Ambassador

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Update 11/08/11:

After a few weeks in foster care, things are definitely looking up for Ambassador, or Amby, as his foster family calls him. He is now pretty comfortable and confident with most of the routine happenings in his home and experiences new things almost daily. The once scared boy who barked, grumbled or shut down at every new experience is pretty much a thing of the past.

Amby’s list of things done has grown tremendously. He’s been on walks, watched ladies play tennis, been to the groomer, been to the vet, been to work where more than twenty people oohed and aahed at his beauty, dropped his foster brother off at doggie day care and even went into the building. He went to a dog event where there were hundreds of dogs and people. At first, Amby had to be carried out into the world, but he now generally goes with just a little cheerleading. A few days ago, Amby actually wanted to walk into the vet with his foster brother. Amby spends hours some days driving kids to activities and running errands. It is just wonderful to see this lovely boy experiencing life!

Amby’s behavior in the home is that which you would expect to see from a much, much younger pup. He needs loving guidance every step of the way. He responds well to a simple ACH! when he needs to be corrected. He is a bit mouthy and still jumps up on people for attention. Although his foster mom doesn’t want Amby jumping up on people, she is happy that he is choosing to get out there and meet people. 

When his family is away from home, Amby is crated. Otherwise, he is carefully supervised so that he can make mistakes and be corrected, in turn, so he’ll learn what can and can’t be chewed or touched. He is VERY Velcro. His foster mom has actually stepped on Amby’s feet a few times because she didn’t realize he was right behind her. He generally responds to his name and has learned sit. Amby does like to sit on the sofa and sleep in bed, as do the other dogs in his foster home. He has a little submissive urination when overwhelmed. This is not occurring in normal daily life, just when he’s unsure of things or scared. For this reason, he wears a belly band when people are coming over or when venturing out to places. 

Housebreaking is a work in progress for Amby. His foster mom added bells to the back door and Amby is now ringing them when he wants to go out and get a drink from the outside water bowl! He needs to be carefully monitored and taken out regularly. He does not poop in the grass, only in the mulch under the trees, which is actually a very helpful habit for clean up! Sometimes when Amby goes out, he’s so distracted with the outdoors that he forgets to take care of business. At other times, it seems like he wants to get back indoors. He does love being an indoor dog!

Amby is a smart, eager-to-please boy who wants his own mommy or daddy so badly. He would most likely do best if he had a fenced yard and would probably like another playful, easy-going dog in his adopting home. The most important thing is that Amby finds a family that will continue his positive-only training. Amby will thrive in a quieter home that has lots and lots of time just for him. Is that you?

Original:

When his North Carolina family experienced financial difficulties, they contacted MAESSR for help in finding their Springer Ambassador a loving new home. They felt badly about giving him up, but they also wanted him well-cared for and happy. So, Ambassador became a MAESSR boy. 

Prior to coming to MAESSR, Ambassador had not had much socialization with things in the outside world so he was very hesitant at first when he encountered anything new. He has made great strides in overcoming this fear and is quickly learning that the outside world is filled with fun stuff for him to explore and enjoy! When he is scared, Ambassador just “shuts down” and will not move. His foster mom has been working with him and cheering him on. He will now move a few feet at a time. Yeah! Ambassador would GREATLY benefit from obedience classes to help build his confidence. MAESSR requires all families adopting dogs one year old and younger to take training classes with their new Springer. This will help reinforce the confidence and good manners Ambassador is learning in his foster home and help him bond with his new family. Ambassador is already crate trained and is quickly learning to not go “potty” in the house. He is a bit afraid of the grooming clippers, so his foster mom is working to help him learn that grooming is a good thing.

An extreme love bug, Ambassador absolutely adores being close to his foster family at all times. He does jump on his people for attention, but is finding that is not the best way to get loved on. Ambassador truly wants to please his people and just needs someone to work with him until he is finished being a puppy.

Little Ambassador is a diamond in the rough who just needs a loving, structured family who will help him develop to his full potential.