Chester 7

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Original: “Play starts the minute Chester’s eyes pop open in the morning and doesn’t stop until he goes to bed.”    

When a Good Samaritan saw that Chester was being offered “free to a good home,” she rescued him and contacted a local Virginia shelter who in turn contacted MAESSR to help this young pup find a wonderful forever home. 

Initially a bit shy with new people, Chester warms up quickly to them although he is more timid around men than women. While in his foster home, Chester was introduced to two dog-savvy little girls ages 6 and 10.  He was very polite and enjoyed a bit of attention and play with them. When it comes to other dogs, Chester is great!  There are two other Springers in Chester’s foster home and he plays with them non-stop. In fact, he began playing with them the minute he arrived. Play starts the minute Chester’s eyes pop open in the morning and doesn’t stop until he goes to bed.  He is not fond of cats, though, so a forever home free of cats would be recommended.  

Chester’s rough start in life hasn’t dampened his spirit. He is one happy-go-lucky country boy. He enjoys playing with the other dogs in the household and with his foster family. He’s had limited exposure to toys because the resident dogs are unable to play with toys.  When his foster mom works from home, Chester stays in the room with her and is mostly quiet during video meetings. Sometimes he can’t resist voicing his opinion, though. Chester has a happy bark that he uses to tell his family what a good time he’s having playing with other dogs.  

Housetraining is a work in progress, but Chester has made good progress since being in his foster home. Crate trained, Chester sleeps in a crate in the foster family’s bedroom at night and he and the resident dogs are crated when the family leaves. Chester is also crated when the family is unable to watch him closely.  After all, he’s a typical curious Springer puppy and things like shoes tend to turn up in different places than where the owners left them!  Chester doesn’t like to be left in a room by himself when there are others in the house.  He does settle down when the family leaves the house, though.  They keep an eye on him when they are away with a camera link.

Chester has a mischievous side.  He counter-surfs. In fact, he “surfs” any horizontal surface that’s just a bit taller than he is. He has been known to dishwasher dive as well. Trash, however, is safe; he never pays any attention to the trash cans in the house which have lids. He likes being on the sofa despite being asked to climb down.  He gets down from the furniture when he is corrected – but then gets right back up!  Chester is still learning not to get on the sofas and chairs.  

At mealtime, Chester is fed in his crate in the laundry room. This is to ensure he continues to regard the crate as a good place. The other dogs are fed in the next room – in the kitchen. Chester doesn’t guard anything. His family can take away food or treats without a problem. Sometimes Chester finds a stick to chew and he will relinquish that without a problem.  

His trip to the vet went very well.  He was a bit shy but warmed up to the staff when they offered him treats.  He also enjoyed their compliments about what a beautiful boy he is.  

Chester pulls a bit on walks, but tends to settle down after a few minutes. He likes to “stop and smell the roses.”  Chester’s not fond of riding in the car.  His foster parents lift him and place him in the car.  With more car rides and yummy treats, Chester should learn that car rides are not scary things.  

Note that MAESSR will require Chester’s adoptive family to take him through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption.  MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones like Chester – 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.   Chester would like an active forever family who would help him burn off his puppy energy.  

He would love a home with other dogs who also like to play.  Having older children in his new home would be fine; however in his exuberance, he might knock the little ones over. With all of his puppy energy, Chester has a very gentle, sweet temperament and he enjoys cuddles and pats from his foster family as much as he enjoys playing with the other dogs.   If you are looking for a sweet pup with lots of personality, Chester is the boy for you!