Entered: 6/9/2023
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 52 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Mastic, NY
Health: UTD, HW-, negative for tick borne diseases, treatment completed for an ear infection
Temperament: Unsuitable for adoption
Updated 12/26/2023:
Gunner spent over six months in his foster home with his foster mom who is an experienced dog person well-versed in positive training. Despite all of her efforts and consultation with MAESSR trainers, Gunner was just not making progress and began displaying aggression. After much discussion between MAESSR leaders and foster mom, it was sadly decided that Gunner was a danger to humans and he was sent to the Rainbow Bridge.
Although Gunner was deeply loved by his foster mom, love was not enough to chase away Gunner’s demons. Run free, Gunner. Be at peace.
Update 07/07/2023
A month in foster care has given Gunner a whole new attitude. He is no longer fearful and unsure of where he fits in. He has made friends with the neighbors and most importantly with the resident canines.
Gunner now has free run of the house along with the rest of the pack – a big step for him! He even walked away when one of the resident dogs challenged him. Good boy, Gunner! He arrived in foster care with an ear infection which he would not allow his foster mom to treat. But now, he is starting his fifth day of having his ears treated—another big step forward! Gunner now walks well on a leash, after the initial charge out the door. This charging out the door is still a work in progress on Gunner’s training list.
When Gunner gets loose by accident, he stays on the property and does not wander off. Unfortunately, he has not learned a reliable “come” yet. If his family’s car door is opened, Gunner jumps right in as he loves riding in the car. When Gunner sees other dogs on a walk, he does pull but now wags his tail in anticipation that he might make a new friend. His foster mom says that even if the other dog barks and growls, Gunner responds to a tug on the leash as his name is called and he immediately redirects his attention and follows the lead of the resident dogs.
Since none of the resident or foster dogs are allowed in the kitchen, it is unknown if Gunner would counter-surf. On his walks, Gunner is overly enthusiastic on garbage pick-up day. So, his foster mom says trash could potentially be an issue if it were readily accessible to Gunner inside the home.
On an in-house spa day, Gunner tolerated his bath but was afraid of the water coming out of the spigot and tried to bite at it. He continues to have excellent house manners and has never been destructive. He love’s curling up on the couch with his foster mom but also enjoys stretching out on one of the huge orthopedic dog beds.
Gunner’s dream home would be with a family that commits 100% to him and has interest in continuing his training and developing his confidence. Having a fenced yard would be a plus as would having another playful dog to be his buddy. Gunner loves to chase so cats would okay if they are dog-savvy and won’t run. Got a kitty with hutzpah?
Does your family meet Gunner’s dream list? Make him yours!
Original
Gunner has lived a disjointed life since he was a young pup. His first owner gave him away for unspecified reasons when he was seven or eight months old. Then, his second owner had him while she raised her young kids with whom he reportedly got along well. When the second owner lost her housing, Gunner stayed with a friend in a small apartment with children aged one to eight and a cat. She reported that Gunner got along well with all of them; however, she did not have the space and means to keep him. So, Gunner was relinquished to a local shelter until MAESSR found a foster home for him. Now, Gunner is on a new road to a stable life.
Gunner is housetrained and is not destructive. Gunner loves going for walks but is strong and needs to learn how to properly walk on a leash. He enjoys playing with a tennis ball. He will chase after it but plays hard to get when his foster mom tries to get it back. Then, he grumbles.
Living with other dogs is a new experience for Gunner. There are three other ESS in his foster home and he is getting used to their company. He reportedly got no play time with other dogs from his previous owners so he probably is just figuring out how to deal with other dogs. The only time Gunner is with the resident dogs is on walks. At first, he is anxious around them and then is okay. On other days, he feels threatened by them and growls. Gunner arrived underweight, but eating quality food regularly will correct that. His foster mom hasn’t seen any food aggression towards other dogs but he prefers not to be touched while he is eating. Gunner has learned to take treats gently and “sits” on command before diving into his food bowl.
Gunner’s foster mom is taking it very slow with him to give him the time he needs to feel safe and process what he is learning. Foster mom feels he has a lot of potential. Gunner has been disappointed many times by his humans and now is learning to trust and love again. Watch for more as his true personality unfolds.