My name is Oliver - New Update 7/30!!

All potential adopter’s will need to be approved to adopt from MWBCR and should visit our website at www.mwbcr.org for more information on the approval process.

7/30
Hi everyone! It's Oliver. The past week has been a big one! I moved to a new foster home in Wisconsin (as foster mom told you last week). This past weekend we had more dogs come to hang out and after I met them I was fine with them no problem! I like other dogs and I love to play with them, but I need to take meetings a bit slow so I know that I can trust the other dog. It was fun to see that one of my foster sisters chose to play with me over her normal best friends (the visitors); we ran chasing and wrestling each other. I felt very special and loved that my foster family trusted me to meet their good friends and we all played very nicely together!
As you can see, once I know other dogs are safe we're good to go!

I'm fine while foster mom teaches dog classes. I lie in my crate calm and quite. I did whine once or twice, but the dogs in class were having fun and I wanted to join them. I was allowed to run and play off leash with just foster mom while someone else taught class. I didn't care about the dog barking and growling 20ft away as we walked to our play area. I just wanted to work with foster mom. I was off leash and could've run at the other class if I wanted, but that would've been silly and I'm smart and thoughtful.
Later I met some of the dogs from these classes and we were fine and played ball together. Of course I met the people... I LOVE PEOPLE! I want to be with people and happily go to wherever you are. Don't worry, I'm not overly dependent on you, I just like you so think we should hang out together. I run to my crate when told and quietly wait or nap while you're at work.

I went on a field trip this week... it was great! We walked around Fleet Farm (farm/garden/ type store) and people said "oh how cute!" I'm not sure if they were talking about me or the little human foster sibling, but we both had fun saying hi to others. This week I also went hiking (off leash!). Psshh.. no big deal! I come when called and keep an eye on my human. It as fun running along the trails. I had happy dreams that night!

Foster mom was gone all day yesterday so the dog walker came to play with us. She left a note for foster mom saying "Oliver was very good. He's a real sweetie and lots of fun"... notice that the note didn't say that about my foster siblings? That's right I am sweet and fun and I hope you'll give me the chance to show you. There's no need to be leery of my uncertainty about other dogs... that makes me sad since I just need someone who will take a bit of time to continue helping me know I'm safe. Once I know the other dogs don't want to eat me I'm all for making new friends!
Please contact my foster mom so you can set up a time to meet me and (paws crossed!) take me home! I'm healthy, happy and ready to go! I like to play with toys, but am not over the top. I'm smart and friendly.
Tail Wags, Oliver you're (hopefully) new family member


7/25
Oliver is now in "America's Dairyland" (Milwaukee, WI area) and hopes someone comes to adopt him before he porks up on cheese, brats and beer! Oliver has been with MWBCR for a bit and has had quite the tour of the Midwest! In this time he's learned many manners, met wonderful people and dogs and learned a lot about himself. He is house trained, goes into his crate, learns daily routines quickly, has a nice 'off switch' when inside and nothing is going on, he's worked on his doggy meeting skills, and gone from 'active' to 'companion' energy level. This change doesn't mean he likes running after his big jolly ball any less! It means he's able to relax and have a few days of less activity and still be happy :)

Oliver has gotten the travel bug out of his system; he is done with his travels of the Midwest and would like to find his own family to settle into. His wish list includes someone to throw his large red ball, hands to pet him, kick his red ball, cuddle, accompany throughout household activities inside and out- he's great company when weeding the veggie garden! Oliver's fine being left alone for a "full work day" too. He continues to do better meeting dogs off leash than on, but after the intitial greeting he is fine with other dogs. He'd appreciate someone who is willing to remind him that dogs are his friends and there's no reason to be apprehensive. People need not worry either since underneath any barks or theatrics Oliver is a sweet boy who wouldn't hurt a fly. If a dog asks him to back off he responds (the last thing Oliver wants to do it Fight!). Wouldn't hurt a fly? Well, I haven't tested that exact theory, but last night Oliver was in the yard when we let the resident rabbit loose to play in the yard. When she ran he was interested and a "Oliver leave it" was all he needed and he went off to find a good spot to watch the sunset.

Oliver spent a few days over Christmas with me. When he returned to my house this week (7 months later)- WOW! What a good memory. He was fine meeting my dogs again and when coming inside from his pre-bed bathroom trip he ran down the stairs, turned the correct way and went straight into the crate he slept in over Christmas. I couldn't believe he remembered the routine, where the crates were and which to go into! Smart boy and good memory. This is just one of many examples of Oliver's exceptional traits. Please contact me to learn more about this young man who is evolving into a sweet, playful, well-mannered companion yearning for his own family.


6/24
Oliver has really settled into the routine. The things I find endearing about him is that he fits in well, is very sweet, really likes to be around his people and hang out. I would consider him more moderate to low energy level; however, he will need training on how to behave around other dogs. He does not have any big quirks other than his desire to play retrieve and go out to the yard to grab a toy and wait for the others to come out. A few times, I have left him out with the older dogs for a bit while I ran upstairs to do some computer work. When I came down, he was curled up like a cat on the back of the couch. Silly boy! The thing I personally love about him is that he has an off switch and is a sensible, thinking dog.
He is able to be crated in class while I teach and he is doing better around new dogs. I am able to bring him out and work him in a class setting of 3-4 dogs. He has been introduced to Barnhunt and Nosework and he really likes both. Once he settles down, he can heel nicely. All of this is still in the beginning stages but he shows great promise! He enjoys doing tricks, and will do agility; however, I am not pushing him as I feel he needs more body conditioning and muscle building. This guy is pretty versatile and will settle easily in the home.
Oliver met his first Great Pyrenees. He was worried about him at first because the dog went right up to his face but he was able to play with me while the dog was in the yard, both dogs off leash. To me, it was just confirmation that he won't hurt another dog. He is not a dog park dog though. He will most likely get along with his housemates but really prefers his people family.
With the storms we have been having, he gets a little worried about the thunder. When he hears it, he comes to me to bury his head in my lap or crook of my arm. We quickly start playing fetch and he forgets about the thunder. He also does not worry about the vacuum cleaner and is calm around it while in use.
Oliver will keep you laughing with his silliness and sweep you off his feet with his soulful eyes and sweet expression. He is a joy to have around and would make a great companion.

6/4
Mr. Oliver has been with us for 3 weeks now. He has adjusted well to his new routine. He enjoys being outside with his foster brothers and sisters. Inside he settles down nicely and enjoys snuggling.

He had to go to the vet because he had an eye irritation. We walked in on his front clip harness and leash. There was another dog in the office which he barked at but then quickly remembered that he should look at me for cookies. Other than the one bark, he did great! He was good being handled and placed on the table, didn't love it but tolerated it. He weighed in at 41lbs.

Our next adventure was attending an event that included runners and dogs. Overall he did a great job understanding that it was impolite to bark and lunge at the other dogs. He did run up on a dog that came a bit too close. It was rude greeting and the other dog was startled by him. They sniffed each other and I called him off. We walked around the park a bit and he did great on his leash/harness. He was very attentive and able to check out his environment without reacting - Good practice for him between the people runners, dogs walking and the business of the day.

Oliver is looking for his forever home where he can be loved and played with regularly. He is sweet and very attentive to his owner when he settles into his routine.

For more information go to www.mwbcr.org