This good-looking three-year-old came to us from a parent who is raising an adult son and doesn’t want to care for his dog, too.
Here’s how the parent explains things:
“Macallan is my son’s dog. He obtained the dog from a friend. He cannot afford to care for him and does not have the time to give him. My son lives with me now since he doesn’t have any money, and I am unwilling to care for his dog. I keep him in a crate if the weather is bad, but I do let him out in a fenced-in yard. He hasn’t done anything bad or offensive. He likes to chase and bark at squirrels. He needs someone to play with him and roughhouse with him. That’s not me. Even though I am not a dog person, I do not want any harm to come to him.”
You can see that the poor Dober, through no fault of his own, is in a spot. We’re just glad the parent saw to it that the dog made it to us for placement in a proper, forever home.
According to the man who surrendered him, he pulls on leash and may jump up if excited; he knows a few basic commands and will sit, “lay” down, and shake; he likes to roughhouse; and his favorite toy is a Kong duck.
By contrast, in our brief experience with him to this point he seems reasonably sedate and quiet. He jumps a little in excitement at seeing a human approach, but other than that he’s actually rather calm. He really seems mild mannered and quite the gentleman. It’s hard to imagine him playing rough with anyone.
Radiography indicates that he has some fusion in the middle of his spine at some point in the past. That having been said, he is able to run, play, jump, and enjoy himself with no indication of pain or discomfort. In fact, this observation comes from the man who surrendered him: “I was always amazed to see him jumping over hurdles or racing across the yard to chase squirrels. He never had any difficulty as far as I could see, either lying down or raising up.”
In any case, it looks as though he’ll make a good companion and be equally at home whether playing or snuggling on the sofa with his human. By all indications, he’s a good, healthy, capable dog that just needs the predictability and security of a loving, nurturing home to realize his full potential.
Volunteer observations:
“Initially, Macallan was a little shy, but after a while he came out of his shell and just loved to play! He also enjoyed sitting and chilling out. He’s not a jumper, and he really loves to be scratched and rubbed. He’s very gentle and loves to be right by your side.”
“There is a lot to like about Macallan. He has a playful personality and gives a warm reception upon introduction. He works hard to be a best friend. He got excited when I went in to see him, and he wanted to please. In his excitement he wanting to jump up a bit, but he listened when I corrected him. His personality made me smile as I watched him running around. He seemed very in tune with my happiness and emotions.”
“What a striking profile this boy has, just beautiful! I took Macallan for a short walk this weekend and two things stood out. The first was how acutely aware he was of all the surroundings as we walked. I could tell that he was listening to every noise and seeing every movement. When he is on full alert the very tips of his ears will touch slightly. Second, he could use a little more training walking on leash, as he had a slight tendency to pull. It wasn’t bad, just noticeable. When we got back to the Corral, he was affectionate and playful.”
Make an appointment to meet him once your application is approved, if you think he may be a fit for your home. Come spend some time observing and interacting with him. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you do.
