Atticus 16-184TD

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Profile

Atticus was rescued from the streets of Turkey. He is a sweet senior who loves head scritches and hanging out with his family. He is not very active and tends to be a slow mover. Atticus has not exhibited any need to play with the resident dogs. He does best in a quiet, laid-back environment.

At a Glance #16-184TD

Golden Retriever Born: August 2008
Male 49 lbs

Status: Deceased

Atticus's Well-wishers

Mary R
"Love you!"
John and Michelle H
"We hope you find a good home soon."

Profile

Atticus was rescued from the streets of Turkey. He is a sweet senior who loves head scritches and hanging out with his family. He is not very active and tends to be a slow mover. Atticus has not exhibited any need to play with the resident dogs. He does best in a quiet, laid-back environment.

Updates

Monday, July 9, 2018

Atticus crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 28th due to kidney failure.

He was this sweet, mellow senior who loved to soak up the sun even on the hot summer days we have been having. When he got too hot, he would go and lay under the evergreen tree.

Atticus was one of the easiest fosters I have had the privilege of caring for and loving.

Atticus, you will be missed, but having your ashes keeps you near and dear to my hurting heart.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Atticus is sure loving these hot summer days. You can find him lying in the sun on a soft bed of grass or on the patio, though he seems to prefer the grass rather than the patio concrete.

Atticus was under the weather last month, so we visited the vet and had his senior blood work completed. I have to sadly report that Atticus was very anemic and had low platelets, and his kidneys showed some ongoing damage.

We know he had a tick-borne disease upon arriving in the U.S. and was treated for that. We again treated him for his symptoms and changed his diet, which he was not happy with.

Atticus had his labs repeated with only a small amount of improvement, but at least we are headed in the right direction. We made the decision to repeat another month of medication and add a phosphorus binder.

I have decided to make a special diet for Atticus consisting of only small amounts of protein and currently rice. The vet is helping to research other homemade diets in order to improve his eating habits.

Atticus is unavailable for adoption at this time. 

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Not a lot has changed in Atticus's life. His favorite place to lay is in the sun on a nice, soft patch of grass. He can do this all day, just laying and catching some rays.

I have noticed that Atticus has become quite tolerant of the pack since he has been here for so long. Makes me think that he would or could live in a house with another dog, preferably a female over a male.

Atticus eats by himself on the enclosed porch, and then I pick up the food bowl when he has walked away. In the past, he has been happy to romp and play with some of my fosters, but not the more recent ones.  

As far as children in his life, I watch how he interacts with a young man who helps to pick up my yard, and he is quite delighted being around Nick. I would say that 8+ and older would be a good choice.

If you are interested in a quiet, laid-back, gentle dog, go to the Adoption section on our website and put in an Inquiry for Application.

Monday, June 12, 2017

My apologies for being so behind with Atticus's foster home notes. Plus a big thank-you for the spring token from Meghan H.

Atticus is doing well and has certainly adjusted to all the foster dogs coming and going. He is much like an old man and has been perfect in the house. He has never attempted to get on the counters or even show an interest if you eat in front of him. He has a gentle mouth for treats and gets fresh fruit or vegetable for snacks, too.

Atticus sleeps wherever he finds a comfortable spot. He does not ask to get on the furniture if that is what is preferred in your home. Rarely does he use one of the dog beds. At night, he likes to sleep in the hallway and prefers not to sleep in the bedroom. He is always in close proximity to his family wherever he lands.

Atticus is perfectly potty-trained and has never had a single accident in my house. He continues to have his own safe place to eat as he likes to protect his food bowl. He shares a water bowl with the entire pack and has no issues with it.

As far as Atticus's future home, I have asked that there be no children or other pets in the home due to his guarding behavior. It is much easier to eliminate any chance of altercation over food or toys than to act after the fact. He is a perfect companion for slow walks and ear scritches. Atticus is a very undemanding senior who enjoys the quiet life.

I do have to report that Atticus, while I was trimming his furry feet and nails, bit my wrist. I had only one puncture mark, so his warning was enough for me to stop doing his nail trim. As much as I know it is not his fault, his potential adopter needs to take Atticus to the vet for this procedure. Obviously, there has been issues with his feet in his past, and having it done at the vet with a muzzle is safer for all parties involved.

Atticus is just such a sweetie, and I know there is a perfect home for this senior gentlemen, but until then, he will stay in my home as my foster until his forever family find him.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Sending a new picure of Atticus with his carrot for a snack. He made short work, but is sure a messy snacker boy. He had to Hoover up all the carrot crumbs when he was finished and did a fine job cleaning up his mess.

Winter has been very kind to us in SE Iowa. We have been snowless 99% of this winter so far, except January was kind of wet and the dogs found all the muddy spots, of course. I think the spring thaw will be short and fast this year.

Atticus is such an easy fellow when it comes to routines. He has been free-roaming since almost day one. When there was a kennel set up, he would enter and spend a few minutes, but his favorite place is the dog bed next to the entertainment center. He sleeps on the same dog bed all night. Since he likes to protect his food bowl, he eats on the enclosed porch, away from the rest of the pack. Once his bowl is empty and he strolls outside, his bowl can be picked up until his next meal. Atticus is just an easy, laid-back sort of fellow who is never in a hurry to get anywhere. Well... unless he spies that squirrel, and then he gets really excited and takes on the world. If you have a home where he is the king, with no other dogs, no cats, and no children, consider this guy as a great companion.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

To Atticus from Megan H! Happy New Year, Atticus, from Meghan H!!

 :

Friday, December 23, 2016

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Foster Mom finally has a new working computer, so I can finally update Atticus's notes.

Atticus doesn't seem to mind the snow we had for 2 days, but now it is almost completely gone. I wanted to get a picture of the pack playing and rolling, but my battery needed recharging and I missed the first shot of the season. Hopefully I will get some cute pictures with the next snowfall.

Atticus is improving with his resource guarding and able to take treats with the rest of the pack. But his food bowl and personal space are still a touchy subject. Therefore, I have decided that Atticus's forever home should have no children or other pets.

A new observation is Atticus's prey drive which surfaced when he spotted a squirrel crossing the top of our fence. He was overly excited, jumping at the sliding glass door. So small critters are at risk with this boy. Since he is not really fond of other dogs (but does play and enjoy playing at times), Atticus would do best in a home where he is the only dog getting all the love and attention.

Atticus has free roam all the time and loves his Costco bed. He is not overly attention-seeking, preferring to relax much of the time on the bed. If you are looking for a laid-back kinda fella, this may be the one for you. Except for his resource guarding, he has been one of the easiest foster I have had the privilege to have in my home.

Our update is minus pictures, as we need to download a card reader yet. Will be playing catch-up one of these days.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Atticus has arrived from Turkey and has been in his foster home for 2 weeks now. He had some tummy issues for a few days, but with a few medications and a bland diet, he has moved to dry kibble and is tolerating it very well. Atticus is a neutered 8-year-old Creme Golden. At his wellness exam, he weighted in at 48.8 pounds and is very skinny. We will slowly begin to put some weight on him and give his body time to adjust to his new diet.

Atticus was positive for Ehrlichia, which is a tick-borne disease easily treated with doxycyline, which he has started. Atticus also has a small bite wound healing very well on his right shoulder. He has some drainage in his eyes, which we are treating with an antibiotic ointment, and the goobers have now cleared up.

Some of Atticus's labs show his diet has not been optimal, but those will improve as he begins to absorb the better nutrients in his grain-free dog food. He was shaved by his owner prior to surrender, so his coat is pretty rough-looking and sparse, and that, too, will improve slowly over time with a good diet.

Like many dogs living and trying to survive in a environment where there is a shortage of food, they may be protective of their food bowl. Atticus did give out a growl when one of my residents walked by his kennel while he was eating, but the door was securely latched and closed. Once he understands he will always have food, this should dissipate, but sometimes it is best to just let them eat in a secure, non-disturbed area without competition. It is also best if he has a high-value treat that he has it in his own space and time.

Atticus has adjusted to living in a home with a resident Golden, a small 20-pound mix, and, a few days a week, an 11-pound mix belonging to my daughter. Atticus will do better without small barking dogs in his home, as he does not seem to be a fan of their activity level or their need to be talkative. He has not been cat-tested, but I have not seen any prey drive while he is out in the yard.

Atticus is just a sweet senior who loves head scritches and hanging out with his family. He is not very active and tends to be a slow mover and has not exhibited any need to play with the resident dogs. Atticus will do well in a quiet, laid-back kind of environment. He currently has free roam in my home, and everything is in its place when I get home.