Entered: 10/14/2018
Status: Adopted
Age: 6
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 46 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme+ but asymptomatic, dental and treatment for ear infections and fleas complete, lump in groin and small skin tags requiring no treatment
Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “His rich milk chocolate color and handsome build turn heads wherever he goes.“
Boyd came into MAESSR’s care from a shelter in western Pennsylvania. He arrived there as a stray and quickly captured the hearts of the staff. The shelter staff named him and asked MAESSR about finding him a home; the answer was an easy “yes.”
Indoors the little brown Boyd is the mellowest sweetie his foster family has met in quite a while. He’s easily settled in to the routine of the home. With only one accident since arrival, his housetraining is trustworthy. He dashes to his crate twice daily at mealtime; for the remainder of his days, he has run-of-the-house when his people are home. When they’re away on short errands, he often also is uncrated. If home alone for hours, he will settle quietly with the crate door closed. Countertops elude him as he’s a little short to reach. He takes notice of his family’s meals and will politely beg. That said, with no success at bagging people food, he doesn’t press the issue. At day’s end, he accompanies his family to the bedroom and picks a comfy dog bed for the night. He’s often the last one to wake in the morning, allowing a full 8 hours for his family…good boy!
Boyd shares his home with another MAESSR foster and one seasoned resident, both males. There is peace among all, including at treat time. Boyd sits beside the other dogs to receive his treat in turn…which is last. He’s learned that snatching is unproductive and shows good progress on shaping his manners. He’s learned to sit before his leash will be put on and to sit when back indoors to get it off. He doesn’t jump on people or furniture or chew anything. He’s so very easy to live with!
Boyd’s enthusiasm for everything outdoors is robust. He’s not a door-darter but his tail says it all as he anticipates an outing. Most days he’s either out for a leashed walk or off-leash time in the dog field. If that doesn’t happen, he’s not bouncing off the walls but he can easily handle and benefit from daily exercise. He’s a delight to walk with and partnered well on a 5-mile hike with his family. Recall isn’t to be expected yet, so no chances were taken that day but, with time to bond, that could come. Whether on a trail or at home in the dog field, Boyd always takes in the big picture. That wide awareness of his surroundings does get him in trouble at home at times. There’s a variety of livestock across the lane from his home. When he spots even a single goat in the distance, he will bark up a storm. He and his family are working on this so as to keep peace among all. For his part Boyd is beginning to respond to recall which stops the barking and brings him running for a reward. He also alerts to traffic up and down his lane at times. To leave him outside unattended at this point isn’t a good alternative. Alternately, an easier situation for him might simply be to live long-term without other critters to worry over!
At his vet check Boyd was slightly wary but completely compliant. He had accepted all touch and handling at home and did the same during his exam. While all intact, some of his teeth showed a lot of wear so the vet recommended a dental during his altering, in part for the opportunity to better examine his teeth. Fortunately, no extractions were required. He’s at a good weight and his fur is luxuriously thick, soft and shiny.
While not a classic ESS for sure, consensus is that Boyd is likely all spaniel. He certainly has the interests and good temperament of a Springer. His rich milk chocolate color and handsome build turn heads wherever he goes. If you’re looking for a companion to share the outdoors and one that has proven easy to live with, ask about Boyd. He’s a treasure!