Jake 15

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Update 03/02/12:

Jake continues to be a wonderful house guest in his foster home! In addition to his good manners, Jake enjoys playing a good game of hide and seek. When his foster mom comes home from work, she usually has to search for Jake. Sometimes she finds him in a corner; other times he might be hiding out in the bathtub! But no matter where she finds Jake, his foster mom gets the best greeting!

A dental cleaning at the vet’s was necessary for Jake’s health, but the anesthesia was a bit tough for this senior guy. He bounced back in 24 hours, but neither Jake nor his foster mom got much sleep that night. 

Going for a walk is a joy for Jake, who then loves to come home and cuddle. He remains a laid back boy who does not show much interest in toys. Jake recently met his foster mom’s 5-year old niece. He allowed her to pet him continuously; then he let her walk him on his leash. They were so cute together!

It’s obvious that Jake is a total sweetheart. He’s an easy-going guy who has simple needs: a special family to love, daily walks, and a challenging game of hide and seek. Searching for a special friend? Look no further than Jake!

Update 01/29/12:

Jake has returned to MAESSR’s care after years of good life in his adopting home. When his adoptive father recently passed away, the family made a difficult decision to move into a smaller apartment which did not accept dogs and turned to MAESSR for help with this sweetie. 

A super-sweet, calm, and loving Springer, Jake has acclimated well to his foster home and has been a wonderful houseguest. He co-exists with the resident male Springer, even though they compete for the foster mom’s attention by seeing who can sit the closest and who can give the most kisses.

At 41 pounds, Jake came in slightly underweight. He’s working on that and will benefit from a dental cleaning to address gingivitis. He is also dealing with arthritic hind legs which, unfortunately, make climbing stairs a challenge. Being a typical Velcro-Springer, though, this dedicated companion makes every effort to trek the stairs to be with his foster mom. What a loyal boy!

Overall Jake has good manners. He knows “sit” and “paw,” and his foster mom is working on “stay” and “come” with him. He does have a very curious nose and will not hesitate to look in closets, and especially in an open trash can. When told “no,” he obliges. Good dog!

It was reported that Jake had had occasional submissive urination. His foster mom noticed one accident on Day One, but none since that time. She chalks that up to Jake adjusting to new surroundings and a new schedule. Unfortunately, Jake does not give a clear signal when he has “to go,” so his foster mom is working on taking him out at regular intervals, or, at least when she sees him starting to pace. 

Jake is a real love-bug and laid-back companion. He loves attention and even enjoys brushing while laying next to his foster mom on the couch. His favorite thing is to nudge her to rub his cheeks. He is sensitive about having his belly rubbed which may be related to the removal of benign fatty masses a few years ago.

Jake enjoys car rides, which start with a whimper that eventually ceases. He walks well on a leash, only being held back by the arthritis in his hind legs. When other dogs are encountered while walking, Jake reacts by giving out a few barks; then he simply moves on! He shows a mild interest in squirrels. He does not seem to enjoy the wintery sidewalks, walking hesitantly on the snow and showing a desire to quickly do his business and get back to the comforts of the warm home. 

Crate use for Jake is voluntary, though he can be trusted throughout the whole house while his foster mom is at work. While it was reported he tends to guard his toys, he has not initiated much “play time” perhaps because he is a little shy right now. More on this as he gets completely comfy in his foster home! 

This adorable gentleman will be thrilled to join a loving family of his own soon. Please check back for the latest on this fine senior.

Updated 7/11/05:

With a little more time in his foster home, Jake has discovered the joy of doggie toys, and now greets everyone at the door with his favorite bone. He is looking quite spiffy in his summer cut and is much more comfortable. Jake is quite the love bug and loves attention, especially those ear rubs. He continues to guard the yard from birds and squirrels and enjoyed his trip to the dog park. 

Jake could fit into so many families so easily. If you are looking for a great dog to share time with at the dog park, on the woodland trail, or in your backyard, Jake would love to be at the end of your leash.

Original:

Jake was turned over to MAESSR when the combination of a new baby, a four-year toddler, and a townhouse with no yard proved too much for his first and only owner. Jake is a healthy fellow, eats well, and as a result, needs to lose a few pounds. The opportunity for a little more exercise in his adopting home would likely help Jake trim down fairly easily. He lets his foster mother clean his ears and trim his nails without any issue, although he does hide when the ear cleanser comes out! And he was an angel at the vet.

So far Jake has been a great houseguest in his foster home. He is housebroken, rarely pulls on his leash, doesn’t counter-surf, and leaves the garbage can alone. He gets along well with his foster brothers, ages 4 and 12 years old and is not food possessive. Jake also gets along well with the seven-year-old boy at his foster home. He hasn’t been interested in the resident rabbit and reportedly was fine with a cat in his younger days. Jake knows “sit” and his name, but he is not consistent about coming when called right now. He will also give his paw, although not on command. 

Despite his age Jake has just started playing with toys. In his foster home he is toy-possessive with the other dogs and with men but will turn toys over to his foster mother. 

Jake is definitely a “Momma’s Boy.” Although he enjoys the company and attention of his foster father, he stays focused on his foster mother and prefers female company. This handsome sweetie is easy to live with and ready to be a wonderful companion for the next “lady” in his life. Would that be you?