Scooby Doo

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Scooby Doo found his way into a West Virginia shelter when his original family had to relinquish him. They explained that Scooby was a wonderful puppy, but by having him, they were in violation of their lease and so they gave him to a local shelter. MAESSR found out about him and so this sweet puppy became a MAESSR boy.

A good boy at the vet, Scooby is currently being treated for an upper respiratory infection and kennel cough. He is on antibiotics and steroids at this time and the treatments seem to be working. He is coughing less and had a lot more energy! Once he is completed with his antibiotics and is healthy, he will be neutered. Scooby has a good appetite for his own food and is currently on puppy kibble with some green tripe added. He really likes that little extra boost and his foster mom coats his pills in cream cheese and the green tripe. He really loves taking his meds! 

Scooby has a wonderfully sweet personality. After the vet gave his okay, Scooby has finally been able to play with other dogs to his delight. He loves playing with other dogs! His primary playmates are two Springers, a three year old and a ten year old. He plays gently with the ten year old and is working out his status with the three year old. Both of them are sure they are the dominant dog. One or two words from one of their parents stops the rough play and they calm down quickly. When Scooby is out for his walks, he is very excited to see other dogs and wants to play. His entire body perks up! Scooby also wants to love the resident cats. His exposure is limited to when his foster mom is home. Scooby is far more interested in the cats then they are with him. Although he is friendly and respectful to the cats, they keep their distance. He has an occasional bark when he wants to get their attention but stops when it is unsuccessful. Over all, he is very playful and sees adults, other dogs, and cats as potential playmates. 

Housetrained, Scooby is very quick to pee when he goes outside. Currently, he does not signal that he has to go out; his foster mom takes him outside on the leash whenever the chance presents itself. Crate-training is going well. To help with this process, his foster mom starts him eating outside the crate and moves his bowl into the crate encouraging him to follow. He has no problem with this game! Scooby is in the crate during his foster mom’s working hours and he has an open crate in the bedroom. He rests on the wood floor and blankets or dog bed equally. 

Scooby Doo is learning how to behave nicely in the house, but since he is young and exuberant even when sick, he sometimes forgets. While he hasn’t counter-surfed, he will beg shamelessly if his people are eating near him. Scooby will jump on the couch, but a verbal correction gets him back on the floor. To date his foster mom says he hasn’t gotten into the trashcan but he loves to pick up trash when he walks and will carry it around with him during the walk. He loves to trade it for treats, though, and it’s the best way for him to willingly give up his found treasures! 

Scooby loves a car ride and a walk! He doesn’t pull very often when he is on the leash- only if he sees another dog near by. He really wants to meet and greet some other four-legged friends. He and his foster mom are working on a few basic commands like “walk,” “wait,” and “sit.” He’s mastered “trade” as long as there is a treat in hand, and “leave it” works well as long as he and his foster mom pick up the pace around some particularly tempting bits on the ground. Scooby loves people and wants to greet strangers when he is walking. Still showing a bit of puppy mouthiness, he will try to put strangers’ hands into his mouth so this behavior is being discouraged as a polite way of greeting. 

Please note that MAESSR only place 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 under 1 year old to enroll their puppy in an obedience class within 60 days of adoption. 

It’s not been too hard for this puppy to learn to play. He wants to play with the cats, but they are still ignoring him. He and his foster mom enjoy playing fetch with a nylon bone. He loves to play with toys he can carry, and then plop down on the floor and gnaw on. He allows his foster mom to take his toys from him and his food bowl can be moved while he is eating. 

Scooby has not yet had a trip to the groomers, but he is very understanding when his foster mom takes his feet in hand and gives them a look over. He hasn’t had his nails clipped yet; this will happen on his first trip to the groomers once he is over his kennel cough. 

This is not a dog for an uninvolved owner! Scooby will do well with an active family who will give him the exercise, love, training, and structure that he needs to become a wonderful adult Springer. Beneath his fun-loving, action packed puppy exterior you find a loving cuddle bug with a sweetness that helps him transition from play mode to a cuddly sleepy puppy state. This sweet boy is waiting for you!