Otto

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Update 12/10/2024: “Otto’s foster mom reports that he is eating great, consuming everything she gives him and asking for more.”

Otto was briefly adopted by a family but when an eight-year-old child was playing with a very loud toy, it frightened Otto. He grumbled and snapped at the child, so he was returned to his previous MAESSR foster home.

Because new things can be scary for Otto, his foster mom believes his fear caused the reaction. She suspects that the child did not understand that Otto was frightened. For this reason, Otto would be best in a quieter home. Older children/teens could be a fine fit for him. He just needs a family that will help him to experience new things, helping him to realize that the world does not have to be such a scary place.

Otto’s foster mom reports that he is eating great, consuming everything she gives him and asking for more. There are no signs of separation anxiety, and he’s settled back in quite well.

Because Otto has a strong prey drive, placing him in a home with cats is not advised.

Otto is a great pup who’s looking for his perfect family. Wouldn’t he make a wonderful gift this holiday season?

Original: “At only 13 months old, Otto still has the playfulness of a puppy, but he quickly settles down when play time is over.”

Meet Otto! This young fellow from Pennsylvania became a MAESSR boy when his former owner needed to sell her home and move into an apartment that did not allow dogs. While relinquishing this much-loved pup was heartbreaking, it was done with the hope that MAESSR would find him a wonderful forever home.

At only 13 months old, Otto still has the playfulness of a puppy, but he quickly settles down when play time is over. Currently just 40 pounds, he is a slow eater; his foster mom has been adding a heaping tablespoon of canned dog food to engage his nose and he now is eating much better. 

Otto received a clean bill of health at vet and is up to date on all his vaccinations. He knows basic commands such as “come,” “sit,” “down,” and “wait.”  Being a young dog, he still needs more practice.   Otto gets along well with the resident Springer but will grumble occasionally if he feels the other dog will take something away. There is no resource guarding at mealtime; both dogs are fed in the kitchen with supervision…mostly so the resident dog doesn’t finish Otto’s meal.

In his former home, Otto was crated during the day when the family was at work; his foster mom has continued that practice. He has no objection to being crated and will go in willingly. When Otto’s foster mom is home, he has run of the house. Otto is housetrained and has no inappropriate behaviors or chewing. He’s a toy boy and will always have a ball or soft toy either in his mouth or near him. He fetches and drops a ball at the foot of whomever is playing with him.

Otto would get on furniture if permitted but will get down with a stern “off.” If his new family doesn’t mind a dog on the furniture…well that would be just fine with Otto!

Since he is still a little touchy when his feet are handled, his foster mom is working every day to assure him it’s not a bad thing. Otherwise, one can handle him all over and Otto will get in line to be brushed. Reportedly, he was just fine at the groomer.

Otto’s former owner reported that he displayed some separation anxiety and had trouble focusing on training. He was prescribed some anti-anxiety medication, and it was as though something clicked, and Otto began to understand himself. He has continued to receive the medication in his foster home and has not displayed any of this previously reported anxiety.

Otto does not have much experience outside of the house. He’s very nervous getting into a car, but once there he lies down and rides quietly. His foster mom is taking him to a park everyday so he can get used to all the noise and activity of different people and other dogs. There is no sign of aggression, but Otto gets anxious and will grumble if he feels threatened. He meets strangers every day and prefers to approach them instead of having them reaching out to him. Otto gets along just fine with other dogs and is a little timid with them. 

This delightful young, adorable pup will do fine in a home with children and/or other dogs. He also could be an only dog if he is given lots of playtime, exercise and attention. Otto is looking for love and good times with his new forever family. Could that be you?