About Ernie

Ernie is a very large Golden retriever mix, I'm guessing with parts poodle and Great Pyrenees. Ernie was found abandoned in the Louisiana woods, hungry, scared, with fleas and ticks. Nobody claimed him and after a couple weeks in the finder's back yard, he was at risk of being taken to a high kill shelter, so I went and got him, had him fully vetted including treatment for internal parasites (hookworm and erlichia) and he's scheduled for neuter 7-19-25. He's been in my Florida home for 3 months, is healthy, has put on weight, and has learned inside manners with my dog, cat, and parakeet. Ernie is a very good boy, has not been kept in a crate, has not been destructive or caused problems in the home. He loves being outside, sniffing around, playing with my other big dog, then coming inside to sleep. He likes to steal socks from the laundry, and has nibbled on his foam mattress, but I expected some behavior based on what he's been through. I trust him in the house. Ernie SHEDS, he needs regular brushing, and a session at the groomer could help mitigate some of the fluff. I sweep/vacuum every day, do not want to lie. Maybe it's worse in spring, I can't say, but he sheds more than any doodle I've owned (I've had 3 in the last 20 years.) Do not apply if you want a hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog. This is a very loving, people-oriented dog who is good with other animals, but would thrive on being in a home with only human companionship. He loves attention, is kind and eager to please, will immediately be your best friend. He may be too much for small children as he's quite large, 80#, and sometimes does not recognize his own size. The first vet in Louisiana assessed is age to be around 3-4, but my Florida vet, who did a more thorough assessment, thinks he's under 2 years. I would like to see Ernie rehomed out of the Deep South, hence my listing him in Western Colorado, where I have property and know he'd be well-suited. I will bring him to Colorado for the right person, which I've done many times for rescued dogs. His adoption fee will be $550 to cover vet bills (I will provide records.) Ernie's heartworm and flea/tick preventatives (Proheart and Bravecto) iare good through August. To be considered as a candidate to adopt Ernie, you must be a stable, experienced dog owner with the resources to provide for a large-breed dog. You must own your own property, as landlords are increasingly wary of allowing large dogs in rentals. Please, if you're interested, provide as much personal information, as well as info about your household, property, schedule, and how you visualize Ernie being integrated into your daily life. Basically, write an essay and in return, I'll send photos, videos, answer questions, FaceTime, etc so we both feel confident that this is a forever fit. Thank you so much for considering Ernie.

Ouray County
Ridgway, Colorado 81432