Stitch

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Update 06/10/08:

Dogs in foster care are always evolving; Stitch is no different. He is beginning to flower before his foster family’s eyes. Stitch recently spent a busy afternoon participating in his human foster brother’s play date. While Stitch was very cautious his first week or two with the family, he now relaxes and becomes a very affectionate, playful dog once he knows he is safe. At first his foster family thought he should be an only dog but, after seeing Stitch have a wonderful time routinely playing with a younger foster dog, they feel Stitch would also do well with a canine sibling as long as it’s submissive. 

Stitch definitely wants to be alpha. His only “opportunity” continues to be his aggressiveness towards other dogs when on the leash. Off the leash, he hasn’t been aggressive, unless a dog tries to dominate him. Stitch is becoming more relaxed when meeting new people and does well as long as his foster family is nearby. He continues to be a sweet dog who is anxious to please and loves getting attention.

With growing security in his foster home, Stitch’s defensive approach to life is withering. He’s ready for a furever family to brush, love, play with him and make him right at home. It will bring a big smile to his face and fill hearts that see him in full bloom.

Update 05/21/08:

Stitch has settled in well at his foster home. Although he still has somewhat of a look of perpetual anxiety on his face, Stitch is definitely relaxing and settling in to his foster home. He is playing with the other foster Springer and the resident dogs. 

When the jackets come out in the morning indicating that it is time for the family to go off to work and to school, Stitch crates himself and he waits patiently for his treat.

Stitch loves attention and is enjoying being brushed. He is walking nicely with a prong collar, and although he still is somewhat aggressive on the leash, he is doing better and can be distracted. 

Original:

Stitch was turned over to MAESSR because the special needs child in his home would sometimes direct her frustrations towards him. Stitch is a nice dog who is timid in new situations or around new people, but dominant once he settles down. Stitch has a couple of small hot spots which we are treating, but otherwise he is healthy and up to date on everything. 

Stitch is crate-trained, housebroken, and loves to ride in the car. He wants to be up on the furniture and cuddle with you. He pulls on the leash, but respects a prong collar or Gentle Leader. 

Stitch lived with a cat in his previous home and ignored a cat at the vet’s. Stitch does not like vets, however, and needed to be muzzled for his shots, especially the kennel cough which is given up the nose.

More on Stitch as he settles into his foster home.