Pluto

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Update 02/16/11:

Pluto is now called Cooper in his new foster home in honor of his coppery brown fur and leading-man good looks (think Gary or Bradley). Besides, he did not know his name and is now happily responding to Cooper or Coop. This big boy is sweet and gentle, often rolling on his back to get a belly rub. He has been learning all about house noises and routines from the resident Springers. Along with some very good manners, the resident dogs unfortunately have instructed him in the fine art of barking when the doorbell rings or when there is a knock on the door, even when it happens on television…..:)). Other than that, he is settling in fine. He waits patiently for his bowl and is eating with vigor. Cooper is housebroken and is kept with the resident dogs behind a baby gate for about 8 hours during the day. At night he has finally figured out that he should sleep in a dog bed, rather than on the floor next to the resident dogs.

Cooper walks well on a leash without pulling and he loves going on a walk. He was very interested in a squirrel on his last walk, though, and will likely need some work on recall before going off leash. He is a smart boy and has already learned to sit and come inside when called so it should not be hard. He has enjoyed romping with the young resident dog in the snow, sliding on the ice crust and pouncing on a tennis ball. He often kisses the resident Springer girls and would really like them to play with him but, unfortunately, they are more interested in napping than rough housing. 

Cooper is a bit puppy-like, finding paper and remote controls irresistible items to chew. He has a soft mouth and does not know to run, so it is very easy to take an inappropriate item from him; the loss of the remote was a good reminder for his foster dad to put his things away! Cooper will definitely benefit from some obedience training but, with his eager-to-please disposition and gentle nature, it will be a breeze. This boy is always smiling and really enjoys lots of petting and attention from his family. He’s going to make a wonderful companion for his adopting family and would be tickled if it includes a canine buddy too!

Original:

Pluto came to MAESSR when his North Carolina family had some unexpected, major health issues. They relinquished five Springers to MAESSR – Pluto, Panzee, Bambi, Freckles XIV, and Cody X because they knew we would make sure they had loving forever homes. 

A dedicated MAESSR volunteer couple handled the long transport for these beauties bringing them to a temporary foster home in Virginia where they enjoyed MAESSR hospitality for a week before starting on another transport north to their foster homes. 

Watch for more on Pluto as he settles into life in his foster home in Pennsylvania.