Strudel

update 4/11/10:

FORMER SHELTER GOLDEN OFFERS PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE CHANGES, LOOKS TOWARD FUTURE

By Ross Jones, GRR Foster Dad

GRR does not have much information on Strudel’s background other than the bare-bones basics: She came to us on 1/20/10 from the shelter as a stray... end of story... or should I say, the beginning of a new “leash” on life. But whatever her background, Strudel is a very affectionate and happy Golden—that’s obvious right away, to anyone who meets her. And while she’s not a senior by a long stretch, she walks nice and slow with you and plays gently.

In the following paragraphs, I'm providing some excerpts from an interview I did with Strudel.

RJ: So, Strudel how do you feel about starting over?

S: I don't remember getting very much attention before, but now, I am so happy.

RJ: When you were settling into our home, we noticed that you immediately fit in with the two Irish Setters here. How is that going now?

S: I really like Teddy Bear and I like to wash his cute little ears. Murphy took some getting used to, but we do well together now. I learned right away that this new home is so much better than what I had before.

I explained about finding a forever home, and Strudel could not believe that GRR was that nice. She said, “I am very thankful for GRR finding me and looking for a nice family for me to call my very own. I never had such treatment.” Here Strudel started to cry a little as she was overcome with what life was going to be like.

I don't think that Strudel got very much love in her previous environment. She will gently take your hand to get you to pet her. Sometimes, she will grab your hand and mouth it a little; but we are working on that behavior. As Strudel says, “I don’t mean to be a pest about asking for attention, but I got so little of it when I was younger, I guess I just want to know someone will always be willing to pet me now.” I told Strudel, “Don’t worry—GRR will find a wonderful home for you. And even if finding a Forever Home takes some time, you get to stay right here with me until the right family comes along.”

Strudel is a beautiful blonde and getting prettier every day. Since all dogs do need to be kept trim for optimal health, I touched on the subject of weight:

RJ: I notice that you are a small girl and little on the plump side. Are you working on whittling your waistline?

S: My extra pounds were due to recently having a litter of puppies. My padding has nothing to do with the fact that I love to eat. And of course I never take extra food!

RJ: What, never?

S: No. Never!

RJ: What, never?

S: Well… hardly ever!

A dog full of humor and love, Strudel is looking for her Forever Family. Will you consider taking her into your home and heart?

That concludes my interview with Strudel and I hope you learned something about what a GRR-EAT dog she is.
 

What’s sweet, homey, old-fashioned, and just the thing to make you feel good? Strudel! And not just the pastry, but the Golden Retriever, too. This  shy mama (she had pups around three months ago, per the vet) wound up stray at the shelter—dirty, matted, muddy, and definitely in need of a change in fortune. Coming right up! The staff consulted their list of contacts and arranged to spring her just as soon as possible. Strudel is a charmer… “ooohh, she is NICE,” just about sums up everyone’s reaction.  Says her foster dad:

She is doing well already, though she was very timid at first with all the other dogs sniffing her and such. She’s definitely “pleasingly plump,” so I will be putting her on a diet—just don’t tell her that and hopefully we can trim her down a bit! She is very sweet. Of course as I get to know her better I’m sure more of her little personality will come out. Since she’s just had pups and “blown” her coat, she almost looks like someone gave her a haircut! I will get some pictures of her soon.

Strudel is heartworm positive, but as calm as she seems, we are hoping treatment will be easy. We’ll keep everyone posted on her timetable.

Adoption Procedures