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8/03/14 Bruiser is still doing great
in his foster home. After his last update, his foster mom started
leaving him out of the crate for limited amounts of time and he did great!
As a result, she made the decision not to crate him when she goes to work
during the day and he hasn't had any problems. Bruiser has also had a
few opportunities to visit with friends who have children (ages 7 and 12),
and he was so very gentle. Bruiser was content to sit near the
children and watch them play. When they settled down to watch TV, he
snuggled in right next to them on the couch. In addition to snuggling,
his foster mom said his other favorite things to do are playing with her dog
and eating ice cubes. Ice cubes are actually his favorite treat and he
will do anything to get one (or two or three!).
While there has been some interest in Bruiser, his foster mom is hoping
to find a family with a female dog. Bruiser is currently in a home
without a fenced yard and gets all his energy out through long walks and
playing inside the house. However, as you can see from the pictures -
he is a super athletic fellow and really enjoys running and doing "boxer
burns" when on his long leash, so he would love to find a family with a
fenced yard for him to run in daily.
His foster mom knows the perfect family for him is out there. While
she hopes that they find him soon, she also knows it will be a bittersweet
day when he leaves. He is such a loveable guy and continues to bring
her smiles every day.
7/20/14
Bruiser continues to steal his
foster mom's heart. Over the last few weeks, more of his personality
has emerged. He is a goofy and curious guy. Bruiser is showing a
surprising amount of confidence and independence in the short time he has
been in his foster home. This is proving especially true within the
house. While he will never turn down an invite to snuggle up to his
foster mom on the couch, he no longer acts as her shadow and is comfortable
entertaining himself with a toy or heading to another room to take a nap.
The biggest news since Bruiser's last update is that his relationship
with his foster sister (a boxer-pit mix) went from "getting along well" to
"best buds!" They continue to play in typical boxer fashion and
exhaust each other. His foster sister also helps give Bruiser the
confidence he needs when walking outside and when meeting new people.
When encountering new situations, he takes his cues from her. He goes
from being a little apprehensive to a happy boxer boy in an instant by
modeling her behavior!
Bruiser continues to make progress walking in the busy neighborhood.
He has mastered the art of walking by people (joggers and cyclists included)
and with a little support and some distance, he can even walk by some dogs
without pulling or whining. However, when another dog is being vocal
or if Bruiser gets too close to the dog, he does get quite excited. He
has gotten along well with every dog that he has met. His behavior on
walks is like a puppy who wants to play, but hasn't yet mastered impulse
control.
With that said, Bruiser is far from the size of a puppy, so he will need
a family who is confident in handling dogs and willing to continue to work
with his training. Bruiser's foster mom knows his forever family is
out there and while she hopes they find him soon, she already knows she is
going to miss him terribly when he leaves. Bruiser is her little
cuddle bug and adds a few dozen extra smiles into her daily routine.
If you have a resident female dog and room in your heart and home for
Bruiser, apply today!
6/26/14
Bruiser arrived at his new
foster home a little over a week ago. His foster mom reports that he
is settling in nicely to her daily routines. Bruiser loves his long
morning walks before being crated for the workday. In the evenings, he
enjoys his indoor and outdoor playtime where he demonstrates the goofy
antics that boxer lovers would expect to see from such a young fellow.
When playtime is over, Bruiser snuggles up at your feet or next to you on
the couch. At bedtime, he is content to sleep on the dog bed, but if
invited - he will also snuggle up close in bed to his foster mom.
After slow introductions and some time for each of them to learn to share
their toys, Bruiser is getting along well with the resident dog (a female
boxer-pit mix). They enjoy the same style of intense play and they
quickly exhaust each other. His foster mom readily admits that she
prefers older dogs who typically have a bit less energy and better manners,
but she was very pleasantly surprised by this young boy who she says has an
"old soul" and just wants to please you and to be loved.
Bruiser knows (and listens to) basic commands. Moreover, while he
greets his foster mom enthusiastically with a boxer wiggle butt, he is able
to control his excitement and does not jump up or become pushy. He
exhibits the same controlled excitement when playing with his toys or
running outside.
Bruiser could use a little support and training in regard to walking on
leash. Without any distractions, he is getting the hang of it, but
when he sees another dog or wants to greet someone, he has trouble
containing his excitement. His foster mom is also working on helping
build Bruiser's confidence. Although he is a happy boy, it is not
surprising that his past life and the recent transition has left him a bit
insecure and needy. As he gains confidence, his foster mom is hoping
that Bruiser won't need to act as her constant shadow in the house and that
he is not as easily startled when outside.
When asked what Bruiser's ideal family would look like, his foster mom
thought a family without cats or small dogs would be best. A fenced
backyard would be great for Bruiser. He also needs a family who
understands that Bruiser has been through so many changes in his young life.
He will need to be provided with the love, patience, and consistency needed
to help him feel more secure.
His foster mom will post another update in a few weeks. As he
continues to settle in, more of Bruiser's personality will emerge. If
you feel you have a perfect setting for Bruiser, apply today for this
wonderful boy!
4/12/14
Bruiser has made incredible
progress in his current home. He is now comfortable with men and very
affectionate. Bruiser plays really well with other dogs and loves to
play with toys. He is very smart and easy to train. Bruiser
loves to go on walks and enjoys being outside. He also has a great
time playing at the dog park. We would love to find Bruiser a forever
home with a female dog. If you are interested in fostering or adopting
Bruiser, apply today!
3/10/14
Bruiser is still looking for a
foster or forever home. He is too fearful to go into a kennel, so we
are really hoping to find Bruiser a home to go directly to. Bruiser
plays very well with other dogs and would love a companion in his new home.
He deserves great things after his rough start in life. Apply today if
you are interested in Bruiser.
2/19/14
Bruiser is being returned to
rescue to find a home that is a better fit for him. Bruiser would love
a home with a female dog and somebody experienced with the breed. He
needs companionship and activity during the day. Bruiser was
mistreated in his past and was very fearful when he first arrived at his new
home. He has made a lot of progress with this, but still can be timid
with some men. Bruiser has also overcome his fear of the leash and now
loves to go for walks. Bruiser is in need of a foster or forever home.
Apply today to help Bruiser!
10/2013 - Adopted
10/05/13
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Bruiser is being surrendered to rescue because the other dog in the home
has not been getting along with him. Bruiser is reported to be good with
other dogs and children of all ages. He currently lives with a 3 year old
child. Bruiser is an energetic boy who would love a fenced yard to run
and play in. He is very friendly with people and warmed up quickly to our
volunteer who went to meet Bruiser. If you are interested in this young boy,
apply today! |
