A Better English Setter Rescue

Meet Ben! Ben and his brother Gus were recently surrendered to us for rehoming due to the owners’ health issues.

 

At 62 lbs of absolute marshmallow, Ben is the perfect companion Setter. Very soft, both in temperament and coat, Ben is the ultimate Velcro love bug. He wants nothing more than to be by your side at all times, preferably in your lap. His previous life was as an outdoor hunting dog so he’s got a strong prey drive and a very nice “woah”. He’s adjusted VERY well to indoor life and appreciates a comfy couch, peanut butter licked delicately off spoons, and multiple meals a day. He loves being a lapdog and will spend hours fast asleep with you in a recliner. At our house he spends his nights in a gated room due to his desire to eat the resident cats but I suspect, if he could, he’d sleep curled up next to you in bed.

 

His previous owners said he and his brother were great with a wide age range of grandchildren (8 mo - 6 y). At our house, he still seems a little uncertain – a raised voice or a toy thrown too close will make him very anxious. So perhaps older children would be best. He’s been learning to play with the resident dogs and enjoys a bit of bitey-face and wrestling but nothing too aggressive – he’ll come find me and hide behind me if things get too rough. He’s shown interest in toys but hasn’t quite figured out what to do with them. A recent game of tug seemed to please him a lot.

 

Given his background you’d expect him to be very active but he’s surprisingly mellow and lays around in my office all day. Take him to the park, though, and you can see how much energy and power he has - he is fast! He is not particularly food motivated so training is going a little slowly but he does listen. Ben is a very gentle Setter looking for a family to bond with. He would do well with other dogs and older children. His deepest desire is to be with his family and involved in everything.

 

Here are a few more positive attributes of Ben’s:

●     Doesn’t counter surf

●     Rarely barks

●     Doesn’t jump up on people

●     Not resource aggressive

●     Will literally follow you anywhere

●     Loves cuddles

●     Greets other dogs with aplomb

●     Plays well with other dogs

●     Rides well in the car

●     Checks in frequently while off leash (recall is a work in progress)

●     Doesn’t pee or mark in the house

●     Crate trained but not happy about it

●     Knows how to use a pet door

 

If Ben sounds like the perfect fit for your home, please put in an application!