Entered: 10/31/2004
Status: Adopted
Age: 3
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Ruthers Glen, VA
Health: Good, UTD, HW+, undergoing treatment for Lyme disease
Temperament: Very good, a gentle giant with people, dogs and cats
Updated 1/21/05: Jack is feeling very well now and nearing the end of his heartworm treatment. The first treatment was difficult and he began to lose weight, but the second he tolerated better, and next week, he is due for his third and final treatment. After that he has to wait another week for a re-check. Then hopefully he will be heartworm free and able to begin the monthly preventative so he will never, ever have to undergo this again.
Since he is feeling better, he is acting more like a 3-year-old boy, frisking around the back yard, chewing on bones, and taking walks with his foster mom and foster brother. His appetite has returned and he has gained back the weight he lost and added a bit more to top the scales at 79 lbs. Now he looks just right to his vet.
Jack still doesn’t like being left at home, but his foster mom leaves just for a few hours occasionally and gives him the run of the house. He waits patiently for her return, never causing any trouble. Jack also follows his foster mom from room to room and feels anxious when she is not in sight. He loves his foster brother and will do well with another dog in the house. There is never any animosity over food or chewing bones or treats.
Update 11/12/04: Ever want a dog you would not have to stoop to pet? This springer is for you! At his first vet visit, Jack weighed in at 70.1 lbs. and was a little thin at that weight. He’s very well-proportioned and that is why one never has to stoop down to pat him on the head. His coloring is spectacular and his manner is way above “average.” His foster mom has found his attitude and learning ability to be way above average too.
Jack loves everybody and everything. He is completely non-aggressive and positively delighted with other dogs, children, adults, and even cats and squirrels. He likes to welcome the morning with a good howl and whoo- whoo, and will “talk” during the day to show his enthusiasm or opinion about whatever is going on. He walks well now on leash, even self-correcting when he gets a little ahead. He knows “sit” and “down.” Jack also understands “stay” when his foster mom leaves the house and never tries to squeeze his way out the door.
Jack is housetrained and has never been destructive when his foster family was away. He has experience with crating and does not mind it, and, he travels well in the car. Jack enjoys his food and treats but does not beg and has never “surfed” for food.
He is very attentive to his foster mom and follows her from room to room, watching carefully where she is going to settle. He comes close, sits for attention, and then lies down; he just wants to be nearby. Jack is a very special boy and is looking for a special family to love forever. As soon as his health is fully restored, that family could be yours!
Original: At 65-70 pounds, Jack is, by any measure, a large springer. He came into rescue after having been picked up as a stray in the Virginia Beach area. Despite his being on the loose for a while, his foster mom has found him to be in overall good condition. She also sees in Jack a very kind nature and describes him as a typical “gentle giant.” Jack has been very gentle and friendly when greeting adults and children since in his foster home. He is beginning to come when called by name and follows his foster mom around the house. He loves attention and falls asleep when he is stroked behind his ears. He knows “sit,” is housetrained, does not chew, and has no food issues. When started on a leash, Jack pulled, so his foster mom is working with him in a Gentle Leader halter and he is responding well. When meeting other dogs, Jack is friendly as well and completely non-aggressive. His foster mom was told that he was quite accepting of cats when he was roaming free. When taken in, Jack’s coat was badly matted with burrs but in fairly good condition. His foster family is working on it and a trip to the groomer will help too. Fortunately, he was flea and tick-free with a clear nose and ears when he arrived at his foster home. Jack will soon be ready for his forever family. His biggest need may be a bit more space than a typical springer requires. His biggest strength may be that there will be more to love and wrap one’s arms around with this “gentle giant.” Got space in your heart and home?