Adopted Dogs · Happy Endings · Rainbow Bridge Memorials
~ Sponsored by ~
Judith C of Anchorage, AK
February 15, 2009:
Meet Jonah! Jonah is a very sweet, and extra adorable male Golden Retriever mix, who the vet estimates to be between 2-3 years old. Here is his story:
Jonah was found by the police and taken into to an emergency vet clinic late Friday night because this poor guy had been hit by a car! :( He has all indications of being a stray dog. He is very underweight at only 35 lbs, has not yet been neutered, and had no collar, no tags, no microchip. So, the e-clinic helped this boy out, and then called RAGOM :) Jonah's luck has turned around :)
Jonah has a broken left front leg (radius and ulna) and will require surgery to repair the broken bone. He has some other minor scrapes and scratches and a laceration on his tongue from the accident, but other than his leg, is in very good shape considering what he has been though. The emergency vet clinic splinted his leg and got him started on some pain medication, and antibiotics. We picked him up last night and fell in love the minute we saw his adorable face!! He saw a RAGOM vet today who recommended surgery for his leg ASAP, and is now scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. This boy has been through a lot in a few days, but has taken it all in stride.
Jonah is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met! He is very loving, and wants nothing more than to snuggle and closes his eyes in delight when you pet him. He gets along very happily with the other dogs here and I am sure would very much like to play with them... not yet, sweet boy! He is getting along very well on his 3 working legs, and the medication seems to be managing his pain effectively, because he is resting comfortably. Jonah slept last night on a dog bed for most of the night, and then on the couch for the second half. He goes potty on a leash, has not had a single accident, and knows basic commands. He is just a pure joy to have around. I cannot wait to see him feeling better!!
Please think of Jonah tomorrow on his surgery day! He needs good thoughts coming his way. If you have been thinking of sponsoring a dog, Jonah could really use it! He would thank you with kisses and cuddles :) I will keep everyone updated on how things go tomorrow. Thanks RAGOM for saving another very special life :)
Jonah is back in his foster home recovering from his surgery yesterday. The surgery went well, and he now has a plate that is supporting his fractured leg... AND he was neutered! A HUGE Thank You to Dr. R!!!! So, our broken puppy is now ready to begin healing :) He was happy to leave the vet clinic today, and thankfully he seemed to remember me... so he trusted me to lift him into the car and he laid on the bed of blankets for the car ride home. We stopped at Burger King so sweet Jonah could enjoy a hamburger (trust me... if you saw his face you would have stopped too!!) :)
Jonah has 8 weeks of recovery time ahead of him, and it will be slow going, but we want to make sure he is healed completely before he resumes normal activity. For now, he needs plenty of rest and he is happy to oblige, he is resting on a comfy doggie bed as I type this update! I am sure in the weeks to come it will become very hard to keep this boy quiet! :) Jonah has a nice blue bandage on his leg right now, which will remain for 1 week. After that the bandage will come off... and a few days later the sutures will come out. Then we will begin some at home physical therapy exercises. He will remain on pain medication for two weeks to help with any discomfort and swelling he may have. We will take it one day at a time. I cannot wait to see this boy playing and romping :)
Through all of this, the vet trips, surgery, being in a new place, trusting new people, etc. Jonah has remained perfectly sweet and wonderful. This is one SPECIAL dog. He has sure captured my heart :)
Jonah boy is doing really good. I am so sad that he is moving to a new foster home on Saturday. He will be very lucky to spend the remainder of his recovery time in a most wonderful foster home!!! This is through no fault of his own... I would love nothing more than to have him stay right here. However, we are expecting our first baby in about 4 weeks :) So... we just won't have the time to devote to his care and recovery. I knew when we picked Jonah up from the e-vet that he was coming to us as a temp foster... still this is hard!! He is just so darn special! He is one that I would adopt in a heartbeat, if we didn't already have a pack here.
Jonah is going to make someone so very happy. This guy is a very devoted companion... he is a velcro dog! Wants to be right next to you, and with you at all times. He loves, loves, loves to snuggle!! He loves belly rubs, and just wants to be a lap dog :) And, he is such a little guy that he actually can be!! :)
Good Luck on the rest of your journey Jonah! We love you, and will be watching your story and progress and bugging your new foster mom for updates :) We will be cheering you on the whole way!!
Jonah is back at his temp foster home. It seems that at this point, little kids are too scary for him to have around. When Jonah moved to his new foster home over the weekend he was terrified most of the time. He was continually submissively peeing because he was so afraid. We came to the conclusion, it must have just been the noise and activity level that comes with having young kids around. The kids are dog savvy and were staying away from him and giving him his space... so they were doing everything right. The adults were having the same reaction from Jonah when they would approach him... so both of us foster moms decided it would be best for him to move back here, and look for a quieter perm foster home for Jonah to recover in. Our home is pretty quiet and laid back at the moment :) and that seems to be working out very well for this little, sweet boy. Jonah came back into the house and happily greeted the doggy friends and my husband and seemed immediately comfortable. I have to say... I was thrilled to have this little snuggle bug back... even if it is only temporary! I am smitten :)
The reason Jonah is now listed as "unavailable" is because we just don't know at this point what would be best for him in a forever home. Is it possible that he would love to live with kids in the future? Yes! Is it possible that even after he is feeling better and given some time to trust he would still be uneasy around little kids and a noisy household? Yes! We need to give it some more time. Poor guy has been through SO MUCH and has only been in foster care a little over a week. He has made many trips to the vet which are very scary for him, he is in a brand new place, is probably still feeling a mild amount of discomfort from his healing leg and surgery, we know he is scared and stressed. This just isn't the best way to evaluate what this great boy needs in his very special forever home. When we foster these wonderful dogs we do so with the best interest of the dog in mind, always. Right now, the best thing for Jonah is time to relax, rest, recover, and learn to trust us crazy humans :) He needs to know that he is safe and loved. So, that is just what we will do! Stay tuned! More pictures soon :)
Jonah is still recovering well. He is using his leg more and more... he puts weight on it now (like he is suppose to) and just has a slight limp. All of that is great news! Jonah decided to take out his own stitches on Monday :( About a week early... we went back to the vet, and they had to put in a couple of staples to close some gaps in the incision. Also, we were sent home with a lovely cone for Jonah to wear when we cannot be with him. He wasn't sent home with one in the first place because he was leaving his leg alone... who knows why he decided to go after those stitches!?? He just figured it was time I guess :-) Jonah is very afraid of the cone... but it is getting better and better each day... and after the staples come out next Monday he won't have to wear it anymore, so... only a few more days. His incision looks SO MUCH better than it did on Monday! I will report after his exam on Monday 3/2... my guess is the vet will be very happy with his progress.
The more time I spend with Jonah the more I learn about his needs. This guy has some very real fear going on :( I tried to expose him to some of the neighbor kids in very short, small doses... but he is just terrified. His tail curls up under his belly and he stands frozen in fear. He doesn't want to make eye contact, he loses control of his bladder, it is very scary for him. So, I have made the decision that Jonah needs to go to a home without young kids at this point I would say at least over 12 years of age. He wouldn't hurt anyone, this boy is so sweet. He is just too afraid. We think it could possibly be that he was mistreated by children in his past. It is so sad to see him so afraid. Over time, he will continue to learn that no one is EVER going to harm him again... but there isn't any reason that he needs a "crash course" in this training. We want him to be as comfortable as possible... he will be happier in a home without children. Also, he is afraid when we get down to his level ... which is interesting because with a lot of shy, scared dogs it helps to get on their level. Jonah finds this very scary. He does really well if you are sitting on the couch, or a chair. He will then approach and want to climb in your lap :) He wags his whole body and is very much a normal dog. But, if you try and get down on the floor with him... he rolls over in fear and tenses up. He also does fine if you are standing or walking around the house. He loves to follow and just lay next to you. Jonah is a dog that is constantly seeking approval, he seems to walk on egg shells.... he has a worried way about him. It is like he is always wondering if he is doing something wrong. It is truly heartbreaking. He has made some great progress... and he will continue to do so with the perfect family to show him the way!
I am very proud to say that Jonah has learned the art of the Golden nose nudge :) He learned by watching my golden girl Bella.... she was sitting on the couch with me... giving me the nudge when I would stop petting her... surprise, surprise :) Anyway, Jonah was watching the whole time. Then a few minutes later he came up onto the couch and nudged my arm! I was so happy! Jonah does watch and learn from our dogs. He will need another dog or dogs in his forever home to help continue his education :) He has already learned from my precious pups that he is safe here and doesn't have to be afraid of us. When he is scared I call one of my dogs over and have them "show" him it is okay... he watches and I watch his fear diminish.
What else does Jonah need in his forever home? A physical fence, being a stray that was hit by a car a physical fence will help to keep him as safe as possible. He also needs to be enrolled in a obedience class to help build his confidence and continue to expand his social skills :) This would have to wait until he is all healed of course! The ultimate wish list also includes a forever home that allows their fur kids on the couches and beds. Jonah is in heaven when he can snuggle with someone :)
We are really enjoying watching Jonah come out of his shell and learn that he is safe... along with watching him heal physically, what a blessing! Jonah is just the most beautiful dog!!! It is hard to see from the photos but he has this dark "eyeliner" rimming his dark brown eyes and a thin white stripe that extends from the back of his head to the tip of his nose... it is so cute!! He has very thick, fluffy fur that is so soft and the cutest tail with a white tip! He is quite the looker. I know I promised more pictures... but he is camera shy so I have been holding off . Thanks for reading about Jonah and all of the other wonderful and deserving RAGOM doggies :)
Did you see?? Jonah has a sponsor!!!! :) THANKS A MILLION to Judith C for sponsoring our sweet Jonah boy :) This means so much! Jonah sends you kisses!!!!
I will update more after Jonah's appointment on Monday. I hope everyone is having a good weekend... enjoying the new snow with your fur kids! I know we are :) Jonah's limping is getting less and less and he is really using his leg well. It is becoming more of a challenge to keep him resting and quiet... It must mean he is feeling better, so that makes us happy. He knows his name now and will sit and lay down on command... such a good boy! He knows he has to wait before going outside to get his leash hooked on... which is hard because the other dogs just get let out into the fenced backyard, this little guy really does want to please and listens very well.
Thanks again to Judith C for your love and generosity! Without wonderful people like you RAGOM would not be able to help, and SAVE so many beautiful and precious lives.
Jonah had his 2 week post op follow up appointment at the vet today. Dr. G was thrilled with how he is doing :) She said he looks great. His incision is barely visible, and he is walking really well on his leg. As I mentioned before, he does still have a slight limp, but it has only been 2 weeks and she said that his lameness at this point is normal. He will be going off his pain medication in a couple days, so we will have to watch very closely to see how he does once he is weaned off of them. If he shows signs of pain, or he fails to progressively limp less and less... we will need to get him back on the meds. So, we'll watch and wait and see! They still want to see him gain 7-10 more pounds... and we are working on it. We have switched him to a high quality puppy food and this should give him the extra calories he needs to put on the extra weight he desperately needs. I am very proud to say that he was MUCH less scared at the vet today... However, I owe it to my resident senior boy Mr. Chips! Chippy came along as Jonah's support dog and it made a world of difference. Jonah even greeted the very friendly UPS man in the parking lot with a tail wag and received some pets.... after Chip showed him it was okay first. So cool!
Okay, now I have a very exciting announcement... Jonah has found his forever family!!! :-) AND, they meet every single quality on Jonah's wish list for his perfect home. The "S" family are repeat RAGOM adopters.... they adopted their first RAGOM dog Miley (08-005) a little over one year ago. Coincidentally, Miley was actually also a foster dog of mine, and she came from a puppy mill. She has blossomed into a confident, well adjusted, beyond happy girl... from a very scared puppy mill momma. She made this transformation with the help of her family, and most importantly... her fur brother Shadow. Shadow has helped show Miley how to become a dog, and that she didn't have to be afraid... and now Miley, Shadow, and the "S" family will do the same for sweet Jonah. When they first applied to adopt another RAGOM doggie they thought they wanted a female, and possibly a senior female... Jonah didn't exactly fit the bill :) BUT, they read about Jonah... met Jonah, and it was perfect... no one could deny it. Jonah hit the jackpot :) He will live his life being a loved, pampered member of a family. He will have his very own home where he will be kept safe and shown the love that he has been missing the first few years of his life, we could not be happier for him! The best part is that the "S" family has been so great about keeping us updated on Miley... we know we will be able to keep in touch and follow Jonah's journey as well! Foster Mom and Dad gotta love that!
Jonah will move to his forever home on Thursday, and they will continue his rehab and promise to supervise his recovery very carefully. It is best for Jonah to move HOME... so that he can begin to bond with and trust them. We are loving up our little snuggle bug for the rest of this week and will surely shed tears when he moves on! I will update more after the adoption is final.
Thanks again to Jonah's sponsor Judith C!!!! The wonderful world of RAGOM would not be possible without people like YOU :-)
Jonah is now home! He left his foster home for his FOREVER home Friday afternoon... he followed his new brother Shadow and sister Miley right out the door and up into the car. He was seated between them and happy as could be as he began his journey home today. I had tears falling down my cheeks! Of course :) Jonah is going to the perfect home for him, I have no doubt that he will adjust beautifully and live his life a beyond happy boy! What more could a foster mom and dad ask for!
Jonah touched my heart deeply. It is truly something special when you earn a scared dogs trust. It means so much and creates a very special bond. Rescue is so very rewarding for many reasons... mostly because of the wonderful dogs we are so fortunate to meet. I am so thankful to have gotten to know sweet Jonah. I love you Jonah boy and always will. I look forward to watching as your fears are erased and you learn you are forever safe and will be forever loved by many :)
Thanks again to Judith C for her sponsorship!! Also, thanks to the S family for adopting RAGOM dog #2 and giving him the world!
PS- All updates from Jonah's new family are sounding GREAT! Jonah is adjusting seamlessly... and this is truly a match made in heaven! Congrats to all!!! :)
Dear RAGOM,
We just want to thank you AGAIN for all that you do!!! We were blessed to have Miley 08-005 join our family in February of 2008 and doubly blessed to have Jonah 09-080 join us this past February!!!
Found as a stray, Jonah was rescued by a police officer after being hit by a car. Through the careful efforts of the police officer and a good vet, RAGOM was called on to do what they do best—rescue Golden doggies for a Golden Life! Thank you again FM for answering the call and making the run that night for Jonah! Your family was exactly what Jonah needed at that moment and in the days that followed. You see, Jonah had suffered a broken leg from the accident, and through the selfless help of Jonah’s foster parents, resident doggies, and everyone at the VCA in Richfield, Jonah began his recovery in the best possible way! Thank God for ALL you foster families and all you vets that serve RAGOM!!!
As fate would have it, Jonah found us and the rest is history. We decided to take on Jonah’s recovery and though “trying” at times (keeping a 2 year old doggie at rest for 8 weeks is no easy feat) it was worth every bump along the way. There were days when we never thought he’d recover and others when we thought he’d simply explode from all his pent up energy. (I don’t think Jonah ever knew he was injured—making healing and rest time tough.) But, in the end, 12 weeks later, all the worries, unknowns, and goofy adjustments we had to make lead us down the right path. We are THRILLED to announce that Jonah received “FULL RECOVERY” status yesterday after his final set of x-rays!!! While it took a little longer than expected, it was WORTH every minute! He is truly a GEM!!
Jonah may have come to us as a scared, broken little guy with a past we can only imagine, but you would never know it today! With the loving help of our resident doggies, Shadow and Miley 08-005, and all the other people that played such a crucial role in his rescue (you know who you are!), Jonah has made a full recovery and has found his way to the Golden Life! Thank you ALL for making it possible for this little guy to get a second chance and for our family to be blessed with such a special little boy!
All Our Love!
Jeff, Julie, Kalee, Shadow, Miley, & Jonah
 Jonah going to the lake |
 I love swimming! |
 What did you say? |
 My secret hiding place |
 Jonah! |
 The Pack |
Hi RAGOM!!!
It’s me Jonah (a.k.a Dr. Jones—because my mom and dad say I remind them of Indiana Jones—always on the move!)
Well, I’ve been HOME (with my forever family) for 6 months now!!! I can’t believe you found me such a perfect home! I LOVE IT! I have a great big fur brother and an awesome big fur sister that loves to wrestle with me. My human sister gives me so much love and my mom and dad treat me so good. They even let me sleep between them when the other two dogs are fast asleep! It ROCKS! I’m a very very very happy dog.
We have been really busy this summer—we go to the lake and swim---I’m not a huge fan of swimming but I sure like to chase Miley along the shore. I also like to fetch my ball, but if mom throws it too deep, I just wait until it floats in. I’m more of a land fur butt. My favorite place in the whole world is the dog park. Luckily, we go there a lot! I run so hard, my mom almost has to roll my tongue back into my mouth so I don’t trip on it! J Such problems!
I’ve had some great adventures this summer! One new thing was riding in the boat. Ahhh…it was ok…like I said---I think I’m more of a land dog. But, I was with my family and that’s all that matters! I’d go anywhere with them!
Thanks RAGOM for rescuing me and finding me my forever family! I LOVE them and I LOVE you!
Jonah
P.S. See you at the PICNIC!
 My leg is back to its furry self |
 My fur butt sister and brother |
 I love my ball! |
Hi RAGOM Family!
It’s me Jonah and I am celebrating my 1 year of being in my FOREVER HOME!
Yes---they LOVE me and I am SOOOOO happy! We just moved into a new home out in a more rural area and now my fur-sister, fur-brother and I have our very own little dog park right in the backyard. It totally rocks!
The “S” Family says I’m their “little boy” and I sure like it when they let me crawl in bed with them every morning to cuddle. They told me I get to stay with them FOREVER!
Well---so much to do---just wanted to check in with you all and give you a GREAT BIG LICK of love for rescuing me, fixing my leg, and finding me my perfect forever home. I love you all!