Entered: 09/30/2014
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 75 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fairfax Station, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme + but asymptomatic
Temperament: Good with people as young as 8, good with both other dogs and cats
Original: “This gorgeous, goofy tri-colored ESS is good with children, dogs, and cats.”
Stedman came into MAESSR’s care after being found as a stray in Pennsylvania and brought to a shelter. Fortunately, MAESSR volunteers pulled him quickly because he is a skittish young guy who gets worried when things change.
Upon arrival in his foster home, Stedman immediately attached himself to his foster mom, following her everywhere, eager to please her, and ready to defend her from anything…including her husband, which wasn’t such a good thing because the husband is actually a pretty good guy! After some wonderful advice and guidance from MAESSR behaviorists (which included the suggestion to let the husband feed Stedman hotdogs in order to help them bond), Stedman and the husband are now best of friends.
The only issue Stedman needs to work on is getting over his fear when meeting new people, seeing new things, and hearing new sounds. However, he has made huge progress lately and is becoming more and more comfortable in different situations.
When Stedman went to the vet for his checkup, he behaved perfectly! His blood test proved positive for exposure to Lyme disease although he is not actually showing any symptoms of actually having it. The vet pronounced that he was a healthy big boy. He has not yet been to the groomer, but he does not mind having his paws touched and combed.
This gorgeous, goofy tri-colored ESS is good with children, dogs, and cats. He is a true Velcro boy who can be trusted off leash, as he always wants to be with his companion. When his foster mom mows the yard, Stedman prances along at a safe distance from the mower, following her as she goes back and forth across the grass.
Stedman is completely housetrained. When he wants to go out, he sits in front of one of his foster parents and stares at him or her. He has free run of the house when no one is home and he behaves very well. At night, he sleeps on the floor, next to his foster parents’ bed. He has good house manners, does not counter-surf, and only gets up on furniture if invited. Good boy, Stedman!
A bit of a sloppy eater and drinker, Stedman leaves kibble bits on the floor around his bowl and drops of water scattered on the floor whenever he drinks from his water dish. He is fed in the kitchen so these eating shortcomings are forgivable. Hey, no one is perfect!
Stedman knows “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” He also likes his paws and belly rubbed, and he LOVES doing sit-up tricks! We walks well on the leash, pulling only slightly. At first, he would bark in fear when meeting others on his walks, but as he is becoming familiar with the neighborhood, he is showing himself to be quite friendly once he feels comfortable with others. He enjoys riding in the car and rides well.
This big boy enjoys carrying stuffed toys around and loves to play tug-of-war with the resident Springer spaniel. He does not guard his food or toys. If another dog wants them, he will step back, roll over, and let the other dog have his things. With his moderate energy level, Stedman enjoys a couple nice, long walks each day and playing with the resident dog throughout the day.
All in all, Stedman is a sweet, loveable dog who will make a loving addition to almost any family!