Goliath went to his home in New Mexico on March 9, 2008

NAME: GOLIATH
AGE: 7, 10, or 13 years old . . .
GENDER: MALE
SPAY/NEUTER: YES
UTD: YES
HW STATUS: NEGATIVE
DATE OF INTAKE: 21 February 2008

Update from his parents in April 2008.

Tammy,

We thought you would enjoy seeing a few shots of our golden boy, Willie - GoGo - Love Butt, in action.

He has graduated from eating off his Nambe plate to a swanky "Trendy Pet" elevated feeding center. Willie is our best eater, drinker and pee -er! You failed to tell us he had an enormous bladder! Even after a 30-minute walk he has plenty left to spread about. At the end of our walks our other two dogs can only manage an intention to pee - Willie is fresh and ready to go! Speaking of walks, he absolutely yanks us down the road he is so excited. We are working on "training" him not to pull, but that selective hearing thing seems to hamper our lessons a bit.

Willie used to lunge for treats, but he is now taking even the smallest bits quite gently. We just have to remind him once before we give it to him that he needs to be gentle.

After Willie eats he likes to rub his face on a rug, which usually leads to a full body rub-swim around the rug ending in him on his back, all four legs in the air, wiggling back and forth. This is so much fun we can't help but join in, rubbing his belly, tickling and wiggling his legs and feet. If we don't do it enough, he kick his legs higher into the air to encourage us to keep going.

Willie usually spends the night on the love seat in our TV room. A few days ago he decided that we were, indeed, OK and that he would honor us with his presence in our bed. He wants to be up near our pillows, but he is such a fidgeter that we eventually have to escort him off. The panting is another dilemma - it does not promote falling asleep in humans! He is so darned cute we can hardly stand it. Sera, on the other hand, does not find his nightly visits to our bed all that cute.

The other thing he likes to do in the evenings is climb onto our laps as we watch TV. He'll climb onto Jim in his chair and eventually fidget his way across the arms of both chairs onto my lap in the adjacent chair where he fidgets and sighs until he has to get off.

He is a happy, lovey boy, and it is as though he has been with us forever. Thank you, again, for loving him and keeping him, and sending his photos our way.

Alexis & Jim

MEET "GOLIATH"

An owner-surrender to the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana, 13- year-old Goliath was brought to Gulf South Golden Retriever's attention by the caring Labs4Rescue folks who peruse the shelters to save their own breed. This compassionate and dedicated rescuer fell instantly in love with the great and gentle champion of a dog, Goliath, claiming he had captured her heart with his playful ways and sweet spirit. Not wanting to see him languish inside the desperate confines of a shelter, our rescue teams collaborated and he was fortunately released into our care. There simply is no dignity in an older Golden -- or ANY dog, for that matter -- to have to endure such an existence!

Neither the shelter vet nor the clinic's DVM where we brought Goliath to be examined after his rescue can believe he can be 13 years old, one placing him at 7 years old and the other veterinarian at ten! All that I can be certain of is that whatever his age, Goliath has a heart of PURE GOLD and he's so appreciative and easy to have in my home. This is no easy feat with two other 13 week-old foster puppies, two geriatric cats, and my own two beloved rescued Goldens I adopted from GSGRR! Yet, we are a tribe, and tribes stick together and take care of one another . . .

It's astounding how someone can simply relinquish a pet they have had for over a decade to a shelter. While I may never understand the rationale for such disregard of precious life, what amazes me equally as well is how resilient, forgiving, and loving these animals continue to be despite the neglect and abandonment they endure. It's that hope that fuels our rescue mission at GSGRR. We are certain that each and every one of the Goldens in our care deserve another chance, and frankly should never have been put in the position to require rescue in the first place!

Goliath has a lot of loving left to give and a lot of living left to enjoy! Watching Goliath be so tolerant and patient around the foster puppies explains the wisdom and appreciation he's acquired over the years, but it also makes it easy to recognize the "puppy" that still exists in HIM! Out of all the toys in the yard and inside the house, he is intrigued by the smaller puppy toys, and engages the little ones in gentle and easy play. Goliath can often be found running gingerly around the yard, barking into the air, savoring the simple things life has to offer like basking in the sunshine and gazing upward at the night stars! Those are two of his favorite things. He's a delight on evening walks as well, and helps me take my time to recognize the things I might otherwise have missed! He's already teaching me so much . . .

It's clear that he doesn't always hear so well, but there are certain tones he responds to immediately. The clap of a hand gets his attention, but I am mindful to do it at a distance as not to startle him. Hold a biscuit directly in front of him and it's easy to discern that his close vision probably isn't what it used to be. But when my four-leggeds and I have our "kibble catching parties" every night, he never misses a single tiny morsel tossed in his direction. In fact, he is the reigning champion of the week! So, he's just like us humans: when we age, we become much more near-sighted. Have they mastered Lasik for dogs, yet? (BIG WINK)

Goliath deserves to be in a home where he can get all the attention and time he enjoys. He sleeps a little later and more frequently than the rest of my crew, and in his Golden years, of course I allow it. He's patient and likes to eat slowly, but his appetite is strong and hearty. After he fuels his little 54 lbs spirited body (he's a nice small Golden) he runs around the yard and his tail just NEVER stops wagging! Investigating every inch of the yard the puppies have traversed is another favorite pastime. Running back to me with glee is another . . .

Having been in my home for nearly ten days now, I feel confident that Goliath would do well with older children who were very compassionate and respectful of his age, understanding that his hearing and vision aren't as astute as perhaps in his earlier years! (He actually slept the entire time I vacuumed my office, but a soft whistle and his eyes were opened immediately!) Quickly approaching younger children might startle him, and I don't recommend that as a potential home for him. Although, when the puppies crawl on his head, and into his bed, he either closes his eyes and allows them to continue their wayward frolicking or falls asleep and chooses to ignore them. He's one easy and generous Golden!

Goliath loves people and is in need of a special forever home. He's a happy-go-lucky superior senior, and if you are looking for the dignified grace of an older Golden, please inquire about Goliath!

He walks wonderfully on a leash, enjoys toys and is a leisurely kind of guy. Not high maintenance at all, but does require a lot of love, and that's only because he's earned it! Goliath also enjoys the company of my two cats, who will often be found perched beside him during one of his afternoon power naps!

He's heartworm negative, neutered, up to date on shots, and an all around healthy and happy boy who runs and plays, just a bit more slowly than the rest of the pack! Goliath has a fabulous disposition and is one special Golden!

GOLIATH IS FREE AT LAST TO BE LOVED AND TO LOVE! He needs a special family to shower him with the love he deserves. Fair warning, though, you must be ready to be watched constantly by his adoring eyes that shout "THANK YOU" with each glance. Ask yourself also if you can tolerate the constant and exuberant swish of his tail when he sees you; it's like he has this incredible need to express his gratitude for being loved! He's energetic and eager to please, enthusiastic yet well-balanced and a wonderful senior dog!