Entered: 02/14/2015
Status: Adopted
Age: 7
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 50 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, living with systemic histiocytosis
Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with other dogs but would prefer to live with only one other dog, unknown with cats
Original: “While on leash walks, Buck does a good job with only a little pulling.”
Buck and his Springer sister Bella lived happily with their original owner in North Carolina for the first seven years of their lives. Then, life changed for both when their owner was diagnosed with a serious, debilitating disease and she could no longer care for Buck and Bella. These Springers had the good fortune of becoming MAESSR dogs, giving their owner peace of mind knowing that her beloved Springers would find wonderful new forever homes.
In 2011, Buck developed a medical condition called systemic histiocytosis, an immune mediated disease, similar to lupus or rheumatoid arthritis in people. It is usually treated with immunosuppressive medications which Buck will be taking for the rest of his life. By taking these meds, Buck’s immune system will be quieted so that any masses resolve. Because of this disease, a mass developed in Buck’s eye. Realizing that the mass would continue to grow and begin to cause Buck great pain, it was determined that removal of the eye would be therapeutic and palliative even if it was not curative. He does just fine getting around with his remaining eye and he is a happy boy.
Buck has adjusted well to living in his foster home. He is perfectly housetrained and goes to the door to signal his need to go out. If his person doesn’t notice this signal, he is sure to give a bark to alert his person of his needs. It was reported that he had been a counter-surfer in his past, but that behavior has not been observed by his foster family. A snuggler and lover of belly rubs, Buck likes to join members of his foster family on the couch, but will get down if he is told “down.” Then, off he goes to find another warm spot! At night he prefers sleeping with his foster parents on their big bed. When it is treat time, this handsome boy is quite the gentleman; he has such a gentle mouth when he takes treats. Buck will also “talk” to his foster parents when it is time for him to eat. Such a character!
When it comes to commands, Buck knows “sit,” “stay,” “out of the kitchen,” and “down.” While on leash walks, Buck does a good job with only a little pulling. He rides well in the car and got high marks for good behavior from the vet and groomer. Buck enjoys rough housing a little in play, as long as belly rubs are included! Quite the hunter, Buck is quite interested in the squirrels that prowl the back yard.
This handsome, happy, tri-color Springer is very affectionate and eager to please. What he wants most is a forever family that will love him in return and be vigilant about having him seen regularly by a specialist to keep his rare condition at bay.