Abby 12

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Update 06/01/12:

“Abby Abby,” as she is known to her foster family, has been altered and gotten a good report with her first dental follow-up. She is still the same sweet girl, but has shown some “attitude” and demonstrated some food guarding behavior around the resident Springers in her foster home. 

This girl can be very playful and insistent when she feels it’s time to play. On the other hand, if she is not in the mood, she is quick to let the other dogs know. Although she hasn’t been exposed to toddlers or young children, her foster family feels children in Abby’s life should be old enough to know how to treat a dog gently. Abby has done very well with teens and adults and most people instantly like her. How could anyone resist that face?

A word of warning: Abby does know how to open containers and lidded trash cans. Her foster mom turns them with the hinge facing out to trick her. She is also a counter-surfer. Abby was not too keen on the clippers when her foster family had their “Springer trim day” so a pedicure was her limit. Another day and a quieter set of clippers might see different results. 

Abby Abby has put some weight on and, at 43 pounds, she is looking good and ready for her forever home!

Update 04/27/12:

Oh, my…………with some much-needed vetting and attentive, loving care from her foster family, Miss Abby’s health is turning around. During her dental, 14 teeth were removed and minor reconstruction was done. She is healing quite well and gets very excited when it comes to mealtime. Her skin allergy has improved; there is healing and hair growing back in.

Abby has fallen into the routine in her foster home quickly. She responds to “sit” and “comes” when called. Her playful personality is abounding. She enjoys tossing toys around to chase and is not bothered by the activity in her mouth. She has done well blending in with the resident dogs. At the same time, she is not very interested in the resident cats or ducks, which keeps life peaceful for all. Abby is a fabulous welcoming committee, all by herself, when humans come in the door. She is a sweet, little gal who’s showing daily how amazingly resilient springers can be.

More to come as Abby readies for her new beginning………………

Original:

Abby came to MAESSR by way of a Pennsylvania shelter, where she was picked up as a stray. Although she appeared to have been neglected recently, it is clear that she was someone’s pet at some point. Abby is housebroken and will signal at the door when she needs to go out. She settles nicely with the other resident dogs if left with free roam of the house when they are unattended. She hasn’t yet been crated during her time in foster care, but her foster parents do not anticipate that this will be a viable option for her. At night, Abby likes to sleep at the foot of the bed or somewhere nearby.

This petite little gal has good house manners, although she is a potential counter-surfer. Since she is little, the urge to paw up and look to see what is happening up there is a temptation. She also likes to curl up on furniture. 

A smart and sophisticated lady, Abby knows how to sit and stay. She also knows what the leash is for, and is excited to take part in any activity that involves its use! Abby does pull on leash. She is a very happy greeter. Again, because she is petite, she is often tempted to stand up to reach people. Abby does very well in a car and likes to go for rides.

Abby likes to play with a ball, but will not chase it. She does play with her foster mom and teenage foster sibling, but has not engaged too playfully with resident dogs. She shows little interest in the resident cats. Abby does not guard her food or toys. She is fed with the other dogs and hardly comes up for air until she is done! Abby doesn’t attempt to get into another dog’s bowl unless it has been abandoned. Good girl, Abby! Although her age was estimated at 8 years, her energy is typical for a 4-5 year old Springer. 

Abby behaves well with grooming and routine care of her nails, ears, and eyes. She currently has tender teeth and gums with further treatment pending, so she can be a little nervous when her mouth is handled. 

Another lucky MAESSR pup, Abby is in just the right place to get the love and care she needs. Watch for updates on this sweetie; once her dental and health issues have been resolved, her lovely Springer temperament is sure to shine even brighter!