Shiloh

Profile

 From: Laura Kreun

Shiloh was surrendered because his owner was moving for his health and couldn't have large dogs where he was going to live.

What a cuddly teddy bear!  Shiloh is a purebred make AKC Golden Retriever, super-sized at 113 lbs. He celebrated his 9th birthday in June.

Shiloh entered my life a week ago.  He met my cats, adapted to them with their quirky personalities quickly.

Then, the resident dogs.  The smallest, a male Beagle mix found Shiloh to be submissive.  The larger dogs found him to be friendly.  One happy family!  Senior dogs have learned the skill of getting along and more mellow than the younger pups.Shiloh has grown up around many children and does well.  Although very small children could be bumped over and walked on, if not careful.  He is not rambunctious, just a "bull in the china cabinet" at times.

Shiloh had lived within a fenced yard and dog house for nine years.  He had a doggie "partner in crime" outdoors, a German Shepherd.  They seemed to enjoy each others' companionship. In foster Shiloh is adjusting to the Golden indoor life and doing super! He housetrained almost instantaneously and NO marking indoors!

For several days he did not eat  (no, not even tempting treats). I wonder if he was homesick and then formerly, he was on a free choice meal plan.  Good news is that he is starting to show interest in food/treats Thursday.  I find he likes company while eating and he takes treats along side my dogs with a soft mouth. A-ha.  Training material.

Shiloh has proven trustworthy free roam for two hours.  No destruction.  He does like to know where I go when I disappear.  His nose was stuffed into the kitty door.  I have not been able to get him into the plastic crate-not even for treats.  I don't anticipate that he would need it on an ongoing basis, but it is a useful skill for possible boarding or medical situations.

Walking on leash is a work-in-progress.  He never had been to classes and leash walking is a new concept, but he doesn't pull and is rarely stubborn.  As my trust in his behavior grows, our walks increase.

Shiloh had his wellness exam on Wednesday, updated on his vaccinations, checked for heartworm(negative) and treated for parasites.  Interceptor will prevent any more parasites and the recommendation is year-round administration for two reasons: prevent resistance i​n heartworm and prevent parasitic worms year round.  The vet recommends a healthy weight of 80-85 lbs. Hello, weight watchers.

To summarize, Shiloh would be a great companion for a another dog and a wonderful friend to anyone that could use unconditional love. From observation and his long history of a buddy dog, he may do better if another dog is in the family, unless someone is around most of the time.  He could benefit from training and he may be easily boundary trained.  Remember old dogs can learn new tricks.  He has good recall, but I use a leash/line for safety. He is fine with children and cats.  Weight loss would be helpful for his health forward.

If Shiloh sounds like your kind of guy, check with your placement advisor and watch for further news.