Cassie 3

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Update 10/14/10:

Miss Cassie, as she has come to be called by her foster mom, is beginning to blossom. She has lost a few more pounds and is almost to her target weight. Now she leads the pack on walks and can even jump up on the sofa. This most recent accomplishment is something she is very proud of. She will sit on the sofa with a half smile on her face, as if to say, “See what I can do!”

While she was always seen carrying a stuffed toy in her mouth, she now also enjoys tossing the toys into the air and playing fetch with them. Cassie even invites the other foster dog in her home to play tug of war and, to her delight, he is happy to oblige!

Her foster family recently installed a doggie door and Cassie loves to lay on the porch where she can keep an eye on the world. When visitors arrive, she will run into the house, “woo woo”-ing at her foster mom to let her know; then she greets the visitors with a wagging butt and little happy circles. Cassie has assumed the responsibility of being the official greeter and she loves it!

The meds for her urinary tract issue appear to be helping a great deal and this little girl has no health issues at present. Instead, she feels super! Cassie is tolerant of small children, but she chooses to leave the room if they are around. She will probably be more content in a forever home that does not include young children.

This is one sweet little girl; loving, funny, and always well-behaved. She would make a devoted companion to anyone ready for a little more love in their lives.

Update 09/14/10:

Miss Cassie has lost 7 pounds since she came to MAESSR. She now weighs 42.2. Way to go!! She will need to continue on the thyroid supplement for the rest of her life and, with correct thyroid levels, maintaining a healthy weight should no longer be a challenge for her.

Earlier vetting had raised some concerns with Cassie’s urine values. After more testing, it has been found that she is losing some protein in her urine. This is the result of some damage to her urinary tract from her thyroid levels being out of whack for so long. She has been started on another medication that could possibly help fix the previous damage, but the outcome is not known at this time. The medication is inexpensive and will, at a minimum, stop any further damage. This is not life threatening for Cassie, just something that her caregivers need to be aware of. Whoever is interested in adopting Cassie will be allowed to contact the vet that did the recent testing for the full run down and details prior to adoption.

This is one really great girl. Cassie’s feeling great and is ready to get into life’s best with people who want to share moderate daily activities with their dog. Fall walks? What would they be without a best friend at your side?

Update 08/27/10:

Cassie’s most recent vet visit confirmed that her thyroid levels are now normal, due to her medication regimen. And now for a drum roll: Cassie’s lost 4 pounds! Some crusty skin patches also have cleared up, so Cassie’s looking good!

Now carrying a lighter load, Cassie enjoys walks down through the pasture with her furry friends, trotting along like a little trooper. She’s very busy in her foster home on weekends and is grateful for Monday so she can sleep in!

Cassie continues to get along well in her foster home and has become very comfortable there. She prefers to sleep in the bathroom on the throw rug rather than on a doggie bed. Along with green beans and cantaloupe, Cassie has let her foster mom know that she also enjoys lettuce and peas. She seems to know what foods will help her keep a slim figure!

Cassie is now looking for a forever home with a family that shares her likes – long walks, warm hugs, and occasional produce with meals!

Update 07/02/10:

Cassie had her visit to the vet to receive vaccinations and routine testing. In the vet’s office, she greeted everyone, human and canine, who came into the office. She happily stepped onto the scale and underwent her examination and vaccinations without a word. Cassie was found to have a low thyroid level and, as a result, she is being put on a low-cost daily medication. She eats anything and everything, including green beans and cantaloupe, so it will be no problem giving her medication. She received compliments from the vet and the staff on her outstanding behavior and nice, clean teeth. She does have some long-standing ear issues and will require regular cleaning.

Adjusting to life in a busy foster home continues. Cassie’s foster mother finally heard her bark for the first time. It was in response to the family coming home and Cassie’s letting them know she wanted out of the crate to greet them. She is getting more comfortable with her furry foster sisters and brother and is becoming one of the family. She loves being outside and exploring the sights and sounds of her home. Cassie will look out the window to see what everyone is doing if she is left in the house while the family is outside. She wants to be with the family and participate in all the activities. She likes to carry her stuffed animals around and chew on smoked elk bones. Cassie loves attention and will sit and stare until she is recognized. If she does not get the attention she craves, she will put her nose into your hand and prod you until she gets a pat.

Cassie continues to work on her weight and exercise programs. Although she would like more to eat, her food is regulated to help her lose some weight and become more active. She goes up and down the steps spryly now and will jump into the car to go for a ride. Think what this springy Springer could do when she reaches an ideal weight!

This is one sweet little girl who would love a home that could give her lots of love, attention, green beans and cantaloupe. Once Cassie gets her thyroid medication adjusted to the therapeutic level, she will be ready for her furever home. It shouldn’t take long! Keep an eye out for “available” on this gal’s page!

Original:

Cassie came into MAESSR’s care when her mom had to move out of state and could not take her along. On her journey to her foster home she did get sick in the car, but this was probably due to the stress of leaving her home. She is understandably confused but is adapting well in her foster home.

Cassie welcomes her family when they come home from work by sitting up and asking for a pat on the head. She sits to have her leash attached and walks nicely without pulling unless there is some delectable aroma to distract her. Then, she wants to explore and find out what it is. This little lady would not stoop to counter-surf or dumpster dive as that would be beneath her dignity! She prefers to dine on her kibble and frozen green beans.

When it comes time for bed or a short nap, Cassie makes herself at home in one of the available crates and does not attempt to get up on the furniture. She is currently crated while her family is at work but it is probably not necessary as she is a bit of a couch potato. A bit plump, Cassie will benefit from diet and exercise. She still has a spring to her step and will jog happily around the yard but then heads for the door to go back into the air conditioning. Who can blame her with this summer’s heat!

Cassie gets along well with her canine foster sisters and brother, as well as the resident cat that is more or less ignored. She does not resource guard to try to steal what isn’t hers, but will pick up anyone’s stuffed critter to carry around.

In the coming week, Cassie will be visiting the veterinarian to have her health status checked. She appears healthy, but may be slightly hard of hearing. Stay tuned for more of the adventures of Cassie as she gets ready for her forever home!