Disco#4249

My name is Disco (#4240). I am a male, 5-year old red Golden Retriever. I weigh about 98 pounds and am somewhat overweight due to not having all the exercise that I need for my age. I should be around 90 pounds.
I love playing with other dogs if it is gentle play. I won’t jump on other dogs or knock them over. When a cat walks near the fence, I simply lie and watch. I met a cat that was used to dogs and, after giving her a sniff, I just watched her. The cat didn’t run, so I don’t know if I would have chased it. I can go to a home with a cat that is confident and used to dogs.

I like older kids who are calm. When I saw young kids that were running around, yelling and playing hard, I tried to hide. The time I was around young kids was at an outdoor food cart, where the kids were running wild so it is unknown how I would interact with kids in a home setting. I have interacted with older kids and was very calm and friendly with them.

My foster family tells me I am a very special dog. They say they have never met a dog that is as generally calm and easygoing as me. I went through a vet exam, got my nails trimmed, received immunizations and an examination and I never showed any type of annoyance. I just love being around people. You can touch me anywhere and I will remain calm. I don’t particularly like having someone encircle my neck with their arms, but I never growl. You can take toys, food, etc. away from me and I just let you.

I am willing to give you love and care anytime you need it. I will back into your legs, sit down and wait to be scratched then I will turn my head and give you a trusting, loving look that may melt your heart. My smile is always there. I am not happy about being brushed, especially when it comes to my tail; however, the only way I show it is to sit down. I am quick to learn and want to do anything I can to please you for either simple praise or treats. (I pretty much live for verbal praise and physical touch!)

I used to be left at home alone a lot and so I was a Velcro dog, never letting my person out of sight for a minute, when I first arrived in my foster home. As my confidence has grown, I have become much more independent. I may still check to see what my person is doing if they are in another room but then I return to wherever I previously was resting. I have learned my leash and house manners easily and, for the most part, follow the rules. Example: If something is dropped on the kitchen floor in front of my nose, I won’t touch it unless I am told it is okay to do so. I wait until my food bowl is filled and I am told to eat before I start. I am never in the way, and you don’t have to worry about me eating something that could be toxic such as chocolate or onions.

I will sit and wait while my poop is scooped and won’t move until I am told to do so, so you can do what you must and not worry about my running off. I may, however, look at you with some exasperation trying to figure out what is so important about my poop! My leash manners are developing well. I can heel on both a loose and short leash, stay nearby on a long leash and if I become distracted and pull, you can stop and wait until I release the tension then we can continue our walk.

My activities around the house are somewhat limited due to my age and health. I get meds with peanut butter three times a day for a seizure disorder and usually nap right afterward. (I have not had a seizure since arriving in my foster home.) I rest one hour before and two hours after eating to prevent a twisted stomach. The rest of my day is free for walks in parks, going into stores to do shopping or just getting out around people and new smells.
I probably need to be able to play with other dogs and people. My energy level is moderate and may increase as my days start to include more fun things. I should walk at least three or four times daily if I don’t have anyone home to play with me. I have a large ball that just fits in my mouth, and it bounces when tossed. I am told it’s cute when I bounce the ball by myself. I will chase it all over the yard and finally bring it back to the person who threw it.
I have been told by my foster family that I am one of the most well-mannered dogs they have ever met. I have not destroyed anything in the house, nor tried to raid the counters. I do not get people food, except for the peanut butter with my meds and the small pieces of cooked chicken franks I receive as training treats. I did, one day, walk off with a slipper because I wanted to play keep-away but I gave it back for a belly rub.

I have never barked at anyone going past or coming to the house; instead, I remain calm and collected. I know heel, wait, down, sit, free, greet, watch me, nope, good and easy (slow down or take one step at a time on stairs). I do still need help remembering that not every person or dog wants me to come up and socialize – I struggle with this on occasion. I should continue to have daily training sessions, i.e., putting me in heel and praising me for doing good. It doesn’t have to be formal, just a reminder when we are out walking.

My ears are prone to infections and mites, so they need to be checked regularly. I need my nails trimmed every three months or so. I eat grass often although not much each time. I like the taste of it.
I have an unusual behavior of going down on my belly and crawling towards someone who I want to be close to. No one is really sure what I am thinking when I do this. I’m told I can melt your heart when I sit with my back to you for a scratch then turn only my head and neck and look at you with my trusting, loving eyes. Your heart will warm, and you may feel my gentle soul when I put my nose up to you and look you in the eye with a special kind of love that only dogs can give.

I currently eat Royal Canin Golden Retriever dog food; it is rather expensive, so a less expensive, high-quality dog food may be in order. I am afraid of loud noises such as those made by fireworks, backfiring cars, screaming kids, motorcycles, gunshots, burning wood snapping or, frankly, any other sudden loud noise; surprisingly, however, lawn mowers and weed-eaters don’t phase me. I will likely require sedation for Independence Day and New Year’s, but just talking to me helps to calm me. Oh, and if you get frustrated with something, like your computer, and yell at it, I will give you a wary look and walk away so you may have to find me and let me know you’re not upset with me. For these reasons, I will need a family that doesn’t yell.

I would like to go to an active family that will give me all the love and care I need. It would be great if the family had another calm dog, and possibly older children who would treat me with respect. With proper training, it’s possible I could become a therapy dog who visits the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals, etc. as I am very sensitive to feelings and never jump up or act in any way rude to people. I hope my kindness and gentleness will be a wonderful addition to a special family.

Adoption fee: $800 plus $35 microchip fee