| Entered: 12/30/2008 Status: adopted Age: 10 Color: Black/ White Weight: Gender: Altered Male Location: Aston, PA Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for Lyme disease complete Temperament: Good with adults, has lived briefly with a preschooler and did well, good with other dogs, reportedly good with most cats |
Update 01/15/09: Cody continues to do well in his foster home. Despite his size, he really is easier to have around than the two resident dogs. He’s self-confident and not nearly as needy as the others. His daily routine is to get up at 7 AM from his dog bed when the humans come downstairs (7:30 on weekends), roll over for belly pets, and maybe play with the resident Springer unless the terrier, aka Mr. Morale Suppression, barks too much. Then Cody waits patiently while coffee is started. Next, he goes out on leash and visits his favorite bale of straw in the yard, coming back in for breakfast in the kitchen.
After everyone dresses for work, he and his buddies get a 10-minute walk to do the rest of their business. A nap or checking quietly for squirrels, or birds, at the feeders fills his morning hours and then there’s a 15-minute walk at lunch. More kick back time in the afternoon, then hopefully a longer walk before an evening of hanging out near his foster dad on a rug.
Weekends bring lots of fun, usually with a walk/trot in the woods each day, and if the temps are above 40, he’s allowed to swim. Speaking of water, Cody doesn’t mind being carted into the tub and washed, standing patiently for soaping and rinsing.
Cody would love to have a home free of terriers, preferably with a yard so he could wander off leash. He’s warm and sociable and looks forward to having a place to permanently call home.
Original: This is another sad story of a seemingly heartless owner bringing his 10-year-old Springer to the vet to be put down, not because of illness or injury, but because the owner didn’t want him any longer. Thankfully, a guardian angel was watching over Cody so there will be a happy ending for this gentle senior from Pennsylvania. A friendly vet tech saved Cody by taking him home with her. She was staying with a relative that banned him to the yard, so the tech helped once again by passing Cody on to MAESSR.
At 61 pounds Cody is a big boy. He is slim but tall and not at all overweight. Actually, he could easily carry a few more pounds. He enjoys a mix of food that includes some canned chicken and rice so gaining a few pounds is underway. The only accidents Cody has had in his foster home were during the first week when constipation from the diet change was bothering him. Since then, he has been reliably going outside. He is a stately gentleman with no age-related hearing or sight problems.
Mellow indoors, Cody will drop and roll for tummy pets with a big thump. If someone tickles his ribs in just the right place, his back leg will twitch. You can grab his big feet and flip him to the other side without complaint. He loves to be groomed and plops out on his side for what ever you would like to do for him. He parks his sizeable frame in the corner on a small rug while TV is being watched.
Cody is crate trained but sleeps on a dog bed in the library alongside the resident Springer at night. If asked, he will go to his crate and stay, with only a little whimper if he can see you while in there. He’s allowed free roam of the house when his family is away. In addition to the resident Springer, Cody lives with a snippy male terrier and gets along with both quite nicely. He will play tug of war with the Springer and her favorite toy, so he’s not all staid and proper. His previous care giver reported that he was good with most cats, but his foster family has not had the chance to see this firsthand.
Outdoors Cody loves to swim. He rides eagerly in the car, especially if he thinks a trail hike is involved. He walks actively yet politely on leash. He knows sit, down, and “stay in the kitchen” while his family eats.
Since coming to his foster home, Cody’s not met children except for passing them in walking. His foster mom’s sense of him is that he’s a gentle soul who would be fine even with babies. His previous home included a preschooler that he was good with. He doesn’t rush at people or things and shows little aggression. At the same time, he’s not timid, just watchful. He seems to prefer the quiet company of his foster dad. In the kitchen when someone is cooking, Cody just stands and watches, or flops on his rug. There is no counter surfing or putting his big nose into things. What a dream to live with!
Cody is ready for one more move and could fit into almost any Springer-loving home. He exemplifies the best of his breed. He’s adaptable, friendly, and active in his early senior years. He will be a wonderful companion for the family that invites him into their home. No training required just love him and enjoy!!!!