Baxter #3304

My name is Baxter (#3304).  I’ve been told I’m quite the handsome Golden Retriever.  I am 7 1/2-years young. I weigh 82 pounds. I am a very loving, happy, sweet, and cuddly dog. I currently live with two Golden Retrievers (ages 2 ½ and 13 years) in my foster home and get along great with them. I love to roughhouse, play tug-a-war and chase with the younger Golden, but am kind and gentle with the older one. My doggy housemates and I enjoy sleeping huddled together at the end of the day. In my previous home, I lived harmoniously with cats and children.

Here are a few things you should know about me:

• I adapted quickly to my foster home and think I am well-adjusted overall.
• I may be middle-aged, but I remain moderately active and need regular exercise.
• I pretty much love any toy but I tend to love them to death quickly so it is best to provide me with sturdy toys.
• When meeting new humans or dogs, I may bark for a short time but quickly move past the vocalizations into friendly mode.
• I love to do fast circles when I know I am going to be fed.
• I love to run.
• I love to nap and snuggle with my head on my human.
• I am in good health but have a few very common Golden health conditions, like being a little overweight. (I need to lose 8 to 12 pounds to drop to my ideal weight of 70 to 75 pounds.)
• Like many Goldens, I occasionally get ear infections and need regular ear cleanings to prevent that from happening. I also have moderate skin allergies and need to take a daily preventative prescription medication.
• I know several commands, including sit, stay, come, down, and turn around.
• My main challenge is my stubborn refusal to walk on a leash. My previous humans informed GBR that I had extensive leash training but it was never successful. Due to the leash issue, I was walked off-leash in large fenced areas.

Other things to consider when applying to be my forever family:

• I need a large fenced yard for play because I refuse to be walked on a leash.
• I need love and attention. (I can never get enough of either!)
• I love to be petted, scratched, massaged, hugged, etc.
• I never want to feel alone. I have never lived in a home where I was alone for more than 4 hours a day, so I believe I would do best in a home with a similar schedule; however, I might do okay for a longer period if I lived in a home with another dog to keep me company while our humans are away.

The perfect home for me would be one where I live with people, dogs, cats, etc. so that I can socialize most of the day; definitely a large yard to run in; a doggy door with access to the yard when my humans are gone; lots of healthy snacks; comfy nap spots; someone to play tug-a-war with; and humans with the financial means to take good care of me.

I hope you don’t think I am asking too much.  It’s just that I want to have a happy home in which I can enjoy the rest of my life and share all the love that is in my heart with my humans.