Fred 4

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Update 11/18/12:

Since leaving his life as a stray behind, Fred has responded well to nutritious meals, grooming, and, of course, lovin’s. He has put on a little weight and looks great at his current 53 pounds. A month ago his coat had a rough, dry feeling and look to it; now Fred is silky, shiny and healthy-looking. He’s visited with his foster family’s vet and was very well-mannered. When it came time for his rabies shot, he did hide his head in the closest arm pit, aside from that of the vet, but he didn’t try to escape. Good boy, Fred – we all know shots are scary.

While Fred is still fearful of the big orange tabby in his foster home and loud unexpected noises, he meets and greets all people really well. Fred has shown himself to be friendly with all ages, but his youthful enthusiasm leads his family to believe children he spends time with regularly should be at least a little bigger than him. He really likes his family’s Siamese who can be found head-butting Fred several times a day. This same cat has taken to sleeping on top of Fred’s kennel at night, and, Fred even jumped up on top of the crate to join him one evening! Fred still shares his food and toys – even with the cat. 

With time to really settle in, other endearing behavior is emerging. Fred has taken to sleeping underfoot during family meals. He kennels easily at bedtime when he is tired but still wants to be by his people and underfoot (instead of in the kennel) at all other times. 

Fred is gaining confidence daily and is very eager to be loved, hugged and petted. With Fred, it’s adopt today’s love for a lifetime.And don’t forget how downright entertaining Fred can be with the right kitty as a sidekick!

Original:

Found as a stray in Virginia and taken to a local shelter, Fred came to MAESSR’s attention and quickly he became a MAESSR dog.

The shelter staff had said that Fred was afraid of cats and shy around men. Both of these reactions have changed since he came to his foster home. Fred now likes the resident Siamese cat and tries to play with him, but is still fearful of the big old orange tabby. If introduced properly, he will be fine living with a cat in his forever home. 

Fred has become good friends with his foster dad and he even greets the man next door by going to the fence to have his ears scratched! The two resident teenage boys are great favorites of Fred, too. He enjoys running around the house and the yard with the resident female Springer and 14-year-old boy. The 18-year-old son takes the family’s Springer and Fred for walks and since both dogs want to lead, the walk turns almost into a run! Fred is still a bit skittish on the leash as cars go by, though. He does not like to get into the car, but rides well and has good car manners once the door is shut. Cats, dogs, men, women – Fred likes them all now that he is happy and loved and secure in his foster home. 

Living in a home again is a learning experience for Fred. He is a minor counter-surfer when there are interesting smells and Fred has shown mild interest in the garbage can but stops when warned. He does not beg at the table but will lie down within sight in hopes of a treat. Although basically housetrained, Fred has had two accidents indoors and has looked very guilty afterwards. To signal his need to go out, Fred either whimpers or will sit patiently hoping his people will notice that he wants to go out. Because of his accidents, he is crated when no one is home. Although Fred is getting better about going into his crate, he still needs encouragement to go in but is fine once the door closes. 

Fred shares his toys and food without hesitation. Rather hard on toys, Fred will tear them up with great enthusiasm and chew wood if he is ignored. He has been supplied with plenty of rawhides to redirect this chewing. If he plays with a squeaky toy and it squeals, poor Fred cringes just as he does when he hears other loud noises. Fred really enjoys his canine playmate and follows her lead. Ever since he saw her march into the baby pool in the back yard, he wades in himself! This sweet boy is growing braver daily! When he is with his people, Fred loves to cuddle and have his ears and tummy scratched. He also loves to be brushed and will sit still until the brush stops. Then, he turns around to see why his person has stopped! He has been good for a good bath in the back yard, too. 

This sweetheart would be a great addition to any family! He would be fine as an only dog but would certainly like a playmate. What does Fred want? Love, hugs, and a loving family! Make his wishes come true.