Ryley was the smallest boy at birth, but caught up soon, and at 7 weeks was right in the middle of the pack.
He was the first to open his eyes at 10 days old, and also one of the first to master the art of walking like a drunken sailor
rather than wheelbarrowing around the whelping box. He's sweet, athletic, and loves people. He has gone to live in east
Knoxville with the Bruntons, their three sons and two other Goldens, Rusty and River. Nancy intends to train him for obedience and agility,
both fields in which he is showing a lot of early talent.
News About Ryley
Aug 19, 2008:
It took forever to find a name for our little guy. with 7 people putting in suggestions it really became difficult to narrow it down. After a
couple of failed attempts we arrived at Ryley (Living the Life of Riley -- with a twist).
3 ½ weeks have come and gone... and three brands of dog food ughhh! He was disinterested in his food the first week and had potty issues. A change of food
saw a big appetite return and better, but still some potty issues. We are now on a prescription food and Pumpkin (which he loves). Possibly a food allergy, but
could be something else going on, still working it out. His weight doesn't seem to be affected as he weighed in at 15# 2 at his last appt.
Ryley is so charming and easy going with people but he definitely holds his own among other dogs. He plays every day with River (that is Matthew's pup) and
gets some time in with Rusty too (our 10+ yr old Golden). Ryley will follow Rusty around the yard and when he gets distracted Rusty will just wait for him
to look his way and then proceed again; and off they go in tandem. Rusty often plays referee to Ryley and River's many wrestling matches too. Every now and then
Rusty will even join the fray.
Training has been just a little bit of a challenge as the vet has restricted him from all treats till we work out this digestive issue. AND. I am such a beginner
too. Ryley has been working on sit and does very well with that. Down is still by luring and sometimes placement only. He follows well and has begun walking
with a leash and doing heel for just a few paces at a time. Praise works a little slower than that bite of cheese. Now that some of the potty issues are
showing improvement, the housetraining is coming along as well (no more messes in the crate).
He has the most wonderful leap; from stairs, the couch, etc. I am really excited about getting his obedience training going so I can see what the agility
stuff is all about. We have sent in the application for a puppy class at Diane's and understand that his brother Jed will be there at
the same time -- looking forward to seeing them together.
Ryley is also a grass-ripper like Hilfy. He also loves to eat bugs, sand (the sand box is one of his favorite places to
play), leaves, trees and just anything that catches his interest. He often checks out the office garbage can, the edges of carpet, and the piping on the
couch cushions along with the occasional pillow. He is such a persistent little bugger.
Now here's the plan....
Sandbox Play
Supervised Play
Ryley at 10 weeks
Pictures at Fern Hill
New owners Jim and Nancy Brunton with Ryley, leaving Fern Hill on 7/25/08
7-week portrait, 7/24/08
Asleep in the feeder ... 7/18/08
