Sparky 2

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Sparky was found as a stray. He is a big boy who has been well fed. He could stand to loose a few pounds. He stands 23.5 inches at his shoulder, weighing approximately 58 pounds. He is currently taking antibiotics for some minor skin irritations and has ear infections in both ears.

Sparky is house trained and has been left at home from 8-4 without an accident. He will whine at the back door when he needs to go out. He goes in the crate but would much rather be with his people.

The first night Sparky went upstairs to investigate. He would not come down the open stair case. He seemed unsure of them, so he had to be carried down. The next morning his foster mom did not have help to carry him down so he was forced to put his front paws on the steps and give it a try. By the end of the 2nd day he went up and down with ease. Sparky sleeps on a dog bed next to the bed and will stay off the furniture. He will not jump up on people but loves to give them a big wet lick hello. His size does intimidate new people but his temperament has been gentle to all he has met. He was wonderful at the groomer and loves his back massaged and scratched.

Sparky has not shown any signs of wanting to counter surf, nor is he a trash picker. He does like to pull and chew on his toys but has not done this to anything else in the house.

Sparky knows the sit command and will come although he is not committed to his name, but he will come when called. He knows what “no” means. He will pull on a leash although we are working on this.

Off lead in the yard, Sparky will listen. He has not been off lead in an open space to see if he will come when called. He does not want to let his foster Mom too far out of site and will cry when she is on the other side of the fence.

Sparky has been gentle with a 7 year old when he was in the house. His size and lack of grace make being with toddlers difficult. He gets along with the two resident females and is only interested in playing and an occasional romance. The females have set their boundaries and he is trying to obey them. He will give up toys with a bit if a tug of war but does not show any aggression. He is fine when you move his food bowl. He has not been exposed to cats.

Sparky likes to go for car rides and is good in the car either in a crate or on the seat. He likes to walk but has not yet shown any signs of wanting to get out for a full out run. He is starting to help himself in the toy chest but is fairly rough on the stuffed animals. They last about five minutes before there is an all out stuffing slaughter. He would greatly benefit from some obedience training. When he goes to the office with his mom he lays quietly at her feet and is happy to meet any new people who come in. Sparky is a dog that needs a compassionate and loving owner that sets limits in a gentle firm manner. He is not a dog that would adapt well to city life. He needs some open land and an active family who does not mind those big slobbery kisses and huge paws reaching out for more attention. Can you open your heart and make this gentle giant feel loved and secure?