He's BAAACK !!!! - gadams38 (gadams38) Journal on ZooToo

He's BAAACK !!!!

posted on:

Sep '09

10:46am

I don't know if any of you remember Toby the Golden Retriever, he was the beautiful dark red Golden I placed in a home in Barnesville a while back. Well, I got a sad phone call on Friday (just has not been my week), and turns out Julie and Seth are going to have to give him up, even though they adore him and he adores them. Seems that Toby is a real people dog, and gets SOOOO excited when then grandkids come over that he just kind of barrels them over. They have a newborn grandchild and are concerned that with the amount of time that the kids will be spending at the home it will be too much for Toby to handle. They have to keep him separated because he is such a big lug and he wants the kids attention and a 70 pound dog is just too much for the little ones to handle. The older kids do great with him but he just knocks the little ones over. I remember how much that wagging tail hurt when it hits your leg, and when he gets excited, it wags pretty fast. He is a wonderful dog, loves the water and would do great in a home with older kids, other dogs, and boy would he love a pool or a lake to swim in...he REALLY LOVES to swim. Sure hope we can find a loving forever home for this guy...Kevin wants to keep him because he does so well in our home with our family, but we have 3 dogs and 2 cats already plus the kids, and that is plenty for me to care for, trust me, I have my hands full with my bunch.

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8 comments found.

Posted by sandy h. (sandy5)
2 months ago

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I can't believe these people really love this dog if they aren't even willing to try working with him to train him not to jump on people, or at the very least separate him from the young children. Dogs can be trained, but you have to be willing to give them the time and attention to do it.

Posted by sandy h. (sandy5)
2 months ago

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Oops, sorry, this was Jackie speaking and it was mom's account.

Posted by gadams38
2 months ago

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Hi Jackie, They took him through training sessions at a dog training school, and he is fine in all areas except with the small children. I understand how you feel, but I must say that they DO love the dog, however they are concerned for the safety of their grandchild, he has knocked over the 2 week old babys infant seats already and he keeps knocking over the 2 year old, they are afraid that their grandchild will end up with a head injury. They have gotten to the point where they have actually had to put the dog in a boarding facility when they have company for the weekend. They have tried putting him in a separate room and he gets so worked up that Julie said she is afraid the dog is going to have a heart attack, she is concerned that it is not good for him to be in a constant state of panic when there are people over. I know that they have tried alot of different things, so I do not fault them, they really do care about him, and this has been a very difficult decision for them to make. But in all reality, they DO have to put their put the children as a priority since they spend so much time with them. I think Toby needs a family with older children and maybe another dog to help him burn off some of that nervous energy, it is just a matter of finding the right family fit for a very loving, active, energetic, people oriented dog.

Posted by gadams38
2 months ago

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P.S. Imagine the horror of a 70 pound dog knocking over a baby swing with a newborn in it, and then tell me you cannot understand where their concern is coming from. The injuries to a child could be devastating.

Posted by Roz A. (Rozz)
2 months ago

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It's so nice that you have taken him back, even if temporarily! I miss your zoo and your postings! How is everyone??

Posted by Bkind2animals! (cathy04)
2 months ago

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Aww! Too bad! I can sure understand their situation though.
Hopefully he will soon find a loving home that he fits right in! I know what you mean! I have 4 dogs and 2 cats!

Posted by gadams38
2 months ago

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This is so sad for me, after 6 months I am certain that Toby has bonded to Julie and Seth, and separating him at this point is going to set him back terribly. I fear he will have separation anxiety once again and it just isn't fair to the poor guy, it isn't his fault he loves people. I did talk to Julie today and suggest some herbal mood stablizers and even suggested asking the vet for something to try and calm him so he can be isolated when the kids are around and I think she is going to check into it, I am keeping my fingers crossed that something can be worked out. I know I tried the Homeopath Anxiety on Cooper for car rides and it worked like a charm, he would get so scares in the car I thought he was going to have a heart attack and now he loves the car, and I don't need to use the herbal drops anymore.

Posted by Bkind2animals! (cathy04)
2 months ago

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Maybe he will bounce back with out any problems. With lots of love and attention
hopefully it won't set him back any.
They can surprise us and be strong when they need to be!
You seem like you really care for him - and will only make sure he gets the best and is taken care of. Good luck and let me know!