Heidi

---

Updated 8/13/07: Heidi is making some nice improvements in her health while with her foster family. Her eye infection was minor and with antibiotic drops for a week, it has cleared up entirely. She has lost a couple of pounds which is good as she was slightly heavy when arriving. Another welcome change is that her arthritis is much less noticeable since she’s been on a supplement and she seems to improve weekly. With a careful look into her eyes, one can see the white of cataracts starting to show but there’s no sight impairment at this early stage. She can walk around in the dark at night without difficulty should she choose to step out with her family. She sleeps the night through and remains without a single accident.

This delightful senior has got to be the happiest dog in the world. She’s constantly in the wag mode and she seems to smile all the time. She walks very well with her family and the resident Brittany through their small town and doesn’t pull on her leash– very lady-like. To look her best when out, she recently had her first bath. Actually, she was pampered by her family in their large shower under the detachable shower head. Heidi found out how easy it is to take a shower with her people and really seemed to enjoy it.

Heidi’s not big on toys but would rather play with the people around her. She’s very enjoyable to have around and quite affectionate. She has attached herself to her foster dad for now but like most Springers, she’s quite an adaptable dog. She may always have a soft spot in her heart for this time in foster care, but loving comes easily for Heidi and she’ll shower her forever family with the same love as she has her foster mom and dad.

Original: Older springers are treasures that many potential Springer adopters overlook. Heidi is just such a gem! She came to MAESSR because her owner was moving into an assisted living facility and could not take Heidi along. Her foster parents think she is one of the kindest, most gentle Springers they’ve seen.

It took Heidi no time at all to adjust to her new living conditions in her foster home. Her foster parents feel like she has always been there. Heidi follows her foster dad around wherever he goes and doesn’t let him out of her sight. She wiggles much of the time because she’s just so happy to receive attention and be loved. She gets along well with all the people she’s met and she is great with the resident Brittany.

Heidi is house trained, she eats well, and follows basic commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” “paw,” and “come.” She is excellent on a leash and can be trusted off one. Heidi sleeps through the night and is fine in or out of the crate. Although she is a little stiff in her hind legs, she is able to maneuver stairs without any problem and is able to jump on the couch when invited up for some cuddling. After being in the yard, she barks to let her people know she is ready to come in; this is the only time she barks, though. When it’s time for a car ride, Heidi is willing to go and is a good passenger. She just puts her front feet up waiting for a boost into the car.

Heidi is the perfect dog for any family especially a less active one. She’s a real treasure!