Chuckie 3

---

Update 08/26/10:

How life improves when you’re feeling better! Chuckie has finished his treatment for kennel cough which appears to be gone, with the exception of some occasional wheezing and coughing. His vet feels that this could be due to allergies and is nothing to worry about. During his visit, the vet gave this assessment of Chuckie: lungs sounded good, eyes clear, ears good, hips extremely flexible. Since Chuckie’s successful treatment for tapeworms, he has gained weight and is up to 34.5 pounds! Overall, he’s a very healthy boy!

Chuckie’s true personality has begun to shine through since he is feeling better and eating like a little horse! He has begun to play with his toys and even has been able to coax the resident nine year old into playing with him. Chuckie still is very respectful of the other two senior dogs, and will not bother them when they let him know that they do not want company. A real snuggler, Chuckie will snuggle up with anyone that will permit it – human, canine or even feline! He continues to show no aggression at all, and his foster mom can easily put her hand in his food dish without any reaction from Chuckie. When given a treat, he is extremely gentle in taking it.

Chuckie is a quick learner. He knows that after coming back into the house from a potty break, dogs that “sit” and “shake paw” receive a treat; he always is the first to get one!

This little guy sits and waits very patiently to have his leash put on. He walks nicely and does not pull or tug. His house manners also remain impeccable, and he will dance around in circles to signal his need to go outside.

Chuckie is a true sweetheart and just loves his companions. He is very fond of the resident 11 year old female and will “nibble” on all of the resident pets to show his affection. Chuckie also will very gently take your hand when he wants to be petted or to be hugged. In return for your affections, he will hug you right back. This sweet little guy is just waiting to join a family who can give him all the love he craves and all the love he has to give in return! Could that family be yours?

Update 07/30/10:

This little boy didn’t know it at the time, but the day he was pulled from the shelter, Chuckie hit the jackpot! He immediately fit in with the four resident dogs, three females and one male, in his foster home. He does not like to eat alone and has no food aggression at all; he will leave a bite or two for one of the other dogs actually. His foster mom can easily put her hand in his food dish and take a few pieces with no reaction at all from him. Chuckie likes to sleep with one of the other dogs; maybe it makes him feel “safe.” And, he was quick to make friends with the resident cats.

There has not been a person that Chuckie has meet that he doesn’t like. He has met children of all age groups, as young as 4 years, and did wonderfully with them all.

Chuckie has absolutely perfect house manners! He does not counter surf or trash pick. He does not beg for food but will sit nearby, just in case you want to give him a taste! This mannerly little guy is completely house trained and sits very patiently to get his leash on; he has not been tested off leash. Chuckie’s favorite spot to be is on the recliner with one of the other resident Springers, or, if by chance his foster mom gets to sit there, he loves to be on her lap!

Definitely a Velcro Springer, he likes to stick very close to his foster mom. Where she is, he is– even if it is only for a few seconds. Part of this could be the lingering effects of his bout with kennel cough too. He needs a little extra comfort as he is still coughing, sneezing and has nasal discharge. He also needs to put on some weight but this will come when he gets to feeling better and eats better.

His foster mom saw his bath behavior first hand. When she initially brought him home, he went straight to the bathtub where he sat for 45 minutes and just enjoyed the attention. He was a complete angel at the groomer. There were no problems with his ears or feet being touched.

Each day his family sees a little more “personality” coming out and Chuckie is very comical. Ladybug, the 14 year old resident, has taught him (and this is not necessarily a good thing) that if you jump into the bathtub and bark, you can get a drink of water. This is the only way she will drink water and, at her age, she’s not denied her little quirks! But Chuckie is a quick learner and seems to think that this is “fun.” Early on, the slightest little noise, such as a hair dryer, put him into a complete panic, but he is becoming less afraid of noises.

Chuckie is very curious about his “shadow.” When he sees himself in a mirror, he is not quite sure what to think! It is very comical too. He also thinks that birds are very interesting and would love to catch one if the opportunity arose. He is an absolute sweetheart and as gentle as can be. More on this gem to come!

Original:

Chuckie was picked up by animal control as a stray in Pennsylvania. The shelter staff was baffled by how he became a stray since he is very loving, people-oriented, and well-behaved. When no one came to claim him, the shelter staff contacted MAESSR since the shelter was very crowded and Chuckie seemed very despondent in that environment. So, now Chuckie is a MAESSR dog.

Currently, Chuckie is a sick little boy from his kennel cough. He is spending his time lying around and sleeping. As he begins to feel better and his true personality comes out, there will be more on this sweet young dog.