Hey there, everybody!  My name is Charlie, and I am a hugely lovable, 5-year old, 59-pound, pure-bred English Springer Spaniel looking for a new home.  I was adopted as a puppy by a family whose house recently went into foreclosure, and they couldn’t take care of me anymore.  I was very sad to leave them, but thanks to Diane and Cheryl at the Golden Gate Springer Rescue, I found a great foster home where I can run around in the backyard and sleep on comfy doggie beds all day.  I also get nice doggie treats, and play with my new best buddy, Bonita, a Chihuahua mix with tons of energy.  She’s my personal trainer!

 

Let me tell you a little about myself:

The GOOD

Let me tell you why you should adopt me:

  1. 1.I’m a super-loveable, people-oriented, friendly, and wonderful dog! I’m a hug-a-bear who gives generous, not-too-sloppy kisses to anyone who wants one, anytime. I think I would make a great therapy dog:  I have big, soulful eyes, I like hanging out with people, and I’m always checking in with my pack to make sure they are OK. I am not destructive.  I never chew on furniture, shoes, or anything else (not even toys, really).  I don’t know why, but I think that’s kind of boring (and it’s not nice).

  2. 2.I am totally house-trained. I would never pee in anyone’s house.  (Eewww!)

  3. 3.I’m gorgeous!  Just look at my pictures!

  4. 4.I’m not at all hyper and I am very laid-back.  There’s nothing I like better than kicking back with my buds.

  5. 5.I’m very loyal.  I love (and am grateful to) everyone who has taken care of me.

  6. 6.I am in good health.  I have all my shots, and the vet says I’m in great shape.

  7. 7.I am neutered.  Enough said!

  8. 8.I like exercise, and moderate activity.  I love walks and hiking, but I am also at an age where I don’t need as much activity as I did when I was a puppy (so I won’t be bouncing off the walls, and driving you crazy).

  9. 9.I walk very nicely on leash, and never pull excessively.  If I do get distracted, all you have to do is say my name, and gently pull on the leash, and I’m right back with you.

  10. 10. I know how to sit, and come when called.  I’m very proud of that!

The BAD

Despite my above-mentioned superior personal characteristics, I have two minor behavioral issues, of which you should be aware:

  1. 1.Because I was neutered only very recently, my hormone levels are still a bit high, and so I tend to be a bit reactive toward other male dogs. I am working on this problem, however, and my foster parents think I will be over it soon.

  2. 2.When I am glad to see someone, I sometimes jump up on them (softly, though; I’ve never even come close to knocking anyone over).  My foster parents are working with me to prevent this behavior, and we have already made significant progress.  By the time you adopt me, I will no longer be doing it!


The UGLY

There is no ugly!  I’m gorgeous, remember?!


My Needs

OK, here comes the best part where I get to say what I am looking for in a family:

  1. 1.I want a lifetime adoption!  This means, I want to become a permanent member of your family, living with you, side by side, inside your home.  I want to sleep next to (not on) your bed, and follow you wherever you go.  That’s my nature, after all, I’m a Springer!

  2. 2.I really do need two walks a day, for at least 30 minutes per walk.  This means you cannot park me in the backyard and expect me to be happy – I would be terribly lonely! I would love to go hiking and camping with you on the weekends.  I recently visited Fort Funston in San Francisco, and that was awesome.  Beach walks are definitely OK!

  3. 3.I really like kids, but because I am a big boy, older children might be the best companions for me.

  4. 4.I would love if you had a grassy back yard, and a doggy door so I could go in and out of the house (not a requirement, but a huge plus!).

  5. 5.I need good food and good, regular health care.  Please be prepared to budget at least $1,000 year on these expenses for me.  Hey, I’m a full-fledged member of your family, and I deserve it, right?

  6. 6.I need regular grooming to maintain my gorgeousness!


How to Adopt Me

Please look at my video page, and if you think we are a great match, please go to the GGSR link, and complete an adoption application today. I can’t wait to meet, and be loved by you!

Update: Charlie was adopted today (September 20, 2009)

Charlie with his new family

(that’s Augi on the right)

Kudos to Bo, Charlie’s mentor and friend while he was staying with us

Meet Charlie the Springer Spaniel