Entered: 10/01/2016
Status: Adopted
Age: 5
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 56 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, mild crepitus (clicking) in right elbow, moderate dental periodontitis, receiving an inexpensive supplement for anxiety
Temperament: Good with adults, would do best with older children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “He LOVES being brushed and will lie down patiently even when knots are being combed out.”
Romeo lived with his family in Delaware since he was a young pup. He began to exhibit territorial guarding involving beds and furniture. With grandchildren visiting, it was felt that this behavior was problematic. Romeo’s family was very sad to part with him but so grateful for MAESSR’s willingness to find him a more suitable home.
Initially Romeo spent his first 10 days in a MAESSR foster home with many other dogs. His foster mom placed him on an over-the-counter supplement to assist him with any anxiety that might be causing his guarding behavior. He did wonderfully in this environment, showing no behavioral issues.
During his visit with the vet, Romeo was found to be a very agreeable boy. The exam showed that he has a mild clicking sound in his right elbow and his teeth look like they will need a cleaning sometime in the future.
Romeo was handed off to a second foster family after his vet visit. In fact that’s where he encountered these new strangers, greeting them with a big grin and wagging tail. He happily jumped into their car where he was a super passenger on the ride to their home. He excitedly checked out his new surroundings, both inside and outside. At his new home, Romeo is the only dog.
His foster parents have found Romeo to be a very pleasant – and handsome – companion. Housetrained, he paces a bit to indicate his need to go outside to relieve himself. He’s a very smart boy, too, and knows the following commands: “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “wait,” and “roll over.” He responds to a finger point and “bang!” by dropping down; but his wagging tail doesn’t add to the proper effect of that old trick! Romeo does not beg, counter-surf or rummage through trash – good boy!
It’s obvious that Romeo has had professional grooming as he has a show-dog Springer cut with beautiful feathering. He LOVES being brushed and will lie down patiently even when knots are being combed out. He allowed his foster mom to trim up his feathering a little and he quietly allowed his ears to be cleaned out.
Romeo initially tried to get up on the bed with his foster parents but was quickly and firmly told that his place was on the floor or on one of several dog beds. He has been caught on a sofa a few times. Again, he’s told to get “off,” and does so immediately without incident.
For fun Romeo loves to play with and carry around toys. Soft toys with squeakers are a favorite but he has a tendency to chew out the offending squeaker. He usually tries to take his toys outside. Some toys are permitted out there, others he must “drop” before exiting. Occasionally Romeo will drop a toy and quickly snatch it back up to sneak out with it.
Once outside, Romeo loves to roam his fenced yard but prefers a human to be out there with him. Exploring and tracking chipmunks is a fun pastime. Walks also are enjoyed by Romeo. He does not pull and will even pick up the pace for a light jog. Someone looks like he could be in a show ring with that gait!
Romeo has met adults and children at a local pet store and was calm and charming with all he met. Due to his previous issue with guarding, it might be best to have him placed in a home with older children or with adults only. True to his name, Romeo is a real sweetheart; he doesn’t need a Juliet, just a loving family to call his own.