How does someone abandon a dog like this? (Or any, for that matter, but we’re talking our favorite breed at the moment.) This fellow is strikingly handsome, engaging, interactive, keen for companionship, and a truly outstanding, if unfinished, representative of the breed.
He was surrendered to a shelter by a landlord, who told them he had been abandoned by former tenants in a rental home. Thankfully, Rescue Angels brought him to DRT. (God bless them all.)
Upon his arrival, he was very thin and had an upper respiratory infection, perhaps from being in the shelter. Happily, that is now completely cleared up, and he’s putting on weight, too.
Despite being past puppy years, he behaves like a much younger dog and has some glitches due to lack of training. He pretty much has no manners, enthusiastically jumping, lunging, strongly weaving in every direction on leash. He does everything in fast motion, seemingly excited at all the new sights in his lack of understanding regarding what‘s expected of him. He climbs fences; but once he has the opportunity to run, play, and has regular interaction with humans, we expect that these behaviors will improve. (On the fence climbing, Dobers rarely ever want to run away. They crave interaction and would far rather be with their humans. If they do climb a fence/leave a yard, it’s typically so they can run around the neighborhood meeting new friends!)
He has an excellent personality and loves to stretch out his big, long legs and run in our oversized exercise fields. I’m guessing he’s had very little opportunity for doing so in the past. Unchecked enthusiasm notwithstanding, he loves attention and craves being with his humans. The female techs up at the vet‘s office where he stayed until we had room for him loved on him and sat with him and cuddled with him. All of them wanted to take him home.
Volunteer observations:
"My first encounter with MacDuff happened as Tish & Pete were bringing him back from getting pictures, and he decided to greet me face to face by placing his paws on my chest and giving me a kiss! Some folks are put off by this type of greeting, but I rather enjoyed it. Once we got the introduction over, I took him for a short walk up the driveway, and even as underweight as he is, he’s strong as can be. He never tried to pull me too much, but patient training and practice on a leash will definitely be advantageous . When we arrived at the end of the driveway, I sat down on one of the benches. He sat down right beside me and laid his head on my lap. This is when I looked him full in the face, and it struck me what a handsome face this boy has!”
“McDuff is a beautiful, big, strong male that is looking even better as he gains weight. In my time with him, I’ve observed that he is the type of Dober who needs a job. He is super attentive to the point that he even watches the birds as they fly. He’s learning how to behave on leash, pulling hard to start but making progress. He’s a confident and friendly fellow, and I had a great time with him.”
You could almost size this fellow up on the strength of his pictures alone. They pretty much tell the whole story. If you think he may be a match for your home (and fence), make an appointment to meet him once your application is approved, and come spend some time observing and interacting with him. He’s going to make someone an excellent companion for years to come; maybe you’re the one. |
