Corrie

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Update 01/04/2022:  “The scene was a hoot … a Great Pyrenees, a teenage lab and Corrie all mixing in good spirit and then going home tired pals…a perfect outing and one to be repeated. “  

During his second month in foster care, Corrie continued to ready for a new home and family.  Altering and completion of his lepto vaccination went without a hitch.  Through nights and when his family was out, he wore an inflatable collar to be on the safe side.  He barely seemed to notice the incision and, by Day 7, the collar went back in the dog closet.  What was notable on surgery day itself was how calmly he walked into the vet’s office, took in the whole busy, early morning scene, and waited patiently in line to check in.  At least two folks, both clients who had already dropped their pets, approached to ask if they could pet Corrie and compliment him on his good manners.  Yes, of course, but only if he sits for you first…😊. 

The “frog,” a tag for Corrie from someone who noticed his frequent, stretched-out posture, began visiting the local dog park as soon as healing was complete.  He was totally clueless the first time but wasn’t intimidated.  He thoroughly checked out the perimeter and spoke to joggers on the nearby fitness path.  During his second visit, other dogs were there.  At first Corrie was tentative, a little uncertain as to what was to happen.  Two well-socialized dogs took the lead, clearly knowing how to make the most of opportunity. They drew Corrie into play and showed him what great fun a flat-out round of chase can be.  The scene was a hoot … a Great Pyrenees, a teenage lab and Corrie all mixing in good spirit and then going home tired pals…a perfect outing and one to be repeated. 

“Frog” kisses have diminished as Corrie has settled, or, perhaps they’ve lessened because he prefers to cuddle.  A polite “sit” at his foster mom’s feet paired with a soft gaze in his eyes gets him a nod every time.  Alternately, an “uh-uh” is all it takes to remind him that he should await an invitation.  He used to land alongside on the couch with one powerful leap but is being rewarded for stepping up more gently.  Then he may peacefully snooze away an entire evening, or, until he becomes too warm and retreats to his nearby bed.

At this point, Corrie has the basics of being any easy-to-live-with companion down pat.  He likely has unforeseen potential that could become clearer as he matures.  He’s ready for a forever family who will offer him their best and, in turn, bring out his best.  Together, his new beginning will bring what every good dog deserves. 

Original:  “His kisses aren’t slurpy; they don’t express anxiety.  They’re often bestowed in rapid succession and are always gentle.”

Since his first day in foster care, Corrie’s response to new situations has been to lay kisses on whomever is closest.   If his foster mom had a quarter for every kiss he’s blessed her with, she could cover the national debt.  His kisses aren’t slurpy; they don’t express anxiety.  They’re often bestowed in rapid succession and are always gentle.  

He’s settling well in a quiet home as an only dog.  When a delivery person makes a porch drop, Corrie notices and usually barks once or twice.  Visiting the vet was his first opportunity to interact with folks.  There Corrie walked politely past the gentleman who held the heavy doors open.  Once inside, he quickly made friends with the office staff, the vet tech, and the vet.  Though there for a wellness visit, “wonderful disposition” was added to his veterinary check sheet.  In his enthusiasm for humans, he may not have noticed a cat across the lobby … not all bad!  

Upon exam Corrie was found to be a healthy boy.  At 47 pounds, his waist is defined and he’s well-muscled.  He has an underbite which makes him often appear to be smiling.  It doesn’t pose a problem or require special care as he finishes maturing.  An OTC approach was recommended for what seems to be seasonal allergy.  Initial treatment is encouraging and hopefully can end with the arrival of cold weather.

Basic manners are taking shape.  Corrie responds to commands, both verbal and hand-signaled including “sit, down, wait, off, outside, give me paw and go to kennel.”  As he becomes accustomed to the household routine and his family learns his signs, housetraining is doing nicely.  He kennels through nights and when home alone.  When someone is home, he has run of the first floor.  Counter-surfing prompts consistent verbal redirection; leaving food unattended remains risky at this time.  He’s not above begging but, with zero gains for his effort, that’s going away.  He loves training treats and has learned the only way to get them is to first sit politely.  

Leash work is underway and, so far, is progressing with a flat collar and verbal direction.  Though not a MAESSR requirement, his foster family thinks Corrie could benefit from sharing a basic obedience class with his family; there’s always things to learn there for 2- and 4-footed participants.  A class encourages bonding as well!

Home grooming him is so easy.  He’s bathed in a walk-in shower and dries off quickly without use of the dog dryer.  His coat is shiny and soft; brushing is quick; shedding is minimal.  Major nail trimming has been done at home; it’s less scary for him than when he first arrived.  Once his nails reach maintenance length, they should be easy to touch up regularly… all white ones!

Corrie came into MAESSR’s care from a shelter in North Carolina.  He enjoyed “coach” accommodations, riding in the back seat, with the volunteer who pulled him and drove his first leg…good boy!  For the remaining 3 hours of road time, Corrie was crated, with thick layers of bedding to nest into, in the back of a baby pickup with a cap.  He continued to travel without a peep.  When his foster mom peeked in at a gas stop, he offered engaging eye contact but didn’t even rise.  One has to love a good traveler!

Possibly toys have never been part of Corrie’s life.  He has access to a basket-full now and shows no interest.  His foster mom is introducing him to a tug rope.  That seems totally new to him too, but may catch on with further encouragement.  What Corrie has mastered is “couch” time.  Though generally not encouraged in foster care, his foster mom explored this after watching Corrie’s comfort with being physically close to people.  Sharing the couch is by invitation only, has its own signal and tells Corrie that snuggling right beside his people for the evening is OK. 

Is he excitable?  Yes, most often as mealtime approaches.  Then, he may race around the house, jumping, leaping … all the things young dogs do.  That said, his exercise requirements are moderate.  Upcoming visits to the nearby dog park will widen his world and give him added run time and people time.  He’ll like that!

Corrie’s simply a loving dog and handsome.  For an adopting family who prioritizes temperament, Corrie may be a perfect choice.  As soon as altering is complete, he’ll be looking for a forever home to complete his new beginning.  He has no special requirements but would smile if couch time comes his way too!