Aspen doesn't hesitate to approach strangers in hopes that they might stop to pet him. He is also eager to meet other dogs that come our way when out on walks, and he seems to get along quite well with them. He has met kids and did fine, but there are no young children living in his foster home. I don't yet know how he would do with cats.

You can see on his photos that Aspen has some scarring on his head. RAGOM was told that his scar resulted from his getting burned on a wood stove when he was just a little puppy. Aspen is still a very handsome fellow, and I think his scar just adds some character to his natural good looks.

Aspen would do well with a family who would commit to taking him through obedience training. The only command he really knows now is "sit." He is food motivated though, so that should make his training easier.

He does need some gentle reinforcement of what comprises polite doggie behavior in the house. I've had to remind him that good dogs do not jump up and put their paws on the kitchen counter just to get a better look at what might be up there!  

Aspen is not excessively high energy, but he does enjoy taking long walks several times a day. He has not shown any signs of wanting to play with most dog toys or tennis balls, and has no interest in fetching sticks. He does like to chew and play with real bones and his Benebone chew toys.

Overall, Aspen is calm and laid back in the house. He hasn't chewed on any inappropriate items. He likes to nap a lot, and he usually likes to be in the same room with his people. Aspen doesn't show any signs of separation anxiety, and he is fine with being crated when I am away from home. We haven't had any problems at all with his housetraining.

On Friday, Aspen went to the vet and he is now up to date with all of his shots. He was tested and cleared with no indications of heartworm or Lymes disease. Aspen had one "hot spot" on his leg, for which they shaved and gave us a topical treatment. The vet tech told me that she had never before had a dog look at her with such adoring eyes while cleaning his ears.

Aspen still needs to be neutered, and that is scheduled for the first week of August. He won't be able to go to a new home until after he has fully recovered from his neuter surgery.

Aspen is a sweet, happy, and well behaved dog.  Whomever gets to add this awesome guy to their family will have found a friend for life.