'll update when/if we ever figure out how she did it. I'm still not convinced she climbed, as the front yard continues to contain her and it has four foot chain link, so...mysteries!
Saia seems fascinated by the day to day activities that happen from the front yard. Watching the walkers, runners and bikers going down the street is one of her favorite activities and of course, she eagerly escorts each new walker from one end of the yard to the other. She is NOT a barker, just prances along with her tail wagging and a smile on her face. The yard crew cleaning up the leaves scared her silly this afternoon - the blowers made a lot of noise and she darted into the house with her tail between her legs, shaking, poor little girl, but she bounced back once they were gone.
This gorgeous little Golden princess is going to make someone a delightful companion - she's friendly and curious and interested in everything. She watches from a distance anything new, but willingly comes forward when called. She has absolutely no interest in the iguana, so I suspect she'll do really well with cats and this weekend, we'll test her for children. My seven year old niece will be visiting and is very excited to meet her!
Miss Saia had a wild and crazy weekend at the Den. Her personality has fully bloomed and she is a fun, outgoing, life loving Golden Girl! She does very well with strangers and makes friends quickly. She loves kids and does well with strange dogs. Even construction noise and crews of painters don't seem to shake this girls confidence and she breezed through the weekend with ease and grace.
Saturday morning found Miss Saia playing tug with Jerry Bear. He's a scamp and kept tossing his toy in her face until out of pure irriitation she took one end. I wish you could have seen her eyes light up. She gave as good as she got and the two of them pulled each other back and force across the family room for half an hour. Her glorious tail never stopped wagging. Ever since then, the toybox has become her favorite stop. Little Sam has even come up and offered, of all things, his prized tennis ball. This is amazing, since it's the only toy that he never lets out of his sight, or hides when he's not playing with it. He walked right up to her, tossed it between her paws and then nosed it forward until she took it. She batted it back and they made a whole new game out of battign the tennis ball. Sooooo much fun!
Saia remains inordinately camera shy. I've never met a dog that is so aware of the camera and so absolutely averse - it's really a fight to come away with anything worth posting and stops her in mid-play, so I hesitate to take it out very often. But here are a few of this wonderful Golden girl.
If you would like to meet Saia, please contact placement@ragom.org.
Just a note: It is RAGOM's policy to make sure that dogs such as Saia are placed with families that have at least one other dog. It is also policy that she NOT be placed in a family with young children. I can't help but qualify that requirement with Saia. She played with my seven year old niece and her friend last weekend and never left their sides. Outside, inside, upside down; she even went as far as to crawl into the fort they built in the living room and sat at the small table with a goofy hat on her head for a tea party. She also enjoyed chasing them around the yard and especially the game they made up especially for her - the one where they climbed on the tire swing and she got to scamper back and forth. I think Saia would do very well with children seven and older. She will require a fenced yard. But most especially, a loving family with a big heart and lots of smiles and praise.
Saia's Foster Mom here with some really bad news. Saia and her foster brothers, Jerry and Lakota, found two leftover bottles of Rimadyl on a shelf five feet up in the utility room. When Foster Mom came home there were only remnants of the bottle and a stray tablet or two on the floor. After rushing all three to the emergency clinic, tests showed that Saia and Jerry Bear swallowed as many as 70 tablets. Both will remain under constant supervision this weekend at the emergency vet clinic. They are hooked up to IV's in the hope that we can safely flush the toxicity out of their systems. Rimadyl, in overdose situations, can cause liver and kidney damage and perforate the intestinal track. Bloodwork was done last night to get a base line and will be redone again tonight at six. So far, the vets say that both look healthy and happy and are taking things one step at a time. Lakota is at home under 24 hour watch. We don't believe he ingested the drug, but there is no way to be completely sure. Please put these three beautiful Goldens in your thoughts and prayers for the next seventy-two hours. I will update as information comes in.
And please, double check your houses if you have a dog. These were old meds and they were high up on an unused shelf. It never occurred to me that they could get up there and to be honest, I had completely forgotten they were there.
OK...the absolutely best of news. The bloodwork done tonight shows absolutely NO signs of kidney or liver stress. Both dogs at the hospital and Lakota are acting normal, eating normal, etc. Vet said that they will keep them on fluids through tomorrow night, rerun tests and if still nothing, start to wean them off of fluids Sunday. I can pick them up on Monday morning.
I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, their prayers and their kind words. I can't tell you how much that helped throughout this horrible, horrible situation. We may not be completely out of the woods yet, but we can definitely see the meadow from here! I can't wait until I can romp with all the kids again.
Hello there humans, Saia here, wagging my tail in appreciation for all the warm thoughts and prayers put out for my FM, me and by foster brothers. What a scary weekend! Here me and Jerry Bear were just having some naughty fun one moment and the next we're whisked out of the house along with Lakota, into the car, speed driven to the vet and the LEFT THERE ALL WEEKEND....sheesh, so much for fun.
I still don't quite get it but after all the stuff poked into my skin and down my throat - can you believe my beautiful red coat is all muddied by charcoal? Well, I sure am glad to be home, that's all I can say. I have to admit, all the hugs and attention and cuddles afterward sure made up for a lot of it. Jerry Bear and I were sure glad to walk in the house and see our brothers and see Mom just beaming. We still have to take a lot of meds, but Foster Mom says the vet says we're going to be just dandy, with no side effects. YAY!
Foster Mom tried really hard to get some pictures of me this afternoon, but even in the delight of being home, I'm still very very aware of that silver box and I RUNNNNN away. So she gave up and settled for hugs and cuddles...so much better!
Well, I'm going to go make sure my bed is still where it should be, change my sheets *impish grin* and cozy in for the night. Saia Four Paws signing out, gorgeous humans. Happy Sunday!
Hello wonderful two legs - Saia here. I'm three days out of the hospital and feeling GReat! We have a new person in our lives - her name is "Jess" and she comes over three times a week to walk us. How cool is that? We really like her!
Since I'm now fully recovered and perfectly at ease here, some of my mischievous side is starting to come out, Foster Mom says. Apparently those surfaces in the kitchen that are above me head? They're off limits along with that can under the sink that holds such great smells. Foster Mom tells me "no counter surfing"...and I just don't get it. There's no ocean in sight! I've also started reciprocating Jerry Bear's invitations to play. You should see us, galloping through the yard chasing each other and rolling over each other. So much fun.
I've also laid claim to part of Mom's free time and most of her lap. After three weeks of holding back, it's now MY turn. I love to be petted and cuddled and that basket of soft, fuzzy toys? Heaven! Especially when I can keep them away from my destuffing foster brothers.
I haven't had an accident in the house since my first day here, I eat pretty but tend not to eat the whole bowl and I share really well with others - dogs, iguanas and humans alike. I love it here but *wistful sigh*...I'd sure LOVE to find my forever home! If you're interested in getting to know me, please let placement know.
Saia
Saia continues to do very well at The Den. The chaos and general air of festivity that the Holiday season brings is something she's taken in stride like the princess she is. She loves to play and doesn't care whether her playmates have two legs or four. It took a couple of weeks to get her to recognize the difference between dog toys and other items not for play, but we haven't had any issues over inappropriate items in several weeks.
Saia is completely house trained, to the point that she barks at the door when she needs to go out. Of course, sometimes she just barks at the door to get all of her furry four footed friends up and playing. This gorgeous little red head will definately need a home with another dog for play, companionship and mentorship.
Her playful and quiet, friendly nature has won the hearts of our fantastic dog walker, Jess, and her little sister. Even Mom came to visit the other day. I've never had a foster dog that has found her own family on their own, but this is a year of firsts for so many things, it soooo wouldn't surprise me. Saia LOVES people and she has a heart warmingly easy approach. None of the jumping antics of her foster brothers and an easy acceptance of the gentle pat, pet and cuddle.
This gorgeous girl is everything anyone could want in a Golden Retriever. She's smart, happy and amazingly confident. She'll melt you with a look even as she climbs head first into whatever next adventure is on her list. She IS an inveterate counter surfer and shows no shame at being caught in the act. However, she is very responsive to the command "off" and quickly heads in another direction. Not that she won't go right back given the chance, of course.
She's especially proud of her beds - not any one bed, but the areas that she has staked out as "hers". She has a fluffy dog bed in the bedroom and a really soft, wonderful blanket in the TV room that she has claimed. She will spend several minutes "fluffing" and circling her bed, pawing at it to get it to just the way she wants it, her tail wagging energetically the whole time. Since she, herself, pulled the fluffy blanket off her bed and into the TV room, one can only conclude that this royal little Golden values her comfort. She is perfectly willing to share her spots, however. To the extent that another dog can lay down and she will come over and gently throw herself right on top until the two are scooched up together in a furry Golden puddle.
This gorgeous girl would LOVE to find her forever home, and given the way she makes googly eyes at anyone coming through the door, it may not be long. If you're interested, please contact placement@ragom.org
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Gorgeous little Saia here, funny two feet! I'm LOVING my new life! When they told me I was a RAGOM dog and I'd soon know the good life, well, who knew?
When I first showed up here I was a little shy, but after six weeks with these three boisterous boys, well...nothing phases me. Ummm...except airplanes...and snowplows...and that darn silver box Mom keeps pointing in my direction while she says "cheese". I mean, come on! The cheese is in the really BIG metal box, in the kitchen! Even I know that - and I'm more than ready to prance and look pretty if you're going to open THAT box for me.
OK, I'll admit it. I'm an inveterate counter surfer...shameless really. I took a nibble right out of Foster Mom's hand the other day. Well, she COULD have been holding it out to me...couldn't she? FM has to be sure that the counters are clear and the trash put away - I DO like to get into things. To date, I've managed to steal half a pot roast and a plate of chicken breasts...well, those are my high ticket items. Apparently FM doesn't learn very quickly.
Me and my foster brothers are all better from our run in with the vet. All bloodwork came back perfect and we have a clean bill of health. YAY! Mom says I'll be going back to the vet, one more time, after New Years and then I'll be set. I will never have to have anothe litter of puppies again in my life! YAY!
I heard all about Little Orphan Annie - FM's been so busy with stuff related to her that I'm almost jealous. But I understand that she's pretty sick and has had a really tough time of it. FM's going to visit her tomorrow and I'm sending my kisses and reassurance that she's now a RAGOM girl too. Life is all good! In honor of Annie's ordeal, I decided to be really really brave and let FM take some pictures of me. It didn't even hurt!
Oh! And I did my first Home Visit with FM today. FM says I have to start earning my keep...wow, tough job! I got to A.) ride in a car wagging my tail B.) meet two really nifty humans and three new dogs and C.) get lots and lots of new pets. Hah, I'm a natural! FM says I was a perfect poster girl for RAGOM. I even got along really well with their snarky female - she didn't snark once!
Now, Christmas is around the corner, you know. I even have a stocking of my own!!! And packages under the tree! But I sent Santa a letter a week ago, asking for my very own forever family. I know he got it - I sent it return receipt. So, forever family, I know you're probably reading this right about now! Please, please, please contact placement@RAGOM.org if you want to meet me!
I'm sooooo pretty, and so curious!
Me and my foster brother.
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It's a bird...it's a plane...no, it's SOCCER DOG!
Saia is a relaxed 4.5 year old female. She is a little fearful of some new dogs, but once she realizes they are friends she warms right up to them. She is doing great with our resident 5 year old female. She is gentle and great with kids. Saia is completely house trained and loves to snuggle. She is very affectionate and is just a great dog all around. She has free reign of the house when we are gone and has not had any issues with chewing. Saia does have a reputation for being an escape artist. We have not had any problems with this, but she was digging under the fence of her previous home. She never goes far, usually all it takes is a whistle and she is by your side. Saia has a fabulous personality and would be a great addition to any family.
Saia is doing fantastic! We took her to meet some new people and dogs the other day and she made many friends. She is not sure what the other dogs are doing when they are dragging around those things called toys, but she fits right in. She is a little hesitant still when meeting new dogs, but once the first 10 seconds are over she is running right along with them.
Saia is great when she is home alone. My boyfriend and I both work outside of the home during the day so Saia and our resident dog are left to entertain themselves. I am happy to report that there have been no accidents or destructive behavior. She is just too easy. She is just THRILLED when you come home and wants to be by your side, so we feel bad leaving her, but she does very well.
She absolutely loves anyone who walks in the door. Any opportunity to find more attention and she is right on it. She is pretty good about not jumping and is making progress in learning to sit, along with other basic commands.
I heard Saia bark for the first time yesterday. She is such a quiet girl at our house compared to our very vocal resident golden. Maybe she just can't get a word in. Anyway, it was so cute. She sounds so much smaller than she really is. I think maybe she is trying to whisper.
Well, we are off to our playdate with our doggie friend Sophie. We will write again soon.
Saia continues to get comfortable in our home. Her favorite spot is on the couch with her head on a pillow. I think she feels she was always meant to live in luxury and is now making up for lost time. She is starting to gain appreciation for those things we call toys. Our resident dog has taught her how much fun it is to drag them around and chase after them when thrown. It was pretty funny at first. She would join the chase after a flying frisbee and looked pretty awkward, but it's getting better. She mostly just likes to carry around the plush toys in her mouth. I have even seen her sleeping while holding on to one.
Saia is such a great companion we often forget that her previous life was in a puppy mill. From what I know she was bred for about four years. Poor girl, with all that work no wonder she just wants to snuggle on the couch. She is tired! We have to remind ourselves to take it slow and realize that she has a lot of things to work on. Because of her past Saia needs to be in a home with a physical fence, another large confident dog, and if there are children they must be 10 or older. Saia loves kids, but with mill dogs it is RAGOM policy that she does not get adopted by a family with young children. She has been digging when in a chain link fence, so it would be ideal if she had a tall privacy fence. She does not know many basic commands, but we are working on them. She walks well on a strong leash and does not need to be taught how to love. She has got that one down! Still no accidents in house or destructive behavior, even when we are gone during the day at work.J
Saia wishes everyone a HOPPY EASTER! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to meet this sweet girl.
Saia had an eventful Easter. We visited a family member's farm and she absolutely loved it! All sorts of new smells and plenty of room to play, it was a dog's dream. She even started to play fetch with a stick.
She was pretty confused during the annual Easter egg hunt. I'm sure was thinking, "Why in the world are all of these humans running around like crazy people to get a few plastic eggs?" Ah, cheap entertainment for dogs and people alike. She was very happy that all of the little ones came out to play. I think one of the reasons she likes kids so much is because they are low to the ground and easy to give kisses. They are also pretty messy eaters which allows for some extra treats.
We were a little worried about how she would do during such a long car ride, but she didn't have any problems. We laid out a big blanket and she snuggled on in for the full 3 hours. Such an easy girl to please she is.
Saia keeps showing me features of her personality. She started out so shy and scared; I am so pleased that she now feels comfortable to be herself. She is now the first one up in the morning. I usually find her sitting patiently by our bed just waiting for someone to join her. You can hear the thud of her tail wagging once she hears you starting to stir. She just can't wait to have some companionship. She is much more confident on walks. A sudden bark can startle her a bit, but she is no longer trying to hide behind me.
A fur brother or sister will really help Saia in her forever home. She tends to copy whatever she sees, so it is a great tool for teaching good behavior. It you throw a ball and another dog runs after it, so will she. She heard another dog barking like crazy this weekend and looked confused for a couple seconds, then gave a couple barks back like "Is this what I am suppose to do?"
We hope to check out the Minnehaha Park this week to see how she does in the water. My guess is that she will be in heaven, but we will see.
Saia had a vet visit recently and is in great shape. She put on some needed pounds and looks fantastic. She had a lump on her back that I was nervous about, but it turned out to be just a cyst. What a relief! She has had some ear problems in the past that looked like they may make a reappearance, so we have her on meds to make sure she stays comfortable. Other than that she is tip top.
Saia will be getting out in the community this weekend if you would like to meet her. I know she would like to see you! Her friends Diane and Fred will be taking her to the Elk River Chuck and Don's event. It is on Saturday from 11:00-3:00 at 19230 Freeport Street NW. Trust me, she is worth the drive!
What a great weekend Saia had. She had so much fun with her new friends Diane and Fred. Lucky for her, they live on a lake, and she jumped right in. Not only that, but they also took her to the Chuck and Don's event on Saturday. Saia once again proved how well she can get along with anyone and everyone. She was a very good girl and met some very nice people. Thank you Chuck and Don's for giving Saia a chance to strut her stuff. Here are a couple of pics from Diane and Fred that show how much fun she had. One is of her on their living room chair, I'm sure a comfy spot was the first thing she scoped out, just like at our house. The other is of her with her new toy, the funniest thing I have ever seen. The cow actually makes mooooo sounds, so when she carries it around like her little baby it will occasionally moo at her. I'm so proud of her. Just a few short weeks ago she didn't even know what a toy was. Now it is like she couldn't live without them.
We missed her very much and are glad to have her back. I know it won't be for long, she had lots of people interested in her from the event and I'm sure there is more to come but we will enjoy the little time we have. Saia just needs to find that perfect forever home that will give her love and attention that she deserves. I know she will make someone VERY HAPPY! Thank you so much Diane and Fred!
Hi guys,
Here is our latest update for Saia. She was adopted!!!! 
Saia found her forever home and is settling in at this very moment. She has a new fur sister named Sadie and plenty of space for her to play. She has a loving family that she will be more than happy with for the remainder of her years. Saia will even get to go up north and swim in the lake, her favorite!
Saia is very lucky to have such a great new start, she deserves it! After working so hard to raise countless puppies that sweet girl needs a break. She is now welcoming her new digs, complete with fireplace and comfy bed.
Congratulation Saia! We will miss you.
| Hello, I wanted to give an update on Saia. We adopted Saia about a month ago now. What a wonderful sweet girl. She just fits perfectly with our family. Saia has been learning how to play, swim, and roll in stinky stuff! The picture was taken during her first visit at the lake. Even though the water was only 50 degrees, we couldn't keep her out of it! She slapped her paws on the water, dunked her head under and then ran out of the water and ran around the yard as fast as she could. Saia has no issues with digging or jumping fences. She walks perfectly on a leash. She is learning how to play "dog games" from our silly rescue lab Sadie. Sadie is kind of a bull in a China shop, so lady-like Saia doesn't quite know what to think of her. Thanks RAGOM for a wonderful gem like Saia! The G family |
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Just wanted to send an update regarding Saia. She was a puppy mill momma and she is just a sweetie. When we got her they told us she likes to escape. We caught her digging a few times, but now no more issues. She loves her new home, and her fur sister Sadie. We could not have asked for a better dog. She just wants love, rest, and peace. She doesn't like male dogs sniffing her butt though! HA! The picture of her is after a day up north running/swimming. Soooo tired.
