Golden Retriever : : Male : : Baby
Learn more about the Golden Retriever.
22-072 Whitman is one of the five puppies born in October 2022 out of 22-066 Sophia/Rosie (see her story on her web page). The mother and suspected father had been found as strays in a canal in Buckeye, AZ and the finders could not keep them. When we took the two dogs to one of our partner veterinarians for vetting, the female was found to be pregnant. 12 days later she whelped the litter in the laundry room of our AGR President. The day after they were born, they were taken to another of our partner veterinarians for their initial vet check. All appeared to be well-formed and healthy. It was National Poetry Day, so we named them all after renowned poets. The fur of each pup was clipped in a different body location so that they could each be recognized – the clipped areas had to be re-clipped once a week, as the fur grew fast! Starting when the pups were 3 weeks old, the AGR President and another AGR volunteer clipped toenails once a week (total of 90 toenails per week), and gave each pup a bath in the laundry room sink. Connie took pictures each time she came over to help clean up, as well as several times before the weekly visit, so puppy growth and change were well documented. 22-072 Whitman was the first pup chosen by a potential adopter in Glendale, just after the puppies’ eyes and ears opened at 2 and 1⁄2 weeks of age. After that, the adopter came over to the Orwigs’ home at least once a week to see the puppies and help clean up once clean-up was needed. She has 4 other dogs of assorted breeds and sizes (but although wanting one, she’d never had a Golden Retriever), so Whitman was never going to be by himself. He was the quietest of the pups, although that is not to say he never made any sounds – all the pups were pretty vocal, especially when wrestling with each other. Of the boys, Deb thought he was the gentlest and most compliant. He seemed to really enjoy “upside down time” when Deb would flip him on his back while holding him and stroking his belly – he’d just kind of melt into her arms. The adopter had almost 9 weeks to think of a new name for him, but she had to wait for another week after he’d been taken to her home be fore she settled on Bodie . She said: Bodie has been a great addition to my pack! This sweet, adorable puppy has brought lots of fun and energy to our home, and lots of laughter every day. He has big brother, Moose , and 3 sisters: Tonka , Ducky , and Emma , all senior pups! Emma the Shih-Tzu is his favorite, although she doesn't always feel the same. Bodie loves my cat Grayson , too. Bodie goes on daily walks with Tonka (a St Bernard mix), and he loves to play fetch in the backyard, or chase Tonka around, when he isn't busy finding sticks or chasing birds out of the yard. He loves the couch and sleeps on my bed at night. Bodie loves going on car rides and has been a good boy on our outings. He loves all toys and will bring them to my other dogs wiggling his whole body. He is super smart and learns so quickly. I'm looking for- ward to lots of adventures with him! I can't imagine life without him! The adopter and Bodie joined our group in the Parada Del Sol 2/4/23 and, Deb was told later, he announced the group was coming during the entire almost-2-mile parade route! Other Pictures of Whitman/Bodie (click to see larger version):
|