Eddie

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10/28/2013:

fast (fast·er, fast·est )

adj.
1. Acting, moving, or capable of acting or moving quickly; swift.
2. Quick to understand or learn; mentally agile: a class for the faster students.
3. Firm in loyalty: fast friends.

adv.
1. In a secure manner; tightly: hold fast.
2. To a sound degree; deeply: fast asleep.

see: Fast Eddie (aka "Eddie Spaghetti", "S'ghetti")

Eddie is a ~4-year-old Golden (Collie? Border Collie? Aussie? mix) who made a grand entrance, or rather an exit, with RAGOM by bolting from his new foster home within minutes of arriving. Nervous about his change in environment, compounded with a cautious regard for men, Eddie spooked and pushed through a rotting portion of our fence before even meeting our resident dogs. Quickly covering miles, he led the RAGOM Lost Dog Team on a three-day chase across south Minneapolis, proving that even a newcomer will get the active attention of dozens of dedicated volunteers right away.

Found and brought home again in good health (and showered with lots of extra love and reassurance), Eddie wasted no time in showing that he finally recognized a good thing when given a slower introduction. By the next day, Foster Dad was pondering this RAGOM Riddle:

How do you teach a runaway new foster dog to come if he won't leave your side?

Eddie came to RAGOM after spending a year with a Good Samaritan who found him as a stray. A loyal dog who loves to be with people (even if he needs a bit to trust them), Eddie did show anxiety when left alone, especially if kenneled. Realizing that Eddie needed a change in environment, he was brought into foster care.

Eddie is a quick learner, a loyal friend, and a very gentle dog (our cats are all interested in him). Once he's hooked on you, you'll realize that he's quite the catch. It will be worth the extra time needed to earn his trust, as he'll pay it back with interest.

Eddie does come with some baggage. It is suspected that a man was abusive towards Eddie as he shows a strong hesitation around new males and raised voices, he spooks at people approaching him if he doesn't know them yet (making his search more challenging), he is reported to be afraid of gunshots and fireworks (but not necessarily thunderstorms), he has a history of hurting himself or property when trying to free himself from a wire kennel or confinement in a garage (most likely bored and lonely), and he suffers minor seizures.

In the first few days in our house, I have already become convinced that he can be left alone with free roam of the house, and the Prozac he is taking may help with anxiety, but I also hope that since I work from home, we won't have to leave him for extended periods of time, and can wean him off of it. A home where Eddie can have companionship of other dogs and/or a stay-at-home human would be important.

He is taking Phenobarbitol daily for his seizures, and was reported to have had his last one over six months ago. He should continue to do very well with this medication for the rest of his life, but his forever home should be aware of this condition and be prepared to monitor it and help him through the brief seizures, keeping him safe and comfortable throughout it and the period afterwards in which he may be disoriented for a little while.

Over the first few days in our house, handsome “S’ghetti” has proven that he loves to be by people, and that he will always try to please. I’m now getting lots of nose nudges throughout the day, and although he looks like he’s cowering a bit still, he absolutely loves to be hugged and held tight.

Eddie has lived with dogs, cats, and young children, though I wonder if a very active/noisy home doesn't add to his anxiety level.

Eddie spent his first few RAGOM days on the road, but now that he's settled in, he'll be a hard one to send off. Let the bidding war begin.

Here's "Eddie Spaghetti" fast asleep on our bed after getting home for the first time.