Chewy 2

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Update 06/12/12:

Good news on Mr. Chewy continues to roll in! He recently spent a few days with two rambunctious 7-year-old boys. Chewy loved playing fetch with them and followed them all over the house, just waiting for a chance for more play. He especially liked all the hugs and pets he got from them!

Chewy also has received a favorable report on his reaction to cats. One MAESSR foster mom with whom he recently spent the night reported that “he shared my living room with two cats while he was at my house with no problem. My one cat that thinks he really is a dog even curled up and slept with Chewy.” What a photo op that must have been……:)).

Lastly and maybe best of all, since Chewy has gotten comfortable with the new surroundings at his foster home, he has not tried to bolt for quite a while. He’s still a little anxious when his foster mom leaves, but he’s getting better about being left alone. This sociable fellow will make a great addition to his adopting family! Keep an eye out for his becoming “available.”

Original:

Chewy came into MAESSR’s care when his Pennsylvania owners started working long hours and having to leave him by himself for long periods of time. Because of being left alone so much, Chewy started to develop inappropriate behaviors like bolting from the house when he had a chance. The family made the difficult decision to ask MAESSR to find Chewy a home that could provide him with the company and attention these very social dogs thrive on.

Since coming into foster care, Chewy received a clean bill of health from the vet except for a minor ear infection in his right ear which cleared up quickly. He has tolerated his vet visits very well, including having his ears inspected, his feet manipulated, and his nails clipped. He also accepted the bath he got upon his arrival into foster care.

Chewy has a sweet temperament and is very loving. His original family reported that he grew up with three children who are now ages 14, 12 and 6, and with a Golden Retriever. The family also reports he is good with cats. Chewy has not been exposed to children or cats since coming into MAESSR’s care. He’s living quite peaceably with the foster home’s resident Springer and has met several adult people. He initially barks at strangers coming into the house, but calms as soon as he has met them.

A refresher course in house manners has begun for Chewy in his foster home. He’s a bit of a counter-surfer, but will stop when corrected. He likes to jump on people to greet them, but does not repeat the behavior when his paws are gently held and pushed down. He pulls on the leash on walks because he’s so interested in all the good smells out there to investigate! Chewy would definitely benefit from a basic obedience course once he is adopted. He’s quick learner. His inappropriate humping behavior toward the resident Springer upon his arrival into his foster home was quickly corrected and eliminated.

Completely housebroken, Chewy has not had any accidents since coming into foster care. He doesn’t much like the crate. Although he spent his first night in one, he did not tolerate it after that. To manage his tendency to bolt, Chewy rides in a crate in the car, but whines and cries about it. He would prefer not to be in it. Chewy has tried to bolt three times since coming to his foster home. The first two times he was successfully restrained; the third time he got away but returned on his own within five minutes. Obedience classes where he would learn a solid “sit/stay” would alleviate this bolting problem. When left by himself, Chewy currently cries and barks, but his foster mom believes this behavior will disappear as he becomes secure in his new surroundings.

Chewy loves to play fetch and carries his ball around with him, hoping to entice one of his foster parents to throw it for him. He also engages the resident Springer in play. Although eager for more opportunities to run and play, he’s been restricted in those activities because of his recent neutering surgery. He is extremely loving, often approaching his people for a quick pet and cozying up next to them whenever he can.

This handsome boy will thrive in a home where his people could be with him a good part of the day. He would get along with another dog in the household, but would also do well as the only pet. It won’t take long for this great guy to find his forever home!