Entered: 08/24/2014
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 2
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 43 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for a urinary tract infection complete
Temperament: Not suitable for adoption
Update 05/04/2015: “He passed to the Bridge and release from his difficulties.”
Upon his return to foster care, Howie’s health and temperament were thoroughly evaluated by some of MAESSR’s most experienced volunteers. Sadly, it was clear that he was not suitable for placement again. He passed to the Bridge and release from his difficulties. Godspeed, Howie.
Original: “Howie loves WATER! He likes to be sprayed by the hose…drink from the hose…and take a dip in the kiddie pool. He might just enjoy a trip to a larger body of water, too.”
Young Howie was found running as a stray in Pennsylvania. Fortune smiled upon him when he was picked up and taken to a shelter that had worked previously with MAESSR. As always, MAESSR volunteers rushed to retrieve him after receiving the call.
Howie appears to have had some training in a home setting since he is housetrained and crate trained. There were a few accidents at first, but his foster mom attributes those to his UTI. He does need guidance when it comes to counter-surfing and diving in the trash. This has gotten much better because that type of behavior is not tolerated by his foster mom.
When Howie first came to his foster home he displayed some “I want to be the boss” behaviors. For example, if he was held by the collar he would immediately “alligator roll” and try to bite the hand that held him. His foster mom figured out that he really did not want to bite…….but those behaviors had allowed him to get his way in the past. After a few sessions with his foster mom, Howie decided that trying to bite was not a good idea. He is learning the rules and he has really begun to turn into a great little boy!
Potential adopters should be aware that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs under 1 year old to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Because Howie has shown that he likes to get his own way, MAESSR will be requiring TWO series of obedience classes for Howie and his new family. This will help both pup and humans to know what the correct behaviors are.
So what does he do for fun? Howie loves WATER! He likes to be sprayed by the hose…drink from the hose…and take a dip in the kiddie pool. He might just enjoy a trip to a larger body of water, too. Speaking of trips, this good boy rides well in the car and is eager to go for an outing. Leash walking is a work in progress, so he will need some more lessons on proper leash behavior. With practice, this will improve.
This sweet guy is such a love bug. He wants to cuddle and be close to his humans. At night, however, he still needs to sleep in the crate or he will continuously wake up his people to play with him!
Howie is a young, high energy Springer boy in need of an active family who will love him, give him plenty of exercise and guidance to help him become the best boy he can be. If this energetic pup sounds like he would suit your active lifestyle, ask about Howie today!