Entered: 07/01/2012
Status: Adopted
Age: 6
Color: Black/White
Weight: 73 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from a supplement to support healthy skin, overall good health
Temperament: Good with adults, was raised with children as young as 4 but has not met any in foster care, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 08/26/12:
At last…….news on Cowboy!! His foster family has been watching somewhat pensively for the intermittent skin problem that brought him to MAESSR. A little irritation on his throat and rump surfaced but hasn’t developed into outbreaks. His thyroid levels were tested with results within the normal range. The vet’s initial recommendation that he be managed with a quality kibble, a supplement, and regular combing seems to be working!
What has emerged is this dog’s personality. Cowboy has a heart of gold. He is a happy, lively, and light-hearted fellow to live with. Initially he was quiet but, as he’s settled, his penchant for verbalizing has become clear. When the alarm goes off in the morning, he’s ready immediately to head outside. No need for a snooze alarm with this boy; he won’t let you go back to sleep! He eagerly dines in his crate but, as soon as he’s done, he’ll barken you back to let him out for a quick pitstop. Then he’ll typically “barken” you again when he’s ready to come in. He’s not at all mean-spirited about this. It’s just his way of keeping his family headed in the right direction!
The young resident ESS continues to be Cowboy’s best friend and daily playmate. The two can play tug with a rope or a Kong bone for an hour at a time. With this kind of exercise and a short daily walk, Cowboy will sleep for an entire evening and bless you with a 7 hour night to boot!
Cowboy’s list of commands is somewhat short but he’s accomplished at self-educating. One skill he’s developed is counter-surfing. He is very, very quick at this and always mindful to spring when no one is looking. The only way to know he’s the mischievous one is that none of his buddies can reach the back of the kitchen counter. He has also taught himself to lift the kid gates in his home, just high enough to bypass their latches. Thus, he can move from room to room at will. He only does this if his people are in another room and is only trying to stay as close to them as possible……good boy!
All else remains much the same as when he first arrived. Cowboy’s a remarkably steady dog. The little quirks that distinguish him are also endearing. He’s so handsome too and catches people’s attention. On his last visit to the pet store, he was confronted by a man in the parking lot who stopped dead in his tracks, only to quickly say, “I imagine you’re used to hearing that is a beautiful dog!” With that, the man continued on!
Cowboy’s definitely livened up an otherwise quiet foster home. He would likely enjoy and thrive in an adopting home with more busyness and more people. It’s also hard to imagine him without a dog to play with; he’s always had one in his life and certainly enjoys the companionship. He’ll be ready soon to make a move. If you’re ready for an engaging gent to liven the lengthening evenings in your home, ask about meeting Cowboy. He’ll ride right into your heart!
Original:
Cowboy’s first response when meeting his foster mom was to lay down and offer his belly for a good rub. What’s not to love about a boy who is so soft and trusting! Once home, he zoomed into the house to check everything out. He eagerly met the canine pack, ages 15 months to 12 years, and quickly become a vigorous playmate for the youngest dog. Though outweighing the pup by 25 pounds, Cowboy makes tug-of-war fun for the inevitable loser. Cowboy mixes well with the middle age dogs, only to be rebuffed by the senior who is at times a little overwhelmed with Cowboy’s exuberance. Early on, Cowboy would sit politely alongside the others at treat time, awaiting his turn.
Shortly after arriving Cowboy discovered the few household rules for dogs. He tried counter-surfing but when caught, he responded to “off.” He found that “off” also applied to the sofa and returned to the floor. He has nibbled on a few things that are not for doggies so, when his family is away, he is crated. With trustworthy housetraining, he settles in the gated bedroom at night with the rest of the crew. There he has choice of a soft doggie bed or the cool wood floor, but not the bed as he would like!
Cowboy will crate for meals, though he does protest at times by barking or scratching on the door. When on the road, he has been crated and very quiet.
Cowboy’s confident and at ease when out in public too. In the vet’s lobby he noticed everyone but sat quietly unless someone stepped his way to say “hi.” Then, he reveled with their attention. At 73 pounds and 23 inches, Cowboy is a big boy but not necessarily overweight. He shouldn’t gain any pounds but the vet did not suggest he lose.
Cowboy came into MAESSR’s care due to periodic skin problems that his West Virginia owner had dealt with since his youth. During his exam, the vet found wide-spread scaliness but no infection or outbreak. The recommendation was to work with diet, a supplement and regular grooming to improve his skin’s condition. That seems to be working. The scaliness is gone and, though he has moments of itchiness, his skin looks good. In every other way, Cowboy checked out well and was cooperative in the hands of the vet and techs.
He’s visited a local NPS visitor center and walked among a light crowd of people and pets of all sizes. He did well with meeting a variety of dogs when visiting a dog park, though it was really too hot to play much. Instead, he sought out shade as most of the other dogs were doing.
Cowboy visited the local “dog wash” for a bath. He walked right up the ramp and into the tub but was afraid when it came time for drying. That type of fear carries over to clippers and a nail tool that are used at home. With non-motorized grooming, he has infinite patience. He has enjoyed lots of combing, scissoring and nails done the “old-fashioned” way and is a handsome boy to tidy up.
When out on a walk, Cowboy strolls around on the end of his leash and may pull lightly, eager to get to a smell along the way. Rarely does he pull hard and more practice would likely eliminate that. He will “sit” for treats but often drops to a “down” when asked to “sit” sans treats. He’s picked up the household routine well. What he lacks in obedience skills is overcome with his wagging tail and eager expression.
Though generally a quiet boy, Cowboy keeps an eye to what’s going on outside his yard. When he notices the neighboring horses and goats from his second story window or his outdoor pen, he barks until he’s satisfied that everyone knows he’s noticed…………quite a hoot! When asked to “quiet,” he can be slow to respond………as if he’s insistent on having the last word!
Cowboy’s an easy going gent who has surely been treated well his entire life. He’s not demanding of attention but seems to like people equally as well as dogs. A mix of both in an adopting home would make this boy one happy dude!