Entered: 07/09/2022
Status: Adopted
Age: 8; born 08/31/2014
Color: Black/White
Weight: 38 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, on thyroid supplement, has bi-lateral elbow dysplasia which has caused osteoarthritis for which she is receiving medication
Temperament: Good with people as young as 10 (younger ones make her nervous), good with other dogs, cats unknown
Bailey was relinquished to MAESSR because she nipped the infant in her North Carolina home. The baby was crawling on the porch toward Bailey when Bailey nipped the baby on the shoulder. It did not break the skin or bleed. Bailey had not been comfortable with the baby since it started crawling. As far as the baby goes, Bailey never sought out the baby and only became reactive when the baby was crawling towards her and she felt trapped. Owner said Bailey appeared truly scared of the now mobile baby. She is NOT comfortable with young children.
Bailey is your typical loyal, Velcro Springer. She loves her people and is indifferent to other dogs. She won’t seek other dogs to growl at them but isn’t a fan of them approaching her until after a warm-up period. She won’t seek out conflict but will defend herself if needed. Her original family had been sending her to doggie daycare.
Initially skittish of strangers visiting, Bailey is okay after a warm-up period and she knows they are okay. This love bug likes to sit on the sofa with the family and hang out. She sleeps in the bed with her foster parents or in a dog bed beside their bed. During the day she sleeps in her dog bed or on the sofa. She is a low-key girl.
Bailey attended obedience class as a pup and her lessons stuck. She knows “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “paw,” “let’s go,” “drop it,” “leave it,” and “go to your dog bed.” She is also good on leash. For exercise she absolutely loves the water and swimming. Not a resource guarder, Bailey allows food and toys away from her. Good girl!
She is totally and reliably housetrained and currently does not use a crate. Crating is not needed as she is so trustworthy in the house. She is great staying home alone when the family is out and displays no separation anxiety. She will be a great and easy dog for a home without children.
Both good at the vet and at the groomer, she complies with whatever is required of her. Osteoarthritis of her elbow limits her mobility to a degree. She is on medication to help keep her mobile and she is doing well. Her medications were decreased when she came into foster care. One of the medications is known for making dogs jittery and anxious so she was taken off of it. That made a big difference in her personality. Then she was started on an inexpensive supplement to help with her overall anxiety and Bailey turned into a normal dog. Her adoptive home will be required to keep her on this supplement for a minimum of six months after adoption.
Bailey is such a sweet, wonderful girl. Her foster mom is sure that there is a great family without young children just waiting for a fantastic companion like her.