Big Dog Butters

Big Dog Butters has traded his shelter kennel for a foster home, and we're getting to learn who this handsome young guy really is. And we're learning a lot of good things. He sleeps quietly through the night in his crate. He walks on a loose leash—although apparently speed is optional. He loves being with his people and has handled time home alone nicely. But perhaps the biggest thing we're learning about Butters is that underneath all that handsome is a big, playful goofball.

He enjoys other dogs and REALLY wants them to play with him. His enthusiasm can occasionally exceed his social graces, especially with a much smaller dog who doesn't necessarily share Butters' belief that playtime should continue indefinitely. But when corrected by his little foster brother, Butters listened and backed off appropriately.

At just 6 months–2 years old, Butters is still a young dog figuring things out. He can get excited and overstimulated at times and benefits from str...