Casper

Casper,  age 2 1/2

AVAILABLE

Update 3/18/12

Hi everyone! I just checked out GRR’s website, and I have to say I really stand out! Don’t you think so too? I have that “je ne sais quoi” that comes from having a touch of something exotic (Labrador—they come all the way from Canada, you know) in my pedigree. Guess I just got lucky & got the best of both handsome breeds!

Of course, I’m way, way more than just another pretty face. Those good looks go with brains! My foster mom says if I went to school with kids I'd get straight A's. I learned real fast to clear out of the kitchen when my dinner is being prepared. Just so I won't be underfoot, you see. I wait so patiently by the back door that I sometimes get rewarded with extra-special treats. See, I added those 2 things together real fast!

Anyway, this is what I'm looking for in my forever home: I need a canine play buddy. Mostly 'cause when y'all go off to work & school I'd be mighty lonesome all by myself. BUT, no kitties please—I just love to chase cats too much!  On the subject of chasing, I’ll be happy to help keep those pesky squirrels out of your yard.

I also need a family who will appreciate my fabulous vocal range! My foster mom says she has never heard a dog with so many tones & varieties!! My singing skills make me extra-special in her book.

Now, don't worry about me being a water-loving kind of dog who will never stay out of your pool. I can swim but that's not nearly as much fun for me  as a nice long walk on a trail, in the woods, anywhere! If your family has kids, that's fine by me. Just not too young because I do bounce around. I’m a young ‘un and when I start to play sometimes I think foster mom is one of the gang and might nibble on her a bit. “Not a good idea!” she says (she still says I'm special though!).

Got to go now. My foster pack is waiting for me. It’s our after-dinner walk time.

PS Forgot to tell that when you call GRR to meet me, ask for “Casey” – that’s my nickname! 

Update 3/1/12

“I received a call a short while ago from Sandra, a volunteer with the City Pound.  She called with the hope of getting this young male into Gold Ribbon.  He is a neutered male approximately 2-3 years old and he was a stray picked up by the city.  He was adopted out to an elderly lady and returned because he chased her cat.  He is high energy and is up to date on all of his shots.”

Along with the above e-mail (from one of our volunteers) came a photo of blond fella with a big block head sitting in his kennel run and looking cheerful, if slightly bemused (“how the heck did I get back here again??”).

Not to worry – it took a few more days to set up his ride and his foster home, but soon handsome Casper had been released from confinement and was zipping up the road to Austin. “Rambunctious and happy-go-lucky,” said the transport team – and it’s true! Especially after his long stint in a small kennel, the young Golden was just about ready to go into orbit. He was also a bit detached & disoriented, but as his foster mom says, “In just one week he’s gone from a dog who basically ignored me to one who follows my every move with his eyes & usually his body. it's so sweet so see the transformation.”

Casper had three accidents in his first four days in foster care, but since then he’s been accident free. He goes easily into his crate… but then barks pitifully when the door is closed. At night, he sleeps loose in the house with his three Golden foster friends: “picks one of the four beds and then the nightly trades begin.”

Cats? No-o-o-o. Absolutely not! That’s what got him returned to the pound in the first place. But other peppy dogs? Absolutely yes! Casper loves, loves, loves to play. He’s a noisy player with lots of barking and play growling, and his friend Rodeo, another youngster, is his willing partner. Just typical wild & crazy romping for two young Goldens. He can be a bit toy possessive, but he quickly releases with a loud, firm correction. He’s a little mouthy, too – nothing that can’t be worked on, though.

Casper has met young kids a couple of times when out walking, and both times he was very calm and respectful. The kids were tiny – under age five – too. He’s likewise calm and relaxed when you brush him… he likes it.

He’s a ravenous eater—a speed demon! “He readily shares the plate-licking duties with our 3, no problem.”

Like any active young dog, Casper needs an equally active family to help him burn off that energy and be a good boy. Another active young dog who likes to play would be a plus for him, too!

Adoption Procedures