Duke 12

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Update 06/03/11:

As Duke’s foster family and other volunteers worked with him upon his return, it was realized that he could not be offered for adoption.

Update 05/25/11:

Duke was recently returned to MAESSR. It seemed that some of his behaviors were just too much for his adoptive home. His adopting family did try to work with him, but Duke was not cooperating. He has moved to a different foster home than his original one to see if possibly more could be learned about him. 

After some time spent observing Duke, his new foster mom felt that he was dealing with a lot of anxiety, resulting in behaviors that were difficult to live with. He was started on an inexpensive medication to help lower his anxiety levels and give him a better chance at becoming a well-loved member of a family. More to come on this handsome boy.

Update 03/25/11:

Duke continues to improve in his foster home. He now uses a harness rather than the Gentle Leader and, although he does a little tugging, he is easy to walk. He likes it so much that he has to be reminded to do his “business.” Duke so enjoys trotting along, taking in the sights and smells, that he forgets why he is out there! 

In the house, Duke continues to work on staying off the bed and counters. It is really hard to resist getting a closer sniff of any food that is being prepared but he is learning “off.” His foster mom just wishes he would remember it, rather than circling back a few minutes later when his nose catches a whiff and he comes up for another peek. Duke is much better around the table at meal time although he is still very interested in food. Sometimes he still has to be reminded that barking loudly is neither a good idea nor an ideal way to make friends. 

Duke loves to play with a squeaky toy and ball and is always up for a few minutes of fetch or catching it in the air. He even looks to play when his foster mom is taking some “me time” on the exercise bike, rolling the ball under the pedals and barking for it to be thrown. When this is ignored, he just goes and gets a new toy and tries to engage her in play with that one! It is a bit like having a baby in the house and Duke is learning that he is not always the center of attention. 

This big guy is sweet, cuddly, and smart. At 63 pounds, he considers himself to be the perfect size for a lapdog! He loves snuggling on the furniture but currently has to settle for having his front end in a lap while his back end stays on the floor. Duke is always right by your side and ready to be a loyal companion and lifetime friend in his forever home.

Update 03/14/11:

Adding the latest news on a foster dog is always a pleasure, especially when the news is good! And, that’s what we’re hearing from Duke!

All of his thyroid tests came back as normal. The vet says that his small bald patch may be due to an old injection site. Rarely, the hair will fall out at such a location, the skin scars and it will not grow back. With his thyroid ruled out as contributing to the patch, it looks as if this spot will not likely grow in but will not be a worry either.

With normal thyroid levels, it’s reasonable to think Mr. Duke is overweight from too much table food in his recent past. He has really learned that begging at the table is a no-no in his foster home and has stopped doing it. New house; new rules. It’s amazing how quickly a smart Springer can adapt to a new home! 

Duke’s well on his way to readiness for a family of his own once again. He will do best with both loving and doggie-savvy people who firmly and consistently ask him for good manners. This will bring out the best in Duke – what more could this handsome boy ask for!?!

Original:

Duke’s story is a sad one. When his Maryland owner died, Duke was left alone in the house for some time until someone discovered them. This frightened and confused boy was taken to a shelter for a week until MAESSR was contacted and he was quickly transported to his foster home. It took about a day for him to settle down and learn that this was to be his new home for a while. Duke was obviously very loved by his owner. He came to his foster home with a notebook containing all of his important papers – shot records, vet bills, insurance policy, AKC registration as well has two Polaroid photos of him as an adorable puppy. 

Duke got a much needed bath and haircut upon his arrival and his foster mom had no trouble clipping him except for his front legs and feet. Clipping his nails and front legs took a trip to the vet, a muzzle, and two people holding him down to accomplish. Like many Springers, he is sensitive about his feet and it will take some desensitization training to make this task easier. Although anxious at the vet’s office, Duke cooperated with his exam and blood drawing. There is a bald patch about three inches long on his hip and dry skin and fur on his back which makes the vet suspect an underactive thyroid. This is easily treatable with inexpensive daily medications which will help his skin and fur and also aid in shedding the few extra pounds Duke is carrying. At 63 pounds this big boy should lose about five pounds to be in top shape. Duke loves to go for walks and chase a ball in the house so this active boy should not have trouble trimming down. The positive Lyme blood test likely is due to an old infection and will not be treated now since he has no symptoms of Lyme disease.

Completely trustworthy, Duke spends the up to eight hours each day behind the baby gate with the two resident female Springers. There was only a minor scuffle one day when Duke, who is used to being the only dog, tried to take the squeaky toy from the mouth of the resident dog. She responded with a quick snap to his face and reminded Duke that such behavior was unacceptable. Other than that one time, he has gotten along fine with the resident dogs, whom he joins in daily walks and in lots of quiet time and nap time. He has low to moderate energy in the house, but out on a leash, he pulls and pulls so he now strolls the neighborhood on a Gentle Leader collar. He obviously loves to go for walks and is the first one lined up to get his leash on. Duke is less excited about car rides and tends to pant and whine during the few short trips he has taken, although his MAESSR transporter from Maryland to Pennsylvania noted that he rested quietly during that long trip.

Duke knows “sit” for his food and for his leash, but he has not had much training beyond the basics. In fact, it is likely that he is used to getting his way since most nights he still tries to get into his foster parents’ bed despite seeing the resident dogs take their places in the dog beds. He knows “off” and gets down a little reluctantly, hoping for a reprieve. Duke is also a champion beggar around the dinner table and it is taking some patience to deter this nightly ritual of barking and begging. Duke will even balance on his haunches which, although adorable, is not getting him any table food in his foster home. Duke also occasionally peeks in the pantry if the door is open and is not above a peek at the counters or inside the dishwasher if the opportunity arises. This smart boy knows “off” and he is easily redirected to a more acceptable behavior.

Duke will continue to need some firm guidance as he adapts to the rules in his new home. This big boy can be a bit pushy and it will be important for him to continue to learn with firm and consistent limits. He loves his people, though, and is always right by your side.