Jade

---

Updated 9/10/07: Jade’s progress has been steady, and with the last of her vetting complete, she is ready to meet her forever family. Since joining her foster family, she has graduated from “Housetraining 101” with flying colors. She is now allowed to roam freely, even at night and when no one is at home. She has not chewed anything other than doggie toys. Her investigative nature when it comes to food in low places, such as coffee tables, has remained and taken a step up. She helped herself to a piece of toast, so her foster family no longer leaves her in a room with food on a table– removing temptation seemed the fairest solution– and the easiest!!

Though still on the shy side, Jade is getting braver. Her family recently had a party to send a daughter off to college and there were a lot of people around. Jade stayed in the mix, and although older men were still scary, she was hanging out with everybody and let all the ladies and kids pet her. Her family was very happy to see this.  It was clear that she is moving ahead with her socialization.

Like so many rescued Springers, Jade has a few things she will continue to work on when she moves into her adopting home. She does get intimidated easily. She doesn’t always want to come into the house when it’s time for her family to leave home. It may be that she just loves being outside so much or, their call may tip her off that the people she has come to trust will be departing. When this happens, she will cower and be totally submissive but she does refuse to come on her own accord. A gentle hand on her collar or a leash will help guide her inside. Once in she will seek out a comfort(able) zone which is often the sofa.

Like the green stone she is named after, Jade will continue to progress in her new home and shine as brightly as any gem. If you have time and love to put the polish on this gal, she will be thrilled to share your couch with you!  

Original: Jade came into MAESSR’s care along with 2 buddies from a county shelter in New Jersey. The trio had been abandoned by their people during a divorce and was picked up by animal control officers for safe keeping. Jade had been used for breeding and like the other two dogs, she had been living outdoors.

She has had at least one litter. While at the shelter, she was spayed and healing is complete now. Her vaccinations will be up to date soon. Weighing in at 34 pounds, Jade is a wonderfully petite girl. Despite her diminutive size, she is not afraid to tell the other dogs to back off when she is not in the mood for rough housing.

Most timid of the trio is little Jade. She gets along with other dogs and doesn’t even chase critters outside, but she is very shy with many people, especially men. When frightened, she melts to the ground. Once she gets to know new folks, she is very cuddly and loving. She is good with older children but, because she is so scared at times and adjusting to indoor living, a home without the activity of young children is recommended for her. Her foster family is working with her patiently to build her confidence amongst all that is new.

When she arrived in foster care, Jade was groomed and must have hated every minute of it. She tried to wrestle her way free from snips and suds, but at last her mop of hair and mats were shaved off her head. She was great for the rest of the grooming. She just didn’t like those clippers on her head. Once clipped, her spectacular ticking showed through and she is cute as a button. Her coat is also silky soft now that she’s had a bath or two.

Jade rides very nicely in the car, either crated or leashed. She tends to like looking out the window, though she would crawl into your lap if she could. She likes to play ball but still has not quite gotten the concept of giving it back. She walks wonderfully on a leash. Jade’s house training is not complete but has improved greatly. She is crated when her family leaves home and at night to help her along with this. She is staying off the furniture most of the time but is still exploring her boundaries. She will try to go on the bed or sofa and is reluctant to get off but will when asked. Though food on the coffee table is something she does investigate, she has not helped herself to any, yet. With trust in her foster family in place, she will greet them in the morning by jumping and also when they come home. Along with house training and confidence building, her family is working with her on this too.