Entered: 10/26/2010
Status: Adopted
Age: 8
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Finksburg, MD
Health: UTD, HW-, good in all areas
Temperament: Good with people as young as nine, good with other dogs, respectful of cats’ boundaries
Original:
King was the object of his Pennsylvania owner’s affection for eight years. When she became ill and had to move to a nursing home, MAESSR stepped in to find him a new forever home.
It is clear from King’s behavior that he was well-loved for his first eight years. He came right into his foster home and confidently made himself a part of the household. He warmed up quickly to his foster mom and the children in his home, but was a little slower to come around to his foster dad. He loves to sit near someone, but prefers that that person be petting him. If they are not, he will gently nudge or paw at them until he gets their attention. He is content to snuggle, or wait patiently for a pat on the head or a treat.
This handsome boy is not shy about letting you know what he needs or wants. He is perfectly housetrained, and will cry at the door if he needs to go out. If he wants to go somewhere or is in the mood for a snack, he will signal that too. This dog TALKS! When King is startled, he lets out a cry which was surprising to his foster mom until she realized that he was just talking to her and not in any real discomfort. He also barks to alert if someone comes to the door.
King has excellent house manners. He does not counter-surf, trash dive, or chew on anything inappropriate. He definitely is familiar with “people” food and will stick close by whoever is currently eating, hoping for a handout. King also enjoys relaxing on the couch. He is not crate-trained, but has good behavior when given full run of the house if his foster family is not home. At night, King either sleeps on the couch or in bed with the resident 9 year old. He cries for a minute or two before settling in and sleeping soundly until the morning.
Smart, well-behaved and a great listener, King knows the commands “sit,” “stay,” and “come inside.” He pulls on a regular leash, but does very well when walked using a retractable leash. Off leash, King has excellent recall, returning quickly to either his name or a whistle. As an active and agile eight-year-old, King could walk forever! He loves to put his nose to the ground and go exploring. When he is finished running around outside, King comes inside and crashes. He hasn’t shown much interest in toys and is just beginning to initiate play with the other dogs in his foster home, but he does enjoy chewing on bones and rawhides. He does not guard food or toys and eats his meals alongside the two resident dogs without issue. King is a little nervous in the car, but he rides well, sitting in the front seat to gaze out of the side window.
While he is getting along fairly well with the resident dogs, King could probably live happily either as an only dog or with canine companionship. He seems interested in the resident cat, but backs off when it hisses at him. King is happiest when he is with his humans, and seems to particularly favor children, including the nine and ten year old currently in his foster home.
A healthy, lively adult, King would do well in an active household with kids, teenagers, or just adults. He loves to spend time outside and can’t get enough of the smells around him so plenty of time for nature exploration is a must. With his tail always wagging, King has shown himself to be a Springer who is just plain happy about life! Ask about making this boy the King of your castle today!