Entered: 11/15/2009
Status: adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Onancock, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, beginning a healthy weight loss, treatment for a mild ear infection and torn toenail complete
Temperament: Good with older children through adults, has walked nicely with other mellow dogs but will be happiest if living as an only dog, cats unknown
Update 12/07/09: Bella has been with her foster family for three weeks now, long enough to afford further insights into her personality. She remains a sweet, obedient girl. Compact she is but she is every bit a Springer. Even in inclement weather, Bella loves to walk and be outside. While outside, she is ever vigilant for those pesky rabbits, though her foster family thinks she would be more startled than the rabbit if she ever caught one. She has walked nicely with dogs that have comparable live-and-let-live temperaments. Bella, while by no means aggressive, has shown she is prepared to defend herself if need be.
Bella’s favorite spot in the house remains the bed. She can be found there almost any time of the day, just happy to be comfy. Usually, no foster dog would be allowed on the furniture, including the bed, but Bella has wormed her way into her foster family’s heart and up on their bed. She does not, however, get up on any other furniture and will get down from the bed when asked.
Bella has made a trip to the vet for a torn toenail and a mild external ear infection. She was absolutely calm and showed no resentment while being treated. Her vet declared her to be “a real sweetie.” Because she is so good natured, it was very easy to treat this infection and she has now totally recovered. While at the vet, she was weighed and showed a significant three pound weight loss! Good girl! Bella has also been bathed at home and had her nails trimmed with no trouble.
Bella’s ideal “fur ever” home would be one where she is the only dog and with a back yard where she could spend some time and amuse herself. Also, her ideal family would maintain her walking schedule so she can continue her healthy lifestyle, weight-loss routine, and she would really appreciate a nice comfy bed. She’s a good girl who needs a good home!
Original: Bella came to MAESSR through no fault of her own. She had been with one Pennsylvania family since puppyhood but shuttled between different branches of the family for most of her life. It was finally decided to relinquish her to MAESSR when one family member decided he didn’t want a dog. The decision was difficult for the remaining family members, but they knew this offered Bella the best chance for the life she deserves.
A bit chubby, Bella needs to lose at least ten of her fifty pounds, but since this little girl loves to walk and is not much interested in dog food, the weight loss should come quite easily. Bella’s short stature doesn’t mean she won’t jump on furniture, particularly the bed where she prefers to sleep. She will go in a crate, but much prefers to be with people. She also will counter surf to see what is up there, but she can’t really reach much of anything and will respond quickly to “no.” Her house manners are very good. She doesn’t get into the trash, jump on people, chew inappropriately, or bark except to alert someone is at the door.
Impeccably housebroken, Bella is totally trustworthy in the house. When it’s time for a walk, she walks very well on a leash and can be trusted off leash. It was reported she will chase small animals, but her foster family has not seen that, yet. Although Bella has not been exposed to children in her foster home, her foster mom believes but she would be fine with children who are old enough to respect her reserved manner. Bella is a gentle dog that startles easily. She responds very quickly to “no” and does not need harsh correction.
When meeting new people, Bella is reserved and seems more comfortable with women than men. She does, however, warm up and is sweet and loving once she gets to know you. It is reported she does not much care for dogs. Her foster family notices Bella will ignore dogs she sees as long as they ignore her. Bella will be happiest as an only dog.
This quiet, fairly low energy girl would do well in a home with older adults and no other dogs. Her size and temperament make her a good candidate for apartment or town home living as long as she continues to receive the walks she so loves. Does Bella sound like the Springer girl for you? you?
Please watch for updates on Bella as more of her personality unfolds.