Mike

Mikey the lovebug has found his forever home. While he will be missed by me and RD Willow, he has a new home with a new mom who loved him immediately. He will have a great life with his new extended family, including 2 fur brothers.

This little guy has come so far in the past year. I am so proud of him. He came to me frightened and insecure. It has taken a while, but he has progressed to the point where he is ready to take on the world. He will always have some issues, but with the help of those who love him, he can now face pretty much anything that comes his way.

Thanks, Sarah, for seeing Mikey as the lovebug he is.

Sorry, it's been a while since I have updated for Mikey. Life goes on well for him. He continues to slowly find his way and become more secure. He still goes to doggie daycare 2 days a week and all reports say that he plays hard the entire time he is there. He must as he is sound asleep the minute we get in the car. It is so good for him and I am so thankful to these places who offer free daycare for fosters. He's young and needs to burn off some energy and he can always improve his socialization skills. So it's a win-win situation.

I did find out over the July 4th holiday that he doesn't like fireworks. It upset him quite a bit, but with the help of some medication and a quiet house, he didn't do too badly. Now I am seeing that any construction going on in the neighborhood seems to bother him, especially the nail guns for roofing. So we tend to do our walking early in the day and in the evening.

Mikey has the same needs as before:

• He has to have a confident resident dog in the home.
• He can't be left for 8- to 9-hour workdays every day. I am working on leaving him for longer periods of time and we are good for 5-6 hours, but probably not every day.
• He would not do well with an active household with small children. The noise makes him nervous. He tolerates bigger kids just fine.

Mikey has been such a joy to watch grow and mature. I think he will always have some insecurities, but he has progressed so much. He is just waiting for that special family who will find him to be the special dog they would like to welcome into their home. I know they are out there and will just love him to pieces when they meet him.

 To my sweet little friend Mikey - have a wonderful Spring!! Love, Carolyn :-)

  Hi Mikey Hope you are having a good Spring!! Take care of your FM! Pamela R

  I fell in love with Mikey as soon as I saw that handsome face. He stole my heart! I hope he finds a loving forever home soon. Sue

Mikey wants to thank Sue for the spring icon. He is very appreciative of all the wonderful people out there who help out the RAGOM dogs.

Mikey continues to take small steps in gaining confidence and feeling secure. It truly has been amazing when I think of how he has grown since he came to me as a foster. It's been a slow process, but overall, he has improved so much. Last fall when he came, I couldn't be outside at all without him or he would be so very stressed and upset. This spring, he sits on the porch and just watches me or the bunnies or whomever seems to be around. Not much barking and so little stress. I think he will always have some insecurities, but they certainly have decreased with time.

He still needs a confident dog to learn from and help him be more secure. He also doesn't do well with school-age kids. He does fine with babies and older kids, though. A fenced yard would be ideal. He's young and loves to run and play.

If you think Mikey would be a fit for you, contact your placement advisor. He would love to find his forever home and share the love he gives so readily.

Mikey wants to thank Carolyn for the spring icon. He knows how much she loves him.

Mikey is happy to see spring here with warmer weather and lots of birds and rabbits. He especially likes those bunnies and does have a prey drive for them. I certainly wouldn't trust him out off a leash or a tie out to not chase them. A fenced yard would still be the best option for him. He's young and fast to run.

Mikey's separation anxiety has improved. He is still pretty much my shadow but is better about being left. I haven't crated him since last December as he seemed more stressed in the crate. Now he will often just watch me as I leave, and not be begging at the door so frantically as he was when he first came to my home. I have been gradually increasing the time he is left with RD Willow, and it has been up to 6 hours. He did pretty well, but probably wouldn't tolerate that amount of time for a work week. 2-3 hours a day seems like where he is best right now.

He also would do best in a quieter environment. He stresses with a lot of people/kids around. He does pretty well with bigger, older kids, but younger ones really bother him. I don't know why and have been trying to slowly introduce him to more children, but even walking by the neighborhood school gets him upset.

Of course, his main requirement is another confident, mellow dog. He likes to play and would like a dog who would play with him, but the bigger issue is the confidence the dog has.

If you think Mikey, the lovebug, would be a fit for your home, let your placement adviser know. He really is a love and will give back to you any love you show to him.

 FM and Willow love you sweet Mikey!

Mikey has been kind of busy the past few weeks. Or rather, maybe it's that FM has been busy. Mikey continues to go to Doggie Day Care twice a week, which is just great for him. He plays much better, or now he knows how to play, and he meets new dogs better. That isn't to say it all goes smoothly. He still has his moments of insecurity and apprehension.

FM went on vacation for a week, so Mikey was boarded where he goes to Doggie Daycare. They know him so well there and he spent the days playing hard so he would be tired at night. FM was worried that he wouldn't tolerate the kennel, but he did. I think he was so tired he just slept well. It has taken him a bit to readjust to being home. RD Willow wasn't here right away, and I could tell he was really having a hard time without her. Slowly, we are getting back to our routines. I think he does the best with a routine. He knows what to expect as he still gets nervous with anything new.

Mikey continues to look for his forever home. These are a few items to keep in mind if you could consider Mikey for your home:

• He definitely needs another confident dog. This is priority number one!
• A set routine of some sort helps him the most.
• No small children. He doesn't bother them; they just make him nervous.
• He does fine with cats.
• A fenced yard would be great, but not an absolute necessity.
• He does need exercise. He does so much better if he can play and run around.
• Lots of love!! He'll give it all back to you all the time.

If you think this sweet lovebug would be a welcome addition to your home, contact your placement advisor.

Mikey here.

I've been kind of busy doing my usual stuff. I still go to doggie day care two days a week. I love it there. I play so hard that when I come home, I just fall asleep. FM says she can tell how much I like it because when we get there, my tail is wagging and I can hardly wait to get in the door. I know all the people there and they say, "Here comes Mikey." They just love me!

I had another staycation last week when FM decided she needed to go find some sun for a few days. I got to play with my dog friends and the kitties too. I tried real hard to be a good boy.

A family who is interested in adopting me came for a visit. I don't know what this adopting business means, but they all seemed so nice that it must be a good thing. I know FM wouldn't let anything bad happen to me, or to Willow either. I met most of the family before at Meet and Greets, but this time, they all came to my house, so this must be kind of serious. They didn't bring their dog, Bear, though, so I need to meet him cause he's part of their family. I think I'll like him and I meet new dogs so much better now. Just ask FM.

Stay tuned and keep watching to see how this all turns out. Paws crossed for me. I think they liked me a lot.

Mikey the lovebug!

 Thinking of you often and wish you nothing but the best! -Eric & Rachel O

Mikey here.

I had an awesome holiday staycation. When I first arrived, my human hosts had us take turns getting treats. This really helped me say goodbye to my FM and start having some fun. I really miss the people I trust, but I have lots of coping strategies in that bag of treats, I mean tricks.

My greatest tool is having a confident dog to look up to. My furry host was once a RAGOM foster that needed the same support, and I really appreciated his mentoring. Transitions in general are a little tricky for me, but I’m gaining confidence by the minute. For example, when any humans leave the room and come back, I sometimes get startled, even if it’s only been a few minutes. I barked and growled a bit until I realized it was my friendly host, and gosh, did I feel silly then and sheepishly ask for another tummy rub. There are all kinds of simple ways to help with this, just ask any of my people.

I made lots of new friends of the human, canine, and feline variety. I’m so glad everyone here likes to snuggle, ‘cause I just can’t help myself. The cats said we can play anytime, as long as I don’t race around the corner at high speeds. Once, I accidentally landed on the same chair as the elder cat, and she gave me the look. I quickly averted my gaze to give the girl some space. Well, as much space as you can give anyone you’re sharing a chair with.

My hosts gave me 5 stars and invited me back for play dates and even another couple of overnights while my FM has stuff to do. If you asked me, I’d say I really like it!

Mikey here:

I just want to wish everyone a happy holiday. And I especially want to thank Rachel and Eric for the winter icon. I know they still love me lots!

FM tells everyone how much better I have gotten with my separation anxiety. I still get kind of nervous when I see that she is leaving, but I'm not at the door anxiously wanting to go with. Now FM tells me to go lie by RD Willow and I do that and chill for a bit. I still like to sit on the kitchen counter and look out the window for FM to return, but I haven't been crated for several weeks and that is so much better.

The big news is I am going on a little vacation of my own while FM and Willow go away for the holidays. It's only 3 days, but I'll be at a house with 3 other dogs, and get this: 3 cats. And a fenced yard so we can all play. And I even went to meet them and we all got along. I find those kitties kind of curious, but they like to play too, so I think life will be good.

Happy Holidays to all my RAGOM friends. I'm still looking for my forever home and I'm thinking the new year just might be a special one for me.

Mikey is back with me after spending about a month in another foster's home. It was good for him to have a new environment and some new experiences. He did well and found a playmate which he certainly enjoyed.

His return was right before Thanksgiving and I was concerned as to how he would do with a house full of people for dinner plus house guests for the weekend. Well, he did so well. He got a little nervous at first and would find RD Willow for comfort, but no barking or acting out. Both dogs just chilled out during dinner, but of course were rewarded with a few tasty morsels.

This past weekend, we were at a Meet and Greet and what a change in self-confidence since the last one we attended. Mikey was Mr. Social. Getting pets from everyone and meeting other dogs basically quite nicely. A couple of times he had to take refuge under the chair but not for long. He did so well!

Photos courtesy of Bridget O'B.

Mikey does not like to be kenneled for me anyway, so I have been giving him free roam. While I know he is anxious when I am gone, that too has gotten better. He isn't destructive and doesn't have accidents. He is just anxious, but better than when in the kennel.

Mikey would love to find his forever home. He still has some issues, but just wants to be loved and will give you back so much love in return . He does need another confident dog in his forever home and no small children would be good. He's still young and moves quickly. A fenced yard would be great, but not a must.

If you think this sweet boy would be a good fit for your home, let your placement advisor know. Mikey is just waiting for you to find him.

10/19/14: Mikey joined our family, consisting of me and my husband, my 14-year-old daughter, and 2 resident male dogs (13 years old and 2 years old) and our cat. He is incredibly anxious, with much pacing, panting, drinking etc. Got into the garbage over the night.

10/20/14: Mikey has decided that I was his and only his; he is Velcroed to my side at all times. He is very fearful of my husband, daughter, and other dogs. He jumps forward and growls and barks when any one of them approaches me.

10/21/14: I went to work and Mikey does not show any of these behaviors explained yesterday with the rest of the family; who would've known. I was going to give up due to this making our family jumpy and anxious. Then.... a fellow foster was having similar problems and received professional help. The advice is priceless, and it's not too difficult or demanding.

10/23/14: He has improved drastically and is giving my family and other dogs a break when I am home. It is still a work in progress, but I am very confident this behavior will get better with time.

10/24/14: He is now playing with my resident 2-year-old Golden. They have figured each other out and now Play is part of his routine here. At 7 am, he jumps up and licks my face, very excited to go potty outside, then these 2 boys play keep-away and chase. Mikey is very fast and agile and still is a young boy that needs to burn off his nervous energy; he has zoomies at least 2 times a day. Then the boys take a nap. Then there's a couple more sessions over the day of floor-wrestling and one big game of chase in the late eve, then all is tired. Mikey still wakes up a couple of times a night and licks my face to make sure I am still here, then he goes right back to sleep. He sleeps next to my bed in a dog bed.

10/25/14: I have been giving him a supplement called Composure, and it seems to be very helpful in helping him relax during training.

10/31/14: There has been only a couple of times in which nobody is home and I have kenneled him with his Kong and peanut butter, and he appeared to do well with that. He even goes in the kennel when he feels he needs a time out, with the door open.

11/1/14: Gotta watch this guy; he is very smart. He slides the screen door back and forth with his nose and I am sure if he wanted to lift a gate handle, he could, as well as uses his paws to try to turn door knobs, etc. Thankfully, he has never attempted to run off from us.

11/2/14: Boy! Is he fast...... He is a bit jumpy and I have not been giving him any pets till he sits down, but now he goes right to a submission pose "belly rub" and he has noticed how well that works. This is a smart boy, very intuitive and getting more secure by the day.

11/5/14: He now gives my husband and daughter licks and lovin and is doing that obsessive behavior much less. As I see now, there is just some residual, only when he is in sleep mode. After all, habits take time to break, and he has been getting along well with my cat. He likes to chase him sometimes, but never has tried to hurt him.

11/7/14: For a week now, we have been working on "down," "sit," "leave it," and trying some recall with "come." He is getting more confident every day. We are so happy for him.

Hi, everyone.... It's Mikey here to do my update. I know it's been a while, so I just want you all to know I am still with FM and RD Willow.

But especially, I want to thank RAGOM dog Jessie and Pam and Janet for making a contribution to RAGOM for me. RAGOM does such great things for us foster pups so we can find our furever homes and enjoy the good life. So thank you all very much. I'm sure Jessie is enjoying her new life.

I have been kind of busy trying to get out and meet new people and new fur friends. I started going to doggie day care this week and while I kind of hung with the humans, I did make some new doggie friends also. Well, sort of. I'll be going back there so I can get more independent and feel more secure. It's a good deal for both FM and me. I think Willow likes to have a day all to herself also.

I am becoming a bit more comfortable when FM is gone. I still get pretty anxious but we are working on it. And by the way, I now know to sit very nicely when told to do so. Those treats help also.

We have been going for lots of nice walks with the fall weather and all the leaves coming down. Here is a picture of me from last weekend. I look kind of all hooked up, but I guess I need the Gentle Leader as I tend to pull a bit. It's hard when you have to smell everything and look at the rabbits and squirrels. I don't need to chase them, though. When we come home, I am pretty tired and like to snuggle on the porch and watch the world go by.

That's all from me for now. If you think I would fit into your home, I'd love, love, love for you to contact your placement advisor.

Your pal,

Mikey

Mikey has been out and about lately. He made his first Meet and Greet appearance last weekend and then the next day was featured as an adoptable dog at Goldzilla. Mikey did quite well for being an insecure little guy. He met most dogs well, but when it got to be too much, it was time to leave. Mikey does best meeting new dogs more slowly. He's not an "in your face" dog.

Mikey at Goldzilla

Right now, we are dealing with some separation anxiety. Mikey has had such an unknown start to his short life that separation from whomever he has bonded with is difficult. We are working on trying to ease things for him. He is such a cuddler and lover when he feels secure.

Stay tuned for more updates and progress on this great little guy. 

Mike 14-247 arrived in my home in Minneapolis form Iowa about a week ago. His foster family in Iowa was unable to keep him as a permanent foster due to previous commitments. They did a great job in showing Mikey the start of his RAGOM life.

I have found this love-bug to be just that. He loves his human contact. While he is still somewhat nervous and skittish with new people and noises, he actually warms up pretty fast if given some time. He met my resident dog just fine and they have gotten along well. Neither Mikey or Willow are big players, so that has worked out well. He does take cues from her, though, especially when we are out walking. He walks pretty well with only some pulling, and sometimes no pulling at all. I kennel him when I am gone and aside from some initial barking which has decreased with time, he does well.

If you think Mikey could fit into your family and have a fenced yard and another confident dog, let you placement advisor know. He really is a special little guy and has had such a rough start to his young life. He just wants to be loved.

Mikey will be at Goldzilla Sunday, September 14, in the adoption tent from 10:30-11:30. Come see this cutie.

Mike just wanted to send in a little update for all of his admirers. He is continuing to blossom here, and he is coming more and more out of his shell every single day. He is such a spunky, happy little dog that you just can't help but love him! He and our resident dog had a few days where they weren't quite too sure what to think of one another, but they have worked out their relationship and are such good buddies now!

Mike also crates very well during the day, which is something that is unbelievably rewarding and reassuring as a foster (and dog owner!). Mike is still too young to be left with free roam of the house, so he is crated alongside our resident dog, Sadie, in a separate crate. We keep an eye on Sadie (aka our master crate escape artist) during the day, while we are working, via a WiFi camera we can access from our phones or the computer. This camera also helps us to see how our foster dogs are adjusting while we are away. Mikey struggled the first day in his crate...lots of barking and whining. However, that is very typical of a dog in a new setting, so we decided to stick it out and see how it went from there. Well, as you can see by the picture I've included, he spends his day sleeping comfortably now. We are gone for a full workday, and this is absolutely NO problem for him. He's super excited to see us when we get home, but his kennel is dry and he is a happy, well-rested boy.

Mikey definitely needs a fenced-in yard, and kids under 10 would probably not understand his need for gentle, slow introductions so he doesn't get too scared. He's cat friendly, and he wouldn't hurt a fly. If you're thinking about meeting a dog with an indescribable amout of potential, then look no further that Mike! He's got so much love to give, and he just can't wait to meet his forever family.