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. Her most recent foster joked that Maura would happily spend her life in a 24/7 hug if she could!
After adjusting to the schedule, Maura was housetrained in her foster home and did wonderfully, even when home alone during the workday. She is crate trained and has done well when left alone. Treats help encourage her into her crate, and while she may whine or complain at first, she settles in just a few minutes and happily snoozes and relaxes. She's awesome in the house and a polite passenger in the car. Maura waits patiently to be leashed for her walk and is very attentive to her person; she never tries to bolt out of the house. She walks great on a leash and can be redirected when needed. She improved her leash skills through treats and lots of praise.
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 most recent foster confirmed that she knows "sit" very well! Her foster family worked 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! She attended a Ravens game tailgate and charmed everyone she met. She was affectionate with children of all ages and did well with the crowds and commotion. During her time in foster she met new people and was thrilled to see them, immediately wanting to climb into their laps and shower them with kisses. During another foster stay, she warmly welcomed her foster's boyfriend, approaching him without hesitation for playtime and pets and enjoying time together both indoors and outside. 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 spent time with her foster family's 10-year-old large breed dog, and the two did great together. She can become overstimulated by barking dogs, however, so a home with calm canine companions would be the best fit. Her foster family 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 taller, secure privacy-style fence rather than a short or open fence. Her foster family helped 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. During her latest foster stay, she also loved her Pupsicle, bully strips, and a squirrel toy. 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. Her most recent foster described her as an incredible sweetheart with so much love to give-just waiting to find her forever family.
Maura would need to meet any doggie roommates to make sure they are a good match. She is eligible for socials at BARCS after adoption.
Maura 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.
Come down to BARCS and meet Maura!
