Abby 7

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Updated 4/2/07: It’s been four long and interesting weeks with Abby in her foster home. As her foster parents have gotten to know her, they are recognizing her puppy mannerisms and admiring her lively playfulness. Like most springers her age, Abby is still growing up. Her hand nipping has now decreased to a level that may remain until she no longer thinks like a puppy. Her nips are only play nips, so if those she plays with understand that, all goes well. She may whine but she hasn’t yet gone to the door as a sign of need to go out. If you don’t take her out, a mistake will be made. She still goes to her crate upon request and often on her own, but in general, she is spending very little time in her crate and only when everyone is away.

When Abby finds a foster parent sitting in a chair or lying on the couch, it’s grounds for getting them up. There’s little peace when she’s around. When she rests, they rest. She loves a good chase and will pursue cats, birds, or anything else that offers opportunity. She will chase birds up trees in her fenced yard. On a recent trip to Chincoteague, she almost pulled her foster dad off a dock when a duck about her size caught her attention. Having a family who will pay lots of attention to her and guide her into maturity is what Abby needs most. She’s a sweet, affectionate, adorable little girl and will thrive with a family who will treat her as such.

Original: Abby was relinquished to MAESSR by her original owners who did not have the time to spend with her that they knew she deserved. Her foster family has found her to be a bundle of energy, joy, and fun! In the mornings, she jumps straight up in the air and bounces off of her foster dad because she’s so happy to have someone to play with. She’ll roll over on her back every time he bends down to pet her.

Abby gives the resident Brittany a run for the money and the two of them get along quite well. Abby loves to play and would prefer never having to stop! If her people take a play break, Abby is very persistent at encouraging them to play some more by running around and jumping. Sometimes when she wants to be petted, she’ll take a hand gently into her mouth. She always needs a toy to chew on, but has not chewed on anything inappropriate in her foster home. Abby is good when left alone at home with the resident dog. When her people return, she is so happy to see them that she wiggles constantly and often falls on her back in a submissive position to be rubbed.

Since Abby had lived in the garage in her original home, she is quite smitten to living inside. She goes in her crate but would rather be enjoying the run of the house. She lets her disapproval to crating be known with some initial barking, but she does settle down after a few minutes. She is housebroken and does not counter surf or attempt to jump on the furniture. Abby responds to the commands “sit,” “shake,” and “lie down.” If the opportunity presents itself, Abby will bolt for the door, but she doesn’t run far and she does come back. When it comes to walks, she is good on a short leash. In the Doggie Olympics, Abby is on the squirrel chasing team and she loves her sport! Although Abby likes to ride in the car, she is a bit too active to ride safely out of her crate. After a full day of busyness, she sleeps contentedly through the night on her dog bed.

Abby’s only problem is she hates to be groomed. She doesn’t like to be brushed and she is afraid of the clippers. Her forever family will need to work with her to help her become sensitized to the grooming process, just as her foster family is doing.

Abby would love an active home with children who will play with her. She would enjoy an active dog as her playmate too. A fenced yard should be a prerequisite for Abby so she can have plenty of room to run, play, and chase squirrels, of course! Does this sound like your family? Abby is ready to play with you!