Entered: 07/02/2022
Status: Adopted
Age: 5 months; born 04/28/2022
Color: Merle Red/Mahogany Cocker Spaniel
Weight: 16 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Madison, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, completed treatment for coccidia, Merle Ocular Dysgenesis in both eyes with partial retina detachment in left, deaf in right ear
Temperament: Unknown with children and due to vision/hearing special needs, best in home with mature teens and older; timid when meeting strangers, warms up with treats; great with other dogs; unknown with cats – no evidence of prey drive so could be trained to co-exist
Original: “His foster mom has discovered very little that deters this precious gem. He meets and lives life full on.”
A Pennsylvania animal rescue that pulls dogs from Lancaster puppy mills contacted MAESSR asking if we could foster this adorable Cocker puppy and his sweet mama. We were advised that the puppy likely had vision and hearing impairments. MAESSR said yes to this sweet pair.
Finn underwent a BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) for hearing that confirmed his right ear deafness; his left ear has normal hearing. He was also examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist who confirmed a congenital defect in both his eyes. This is genetic in origin and usually occurs in dogs where both parents have a recessive color called merle. Dogs affected with this are blue-eyed and have smaller than normal pupils that are misshaped and do not move in response to light. These dogs can also have cataracts and retinal detachments, and the eyes are prone to intraocular hemorrhages. Thankfully, Finn’s right eye is not severe and appears to have at least fair to good vision. His left eye is significantly affected and has a partial retinal detachment; the vet thinks this eye is functionally blind but he is otherwise comfortable. At this time, there is no treatment necessary. It’s very possible that he may eventually go completely blind.
This fearless pup was named after Finn McCool, a mythological Irish warrior. And does he live up to his namesake! Finn has no clue as to his “special needs.” Though timid upon initially entering his foster home, his nose – on which he heavily relies – went to work; within a very short time he’d navigated his way around the house. Within a week, he was running zoomies throughout it. Obstacles? Finn easily jumps over, around or under them. His nose is his guiding light and it’s truly amazing to watch him in action. His foster mom has discovered very little that deters this precious gem. He meets and lives life full on.
Finn shares his foster home with 5 resident MAESSR Springers aged 1, 3 ,5, 7 and 13; his mom is being fostered in the home as well. Finn easily fits in with the lively pace of his foster home. He loves running – and keeping up – with the Big Dogs in his large fenced yard. Though provided ample puppy and teething toys, he much prefers the toys of his resident siblings, some of which are bigger than he is. His favorite game is tug-of-war, especially when 3 dogs are playing. Now that he’s mastered the couch, he’ll stealthily wait for one of his siblings to near and then BOOM – it’s pounce-and-attack time. Like many puppies, his play can sometimes go overboard, which is when a resident dog will put him in his place. For all his puppy playfulness, Finn settles down nicely. He’s a very peaceful pup who loves hanging with his crew and observe all that goes on. While he enjoys his foster mom’s cuddles, he much prefers cuddling with his resident crew and always positions himself in the middle of the dog pile.
Still in his puppy-chewing phase Finn thankfully doesn’t do much inappropriate chewing. The few times he is found gnawing on furniture or boxes, his foster mom quickly redirects him to one of his toys. Housetraining is a work in progress. He doesn’t signal to go out but is kept on a regular potty schedule and is always first at the door when he hears “outside.” Finn is now okay being touched all over, including his paws. However, nail trims are a huge “no!” – this will take much more work. He’s also fine with brushing, bathing and the hair dryer; clippers are another huge “no.” His foster mom currently trims him with shears, which he tolerates. He’s a typical wiggly puppy with a short attention span – there’s always waaaaaay more fun to be had!
Finn was originally crated in a room on the quiet side of the house. He’s recently graduated to his foster mom’s room, where he now sleeps – still in his crate – with the whole gang. Life really is grand!! His foster home is surrounded by wildlife and lots of great smells, which provide his nose an extra big workout while leash walking. He doesn’t pull while walking and is curious about everything. However, due to his reduced sight and hearing, some noises and sights startle him. His foster mom continues to diligently work with him on this as he has made very good progress. He is very food motivated, which greatly helps with his training.
Prospective adopters should note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and younger to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption.
Given his special needs, Finn would do best in a home with mature teenagers or all-adults. An active dog that he could play with and continue to learn from would be a huge bonus, too. In return, this sweet bundle of awesomeness will provide endless laughter, love, and amazement.