MEET:

BUTTER
Back to Available Dogs
Return to SCBR Home
HOW DO I ADOPT?
STATE:  Western NY
AGE:  15 months  
DOB:  2/2008
WEIGHT:   51.5 lbs (too skinny)
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD:   Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: Fawn
DOCKED TAIL:   No
CROPPED EARS: No
CHILDREN UNDER 4: Yes    
CHILDREN OVER 4:  Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY:  Some OTHER DOGS: Yes 
CATS: Unsure
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
LEASH TRAINED:  Some 
OBEDIENCE TRAINED:  No 
MICROCHIPPED: No
ADOPTION FEE: $300
UPDATE 12/28/09 - Butter was finally cleared to join a basic obedience class and I am happy to report that he has successfully graduated! The first night of class was a bit embarrassing since we had to stay late (felt like we were being suspended in school). The instructor gave us some specific tips on working with him which really made a difference. There was a marked improvement from the first night of obedience class to the last. It was definitely worth the time and effort. Butter is very smart, but also very stubborn which keeps us on our toes...especially around other dogs. We will continue to work on his "socialization" skills since he is still reactive to other dogs. We may try agility class to help stimulate him mentally and give him an outlet for all of that energy. Well that is all for now. Hope everyone has a great Holiday!

UPDATE 8/10/09 - Update from Butter (nicknamed Butter Nut because he runs around the house with his toys like a "nut")
I am a happy, healthy dog and doing great with my new family.  I love my toys, my walks around the neighborhood and going to doggie daycare. Mom and Dad said that I still need to be socialized with other dogs before starting obedience class (they call it fear aggression). However, I am now pretty consistent with my basic commands such as coming when called, sit, stay, shake, down and leave it. I walk pretty well on my leash and seldom try to chase the cars any more. I am also much more calm riding in the car and never need to be reminded to stay in the back.
I am as cute as I am good...everyone says so!
That's all for now from the Butter Nut

UPDATE 6/30/09 - Butter has been adjusting well to his new forever home and has been improving every day. The first few days were scary because of his anxiety issues and lack of obedience training. Butter tried desperately to slip his collar at the rest area on the way home from foster care which took about 10 years off of our lives. We made it home, but with a few more grey hairs. After a few days, Butter realized he was here to stay and relaxed and became very attached to us (and us to him). My husband and I have been consistent and firm, which Butter has been responding to positively. My mother was at the house today and was shocked at how calm and well behaved he was (in comparison to a few weeks ago). Butter has gained about 4-5 pounds this month and the vet said that an additional 2-3 pounds will put him at his ideal weight. The vet gave him a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, he responded aggressively towards another male dog at the vet's office. So, Butter will be working with a professional dog trainer this Thursday who will expose him to numerous non-reactive dogs. We hope that he does well so that he can join the next puppy training class as planned. Bottom line, we are so happy that we adopted Butter. He has been a challenge and a great joy. For everyone out there that has had a doubt about whether they made a mistake or have had a few tough days with a new rescue dog, stick with it (consistentcy and loving firmness are the keys). As our dog trainer John Gagnon says...adopting one dog will not change the world, but it will change the world for that dog...it will change the world for you too.

6/6/09 - Butter has been adopted!

5/3/09 - Butter came to us from a local animal shelter. He was a stray that was never claimed. After his stray hold was up and we pulled him we realized he was supposed to come into rescue via owner surrender. He had escaped from his owner before his foster home was available.
     Butter is a 15 month old fawn boxer boy. I took him to the vet this past Friday and he is all up to date on his shots now. He will be returning to the vet this coming Thursday so he can be neutered. My other boxers will be happy when this happens. Butter is a bit on the thin side weighing in at 51.5 lbs. The vet said he could use some more weight on him so we will be working on that. Butter still has a full tail and his dewclaws. He gets along well with everyone that he meets (young and old). He can be a little jumpy sometimes. We are unsure how he would do with cats though. Butter likes to take walks everyday. Right now we use a harness on him because he likes to pull you. The harness helps a lot to control him. While I am at work Butter stays in a crate, but at night he sleeps with my oldest son. More to follow soon.....