Entered: 07/25/1999
Status: adopted
Age: 0
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 50 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: New Castle, DE
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for fleas, an ear infection and intestinal worms complete
Temperament: Initially aggressive toward men, good with other dogs, unknown with cats but suspecting he would chase them
Original: While MAESSR’s program was still in its infancy, there were a few direct adoptions; that is, dogs in need were matched to adopting families without the intervention of a foster family. Henry II was one such dog, so his bio was provided by his forever family.
Henry came to an adopting home with two other ESSs, Bandit, age 9, and Hairy Houdini, age 2. Because there was confusion between Hairy and Henry about who their owner was speaking to, and Hairy was older, it was decided to change Henry’s name to Second Chance, and he became, the dog with the great big smile.
Chance had been a gift from their son to an older couple in Pennsylvania who had lost their aged Lab, but they were unprepared to deal with a young, energetic springer spaniel. At 10 months of age, Chance became a MAESSR boy with short-term health needs, including fleas, an ear infection, and worms; all were treated by his adopting family. He also sported a full tail, was previously neutered, and had basic obedience. He doesn’t dumpster dive, counter-surf, or take anyone else’s food. He fits right in with total respect for Bandit who is failing and has bonded with Hairy.
His aggression to men at first, with the exception of sons and a grandson in his adopting family, was a behavior that needed immediate attention. After several weeks of positive retraining, he is loving everybody who comes to his home. He welcomes new dogs, adopted or foster, with his wagging, plumy tail, and leads them all around his house and yard. If his adopting mom lets you in, that is all Chance needs to know. Once he knew he was safe and loved, his true personality just blossomed.
Chance is a dog with a sense of humor to go with that smile. He loves water and has to have his own pool or he will jump in the pond, much to the confusion of the Koi! He talks all the time, woohooing to everybody, including his vet. He tells his mom when the kitchen timer goes off. He grabs the end of her jacket or T-shirt at the end of a vet visit to drag her out the door. He covers the grandkids with doggy kisses. He adores tennis balls and can skin them in record time. He is a lap dog and a furry boa, wrapping himself around the back of his mama’s neck. He’s a constant companion, a first rescue for his family and, because of him, not the last. He’s become Mr. Ambassador, the Chancellor, Chance-a-Lot, Sir Barks-a-Lot, Monster Boy, a good and true friend.