Heath

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Update 08/10/11:

Heath is continuing to recover from heartworm disease. He finished the last treatment which really took a lot out of him. All infections are gone now which were also taking a toll. He adores riding in the car and will try to hop in the backseat any time the door is open. His foster parents can’t wait to see him frolic in the water and suspect it will be a new experience for him. 

Heath had an outing recently to the ice cream shop! He had a very small taste of the skinny vanilla, which he devoured! His foster family continues to try to engage him in playing with dog toys but, sadly, he doesn’t seem to know how to play. He does adore getting his belly rubs now and will roll over for them. He continues to be a Velcro dog, following his people from room to room. 

One last requirement stands between this sweetheart and his forever family. After a resting period of several weeks, his vet will approve neutering. With that done, Heath will be ready to join one very lucky family – hopefully one that enjoys the same flavor of ice cream that he does!!!

Update 07/07/11:

Heath is doing so much better and is just a joy to have in his foster home! His family thought he was almost too perfect when he first arrived – no countersurfing as most Springers seem to love doing, no chasing squirrels, etc. What they didn’t realize was that Heath felt too poorly to manage doing any of those things. Two months into his “rehab”, Heath is showing his cheeky side! The sliced roasted chicken his foster mom carelessly left on the counter for two minutes—-gone! A trip down to the garden is always an adventure now. Heath pokes his big head into the foliage and comes out with a yellow squash, or, the muchly-cherished first home-grown tomato! He definitely loved the tomato! His mom had not even seen it, but Heath knew it was there! Hopefully, the green stains on his nose will scrub off, and, she will keep him away from her tomatoes!

Rabbits and squirrels hold his attention now. Heath loves a walk with his nose in the air. He fairly prances along. He is still somewhat stiff at times, particularly in early morning, but he loves waking up his foster parents by putting his head on the bed! His head just rests on the bed so you see this “half-moon Heath” and his soulful brown eyes. And, of course, you see his smile when he sees his people stirring. There’s nothing like waking up to Springer love! 

With summer storms popping up, Heath has shown some fear by pacing and panting. His vet has given him a medication for pre-storm use which helps. Heath takes it in a marshmallow, so no problem there! He still likes to be with his humans for comfort too.

Heath has completed his first round of heart worm treatment, with the second and third rounds coming up. Please keep this boy in your thoughts during this time. He’s well on his way to being a healthy Heath and is going to make someone a fine, devoted pet!

Update 06/03/11:

For a dog that arrived at his foster home with so many medical concerns, Heath continues to be a very loving boy! There is good news to report about his health. Those bothersome infections in his anal gland, urinary tract, and paw have all cleared up. He still has about one week to go on his medication to combat Lyme disease, at which point he will begin his heartworm treatment. Additionally, it was discovered that Heath had whip worms and round worms. He has completed one round of medication to rid him of those nasty parasites; he will need to repeat that treatment in about 10 weeks. Whew! Poor baby!

Heath’s foster parents recently traveled to Alaska, so he and the resident dogs were kenneled. The kennel staff loved Heath and reported that he was a good and loving dog. He received his medicine in marshmallows, so he was more than willing to take his pills! How he loves his marshmallows!

While kenneled, Heath received a spa treatment. An extremely gorgeous boy emerged after a proper grooming. His foster parents had no idea that Heath had so many freckles!

Heath appears to be a low-key guy. He likes to sleep in his bed and, in the extreme heat we’ve been experiencing; he loves to lie on top of an air conditioner vent! If his foster dad is working from home, Heath will lie down in the office at his dad’s feet – he loves being near his people!

In his foster home there are hardwood stairs that Heath is able to climb, but he takes them slowly going down. It could be that carpeted stairs might be better for him; or perhaps a rancher with no stairs to navigate. Heath’s foster mom believes that he might have some arthritis; at other times, however, he’s eager to do a slow gallop in his yard. When he does, he is just a joy for his foster parents to behold!

Heath’s journey to good health continues. This very sweet boy is a testament to the resilient Springer temperament. Check back to follow his progress!

Original:

Are you looking for a furry bundle of love? Heath is just your ticket! This sweet boy was left overnight in a crate at a Maryland shelter. The staff there immediately contacted MAESSR for assistance with Heath. 

Heath is being treated for various health issues: HW+, Lyme+, an infected anal gland, a urinary tract infection, and an infection in his left front paw. There is also some suspected arthritis of his legs. His coat is very matted and he has dreadlocks from his ears. As soon as his health improves, he will have a day of pampering at the spa! 

Despite all of this, Heath is very loving and is a little shadow for his foster mom and dad. He just loves being with them! He gives a soft groan when he is being petted – like he knows life is getting better. If the word c-o-o-k-i-e comes into the conversation, Heath knows immediately what is being spoken of! He ADORES cookies! His house manners are good. He has not made any effort to counter-surf, nor does he get into the garbage. Fully housetrained, Heath does go to the door when he wants out. He has full run of the house while foster mom and dad work; he has not had any accidents or found any trouble to get into! This said, he was getting off the couch when mom came home Friday! He slunk away as if he knew he wasn’t supposed to be there. 

Presently, Heath lives with two, geriatric resident dogs and he is learning to leave them alone. He likes to lick and sniff them, much to the displeasure of both resident dogs. On Mother’s Day, Heath got to meet his foster parents’ grandchildren, aged 10 months and 2 years. He was excited to be around them, letting them pet him and climb around and on him! His size would be a deterrent to kids under 3 or so, but he clearly has been around children and enjoyed seeing these grandkids!

When it comes to commands, Heath does know sit, shake, out, and down. On a leash walk, Heath does pull somewhat and his foster parents are working on that issue. When it is time for a car ride, Heath will hop right in and he is a good passenger. As much as he likes cars, Heath does not like a crate and seems anxious when crated; his foster parents will try this again when he has settled in more. Currently, he sleeps on a dog bed in the master bedroom. Heath really enjoys being outside. When he sprints around the yard, it almost takes his foster mom’s breath away to imagine how beautiful he will be after his grooming session! 

Heath will make a fine, loyal, beloved pet for some lucky person. Watch for his progress as he undergoes treatment for his ailments.