Gator

An update from Gator's new family. Gator's new name is Hoover.

A little note from sappy foster Mom. The best Valentine gift is giving someone else your heart. All the RAGOM Volunteers give a little piece of their heart with all the wonderful things that they do. The little piece of heart is returned to us when we have touched someone else's life. Life isn't worth living if you don't touch someone's life and make a difference.

Hi Jennifer!

Hoover made it to Rochester in one piece, although he wasn't too happy about it at times. The harness that seemed like a great idea came off within 15 minutes because sweetie-pie got himself all tangled up and I was afraid he'd get hurt. He would cry and whine and bark, and then eventually get resigned to the idea of riding in the car and lay down with a big harrumphing dog sigh. Then a few minutes later he'd be up protesting again... then back down with a sigh. I think he did great and we'll be working on getting used to the car for the rest of the week (no more 90-minute rides, though).

When we got home Hoover spent his afternoon getting to know all the neighborhood kids and dogs. He was a hit! He really has a sweet nature and wasn't shy at all--or too wild. Just right. He's completely exhausted now...he's laying under the computer table now, and laid under the kitchen table during dinner. And I didn't even have to give him pupperoni to make him do it!

Well, this little guy has completely stolen my heart, and I'm so glad he's a part of our family. Thanks so much for all the great care you gave him to make him the sweetheart that he is today!

I hope you enjoy the pics. I'll send more as he grows.

All the best to you.

Lea

On 2/11 Gator met with a prospective family and they fell in love with him instantly. Just to make sure that Gator's new family really…really…really loved him he showed off a few tricks. Gator sat, sat up, down, and even rolled over. Gator and I were showing off a little but we wanted to show his new family that he has brains and looks…keep in mind that he is 10 weeks old. His new family will be picking him up today 2/14/05 so he will be their Valentine present…and I will be left with a broken heart. I will miss seeing this guy grow up. He is the sweetest thing ever.

Gator was kind enough to roll his sister and himself through mud, then a pile of leaves, and puddles before the prospective families showed up to meet them for the first time. I think he wanted to stay with me, Amber, and Oakley. I told my little love bug that it's impossible to make him look yucky…when he has a personality like he does.

Gator went to the vet last night and he did great. He weighed in at 17lbs., which means he gained 1 lb. since Saturday. He is healthy, no worms or parasites. He was a hit at the vet clinic, one of the receptionists called her friend and told her all about him while we were there. After Gator and Rosie were micro-chipped Rosie was bleeding a little, so Gator was licking the spot and taking care of his sister. Even this morning he went over and checked the spot and licked it a couple of times to make sure she was ok....then Rosie tackled him and they were off chasing each other around.

This morning when we were outside Gator ran up on the deck for his morning attention. Amber was next to me and she started to chase her tail (she does this once in a great while) and I started to laugh at her. When Amber stopped all of a sudden Gator looked up at me and chased his tail around a couple of times. It was so cute to see him imitate Amber just to make me laugh. He knows how to put a smile on your face.

I know a lot of people want female puppies and I used to be one of those people too, so I understand. I adopted a male puppy, which I never thought I would do, and I'm so happy that I did. Male pups/adult dogs are wonderful and I think other people should consider a male as well. Gator has become my little buddy and he works hard at making me laugh or putting a smile on my face. He would do the same for you. Last night we were playing cards and Gator came over and was watching us, then he sat down next to the coffee table and put his paws up as if he was asking us to deal him in. Gator is such a joy - he knows all the best jokes and is a little comedian.

Both Rosie and Gator are the sweetest pups I have ever met. They are so cute and funny. When they take naps they love curling up with my dogs. Last night I took them both to bed with me and they slept great. The only time they cried is when they had to go out…If I could get them both on the same schedule then I would only get up once during the night. I don't mind I just love being with them.

When ever I'm in the kitchen they think it's time for treats or maybe I will drop food…so they run in and sit there and stare at me tilting their heads back and forth saying "come on drop it, drop it..please". Last night they were sitting up for treats and I only showed them that trick once. These two are so eager to please. Usually, I don't notice dog expressions in pups but these two look right at you like they are trying to tell you something.

Today 2/8/05, they will go to the vet to get micro-chipped. On 2/5/05 they received their shots and weighed in at a whopping 16 lbs each so I'm excited to see if they have been gaining. Yes, these two are chubby pups, cute little legs, and fluffy. Don't hesitate with expressing interest in these two…they won't be around for long…no lie, they are that sweet and smart. Housebreaking is moving along great. I have had only one accident per day, one day it was Rosie and one day it was Gator. They have healthy appetites, love to play and run, then they sleep..typical pups.

One day Rosie picked up one of my shoes and I told her utt ahh (if you know how to spell it let me know?) and I handed her an appropriate toy and she hasn't touched my shoes since. We always have shoes laying around and there has been no problems. Express interest right away…before I get too attached.