Chancie

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Update 05/05/12:

What a difference a month makes! With appropriate vetting and a loving environment once again, Chancie’s quality of life has vastly improved and she’s doing great! 

Health-wise, Chancie’s a new girl. Her ear infection has cleared, but, like many Springers who are prone to ear infections, her ears need weekly monitoring. Her foster mom keeps the hair in her ears clipped short using an electric clipper at least monthly and she uses an ear cleaner weekly. Performed faithfully, this should keep those infections away. Chancie’s a good girl for this ritual as well as for a full grooming.

This little sweetheart has no bad habits, so she is a wonderful house guest. With her ear infection cleared, Chancie hears well enough for a senior; and despite cataracts, she sees well enough to get around. She loves being around her people and thrives on praise. Her foster mom describes Chancie as the perfect little Springer.

Chancie has a low energy level as do most seniors, but she has her moments of spryness. Although she spends much of the day sleeping, she loves her long walks and does well on the leash with no pulling. In fact, she walks a brisk mile on a leash. Chancie also enjoys her runs at her foster parents’ farm. If she’s not in a running mood, she will prance around outside with the other dogs or wander around the yard; she always comes when called. As you can see, Chancie’s getting a lot of exercise, and as a result she’s looking and feeling much better.

There is a bit of a watch dog in Chancie and she will bark non-aggressively at new things. When meeting new people, she does not approach until encouraged to do so. She loves her foster family’s neighbor who gives her yummy treats. She has not met any cats at her foster home, but she gets along with other dogs. Chancie is very laid back and she exhibits no food guarding. She will, however, stand up for herself when a new foster sibling attempts to play the bully. Little Chancie stands her ground and won’t let him push her around!

Chancie would do well in a family with children old enough to understand the needs and lifestyle of a senior dog. Although she can be left in the house for long periods without a problem, she would love a family who could spend some quality time with her. This darling little girl is looking for a special family who’s willing to give her a chance to show how special she can be. It won’t be so much of a chance as a sure thing!

Original:

After Chancie’s DC owner died, the owner’s son stopped by twice a day to care for this middle aged Springer. It became apparent that Chancie needed more human contact and care so MAESSR was contacted to help this sweet little girl find a new loving home. 

Chancie loves her foster home and having caring people around her constantly, going for walks, and being outside with the resident dogs. A relatively low energy girl, Chancie sleeps much of the day, yet she is ready to take a leash walk for a mile walk right next to her foster mom. She is great with other dogs and when awakened from a nap, she is gentle and sweet. Also, this social girl is happy to meet children and would do well with older kids. She has wowed everyone she has met and has shown them what a good girl she is.

Although she is housetrained, Chancie has some incontinence for which she is taking medication successfully. Her foster mom also makes sure she gets outside regularly to empty her bladder. Chancie also signals her need to go out by going to the door. Since she behaves well in the house with no chewing, counter-surfing, or other problems, she does not have to be crated at night or when her family is out. She has the freedom of the house and will sleep most of the day on a rug or on her blankets. At night she either sleeps on her blankets in the master bedroom or on the dog sofa that all the dogs get up on. All other furniture is off limits. If she can get to the garbage on garbage collection day, she will try to rummage, though. 

Chancie has some age-related health issues, but nothing serious. She has some arthritis for which she is being given supplements daily. Although she has a fatty cyst on her lower chest and some little skin tags, they are nothing that need removal. Her chronic ear infection is clearing up after a round of antibiotics; because of ear infections throughout her life, Chancie has some hearing loss. During her physical, the vet detected a slight heart murmur which does not prevent her from being active. Her vet said that Chancie will choose how much exercise she should have; she does what she can and loves it! Immature cataracts in both eyes do not prevent her from seeing, but they do not help either. A very good girl at the vet, Chancie cooperated totally; at home she takes her meds easily, only wanting to please. Good at the groomer also, Chancie has a new short look for the spring and since she needs her ears cared for, the hair around the ear canal has to be kept trimmed short. 

Although she has had little formal training, Chancie will come when called though she is hard of hearing. She does not pull on a leash and rides well in the car. She loves to run at her foster parents’ farm although she does not move fast. There is a little stress on her heart from the running, but she keeps moving and will not give up a chance to have some exercise. 

Even though she has some toys, Chancie has not played with them and stays to herself when the resident puppy wants to play. Sweet when meeting other dogs, Chancie is totally nonaggressive. She eats with the resident dogs twice a day and takes her time even after the others have gobbled their meals. After she is done, she allows the resident dogs to finish whatever is left in her bowl. She enjoys being outside, romping with the other dogs, but when playtime is over, she settles down on her soft bed next to her people. 

Chancie would make a great pet for a family with older children who want a quiet little lady. She could fit into any home with other dogs, too. With her laid-back attitude, Chancie seems like she would get along with cats and birds as well. She is a sweet, lovely girl who has many more years of love to share with her new adoptive family.