ADOPTION PENDING
Interested in committing to adopt a playful, gentle and active dog, Sampson may be the one for you! Aside from his adorable curly fur and cute face, he is medium sized 1 year old, male Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel / Poodle cross), currently weighing 25 lbs! He has been neutered, and up-to-date on all his vaccinations, including a dental cleaning and antibiotics for an ear infection. Cockapoos should be monitored for ear infections as this can be a re-occurring event. His curly fur will require regular grooming.
Sampson and his brothers were unsold puppy mill dogs. The 1st year of his life in a barn stall was not the best start for Sampson, or any dog for that matter. He arrived as a quiet and withdrawn dog, who sat in the back of his crate with head down, no eye contact. He was so tired he literally fell asleep sitting up with his head nearly touching the bottom of the crate. Human contact, household sounds and the warmth of a house was foreign to him. Fortunately, our male family dog was happy to show Sampson what life as a family pet is all about.
While Sampson had some ‘issues’ with household routines, people coming and going, door bells ringing, etc , he has adapted. He has found his voice and can be known to bark when the doorbell rings and new people arrive. He is an intelligent boy and treat motivated, making training him easy. Attending training classes will be required and will benefit Sampson and the home he will call his forever home. He adapted easily to a martingale collar and walking on a leash. Recently during our walks he has begun to sniff and explore, with the occasional pull on the leash which is easily corrected. He hasn’t quite gained the courage to approach people for a closer investigation but is certainly interested in looking at them as he wags his tail and sometimes his whole body!.
He does not beg for ‘human food/mealtime’, he may show an initial interest, but quickly settles on his mat. His mealtime consists of
1 cup in the morning, after the 30 minute walk, and another cup after the evening 30-45 minute walk. Sometimes he will graze all day, and other times he will happily eat as soon as it is served.
Sampson enjoys the daily connections with his foster family, which allows for leisure days with regular trips outdoor for bathroom breaks and socialization. He has not established a routine for letting us know when he wants to go outside, so there have been some ‘accidents’ in the house’. Bedtime is a work in progress, as he would rather snuggle up beside his favorite human than go into his crate. He does whine for about 5- 10 minutes, but eventually settles. He currently is crated in our bedroom to support what could be considered mild separation anxiety. Crate training will require an effort to gently and positively make a connection with the crate and not increase separation anxiety. Once this is established, he will settle and have his ‘safe space’.
His ideal fur-ever home, would be with an active family, who would be able to spend most of their time with him vs being left alone and / or crated. As mentioned, he is a very gentle natured and well-adjusted pup. He displays the typical puppy playfulness, as he enjoys tossing a toy in the air and chasing it, he especially enjoys someone to play with him and his toys. He does not demonstrate any characteristics of food or toy aggression. Infact, he is quite willing to let go of a toy when his current ‘roomy’ wants to play. Once a bond of trust has been established, he will melt into your arms, the crook of your neck, or beside your legs and enjoy a siesta. Sampson would likely be okay with a cat in the home, but this theory has not been tested. He most definitely would be happy and benefit with the company of another gentle, mild-mannered dog who likes to play walk and basically hang out. He enjoys car rides and has learned these excursions usually end up at a pet store, park or trail. He would require a home which is fully fenced and lots of room to chase balls/toys, perhaps play with another dog and burn off some energy. Because he is still nervous of people he requires a calm and quiet home without young children. Older teens who can respect his need for a peaceful home and not have anyone rushing at him or a lot of noise will be just fine.
Sampson will require a family who will be patient, dedicate the time to train him and provide love and support that he so deserves. If you can offer this to Sampson, I know you will have a family pet who will provide you with many years of snuggles, affection, loyalty and create the best family memories.