20-025 Doug is a 3-year-old purebred red Golden and very bonded to 20-026 Russell, a 2-year-old blond purebred Golden. The owner’s wife left him with four children and two dogs – he was overwhelmed and realized he did not have time to take proper care of the dogs. He requested that we keep the boys together, so our Placement Team found the perfect match with their adopters. Our transporter said:

"What a fantastic transport – made my day! Picked the boys up from in Goodyear and they rode beautifully. Doug stayed in the back of the van, but Russell kept his head at my right arm the whole time. When we got to the FWITAs, it was love at first sight! The adopters sat on the floor and just loved all over the boys. It was wonderful! One of our Placement Team members was there with some “Gotcha Day” toys that she bought, and Doug immediately commenced to grab everything and run with them. He had both toys and a ball at one time. The boys went outside to explore the yard and we all thought it was cute that Russell appeared to be peeing on the sprinkler that had just come on. However, it became clear after a while that he was not still peeing, but was just thoroughly enjoying the “bidet” spray. Smart pup! Doug came with a Frisbee that he loves. The adopters had lots of toys from their previous dogs and he loves them, too. Carries 3 at a time. Russell prefers to chase Doug when Doug is chasing toys. He does not really go for them too much himself. Doug seems to be a little possessive of the toys and growls when Russell tries to take them. That may be why they didn’t have any other than the Frisbee. I was not too concerned, as Russell respected Doug and did not really try to take toys from him. Doug is definitely alpha in that area. I suggested that if it becomes an issue they should remove the toys for a while. Russell constantly worries at the back of Doug’s front left leg, especially when Doug is chasing toys. We didn’t really notice it so much until I was ready to leave – couldn’t see anything at a glance, but when I got home could see in some of the photos that behind that leg there was something going on. They intended to get the dewclaw checked when going for their vet visit. [Note: the problem was a cut on his foot.] Terrific placement – these dogs will be totally loved and doted on."

The boys had their vaccines updated and were tested for heartworm and valley fever. Russell was fine, but Doug’s lab results came back with a 1:64 valley fever titer. He was started on fluconazole and his neuter surgery had to wait for 6 weeks until his titer came back 1:16. Russell was neutered right away, but developed an infection, which was treated with antibiotics and cold laser applications. Both dogs are doing well now.