Entered: 11/18/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 6
Color: Black/White
Weight: 52 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for Lyme disease complete
Temperament: Good with people as young as 7, good with other dogs, good with cats
Original: “Barry is one happy Springer who had a good start and is ready to share his love of life with a new family.”
After Barry’s original New Jersey owner died, he was welcomed into the home of a good friend. Unfortunately, that family’s very large, intact Golden Retriever and Barry had escalating arguments; Barry’s guardian angel reluctantly decided MAESSR might be able to provide a more appropriate home.
Barry has been a welcome addition to his foster home, getting along well with the crazy 2-year old resident Springer and two cats. He and the Springer enjoy wrestling with one another and after giving the cats a “how-do-you-do” sniff, he has ignored them. Barry has not been given any toys because his foster brother resource guards them, but the two are fed side-by-side with Barry showing no signs of aggression.
Mr. Handsome is housetrained and signals when he wants to go out by walking to the door. He had two years of obedience training with his original owner and knows “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “paw.” Barry has never been crated and is trusted in the house when his foster mom is at work. He is a champion counter-surfer and makes himself quite at home on the furniture. He can be a polite guest, however, and does not get into the trash or chew inappropriately—good boy! Barry was used to sleeping with his owner at night, and has been sleeping contentedly outside his foster mom’s door or on the foot of her bed—he definitely prefers the bed.
This athletic boy loves his walks but does get a bit overly excited when he knows one is coming; he’ll jump up with all four paws off the floor, making it difficult to attach his leash. But, once the leash is on and he’s out the door with his person, he walks beautifully. He pulls initially, but a simple correction and a firm “heel” bring him back to his foster mom’s side. He is learning to settle down while his leash is attached and to let his foster mom go out the door first. A true Springer, Barry also loves hiking and running. He’s hiked for 2 ½ hours without getting tired. He’s also run 10 miles with his foster mom! He runs well beside her on the leash and can be trusted off leash, never letting her out of his sight.
Although he does have a tendency to jump up on people, Barry greets other people and dogs with enthusiasm. He has hugs and kisses for everyone he meets.
On a trip to the vet (he loves riding in the car), the office staff fell in love with MAESSR’s new guy. He is a gentle soul and wants only to cuddle and give kisses, even to the vet. He is used to being groomed regularly, reportedly with no problems.
Barry is one happy Springer who had a good start and is ready to share his love of life with a new family. Because of his tendency to jump, a family with elementary aged children might be better than one with younger children. While he doesn’t have to run 10 miles, he would be most happy in a moderately active household with his people nearby. Are you ready for this playful fellow who would love to share your bed and walk and hike with you?