Entered: 02/03/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 7
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 38 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Audubon, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme+ but asymptomatic, some hearing loss, overall good health
Temperament: Good with people as young as ten (younger unknown), good with other dogs, reportedly good with cats
Original: “He does not pull but does like to stop and sniff every interesting smell.”
When his Pennsylvania owner was having financial troubles and could no longer afford his beloved Springer’s care, he very sadly relinquished Harley to a shelter. His owner had not been financially able to take Harley to the vet for years– not since he was hit by a car in the rear at about 18 months of age. There was no serious injury at the time but the vet told the owner that Harley may develop arthritis as he ages.
Harley was clearly much-loved in his original home as he is a sweet, affectionate Springer who loves all people and being close to them. Harley has wonderful house manners, whining when he needs to go out. He has free run of the house with the resident Springers when no one is home and after a little bit of whining, settles down to rest. He does not need a crate and shows no interest in the counters or trash although he will sit and stare at his humans when they eat, hoping for a sample. His only bad habit is a desire to be on the furniture, a no-no in his foster home. This boy is smart and responds immediately when reminded that the floor is the place for the dogs.
Harley lies quietly in the car and was wonderful at the vets. He did test Lyme+ but since he shows no symptoms, the vet felt he did not need treatment. On the first day in foster care, he got the full spa treatment and was fine with the whole process, including clipping his overgrown foot fur. His ears are a bit itchy but he tolerates the twice a week cleaning recommended by the vet without a fuss. He may have suffered from untended ears for some time as his foster mom notices that his hearing is somewhat diminished.
This wonderful boy loves his walks and gently takes the leash in his mouth to start off and then quickly takes his place out in front of the pack. He does not pull but does like to stop and sniff every interesting smell. He is getting used to the neighborhood and has met some small off-leash neighbor dogs with a wag of his tail. Harley is good with the resident Springers as well. It was reported that he got along well with cats in his original home, but since there are no cats in his foster home, this has not been tested.
In the house Harley is quiet and has only occasionally shown brief interest in a bone. He knows his name and comes bounding when called, his face lit up with a big smile. He also knows to “sit” and “wait” for his food and treats. Such a smart boy! At night he finds a spot unoccupied by the resident dogs on the dog beds and settles right in for the night.
His foster mom says that this boy is truly such an easy foster, it is hard not to keep him! Harley is a love who is very sweet and gentle and is very much the Velcro boy. He will be just about the best dog anyone has ever had!