Entered: 11/04/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 3
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 64 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Manassas Park, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, bilateral dry eye requiring medication twice a day, unsuccessful cherry eye repair in left eye
Temperament: Good with people as young as 5, good with other dogs, not good with cats
Original: “Mister Ben is a sweet natured cuddle-bug whose manners are a work in progress!”
Mister Ben, as he is called by his foster mom, was found as a stray in Tennessee . Originally fostered by another rescue group, Ben came to MAESSR when there were no inquiries into adopting him.
Mister Ben is a sweet-natured cuddle-bug whose manners are a work in progress! He would like nothing more than to snuggle close on the couch, or to climb into your lap for affection. He sits ever so gentlemanly when waiting for attention; however, because he is still young, he will jump if you don’t deliver promptly. Ben equally shares everything he has to give with his humans and the resident dog: toys, food, and love. Especially love!
Mister Ben is housetrained, and uses the dog door when needed. If none is available, he will sit by the door, occasionally whimpering to encourage his foster family to let him out. He currently has full run of the house and fenced backyard (via dog door) while his foster mother is at work. It is unknown if Ben is crate trained. While outside, both Ben and the resident dog enjoy running and chasing each other through the leaves until they both collapse in joyous exhaustion. Ben will sleep on a dog bed if you insist, but would prefer to snuggle up against your back while sleeping. Think of all of the money you will save by not using your heating blanket this winter! He too insists on sitting on the couch, but with a firm “off” will get down. His foster mom is working on other commands with him but has only conquered “sit.” With additional training, Ben is eagerly working on adding to his repertoire of commands!
Ben’s basic house manners are a work in progress. He is learning not to counter-surf and trash-dive. His foster mom is diligently working on his tendency to rush out of any available exit door, by himself. His foster mom is also working on his love of shoes and socks. If you ever wanted a reminder to pick up after yourself, Ben is it! Ben eats side-by-side his foster brother and will literally share his food with anyone, humans included.
Mister Ben has extreme amounts of energy, as many young Springers do. He enjoys chaperoned walks with his foster mom and loves chasing squirrels even more? who doesn’t, right? His foster mom is also working on curbing the great Springer urge to attack these rude intruders on his walking trails. Progress is also being made to allow for nice gentle walks with his forever family. This forever family may also want to consider a no-pull harness to continue with this training. Ben loves to greet people and dogs on these walks, and will sit politely when asked.
This sweet boy loves the car. In fact, he loves any car, and recently jumped into a police cruiser when the door was opened! Once in the car, he likes to look out the window for a bit; then, he will lie down and snooze (yes, he snores)!
At the vet’s office Ben was a true Springer love-bug who tried to climb onto the vet’s lap during the examination. While his foster mom has not taken him to the groomer, he was very patient with her own grooming efforts. He holds still for his eye medicine, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. During bath time Mister Ben simply stands in the bathtub and waits until he is told it is okay to get out.
Ben would do best in a home where he gets lots of affection, clear boundaries, and plenty of exercise. Ben would prefer a playmate with plenty of energy, as he gets quite disgruntled when the resident dog tires out too quickly. He is an enthusiastic boy that with obedience classes would make a great family dog. He is eager to find that special family to give all his unconditional love to.