Entered: 04/15/2013
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 8
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 78 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Dumfries, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from an inexpensive medication for anxiety and a supplement for joint support, treatment for a minor skin infection underway
Temperament: Unsuitable for adoption
Update 08/06/2013: “Though with many redeeming qualities, it became clear to all that Cogs’ overall temperament was such that he was unsuitable for adoption.”
A wise and well-seasoned rescuer once counseled a new volunteer that not every dog can be saved. Unfortunately Cogs turned out to be one with irreconcilable issues. During 4 months in MAESSR’s care, 2 foster families worked with him and his vet to optimize his physical health and to assess his emerging personality. Though with many redeeming qualities, it became clear to all that Cogs’ overall temperament was such that he was unsuitable for adoption.
Godspeed, dear boy…………..
Update 06/30/2013: “The children have been careful about coming at Cogs more slowly and he, in turn, is less concerned about food issues.”
Cogs moved down the road to another foster home with fewer canines and a farm to explore. Initially somewhat anxious, he is settling into his new environment and is becoming more relaxed.
At first Cogs appeared to have a few guarding issues around his food and water bowl. The problem arose when Cogs was relaxing near his empty bowl and young visitors to the home surprised him with fast moving hands near his face. This made Cogs anxious which caused him to act a little snappy. His foster mom counteracted by removing all bowls after feeding times to prevent any incidents of this type. Oddly, there have been no problems during feeding times and all of the dogs are fed at the same time. Cogs even allows the resident female lab eat the rest of his food when he is finished. It seems that Cogs has put himself on a diet and walks away from his food before finishing! Good boy, Cogs!
As time passes in his new home, the anxieties Cogs exhibited have dissipated. The children have been careful about coming at Cogs more slowly and he, in turn, is less concerned about food issues. His foster mom requires him to give a paw as she holds his food bowl before he receives it, and Cogs dutifully complies. She also believes that several one mile walks daily, faithfully taking his medications and a new haircut have done wonders to help change his mood. What a happy boy he is now that he’s losing weight and looking so handsome! Due to his weight loss and new summer haircut, a fatty cyst was discovered on his leg but it doesn’t bother Cogs a bit.
Cogs just loves kids and people, and he is good around other dogs. He’s actually assertive about receiving affection now. Previously his foster family had to initiate the loving, but now Cogs includes himself in the greetings and petting when his family arrives home. On a walk he wants everyone he sees to pet him. He has perfect house manners and does not venture off the property when outside off lead. Although he’s not one to actively look for exercise and has to be called a few times for a walk, Cogs loves his family’s farm where he can walk at his own pace and snoop about.
His foster mom thinks that Cogs is a great guy. She feels that he would do well with older children who could understand that quick hand movements might make him anxious. He is such a sweet fella who will be a perfect fit with a special family. Do you have room in your family for Cogs?
Update 05/28/2013: “He has really been doing well with his anxiety medication.”
Cogs has done very well in his foster home. He has lost TWO pounds. Yeah Cogs! With further assessment, his vet decided that Cogs did not need the thyroid supplement. It’s been discontinued and he is doing well without it. He has really been doing well with his anxiety medication. His movement is much better too; the supplement for joint support is kicking in for him now. He is currently on an antibiotic for a minor skin infection that should be cleared quickly.
Cogs has not had any instances of growling or grumbling in weeks. He has just been an absolutely perfect boy. His favorite place to sleep is on the recliner and he will share with his foster dad. A smart gent, this Cogs!
Are you ready for this sweet boy to help keep your recliner warm? Cogs leans toward being a man’s dog; he could settle well with a family but he’ll likely be happiest if there’s a man to bond with and be the object of his devotion. Ask about meeting him………you’ll understand!!
Original: “Cogs has been his foster dad’s shadow since he got to his foster home.”
Cogs was relinquished to MAESSR due to his guarding of food. His New Jersey family had children of an age where they had friends over frequently, and the parents did not want Cogs to scare any of the visiting children. Cogs had always been the best friend of the ten year old child in the house and slept on his bed at night. The family was devastated to let him go, but felt they were doing what was right for everyone.
Cogs is a sweetie who very much prefers men to women. Women are okay, but give Cogs a man and he will stare adoringly at him for hours! Cogs has been his foster dad’s shadow since he got to his foster home. His foster dad recently was away for the weekend. When another male MAESSR volunteer came by, Cogs was whining and crying to get close to him.
Since his thyroid levels are low, Cogs has been started on a thyroid supplement. This should definitely help both his weight loss and his attitude. He has begun taking a supplement for some pain in his hips, which is likely caused by the extra weight he is carrying. Cogs was also started on a medication to help with his anxiety. His foster mom is thrilled to report that he has been absolutely perfect since being on his new meds.
Cogs is housetrained and will go to the door to be let out. He will whine at the door to come back in if you forget about him! He’s not a big barker, does not chew inappropriately, has never jumped a fence, and has no submissive urination issues. He is not a counter-surfer, but if there is something in the trash that he smells and wants, he will trash dive. Cogs does not beg at the table and if he is in the room while the family is eating and told to go lie down, he complies. In his excitement to greet people, Cogs does jump on visitors when they first come to the home, along with doing a little “roo-roo” dance.
Although he has never had any formal obedience training, Cogs does know basic commands of “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” and “come.” He was crate trained as a puppy, but hasn’t used a crate since he was about five months old. He is trusted off leash as long as there are no distractions like other dogs or squirrels. He will come back when called, but sometimes he has to be called a lot! He’s okay on the leash, pulling at first but then settling down. He is good in the car and usually just lies down on the back seat. He is also well-behaved for both home and professional grooming.
This sweet and loving boy is going to make someone an awesome companion. Ask about Cogs today!