Entered: 10/21/2023
Status: Adopted
Age: 9 months; born 01/15/2023
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 45 lbs.
Gender: Intact Male
Location: Beaverdam, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, completed a round of antibiotics for a possible UTI
Temperament: Cautious initially with adults then very friendly, loved meeting young children 9 months to 5 years old although a bit rambunctious and could knock over the littlest ones, good with other dogs, possibly good with cats
Original: “Blue joined his MAESSR foster family who realized that he did not seem to recognize his name. Therefore, they have been calling this loveable boy Wally.”
Blue’s original owner was unable to keep him, possibly due to a health issue. He was offered to a Maryland breeder who had not bred Blue. The breeder contacted MAESSR, hoping to find a good home with an active family for this sweet young Springer pup.
Blue joined his MAESSR foster family who realized that he did not seem to recognize his name. Therefore, they have been calling this lovable boy Wally. Although new people make him a bit nervous which causes him to bark at them, after about three minutes everyone is his best friend. Wally has been around children from 9 months to five years old. He was a little rambunctious and may knock over “new walkers” but is super lovable and looks for pets from them. His foster mom believes that Wally would be fine living with children of any age.
With every dog that Wally has met, he has been playful. He has had playtime with a wide range of dogs, and he loves them all. He was reported to be a bit of a humper, but he tried once and was scolded by the other dog. He has made no attempts since.
Wally has only been around one cat. His foster parents were worried that the cat might hurt him, so they prevented them from playing even though Wally was considering it. He was not super interested and could possibly be fine around cats.
This boy is 100% housetrained. Whining is possibly his signal to go outside, but this happened only once. Time will tell if that is truly his potty signal.
Wally has no problem hanging out in his crate IF his foster parents are home. He does, at this point, have separation anxiety. When left alone at home in his crate he cries, barks, and drools the entire time. When left alone outside of his crate with free range to the kitchen and living room, he can be destructive in addition to the previously mentioned behaviors. His foster parents are working on his anxiety so he can be a happy pup when left alone. Wally has no issue with hanging out outside while his family is inside, and does not bark or scratch at the door to come in. He sits patiently on the porch and watches the yard. He is fed in his crate currently, as his foster parents are trying to make that a happy place for him.
Wally is very well mannered in the house. After his morning walk, he is calm and mostly sleeps the day away, unless he is following his foster parents from room to room or there is a visitor. He sleeps on a doggy bed in their bedroom at night after saying goodnight and getting a couple belly rubs on the big bed. There has been no counter-surfing, but Wally has put his front paws up on the counter because he wants pets or attention. He has no access to the trash can. His foster mom does not think he would be a trash diver since he doesn’t even eat the things she drops on floor while cooking! He does like to get up on a couch sometimes but typically gets down within a few minutes to sleep on the floor instead. Wally does not chew inappropriately but sometimes is caught carrying around a shoe. No damage has ever been done to the shoes; he is probably just showing them off!
Wally knows “sit” and “down” very well. Currently, he is working on “come” because he doesn’t seem to have any idea what that word means (or pretends not to.) He is not leash trained but does not pull too hard unless he spots a squirrel, deer, or bird he wants to chase. Wally’s foster mom doesn’t think there is much this guy loves more than a car ride. He is an absolute angel in the car. He waits patiently in the car while his foster parents run into the store. There are no signs of his separation anxiety when he is in the car alone.
Wally’s favorite toy is definitely a stuffed Kong deer that rattles and squeaks. He is not a huge toy guy, though. The only time he has guarded anything was a wig he got ahold of at Halloween…not your typical high value item!
Wally’s first visit to the vet was only five days after he joined his new foster family. He did not like having his nails cut but his foster mom was able to easily clean his ears at home. He likely was overwhelmed by the vet visit and did not appreciate all the shots he had to get.
Potential adopters should note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and under to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. This smart boy will likely be a quick learner!
Wally would do best in an active home with another dog to keep him company when his humans are away. He is a sweet, beautiful boy.