BHRR's Goliath went to his new forever adoptive home on Friday June 15th, 2012! ADOPTED!!!

From a post I made on our BHRR FB Page:

AND he is off! Just dropped off BHRR's Goliath to his new forever loving adoptive home. Will post a photo later and a short video! Another very special dog that will be deeply missed.
Just before I left; I bent down; whispered how amazing he was; how deserving he was; how so many have been cheering or this very moment to happen or him; asked him to never change – to keep everyone around him entertained and on their toes while at the same time show the world how much he has learned in gentlemanly manners!! Just as I finished telling how much he is loved; I felt a tear well up and he turned his head and kissed it away…..
What an emotional week it has been….
Tomorrow, on to another possible GD adoption and next Thursday; another. How blessed are these sweet animals of BHRR!

WE have a date! Due to the homes work and vacation/travel schedules, the request is to have BHRR's Goliath head to their home for Friday June 15th!

BHRR's Goliath is moving to an ADOPTED STATUS!!! Date TBD on when he shall actually go to his new home! CONGRATS!!!

BHRR's Goliath is now back to being AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

In doing the hv yesterday, it was learnt that the whole home was not on board with a possible new Giant to add to their family. BHRR requires every member of the home to be in agreement for a successful adoption to occur.

BHRR's Goliath ROCKED the drive to the hv though! This is after he found that exact same football that he did when I first picked him up to bring to BHRR and happily squeaked it in my ear for hours! LOL

Then he had a grand time de-stuffie a couple of stuffies that was MY fault in leaving in the back floor of the car that other dogs have played with and after that, he decided that one of the dog beds I had put into the wheel wells to make the space in the back even bigger for him in the car; was a very exciting thing to treat as a super large stuffie! I am sure that many a truck or car that passed us or we passed had great amusement in seeing it 'snow' in the car!!!

Thanks to all that called me to keep me 'company' on that drive by calling me and talking to me on my hands free! I was on the road yesterday by 6:15 AM and did not arrive home until close to midnight!

Once, he had that fun, he was a model boy all the way to the hv, during our time there he was so respectful in listening to what was being asked of him; got along great with all people plus dogs in the home and traveled home with me like a real pro! IT is so wonderfully amazing how far he has come since he arrived to BHRR and what remains true is NO STUFFIES for him plus that he remains a HUGE toy freak! LOL He loves KONG toys, rope toys, tire toys and makes his own toys out of sticks, dog beds too apparently! LOL

This boy is going to make a home one of the BEST additions ever and we remain patient, as we always do. 😉

BHRR's Goliath is being placed under a PENDING Adoption! We shall update his status on this pending as we can! 🙂

Thought I would add two of BHRR's Goliath's December 24th, 2011 'EVE' photos to his blog! THIS boy is incredible! I have nicknamed him 'Peter Pan'!

BHRR's Goliath – December 24th, 2011 & in the second photo; he is 'sassing' me as I was being too slow in his mind with the treat giving! LOL

SOOOOOOOOO much to update on BHRR's Goliath! First of all, he is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! YAY!

He was SUCH a huge hit at the BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House in September and let me tell you, I was BEYOND proud of him! So many commented on the difference they saw in his behavour from when he had first arrived to BHRR just a mere few weeks before to then! WTG BHRR's Goliath! 😀 He only tried to jump up on one person and that was not even a full body slam jump up.

In getting to know him even further, I would say 15 months tops is where he is in age right now. He has been bombing along in manners and etiquette!

His best friends since BHRR's Broker went to a temp foster home is BHRR's Benjamin and almost three month old BHRR's Brick! This boy will play bow and be so gentle with the baby. He sometimes drops a KONG on the puppy's head but that is all unintentional. 🙂

He lives in complete harmony with all at BHRR to date and he now runs into his crate for feeding and wants to go there at night. I have not been crating him at night for some time now yet I still crate him during the day if I am gone longer than 1/2 hour. HE is not yet ready to have complete daytime freedom! Getting there though. 🙂

He NEVER climbs on to our human couch any more and when I ask him to get off Bleach's couch; he 99% will listen. The times he does not is more him being 'caught' up in the moment of playing and not 'hearing' me. That is more disctraction training required. 😉

AND he will 'sass' me and Sean. If you tell him to not do something and he really wants it…he will take about three steps back and tilt his head and bark about three times! You point your finger at him and he then sometimes goes into a play bow, bounces a bit and then will bark one more time before going 'ok,….fine…I will listen…' LOL

I have no issues taking his collar nor do strangers. He is no longer worried about that. He gives the best wet sloppy kisses!

BHRR's Goliath came to work with me on Monday and drumroll…………..new weight is 51.2 KGs(112.64 pounds!). YAY! His weight when he first came to BHRR was 98.12 pounds. He has since put on 14.52 pounds. I would like to see another 10 pounds on him at this age and we are getting there. The Vet that first saw him when he arrived to BHRR and saw him again on Monday was very happy with his weight gain.

The comments on his beautiful coat have been incredible! It is so full, thick, lush and amazing. 🙂

On Monday night, BHRR's Goliath came to do a hv along with BHRR's Shiva with me and this was a final test before being placed up for adoption. AND he passed it with flying colours. He clearly demonstrated that with me, he listens, is mindful and respectful and that with others, they have to earn his trust and respect to want him to listen. He did sit well for the BHRR Volunteer who came with me to do the hv. He sat to have his leash come off and on and from there, it was game on!

a) he had no issues wanting to say hello to all in the house
b) he made several attempts to want to jump up yet there were not full hearted attempts
c) he wanted to drink out of their kitchen sink AND was very mindful and respectful waiting until BHRR's Shiva had her fill of the water given to them in a bowl before he drank himself! GOOD BOY! Even 4 month old BHRR's JS can take toys away from BHRR's Goliath without issue.
d) he had fun running outside in their yard
e) he loved getting into their jacuzzi tub….more than once – he does the same here as he likes the sun that comes in from the windows and he lays in the tub enjoying it
f) he loved their yarn and even came back upstairs with a ball in his mouth and stood there while I took it out of his mouth. HE did not damage it, well….ok, he had salivia on it
g) he loved their deep window ledge and wanted up on it behind the plant and table and curtains. He made more than one attempt to climb up on it. This is a ledge that other dogs that have been at this home like to lay upon and watch the outside activity going on – cars, people etc. BHRR's Goliath did not understand WHY he could not also get up on it! LOL
h) he loved brushing and walking around this one plant(same one as above)
i) he finally laid down and relaxed and enjoyed the home

What all this showed and proved what I believed would happen is that he knows the rules in my house and it is time for him to learn the rules in his forever loving home. If one is patient, works with him with a firm yet loving tone with lots of affection; he will lay down his life for you. He is so loyal to me. I do not want his spirit broken and obedience is a MUST between his new home and him. AND all that he did, any normal puppy would do that is exploring and curious etc. HE just happens to be in a bigger 'puppy' body! 😀

You have to show him that you are not going to hurt him to get him to do what needs to be done. As our BHRR Volunteer pointed out, one quiet word from myself, had him listening beautifully. He did not yank me around on the leash, he did not act like a mischievious goob to me AND he will not to the right matched home.

This boy settles down at home like a model boy and those at our September 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open house saw that for themselves. He is the perfect example of 'life' being lived to its fullest.

Yes, he is active yet he is young and it is not the physical activity that he most needs(so important yes) yet the mental stimulation and he will ROCK in obedience and yes, down the road, I think he would make a fantastic therapy dog.

This boys potential is HUGE! HUGE! HUGE!

I am honoured that I have gone on this journey with him and as per what I posted on the BHRR FB Fan Page under one of his photos; he is NOT meant for everyone. He is ONLY meant for THE one meant for him.

He is going to be a great addition to a new home, one that likes hikes/walks yet one that likes to just have him be with and near you as you work on a computer, read a book, watch a movie, eat your supper and he does not table or counter surf(he looks but he does not do it here); and he takes treats so gently and he will pause on the way in from outside to have his feet wiped from the rain and he loves to have affection and likes Bleach's couch and he is funny, kind, kisses you and the list go on and on……

AND oh, he has not stolen one roll of toilet paper or paper towels in ages! NOR laundry! WAHOO! 😀

As this boy continues to mature and obtain more and more obedience and continued structure, routine and consistency, he is going to be one EXCEPTIONAL boy. The kind of dog EVERYONE wants yet very few ever have for it takes time and patience to bring a dog and owner to that level of teamwork.

Here is what the BHRR Volunteer wrote in re: to her first home visit experience being a BHRR approved Volunteer. The same hv that BHRR's Shiva and BHRR's Goliath came on:

#1 – Giant hello kisses require only one go to cover you from chin to forehead. When fostering exfoliation may never again be required.

#2 – Gwens first law of boot camp physics – one quiet word is equal and opposite to 120lbs of canine force going in any direction.

#3 – Giant breeds require only two strides to get up a full flight of stairs – have them go first.

#4 – Kitchen counters aren't nearly as high as you think they are.

#5 – BHRRs Shiva can roll over onto her back for a belly rub while still looking as elegant as Queen Cleopatra

#6 – Bathroom sinks are in fact dog bowls which double as a spot for humans to wash their hands.

#7 – BHRRs Goliath would like to take up crotchet

#8 – Ladies drink first

#9 – Even dogs deal with "generation gap"  

#10 – Dogs speak volumes with their eyes, you can have a whole conversation just by looking into them.

Below are two photos from yesterday and I am still in love with those eyes of his….sigh…heaven….

BHRR's Goliath – October 18th, 2011 and BHRR's Goliath with Bleach(1 year old) enjoying fall at BHRR

The blog update that I know many have been waiting to see posted! 😉 BHRR's Goliath has become one of the all time top fav additions to BHRR for our blog readers to follow! As I have typed back at quite a few people who have messaged, emailed and called me, please do come to BHRR to not only meet him for yourself yet have the 'GOLIATH' experience yourself so that you can then submit a blog for me to post! 😀

Some think that he was named 'Goliath' because of his size. I like to think that someone named him 'Goliath' due to his GOLIATH personality! LOL I truly cannot believe that I have not been able to grab some time to post another blog before now on this amazing personality plus filled clown character boy! I find it also hard to believe that my last post was on August 24th…so this is a bit overdue.

So, here I go…rolling up my sleeves and preparing to type a Gwennie novel about one very special and incredible IW named Goliath. 😀

BHRR's Goliath and I have come to a bit of an understanding these days….progress for sure yet still a ways to go! I get to bed most nights/early mornings rather around 3:30 – 4:00 AM.  Before I go to bed, I ensure all the dogs go outside for one final bathroom opportunity.

1) BHRR's Goliath is positively a dream to get into his crate these days. No fuss and he settles down wonderfully.

2) Sean is up by 5:30 AM and then lets all those that want to go out, go and of course, BHRR's Goliath is up and at 'em

3) After BHRR's Goliath goes outside; he likes to come in, drink a big drink of water and then thunder into the master bedroom, jump on the bed and 'share' it with me….I honestly cannot think of a better way to wake up….<rolls eyes!> LOL

4) We have discovered that regardless if the front door is closed(we have an automatic door closer now)…which MAKES no difference whatsoever to dogs that can open the door and thanks to dogs like BHRR's Dana, BHRR's Kingston, PPSS; BHRR"s Goliath also knows how to open the door!

5) So, it was a few lovely AM 'wake-up' calls like this that untiil it was learnt that BHRR's Goliath can open the front door by himself. So, now we close the front door and the door to the sunroom, so that BHRR's Goliath does not have this amazing opportunity to share that water with me…and believe me, he only drinks so much. He likes to take the rest and come share it will me!

6) Once BHRR's Goliath has shared some water with me, he likes to try and climb into the shower with Sean and if he cannot get into the shower, he likes to see who else might like to 'play' at that time of the AM. His two newest best friends in the world is our SN's GD Bleach(1 year on September 12th) and the now 3 month old GD puppy here – JS. LOVELY! For they are still very much in their own training regimes and basically at the drop of a pin are just raring to go and play too! At this point, I am lucky to have had 1.5 hours of sleep and it is such a pleasure to hear them having such a great time! I just wish they would want to have this great time at a more decent time in the AM. LOL

7) When Sean goes to leave for work, he puts BHRR's Goliath back into his crate with breakfast and he is eating soooooooo much better now! He is being fed three meals a day and I have an appointment scheduled for September 24th as I want to see what his weight is at that time. Depending on how far he comes along with his obedience, he may be ready to be placed up for adoption that weekend. He may not. That will depend on his obedience training and yes, weight gain to date.

8 ) I am up by 8 AM to get the kids ready for school and BHRR's Goliath is out and about with the other dogs and he plays really nicely with all the dogs. He can be a bit too puppy rough as he is still learning to control his own excitement and understand his own strength yet as mentioned above, one of his best of friends is the now 3 month old GD puppy here. He also does still try to hump BHRR's Porridge(every one wants to hump him), and two of my own show boyz (Bronson and Maestro) and he continues to be corrected. He is not humping them out of any sexual urges. He is doing it as he wants to move himself up the hierarchy in our home amongst the dogs. He is very mindful and respectful of the girls…like all smart boyz learn to be! 😉 We correct him on the humping behavour as BHRR's Goliath is not anywhere near a mature mental state to be in any position to be a leader. He is still learning correct and proper social communication with dogs and humans. Sometimes when he plays and the play escalates, he will appear to be a bit grumpy yet it is nothing serious. He just needs a bit of space, recollects himself as he tries to understand the situation(and it is usually because he upped the antic in the rough play area and then is confused and takes mild exception when the other dogs say 'ok, let's go!'). So, he is very much learning a lot about proper social communication and manners amongst dogs and that different dogs play in different ways.

9) BHRR's Goliath LOVES toys – Balls of all sizes up to basketball and soccer balls, Kongs, Rope toys and he plays with them by himself, with us and with the other dogs really well! WTG BHRR's Goliath.

10) When I got to put the kids on the bus for school, BHRR's Goliath settles back into his crate for a snooze.

11) It is when I come back, open up his crate and he comes out, sits and gives me this look 'OK, game on!' and I look back at him and go 'OK! Bring it!' AND the day begins in earnest! 😀

12) BHRR's Goliath takes water bottles, clothing, shoes, leashes and likes to parade them around you to get you up and to try and play chase. He has no intention of destroying them, he just wants the attention. AND anytime I try to sit down for a few moments to do something not related to him, you can see him looking around and around looking for something to take. MONKEY! He knows he is not suppose to do it. I do not chase him. I go and grab a leash and he follows me, sits down and I can gently take the item away from him. He then asks to go into his crate for a time out for a few minutes. He might snooze, he might eat some of his left over breakfast and often he just lays upon the great new Kuranda bed donated to him and watches me type on the computer as his crate is right near where I work.

13) He and I are still working through some couch issues. He can be still found at times sitting on our leather couch and looking so proud of himself. I can more often than not now, just ask him to get off and he will. Sometimes when the 'devilment' grabs him, he just continues to sit there and look at me 'what are you going to do about it?' and well, I go and get his leash and he often is off the couch by the time I come back. Grabbing his collar tended to make him feel threatened, especially by a female when he first arrived. I have learnt that the leash is non threatening to him and it is associated with walks and hikes and car rides and all things good; so leashes have become a huge part of my training aids/tools with him. However; one can hold his collar much more frequently at this time without him feeling a bit worried. That is going to be a time/patience thing for him to overcome. He is so much better with Sean re: the collar holding yet I am catching up. 🙂

14) He does not jump on me as much, mouth me as much, rarely counter surfs, does not drink from the kitchen sinks any longer as well. THIS is great.

15) However, BHRR's Goliath still has a weakness for those kleenex boxes, rolls of paper towels and the joy that BHRR's Dana showed him; how great toilet paper rolls can be. ESPECIALLY if they are on the toilet paper holder! LOL

16) He has become so affectionate. I get regular slobbery kisses, he pushes his head under my arm when I am working on the computer, will put his head through articles of clothing if I am trying to fold cloths or will put his head in my lap if I am sitting reading or watching a movie with the family. It has been a wonderful development to see this and to experience this! That he is comfortable about not being too worried about any possible rejection as he had to have experienced in the past; is a real joy.

17) He loves ice cubes, THANKS BHRR's Dana!

18) He has also discovered his voice. It is such an amazing mixture between a 'bark' and a 'woof'. I have nicknamed him "WOLFIE" because he is an IW and how wolflike he can sound. It is a very interesting timber sound and he does not use it very often. He does like to hear it 'echo' in the bathroom and will tilt his head and seem most pleased at himself when he makes such sounds. We have been nipping that in the bud! 😉

19) He still loves it if you take a spray bottle and spray it at his mouth…he loves trying to catch the water. He has learnt that when I am serious about him not doing something and will use the spray bottle to 'grab' his attention to break his focus on whatever antic he is doing as he is 'nil' with much to do with any sort of serious distraction training right now. Once I have his focus, he is so much more responsive to my tone and voice.

20) I am just waiting for a dog like BHRR's Porridge or PPSS to 'teach' him all about drinking from the toilet bowls…ICK! We keep the lids down and the one bathroom door closed yet with two kids, doors do not always stay closed. I fear that it is only a matter of time!

21) AND boy! Does BHRR's Goliath LOVE helping me strip the bed….OMG! He finds himself all wrapped up in the sheets and blankets and has a grand time. EVEN better, if you let him strip it all by himself and even let him move the bed across the room! 😀

22) Time is flying with this young man. I cannot believe he has been here as long as he has and he has made so many amazing right direction leaps and bounds. He is so much more respectful, mindful and he really is eager to please…most days! This boy just has never been given all the training and correct guidance he should have have had as a small puppy and now he is this well over 100+ pounds of all puppy, experiencing and soaking up life. He makes me laugh, roll my eyes, throw up my hands in helpless giggles and in turn, he is giving me the best trust and more respect as he learns that I am not going to beat him and that his 'bluff' antics do not intimidate me and that I understand that he needs time, patience and love with a firm guiding hand. I can tell already that when he decides to finally 'give' himself to a human, he is going to be bestowing upon that human or family, a most incredible gift, the gift of his heart and soul. This boy will be loyal and would lay down his life for a loved one. He is just not there yet and that is ok. One step at a time. It is there in his eyes….I see it and I feel it and he makes me earn what I am getting to date and in turn, he is rewarding me very well for all that I am doing 'right' with him.

This boy is very special. He is not a mean dog at all. He has settled down so much here. While he is an active boy and a bit of a clown, he is becoming less and less of that high maintenance type dog. He has no SA behavours and we can watch a movie and not worry about him thundering around the house(except sometimes with our Bleach…they are too much temptation to each other!) and he loves to lay down near you and just watch you. Those eyes….yup, those eyes…..

I just do not want people to think that this boy goes 24/7 with nonstop action. It is not like that….he is not for the dog inexperienced but he is meant for someone that will understand that this dog was held back from living life when he was younger and he just wants to live!

I could write so much more yet it is now almost 4 AM and time for some sleep as 5:30 AM shall come quickly and time to get my 'day' on with BHRR's Goliath and all the dogs here. I live a very charmed and blessed life!  THANKS BHRR's Goliath for gracing my life for as long as it shall be! 🙂

THANK you being sent out to Gillian for the donation of a medium sized Kuranda Bed for BHRR's Goliath!!!! TY! TY! TY! BHRR's Goliath is soooooooooooooo appreciative to have you as his BHRR Buddy!

So, the last 24 hours have seen much with BHRR's Goliath!

a) He is learning his 'name'

b) He has had two more baths – he was really smelly when he arrived and the second time around saw me and him about 50/50 split on getting wet and then next time he was the one mostly wet and I was not!

c) He LOVES the tub and water…..he lives for water, water and more water to splash and play in and then when he is ready to then drink! He just loves to splash in water. Swimming we have not yet tested this in our spring fed pond or pool as of yet.

d) He loves the game of 'chase' – he grabs an item of clothing from the clean laundry that I put on the couch to fold and loves to try and 'avoid' me as I attempt to get the aricle back. He is learning my 'serious' side and is starting to not do circles around the table or the kitchen island/hutch so much now while I 'ask' him to give the item back.

e) He has been great around my 11 year old son and was somewhat excited to see my 8 year old daughter and in being taught how to greet and interact properly, he is now fine. We watch him closely as he does have a tendency to want to jump on people here and there. Work in progress.

f) BHRR's Dana has now taught him all about the ice maker on the fridge…<rolls eyes>. She is positively delighted with a new 'partner in crime' for her antics!!!

g) He is better at the no counter surfing and trying to climb into the fridge every time we open it.

h) He CANNOT have blankets or a dog bed in his crate. So we have put the only Medium Kuranda Bed that had been donated to BHRR's Potter in the crate and as it is a couple of years old, the vinyl has given out on the one end. 🙁 So, BHRR's Goliath could use an BHRR Buddy for a donation of another medicum sized Kuranda Bed JUST for him and his crate. He would be so filled with gratitude!

i) He has yet to feel comfortable enough to chomp on a Dino or Smoked Knuckle bone BUT he is taking certain treats and is eating better

j) He is settling down great at night in his crate to sleep wonderfully

h) He is no longer testing me to go into his crate and will go in on his own volition when I open up the door – YAY!

i) I turned around from putting the dishes in the dishwasher and he was sitting on the couch with a look like 'I like it here….what are you going to do about it!' Hmmmmm, he got off not long afterwards! 😉

j) I then came out from reading a bedtime story to my daughter and he was back sitting on the couch beside BHRR's Potter and his look was almost 'well, if he is on, I am on.' Both were removed shortly afterwards. 😀

k) If you use a spray bottle on BHRR's Goliath, you have to be short, effective and purposeful, otherwise he thinks it is a BIG game and will open up his mouth and try to catch the water! 😉

l) BHRR's Goliath is eating well and we are also de-worming him.

m) BHRR's Goliath is being very good about not playing in the house and learning how to actually play nicely and gently with the other dogs. He has been introduced to the 10 week old GD pup we have in the house right now and he has been doing great. Not too much 'splatting' going on.

n) He likes to try and play with BHRR's Windsor the most and seems to be most fascinated by my Multi CH. Bronson!

o) BHRR's Goliath has also decided that he likes to re-decorate the place, moving dog beds and blankets to other areas of the house, REGARDLESS if a dog is already laying upon them! LOL That freaked a few out and some really thought it was grand!

p) He now thinks that when I go into the masterbedroom that jumping on the bed and zooming around it and getting the blankets and sheets to fly everywhere is a fun activity! I make the bed, he unmakes the bed, I make the bed and he….well, the doos is now closed to the masterbedroom UNLESS we are in there! 😉

q) His leash manners are improving slowly. If he is not distracted 'hey, look at that leaf Gwennie!' or 'What was that over there? Let's go see' and drags me; he is really good. He will walk on a nice loose lead. This boy is packing so much into each day as we often find with some shelter dogs and the more he learns that he is not going to live in a crate and that he is rewarded very well for appropriate displays of behavour, he will settle down more and more. He is so good about not disturbing the house at night with zooming around and crashing into things like some have done in the past! LOL

r) He is learning boundaries with the other dogs and becoming very mindful and respectful and not 'pushing' the issue as much with them. GOOD boy!

This boy is SOOOOOOOOOO much fun and he and I sleep very well each night after our days' adventures together. 😉

BHRR's Goliath is that "BIG KID". I brought him to the Vet with me on Monday as I wanted to see his weight and have my own Vet give him a once over and he weighed a very skinny 44.6 KGs(98.12 pounds). 🙁

He is eating well and I am feeding him 4 smaller meals a day and so that weight will come. My Vet also agrees with me that we find it hard to believe that he is around 2 for he is ALL puppy brain! They also feel that he needs at least 20-25 pounds right now. We are thinking he is 18 months tops. Everyone just loves the big ol' noggin he has. Such a handsome young man.

Monday's adventures with this personality filled pup brought the following:

1) A bath that turned into more of one for me than him
2) drinking from the kitchen sink – it even says in his paperwork about how much he loves to drink from sinks
3) mounting BHRR's Potter who was not impressed
4) mounting BHRR's Porridge was was also not impressed
5) the challenge of the crate going in yet getting better!
6) resting well while he is in the crate
7) drinking water and sharing it with all around him
8 traveled well in the car after pulling me most enthusiastically to the car
9) discovering YET again the squeaky football and sharing all that 'music' in my ear as I drove into work
10) sooooooooooooooo happy to meet everyone he saw  – both male and female and I mean soooooooooooo happy, my poor arm!
11) learning how to sit and boy is this goofy boy treat motivated – ONCE you find the right treats
12) barking off and on for a bit as he was 'worried' about this being a shelter again for him yet got better and better throughout my shift
13) had his share of counter surfing the exam tables
14) trying to drag a 13.5 KG bag of food around as a 'toy'
15) wanting to play with every dog and person he saw
16) drinking from the sinks at the hospital
17) trying to drink from the toilet at the hospital
18) grabbed one roll of paper towels at the hospital and had a grand time spreading that around
19) decided that any towel that I used to try and clean up the water he liked to spread around was a better 'chase me' toy
20) had a good exam! YAY!
21) discovered the new kleenex box I thought I had well hid in the car and re-decorated the whole inside of my car with the pulling out of tissue in sheer delight
22) was soooooooooooooo happy to come home

One of the biggest things I have learnt very fast about BHRR's Goliath is that he is clueless about the name 'Goliath!'

🙂

This is one busy and active boy and full of joy, life and complete lack of manners and obedience in so many ways BUT we are getting there….slow and sure and he is beginning to trust me more and in turn, respect me more. He is a bit more respectful of Sean at this time when it comes to going into his crate yet he is getting there.

He gives the BEST kisses and those eyes….OMG! Those amazing eyes of his! That wee beard of his likes to 'collect' the drool and water so that he can share some extra love your way after he drinks!!! LOL

He has been fully integrated with all the dogs and we have been learning about no counter surfing, no jumping, no humping, no whining, no stealing kleenex boxes or toilet paper rolls(THANKS BHRR's Dana for giving him that idea!!!) or papertowels, or clothes or….or…or…AND he is learning about nice loving touches and hugs and kisses and being given love on his terms and on our terms and treats and lots of food and freedom and playing and…and…

This boy is already quickly wrapping himself into my heart…must…resist….do NOT look into those eyes Gwennie! 😉

Two pictures of this magnificent boy below. This boy shall not be ready for adoption for at least 4 weeks as per our BHRR protocol in getting to know them and in ensuring they are rehabbing well. He is soooooooooo painfully thin that his hips, ribs and spine are very prominent.

THE other thing that I just love about BHRR's Goliath is how he gracefully lopes…not runs or races, yet lopes. Each stride just eating up the distance as he moves. So graceful.

I want to thank whomever sent along that gorgeous blue leash for him too! 🙂

BHRR's Goliath – August 21st, 2011
 

BHRR's Goliath is now here safely! THANKS so much to everyone involved in your assistance to transport him to BHRR. I was soooooooo excited when I saw him!!! HIS eyes…I cannot talk enough about those eyes of his….heaven!

He is about 20-25 pounds underweight, so I would like to see him around 120-125 pounds right now. His height was 34" at the whithers. I am not convinced that he is around 2 for he is ALL puppy brain…complete lack of obedience and goofy, friendly, happy and playful – OMG! So playful right now!(he found a squeaky football that I had been trying to find to give back to BHRR's Apollo's temp foster home) and he squeaked it; mostly in my ear all the way home! LOL.

He also loved pulling threads off the show blanket I had on the back seat, dismantling the kleenex box he pulled off the back dashboard and tried to help me drive the car a few times! Gwennie's doggie boot camp has now started! 😉

He was completely fine around "Expresso" the small min pin that we also assisted in transporting to his Ottawa Rescue and to date, he has had no issues with any dogs going by his crate.

He had a nice time exploring the 2+ acre fenced in yard and he is not too fond of going into his crate yet, but we will get there…they all do and they all end up loving their crates and run in for their treats!

He had about 4 cups of food for dinnner as we did not want to give him too much and he has been taking treats quite gently; for the most part from my fingers. He can get a bit enthusiastic! 😉

He is a ham and you can tell that he has used his strength in the past to get his way for he is stubborn when I want him to do something and he does not want to do it and will sit and get this 'look' as if to say 'nuh huh, I am not moving and you cannot make me…' LOL Gwennie wins in the end though and we will get there. 😉

I do not see a mean bone in his body right now and man, I am soooooooooooooo looking forward to the time when the honeymoon period is over for this boy is 'Mr. Puppy Personality Plus'!

He has been fine around my kids yet he was a bit hesitatnt of Sean when he first saw him and I am not sure if that is a 'man' thing for he was sooooooo happy when he met me. Sooooooooooo happy, in fact, that he tried to jump on me a couple of times. Yet, after Sean greeted him, he was fine. So, that calm and confident approach makes him comfortable.

He has done a bit of barking in his crate yet he is corrected and then passively ignored. He will also learn about spray bottles yet right now, I do not want to create any negative seeking attention behavours with him.

Bleach is very interested in him!!! We shall begin the integration with the gang tomorrow.

To date, BHRR's Goliath has been microchipped, neutered, given Rabies, DAPP booster, de-wormed, put on Revolution, had a nail trim, been treated for KC and has had several exams. We had him neutered on Thursday and he seems to be recovering well. He does want to go at his incision here and there yet is responding to correction.

He is not responding to the name of Goliath at all right now. I also plan on touching base with the HS for no prior history was passed our way, so I do not know if he was a stray, o/s etc. It is nice to know where one can, what is their background, if any. 🙂

On August 14th, we were contacted by a Shelter in SWO to assist Irish Wolfhound that has been at their shelter since July. Details given re: this IW were as follows:

"Hello, I'm Goliath. I'm a 2 year old male Irish Wolfhound. I am a happy, playful boy. I know the commands sit and down. I am a very vocal boy, I like to communicate with you when I need something. I would need to go to a home with a yard, that way I can stay active. I would likely do well with respectful children over the age of 12 years, this is because of my strength. I cannot go to a home with cats, I'm just too excited when introduced to cats. My ideal home would have owners who are familiar with my breed and who are active just like me. If you think I would be the perfect boy for you then come in today and visit with me! LIFE OF THE PARTY I think everything is fun, interesting and meant to play, especially you. Anything you do, I'll want to do, too. With my own brand of surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed."

In asking him to be temperament tested with other dogs, here is what came my way after several testing evaluations were done:

"The first test we did have to cut short because of the helper dog was intimidated by his size and was reactive and Goliath defended himself.

The second test was much better the helper dog and Goliath sniffed each other and the other dog was jumping on him and Goliath did not react to it. 

Though when he first sees a dog he is very strong and pulling on the leash."

Several more evaluations sent my way:

"I am glad things are working out for him, he is a very nice boy!"

"As well, in my home his body language was excellent in the presence of my dogs.  They did meet through baby gates & there wasn't anything untoward.  Considering the level of stress this dog has been in from his extended kennel stay…"

Latest evaluation sent my way re: another evaluation done on August 17th, 2011:

"I just wanted to let you know that I tried Goliath with two more dogs yesterday evening. And once again, he was great. He did try mounting the one dog after a bit but he was easily corrected."

BHRR's Goliath was neutered on Thursday and is expected to arrive at BHRR on Saturday August 20th. I have an appointment scheduled with my Vet on the Monday for a check-up.

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

BHRR's Goliath – His weight was given as 105 pounds at that time and his age around 2

For those wondering; here is the averages for height and weight for Irish Wolfhounds:

Height: 28-35 inches (71-90 cm)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg)