Clifford 25-015

Once upon a time there was a dog named Clifford. He is a beautiful Field Golden. He came into this world ready to take it on. Little did he know he would be left to live in an outdoor kennel for the first 4 years of his life. Very little human contact, food, other dogs to socialize with.

Cliffored’s life changed in January 2025 when Safe Haven  in Iowa was able to bring Clifford into their facility.  He had his first experience with an indoor kennel, heat!!

 They nurtured him and gave him food, comfort, human interaction and love. 

Safe Haven reached out to GRROIOWA asking if they can help find a foster home for Clifford. I accepted the challenge. Kimberly and Robin, from Safe Haven, drove from southern Iowa to Minneapolis with Clifford on March 22, 2025. He had no idea his life was about to change.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into whej I decided to foster Clifford. He was so scared, anxious, and skinny. After settling in the yard a bit, EllieMae  my       (adopted breeder mama) made her appearance. From the very start they found comfort in each other. They both had anxiety but were there to calm each other. Clifford followed EllieMae around the yard and watched her lead.

Clifford began to get comfortable in his new surroundings. He grew fond of his foster sister. He began to show more of his personality. He was still cautious around humans and would keep his distance. He would show his excitement with barking and jumping around the backyard when I came home from work.

March 2025 – March 2026 Clifford has grown so much. He has bonded with his foster sister, wrestles in the yard with her, gets a little vocal when he wants to eat, prances  around the yard with new toys, always ready to pounce on EllieMae. He is even coming up for pets and starting to eat from my hand!!

Clifford has been such a comfort and protector for Ellie Mae as she has 21 teeth extracted after Christmas.  He would sit/lay by her side to comfort her.

Clifford has found his pack. He may never be the perfect Golden, but he is perfect for EllieMae and me. We will continue to grow and learn more about being a Golden.