Entered: 12/04/2008
Status: Adopted
Age: 9
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Gloucester, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, on medication for mild arthritis and ear infections
Temperament: Great with people and other dogs, unknown with cats, should not be placed with young children due to arthritis
Original:
Elmo is a very affectionate and sweet boy who is settling into his foster home nicely. His original owner surrendered him to MAESSR because she had a young toddler and an infant, which proved to be too much for Elmo now that he’s developed arthritis.
During Elmo’s vet visit, the vet prescribed medication to be taken regularly for his arthritis. He moves around quite well but sometimes appears to be a little stiff. At times, you wouldn’t know it because he likes to play and run. Due to the arthritis, it would be best that Elmo not be placed in a home with young children or very active, playful canine siblings. He was also diagnosed with a massive bacterial infection in one ear and a massive yeast infection in the other ear, both of which are being treated.
Elmo gets along very well with the two male resident Springers. He plays with the more active Springer in his foster home. Elmo is housebroken and is left loose with his foster brothers while his foster parents are at work. It appears that he is not used to going on walks, and he doesn’t always go potty when being walked. He had a couple of accidents in his foster home the first few days, but his foster parents have learned that they need to be outside with him rather than just letting him out. This has done the trick! Elmo is becoming more accustomed to his surroundings, and lately he’s been running in the yard with his foster brothers, sniffing everything.
At mealtimes, Elmo does better with his foster mom there while he eats. He doesn’t like to be left alone, and if his foster mom tries to do something, he will stop eating and wait for her to sit down again. Elmo’s foster parents were warned about his trash-picking, but he has shown no interest whatsoever in the trash yet. However, he LOVES his foster mom’s slippers and will sneak one every chance he gets. He doesn’t chew on them; it’s more of a game to him. One thing he loves to do is place his front paws on the bathroom counter while his foster mom gets ready for work. Perhaps he likes to look in the mirror?
The only time Elmo has barked was the day his foster mom picked him up and he saw seagulls in the parking lot. He does make cute happy noises, almost like grunting. He rides very well in a car, too. Elmo loves furniture and will jump on a couch or chair at every opportunity. This is difficult to curb since the resident Springers are allowed to do this. At night, Elmo sleeps bedside on a very comfortable dog bed and counts squirrels in his dreams til morning. His foster parents have touched him all over with no issues at all. Elmo has no aggression issues at all, food and toys can be taken away at any time.
If you are looking for a polite, happy, mature gentleman, Elmo may be the boy for you!