Gray

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Update 11/05/08:

Gray remains a wonderful boy who is still a little shy about meeting new people. He does warm up quickly and his foster mom feels he will do great with a little more practice at “meeting and greeting.” His house manners are simply exemplary. Having been an outdoor dog, Gray has adapted quickly to indoor life and is completely house trained. He is quite a good boy in his crate and sleeps comfortably in one at night. He is not a random chewer around the house but loves his chew toys. They are one of his favorite pastimes.

Balls are another of Gray’s favorites. He loves to chase balls of all kinds and looks quite sporting when playing soccer. He can slow down and walks great on a leash with a head harness. Gray is still a bit mouthy and will nip when excited or playing but he is not aggressive, not with food or toys at all. As he matures, this puppy-like behavior should disappear but until then, he will do best with children who are 8 years old and older.

Gray has returned to MAESSR’s care after a brief time with an adopting family. His return is through no fault of his own and so, he is ready to step once again into a new beginning. He’s ready for a family that likes balls and soccer as much as he does!

Original:

Gray’s original owner from North Carolina had to travel too much for work and was not able to give him the time and attention he needed, so he was relinquished to MAESSR. 

Kept outside as a yard dog, Gray has not had much socialization around people and this is something he needs. He is an active and guardedly friendly boy who first needs assurance that you are okay. He should not be rushed into meeting someone for the first time. initially barking at strangers – males especially. Gray then gradually warms up to them. He ignored his foster mom at first, but then she became his best friend in short order! His relinquishing owner reported that he was raised with a nine-year-old and they liked each other a lot. Gray thrives on the love and attention he is getting from his foster family. They are helping him gain that socialization that he needs to experience. 

Living inside of the house has been a new adventure for Gray. Initially, common household noises would put him on alert and he would bark, but that behavior is dissipating now that he is getting used to life as an inside dog. His house manners are rather rough now, but his foster family is working hard at teaching him proper inside behavior. Gray has lots to learn. Currently, he is a counter surfer and he likes to jump up on people -two no-nos. Tissues and napkins are appealing to him and he grabs them wherever he can get to them. He also will chew destructively so he needs to be watched closely and be taught that chew toys, squeaky toys, and rawhides are much more fun to gnaw on. There is so much to learn about being a good boy inside! 

Gray is crate-trained and goes in there with ease, remaining quiet during his confinement. He sleeps in his crate at night because he is not house trained yet. His foster family is working on that too. As far as commands go, Gray knows sitâ and down but is stubborn about come. When walked on a leash, Gray pulls. He will really benefit from attending an obedience class with his adoptive family. Gray likes riding in the car, but he needs to learn that he does not have to bark at motorcycles or people riding in the back of pickup trucks. 

Gray’s foster family has two elderly, resident Springers and one will play with Gray. He is great with both dogs and is not object or food possessive in any way. His foster mom can take toys (and tissues!) away from him and he does not mind at all. Gray is very playful and is quite a jumper after a toy. He could play fetch for hours if his people were willing. This young Springer is active and will need lots of exercise in his forever home. Another activity he has enjoyed is chasing the two resident cats in play. The cats don’t seem very worried about Gray since they are now hanging around more and allowing him to sniff them. 

Gray deserves an owner who will want to teach him rules, play with him, and hang out with him. He has a lot of great Springer qualities in him!