Entered: 12/01/2020
Status: Adopted
Age: 1; born 09/16/2019
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 47 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: UTD, HW-
Temperament: Good with known adults but fearful of strangers, good with children as young as 11 when comfortable with them (younger unknown), good with known dogs but fearful of unknown dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “He does not chew things other than his toys, but he is quite the shoe thief. Chip has not chewed any shoes yet; he simply relocates them!”
When Lady and her brother Chip’s owner was faced with working long hours and then a move out of Maryland, she sadly turned to MAESSR to find her cherished pups a new forever home. They both began their journey together riding peacefully to their foster home.
At just over a year old, Chip is all about giving and getting the love from his people. This youngster has not had much socialization due to his former owner’s work hours and the pandemic, which affected obedience class offerings and ability to experience the outside world. Meeting other people and dogs can be a frightening thing, but he adores his foster family who are helping him learn that the world is not so scary.
With other dogs he is unfamiliar, Chip is reactive. Two weeks ago, he barked and lunged in fear. Now he is able to pass other dogs on a walk without barking. This is an area that his foster family is working on with him and he is improving. Chip walks on a leash with a harness. He pulls at times and barks at strangers. His foster family is training him in this area. He enjoys riding in the car.
Chip’s housetraining is still a work in progress. He has accidents from time to time. These are mostly poop accidents. His foster family is training him to “go potty” outside. He will whine and pace as a signal but has been known to slink away to do his business in another room in the house even after vigorous playtime. Chip is crate trained and sleeps in his crate. He also goes willingly into his crate when his foster family is away.
This good boy has great house manners. He follows his people, sits nicely for treats, and waits patiently for his food. He enjoys his food and is an enthusiastic eater. He has never displayed any guarding of food or toys. Although a bit of a counter-surfer, Chip has not stolen any food yet…he just wants to be in the know about “What’s for dinner?” He is not very interested in the trash can. Chip has not been allowed to get up on the furniture in his foster home but comes in with two paws up to say goodnight to his family. He does not chew things other than his toys, but he is quite the shoe thief. Chip has not chewed any shoes yet; he simply relocates them!
Chip has a favorite ball; it is red and spiky. He has a stuffed frog, a rope, and a leathery moose. He prefers to chew on a bone or play ball. He’s not very fond of the stuffed toys.
Chip adapted quickly to his new home. He is very sweet and loving to his foster family. He loves to snuggle and play chase. Having a lot of energy, this young boy needs to play ball and take several walks every day. He is wonderful with the children he knows, the youngest 11 years old. He would likely be good with younger children although he could knock over the very young with his exuberance. Very good with his canine sister, Chip would need time to become comfortable with another dog in his new home. He has not experienced cats in his foster home.
Chip was nervous at the vet but rightfully so as it was his first visit to this veterinarian. He went to the groomer once and looked so handsome after having a nail trim, haircut, and bath. The groomer stated that he did much better with the bath and haircut than having his nails trimmed.
Potential adopters should note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and under to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. These classes will help Chip with his socialization and bonding with his new family.
Chip should be placed in a forever home that is loving and extremely active. He has a very high energy level and loves to do his job of “retrieving” (mostly a tennis ball.) He wants to be where his people are and to be involved in everything.