Gunner 7

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Update 09/03/08:

Gunner continues to blossom in his foster home. He does great on a Gentle Leader, only pulling when he spots a bird or bunny that needs to be chased. This active boy loves his walks and even went for a run on leash the other day. Gunner loves the outdoors and will thrive with an active family who shares his love of nature.

He has learned to be more patient and it is quite a sight to watch him “wait” before diving into his food bowl. Although Gunner’s bottom stays on the floor, his mouth is salivating in anticipation! Surprisingly Gunner is still quite slim despite a hearty appetite. This is a good thing since Gunner is also a lap dog who likes to curl up and nap on top of his human brother while he reads or plays with his Gameboy. Gunner’s motto is that a Springer can never be too close to his human!

If sock stealing were an Olympic event, Gunner would surely win the gold medal. His foster mom could not figure out where he was finding all of these loose socks until she spotted him one day carefully removing a dirty sock from the laundry basket. Although socks are the preferred toy, Gunner will settle for almost anything soft to initiate a good game of chase. Luckily, Gunner is very willing to trade for more dog-appropriate toys and even those items he steals while unobserved are typically unharmed. It is the hunt, not the chewing, that interests Gunner.

Gunner is sweet and lovable and looking for a family who loves both the outdoors and cuddling indoors. Wouldn’t you like to share a walk and the Sunday paper with this boy?

Original:

Gunner was found running in the woods in Pennsylvania by a MAESSR volunteer in early spring and brought to the SPCA where his owner eventually reclaimed him, saying that Gunner had run off after a deer. More recently Gunner’s owner found that he did not have the time for this active boy, so he relinquished him to the shelter which contacted MAESSR.

Although Gunner was an outside dog who spent most of his time in a pen, he has quickly adapted to indoor life in his foster home. He is housebroken and is now on the mend from a bout of diarrhea likely contracted at the shelter. His house manners are surprisingly good considering his lack of indoor living experience. He only takes a rare peek at the countertops, an infraction which is easily corrected. He is learning basic commands such as sit, wait, and down and has been a quick study. Leash walking is a bit of a challenge and Gunner is learning to use a Gentle Leader. He cannot be trusted off leash unless he is in a fenced area since he has strong hunting instincts.

Gunner rides well in the car and is always up for an adventure. He was well behaved at the vets and even tolerated having his anal glands emptied. These will be re-examined at the time of his neutering and will likely not be an ongoing problem for Gunner once he has settled on a good diet. At 42 pounds he is lean and muscular and should benefit from a few extra meals and treats while at his foster home. 

Gunner is friendly and outgoing, always up for some kisses and hugs. His long, partly cropped tail wags at supersonic speed and is always “ON!” He will make a wonderful addition to any active family. Won’t you give this beautiful boy a new home?