Entered: 04/23/2006
Status: Adopted
Age: 2
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, somewhat overweight and working on it
Temperament: Good with people down to 7 years, good with dogs, good with cats
Updated: 5/8/06 Farley is doing great with the transition into his foster home. He’s getting plenty of exercise through constant play with the youngest Springer in the house. They’re both happy and tired boys at the end of the day. Between mock battles with his canine buddy, Farley is noticing the resident cats in a little different way than when he first arrived. He tends to leave them alone if no other dogs are involved. But, if another dog joins in, Farley is emboldened and will give chase. For him, the chase is lots of fun and it may be for the cats too, since they always outmaneuver him and win the sprint!
Crate training has begun for Farley. Though he remains good with run of the house, comfort in a crate can be very helpful to a dog at unexpected times. To get Farley started, his family has placed his crate in their bedroom. There are a few complaints when he first goes in, but when his foster parents say “time for bed,” he calms down. When he has been quiet for a few minutes, they say “Good boy, Farley.” He is now sleeping all night long in his crate with no barks. Good boy, Farley!!!!!
Original: If one believes that a Springer cannot have too much ticking, that fan of spots should meet Farley. This handsome young adult is blessed with a lot of ticking throughout his coat. At his vet exam he received a good report with the only suggestion being that he lose about 10 pounds over the coming year. He is currently a 53 pounder, likely because he has had limited play pals and outdoor exercise in recent months. With greater opportunity for both, Farley should trim to a healthy weight easily.
Farley’s foster dad sees him as a two-year-old dog who missed out on normal puppyhood and is making up for it now. Farley LOVES to play. There are 4 Springers in Farley’s foster home, and he is willing to tease each of them for play. Two are elderly and manage to ignore him. One is a 4-year-old. Farley will grab his leg or tail stub, very gently, in an effort to get a game of chase going. But it is the other foster that Farley is most successful with. It is a hoot to see them play, then sleep, then play, and so continues the cycle. There are also cats in the home and Farley has been getting along with them very nicely!
Between play sessions with his canine buddies, Farley is very loving with the people around him. Indeed, he loves anyone who will give him attention. He likes belly scratches and giving kisses. He will play fetch with his favorite squeaky toy, bringing it right back for another throw. He has a soft mouth but wants to mouth hands when giving up a toy – typical puppy behavior. He likes rawhide bones, hard rubber toys and 2-liter pop bottles, less the tops, to play with when on his own. He is always investigating something and is very curious about everything around him.
Farley is very bright and energetic. He has apparently had no formal obedience training and should have that opportunity with his adopting family. He needs to learn to walk on a leash, to greet people without jumping up in excitement, and how not to counter surf for openers. With stability and structure in his life, Farley could learn the rules and manners that all good
Springers want to know. He is housebroken and has full access throughout his home, so crate training has not begun. Farley likes to go on car rides but has to go very lightly on food before an outing. His preferred place to sleep is under the desk at his foster dad’s feet. Oh, what a sweetie!!
Farley was surrendered to MAESSR by his owner due to his personal health condition. He had adopted Farley last summer from a shelter and nursed him through a serious illness, only to have a strong and active dog emerge who needed more than he could provide. Somewhere in Farley’s past there must have been rough times as there is some scar tissue in his neck area. It doesn’t show through his fur but possibly reflects poor collaring in the past. Despite all the changes in his short life, Farley remains a loving puppy. He would be a great jogging buddy and companion to anyone who would put a little time into helping him catch up on the “missed” chapters in his life, and of course, love those spots!!!