I just had to laugh when I learned the reason for surrendering this handsome, energetic, oversized pup. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t mean anything negative or disparaging about the former owners. In fact, I am sympathetic. I realize their concern was genuine, and I laud them for doing the right thing in seeing that he came to DRT for placement in a new home.
The thing is, they’re in their late 60s, dearly wanted a Doberman, and got far more than they bargained for with this beauty. He’s a large, sturdy, lively pup with more energy than training at this point, and there was just no way for these folks to manage him without benefit of training from the beginning. I think they just didn’t realize he would be such a whirlwind until he matures. And let’s face it, that’s a huge bundle of muscle and brawn to have run into you at full-of-glee tilt. No way an older person can take a collision like that and come out the better!
Love him or not, calendar dog or not, these folks needed a sedate senior, and they got a good-natured whirlwind. Now he’s with us, and we absolutely love him, remarkable fellow that he is. Some proper training, another year of maturing, and he’s going to be beyond outstanding.
He arrived knowing only one command, to sit. He’s high energy (completely manageable with proper training and exercise), he shreds every toy he can get his paws and mouth on, and he loves to eat ice and watermelon. His former human says “His outside toys are anything in the yard he wants to play with, especially a 10lb. free weight!” Get the picture?
Volunteer observations:
“Tullamore is more than a good looking Dobe - he is stunning. I can‘t believe he is only 13 months old with the way this guy is already filled out. He has a great personality but still needs a little training to work out some of his youthful exuberance. He absolutely loves to play and does so in a friendly spirit, but he will knock you down if you aren‘t paying attention. As you can see from his pictures, he is very strong and needs someone with some strength to handle him on leash. Having said all of that, he is an absolutely GREAT Dobe. He is a lover and a leaner. Give him some attention, and he is leaning on to the point of having some serious weight up against you! If I was looking (or if my wife would let me) I would adopt Tullamore in a second!”
“I met Tullamore first thing in the morning when Carol had me take him to one of the fields in order to stretch his legs. As is obvious in his pictures, he is a big and beautiful boy. He was happy to get outside for a bit and thanked me with several kisses as I bent down to take the leash off him. Later in the day I took him for a walk along DRT’s long driveway and we were shadowed on the other side of the fence by one of the female Dobes. I’d stop every once in a while as they play bowed to each other through the fence. Once at the end of the drive, I sat on a bench in the trees, and Tullamore leaned into me and started kissing my face. We sat there for a couple of minutes and then walked around the property some more. He walked on the leash without too much trouble, but he is a young and very curious pup who likes to look around, so I kept a good grip on the leash.”
I agree with the volunteer who wants to take him home; I do too! If a large, intelligent, energetic, loving, playful Doberman is what you’re seeking, make an appointment to meet him once your application is approved. Then, come prepared to take him home and enroll him in an obedience class once he’s settled in. The only disappointment with this fellow would be driving away without him.
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