George 6

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Original: George, or “George of the Jungle” as his human foster brothers have named him, is anything but “of the jungle.” He is definitely “Gentle George”. Though it’s difficult to fully understand why these wonderful Springers end up in shelters, one thing is sure. George is as sweet as they come!!

The state of his health is the immediate concern of his foster family. It would seem that George hasn’t had someone to look after his physical needs for some time. During his veterinary examination, several needs were quickly diagnosed. George was found to be severely malnourished. He weighed 42 pounds, which is very light for a boy who should be 50-55 pounds. Both of his ears needed treatment for infections. He seems to have some hearing loss, although he appears to hear very loud sounds. Once his ears are cleared up, more will be known about his hearing.

George’s blood work indicated a high protein level. Once he’s regained his youthful figure, further testing will determine if he has a more serious health issue, or if this was simply a matter of his being underfed. For a boy of nine years, he has very good teeth and it is obvious that, for some period throughout his life, he was well fed.

There were two large sores on George’s haunches which indicated that he may have spent a great deal of time on a hard surface. His legs show some arthritis, and he has been started on glucosamine for this. George now sleeps in a softly cushioned, wicker basket in the dining room and is a perfect gentleman in all ways! He spent his first two nights at home in a crate but rather prefers the basket. Ahhhh, creature comforts are not beyond this boy!

George is a late sleeper but will wake up when he hears the two resident Springers arise for their morning walk at 6:15 AM. He very much looks forward to a quick walk and then breakfast! George now woo-woos with the resident dogs for his dinner and gobbles every morsel with delight, his tail usually wagging the whole time. One of the results of being malnourished was that his tummy was very upset, so for now, he is eating a low-residue food. He is filling out nicely with a regular eating schedule and treats.

At some time in his life, George must have lived indoors as he has very good holding power, and there have been no accidents since his first night. He enjoys going outside with his foster ESS brother. The two have become famous friends with tails wiggling and sniffs at both ends. His foster ESS sister is a different story. George is much too dignified for her antics! For now, they sniff each other through a gate. George almost met the resident cat at the vet’s office. His ears really perked up when she went by, and for a moment, it looked as if he might try to give chase, maybe at the next visit.

George loves tummy rubs from his human brothers, ages 12, 10, and 7. It appeared when he first arrived that Foster Dad was his favorite man. That was before Mom had a chance to bond with him. Now, it is Mom that George will cry for when she’s out of sight! George is easily adaptable to anyone who will give him love and comfort, a soft place to cuddle, and good food and biscuits to keep his tummy happy. He doesn’t play yet, though he enjoyed a good chew on a hard bone.

Stayed tuned for updates. George’s frail condition is expected to improve with love and the attentive care of his foster family. Once he has fully regained his strength, he might just enjoy a ball or simply the quiet comforts of a gentle walk and comfy place to cuddle.