Entered: 12/18/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 3
Color: Black/White
Weight: 41 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, dental with one extraction complete, overall good health
Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “He brought to mind the dog in a very cool animated e-card his family had received a few days earlier, so in line with artistic origins of the card, this boy became MAESSR’s first Chudleigh.”
There was little time to ponder a name for this stray from a Kentucky shelter who came into MAESSR’s care just before Christmas. He brought to mind the dog in a very cool animated e-card his family had received a few days earlier, so in line with artistic origins of the card, this boy became MAESSR’s first Chudleigh.
Chudleigh’s first week in foster care was a little on the tough side. Just before his arrival, he’d had a dental with an extraction. Initially this slowed his kibble consumption, though he managed the soft treats that Santa left for him. A stuffy nose and coughing peaked on Christmas Day which may have contributed to his poor appetite as well. And, as if this wasn’t quite enough, he sprained a hind leg, either by slipping on the kitchen floor or during a tussle with another dog over a choice bed. A few days of isolation with run-of-the-kitchen, as well as sole access to that coveted dog bed, led to a quick recovery. Ten days after his arrival, all was back to normal for Chudleigh.
Meeting the three springers in his foster home was easy for Chudleigh. He’s a dog’s dog with appropriate dog-to-dog manners and sized up his new canine friends well. The oldest is not playful and after a few tries, Chudleigh understood the senior was best left alone. The middle-age springer is a willing playmate for Chudleigh but often peeters out just as Chudleigh’s hitting his stride. That leaves a 2-year old resident who’s an accomplished wrestler and sets the pace of “chase” games between the 2 dogs. Chudleigh fits into the pack as if he’s been with them forever.
Initially Chudleigh was much less sure about his foster mom. He’s a shy boy and skirted her widely in the first days. He used his crate as a safe haven or retreated to the upstairs landing when asked to “come.” His soft, steady and gentle spirit is just now emerging as he begins to trust people. He’s beginning to seek human attention and is doing it in surprising ways. While grooming one of the dogs, his foster mom noticed Chudleigh watching, then coming to the table and even putting his feet up as if he wanted to be next. Indeed, he got to be next and accepted the grooming noose, a thorough comb-out and ear cleaning as if it was old hat. When it came time to take pictures for his webpage, he walked right into his foster mom’s lap…….something he’d never done before and hasn’t since!
Chudleigh is a work in progress in other ways. With settling, he’s becoming reliable with his house-training but doesn’t give a sign and benefits from a watchful eye. He is crate-trained and spends his time there when his foster family is out of the house and during nights as he has been drawn to things a dog shouldn’t chew on. Counter-surfing has been unrewarding but he still tries when left unattended in the kitchen. And his leash walking skills are nil. It’s not that he pulls; he simply moves on a leash as if he’s not had any training.
Every day there’s something new with Chudleigh. With his health issues resolved, the best is ahead for him and will come quickly. Check back to follow his progress………….