Carsen 1
Carsen 2
Carsen 3
Carsen 4
Carsen 5
Carsen 6
Entered: 12/12/2022
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 60 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Latrobe, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, no reoccurrence of unexplained seizures, increased itchiness
Temperament: Good with people as young as 14 (may jump on little ones), good with other dogs, good with resident cat
Update 03/05/2023: “He absolutely loves training sessions with his foster mom where he receives his favorite thing – tons of attention!”
Carsen continues to amaze his foster family with how quickly he learns. He absolutely loves training sessions with his foster mom where he receives his favorite thing – tons of attention! Not only has he become more consistent with commands he already knew but has learned many new tasks and even a handful of tricks.
His leash skills have significantly improved with the help of a Gentle Leader head collar. As soon as it’s brought out, he sits down, knowing it’s time for a walk.
There have been no signs of resource guarding from Carson either. When the resident cat tries to sneak some of Carsen’s food, he moves to one side of his bowl as if he’s giving space so the cat can take a nibble. Of course, his foster mom prevents that from occurring, but it’s adorable that Carsen is agreeing to share.
Most importantly, Carsen continues to be seizure free! The only minor change to his health has been increased itchiness. With help from the vet, his foster mom is continuing trying to rule out possible allergens by changing things like detergents and shampoos. Hopefully, a source for his itchiness will be found.
Meanwhile, Carsen continues to be one happy, happy boy!
Update 01/30/2023: “One can never be unhappy around Carsen because his happy-go-lucky personality and silly antics are sure to induce a smile!”
Carsen’s foster mom is happy to report that he has been seizure-free for over one month. He now is completely up-to-date on his vaccines and has been able to start his flea/tick preventatives. As a result, he has been able to spend some time at doggie daycare playing “catch me if you can” with other dogs.
Although cautious in new places or situations at first, Carsen becomes increasingly confident with repetition and positive reinforcement. His anxiety related to car rides has lessened significantly. His foster mom keeps him tethered in the back for his safety. Leash walking skills are still a work in progress for Carsen. He’s not thrilled about using a harness, but reluctantly wears one knowing he’s going someplace fun.
One can never be unhappy around Carsen because his happy-go-lucky personality and silly antics are sure to induce a smile!
Original: “He absolutely LOVES the snow and playing ball in the backyard.”
Carsen is a sweet medium-energy boy who truly thinks he’s a lap dog. He was reluctantly relinquished to MAESSR after his Pennsylvania owner had to return to work and thought it was unfair for him to be crated 4-6 hours per day.
Carsen has been to the vet twice and unfortunately had a seizure both times upon entering the office. As a result he has not been able to be UTD on his Bordetella and Leptospirosis vaccines, or started on flea/heartworm preventatives. He has no known prior seizure history and has had no seizure activity outside of the vet’s office. Carsen loved the attention from the staff and was compliant during his physical exam.
The new family member and the resident cat became fast friends. They both sleep in bed with Carsen’s foster mom, gently sniff each other to say, “Good Morning,” and then go their separate ways. Carsen loves other dogs and is extremely excited to meet them, but he has not had many close interactions due to his vaccination status.
This handsome lad is completely housetrained and has excellent house manners. He will stretch to get his nose as close as he can to food on the kitchen counter or in the garbage, but has never attempted to actually grab anything. He lies quietly under the table when people are eating and doesn’t beg for food. Carsen will give one small bark if someone comes to the door; but after a quick sniff, his tail starts wagging. He instantly solicits pets and belly rubs. He does tend to jump up on people but responds immediately when told “off.” Carsen is told to go lie down if his constant requests for attention become overwhelming. He complies and will go settle into his dog bed.
Due to the intensely cold weather, Carsen hasn’t been on many long walks. He does pull quite a bit on his leash—a behavior his foster mom is working on. He absolutely LOVES the snow and playing ball in the backyard. He has very good recall in the yard when there are no distractions—if distracted, he takes his own sweet time! Inside he carries around his stuffed toys but doesn’t destroy them. He has “borrowed” a few of the cat’s toys, but obeys when told “drop.”
At home grooming and ear cleaning are time consuming only because Carsen thinks this is the perfect time to squirm around and roll on his back for a belly rub. He allows his foster mom to wipe his paws when coming in from the outside, but has not been agreeable with nail trimming yet.
Due to his recent seizures he is being closely monitored by his foster mom and therefore has not been left alone. Car rides are a work in progress as Carsen tends to become anxious (never know when you might be going to the vet!). His foster mom is working on this each day, and his anxiety has lessened some.Carsen is an absolute joy to be around. The way he twists and squirms just to be close to his person, his hopping around when playing and his animated facial expressions bring laughter to everyone. Watch for future updates on this most happy fella!