Buddy 17

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Updated 1/15/07: Buddy has returned to MAESSR due to a conflict between him and a resident dog in his adopting home. With a little time to get acquainted with his new foster mom, Buddy strikes her as being very young socially when it comes to dogs. He seems to just now be figuring out his pack ranking when mixing with other dogs. She feels he can do well with other dogs but would benefit from being with canines who understand teenage males. One minute Buddy can be quite full of himself but, when his bluff is called, he copies the big dogs.

Aside from needing a little more time to learn doggie manners, Buddy is an all-around great youngster. He is an active boy and has a love of his leash. When he sees the flexi-leash come out, his tail goes ninety miles an hour. He loves his walks, a good run, and even loves working on his “come” and “stay.” He loves toys and people.

When in his crate he will whine a bit for attention and will bark to let his foster mom know that he should be the next one fed. Like a good boy, he sleeps through the night in his crate.

For one so young, Buddy has very good house manners. When the resident cats dumped some chips off the counter onto the floor, Buddy stood back politely while his foster mom cleaned things up. He leaves the trash can and counters alone. When he gets to go on a car ride, he clearly likes looking out the windows.

Buddy wants to be part of the comings and goings in his home. He would do well with an active family that wants their dog to join in their activities. With increasing maturity, Buddy is ready for a fresh start. Are you ready to give this handsome little guy a chance to be part of your daily life?!?

Updated 10/9/06: Buddy is doing well in his foster home. He is bright and picking up many things. Coming into foster care, he would bolt through open doors. He’s now learning to “sit” and “wait” until he is invited to go through a door.

He is also learning to sit and wait for his dinner. Buddy is a GOOD eater. He goes back and forth between his bowl and the bowl of the resident dog. Yet, he will allow his food, bones, and treats to be taken from him without aggression.

Buddy lived with a cat and children at the home of the SPCA worker with whom he stayed. She reported that he was good with the cat, although on occasion if the cat ran, Buddy would chase. He has had two opportunities in foster care to meet a cat. In both cases he acted like he didn’t even see it.

When his foster mother gets home, Buddy can be very excited and will jump onto her. This behavior is being addressed but he has room for improvement. The times he has been with children, this has not been the case.

Another habit of Buddy’s is to try and walk himself by pulling on the leash with his mouth. This behavior is being discouraged too and he is doing it less and less. He seems to revert to this behavior when he is concerned about something, like noises he doesn’t understand.

Coming into foster care it was indicated that Buddy does not do well in a crate and he historically slept on the bed. For these reasons at his foster home, he sleeps on a dog pillow next to the bed. He makes his desire to be on the bed known but has rarely gotten up there without being asked. Once the light is out, he will wander a little but soon settles down on his pillow.

Over all Buddy is a great dog who is learning quickly and will make a great addition to anyone’s home.

Original: Buddy is a very handsome tricolor youngster with a full tail. He has had a few rough weeks recently but he’s really a very lucky boy. He was found wandering in a park in eastern Pennsylvania by a man who took him home. Unfortunately, the man’s dog attacked Buddy, leaving a bad bite and the need for a quick relocation. An SPCA volunteer learned of Buddy’s situation and took him in, nursing him back to health in her small apartment. She then contacted MAESSR when he was ready for his next move.

In his foster home Buddy is true to his age and shows all of the normal puppy qualities. He is also old enough to be housebroken, which he is, and knows some basic obedience. He answers when called, gives “paw,” will “sit” when he wants to right now, and is working on learning a number of other commands. When starting out on a ride in the car, Buddy can be a bit nervous but usually settles down into a nap once underway. Like most pups, he loves his chew toys. He is very inquisitive and still has a youngster’s interest in everything.

Buddy lives with one resident dog and gets along well with him. He would do well in a forever home with another dog who would help him play his heart out. Buddy loves to run and does very well off-leash. He is full of energy and, like all active dogs, needs the opportunity to let it out. He seems to pace when he doesn’t get to be a tired dog at the end of the day. When he does get his exercise, he calms down and will lay around as long as he is with you. He becomes a lover and thinks he is a lap dog!

When meeting some new people, particularly adults, Buddy has seemed unsure at first but has warmed to all in a few minutes. He has met young children who visit in his foster home and was good with them as well.

For one so young, Buddy has been through a lot of change in his life. His true personality is continuing to emerge as new experiences pop up for him. More on this pup as he settles in.