Entered: 08/05/2012
Status: Adopted
Age: 1
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 46 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Aston, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, overall good health
Temperament: Good with adults, reportedly good with children as young as 2, good with other dogs, would probably chase cats
Original:
Gunner was turned in to a Pennsylvania shelter by his family who was too busy to deal with his youthful energy. His foster mom expected a “wild child” but was pleasantly surprised to find that he was completely housebroken, mellow inside the house, and always ready to play outside or go for a car ride. He slept quietly all night in a crate his first couple of nights out of the shelter, but since he was trustworthy not to chew inappropriate things and in his bathroom habits, he now just sleeps in one of the multiple dog beds or occasionally at the top of the stairs outside of his foster folks bedroom on the bare floor. He’s been fine with a male and female Springer and passed the “growling small terrier test” with a look of “What’s his problem, anyway?” During the day, Gunner joins the other dogs in pretending to be a rug on the floor.
This young boy is learning a little bit more about manners. He already knows “sit” and “give paw.” On leash he pulls initially but soon settles down for a walk or trot around the neighborhood, greeting other dogs and people with a wagging tail. He’d like to consider garbage surfing, but not for food, just cardboard or paper bags which he considers toys. He’ll get on the resident Springer’s day bed if invited, but doesn’t press his luck at staying there. Car rides are one of his favorite things in the world. Leaving the fenced yard on leash, he always heads for the car until told, “No, we’re walking here.” In the morning when his foster folks get up, or when they return from being away, he’ll grab a stuffed toy as a way of greeting them. He doesn’t have separation anxiety, but will occasionally bark for five minutes when initially left, before settling down to his usual rug impersonation, waiting for something to happen.
Gunner loves to play chase with the resident female, and doesn’t seem to have aggression towards dogs or humans, just birds, squirrels, bunnies, and probably (though not witnessed) cats. Grooming is a pleasure for him. At the vet’s office, he was a bit anxious, but this just manifested itself by him pulling on the leash and acting a bit more like his 18 month old self than usual.
This handsome guy would love to have an active home where he gets additional training to focus his wonderful qualities. He currently seems to favor men. His foster mom is an important person, but when visiting friends, Gunner just lights up and starts wagging his whole body when he sees their 20-year-old son. Gunner is starting to open up after initially seeming to think he’d better hang close so he didn’t get sent back to the shelter. This week, he’s learning to imitate the resident Springer by taking a toy, flopping near the humans, rolling upside down and squirming around, and then checking to see if he’s getting humorous approval. He’s going to make someone a fine friend. Wouldn’t you like a buddy like Gunner?