Winston is an absolutely beautiful golden boy who just craves being loved, which makes his story all the more tragic.  Winston was dumped in the middle of a park - his callous owners literally opened up the door of their truck, dumped him, and just drove off not caring at all what was going to happen to him.  Luckily, a good Samaritan saw it, recorded it happening, even trying to make them stop which they didn't, so they scooped him up and called us and he is now safe in a foster home.  However, it was sadly apparent upon entering a foster home that Winston has been mistreated. When he first came into his foster home, he would cower as low to the ground as possible if you even approached him.  But, in just a few days he is starting to really trust his foster mum!  With a gentle and calm voice, and continual love and rewards, Winston is now beginning to trust again.

Winston absolutely needs another dog in his home!  This will be a must.  He has 3 large dogs in his foster home, two young adults and a senior and he absolutely adores them! They give him so much confidence and mentorship and he follows their lead so well. He does not yet play with them or play bow, but he feels so comforted and happy by their presence. His tail, when they are close to him, does not stop! So, a dog that will love him as much as his new humans will be invaluable to him.

Winston is learning about bones and he really enjoys having one. It gives him, as a puppy, something to chew on. He is also learning about balls and has been so funny to watch amusing himself with one.  He takes it in his mouth, drops it, then gets it again, drops it, gets it again...rinse and repeat.  Winston is learning that if he sits, he will get a lot of pets. Previously, he would cower, but now he realizes being petted is nice and it feels SO good, so if you say sit - he does it right away knowing he will be touched kindly.    

As a puppy, he has a tendency to jump when excited. He jumps high and straight up to try to get your attention. He is still in his puppy mouthy stage, though he is extraordinarily gentle when touching or taking your hand in his mouth.  He also quite likes ankles at the moment...but again, he's very gentle and easily distracted by a bone.  His foster mom also turns her back to the jumping and tells him to sit. Once he does then he gets the pets he is craving.  We think very young children in his home would be too much for him, but older, gentle children who can be calm and patient would be ok.  He is learning to walk on a leash, and does not pull at all. Things are a little new but he is really embracing that!  Riding in a car is still scary to him, but with practice, rewards, and kindness he will begin to see it as somewhere we go when we are going to do something fun!

Will you give this amazing boy the love he deserves? If so, you'll get it back in spades from this amazingly beautiful golden boy. If you’re interested in Winston, please complete our adoption application. Questions can be directed to nancy@roversretreat.org

Note: Winston is scheduled to be neutered in early August, but is able to be adopted prior to that date with a refundable neuter deposit.

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