Entered: 11/04/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 11
Color: Black/White
Weight: 70 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: West Grove, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme-, benefiting from a supplement to assist with arthritis
Temperament: Good with people as young as 10, good with other dogs, good with cats
Update 12/14/13: “His personal thank-yous for such attention are gentle kisses on one’s hand.”
“Love bug,” “gentleman,” “low-maintenance,” easy-going,” and “perfect”……all words that flow quickly into the conversation when Cooper’s the topic. He’s been in his new foster home for 2 weeks, after a move from his original foster family so they could travel. With the typical maturity of a senior, Cooper has made the transition easily. He’s comfy with 2 doggie-savvy children in the home, ages 8 and 11, and met a recent 4 year-old visitor well. The pair of resident female Springers decided in the first 2 days that Cooper was not a worry as have the resident kitties. He indulges their sniffs but knows when his foster mom says “no” that he should not return attention……..good boy!
Even on wintery days, Cooper enjoys being outdoors in his fenced yard. He can spend 30 minutes sniffing around and still say when called to come in, “No, I’m not done!” He pushes his face into the snow to play or to eat it. He also has proven quicker than a fleeing mouse and brought one into the house as a gift. As with his treasured stuffed toys, Cooper was reluctant to surrender it to his foster mom, but she’s savvy too. One quick diversion and the mouse was out of the house!
When his family is away from home, Cooper and one of the resident dogs are trusted with run-of-the-house. When his folks return, he loves to climb onto the couch for petting and belly rubs. His personal thank-yous for such attention are gentle kisses on one’s hand. At night he sleeps in his foster parents’ bedroom on a special pillow with his crate door open. He sleeps like a baby and is ever so polite in the mornings; he will wait for his family to get up, rather than to “woof-woof” at them. At times he will retreat to his crate for a mid-day nap too.
Cooper doesn’t miss a meal and is in good, overall health. He’s probably lost a few pounds since coming into foster care due to increased exercise, but he remains a big boy. The supplement he takes is helping with some arthritis in his hind quarters and keeps him doing stairs. Going forward, though, he would benefit from living in a home with fewer steps than more. He remains a little itchy at times but hasn’t required spray therapy since changing foster homes.
Cooper has a great personality and is always in a good mood. He is not a barker but will talk to share his thoughts. Though he appreciates a laid-back evening with his family, his foster mom feels he would be a great choice for active people with children who may not have had a dog but would like to bring one into their home. He could also settle with retirees who have lots of time to dote on him. Cooper has been a very good boy this year and knows Santa will bring what he wants most……….a family to call his own. Can you help Santa with this sweet one’s wish?
Original: “Cooper is a docile, well behaved boy—the living example of ‘perfect!’” When Cooper’s Pennsylvania family had to move and couldn’t take their Springer with them, MAESSR was called to help find this senior gentleman a new home.
Cooper is a docile, well-behaved boy—the living example of “perfect!” He is good around kids and adults and not afraid of loud noises or sirens. His foster mom reports no counter-surfing, trash diving, furniture climbing or inappropriate chewing or any type of resource guarding. He has free run of his house and is an excellent guest in every way. His new family isn’t sure if he is crate trained, but feels with his attitude and perfect behavior, it should not be necessary.
Handsome Cooper is housetrained, goes through the night with no problem, and has had no accidents when left alone for a 5-hour day. He signals his need to go out by giving the door a paw—once, and, when he’s ready to come back inside, he hits the door once with his paw—so cute!! If his family is still in bed, he stands next to the bed and gives a small grunt—hey, folks, it’s time to be up and about!
Cooper knows “sit,” “come,” and “lie down.” He is not a barker unless a visitor comes to the door or his setter buddy is barking. And, then, a “no” will quiet him instantly. Cooper sleeps on a blanket on the living room floor and sometimes on the floor beside his foster family’s bed. He and the resident setter eat from the same bowl, nibbling their way through the day. Share and share alike is their motto—Cooper even lets his new friend finish off his bully stick!
Cooper loves squeaky toys and will play with whatever one is available. He and the resident dog play together, but Cooper is not always able to keep up with the 7 year old setter. While his energy level is very low, he does have spurts of trotting outside and really enjoys being out with his folks. He does not pull on his leash, and, in spite of suspected arthritis, can climb stairs very slowly.
Cooper still has yet to experience a professional grooming, but was very good when his foster mom gave him a bath. He also tolerated ear and eye cleaning with no objections and loves to be brushed. At the vet’s Cooper paced a little but was a very good boy in spite of not liking to give blood—which of us does? He did not object to having his nails trimmed either.
This love is one affectionate dog who wants to be with his people—indoors or out. While he enjoys having another dog around, he would be great as the only dog as well. Since he is low on energy and is low maintenance, he may be the perfect companion for a senior citizen. MAESSR’s newest Cooper will make himself at home wherever he may be. Are you ready for him to be the love of your life??