Koa

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When Koa’s family of six fell on hard times, they were forced to downsize their living arrangements. Then, sweet Koa became very ill. When their vet could not help him, they turned to MAESSR for help, as they could not afford a specialist and wanted only the best for Koa. MAESSR was up for the challenge and this Virginia native was in the hands of the vet within days. Although the cause of his illness was not clear at the time, he was started on medication and within days he began to improve. Today, it is hard to tell that he was ever sick.

This cute boy is full of life and loves to play. Koa is very well behaved and housetrained. He does not trash dive or chew on inappropriate items, and will ask if he can get on the sofa at night when the household is settling down. He has free run of the house at all times with no separation issues. When his foster mom is out, Koa stays behind a gate with no problems. There has never been a need to crate him. There have been a few episodes of counter-surfing, but his foster mom is working on that. She is also working on his leash skills, as now that Koa is feeling better he gets excited and will pull. At night, he is content to sleep on the dog bed in his foster mom’s bedroom until morning.

Koa knows the commands of sit and go lay down. He is totally trusted off leash, coming as soon as he hears his name which, by the way, is Koa Akila Akani – meaning brave, noble and friend – a lot to live up to for this little guy! He has friend and noble down pat, but the brave he is still working on. He will bark at new people or dogs until introductions have been made; then, the friend kicks in again. 

His foster mom takes all the dogs out to the pastures twice a day to run and Koa is in heaven. He especially loves the tall grass and will hunt for things to flush until he is called. This boy has no problem entertaining himself when going out in the fenced yard and will run around chasing butterflies or playing with a toy.

Koa has not yet decided about the cats in his foster home, so this too is a work in progress. He will bark at them, but if they hiss, he will run to his foster mom for comfort. Again, he is still working on the brave part of his name! Koa rides nicely in the car; depending on his mood, he will either sit in the backseat looking out the window or take a nap.

This adorable boy would love a home with lots of interesting things to do and people to love him. In return, he would give lots of kisses and tail wags. What more could one want from a Springer?!