Clifford 2

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Updated 3/29/06: Things are going smoothly for Clifford. His cracked nail is growing out and he has finished his antibiotics. While at the vet’s office, his nails were trimmed, and Clifford was very well behaved. He has been hanging out at home in an open crate lots more so it seems he may have been previously crate trained. He has even slept there some nights guarding his new bone.

Clifford has bonded with his foster parents and misses each of them when they leave for work. He howls first when his foster mom leaves and again an hour later when his foster dad departs. Shortly after they are both gone, it seems he quiets and he is never destructive while they are away.

Long runs in the woods and chasing around with the resident Springer is a daily pleasure for Clifford. He is very good about returning when called and will sit to have his leash put on. He had a bath recently so now his coat is soft and silky. Although he was not crazy about getting into the bathtub, he was a good boy once he was in.

Clifford loves going out on walks twice a day and being outside with his family, even if they are working in the yard. Other dogs or cats in the family would be a plus and could provide Clifford with companionship if he were left alone for any time. As soon as Clifford is microchipped, he will be ready to meet his forever family. If you love springtime walks and are ready for an eager companion to join you, you need to meet Clifford!

Original Clifford is a sweet field-bred Springer who will celebrate his 5th birthday in a few days. His owner had died two years ago, and Clifford was being cared for by the owner’s sister. She relinquished him to a shelter when she became unable to care for him any longer. He arrived at his foster home with a cracked toenail. Clifford is a stoic boy and did not complain about his injury. Instead, when he visited the vet for treatment, he wanted to greet everyone he met. A slight infection did arise from the injury and he’s on an antibiotic to be sure it heals well. Clifford has a healthy 54 pounds on his long, lanky frame and is quite handsome with his liver ticking and big spots on his white coat. He has his front dewclaws, but they lay flat and don’t cause him any problem.

In his foster home Clifford is getting along great with his Springer brothers and three resident cats. He is playful with stuffed animals but will pass on fetching balls. He enjoys chewing on a soup bone and has only chewed on appropriate dog toys. What he enjoys most is going to the park where he can sniff around and run. Meeting new people, or dogs, in the park doesn’t seem to bother him with the exception of having to pass by two helmeted bicyclers. He was a bit frightened of them and barked to let them know that.

He is a vocal boy at other times too and will cry or squeak when he wants to let you know something. Also, when someone comes into the house, or if he hears something outside, Clifford will bark but quiets down quickly. When his foster parents go off to work, Clifford initially cries and jumps on the door but again, he soon settles down.

Along the way Clifford has acquired very nice manners. He does not counter surf and is not a beggar at the table. He does get on the couch and bed when invited up but seems content sleeping on the dog bed next to his foster parent’s bed at night. Although he had not been crate trained, Clifford willingly goes into the resident Springer”s crates that are left open for lounging. Reliable with his housetraining, Clifford has been left in the kitchen/sunroom for up to 8 hours without accidents. He is not protective of his food and allows his foster parents to handle his food bowl without protest. Clifford “sits” and “comes” on command, and with a bit more training, he will ace loose leash walking.

Clifford is a friendly, laid-back Springer. In the past he has lived with children as young as two years and did well. This charming, lovable boy was obviously a beloved pet for his first years and is looking forward to having a family who will love him for the rest of his life. Make room for Clifford in your heart and home and the love he can return will be priceless.