Entered: 09/28/2019
Status: Adopted
Age: 4; born 04/13/2015
Color: Black/White
Weight: 49 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from anxiety medication and a probiotic for stress relief
Temperament: Good with people as young as 8, good with most other dogs but could be happiest as an only dog, unknown with cats
Original: “While he gets along with the numerous dogs in his foster home, Utley’s foster mom believes that he would be happiest as an only dog.”
Utley was relinquished to MAESSR because there had been three serious fights between him and the other male Springer in the household. The owners were unable to get the dogs to stop fighting, so the hard decision was made to find Utley a new home.
When he first arrived in his foster home, Utley was very nervous about the other dogs. In less than 24 hours, he had decided they were okay. His behavior with the other dogs in the foster home has been great.
No doubt this Pennsylvania boy was named for a famous second baseman. True to form, he enjoys running and chasing a ball. Additionally, Utley likes water.
When strangers appear, Utley prefers to meet them on his own terms. Once he has the opportunity to observe and cautiously approach, he is a friendly and typical Springer. On walks, if people approach and want to greet him, his former owners would put him into a “sit-stay,” have him offer a paw for a paw shake and pass a treat to the other party. Once the stranger presented the treat, Utley was fine and again very friendly. Utley is very uncomfortable with strangers quickly approaching without the opportunity to have some space to check them out.
This good boy walks well on the leash and he rides well in the car. His house manners are great, and he is totally housetrained.
Utley is on an inexpensive prescription medication to help with his anxiety. He has only been on it a few weeks and it is definitely helping. He also was started on a probiotic for stress in his foster home. That is also making him much more comfortable in this world. Utley’s adoptive family will be required to keep him on the stress probiotic for a minimum of six months post adoption. They also will be required to keep him on the prescription anxiety medication for a minimum of one year post adoption. This may seem like a lot, but Utley is worth the extra effort to decrease his anxiety.
While he gets along with the numerous dogs in his foster home, Utley’s foster mom believes that he would be happiest as an only dog. Looking for a special pup to add to your family? You’ll hit one out of the park with this little ballplayer!