Golden Rescue South Florida
WINSTON
THERE'S A HOME FOR EVERY DOG
Winston originally came from the Miami Dade animal control. He was rescued by Carol. We won't get into the story but he went to two homes and it didn't work out. Enough said!
Winston and Sheri
Sheri offered to foster for us and she ended keeping Winston for about six weeks. Not only did we find him one good home but we had a list of people who wanted him. I think if Sheri could managed she would have kept him herself because she kept on commenting what a wonderful dog he was. She took him swimming in the ocean as much as possible and just took the best care of him.
Thru, Niki from greyhound rescue we found Felicia in Maryland who had recently lost her golden and totally fell in love with Winston. We usually don't adopt out of state but the bond had started and things just fell into place. After contacting the Golden Cur list we actually had a volunteer, Jean from Tampa who offered to drive Winston all the way to Maryland.
Nikki offered to drive Winston to Tampa.
For all of us it became a mission to get Winston to his forever home.
As of right now (may 18) Winston is in Tampa at Jean's and will complete the rest of his trip on Monday.
We'll keep you up to date
Timeline
May 17- Nikki drives Winston to Tampa. She said he was great in the car and had a wonderful trip.
May 19
Message from Jean
Winston is doing dandy. He arrived around 10:00 AM yesterday. Marked off his territory and then we went inside to great the 6 4 foots. Everyone got along just dandy. Could not let him swim in the pool only because my Jocee had a growth fatty tissue only removed from her front elbow Friday and cannot get wet for 14 days. She also loves to swim and I knew she would be upset if he went swimming and she did not. We leave tonight for VA and Winston will spend a couple of days in VA and then on to Annapolis Wed or Thur for his final leg and forever home (maybe). LOL He is a lover and if I did not have so many goldens already I would probably not want to give him up. He had loose bowels so I did not feed him his food I gave him rice and chicken broth. I will keep him on that till he has a firm stool. Still a bit mushy this AM break but I know its just stress. He played tug with me and hubby yesterday. Took all the hard bones out of the toy box and layed down on them. Last night was a bit rough due to thunderstorms for all the dogs. I slept on the floor with them. Winton wanted in the bed but he would not lay still so I put him on the floor with me. Everyone is resting right now happy and content. I will post when we get to my sister's Mon night if I have time. Your boy is doing great, don't worry about him he adjusts rather fast or he did in our house. He is busy rubbing his body on the carpet and moaning in happiness right now. He is going in style to MD. He will be riding in a 2001 Mercedes. Jean
May 19th in the afternoon
Winston is resting right now. He had a very buzy day. His three lab buddies
went home to their daddy this AM. He wanted to go along, but I had to tell him
we were leaving later on. I took him and Jocee for a short walk just to ease
the stress level. He helped me pack my luggage and he showed real interest
like he knew it meant we were leaving. He stuck like glue to me the rest of the
day. He helped me pack the car with his food and toys. He selected a few to
keep in the car just in case he had a play attack on the way up. We put a soft
quit that we slept on last night in the back seat of the car. Now its time for
me to shower up and rest before we start off this evening. We have two stops
to drop off my 3 golden before we leave for VA. My mom and dad came up for
lunch today. Winston greeted them like he had known them all his life. So
far I have not heard him bark. He set next to my mom and just waited hoping
for a hand out. I told her do not feed him at the table. He finally gave up
and laid down beside her. I have a 4 feeder stand which I feed my dogs from.
They are all lined up like cattle. I should have taken a picture but hubby
already had packed the camera. Since my youngest was already gone I put
Winston's bowl in her place and he munched down on lunch standing in line with
the others. He was a perfect gentleman. He is in seventh heaven with 3
females to guard. He is funny to watch because he pees like a girl inside of
lifting his leg due to his hips. He also a slight switch to his walk from
behind. I wish I had a movie camera to take some shots of him and Jocee
walking side by side. Both of them have butt sway walks. I can't help but
laugh when I see them walking side by side. Jocee also has hip problems but so
far no need for surgery, but I am sure sooner or later it will have to be
done. Jocee is 4 so her and Winston are just about the same age. I think he
has a slight crush on her as he slept next to her after the storm passed over
last night. He left me high and dry on the floor by my self.
We will be leaving around 4:00 PM to drop off our crew and then the long happy
trip starts. I will post his travel adventures hopefully Monday nite. Jean
MONDAY NIGHT
Just a quick note. We arrived at 10:00 AM in Rixeyville, VA. Winston is a fantastic travel dog. He got in the car with our help laid down and we did not hear from him until we stopped for fuel. He was perfect the complete trip. He has been great here in the mountains. Plays with my sisters dogs and cat. Except for her one female who is bone possestive near her chair we have had no problems. Winston behaved like a gentleman the first time Sherrie barked and charged him. He simply backed off. The second time Sherrie charged him he did bark at her but no contact was made between either of them other than the noise. Sherrie will settle down by tomorrow and things will be normal. She did the same thing to my dogs the first time they came. Took Winston out and he was running loose with the other dogs playing. His exercise in the mountain air seems to have done him some good. He is doing fine tonight. His loose stool has firmed up and I have started to give him some dog chow mixed with the rice. He should be back on solid food by tomorrow. My sister fell in love with him. She said if he does not work out with Felicia she would love to have him. I told her I think Felicia will also fall in love with him. He is a super dog. Closing for now, will write when we get to MD. We have taken some pictures but won't be able to send them till later as I cannot put the program on my sister's hard drive due to lack of space. The camera Nicki sent has some pictures so I will give that to Felicia for her to complete. Jean
With Jeans husband
TUESDAY
Winston is happy and adjusting daily. My sister set up a twin air mattress last night since he cannot climb a lot of stairs and her guest bedroom is a long flight of stairs. I was going to sleep on the floor in the kitchen with him. After we got the air mattress set up with sheets, pillow, and cover we turned around and Winston was climbing on the bed and laid down. He was so comfortable and cute looking I did not move him. My sister said she would set up another mattress but I just pushed him over and climbed in beside him. He did not move all night. He is a great bed buddy. I took his picture. He has taken several naps today (Tue) on his bed. He got a grooming and ear cleaning today. His ears were getting the black wax buildup. He laid his head on my lap and did not move while I did the deed of cleaning his ears. I gave him a whole doggy body massage and he looked up at me when I stopped as if to say don't stop now. We left him a couple of hours while we went out. The house was in apple pie order when we got back. He did take a candy wrapper of the trash can when we got home but dropped it when I told him no. I cannot say how much pleasure it has been to transport him. I am getting teary eyed just thinking about turning him over tomorrow. He has entered my sister and my heart and soul. My sister said if this home does not work out she would take him in a heart beat. I called Felicia and left word we would be heading for Annapolis in AM and should arrive around 10:00 depending upon the traffic. I will write about that tomorrow. Winston has had several short walks at his request. He is doing fine and his bowels are now back to normal. Will close for now and write later. Jean and the wonder boy.
Weds
Winston was a bit confused this morning when he saw the
baggage and
the car being packed. He jumped into the car and took up his post as if to
say you are not leaving me. The journey from VA to MD was uneventful. We
arrived around 10:30 and I called and got Felicia on the cell phone. She
and her mom were just heading into Annapolis. We met them at their house
and Winston was his gracious self. While we were talking he had his head in
his bag of toys I though. When I realized his head was not coming out and
that he was eating treats it was a struggle to get his head out of treat bag
which had come open. He managed to help himself to quick a few snacks. I
told him he had his treat allotment for the entire week. Felicia gave him a
big hug and said that he was her kid. I knew from that comment and the fact
that she said down at his level that she was a dog person and things were
going to be OK for Winston. I told her we had given Winston our number if
he got in trouble and needed to call that we would be back for him. I don't
see that happening. I have pictures and will try to load the program into
the computer tonight or tomorrow and get them off to you. We gave Felicia
the camera with the pictures we had taken and she has several left to take at
her house. Having met Felicia my heart is not so heavy right now. I will
miss the wonder boy but he is on to a new life and a forever home and with
that thought I wipe my eyes. I cry in happiness that he now has a new
loving, caring home. Jean lonely without any fur to stroke.
from his new mom
We
fell in love at first sight. He fit right in without one hesitation. Okay,
except on Opie's part (the cat). Willie was Opie's mother, so he's not fooled
one bit by the "look alike." I brought Opie to the truck and let him peek
inside as I was going to let Opie meet Winston and invite him into "his house".
But, Opie hissed and ran off. He finally came in the house about an hour
ago.....with an attitude....a redheaded attitude at that. Winston, on the other
hand, is lounging on his new bed, playing with his toys -- old and new, and
giving kisses to all. I think he likes having 3 adults to love. He ran outside
and greeted my stepfather, then brought him his toy. He is so incredibly good.
Very sweet! I just think he knows he's home. :)
Everything is just great!! Winston has not had one hesitant moment, has not
cried once, does not seem traumatized at all. He is spoiled already -- new bed,
new toys, new standing bowls, new name tag, big bag of his food. In fact, we
drove right to the pet store and I ran in and got him some things while mom
waited outside. When he got home, the cat came to "greet" him, but wasn't too
happy and took off. Opie finally came inside and is now hiding under the bed
since Winston greeted him with a bark -- just one -- merely a hello. Opie is a
lovebug. I'm sure he'll be giving Winston facial kisses in no time. Winston
tried to get back in the truck -- boy, he loves the car, but we told him he was
home and he went right to the front door.
Felicia, Felicia's Mom , Jean and Winston
Felicia's Mom and Winston
He investigated the house a bit, and picked out a spot for his bed. Right next
to the bag of treats we had sitting on the mantle. Those were quickly moved
since we know he has some weight to lose (don't we all?!?). He had something to
eat -- again, no problem there. Then he found Opie's toy and carried that
around for awhile. When my stepfather came home, he ran outside and greeted
him. I don't know which one was happier! My stepfather didn't know Winston was
arriving today, so he was elated to have another man in the house. Once inside,
Winston brought Rodney his favorite toy. He's given us all hugs and kisses,
too.
Oh, and he's probably sick of the camera. I swear he was giving me that "not
another one" look. But I finished the roll and will take it to be developed. I
should be able to email photos shortly.
WEDS
Today,
Thursday, has been quiet. Winston did manage to make it up the steps (with a
bit of help) although we have a fairly large first floor, so he doesn't really
need to come upstairs. Like Niki told me, he is one determined dog. When he
makes up his mind to do something, he just does it. And he decided it was time
to explore the upstairs....and meet the cat. He also found the toy box. Of
course, Winston smelled the rawhides immediately and threw all the other toys
aside. But then he just carried them around.
Opie is still hiding under a bed. He comes out once in awhile, takes a peek and
then retreats. He did manage to come and sit with me while I was working and
gave me "kitty hugs" as I call those familiar rubs against the leg. I keep
telling Opie, it's not about him! :) Winston could care less about Opie and is
giving him his space. The only other dog I've ever seen act like this is
Willie. When Opie acts like Opie, Winston just turns and walks away. I have
faith the 2 will bond when the time is right.
Because Winston is so much at home, I invited my sister and her kids to come
over and meet "Cousin Winnie", as they call him. He ran up to the truck with so
much excitement, as if he knew them forever (I think he has!) They played
outside for awhile. The kids brought him a bone and he's downstairs now enjoying
being so loved and spoiled.
update June 20 2004
Hi Cyndi!!
Sorry to not have emailed photos and updates. My digital camera is a pain to
use, and I'm just not that computer literate with the discs. I have notes all
over to send them, then just don't. I suck!
Winston is great!! We have never had one single problem or "foster" incident
with him. He just fit right in from day one. Hard to believe we've had him 2
years now. I swear he's a "walk in" soul of my other Golden. He had a haircut
about 2 weeks ago. I was hesitant because I love the natural Golden look, but
Winston is a VERY hairy bugger. So I agreed, and she shaved his hair off. Really
-- fluffy head and tail, that's it. Needless to say, I was NOT happy. Now it's
grown back a bit and he looks like a big puppy. His new nickname is Cutie Pie
(among the many others). He actually had "salon day" -- haircut, massage, teeth
brushing, nail clipping, oatmeal bath, so I don't think he cared. He's so layed
back. He is still a little overweight, but he's fed the special vet diet (R/D)
and given synthyroid, so I believe he's just meant to be a big loveable dog. His
large paws illustrate that. Every night he climbs up on the ottoman (by himself)
and watches tv with us. He has also become a master of the steps. Although he
will use me to give him back/butt massages as he climbs them! I know his game,
but I love him so much I let him get away with it.
The whole family loves him, too. My 4-year old niece asked me last month, "Can
I have Wynnie?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was so earnest. She
adores him. But I'm not budging!
He had a play date last Tuesday with my friend's 2 girl dogs. I think he had a
crush on the little Samoyed. He's great with other dogs...and cats. Oh, Opie,
was won over not long after we got him. At first Opie tolerated him. Now he
loves him and I believe I've seen him a few times giving him a bath (just like
he did to Willie). Opie was NOT happy either with the haircut. He didn't
recognize Wynnie. He ran and hid -- thought we got another dog. We had to show
him it was Wynnie having a bad hair day.
Felicia
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Please contact the person listed with the dog
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