Bailey 22

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Update 11/14/2017:   “His foster mom’s words are a fitting tribute to this sweet boy.”

For over five years, Bailey was a MAESSR boy. He defied the odds that his anal cancer diagnosis stacked against him, living a wonderful life with his foster family. His foster mom’s words are a fitting tribute to this sweet boy.

“With much sorrow, we wanted to tell you all that Bailey died last Tuesday. He had had a recurrence of cancer and went downhill quickly in the past few weeks. He was a fine, beautiful, devoted and loving dog; and although he remained a permanent foster, we had no question that he was ours.”

Our hearts go out to Bailey’s family. Run freely over the Bridge, Bailey!

Update 10/17/2017:   “Bailey recently had his biannual spa day and his foster mom reports that he is so clean and cute!”

Bailey recently visited the vet who reported that the new anal sac nodule feels a little bigger but is not obstructive. His blood work remains basically normal which is a good sign. 

His foster mom has noticed that Bailey is drinking more water which is something his vet cautioned to look out for quite a while ago. He’s not quite as steady on his paws as he used to be, but Bailey is at least 12, possibly 13, years old now.  Of course he’s an aging senior and, with age, this is to be expected. He continues to have all of his wits about him and is happy still to hang out with his foster family and canine brother, eat, and go to the park and swim. 

Bailey recently had his biannual spa day and his foster mom reports that he is so clean and cute! 

Keep MAESSR’s long time permanent foster sweetheart Bailey in your thoughts as he navigates his golden years! 

Update 06/27/2017:   “He ignored the odds that he would live to see his senior golden years and has continued to thrive in his home.”

Bailey just marked a big MAESSR milestone: it’s been five years since he became a MAESSR boy!  For those who aren’t familiar with his story, soon after entering the rescue he was diagnosed with a serious health issue. A nodule on his anal sac was determined to be a highly aggressive form of cancer. Given a questionable prognosis, Bailey’s foster mom was asked to take him on as a permanent MAESSR foster dog. Permanent fosters receive MAESSR’s care for the rest of their lives; sadly many of them are relatively short.

Well, five year-old Bailey decided that life with his foster mom was a really good thing. He ignored the odds that he might not live to see his senior golden years and has continued to thrive in his home. His day-to-day life is quiet and peaceful. He continues to enjoy his food and daily hour-plus walks; he doesn’t avoid hill-climbing or swimming or any of his usual outdoor activities. He continues to have good relations with dogs and people. His foster mom’s many dog park friends comment often about how happy Bailey seems and remind her of all the anxieties she had in the early days of fostering him.

As an older boy, Bailey’s hearing is impaired now and his sight less acute. When going for a car ride, this smart boy waits with his front paws on the seat for his foster mom to give him a boost up. And he’s decided that the wooden cellar steps are just a bit too challenging for him now, so he avoids them.

Despite the many good things going for Bailey, when he visited his long-term vet last month, a nodule was discovered in the area he was operated on five years ago. Appropriate blood work and an x-ray were done; neither showed anything out of the ordinary. So, this will be a watch and wait situation and Bailey will return for a check-up in September.

If Bailey could talk he’d surely express the same gratitude that his mom has for MAESSR’s care of this sweet boy… and the care given to all of the pups that come into the rescue. Even the folks at Bailey’s vet office are so impressed with the dedication of the organization. Of course, the dedication of the many MAESSR foster families makes stories like Bailey’s particularly heartwarming.

Keep fingers crossed that his next vet visit proves to be a positive one. Bailey and his mom are looking forward to his next big anniversary!

Update 03/22/2017:  “This distinguished gent is looking forward to spring and wishes Springers and their families everywhere a happy new season! “

Another winter has passed for Bailey without fanfare or new worries.  He continues to be doing OK!  Yes, he’s aging in normal ways.  He’s growing deaf and moves a little slower.  He has some trouble on wooden steps that lead into the basement, so his foster mom no longer invites him to go there with her anymore; she also quickly adds that this dear is not sick.  When little changes are noticed, they are simply accommodated because that’s what loving families do for their seniors. 

Bailey’s little buddy just had a full dental…ooch!  Thankfully Bailey has better teeth and shouldn’t need such care in the foreseeable future.   He is planning to see his vet soon for his usual 6-month visit; that will be followed by another semi-annual outing…his spa day! 

This distinguished gent is looking forward to spring and wishes Springers and their families everywhere a happy new season!  

Update 11/15/2016:  “The two friends have settled into their simple lives together…what a blessing for a boy who joined MAESSR so long ago with an unsettling diagnosis. Happy holidays, Bailey!“

Aside from a minor health concern, Bailey’s life continues as usual.  His foster mom found a large growth in his armpit that seemed to have appeared over the summer.  His vet aspirated it and found no evidence of malignancy, calling it a fatty growth. Since it doesn’t seem to hamper Bailey, it will remain in place for now; they will all keep a close watch on it.      

Bailey also had a spa day and is entering the winter season looking pretty good!  He continues to enjoy the company of his Corgi pal.  The two friends have settled into their simple lives together…what a blessing for a boy who joined MAESSR so long ago with an unsettling diagnosis. Happy holidays, Bailey!

Update 07/25/2016: “He jumps on furniture, has a pretty good time in the park and gets along well with his Corgi friend, Basil.”

All remains status quo (read “well”) for Bailey.  He does have cataracts developing and some deafness but he’s active.  He jumps on furniture, has a pretty good time in the park and gets along well with his Corgi friend, Basil.  

Mr. Bailey’s having a fine summer.  He hopes you are too!! 

Update 04/14/2016:  “After three and a half years with no return of the nodule (yay, Bailey!), the vet felt it was safe to discontinue the medication since long term use can result in liver problems.”  

Winter was pretty fine for Bailey and his family but they were happy to welcome the gentler springtime weather. A recent day of snow took them by surprise, however!

A few items concerning Bailey’s health have been addressed recently. A growth on his wrist was removed and the initial assessment is that of a cyst…fingers crossed. Additionally, Bailey’s vet recommended taking him off of an NSAID medication.  This had been part of his daily regimen to slow any regrowth of the cancerous anal sac nodule that had been removed.  After three and a half years with no return of the nodule (yay, Bailey!), the vet felt it was safe to discontinue the medication since long term use can result in liver problems.

This boy continues to be his sweet self around kids and adults he meets in the park; he continues to visit the park most days. With his hearing and possibly eyesight not quite what they used to be, Bailey requires a little assistance getting into the car these days. He and his buddy, Basil, continue to enjoy each other’s company, and he’s beginning to take real pleasure in the visits of his parents’ four year old grandson. Lucky for all of them, the little guy might be moving closer to them and the visits will be more frequent.

Bailey and his family wish the entire MAESSR family a lovely new season to enjoy together. All of Bailey’s MAESSR friends wish them the same!

Update 01/12/2016:  “He’s a guy who likes peace and quiet…except for a daily bark fest with his little corgi pal who is able to keep it up much longer.”  

The handsome Mr. B. continues to do well and will shortly celebrate his fourth anniversary in his foster home!   He’s friendly to all people he meets inside the house and out.  While he’s tolerant of the 4 year-old grandson, he’s smart enough to leave the room if things get chaotic!   

He’s a guy who likes peace and quiet, except for a daily bark fest with his little corgi pal who is able to keep it up much longer.  Afterwards, Bailey settles well.

His foster mom is noticing signs of aging.  There is some degree of deafness, some trembling in one leg and some lessened desire to run with the other dogs in the park.  According to his vet, this is all “normal stuff” for a gent of his age.

All in all, Bailey is heading into winter doing pretty well.  He’ll curl up in a warm spot and watch the snow fly until it’s time to celebrate spring by chasing around with his pals…2-legged and 4-legged. 

Update 10/06/2015:  “Bailey got plenty of exercise and a fresh haircut.”

MAESSR’s handsome senior citizen had a pleasant summer.  While it wasn’t exciting, it also was non-stressful.  Bailey got plenty of exercise and a fresh haircut. He had a good visit to his vet and will return for another round of blood work later in the fall.

Life is good for this guy.  He and his Corgi friend are still a nice pair together.   Bailey is looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving and all the treats, company, pats, attention and love that come with the wonderful autumn holidays.  Go for it, Bailey!!

Update 06/28/2015:  “Older, but still considered quite handsome, Bailey maintains an optimal weight which bodes well for his ongoing good health.” 

These days Bailey’s life tends to remain on the same course, which suits him and his family just fine.  He’s just a happy dog who delights in the pleasures of getting out into the yard and dog parks everyday with his good pal and brother, the Corgi.  

Like all of us, Bailey is aging and experiencing the changes that come with age; his foster mom suspects a decline in his hearing.  Older, but still considered quite handsome, Bailey maintains an optimal weight which bodes well for his ongoing good health.  

This boy continues to be well-loved by the people around him.  May the lazy days of summer bring nothing but joy to Bailey!

Update 04/15/15:  “…Bailey and his little Corgi friend (now a permanent member of the family) are enjoying more outside time for play and exercise.”

As the Song of Solomon says, “…the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land…”   And Bailey and his little Corgi friend, now a permanent member of the family, are enjoying more outside time for play and exercise.

This senior citizen has slowed down some but is still having fun with his not-so-new buddy.  He’ll be going soon for his annual check-up followed by a spring haircut.  What a handsome fellow he’ll be!!

Bailey’s foster family hopes to be at the Langhorne picnic.  Look for them there.  Hopefully the rain will really be over and gone, and Bailey can join the other Springers, smelling the flowers and having fun getting to know each other.  

Happy spring, Bailey!!  

Update 02/12/2015:  “The vet who saw him knew about Bailey’s history, examined him for cancer recurrence too, and found all was well…………yeah for Bailey!!!”

Along with the latest news on Bailey comes a long-overdue correction on his age.   From the beginning Bailey’s age was an estimate and evolved upward as his health issues became clearer.  What didn’t change was the initial “5” year old listing on his webpage.  His age should have been updated to 9 sometime back, and, now that he’s passed another year in foster care, it’s probably safe to say “Happy Birthday” to this gent and give him credit for 10 years!  

Aging rapidly only on paper, Bailey continues to be doing fine and everything is pretty good for him.  His little corgi friend is still with his family.   Despite inevitable personality differences, (the corgi herds others and doesn’t care the least about tennis balls), the two get along peacefully.

Bailey did have a severe gastric upset on a recent Sunday which necessitated a visit to an emergency vet.  He recovered quickly from that event and went home with great news.  The vet who saw him knew about Bailey’s history, examined him for cancer recurrence too, and found all was well…………yeah for Bailey!!!  

Bailey’s still energetic but is slowing his pace a bit.  He spends less time engaging with other dogs at the dog park; he stays closer to his foster mom.  All in all, he can’t wait for Daylight Savings Time to begin in less than a month!  

Update 11/20/2014:  “Bailey has been doing very well with this…without apparent jealousy, or territorial or sharing problems.“

In the spirit of the holiday season comes the best of news on Mr. Bailey, one of MAESSR’s permanent fosters…………

All’s well with Bailey. For the past month he’s been sharing his house with a corgi that his MAESSR family is also fostering.  Bailey has been doing very well with this…without apparent jealousy, or territorial or sharing problems.  Though Bailey has been good with other dogs since he first arrived, sharing a home with other dogs can be different than greeting them with good manners at the dog park.  Bailey’s foster mom is a little surprised with his reaction but pleasantly so. Not only does this say much about Bailey’s character but it bodes well for the possibility of a second and permanent canine joining his family.  Bailey, you’re a star shining brightly for all Springers! 

Bailey sends best wishes to his MAESSR family for all the holidays ahead!  And, from all in MAESSR country, may his holidays and those of his family be healthy, happy, and welcoming to any lucky canine who joins their pack.  The warmest of hugs from all to all…………….

Update 09/09/2014:  “May this happy camper have many more good times ahead!”

When his family took a short vacation to the beach recently, Bailey stayed behind at the home of a family friend.  This is known as going to “Camp Elaine’s” which is a fun, familiar experience for Bailey.  Camp includes two camp directors (humans) and 3 or 4 other campers (canines.)  Bailey did beautifully, maintaining calm and dignity throughout.

Bailey sees this same group as well as many others at a dog park on a daily basis. He has become known as a gentlemanly guy who occasionally plays with the other pups but essentially loves human attention best.  He also visits another dog park where he gets about 50 minutes worth of off-leash time which includes swimming.  He does, however, continue to rush other dogs that seem to surprise him on the trail.  This anxiety rush, which includes excited barking, hasn’t caused any real problems with the other dogs, but Bailey’s foster mom finds herself explaining his behavior to other people.

All in all Bailey is much calmer than when he arrived at his home two years ago.  His health remains wonderfully status quo, although he did have a little tummy upset about two months ago which required a vet visit.  He still sees the vet every six months to monitor his health and will be making that visit later this fall.

Bailey has matured much in his time with his family.  So much so that they believe he might even accept another similar-minded canine into his world.  Bailey’s mom declares him to be “a fine dog!” His entire MAESSR family is so pleased to know that this fine dog and fine family found each other. 

May this happy camper have many more good times ahead!

Update 06/20/2014:  “Yet another season is about to arrive, and Bailey celebrates it by doing at least a little swimming most days.”

Bailey remains well and happy!  He attended the Langhorne picnic and acquired a couple of stuffed souvenirs.  He received a lot of attention (of the petting variety) and went home a happy dog. 

This handsome dude enjoys a calm, quiet life. He performs his various duties as the family doorman, deciding whether or not people coming to the front door are “strange” or just friends and family.  He also is a self-appointed watch dog, determining whether deer belong in the garden outside the back door or should stay about 100 feet away!  

Yet another season is about to arrive, and Bailey celebrates it by doing at least a little swimming most days.  This guy truly leads the good life and enjoys every minute of it as much as his foster family enjoys him.

Update 03/27/2014:  “He doesn’t seem to have special dog friends but he does like to engage in sporadic play with whoever’s handy.“  

Here’s to a great new season!   Bailey’s had a quiet winter as his family has had, but all are hoping to see their MAESSR friends on April 26^th during the first Springerfest of the season at Langhorne, Pennsylvania.  With an excellent report from his vet recently, Bailey’s up for a little road trip and will have a ball in the middle of the day-long festivities.

Every few months Bailey pays a visit to his vet for a check-up.  Bailey loves good news and his vet must take pleasure in sharing it.  This last time around, Bailey and his family delighted that Bailey’s blood tests were “perfect.”  At this point, this means there’s no sign of his cancer! And, his heart murmur is status quo. He had put on a few pounds over the winter.  Deep snows just didn’t allow as much outdoor time as he’s used to but with spring’s arrival, his foster mom hopes to remedy that.  Weather-permitting Bailey’s always up for the dog park experience.  He doesn’t seem to have special dog friends but he does like to engage in sporadic play with whoever’s handy.  And, he does enjoy the people he sees daily. 

Bailey remains a pretty happy guy.  If you meet him at Springerfest, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and tell him what a handsome and lucky boy he is.  It’ll make his day and maybe yours too!!

Update 01/12/2014:  “Picture this………last week, he bounded out into 8-10 inches of white fluff and chased down 6 or 7 deer taking shelter under a tree in his yard.  Then he made some doggy snow angels!”

The best of news continues to come from Bailey’s family……so good to hear “he is doing fine.”  Over the holidays Bailey met his family’s visitors.  He was respectful of them, including the 2 year-old grandson, and while those two weren’t sharing much, there was nothing worrisome going on either.

At his last check up in late November, there was no sign of the return of Bailey’s cancer.  His vet remarked that perhaps the medication is working.  His heart murmur also continues to be stable and allows this gent a moderately active life, doing many of the things he loves most.  

Unless snow, ice, or super cold weather don’t permit, Bailey enjoys a daily 1-hour walk, up and down the hills, in the local park.  If the weather is wicked, he only gets a walk in the dog park.   He’s acquired several “girl friends” there and play bows if other antics fail to capture their attention.  He so enjoys the company that his foster family is thinking this might bode well for the presence of a younger female in their home.  Fingers crossed, Mr. Bailey!  

Bailey’s showing himself to be a snow-loving dog this winter.  Picture this………last week, he bounded out into 8-10 inches of white fluff and chased down 6 or 7 deer taking shelter under a tree in his yard.  Then he made some doggy snow angels!  

Life is good for Bailey these days and he’s making the most of each one……….

Update 10/29/2013: “This fall, Bailey has had many opportunities to race through his backyard chasing deer, rabbits, and squirrels with no worries from his mom.  That’s because he’s so responsive when called.”For Bailey, life with his foster parents remains unchanged.  This is the best news imaginable for a MASSER dog with permanent foster status!    

This sweet boy enjoys his routines with his family, spending at least 2-1/2 hours daily in the fresh air at the parks near their house.  This fall, Bailey has had many opportunities to race through his backyard chasing deer, rabbits, and squirrels with no worries from his mom.  That’s because he’s so responsive when called.     

At the park, Bailey is fine with the other dogs; but it’s clear that his greatest pleasure is being around the people.  He carries balls and sticks, often engaging people in games of tug.  A year ago, this game seemed to make him somewhat nervous.  Bailey would end up grumbling, which prompted his mom to discourage people from playing the game with him.  Currently he’s pretty cool with it and, if he seems to initiate the game, his mom lets it continue.  

Bailey’s family anticipates having the Thanksgiving dinner at their home this year.  They fully expect that Bailey will, once again, be a good guy with their toddler grandson.  There’s so much to be thankful for at Bailey’s home this year!

Update 08/21/2013:  “Long walks most days, swims, and visits to the dog park where he enjoys human friends and some dog friends too………….all contribute to Bailey’s wellbeing.”

Under the warmth of the summer sun, Bailey’s health problems have retreated.  Indeed, at his most recent vet visit, he was found to be asymptomatic when his cancer and heart conditions were checked.   With little time consumed at the vet’s office, he handily turned his attention to other activities.  Long walks most days, swims, and visits to the dog park where he enjoys human friends and some dog friends too………….all contribute to Bailey’s wellbeing.  Most of his initial anxiety is barely a memory now and life is good.          

Bailey has become a really great and loving companion in his foster home.  From all of MAESSR to him and his family, may the blessings of a long and golden autumn be yours…………..

Update 06/03/2013:  “A springtime visit to the vet was all positive for Bailey.” 

A springtime visit to the vet was all positive for Bailey, with the exception of a slightly raised liver enzyme count. Bailey’s vet suggested that it might be due to a medication he is receiving, so a return visit is scheduled in the near future for a re-check. His energy level remains good, as indicated by Bailey’s continuing enjoyment of running and swimming. What great news!

A happy boy, Bailey is pleasant to most people, although he occasionally barks at men who are strangers to him. Also, he sometimes runs up to other dogs and barks, which can be scary to them because of his attitude. His foster dad calls him “The Little Gladiator,” but Bailey never attacks; he just lets his feeling be known. Hmmmm……maybe he thinks his name is really Spartacus. To his foster mom Bailey is ever obedient and a terrific companion at all times.

Bailey recently attended the Langhorne, PA MAESSR picnic and had a great time. He was so happy to meet many new MAESSR friends. He must know that MAESSR has given him a most glorious new lease on life with the absolute best family!

Keep Bailey and his family in your thoughts. May he have many more wonderful experiences and many more MAESSR picnics to come!

Update 03/28/2013:  “He’s now running around with many dogs in the dog park and often ones that are much younger than he is.” 

Bailey’s had a good winter……what great news to hear from his family! He’s now running around with many dogs in the dog park and often ones that are much younger than he is. He’s swimming with the group and bringing home lots of mud. With all this activity, he’s much more relaxed at home and when out.

Bailey’s proving a very smart boy. He makes judgments about trusting or not……and now, much more than before, he decides to trust. He’s made many human friends at the park. One of his previous issues involved not giving up toys, but a lot of people have made little games out of this with him and he has relaxed with regard to surrendering items he values. He remains up for outdoor exercise any time, and, when at home, he tends to be quietly lying near his foster mom.

Bailey looks and seems well. Many people who know his story comment on how really well he seems to be. He’ll make a routine visit soon to his vet for a check up. Cross fingers that his vet will feel the same way. Enjoy spring, Mr. B!!

Update 01/14/2013:  “This boy is always up for everything!”

“No news is good news” is certainly apropos when it comes to Bailey’s health report. With his health remaining stable and a vet visit scheduled mid-March, Bailey can concentrate on being a fun-loving springer.

Bailey remains happy to charge outside every day to get his exercise, enjoying playtime at the dog park and hiking with his foster mom. This boy is always up for everything; he even accompanies his mom while she runs errands around town. At home and in her studio, Bailey is her constant companion.

At the dog park, Bailey enjoys the company of the people more than the presence of other dogs. Many folks have taken a shine to him, remarking that he makes eye contact like no other dog they’ve known. They sense that he watches them with interest and pure friendship. This attribute has been noted by his family, as well, and they believe that this might be the result of Bailey now having a stable, joyful life.

Certain resource guarding issues still remain. For example, Bailey refuses to give up balls or sticks at the dog park, but everyone and most dogs have learned to accommodate his determination to retain objects. He essentially behaves well.

During the holidays Bailey enjoyed his family’s holiday guests, adults and children alike. His interactions with his parent’s one year-old grandson were all positive. The holiday celebrations did, however, show a hitherto unknown talent for food theft from low-standing tables along with trash bag destruction. Basically a good boy, the holidays just provided too much temptation for Bailey!

Life is good for Bailey. We wish him many more romps in the park and holiday adventures to come.

Update 11/08/2012:  “As he enters his fifth month in his foster home, he is a calmer, happier dog.” 

The news for Bailey is welcome news indeed. As he enters his fifth month in his foster home, he is a calmer, happier dog. He seems to enjoy the expectations of a regular daily life which includes mealtimes (of course, he’s a Springer!), walks, time at the park with other dogs, playtime with his foster parents, and TV snuggle time on the couch in the evening. At night he sleeps with the cats in the family room……undoubtedly still on the couch!

Medically, Bailey’s health is status quo. Last seen by the vet in mid-September, if all seems well his next check up will be in mid-March. He receives an anti-inflammatory medication which is mixed into his breakfast and consumed without complaint. It is hoped that the medication will slow the growth of his tumor.

Despite his diagnosis, this pup’s wonderful temperament shines through. Described as a “dear, sweet boy” by his foster mom, Bailey is experiencing what every dog deserves – a loving family and excellent care. Please keep Bailey and his family in your thoughts.

Update 08/30/2012:  “Very sadly, the pathology report that followed revealed that the nodule was a cancerous growth.” 

It’s been a long, sad month for Bailey and his foster family. He was completely evaluated and had surgery to remove the anal sac several weeks ago. Very sadly, the pathology report that followed revealed that the nodule was a cancerous growth. This particular cancer is fairly aggressive and may be fatal within a year. An oncology consult is coming up and will help with plans on how to proceed. Bailey also has a troublesome leaky heart valve; fortunately, that isn’t causing him discomfort now but may down the road.

The future for this sweet boy is uncertain but, for the present, Bailey’s days are good. He weighs a healthier 52 pounds now. He seems happy, more relaxed, has a good appetite, clear ears, and enthusiasm about taking pretty long walks. He swims and he’s maintained his friendly demeanor throughout his extensive vetting. He’ll receive the best care MAESSR and his foster family can give him. Wishing Bailey and his family many, many good days ahead. Please keep them all in your best thoughts.

Update 07/30/2012: “Ongoing issues for Bailey include a heart murmur and a nodule in an anal sac.”  

Toward readying for a new beginning, Bailey’s basic vetting is complete but, health-wise, he continues to be a work in progress. Some issues are behind him, some are currently being addressed and a new one has emerged that will likely need a closer look. His latest news is mixed.

Definitely good news is that he’s finished treatment for Lyme disease and had treatment for paw dermatitis that was due to seasonal allergy. His thyroid screening results were normal………always good to hear. At his most recent exam the vet noted that, though Bailey is still a little overweight, the diet and exercise he’s getting are right for him; he’s down to 56.4 pounds from 64………yahoo!! Bi-lateral ear infections were found during the visit and should respond to local antibiotics and regular ear cleaning. The vet also aspirated a lump on Bailey’s chest and found it to be a harmless cyst………more good news.

An ongoing issue for Bailey is a heart murmur. During his last exam, the vet felt it was indeed there. It may be benign and something he can live with throughout his life with no symptoms. To determine that, though, will require more evaluation. More worrisome, the vet found that Bailey has a nodule in an anal sac. This too warrants further work. Please keep him in your best thoughts as further news comes in.

Back home, Bailey continues to be a great dog. A little nervous at first, he’s picked up the routine of life in foster care quickly. He has met many adults and gets along with everyone. He’s good with the dogs he meets on the street. He’s probably the most obedient guy when at the dog park, and, what a bonus, he gets along with cats just fine! There are no other dogs at home but his foster parents feel he could probably get along with most equally laid-back dogs………………or be happy as an only dog with canine pals. He’s bonded quickly with his foster mom and watches her for reaction wherever they are……………very smart boy!!! He’s also increasingly great looking as he gains a “waistline” and becomes more robust.

With time to settle, one not-uncommon behavior that his family has seen emerge is some resource-guarding of “cherished” objects, i.e. balls and chews. On occasion Bailey has shown some anxiety and grumbled softly when someone’s tried to take them from his month. At this point he is not playing with tug toys because he has no release command. His family is working on this with him and aren’t there yet but, as with health, there’s progress.

Again, Bailey’s a great dog. Fingers crossed for all good news next time……………

Original:  “Bailey has super manners in the house and in public.”

After his owner died, Bailey was shuffled between caretakers until he ended up at a shelter in New Jersey. Once MAESSR was notified, Bailey was on his way to foster care.

The vet reported that Bailey is in pretty good heath, but he does have a heart murmur that should be further evaluated. He is also, at 64 pounds, overweight. A thyroid panel was performed and the results are still pending. Bailey also tested positive for two tick-borne diseases and was sent home with the appropriate antibiotics for treatment.

Bailey appears to have been well-cared for by his original owner. He’s well-groomed and has super manners in the house and in public. He does beautifully with adults and behaved appropriately in the presence of one small child since in foster care. He has good canine manners in the dog park, and behaves well with the resident cats in his foster home. Actually, he pretty much ignores them. Good boy, Bailey!

This guy is quite an enthusiastic walker and doesn’t pull on-leash. He’s good off-leash in the park, keeping an eye on his foster mom, coming when he’s called, and sitting when asked. He swims, cuddles the squeaky snake that he journeyed to foster care with, and likes a special tug toy. He plays with balls in a similar way, so his foster mom is working with him on learning a release command.

Bailey was somewhat nervous during a recent thunderstorm, but not hysterical. He has not been tried in a crate because his house manners are so good. At night, he sleeps alone quietly in the family room behind a closed door……..although his foster mom has her suspicions that he sleeps on the couch along with the resident cats! She also reports that Bailey is a snorer. Twice, Bailey has attempted to get on the bed at his foster home. He looked very disappointed, but didn’t complain when he was shooed off.

A very sweet, people-pleasing dog, Bailey is sure to make a great addition to his new family. Watch for updates as he gets ready for the next chapter in his life.