Markus now Sam
updated photo May 2007


Markus is now named Sam and here is a recent photo. What
a handsome boy.

Markus went to his forever home on October
17th:
Update in May 2007:
Dear Jan,
Where is Sam? As you can see by the photo, somehow he blends in with
the foliage as well as our home. Sam has made our family even more
special. He's great, of course! As you said, he is special. Every day,
either Bob, Ben or myself comment about what a great dog he is. We
are in love and tend to spoil him constantly. Thank goodness he's got
such great manners he doesn't take advantage. We admit, he's allowed
on the bed and couch. Afterall, they are perfect spots for cuddling.
Did I tell you he plays Marco Polo? We discovered he barks when you
hide your face. I linked that with the command, "Marco."
He answers with a bark- "POLO." He also does, "Speak."
I can't believe how fast he learns commands or how we expect him to
behave (or not). He and our Sadie are amazing together. Both of them
share tidbits, bedding and petting. Although Sadie is larger, by height,
he is dominant. She will herd him but he does as he pleases. There
couldn't have been a better match if it had been orchestrated.
Our vet did change his heartworm meds a bit to administer smaller doses
every two weeks. She discovered a heart murmur I suppose due to the
heartworms. Dr. Knight was quite pleased with him and he's the hit
of her office. She had high compliments for Gulf South Golden Retriever
Rescue. I believe she said she had another client who had adopted through
you.
I keep telling Bob I'd want more Goldens if only we had larger cars!
Maybe one day :) They have truly stolen my heart. Enjoy the pics. I
give him hugs and kisses from you and remind him that he was your Markie
Markus first, loved and treasured.
Have a great day!
Valerie
Update on December 4th, 2006:
Attached are two recent pics of Sam/Markus.
Isn't he B-A- You T full? Gorgeous! He's a love bug, so responsive
and willing to do anything. The little cat, Mini kitty, clearly likes
him. Our bigger, MONDO kitty doesn't seem to care. Anythow, look how
pretty he is with his fur glistening. Have a great day!
Valerie
Update on oct 27th:
Jan,
You know who is keeping my feet warm! You were absolutely right when
you said Marcus/Sam is special. Although it's only been a week, he
has settled right into our household. What a great baby. He acts
like a puppy, joyous, happy and free. He and Sadie have begun to
play with each other. I am amazed that neither dog is protective
of food or bones. The cats already know he is safe. Yesterday, I
found him on the bed cuddled up with the little cat. She loves to
keep warm and he's a hot box. Even the shy cat is coming out and
getting close to him. Like you said, he loves other dogs. He had
a great time playing with our dear friend's dogs. Also, he's a hit
at the local ball games. We regularly go to soccer and women's softball
at South Alabama. Of course, our dogs go with us. Besides a great
opportunity for socialization, it provides the students with some
dog time. Many of them have commented how they miss their own pets
and love getting some strokes in with ours. Sam is more than willing
to allow them to love on him.
He's a love who demands that he's involved in every petting opportunity!
I can't even begin to touch on how special this boy is to all of us.
I am in love with this guy with deep red hair and Bob is smitten. We
can tell you did a great job with him. This guy listens and is more
than willing to TRY to sit. Strangely, he has no interest in chasing
a ball. BTW, he pretty much spits out the green beans but Sadie (who
could gain some weight) loves them. GO figure!
Hope all is well with you. Know that we will keep you up to date. Thank
you for your dedication to this breed and the ones who need special
care. They deserve the best.
With doggie warm toes, Valerie
Update from his new mom and dad:
Jan,
Although I have been around Golden's before, I had no idea they could
be as lovely as Marcus. He is fabulous. He's not velcro, he's Saran
Wrap. Bob reminded me that we are quite fortunate that he was fostered
with a trainer. He has terrific manners along with that overwhelming
desire to please. He's a love. Bob took yesterday off and we did dog
shopping with both of them. Marcus was wonderful on the lead and quite
obedient. By the way, at the Vet's, he weighed 71 LBS. Ummmmm?
As I groomed Sadie last night, he had to get in on it, too! Two brushes
to Sadie, three to Marcus. She tried to get him to play with her PullToy
but Marcus preferred lying on top of us. Later, we took a nap. Sadie
laid down while Marcus rested his head on her hip. He certainly is
a cuddle bumkin. Who wouldn't want the love he offers?
Did I tell you that you saved us $250 in teeth cleaning for Sadie?
We bought them both knuckle bones, and VOILA! Sadie's teeth are now
PRISTINE! I mean totally free of plaque. Today, I plan to take one
(knuckle bone)to our dear friends for their dog who was also quoted
a huge amount for teeth cleaning. UH, have I said thank you enough?
Bob and I agree we have been blessed with both of them. Marcus and
Sadie are quite different and they match our personalities perfectly.
You all did a terrific job linking our needs with his. We will keep
you posted.
Valerie
Jan,
As you know, Marcus is a PERFECT gentleman. He is a love. I had no
idea how cuddly he could be! We introduced him to Sadie as you suggested.
Later this evening, I had taken them out to
"Go Now" and automatically pulled out two biscuits, asked
them to sit, Sadie to say, "Please." I didn't even think
about either of them being food aggressive. They INHALED and I realized
what I had done. Anyhow, they seem to be all right with each other.
He is a perfect Gentleman. Thank you so much. He's gorgeous, loving
and eager to please. We will let you know how things go. Thank you
again.
Valerie and Bob
MR. MARKUS THE MAGNIFICENT
What a handsome dog! This neutered dog is approximately a year and
a half old and has the most stunning coloring: that golden red that
makes him sparkle and look magical! And that’s what Goldens do:
they magically make your life better by their presence? Do you doubt
it? Take another look into this precious animal’s eyes and you’ll
understand what we mean. Better yet, see for yourself what every other
Golden Retriever companion already knows. These dogs—with their
hearts of gold—are so eager to please and want so desperately
to be with you as often as they can be.
Markus’s youth puts him in good stead with his positive heartworm
diagnosis and he’ll likely continue to do very well on the slow
treatment. He just adores other dogs and has not met a stranger. He
is a happy dog and needs someone to recognize how much he has to offer!
Is that YOU?