Meet Kenzie

Hi, I’m Kenzie. I’m an approximately 1 year old female Golden Retriever with a vet estimated DOB of 6/10/24. I came in severely underweight at only about 40 pounds, but I’m gaining weight and getting healthy.  I’ve already put on 5 pounds. I’m a petite girl, but need to put on a bit more to be at my ideal weight.

AGN rescued me from a caring Animal Control. I had been abandoned with another dog at a truck stop and no one claimed us at the shelter.  Yes, how incredibly sad…but, it’s turned out to be a blessing because so many rescue heroes worked together to save us. I know my life of love and kindness is just beginning! I’m thriving in my foster home, learning each day and waiting to find my forever family!

Attributes

Personality Traits

Sweet, snuggly, gentle, curious, endearing, playful and happy as can be!  I’m apprehensive (at first) of new situations because I’m learning the world one paw at a time. It doesn’t take long for me to figure things out by watching my Golden foster siblings. I’m the ultimate “velcro shadow” who craves your affection and attention, which helps me feel safe and secure. I’m blossoming daily, but need confidence building. I’m a grateful pup who’s soaking in the kindness of a family! I’ll be the loving light of someone’s life!

Status with People

Friendly, welcoming and social with everyone I meet. I want to please whoever I’m around.  I’m a gentle girl and good with children I’ve met, but they should be sturdy on their feet. There’s a 13 year old in my foster home, and I adore him. I do stand up and give “hugs” gently. It’s not jumping, it’s truly like a hug. I’ll even put my head down into you to snuggle. It’s sweet!

Status with Dogs

Good with other dogs, but nervous at first. I was found with a dog companion, but we were separated at the shelter. I now have 3 Golden foster siblings, male and female. I’m good with all of them, but migrate toward the 1 year old female Golden. We’re the same age, so she’ll run, romp and play with me. I share toys nicely, even playing tug. I could be bullied easily so a dog companion must be non-dominant and one who’ll engage with me by sharing toys and playing. I’m a follower and learning by watching and mimicking my Golden siblings. I’ll need a dog companion that I can learn from, one who’ll play and share toys with me in my forever home. 

Status with Cats

Cats unknown, but likely fine with a dog savvy cat.

Favorite Toys

Learning the joy of toys!  I had no clue what to do with them at first. After watching the fun my Golden siblings were having, I learned the game! Get the toy basket ready…stuffies, balls, etc. I’ll happily chase a ball, but “forget” to bring it back 🙂

Energy Level

Moderate to high overall. Although an older puppy who plays, runs and romps a lot with the other Goldens in my home, I’ll settle down nicely when I’ve gotten my energy out. I get A LOT of exercise, and constant playtime with my Golden siblings. Without this high level of exercise and playtime, my energy level will increase.

House Trained

Yes. I go out on a schedule. I’m not a fan of going out in the rain, so you’ll likely need to go out with me to be my “cheerleader”. **AGN highly recommends “poochie bells” so I have a clear method of communication.

Crate Trained

No. A crate is not used in my foster home. I have free roam in the home with my furry siblings. I sleep in the bed with my humans (until I get hot), or on my dog bed in the bedroom.  I might even curl up on the couch. I have free roam with the other Guldens in the home if my foster family leaves, but they are never gone long.

House Manners

Good for an older puppy, but you must PUPPY PROOF!!! I’m still learning what’s mine, so make sure things are not left out that I might think is a toy. I might grab a shoe, hat or fake flower from the arrangement.  I can be a counter surfer. It’s your responsibility to make sure there’s nothing tempting for me.

Leash Manners

Good on leash and love to sniff. I use a Walk Your Dog With Love harness. I need both physical and mental stimulation so allowing me to sniff on my casual walks is important.

Exercise

Older puppy who needs LOTS of exercise. Daily walk/hikes and lots of playtime with my furry siblings make up my day. Just remember that a tired dog is a good dog. I’m an active, older puppy so must get significant daily physical exercise, mental stimulation and playtime. Running and playing with other dogs is helpful to meet my social and exercise needs.

Car Rides

I enjoy car rides, so I’m ready for a road trip. I’m such a good girl. I sit and look out the window.

Basic Commands

Sit, Wait and I come when you call me. I’m very eager to please.

Things I need in my Forever Home

  • Someone who understands that I’ve been abandoned by humans and I’m desperate to feel safe and secure. I’m “clingy” right now and take every step with you so I know you’re not going to abandon me. I’m learning the world for the first time and someone needs to get that. I’m insecure right now and need to increase my confidence level. This will happen through a consistent routine, socialization and time. I rely on my humans and dog siblings for guidance, reassurance and cues that everything is fine if I’m nervous.
  • Someone who wants and understands an energetic, older puppy and all the fun, time, and sometimes frustration that comes with it. I’m a really good pup, but learning!
  • Active family that likes to exercise daily by taking lots of walks/runs, hikes, and fun outdoor adventures. I need a family that loves exercise, outdoor activities and wants a doggy companion by their side.
  • Someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time. It’s critical that I have someone committed to helping me progress with my learning and confidence. I’m currently not alone for more than an hour or so. My foster mom and dad work opposite shifts. I’m used to my family being home with me and my furry siblings. I can’t learn and gain confidence unless you’re home working with me.
  • Force free/Positive reinforcement obedience training classes REQUIRED – this will help us bond, build our relationship and it’s so much fun. Agility would be a great way for me to build confidence.  **AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
  • Must have another nice, active dog to run and play with who’ll share toys with me. I want to play a lot, so a dog must be up for that. This dog will serve as a mentor for me. I’ll watch and learn from my furry companion.
  • I adore children and would love them in my home. Children should be dog experienced, sturdy on their feet and know how to respect the boundaries of a dog.
  • I’m used to a medium/large backyard to run and romp with my furry foster siblings so I need space to run and play with my dog companion.

    So, if you are looking for a gentle, blossoming, young Golden who gets the best “Velcro Shadow” award, I’m your perfect pup!  I’m an older puppy and everything that comes with that, so be ready to commit time and energy to meet my needs.  I require lots of exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and force free training.  I also need to increase my overall confidence through a stable routine and exposure to the world outside my home. I’m just the sweetest girl, and I have a heart full of love to share with you!  Let’s make a lifetime of memories together!

    Luv, Kenzie

    Photos by Elaine Sears and foster family.