Entered: 11/26/2014
Status: Adopted
Age: 8
Color: Black/White
Weight: 50 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Willamsburg, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from anti-anxiety meds, treatment for UTI complete
Temperament: Good with people as young as 15, good with other dogs, good with cats
Update 01/25/2015:“He has been a delightful house guest and continually creates laughter by his antics.”
Roy easily made the switch to a new foster home just before Christmas and quickly made friends with the resident Springers. Meeting many new people at one time caused him some anxiety over the holidays. This handsome boy isn’t used to being the center of attention so his foster parents learned to introduce new people slowly. Soon he was working the room to get some scratches and pats. He actively seeks attention and returns such love in response.
Roy has wonderful house manners. As a result, he has run of the house while his foster parents are at work. There has been NO evidence of trash diving, counter surfing, or inappropriate behavior since he arrived. With the reputation of a “professional counter-surfer,” they were prepared for Roy and then greatly relieved to have no issues. Good boy, Roy! He has been a delightful house guest and continually creates laughter by his antics. Nothing seems better to him than getting a big hug!
While using a harness, Roy enjoys his exercise and has learned to march along with the other dogs. He has a powerful nose and likes to track scents in the yard. Roy likes to watch birds and squirrels and will give chase if he is outdoors. He doesn’t quite understand what toys are, but seems interested. Food remains a powerful motivator for Roy…he does enjoy his treats! He is not shy about letting his parents know that he needs to go out by letting out a few big barks.
This boy is a true Velcro Springer, following his people everywhere. When invited, he loves to snuggle up and snooze beside them. Roy has so much love to give. Do you have room for this adorable, cuddly pooch in your home?
Original: “Although Roy has not had formal obedience training, his knowledge of commands is most impressive.”
When Roy’s family in Pennsylvania needed to find him a new home, they turned to MAESSR for help. It shouldn’t take this smart boy long to fit in with a new family.
Roy appears to get along with anyone. He grew up in a household with grandchildren. He most recently lived with his owners’ teenage grandson and was fine with him and his teen friends coming and going. Although Roy has not been around toddlers, he will gently jump on people to say “hi” so young children might be knocked over by his greeting. Roy has lived with two cats and enjoyed playing with them. What a good boy!
There are no accidents inside as Roy is housetrained. He displays no digging, inappropriate chewing, or submissive urination. Roy previously was crate trained but no longer uses one as it became distressing for him. He would bark and cry constantly while in the crate. He now has full freedom throughout the house.
One thing to know about Roy: He LOVES food! And he’s not picky as any kind of food will do. In fact, Roy is considered a “professional level counter-surfer,” constantly amazing his people by his ability to stretch his neck to get to the back of the counters. Trash cans are fair game too as Roy will dig down to see what tasty morsels might be there for him. During his family’s mealtime Roy will beg for food. When told to “go lie down” he complies but drools constantly during the meal. Oh, anticipation!
Roy loves to run free off of a leash and it is probably when he is happiest. He does like a good game of chase, so it’s important for his people to avoid running after him or he’ll keep going. A call of “Roy…treats!” works every time. His resistance is non-existent when it comes to food! While on leash, Roy walks fairly well with a gentle leader; he really tugs when it is not on.
Although Roy has not had formal obedience training, his knowledge of commands is most impressive. In addition to “come,” Roy understands hand signals as well as verbal commands. His repertoire includes: “sit” (fist in the air), “stay” (hand out in front of his face), “shake,” and “high 5” (he gives two paws in your hand). He also responds to “speak” and will change the volume if you ask him to speak louder, or he’ll speak softer when he sees a finger put to lips. The commands “down” and “roll over” are generally performed if a treat is being offered! What an intelligent guy!
Roy would like nothing better than having room to run and a family to call his own. His foster mom believes that he would be happiest living with another dog because he uses a canine companion as his stabilizing force. Of course, children and kitties could be part of his new family, too. Does Roy sound like he would fit into your pack?