Phillie

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Original: “Phil does not chew inappropriately on anything but carries his toys around all the time bringing them to his people.” 

Phillie’s original family, a bit overwhelmed with three young children and two older Boston terriers, felt over-committed by adding a third dog, Phillie, to their Pennsylvania household.  Although their new pup got along well with their dogs and kids, he needed more attention and exercise than the family could provide.  So, the difficult decision was made to relinquish their young Springer knowing that MAESSR could find him a new family better suited to his needs.

Phillie is doing fantastic in his new foster home!  He and his foster parents live on a farm in Virginia where Phil, as he is now called, can run, chase squirrels and birds, and tend the cattle.  This is the good life for an active Springer boy!   He runs so fast that his foster parents can hardly get photos of him.  All of this running helps him to stay fit and burn off some of his puppy energy!   Even when rain keeps him inside, he is chasing squirrels and birds from the inside glass doors making a lot of nose art. 

Phil doesn’t have to share the attention his foster parents lavish on him since he is the only dog on the farm.  He likes to chase the cat which Cat does not like; but hopefully that will change in time.  There are no small children to take away his “me time” with his family.  Since Phil is a very energetic Springer who loves to run and chase anything that moves, it would be best for him to not be around small children as he could knock them down since he runs so fast and is so strong.  Phil is a love and he gives his foster parents tremendous enjoyment. 

This good boy is housetrained and lets his people know when it is time to go outside by standing by the door.  He does not like to go outside alone at night and is always looking back to be sure one of his humans is still there.  After he does his business, he still has to check out the bushes to be sure there are no squirrels or birds in them—always the hunter!  Protective of his family, he does not like visitors coming into the house and sounds a little threatening to visitors, but once he sniffs them, he is fine.  His vet visit went well after a little introduction with some of those delicious treats. 

When family members are not home, Phil goes to his crate like a real trooper as long as a treat is placed there or a Kong or another toy is in the crate.  He is never crated very long because his people generally tote him with them.  Phil loves being with his people!  This sweet boy sleeps in the bed with his foster parents and occasionally he wants to go under the covers which is a sight to see.  Once he makes about 50 turns, he will just flop down for a little while; then, out he comes. 

Generally, Phil has good house manners.  He leaves the trash alone but he has snatched a couple of biscuits off the counter.  His foster parents are working on that.  Phil does not chew inappropriately on anything but carries his toys around all the time bringing them to his people.  This pup has quite a few toys but his favorite is his little lamb, called Little Phil.  Big Phil is beginning to understand which toys his folks ask for but sometimes gets so excited he brings several at a time.  Generally, by the time they get up in the morning, they will have four or five toys in bed with them! 

Riding in a car is a work in progress as he thinks he will be left, but he is always tethered in, even when riding in the mountains; however, his foster dad does not tether him on the Gator when riding and checking the fences and cows.  Foster mom fusses all the time but that is their freedom time together. 

He does not guard food or his toys; his parents can take it away from him if needed without any problem.  He is fed in the laundry room with a busy bowl and fresh water.  He would eat all his food in a flash without the busy bowl. 

Phil hasn’t needed professional grooming yet; however, foster mom plays with his ears, feet, and even his little stub tail, brushes him daily, and washes his face.  Brushing his teeth is another project that needs more attention. 

Phil will be attending an obedience class sometime in January.  He knows “sit,” “come,” and “stay.”  His foster home does not have a fence but it has a lot of safe running space and Phil is always supervised.  A fence would be recommended depending on the location of his forever home. 

Does it sound like Phil could be a good fit for your family?  Ask about him today!  He’s ready to fill your heart with love and laughter!