Entered: 03/04/2011
Status: Adopted
Age: 0
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Haverford, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, overall good health
Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original:
Magic’s previous owners, a Pennsylvania couple, loved him very much but with their advancing age and health concerns, an energetic Springer puppy was just too much to handle. They made the difficult decision to surrender him so that MAESSR could find him a home where he could get the attention and exercise he deserves.
Not having been on many car trips, it took a little encouragement to get him into the vehicle for the ride to his foster home. Along the way, he got to stop off at the dog park, where he ran, and ran, and ran some more! Magic had the whole place to himself and was ready to stretch his legs and burn off that puppy energy. When a few other dogs arrived, Magic was moved to another area of the park since it was unknown how he would do. He ran up and down along the fence line, barking and trying to engage the other dogs in play. Finally a woman with a 6 month old Shepherd pup offered up her dog as Magic’s guinea pig for socializing. When the two finally met, it was magic! They puppy-played for half an hour and had a great time. When Magic finally arrived at his foster home, he was introduced to the backyard and immediately dove into the pool with the cover still on! After all that, one very tired, very wet Springer came to rest in the mudroom and crashed out for hours.
It’s clear that what Magic needs is some lovin’ and lots of exercise. He is still not good about jumping up on people and will sometimes get mouthy if he’s pushed away. He will trash dive if given the chance, and quietly walks off with shoes when his foster family isn’t looking. Magic must be kept on leash or in a fenced area as he has a history of dashing off after moving cars. He also must be watched while in the yard because if there is something he wants on the other side of the fence, he will not hesitate to dig to get it. Magic does pull on leash, but his foster parents have been working on his leash manners and are pleased to report that he is improving in this regard. He also now jumps into the car and loves to go for rides.
Magic has learned the command sit and is getting better with come. Because he has a habit of taking his foster family’s personal items, they have also been working with him on the drop it command. Magic goes to bed in his crate at about 10:00pm and does not make a peep until someone lets him out in the morning. Magic is completely housetrained, and will come and wiggle in front of his foster parents if he needs to go out. Magic’s foster parents have gotten brave enough to leave him out of his crate while they are away and have given him the full run of the kitchen, mud room, and family room areas. They have returned to find everything in all areas intact! When his foster family leaves, Magic just lies down at the door, whimpers a little, and waits for them to come back. And when they do, his tail doesn’t stop wagging! Magic hasn’t chewed anything inappropriate since being given a large bone and some regular exercise – good boy, Magic!
All in all, this is one very handsome and smart dog. True to form, Magic just wants to be with his people and follows them all around the house. He needs a home where he can get lots of exercise and someone is willing to spend time working with him. It’s amazing how much he has learned in just a short time. His new family will be able to teach him even more when they attend the obedience class that is required for all MAESSR adoptees under 1 year old. Growing puppies need consistent boundaries, so Magic will need a home with a strong leader. Having a second dog would be important, or having people who are home most of the day. Due to his energy and enthusiasm, it is not recommended that he be placed in a home with small children. All Magic needs is some training and regular exercise, along with a patient owner ready to give him the hugs and cuddles he loves. In return, he will bring any family lots of joy.