Entered: 12/21/2011
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Locust Grove, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, evaluation of a chipped canine tooth and dental complete
Temperament: Good with adults, good with children as young as five, good with other dogs, cats unknown
Update 01/27/12:
Rufus has been a busy boy since his last news!
Early this month he helped his foster mom host a large family gathering where he was introduced to children for the first time. Rufus had a great time playing with the three five-year old boys who were at the party. He also minded his Ps and Qs around the food; there was no counter-surfing for this well-mannered boy!
Just a few days later, Rufus had his date with the vet to get neutered and to have his teeth cleaned. Fortunately, a chipped tooth required no treatment. He has recovered well and completely from his surgery and now he sports a bright white smile!
During the past month, Rufus has made great strides in controlling his submissive urination. He hardly ever has accidents in the house and, when he does, it seems to be more from excitement rather than stress. For instance, it happens sometimes in the morning when he just can’t wait any longer for that breakfast to be placed in front of him!
Rufus continues to do well in his crate. He sleeps there at night and stays in it during the day when his foster mom has to go out. He has, however, recently developed a habit of barking when she is away; it seems he doesn’t much like it when he has to stay by himself. He and his foster mom are working to help Rufus get over this.
Rufus loves his daily walks and is very well mannered on the leash. He’s spent a little time off-leash and is very good at coming when called. All in all, Rufus is a great boy!
A perfect forever home for Rufus would be one where someone could be home for part of the day and take him for a couple of walks. Being left alone all day long would be tough on him. A typical Springer, Rufus just loves his people and thrives on their attention. He would fit in with most families, including those with children and other canines. Have room for one more? Rufus would love to join your family!
Original:
Rufus came to MAESSR from a family in Maryland. His foster mom is finding that Rufus is a real sweetheart with a lovely temperament. He just loves to be cuddled and petted. Working hard to become a mannerly family member, Rufus is learning that it is impolite to counter-surf and that he must stay off the furniture, even though he would much prefer to be in his foster mom’s lap! He loves to have his belly rubbed and his ears scratched, and just can’t get enough of it!
Although housetrained, Rufus experiences submissive urination that causes him to have unintentional accidents in the house. His foster mom is working hard to help Rufus to feel safe and comfortable so that this little problem goes away. Progress is noticeable daily as his comfort level rises and he gets over his initial shyness. Rufus also is crate-trained. His crate door is left open during the day and he voluntarily goes into the crate for some “down time.” When he is without human supervision, Rufus stays in his crate; he also sleeps in it at night.
Long walks are a real joy for Rufus, and since he is great on the leash, he’s a pleasure to take on a walk. He also loves to ride in the car and has taken a couple of long trips with his foster family. Because his crate was too large to set up in the vehicle, Rufus rode uncrated and sat like a perfect gentleman during the ride.
Rufus happily spent Christmas with four adults. He hasn’t been exposed to children yet, but will meet several at a large family gathering soon. Currently, he shares his foster home with a female doggie friend that his foster mom is caring for during the holidays. His new friend is helping him learn to play with toys, as this doesn’t seem to be an activity he pursued in his former home. She’s even teaching him how to play fetch!
A vet visit revealed that Rufus has a chipped left canine tooth. Although no treatment was recommended at this time, it should be inspected regularly. Rufus will be neutered soon, at which time his teeth will be cleaned. He’ll start the New Year with a sparkly new smile!
Since Rufus has only been observed with adults and other dogs, he would be best suited for a home with older children and maybe a canine sibling. The adoptive family who welcomes Rufus will be a lucky family indeed to get this loving, obedient, and very sweet boy.