Bobby 6

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Original: “Bobby has the most loving temperament and is super friendly to all the people he meets, including children.“

Springer puppies are a bundle of energy and sometimes first-time Springer owners are overwhelmed by this.  That is what happened with Bobby 6 when his Virginia owner found him to be “too much” for him to care for.  So, he made the difficult decision to re-home Bobby and called MAESSR.   

Bobby has adapted well to home life from his previous life on a farm.  With his vet appointment, he appreciated the care he received clearing up a UTI, hook worms and ear congestion which was probably causing him a lot of discomfort and distress.  He now has full control of his bladder and allows his foster parents to clean his ears on a weekly basis to keep on top of any build up. He gets his follow up vet appointment in a couple of weeks and will have a secondary hook worm course of medication to ensure that it has cleared permanently.  

Bobby is good in the house.  Although he is crated when his family goes out, they hope to be able to trust him over the next few weeks so that he has more freedom. He loves his crate and goes into it willingly during the day and at night. He does not have any separation anxiety, but he is very much the Velcro dog when he is with his foster family around the house.  As he becomes confident of their movements and intentions, this may lessen. When he was on the farm, he reportedly was pretty much left to his own devices, playing all day with another dog and barking at all the farm animals. He had to learn some manners to adapt to a home environment, but he is quick to learn and wants to please, so with some dedicated training he has learned a great deal.

Not a darting hazard anymore, Bobby does not go through doors until asked.  He immediately sits and waits for the release command.  This smart boy also does not touch his food bowl until told to do so.  Since he treats every meal as though it is his last, a slow feeder bowl is now being used.  To stop badgering for attention when his foster folks are busy doing other things, his command is “off” and he responds well to that after being told a couple of times.  That applies for counter-surfing and licking everyone, too.

Bobby knows “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “wait.”  What a smart guy!  He is pulling less on the lead when walked now.  His family believes he has never been on a lead before, so he is really making good progress considering that.  Another important thing that Bobby has been taught is not to bark at other dogs when out in public places.  After an initial “hello,” he just sits and ignores them without any lunging or incessant barking. 

Bobby is great in the car.  He jumps in eagerly and just sits in the back untethered. He waits to be told he can jump back out. He is good at the vets, too. Although he has not been to the groomers yet, his people think he will be fine as he loves a fuss! He is good being bathed at home and brushed.

In the month since he has been in foster care, Bobby has gone through a lot of changes.  With the help of his dedicated foster parents, he has made considerable progress in becoming his best self.  Bobby has the most loving temperament and is super friendly to all the people he meets, including children.  He loves to play with other dogs; he is not aggressive and has boundless energy.  He has chased birds, squirrels, and a cat up a tree, so his prey-drive is high.  He does respond to commands and comes to his person when called.  He is not a fan of water, though.  His foster family is taking him to the beach soon, so they will see what he makes of that!

Note that MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take their new family member through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption.  MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience.  MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.

Watch for more on Bobby soon!  He is one terrific pup!