Entered: 10/03/2019
Status: Adopted
Age: 1; born 04/01/2018
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 43 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Wilmington, DE
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme-, gaining a few pounds for optimal weight
Temperament: Good with adults, reportedly lived with children as young as 7, good with other dogs, good with resident cat but will chase occasionally
Original: “No matter which name is assigned to him – Popeye or Reggie – this boy is a love bug; he wants to be near his people at all times.”
Popeye was relinquished to MAESSR from a breeder in Pennsylvania, along with another male and female. Upon arriving at his foster home, this boy showed no name recognition. His foster parents have been calling him Reggie, a name that seems to suit him better.
No matter which name is assigned to him – Popeye or Reggie – this boy is a love bug; he wants to be near his people at all times. Reggie’s previous home was equipped with a dog door, so his foster parents are learning his signals. He’s had an accident when they were not attuned to his need to go out.
Reportedly Reggie slept well in a crate, but in his foster home he did not want to be left in the crate at night. He currently sleeps on a dog bed in his foster parents’ room. He was crated initially when they have been out of the house, but he is trustworthy now with full run of the house. Reggie quickly bonded with his foster dad during his first weekend in his new home. When his foster dad went upstairs and left Reggie in the kitchen, a pitiful howl was heard…he does like to have his people close by! He is growing more confident that when his foster parents leave, they will come back.
Reggie does counter-surf a bit, so it is important to keep food from the edge of the counters. He’s a tall boy and likes to see what is going on. When he hears something outside that he is unsure of, Reggie will bark and grumble. He’s quick to relax when his foster parents reassure him that they have things under control.
Reggie walks well on leash although he tends to range back and forth. He will pull when he sees something that he wants to explore but will stay close when reminded to do so. He has been good meeting other dogs on walks; he will pull and bark a bit when startled. A little shy and hesitant when meeting new people, Reggie will warm up quickly if they let him come to them. When it comes to car rides, he appears to do well. On the ride to his foster home, Reggie curled up with his head in his foster dad’s lap.
Since joining his foster family, this smart boy has learned to “sit” and give his paw to “shake.” Potential adopters should note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and under to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Reggie is food motivated to certain treats and should be easy to train.
Reggie has just begun to play. He loves a tennis ball and soft toys. He’s been introduced to a synthetic bone and enjoys chewing that. Reggie seems to defer to the seven year old resident MAESSR girl – she will take toys from him with no resistance. They like to run and play together in the backyard. His energy level is high when he is outside; he loves to go on long walks and he just runs with abandon around the fenced yard. In the house, Reggie is quiet; he just wants to be a lap dog. His foster parents have not witnessed any resource guarding. Reggie is fed just outside of his crate. Although he’s a hungry boy that could stand to gain a few pounds, Reggie will show curiosity but not attempt to “share” his sister’s food.
During his initial vet visit, Reggie was very tentative. He was very nervous and trembled. The vet did give him time to warm up, and he was shy but very good with this initial checkup, which occurred soon after his arrival in foster care. Perhaps he will be more confident for his next visit when he will be neutered.
The best forever home for Reggie would be one where he received regular walks and a lot of attention. All in all, Popeye/Reggie is one sweet boy that will make a great addition to any home.