Fritz

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Original: Fritz’s owner has Alzheimer’s and had to be hospitalized, leaving Fritz orphaned.

When his owner’s illness progressed, we’re unsure for how long, Fritz remained outside 24 hours a day in a pen. He got a little exercise from some gracious neighbors who helped care for him and LOTS of food.

To describe Fritz I use two phrases, “he’s a jolly feller” and “remember the movie hooch?”. Fritz is a happy, sweet boy but a messy drinker. He splashes so much that his ears get wet when he drinks even though they don’t hang in his bowl. As big as he is, he hasn’t been an aggressive eater and doesn’t care if you pick up his bowl and take it away mid meal, but don’t go for a treat in his mouth… he scarfs them right down!

He loves to play with toys, but he only knows how to play alone. He is a real joy to watch at play though because he’s so big and so sweet he’s like a teddy bear.

Fritz happily entered his new foster home with the inquisitive nature of a springer. He checked out the whole house and the whole yard and since has remained close to his foster mom’s side. Fritz was very well behaved when his foster mom bathed him and clipped his nails and LOVED being toweled dry. He especially likes hugs and to have his belly rubbed.

Fritz seems like he would like to play with the young boisterous resident dogs, but just can’t do it yet due to his weight. He likes to follow them into the yard and watch them at play and will trot around after them. He likes to go for car rides and loves to walk around sniffing the yard. This is quite a challenge for his foster mom though because he pulls like a bull on his leash. He is very powerful and strong but he doesn’t really know it. His foster mom is working on improving his leash skills. He will “walk/trot” away if not leashed but again due to his weight he doesn’t move very quickly . He will walk into his crate for a treat if you give him a little push from behind and settles down nicely for the night.

Fritz would DEFINITELY counter surf if left unattended and thinks the toilet is a great big water bowl. He knows what no means but sometimes his foster mom thinks he pretends not to hear her. He also knows “sit” and so far is doing well with “come”. Funny thing is, I don’t think his previous owners used his name very much because he doesn’t respond to it all that well.

Fritz would love to have a family to call his own who can make sure he doesn’t spend both his days and nights alone ever again. He also needs a family that will set appropriate limits for him to ensure that he gets down to a healthy weight and will make sure he gets a good deal of exercise.

Is Fritz the companion for you?

UPDATE: 10/3/02- Fritz continues to do well in foster care. This big sweetie just loves to be loved and sit by your side. He has a habit of chewing on his blanket and any other blanket he can get his paws on, however with one “No” and he’ll leave it and walk away.

He had his vet check-up this week and has to have a tooth removed.  The tooth is cracked right through the middle and has been for some time. We will be having his tooth removed before he is placed. He is also 78 pounds which puts him 15 to 20 pounds overweight.  He is a big boy regardless of that belly and I think he’s already lost a few pounds.

He is on antibiotics now to clear up a cold that the vet said is probably related to stress. He had a long trip and lots of changes and appears to be opening up and gaining confidence in his new surroundings. Fritz was an absolute angel for his visit.  This sweet, gentle dog let the vet check him over thoroughly and didn’t make a peep, just buried his head in his foster mom’s arms and snuggled.

He has learned to play with the two young and energetic resident dogs.  At first, he didn’t understand it when they danced around him “asking” him to play and seemed a little scared.  Now he lets the 8-month-old puppy climb all over him (and really seems to love it)!

Update: 10/12/02 – We are happy to report that Fritz has found his forever home.