Entered: 09/02/2018
Status: Adopted
Age: 8; born 08/07/2010
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 44 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from medication for anxiety and daily chews for dental health, dental complete with no extractions, skin tag removal complete
Temperament: Good with adults, hasn’t met children in foster care, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 12/23/2018: “He’s a gentle soul who needs people to love as much as he needs time outside.”
The first weeks in foster care can be unsettling for a dog. Signs of anxiety are common and most disappear with steady routine, nutritious food, and kindness. Sometimes health issues contribute to uneasiness and, as those are addressed, a happier dog emerges. Sometimes all it takes is a reassuring resident dog who sizes up the new guy or gal and offers to play, share toys, or run off worries in the fresh out-of-doors. For some, however, covering the basics and allowing time to work its magic isn’t enough. At two months in foster care, that was Jackson’s situation. With consensus among his foster family, other MAESSR vols, and his vet, an inexpensive medication was prescribed that has been beneficial. Coupled with 1-1 ½ hours of exercise most days, it has led to a much happier Jackson. Continuing the med through transition into an adopting home will be essential. Once he is at ease there, its further use may be re-evaluated.
Despite Jackson’s stretch of anxiety, he never failed to lavish kisses on his foster mom, targeting her mouth unless she was quicker than he. This endearing or not-so-endearing habit led to his nickname, the Kisser. It also led back to the vet when, over recent weeks, his breath became quite objectionable. The dental done in September had been routine. The exam last week revealed very respectable canines for an 8-year old and surprising tartar build-up on his molars. Considering all, his vet recommended a daily chew to sweeten his breath and slow tartar build-up. Annual dental support is to be anticipated. A plus is that Jackson is so gentle with having his mouth handled that brushing at home on a regular basis could also bring benefit.
In this season of joy, it’s heartening to see Jackson ready to make his move. If Santa could pop a family down the chimney for him…and a box of dental chews…life would be complete. He’s a gentle soul who needs people to love as much as he needs time outside. With both, he’ll prove himself as a steadfast companion in the woods and a cuddler on the couch. So, Santa!
Update 10/26/2018: “He moves with such ease and, when not running, is sniffing his way through the bunny habitat.”
In the horse world, Jackson Daniel couldn’t be touted as an “easy keeper.” He chows down twice daily and polishes off half again as much as his canine buddies. The good news, of course, is that his appetite is robust and what he doesn’t run off, he carries well in the form of a few pounds gained since intake.
When out for an hour or two of off leash time (almost daily), he’s continually in action. He moves with such ease and, when not running, is sniffing his way through the bunny habitat. His foster mom has yet to see him lie down outdoors…good Springer instincts kicking in!
Since his arrival, a second foster has joined the pack in his foster home. Another spaniel and of similar age made it easy for Jackson to welcome him. Jackson shares indoor and outdoor spaces well. The two don’t play together but may chase after each other in the yard. They’re fed separately to keep either from feeling the need to defend meals and each has a “bagel” bed on the floor in their people’s bedroom, making for peaceful nights… yeah!
Jackson’s always up for a road trip and eagerly lands on a tailgate and then pops into a crate for travel. It doesn’t matter if the run is five minutes or five hours, with or without stops along the way…he’s just glad to go along.
To be continued as this beautiful boy gets closer to his new beginning…
Original: “When recalled, he never hesitated to return and was rewarded with generous treats every time and, of course, lots of praise.”
Jackson Daniel’s pictures don’t do him justice. His spirit and overall demeanor so outshine them. He’s truly a happy dog. With 2 weeks in foster care, it was only when the camera came out that his tail quit wiggling and his efforts to land kisses on those around him ceased. OK, maybe he’s camera-shy or perhaps simply a bit weather-wise. After assurance that anticipated rain was no worry, he nestled into a dog bed but wouldn’t smile for the Kodak.
During his vet visit this handsome gent was good-as-gold. He greeted dogs politely in the lobby and was at ease with the vet tech that ushered him back for his heartworm test. In the exam room, he was calm and collected as the vet administered boosters and completed a physical exam. While he could carry a few more pounds, Jackson’s lean and well-muscled profile exudes good health. The only follow-up recommended is a dental to shine molars and protect his oral well-being.
In his foster home Jackson shares everything but meals with the resident ESS. Jackson’s housetraining is solid; he signals when it’s time to go out with anxious pacing. He’s trustworthy with run of the house when his family is home or away for short errands. He’s crated if both dogs are to be home alone for several hours and that works well. When traveling himself, Jackson crates and rides quietly, whether for a few minutes or a few hours.
His interest in toys is mild. The only one he selects from the box is a soft fleece tug. He will dash after it when it’s tossed and bring it back, only to release it immediately; he wants no part of pulling on it. He knows his basic commands and sits beside the resident to politely receive treats. At night he sleeps in the bedroom with his family.
Jackson ventures out daily for leashed walks and off-leash exploration of a fenced plot at home. A typical hour of this by no means tires him, but he’s quite willing to come indoors after such activity and will settle for the rest of the day. By comparison, his best work-out has been a 4-mile hike with a small group of 2-footed companions. The trail that day was deep into familiar woods so, at a point, his foster mom offered a top-shelf treat and then dropped his leash. What followed was all that Springers-lovers love about the breed. Jackson kicked into “field” mode. His nose went to the ground and he followed it everywhere. He was undeterred by mud holes, briars and downed trees. A steady, effortless trot carried him along. He consistently worked ahead of admiring people but remained close in good Springer form. When recalled, he never hesitated to return and was rewarded with generous treats every time and, of course, lots of praise. Once home Jackson was patient while being cleaned up and slept soundly the rest of the day.
Jackson Daniel is a beautiful boy, inside and out. Bred and raised in Pennsylvania, he had lived with his original family since puppyhood. When recent life changes ended their ability to continue his care, the difficult commitment to surrender was made. Given his fitness and sterling temperament, it doesn’t seem a stretch to feel Jackson’s never known unkind words or harsh hands. He’s steady, mature, and adaptable. He’s on the brink of his new beginning and will bring much joy to an active, loving family.