Bobby was a very small 8-week-old puppy that was suspected of having hydrocephalus due to her somewhat domed head. The owner, who had had her only a week, decided she could not manage the potential vet bills and surrendered this sweet, affectionate little girl to AGR. After she was fostered by an AGR foster for a couple days, we moved Bobby to Liz’s house. Liz took her to have an exam by Dr. Cohen at Stetson Hills Animal Hospital, one of our experienced veterinarians. He noted that while her head is apple shaped, the fontanel portion of her skull is closed. Usually this would be open in a hydrocephalic dog. She also did not exhibit any neurological signs as she walked around the exam room or when going for treats. Bobby’s head was odd-shaped for a Golden for sure. She looked like she might have Cocker Spaniel or Chihuahua in her, just to give you an idea of what her little puppy head looked like. But, all good news from the vet! Bobby was placed with an adoptive couple. They renamed her Gila (pronounced Heela like the monster). They said:

My husband’s family are all dog lovers and they have a tradition of naming them after rivers. I think it stems from their last name, Ribar, which in Slovak means fisherman. A lot of his family is from the North West including Alaska, so it was a lot of fun for us to get to choose a name that is so specific to the hot Phoenix region. They have two cats who were both bigger than Gila when she arrived. One of the cats firmly put her in her place about who was boss; the other cat hid. Amanda and Casey have been terrific about sending us follow-up notes. They have related: First few days she started to pick up things and chew so we’re getting her more chew toys today; Jimmy the cat and she are going to be best friends in no time, Murphy more wait-and-see. Gila changes every day and really loves running around the yard.

Later, more comments as she grew: She is starting to chase toys we throw; we taught her to come; cats have transitioned to “OK she’s staying.” She likes to take her chew toy to the grass outside to chew on it. Asks to go outside at the door all the time, sometimes for potty, or just because. She and the cats nap together on the bed or couch. Young neighbor girls come over to give her treats. They are 2 and 5, and she is good with them. First part of December: We got more boosters and were cleared for puppy class but not for walking the neighborhood. Cats are even more relaxed with her. Went to puppy class – she wanted to meet all the puppies, youngest in a full class – trainer suggested a different class so she can get more attention. She’s learning a lot – because of her age we do small sessions all day and training is going amazing, she’s a smart girl. She’s full of energy and Miss Congeniality at her puppy classes. She’s always a big hit everywhere we take her and wonderful with our nephews and niece. The way she plays fetch is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. She’s kind of a lazy girl, but she’ll lightly jog after a toy if I throw it. When she brings it back, she always used to curl around my legs to try and drop it on my feet. I thought it was adorable so I started sitting down, and now when she brings a toy over to me she plops down in my lap. If I get the toy from her, she’ll chase it but always comes right back to curl in my lap and get scritches while chewing her toy. She’s a little particular, but in a sweet way; seems to know exactly which toy she wants to play with at the moment, and even though she can really throw her toys around she’s oddly careful not to tear apart any. Except for her chews! Those are marked for demolition the second she gets one. We’re so happy to have her in our lives! Thank you so much AGR!