Owen

Do you know Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic strip? He is that lovable boy who tries so hard to do things right, but sometimes misses the mark. He is also the eternal optimist, and has this great attitude about life even when faced with hardships. Charlie Brown never gives up, and with his soulful personality, he is a character many people can relate to. Well, Owen is Charlie Brown in a dog suit. He has this unending, lovable attitude about everything, and he tries so hard to please. Even when his puppy brain causes him to come up short, Owen never gives up. He keeps on trying, and when he gets it right, he lights up brighter than a Christmas tree. Owen’s enthusiasm is so genuine, and he has these goofy mannerisms that make him so endearing. Being with people is Owen’s absolute favorite thing in the whole wide world. He tips the scales with his social finesse, so when you meet him, be ready to be brought into Owen’s inner circle of joy.

When I first met Owen, he was an overly exuberant puppy, full of mange with many patches of fur loss and skin infection. I could tell that wherever he came from, Owen was probably just placed in someone’s backyard as a yard ornament. He was an exuberant, rambunctious, undisciplined puppy. Owen did not know any obedience commands, never saw a crate, and didn’t know where his space ended and mine began. So, I surmised his previous owners just gave up on him and dumped him some place where animal control could find him. When I met him, I saw beyond all that puppy stuff and knew he was a “diamond in the rough."  In my home, Owen has learned boundaries, rules, and respect. He is now a wonderful house dog and a loyal companion. With my big dogs, Owen submits to them as any good puppy should. When they get tired of his puppy shenanigans, he submits and moves away.

Owen is full of personality and has so much charm and charisma. All he wants is to be loved. His puppy antics are so funny and will bring smiles and laughter to any home. I am working with Owen on obedience training and he is a good student. Whoever adopts Owen will need to continue his training and be able to assert leadership with him. Owen is a very good boy, but he still has a puppy brain and sometimes it is hard for him to contain himself. His exuberance is a wonderful trait because he will take you "to the moon and back” with his love and affection. However, his puppy brain can be challenging, so Owen will need a leader.

Owen is not a high energy dog, however, he is still a puppy with puppy energy and curiosity. He has been known to invade a laundry basket, grab a slipper from under the bed, or help himself to a snack on the table. When no one is home, he is crated, as he is not mature enough to be free roaming. Since crating is new to him, Owen has not yet been in a wire crate for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. Owen has had a lot of change happen, so I wanted to take crating incrementally. If his new owners are going to be gone for long periods at a time, I recommend a heavy duty crate for Owen. If a family member will be home with him most of the time, a wire crate should be sufficient.

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading about our four legged Charlie Brown - Owen. He is such a good boy, and if his puppy personality is any indication of what he will be like as an adult dog, get ready to go "to the moon and back."