10/14/2013:

Meet Marley, an 80-pound bundle of love and affection just waiting for his forever home! This gorgeous guy arrived at our home yesterday, and has quickly adapted to life with kids, cats, and our resident dog. When we picked him up, he eagerly jumped into our van without a backward glance, and was a perfect gentleman during the hour-long ride. We are told that he came from a home with many children, and that was quite apparent when he saw a group of neighbor kids playing outside, and couldn’t wait to get over and visit with them. He will wag excitedly, and move in for hugs and snuggles from anyone willing to give him a little attention. In addition to hanging out with any and all people, including children, he loves nothing more than chasing a ball, or, when that isn’t an option, cozying up to the nearest person to chew on his ball.

Marley is about two years old, and as energetic as you might expect a young dog to be. He needs a little work (don’t we all), but is eager to please, and with obedience training will be an absolutely wonderful dog. He enjoyed a long walk yesterday, and pulls a bit at the leash, but stops with correction. He had no reaction to other dogs we saw along our walk, and was just happy to be out and about. He is housebroken, has free roam of the house, and can sit and shake. He does like to chew, and when he can’t find an appropriate toy for this, he will grab other items, such as clothing left on the floor by teenagers (I am hoping this will prompt our teen to pick up after herself!). He thinks it is a fun game to avoid having these items taken away by dodging our efforts to grab them. We are told that he was constantly bullied by another dog in his previous home (and did not defend himself), and that is evident when he meets other dogs—he is wary at first, but warms up quickly when he realizes they are friendly. He definitely prefers people over other dogs, and would probably do best in a home where he didn’t have to share the limelight with another dog.

This sweet boy will quickly work his way into the hearts of anyone willing to open their home to him. He is looking forward to meeting his forever family!