Entered: 06/07/2014
Status: Adopted
Age: 5 Months
Color: Black/White
Weight: 30 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for intestinal worms complete, gaining to a healthy weight
Temperament: Good with people as young as 5 years old, good with dogs, unknown with cats
Update 06/23/2014: “Bounding, like a rabbit, Rochester loves to chase his ball down the yard over and over again.”
Rochester has adapted famously to his new foster home. He is a typical puppy: curious, energetic, and lovable! He likes to cuddle and is constantly following on the heels of his foster parents. His new home includes a resident senior Springer and the two dogs get along well with each other.
In addition to grandchildren, ages 7 and 10, Rochester interacted well with younger children he met at the MAESSR picnic he attended. He mingled well with other dogs, too, but has yet to meet any felines.
Rochester was a very good boy when he visited the vet, where he was neutered and received all of the necessary vaccinations. He is currently being treated for intestinal worms and is in the process of adding a few pounds to his lean frame. Receiving three meals a day should help this active boy achieve his ideal weight.
Housetraining is going very well for Rochester with only one accident in the past week. His foster parents take him outside frequently and, on two occasions, this smart guy stood at the back door to let them know that he wanted to go out.
Rochester sleeps in his crate at night and settles right in after one or two barks (this may be his way of saying “goodnight.”) He is crated when his foster parents are out of the house and he seems to tolerate it well. When they are home, he is allowed to roam the house as long as he is within their sight. He hasn’t tried to climb on the furniture, but will try to climb in a lap if he spies an empty one.
While Rochester has only recently jumped up and put his paws on the counter, he hasn’t technically counter-surfed. Trash cans do need to be covered or he will explore them. While he hasn’t chewed anything inappropriate, he has carried shoes and other objects from one room to another.
Leash training is a work in progress as Rochester pulls at the leash. He will be attending training classes for behavior and commands and this smart pup should be an excellent pupil. He currently responds to the “sit” command by lying down. An excellent passenger, Rochester rides well in the back seat of a car with no crying or anxiety.
Bounding, like a rabbit, Rochester loves to chase his ball down the yard over and over again. He delivers it back to the thrower and takes off down the yard to bring it back again. He carries his soft toys around the house in his mouth, tosses them up in the air and jumps after them. This boy is always on the go!
Rochester will do well in a family with children who want to play with an active canine companion. With his friendly attitude, canine siblings would be a good fit for him, as well. This young Springer will be a wonderful lifelong friend!
Original: “With this precious pup there’s always a gentle tail wag and always some nuzzling…and he’s always happy to be as close as possible to his people.”
When a kennel in Maryland closed, MAESSR was able to step in to help find forever homes for the dogs. This handsome young boy was one of the puppies happy to join the MAESSR family.
With beautiful markings and a wonderful temperament, Rochester is a loving and happy boy who really enjoys being in a house setting. He also clearly loves the attention of his foster dad and makes sure he receives his fair share by constantly getting in front of his dad’s feet when he’s walking. A smart boy, he’s learned that this works for a quick pat on the head. He’s quickly learned that couch time is the BEST and happily hops up to get ear rubs and cuddles. This delightful guy has met a variety of people, including children as young as five years old; he just loves everyone he meets. In his puppy enthusiasm he does jump up, but he is gentle and, with time, he can be trained to properly greet people.
Rochester loves all of the dogs he has met so far. He plays with the dogs that want to play with him and leaves the dogs alone that are not too keen on playing. He loves the attention of the six resident dogs that range in age from young to very old. So far he hasn’t met any cats; because his prey drive is not high, Rochester might just consider having a cat as a playmate, too.
This handsome boy is working on his leash manners and meets all people with a wagging tail and submissive demeanor. He does very well riding in the car and hangs out in the back seat watching everything go by. A smart pup, Rochester is mostly housetrained and is slowly getting used to his crate. When his foster dad isn’t home and Rochester is crated, he quiets down after a few minutes. At night he takes his place on the bed with the other dogs.
This growing youngster is fed in the kitchen and just loves his food. When he eats, his tail wags the entire time. Learning house manners is part of Rochester’s puppy training. So far he’s displayed no counter-surfing; however, he must be watched for inappropriate chewing. Rochester looks for signals on appropriate behavior so he will be a good student when his forever family takes him for obedience training. Please 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 younger to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Formal training will also deepen the bond with his forever family. Rochester will be required to attend two sets of obedience classes.
Rochester recently traveled to the Virginia MAESSR Picnic where he joined his new foster family. While he’s in their care, he will be visiting the vet for his vaccinations and neutering.
If you’re looking for a sweet guy to love on and grow up with, Rochester is your boy! With this precious pup there’s always a gentle tail wag and always some nuzzling…and he’s always happy to be as close as possible to his people. He would do best and certainly thrive in a home with lots of love. While he has much to learn about life outside of a kennel situation, Rochester just wants to love and be loved. A fenced yard, lots of long walks, and bonding through formal obedience training will help him become more confident and only multiply his love factor!