Entered: 05/21/2022
Status: Adopted
Age: 2
Color: Black/White
Weight: 39 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, ehrlichiosis positive, treatment for hookworms complete
Temperament: Good with people as young as 3, good with other dogs, cats unknown
Original: “Always with a toy in his mouth and a wagging tail, he LIVES to play with people and other dogs.”
Fletcher was relinquished to MAESSR because his Virginia owner died. He lived as an outdoor dog, with free run of five, non-fenced, wooded acres. Fletcher stayed outside during the day and never strayed far from the house. At night, Fletcher slept in his crate in the garage.
This handsome young boy has adapted nicely to living inside. He came to his foster home totally not housetrained and in just a short time he has made remarkable progress towards achieving that goal. His adopting family will need to continue to work with him for a little while to ensure his success. Fletcher is crate trained and sleeps in his crate at night.
Fletcher is a great dog with a wonderful temperament who earnestly wants a human to take walks with him and play with him. Always with a toy in his mouth and a wagging tail, he LIVES to play with people and other dogs. He is good meeting other dogs, too, but he has never been exposed to cats. For an outdoor Springer, Fletcher does not have a prey drive. Animals who do not want to play with him are simply of no interest to him. Fletch even ignores the neighbor’s rooster who strolls over to visit.
Fletcher is excellent with children. He has met and has been fine with children and grandchildren in his foster family and visiting children ages three years and up. Also, he is good with meeting strangers on neighborhood walks. This polite boy will sit for both youngsters and adults for petting. When people visit the house, Fletcher grabs a toy and wants to play.
Fletcher had never been groomed. When his foster mom groomed him recently, it took her three days to finish because he was frightened of the entire process. He loved the attention he got, but not the rest of it. Going forward he will need a patient groomer to show him that it is a good thing to be washed, dried, combed, and trimmed. Fletcher was not in any way aggressive about it; he just tried to get away.
Taking walks is another favorite activity for Fletcher besides playing with toys. He does pull on the leash some, but will settle down so that everyone can enjoy the walk. MAESSR is requiring his adopting family to take Fletcher through one series of obedience classes within four months of adoption. This will give him an understanding of what life’s rules are and how he should act. Fletcher rides okay in the car. Although he is a bit nervous, he does settle down.
In the home of his dreams, Fletcher will need a yard to run and play, in addition to a human who wants to play and walk with him. Fletcher is going to be someone’s great companion dog. This is one fantastic Springer boy. With a little work, he is going to be even better.