Entered: 02/17/2024
Status: Adopted
Age: 1
Color: Black/White
Weight: 44 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: West Allenhurst, NJ
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme -, receiving treatment for giardia, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
Temperament: Good with people as young as three (younger unknown), intrigued by but rarely frightened of other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “At night, Phoenix sleeps in his crate but truly wants to snuggle in bed with his foster parents.”
Phoenix came to MAESSR as a stray from Pennsylvania.
Even though he is a year old, in many ways Phoenix is still a young pup and chews inappropriately. He loves his foster mom’s slippers, tissues, dryer sheets, magazines, rolls of toilet paper, and balls of all types. He does counter-surf but knows he shouldn’t as soon as he sees his foster mom give him “the eye.”
Although not yet fully housetrained, Phoenix is doing his best and learning quickly. He pooped once in his foster home but his foster parents believe he just couldn’t “hold it” due to testing positive for parasites. Otherwise, Phoenix generally stands by the back door signaling his need to go out.
At night, Phoenix sleeps in his crate but truly wants to snuggle in bed with his foster parents. His sweet eyes tell them so! By 5:00 in the morning, he is whimpering for attention and breakfast. Phoenix knows when his foster mom is ready for her morning walk to the beach and he can’t wait to get started. He runs to the basket where his harness and leash are kept and waits (not so patiently) for his foster mom to put on her sneakers. Phoenix walks at least two miles per day and could walk ten times that amount! He loves to be outdoors, to sniff, and to meet other dogs on walks. Phoenix is great walking on a leash. He doesn’t pull but wants his foster mom to hurry! Phoenix responds to his name and knows the commands of “sit,” “stop,” and “paw.”
Please note that MAESSR will require Phoenix’s adoptive family to take him through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption. MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience. MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. Phoenix will be a star pupil!
Phoenix has not yet encountered a cat and is not very interested in toys. He is not trusted off leash in open spaces but loves to play fetch in the fenced yard. He rarely barks, except when left alone. He is not timid in the company of people he does not know. He acts like a two-month-old puppy and just wants to play. Phoenix does great on car rides, settling down within a very short time.
This boy loves attention and is eager to share his love. He follows his foster parents from room to room and loves to jump up on the couch and onto his foster mom’s lap with his behind in her face so that she must pay attention to him! He’ll also put his front paws around his person’s neck and gently lick his or her face. This boy is a sweetheart and will surely steal one’s heart! He is a true Velcro Springer.
Just as the phoenix bird rose from the ashes, this Phoenix has risen from being an unwanted stray to a beloved MAESSR foster dog, waiting to begin a new life with his forever family!