Tatum

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Update 10/26/12:

What an adventure filled week for Tatum! First he traveled up to New Jersey to help work the MAESSR booth at the bustling Cranberry Festival. A true MAESSR ambassador, Tatum calmly accepted getting pets from hundreds of strangers who passed by the booth. Then he was off to his new foster home. Some other dogs in need would be arriving at his first foster home soon so Tatum, ever the gentleman and an easy-going dog, was gracious enough to make room for them.

In his new foster home, Tatum quickly settled in with no fuss. He gets along great with two resident canines and one other male foster dog. He is working on his twin talents of locating nice sunny sleeping locations during his foster family’s work hours and strolling through the neighborhood with a big Springer grin on his face at lunch and in the evening. His foster mom proclaims Tatum as one of those perpetual grinners!

Tatum is looking for a special family to call his very own. Choose this good-natured guy and he’ll keep a smile on your face!

Original:

Adjusting to a new baby in the house can be difficult for some family members, dogs included. His Virginia family had been working with Tatum for months to get him to like their baby, but he never warmed up to her. When the child started walking, Tatum liked her even less. After accidentally knocking her over and scratching her, Tatum’s family came to the difficult decision that he was never going to love their little girl, and it would be safer for everyone if he found a home without small children. So, Tatum became a MAESSR boy.

Tatum has done well with the other dogs in his foster home with just an occasional minor squabble, but nothing of any concern. Cats, rabbits, and squirrels watch out because Tatum loves to chase critters! Although he had not been enamored with toddlers, Tatum has done fine around older children he has met. Tatum enjoys going for walks and playing with his toys. Although he doesn’t really fetch, he may go after ball if thrown but usually doesn’t bring it back. He had been a swimmer when younger, but then had not had the opportunity to try out his dog paddle recently. 

When he was a youngster, Tatum had obedience training and he responds to “sit,” “come,” “down,” and “ease up” for heel. Leash walking with Tatum is pleasant since he walks well on leash. In his initial excitement to be going on a walk, he may pull, but when told to “ease up,” he settles into a reasonable pace. Riding in the car brings a similar response in him; he initially jumps around and then settles down to enjoy the ride.

As typical of many Springers, Tatum reportedly gets a few ear infections yearly, so his foster parents have been diligent about cleaning his ears weekly. He isn’t crazy about this ear maintenance but he puts up with it, only trying to pull away to show his dislike. His former owners report that he was a favorite of his groomers and he was even good when his feet were done.

Tatum is ready to become part of his new forever family. Do you need a buddy who will be right by your side? If so, Tatum’s your man.