Entered: 11/16/2021
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 39 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for urinary tract infection complete
Temperament: Good with adults, good with children as young as toddlers, good with other dogs, would likely chase cats
Original: “A bit like Mary Poppins, Lexie is practically perfect in every way.”
Lexie came to MAESSR after a cross-country trek from California to Pennsylvania. Her owner had died a year ago and she was loved and cared for by the owner’s son. When a tour of the country in his truck was planned, Lexie’s owner tried to find a rescue that would do justice for this sweet girl. Not caring for the attitude of the rescue, he decided to make this little lady his co-pilot on a journey that began in August. Fifteen national parks and numerous stops later, life in the truck was beginning to get cold for Lexie. Her owner tried contacting rescues; they either never responded or said it would take two weeks to process her into a foster home. When he reached out to MAESSR, Lexie was brought into the fold in one day…because that’s how MAESSR rolls!
In her temporary foster home, Lexie spent a couple of days with resident dogs and did well. She then traveled south to her next foster home. Naturally she was a terrific passenger in the car, sleeping most of the way. She spent her first week with a visiting dog, a mixed terrier of about the same size. They got along most of the time. Lexie enjoyed chasing him around the yard. In the house she sometimes tried to initiate play which he considered a little too pushy, so he was a little intimidated and avoided her at times. They had no issues eating near each other and even shared a plate to lick together.
Lexie was drinking a lot of water and had two pee accidents during her first two days. Her former owner said she absolutely never had any type of accident in the house before. A urinalysis confirmed that she had a UTI, and Lexie was put on antibiotics. This appears to be clearing nicely. Lexie gets the opportunity to go out frequently, but if she has a need to go, she might give a knowing stare to her people. She’s well housetrained and will almost always pee on demand if told, “Go poo poo.” This works for pee, not necessarily poop, which might also happen at the same time.
Walks are exciting to Lexie, and she might even give a little woof and play bow if she’s asked about going on a walk. Her nose is powerful and often on the ground. She walks well in a harness which seemed to be a new concept to her, although she did come with an adorable backpack that was harness-like.
Lexie has been professionally groomed since she was a puppy. She was pretty shaggy from her months on the road so her foster mom began first with scissors on her paws, ears, and feathers. The next day it was the clippers. Lexie LOVED the process and fell asleep a few times. It wasn’t easy trimming a dog that’s lying on her side, but Lexie did not wiggle and was so good about everything done to her – even having her paws trimmed.
Lexie spent four days visiting with a dog-crazy toddler; she was so good with the child who was mostly very gentle with Lexie. Reportedly Lexie grew up with her female owner’s toddler grandchildren and does love children. During her travels she met many adults and children and loved meeting everyone.
With a plethora of small toys available during her visit, it became clear that Lexie loves chewing on little plastic items, and plush animals are a treat. She does not like giving up a precious find and clamps down like a bear trap to keep the object. Trading for a treat works, but it will be necessary to keeps those objects from Lexie. She’ll make fast work of finding squeakers in plush dog toys, so vigilance is required.
Lexie loves to explore the outside world. She managed to find a small hole in her fenced yard and had a joyful romp in the woods before returning. She had a mini escape during her recent visit with family as her people were loading the car for the return home. She ran into a neighbor’s yard and when her foster mom went to retrieve her, she ran as though it was a game. When told, “Let’s go for a ride,” Lexie came right back. Recall will need to be worked on with her.
A very sweet, smart girl who loves being with her people, Lexie isn’t clingy or an attention hound. She would love to sleep in the big bed with her people but accepts a comfy bed on the floor. If allowed on a couch, she’s a super cuddler. One can tell that Lexie was much loved and well cared for. A bit like Mary Poppins, Lexie is practically perfect in every way.