Entered: 12/08/2008
Status: adopted
Age: 5
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Alexandria, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, good in all areas
Temperament: Good with people as young as 2, good with dogs, good with cats, however, is food possessive and will do best if living with only older children and no other dogs
Original: Charlie is an adorable Springer. He was given up for adoption only because his caregiver was expecting a second child and feeling a bit overwhelmed. In his original home, Charlie was contained behind an electric fence on a huge piece of property and went outside as he pleased. He can open levered doors, so he would let himself out and in. His foster mom saw a demonstration of his “capabilities.” To her amazement when told to “close” the door, Charlie stood up on his back feet and, using his two front paws, literally closed the door!! He was taught to stay off of carpeted floors. He is housebroken and has not been crated for over two years. His foster parents both work and when they come home, nothing is amiss.
This handsome boy has adapted to his foster home beautifully. He craves affection, does not bark, has gotten on beautifully with the six grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 9, and loves to keep the backyard clear of birds and squirrels. His family has five cats and he hasn’t chased or accosted any of them. They rub against him and Charlie doesn’t seem to mind it.
Charlie likes riding in cars, does not jump on people, is great with strangers, and does not pull on his leash. His previous caregiver indicated he did but, practice may be putting a fine point on his skill. In his foster home, Charlie is leashed several times a day and he looks forward to walking.
Charlie gets along fine with the resident dog with one exception. Charlie is very possessive of food. His foster parents learned early on not to feed their dog and Charlie at the same time. They feed the two dogs separately. His parents keep them separated when they sit down to eat as well. If Charlie thinks his foster brother is going to get a table scrap, he will go step right in.
Because of Charlie’s behavior at mealtime, his foster parents believe he would be an excellent dog in a home where there are no other dogs. He craves love and affection. When at the computer, Charlie comes to his foster mom and puts his head under her arms. He looks at her and she melts, and, of course, she stops to give him love. He is beautiful, precious, and sensitive. Recently his foster mom had a bad cold. Charlie seemed to know she was not at her best. One morning, he came into the bedroom, laid his face beside hers and stared at her. She fell asleep, and, when she woke up, he was in the bed with her – a first. He just knew…………