Charlie

Profile

Charlie's loving owner surrendered him back to RAGOM's caring hands after her husband passed away and as she prepared to move to Alaska to live with her daughter.

He is a big, lovable, gentle teddy bear of a larger size: 99 pounds of sweetness. If you like big feet, you will love Charlie. I don't think he'll need snowshoes in the winter. You know what they say about the size of a dog's foot: Big Foot = Big Heart.

This 9-year-old gentleman is getting along great with my 9-year-old resident dog (Duke). Charlie usually takes direction from Duke around the house and yard. They're both aspiring to run (and catch) a slow, three-legged deaf squirrel, as neither is real speedy or quiet as they let the neighborhood squirrels know this is "their yard." I'm pretty sure neither of them wants to live with a young pup that's always looking to play.

Charlie is taking 3 medications: an antibiotic as he came with a hot spot on his elbow, a spray for the hot spot, and a medication for his anxiety. I had a Golden when I was younger that got a similar hotspot from laying on concrete. That's mostly healed up in the 6 days I've had this beautiful and friendly dog.

He takes pills with his breakfast and supper. He did have Pill Pockets and gladly took them dipped in peanut butter, but after observing him inhaling his food at a speed that competes with my 20-amp, 240-volt wood shop vacuum, I just throw them in the bowl and watch them disappear.

I don't believe I've seen any sign of separation anxiety in the few times I've left him alone. That is what the third medication is for. He started getting that from a prior owner when left alone for 10-12 hours a day on a regular basis.

Duke's favorite game is to show you or other dogs that HE has the ball or stuffed animal. Charlie shows no interest at all. Charlie does like rawhides which disappear as if it was put into a wood chipper.

Charlie's loves:

• Dinner. Won't be late. Eats fast.
• Car rides. Loves to ride in the car, but isn't quite sure on the best way to get into my SUV.
• Walks. He walks extremely well on a flat leash (with Duke by his side). Given the opportunity, he will walk himself.
• Being with his people. He pretty much stays off the furniture and usually lies in the same room. He and his friend, Duke, follow me from room to room. He likes soft.

Charlie is an escape artist. He's gotten loose 3 times in the week I've had him.

1. Pushed open the double gate in my backyard. He was observed checking out the main in-out gate, then leaning into the double gate to open it. He then took off and joined the Holy Angels Soccer Team practice and said hello to everyone.
2. Squeezed by me as I was leaving. He moves quickly. Came right back when I backed the car out of the driveway. He likes car rides more than walks.
3. Magic. He escaped Wednesday morning by (pick one):

a) Opening the front latched, but not locked, screen door.
b) Opening and then closing one of the gates in my backyard.
c) Leaping my 5-foot chain link fence in a single bound.
d) Climbing the fence which has been sufficient for all prior resident or visiting dogs. My house has had dogs for most of its 58 years.
e) Has a friendly Terrier buddy whose dad wears kilts - "Beam me out, Scotty!"

He went about 3 blocks, found a Pitbull puppy to play with, then laid down to take a nap on the neighbor's front porch. She found him, got his microchip read, and contacted RAGOM. He had a fabulous time that ended with a great car ride! His former dad took him for 5 1-mile walks every day.

The weather has been wonderful, but he's lost free in-out privileges and unsupervised freedom to the backyard. In nice weather, I just leave the back door open, figuring I'm perfectly safe from any wandering squirrels. I had felt safe with my 5-foot fence.

Charlie will carry shoes to some place else in the house that seems to need some redecoration. Only 1 of a pair, at a time. Either he's stopped opening freezer doors, or he's not used to my side by side fridge (yet).

Charlie will be at the Edina Chuck and Don's on Sunday, July 20th. He would love to meet his furever family. He is a handsome, fabulous, furry and friendly dog who wants love to make his humans feel loved.