Cora 2

---

Original: “This really sweet girl loves to cuddle and be with people.”

Cora’s owner bought her from a puppy mill in Pennsylvania when Cora was 3.5 months old. Living in a condo with no yard made raising a puppy difficult so Cora attended doggie day care a few times per week.  The Virginia owner was starting a new job in a month and could not afford full time day care for Cora.  The owner now realizes she bought the wrong breed and wants Cora to have a better life.  So, she contacted MAESSR.  

When Cora arrived at her foster home, she had a bout of sneezing attributed to seasonal allergies. Zyrtec managed problem and she seemed better after a few weeks.  She also had an ear infection but a course of antibiotics has cleared that up too. Cora was very good at her vet appointment!  She also was groomed twice and did well for her spa appointment.  Such a good girl!  

Cora was started on an inexpensive medication for anxiety.  She is not destructive when she is anxious; she is just scared and freezes. The medication is helping.  Her adoptive family will be required to keep her on this medication for a minimum of six month after adoption.  

This really sweet girl loves to cuddle and be with people.  Her family will have to be on guard to not let her get away with things she should not do.  When she is in trouble, she gives her people a look that means, “I am so cute!  You don’t want to be mad at me.”  Her Springer-savvy foster parents know to ignore that look.  They know that training a Springer puppy requires structure and consistency and no amount of cuteness counteracts that.   

Although Cora is good with people, she can be slow to warm up.  She lived with kids at the breeder’s, but has had no contact with children in her foster home.  She definitely loves dogs and is thrilled to have canine playmates to run and wrestle with in her foster home’s large fenced yard.  She has had no cat exposure but will chase anything that moves.  A forever home without cats is recommended.  

Cora is still not 100% housetrained mainly due to her owner not keeping a schedule and getting her out regularly.  This is improving in her foster home.  Her foster mom feels with a little more time and structure Cora will soon be completely housetrained.  

Her owner took Cora to a trainer and they worked on many things that were problems.  She was initially reluctant to leave driveway and was afraid of riding in the car.  Not anymore!  She is fabulous on leash and loves the car.  Her owner took her everywhere.   

Cora was not left often but would bark when left alone in her original home. This has improved at her foster home. She has had a little submissive urination when excited and she might beg when her people are eating. Cora jumps up when excited and might counter-surf.     

Her previous owner says she knows “sit,” “stay,” and “lie down” and reports that Cora is not always treat motivated.  Please note that MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take their new family member through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption.  MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience.  MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.  Cora will be required to take two series of obedience classes. This will help with bonding to her new family also.  

Cora needs a family who truly will spend lots of time with her—playing with her, training her, and loving her!  She would love having a doggie companion or two to play with.  A yard to run in is a must on her list.  Can your family open your heart to this adorable Springer girl?