Available Dogs

Sofie

Sofie is seven years old and has had puppies in the past. She could not be sweeter or more affectionate. She loves to be petted and lay close to me. So far I have not been able to get her to play with toys but she is starting to show some interest when I work with her but she really just prefers to be touched! She has very good house manners - only one accident in the house the first day but has been a perfect house dog for the last week. She has not jumped on the counter or table and lays quietly while we eat.

She is very quiet in the house but when you take her outside she rolls in the grass and chases squirrels. She also enjoys watching the squirrels out the front slider. She loves to go on walks and heels nicely on a gentle leader. Sofie has a very strong chase instinct so she should not go to a home with other small dogs or cats.

Spike

Meet Spike. He and his brother Ike arrived at IGRR a few weeks ago. A good Samaritan found them abandoned at a farm house. The family moved away and left these two boys behind to fend for themselves with no food, water, and little shelter. They have started a new and better life with IGRR. Both boys needed to be neutered and complete vet work-up. They are making the transition from farm dog to house dog with flying colors. We think these boys are brothers but are currently in separate foster homes. We are unsure of their age but guessing around 7 or so.

A little more about Spike. Spike is living with three other dogs and young children and enjoys spending time with them all. He even started running with his foster mom and reported to do very well.

Ike

A little more about Ike. Ike is living with three other dogs both large and small as well as a cat. Ike had a mass (cultured and not cancer) on his tail that was removed. To aid in healing, it was determined to remove the entire tail. His back end now looks a little like an Australian Shepherd with a short tail.

Elwood

Meet 12 year old Elwood. This boy has lived as an outdoor dog until his prior owners had to move into a home where they could not have dogs. Elwood has adjusted nicely and we have only had 2 accidents since the first 36 hours, which were not very good. He seems to have gotten the idea and I do believe it helps to have other dogs around who know the routine. Actually the accidents were my fault as I did not recognize the fact that he was wandering around and waiting for me to open the sliding door.

Elwood is overweight and has arthritis in his back end, common for both people and dogs. Losing weight and glucosamine supplements will help him get around better but he will still have a difficult time with a flight of stairs. He's had to learn to do the 3 small steps to the deck in order to go in and out of the house. The two larger steps from the garage into the house are too much for him. He is arthritic and just has never learned stairs as a young dog. When I am going to be down stairs for a period of time, I put him outside from the kitchen and then let him in through the sliding door downstairs. He has learned this procedure.

He is very loving and wants to be by your side at ALL times. He lays in the living room in the evening right under your feet. Likes lots of pets and hugs. My older golden, Duster, who is almost 11 himself, takes some exception to that and I have to be careful as he is jealous of Elwood.

Elwood's eyesight is not the greatest, but still okay. He responds well to his name and clapping for him. He thankfully got a clean bill of help at the vet and is currently up to date on all vaccinations.

Elwood would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas while he is wishing for a new home in the coming new year.

Update 01/17/2012
Just a short note to let everyone know how Elwood aka Big Guy is doing. GREAT!!!! I can't believe he's 13 years old. We walk every day, half a block. He's just a happy guy.

Big Red (a.k.a Buster)

Hey, I'm here in my foster home just after my recent surgeries. I got neutered, had eye surgery (to correct a painful eyelash problem) and got an annoying lump removed by my toes. I'm a little sore but do I feel better. I've got to wear this "preserver" until I get my stitches out....they itch and this keeps me from scratching!

I really like my foster family...the other two Goldens (a 3 yr. old spayed female and a 6 yr. old neutered male) are great fun to play with. They have been sharing their balls/toys and nylabones (I REALLY LIKE THOSE). I love the food and treats they've got, too. I take them very gentle. I don't jump on any furniture and my foster mom says I don't shed near as much as the other guys in the house! I got a new leash and collar and we just tried a short walk. When the neighborhood kids saw my "preserver," they thought we were headed for the pool! I didn't try to jump on them and they spent lots of time petting me -- I loved it!

Anyway, I was a stray found in the Cedar Rapids area. IGRR has fixed me up so I'll be ready for my FOREVER HOME very soon. They say I'm around 7-8 yrs. old but I really don't know. I weigh in about 70# and I have dark red hair. I'm definitely all Golden Retriever..I've got the tell-tale personality and happy smile, too!

Half my time is spent playing or chewing a bone, and half my time, I'm sleeping. I've only barked a couple of times and that was when I got very excited. I tried to use the indoor facilities my first day here but since then I've been going out into the nice fenced yard to take care of business. I prefer to hang out indoors. Sleeping by the bed each night has been a treat, too (because I've been extra good I haven't been in the crate).

I would really miss my foster family but I know that there is a family they would love to have me and give me a SPECIAL NAME, TOO! My foster mom says, "Just be patient, your a special dog that a special family will love!" She does lots of pet therapy work and she says I would make a great volunteer, so I hope that might be in my future, too. After all, I love to be petted and brushed. I know that I have lots of love to share! Please call IGRR and find out more about me soon!

Update 9/5/2011
Big Red is now known as Buster, which he responded to almost immediately. He has moved to another foster home where he is enjoying living with three other goldens and a beagle. Buster has been taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection which will be checked again in a few days to make sure it has cleared up. He has recovered very well from his neuter and eyelid surgery.

We have discovered that Buster becomes anxious when in a kennel. He is house trained so we are working on him spending small periods of time "free" in the house. Buster is also older then first thought. We believe he is a senior making him at least eight years old. Look for more updates about his continued improved heath and transition to living in the house.

Update 9/22/2011
Buster got a clean bill of health last week. He is a very kind gentleman that loves to be with his people and other dogs. He follows me around the house just stay "checked-in". He is doing well when left alone in the house but we have discovered that he can get food off the counters. Yesterday he ate a loaf and 1/2 of whole wheat bread, something he would never think of doing when people are around. He enjoys taking naps on the dog bed no matter how little. He has taking a liking to the much too little beagle bed. Buster is looking for the following in a new home

Someone that is home during the day, Buster does not like to be left for long hours and does not do well in a crate.Another dog to keep him company. Do you have a place in your heart for this handsome senior boy?

Update 11/18/2011
Buster is such a good boy. He no longer seems like a rescue but part of the family. As much as I will hate to see Buster go, there is only so much room at the Inn and he really needs his own family. Buster is my constant companion and loves a little pat every now and again. The resident dogs all have a nickname and I have started to call Buster "Big B". He is bigger than my goldens but only tops the scale at about 75 pounds. He loves to go on walks and does well on a leash.

Update 12/23/2011
I really cannot say enough great things about Buster. He brings our family so much joy. He is one of the most affectionate dogs I have ever met and is my constant companion. It is fun to watch him play with both the big and small dogs in our home. We love him dearly but we know he would really love a home of his own.