Lazarus

Profile

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February 13, 2012

Please help us WELCOME BACK Jack/Lazarus to RAGOMland!!!

Jack is a 6 yr. old, 73lb (68# is ideal) Golden Mix (Lab or possible Pointer—definitely a hunting breed in this boy) that just returned to RAGOM. Jack’s adoptive family recently added a 3rd child to the home and with less time to commit to Jack’s training, they felt it best to return him so that he could get the direction, attention and environment that is best for him. We thank them and promise to do just that for Jack!

Jack originally came to RAGOM as a stray named “Lazarus” in 2009 and spent some time in foster care learning the ins and outs of being and indoor doggie! In foster care, it was discovered that Jack has a dire fear of storms and did not like being crated. Being a stay, we have no idea what the cause of these fears are, but we can only imagine…an outdoor dog…possibly locked in an outdoor kennel/crate regardless of the weather and since he can break out of crates when storms come…this may be the reason he was found as a stray back in 2009? Speculation of course…but there is always a good reason for fear…

Jack made huge strides learning to live the "good life" with the consistent direction and love of his foster families in 2009/10----he was potty-trained, taught some good manners and helped with meds for his storm anxiety. From the sounds of it…the meds were not as helpful as hoped and so we are going to work on a good plan for this boy. Yesterday at the vet, it was realized that the dosage of the med was much too low and would have had limited effect if any---so this was a good find indeed!

Jack, front and center, with his foster brothers

As you can see----Jack is a VERY happy boy! He likes both dogs and CATS!!! We even have old pictures of him curled up with 2 cats---HA!!! Above…our resident Pete (RAGOM Boy Pete/Bear) is giving “Make-up” kisses to Jack after a small scuffle the first night….this foster thing is new for Pete so Jack got the brunt of Pete’s anxiety…but Jack recovered well and took the cues perfectly! Good Boy Jack! He’s been great with our 3 resident dogs (1 female/2 males) and has them chasing him outside and initiating play…Man, can he run!Jack is without a doubt---the BIGGEST love bug ever!!! His previous family said, “A Beautiful Dog. He will Love you to Death!” We CONCUR!!!!!What we’ve learned in 4 short days: Jack...

• adores his people like you can’t believe
• loves to cuddle on the couch and in bed with you
• is fearful of the vacuum and backs away at the sight of it.
• loves to be outside …runs and tracks like a Lab…very independent but also enjoys your company
• walks beautifully on a leash
• does fine in the car…a little anxious at first but settles down easily
• his idea of “Fetch” is more like “Catch me if you Can” or “Keep Away” J
• displays no aggression at all with toys---loves the tennis ball and Nylabone/bone
• makes himself right at home!

It was mentioned that Jack loves to steal food from counters, pet food dishes and kid’s hands. He eats faster than I’ve ever seen a dog eat and is a bottomless pit! Being a stray---we can all understand where the sense of urgency comes from…but it’s all about teaching manners and consistent leadership from the Lead Dog---Jack’s Family. In the 4 days we’ve had Jack, we have not experienced him stealing food from our hands…though we don’t allow such a thing. He does counter surf, but responds to the word, “Off.” Children are notoriously easy targets for the “food thieves” so we will be looking for a family with no small children and consistent leaders that will continue teaching Jack his manners with food. As for with the resident dogs....we feed Jack about 10 feet from the other dogs--allowing him space and comfort knowing no one will take his food. So far, not even a growl. Once he's done eating, he scavengers the area for more food---checking bowls and the floor. Again...food in his past life must have been hard to come by.

Jack will teach us more and more about what he needs in his forever home….but we know this for sure…just like with children, dogs need unconditional love, consistent direction/training, commitment and a positive environment in which to excel in. We are on a mission as his foster family to find just that home for his special boy! Looks like he in on the same mission too! J

Go get ’em Jack!Jack will be out at the RAGOM event on Saturday at Chuck & Don’s in Highland Park for his big Welcome Back Debut! Stop out and meet this Lover Boy…but I will warn you….you can’t take just one kiss from this boy!