Duke 9

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Update 12/10/12:

Now is your chance to bring a senior Home for the Holidays! MAESSR has extended its fall campaign to match our senior and special needs Springers with new, loving families. This is a wonderful opportunity to open your home and hearts to a dog that really needs you. 

Adoption fees are being waived for all seniors (age 9 and older) and for special needs dogs through the end of December. Keep your eyes open for that special one who would fit perfectly into your life! It could be Duke; it may be another. Let your heart guide the decision and all else will fall into place! 

Duke has truly made himself at home with his foster family. Whether in the home or on an outing with thefamily, Duke’s a pleasure to be with. He recently went to church for the Blessing of the Animals and met a 3 year-old child. Duke was fine with the little person – no worries there! He does not interact with small children on any regular basis, but he’s a pretty mellow guy who seems to like everyone. 

Duke remains trustworthy with his housetraining and can be home alone without the need for a crate. He’ll sleep through the night – signaling in the morning when he would like to be let out for a potty break. If you don’t happen to hear his little whimpers, he’ll wait another half an hour or so, and will be a little more vocal so that you know what his needs are. What a good boy indeed!! 

Slowing, but not a couch potato, Duke has quite a bit of energy and still loves to play and step out for walks. Not to be outdone by younger pups, he is still an Olympic counter surfer. He keeps everyone on their toes when his nose tips him that food may be within reach. Those cookies for Santa will need to be high on the mantle!!

This seasoned gentleman continues to be a happy guy. The best part about Duke is his sweet demeanor and zest for life. His foster family loves having him. While he may be just starting to recognize his golden years, Duke will most likely have much more time to enjoy the love of the next lucky family who decides to open their hearts and home to him. Could that be with you?

Update 10/07/12:

Duke continues to be a happy presence in his foster home. This little guy possesses such a sweet personality!

Although he continues to chew on his legs on and off, Duke’s foster mom feels that this is a non-issue. It’s certainly not affecting this pretty boy’s health.

In the words of Duke’s foster family, they have pronounced him “a really nice dog” and they just “love him!!” (That’s TWO exclamation points!) If that isn’t a rousing endorsement, what is? 

Those who have fallen in love with senior Springers can tell you that they may be older, but their years have added wisdom and an appreciation for what all Springers crave: the love of their special humans. Please consider adding Duke to your family circle. Become his special human; it’s guaranteed that he’ll love you right back!

Update 08/24/12:

The “new improved” Duke, as he is being dubbed by those who know him best, really has transitioned nicely from the good life with his surrendering family to a good life with his foster family. He still desires to be with people all the time!! Just a Velcro Springer at heart!

He is good with the resident cats but does try to play with them………sometimes a bit much for them……..and gets along well with his dog mate. Duke now sleeps on the 1st floor with this resident buddy. He still chews on his left front and hind feet at times; knowing if this is boredom or itchiness is very hard to tell; it is noticed by his people but has not resulted in a health problem that needs attention. 

At 44 pounds, Duke’s a bit smaller than many male Springers but, according to his foster mom, that hasn’t stopped him from being an Olympic counter-surfer! He went to the groomers recently and they just LOVED him!!! He was a perfect gentleman for them. Now he’s not only wonderful but extremely handsome!

Life is good for Duke now but he’s willing and very ready to move one more time for the right family. If there’s an easy-going resident dog out there that needs some canine companionship, perhaps kitties with a similar outlook, Duke could be a perfect addition to their home. Just take one more good look at this gent’s eager face. How could anyone resist taking him home?

Update 07/17/12:

Duke is doing well with his new housemates. He gets along with the resident dog and even tolerates the cats. He’ll sometimes chase the felines and sometimes cuddle with them but, either way, he is not aggressive.

A true Velcro Springer, Duke needs to be near his humans. He also loves to go for walks. Duke is an expert counter-surfer but will respond to being told “No.” He doesn’t always seem to hear well but, as long as he sees his foster mom, he responds appropriately.

Duke has not been around small children, but he is good with all the older people he meets. He was anxious when he first arrived but has since calmed down. He does have a lick granuloma on his front paw that is healing nicely. 

This handsome guy made the adjustment to his foster home well, but now he is ready to move on and find his forever family. Could your home use another Springer shadow?

Update 06/01/12:

Duke is a sweet 11 year-old boy who needs MAESSR’s help once again. He was adopted in 2008 and spent four happy years with his human parents. After his dad’s passing, his mom now must travel overseas for business and, sadly, cannot take him with her. 

Duke is doing well in foster care and his foster mom reports that he is an absolute sweetheart. As with any 11-year-old, he occasionally takes a moment longer to climb the stairs; however he is very playful and energetic and he loves to be loved. If Duke is looking for more attention, he’ll let his foster mom know by pawing at her as if to say, “We’re not done yet, please…” 

It was reported that Duke has not been in a crate for years, but this is not a problem since he is housetrained and can be trusted with free reign of the house………except please shut the bathroom door as he LOVES soap! Just one other piece of advice: don’t leave anything on the kitchen counter because, despite his short stature, Duke is an enthusiastic master of counter-surfing! 

Good on leash, Duke doesn’t pull but likes to take his time and sniff things during his outings. Although he has not had much exposure, he seems to be a good passenger in the car; he also is good at the groomer. In his foster home, Duke gets along very well with the two 9-year-old resident canines. The 4-year old resident dog hasn’t taken a shine to him, but Duke doesn’t appear to be aware of this. With his 15-year old human foster sibling, Duke is great! Previous reports indicate that Duke is not friendly towards cats; his foster mom hopes to get the opportunity to test that. When chewing on his bone, he will grumble if there is an attempt to take it away. Because Duke has some vision and hearing issues, smells work best to “trade” for the bone. 

Duke has received wonderful health care, as indicated by his vet records. This 43-pound boy has some scaly skin and has been receiving fish oil daily to benefit his skin health. Sometimes Duke will lick his paws; this seems to occur when he might be stressed or bored.

At night, Duke will sleep on a blanket at the foot of the bed. He’s slept through the night with the other pack members and will let out small whines around 6:30 AM. If that doesn’t receive a response, Duke is a good alarm clock and will let out a little bark around 7:00…….. :). 

His foster mom can’t say enough positive things about Duke. He is a total joy who just wants to be loved. It’s obvious that his previous family loved him immensely. Are you ready to be the next special family in this sweet boy’s life?

Update 08/21/08:

Duke is looking for a special someone or family who would love a partner for long daily walks so he can continue to work on shedding his middle-age weight and regain his youthful figure. He is seven years young and always has a smile on his face.

Duke came to his foster hone desperately needing a change in diet and a medical evaluation to see why he was chewing his legs. After blood work and rounds of antibiotics, it is clear that he does not have skin disease or allergies and his thyroid levels are right where they should be. It seems that Duke takes comfort in licking when he is bored or stressed. Whenever he is seen licking his paw, he is given a large natural bone. Then, he sets about chewing and forgets the licking.

He is currently living in a house with four other dogs. Although he has adjusted without any incidents on his part, he would probably do much better being with someone who does not have another dog or who only has one other dog. This way he could get the special attention he wants and needs. He loves to be petted and would like nothing more than sitting on the couch snuggling with you. The minute you stop massaging him, he will throw his paw up to let you know he would like some more, please.

If ever there was a dog that is ready for a job, it is Duke. Anyone thinking of trying obedience competition would have a star in this boy. He constantly watches his foster mom with such intensity, eager to please and ready to learn new things. He loves to run and wants to be in the pool with everyone else. He is learning the ropes of swimming and although scared at first, he is starting to see the benefit of cool afternoon swims.

Duke took about two weeks to warm up to his new surroundings and schedule, but now he knows what to expect each day and he is the first one ready to settle in when Mom goes to work. Despite his otherwise fine house manners, Duke is still a determined counter surfer, only limited by his short legs. 

This is one boy who has many years left to offer. He needs the security of routines that will make him a happy and confident companion, eager to give you back years of love and loyal attention.

Original:

Duke was relinquished by his New Jersey owner due to a divorce and a move to a place where dogs were not allowed. 

When he came into foster care, Duke was taken to the groomer and was very well-behaved. He is now clean, but will be getting weekly medicated baths to help with his skin allergies. Duke is overweight, but recent food changes will help with taking excess weight off. He is also being tested for hypothyroid condition, which may explain the excess weight. If this is the issue, he will live successfully on a low cost medication. 

Duke needs some time to warm up to his new surroundings and people. He has excellent house manners, though, and has not marked or had any accidents at all; so, he is clearly housetrained. He does counter-surf, but responds to “no.” Duke has free run of the house with the resident dogs when his foster mom is at work and he sleeps on a dog bed in the bedroom at night. His former owner said he used a crate when Duke was a puppy; he is not crated, currently. He is good with the resident Springers, but seems overly interested in one of the male dogs who does not appreciate this “special attention.” 

Duke is not food aggressive, but when given the opportunity, he will steal food from the other dogs. Although he loves his toys, he will give one up when told. It is his mission to tear the plush toys until he gets to the treasured squeaker out. When not doing surgery on squeaker toys, Duke loves to chew on the large natural bones.

Duke rides well in the car, but as soon as the car stops, he tries to jump under the driver’s legs and dash out the driver’s side door. His foster mom is working on this since bolting in this way is a dangerous habit. When on a walk, Duke does pull on this leash. His new family will need to take him to obedience class to help him learn better leash manners and improve his “come” response when called.

Duke is a happy dog with a great smile. He is looking for that special family that will spend time with him and give him the attention he longs for.