Say hi to Maura! This sweet, dainty girl is all about her people and the simple pleasures in life-getting lots of pets, sharing kisses, and staying close to the person she loves. At 47 pounds, Maura may be medium-sized, but she has a very big heart and an even bigger capacity for affection. Her foster family says she absolutely loves people and can hardly get close enough! She may be a little over-the-top with her affection at first, happily climbing into laps and giving kisses, but she settles down quickly once she gets a chance to relax.
Maura is housebroken, crate trained, and has done well when left alone. She has only had one accident in the past two weeks, and her foster family has learned that she can sometimes take a little while to find the right spot to potty. She is beginning to resist going into her crate now that she is feeling better, but once she's in, she settles quietly without a peep. As her energy has returned, she is also showing more interest in playing and enjoying her time with her people.
This affectionate girl is very food motivated and eager to learn. She knows "sit," "leave it," and "easy," and she has quickly learned to take treats gently. Her foster family is continuing to work with her on leash manners and redirecting her attention when exciting things catch her eye. She is very attentive to her person and will stop when they stop, and when there aren't distractions around, she can walk on a completely loose leash. Squirrels, deer, and other dogs are particularly exciting for her, so she may pull or give the leash a strong jerk when she spots something interesting. With distance and redirection, she is easier to refocus.
Maura loves being around people and has shown just how much during her time in foster. She recently met potential adopters and was thrilled to see them, immediately wanting to climb into their laps and shower them with kisses. She also enjoys children and has met kids ranging from a toddler to young children. Because Maura gets very excited and may jump up when she wants to say hello, she would do best with children who can give her space while she settles in, with appropriate supervision and guidance around younger kids.
Maura has also been spending more time with her foster family's 10-year-old Lab mix now that she is feeling better, and the two have been doing great together. She has done well around other resident pets from a distance and can enjoy the company of another dog when introductions and interactions are handled thoughtfully. She can become overstimulated by barking dogs, however, so a home with calm canine companions would be the best fit. Her foster family has found that loud, persistent barking from neighboring dogs can be particularly difficult for her.
A secure yard will also be important for Maura. She is a jumper and can clear a low fence, so any potential adopter with a yard will need a tall, secure privacy-style fence rather than a short or open fence. Her foster family is continuing to help her learn that she doesn't need to investigate every exciting sight or sound, and her eagerness to please and focus on her person make her a willing student.
Maura loves bully sticks and occasionally enjoys a Nylabone. She's starting to discover the fun of tug-of-war, although she doesn't always stick with it for long, and she'd much rather chew on stuffed toys than simply play with them. Most of all, though, Maura wants to be close to her people. She is attentive, affectionate, and happiest when she can be part of whatever her family is doing.
Maura is currently relaxing in the comfort of a foster home and is ready to find a family who will appreciate her affectionate personality, continue helping her build good manners, and give her plenty of opportunities to be close to the people she loves. If you'd like to learn more about Maura or arrange to meet her, please complete a foster application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps.
