Buddy 22

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Update 09/22/08:

When Buddy came into MAESSR’s care, it was from a shelter and his age was estimated as happens with many shelter dogs. When he visited his foster mom’s vet for his checkup, the vet weighed in on his age and felt he was closer to a 3-year-old than a 5-year-old as previously posted. Not toooooooo many of us actually get to lose years!!

Buddy continues to show perfect manners in the house and has full run of the entire house when his foster parents are home. Truly a people-puppy, he can be found always near his people and has added nose art to a couple of low windows where he can watch his foster dad and all the neighborhood activity. He has also learned the fine art of using his nose to nudge under your elbow for a hug and a pat.

In his foster home’s pack, Buddy understands his place. He doesn’t try any aggressive moves toward either of the resident female Springers and when receiving treats or meals, Buddy waits patiently for his turn as the #3 dog. 

His foster parents continue working with him on commands, especially the come and stay. Buddy does well with these commands when there are no distractions but since he enjoys all dogs, his attention wavers when he sees other possible playmates. He is walking better with the heel command and is learning that he can’t be out in front of his foster parents. 

Buddy was introduced to a cat at doggie daycare and his attempts at play were too rough for the cat. The daycare staff concluded that Buddy wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt the cat; however, Buddy is a big boy who can knock over much smaller animals. For this reason, Buddy would probably not be a good companion for toddlers either.

He continues to show his all around sweet personality and is patiently waiting for his furever home. Buddy’s sweetness could fill a home with love and laughter.

Update 09/12/08:

What a fun time Buddy is having while in foster care! He and the 2 resident female Springers in his foster home went to the beach this past weekend and Buddy loved the water! He played and swam in the waves and chased the birds, even swimming after a pelican. His foster dad had him on a 100 foot lead but that didn’t stop Buddy at all. He’s doing much better with the come command but his foster parents did not want to participate in a lively chase over several miles of beach.

Buddy’s trip to the vet was a complete success. He trotted around the office, charming everyone that he saw and he was found to be in perfect health by the vet. The vet even commented on what a great dog he was and that he’d make a “wonderful pet.” 

Continuing to work his charm, Buddy and his foster mom went to Yappy Hour at the local pet store. Buddy was introduced to several dogs and interacted well with all. He also met more adults and children as young as 4 or 5 years old. Buddy gave all of them his famous wiggle butt wiggle and received smiles from all. What a charmer this boy is!

Original:

Buddy is a wonderful boy who greets people with gentle kisses and a full wiggle that includes his entire body. His wiggle greeting is so funny and heartwarming to see that it brings a smile to face of everyone he meets. When he’s not being a wiggly-butt, he melts people with soulful looks with his expressive face. When his foster family initially picked him up from the North Carolina shelter where he was found as a stray, Buddy reached from the car’s backseat and gave each person a kiss on the side of face. He then settled in the car nicely and rode well, usually snoozing all the way home. Buddy did not need to be crated while in the car. Upon arrival at his foster home, he was very interested to see the entire house and explored from room to room until finally settling underneath a fan near his people. Buddy gives the full wiggle-butt attention to every adult that he meets and was introduced to a toddler in a stroller. He licked her foot in greeting and then trotted on. Although Buddy enjoys all adults, he quickly bonded to his foster dad and will follow his dad wherever he goes. 

Buddy’s good with other dogs and has been introduced to several small dogs in the neighborhood. In greeting, Buddy approaches each dog slowly and then sniffs once or twice. He interacts well with the resident female Springers with the exception of his unwanted amorous advances. The youngest resident female Springer has told him off loudly on several occasions and he seems to think twice now before approaching.

Buddy is used to being crated and goes in without complaint. He especially appreciates a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter to keep him busy and quiet. He doesn’t bark much at all and so far, only barks when he knows you’ve come home and he wants to be let out of the crate. 

Buddy doesn’t mind being groomed and lay patiently while his foster mom cut some mats off his belly and gave him a good brushing. He has a beautiful thick, wavy coat with clear markings and little ticking. During bath time, he stood still and was fine with his feet being handled and scrubbed.

Obviously an indoor dog, Buddy has excellent house manners. Housetrained, he hasn’t had an accident or marked in the house since he’s been here. He also has not countersurfed nor chewed on inappropriate items. Buddy knows that a refrigerator is the box with yummy stuff and is very interested when the refrigerator door is opened, but he will step back when told.

Buddy does pull some when walking on the lead and especially if he sees a rabbit or squirrel; however, his foster family is working with him on this. He knows the commands sit and heel and sometimes the command stay unless he gets distracted. Buddy is a rather laid-back Springer who loves to run and play but does not have the in-your-face energy all the time. He didn’t know or wasn’t interested in a soft toy that his foster mom bought for him. The squeaking noise intrigued him, but then he just left the toy on the floor. 

All in all, Buddy is such a wonderful, loving dog that his foster mom can’t imagine what happened that he was found in a North Carolina shelter. He was obviously someone’s dog and was well cared for. Could you be his new owner who will get gentle kisses every morning?