Entered: 07/26/2010
Status: Adopted
Age: 0
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Northampton, PA
Health: Progressing through puppy shots on schedule, very healthy
Temperament: Good with adults, good with children old enough to treat a puppy with respect, good with other dogs, respectful of cats
Original:
Wiggles! What an appropriate name a Pennsylvania shelter gave to this 6-month-old Springer when he was brought in as a stray! The next step in his adventure brought him into MAESSR’s care.
When playing or getting hugs or being called to come to his foster mom, Wiggles’ back end doesn’t stop wiggling! This lanky boy is a pup in all sense of the word! He traveled very well in the car to his foster home and once there, met the resident dogs and other MAESSR foster puppy with a “Hey, how are you guys?” type of attitude! He and the foster puppy immediately became playmates. They thoroughly enjoy romping with each other, but they keep clear of the reigning resident alpha dog! When Wiggles first met the resident cats, he was rather apprehensive. True to her form, one cat gave him a swat across the nose and Wiggles backed up rather quickly. Since then, he has preferred to sniff the cats quickly and keep his distance! Good boy, Wiggles!
Wiggles arrived at his foster home already knowing to go to the door when he needs to go out. In no time he learned how to use the doggy door and has yet to have an accident in the house. What a good boy! Wiggles knows the hand signal for “sit” and automatically gives his foster mom a “shake paw.” He is now mastering the art of “down.” Since Wiggles is such a fast learner, he is also being taught “stay” and is doing fairly well with this command. He does need to learn “wait” when getting treats as he will sit and shake paw for his treat, but then he wants all the other dogs’ treats too! Wiggles has great eye contact and should be easily trained. MAESSR requires that the forever families of Springers one year old and younger take their adopted dog to obedience classes. So, additional training is in store for Wiggles!
Becoming accustomed to his crate has come easily for Wiggles. He does very well in there, even being fed in his crate as well. At bedtime he knows when his foster mom says, “Crate,” it is time to go into his crate for the night and also to wait there for his bedtime snack! What a smart boy! Wiggles does fairly well on his leash, making a few S turns before walking straight beside his foster mom. And Wiggles is always ready to go for his walks! When his foster mom comes home from work, this wiggly boy is so happy and gives her a big smile to welcome her home. What a wonderful greeting!
When not learning new commands and going for walks, Wiggles loves to run! He runs circuits in the back yard with the other foster pup in hot pursuit! The baby pool has been one of his favorite spots after running multiple marathons. Wiggles jumps right in and either sits in the pool or lies right down getting one side wet and then the other!
In the house, Wiggles is learning the manners that will help him to be a good family member. Counter-surfing was a problem initially as he stole a frozen steak off of the counter and devoured it! His foster mom now tells him “off” if he tries to counter-surf and he is beginning to understand that this behavior is not allowed. At the moment, Wiggles rarely barks; however, sometimes a “woof, woof” comes out in play. He has not tried to jump on the furniture. He thinks furniture is for sitting still and that is one thing Wiggles cannot do! He is not fearful of loud noises. When a storm passed through, the thunder and pouring rain did not disturb what he was doing. He stopped, looked, listened, and continued on his merry way! Wiggles has no issues with being petted or with his food bowl being moved when he is eating. A bone can be taken out of his mouth with no issues; the same is true with toys. Nothing seems to faze this handsome boy.
When his foster mom worked at the MAESSR booth at Summerfest, Wiggles went too. It was apparent how much he loves all people– from a 2-year-old toddler to adults. He just loves attention and he yearns to please! In his ideal forever home, Wiggles would love to have another dog to play with and possibly a cat, and children old enough to know the proper way to treat a puppy and not to be knocked over by Wiggles’ exuberance. Springer puppies have seemingly inexhaustible energy and Wiggles is no different. His forever family must be committed to making sure he gets the exercise and play he needs. His new, loving family must continue his training as it makes him very happy to please his people! He loves attention and hugs!
Wiggles will just wiggle his way into your heart. He is a sweetie!