Entered: 10/06/2018
Status: Adopted
Age: 7 Months
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 27 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Ashburn, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for worms and ear infections complete, gaining weight nicely
Temperament: Shy and submissive with adults and children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “This youngster, like any other kid, loves breakfast and dinner time. Her ears perk, her tail wags wildly, and she dances with anticipation.”
Bree, along with two siblings, entered MAESSR foster care when her Maryland owner’s chronic illness made him unable to care for his pups any longer. Due to the long-term nature of the owner’s illness, the dogs have only had limited socialization and training.
When she first arrived at his foster home, everything was new and scary for Bree; however, she is quickly adapting to new experiences. She is very afraid of being on a leash but has no issue running the backyard with all the other dogs. Bree has met a few other adults and children, and, with the help of treats, has made friends after her initial shyness.
A very gentle soul, Bree loves to have her head and ears scratched. She is learning that pets on her back and belly can also feel good. Her foster dad can pet her while she eats. She is crate trained and sleeps in her crate while her foster dad is at work. She cannot be trusted alone right now since she is still a puppy and will find trouble if left alone. At night Bree takes her spot on the bed next to the other Springers and is quiet until she needs to go to the bathroom. Although she isn’t housetrained, well-timed walks have prevented too many house accidents. Since living inside is new to her, strange appliance noises still cause her to retreat.
Bree does not know any commands nor is she familiar with toys and playtime, but she is quickly learning. She is a puppy and is learning to not chew inappropriately. She is being given plenty of bones and chew toys to re-direct her behavior.
And, because she is still a puppy, Bree’s furever owners will need to make a commitment to take her to an obedience class. Please note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and younger to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption.
This youngster, like any other kid, loves breakfast and dinner time. Her ears perk, her tail wags wildly, and she dances with anticipation. She is fed away from the other dogs since she likes to finish up quickly and then raid the other dogs’ food bowls. Her foster dad knows not to leave food too near the edge of the counter as Bree was never taught that counter-surfing is a no-no. Food may be less of a focus once this skinny gal gains some badly needed weight, hopefully following her worm treatment. Even with her enthusiasm, Miss B is very gentle taking treats.
Since Bree is very afraid of the leash, she has to be carried into the car, but, once there, settles quickly and quietly into the rear passenger seat and was a trooper at her first vet visit. Clearly frightened, she still allowed the vet to give her a physical and needed shots without any sign of aggression. She hasn’t been to a groomer yet but endured a bath from her foster mom as soon as she arrived.
Bree is a work in progress. She clearly wants to please and be loved. Treats will be a powerful motivation in moving her behavior forward. A home with a fenced yard would be the best since it will help her feel safe and secure–walking on a leash may never be a truly comfortable thing for her to do.
Watch for more on this lovely lady as she acclimates to her new world, grows in confidence, and learns to be the best Springer she can be.