Lucky 14

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Update 01/29/11:

The cold winter weather continues to be a good learning experience for Lucky. He has realized that hunting birds outside at 20 degrees is not the same as it is in the summertime, especially when your foster parents are working outside and spending time with you. 

He has also recognized that spending time with the family and resident ESS in the warm house is more enjoyable than being in freezing weather outside. 

Lucky continues to enjoy his time at doggie day care once a week. This has allowed him to learn how to interact with other dogs while he is there, but he does prefer having his ESS housemate there with him. His foster parents also enjoy this one day per week event, as it tires both of these guys out for several days!

Lucky has learned some of life’s most important lessons while with his foster family. He’s ever more ready for an adopting family who wants an active and appreciative companion as part of their family. He’s handsome, loving and has a huge heart. Lucky could be your perfect Valentine! 

Update 01/10/11:

Lucky has really settled in with his foster family and their dominant resident English Springer spaniel who often sets the rules on which toys can be played with. Lucky recently decided to quickly grab his favorite toy and run through the house with unbridled excitement in an effort to show his own independence. He did, however, know to drop the toy at the door before going outside, something he learned from his Springer pal. Lucky has now adopted this toy as his own and likes to have his foster parents throw it so he can bring it back to them.

With cold and wet weather now here, Lucky is also getting fewer of his long morning walks, but instead, he gladly takes a shorter morning walk followed by 30 minutes on the treadmill in the evening. A tired dog is a happier dog! He also has learned that it is more fun to be in the snow and cold while chasing birds than it is to be outside when it is just cold! He will now ask to come in after a short time outside when it is really cold. 

Lucky is also wanting to spend more time with the family while inside, and often wants to join them on the couch. So far they have resisted, but it’s very nice to see his socialization progressing in this way. He is now taking fewer of his medications to assist with socialization, with no backsliding in his behavior – very nice to see too. 

Lucky has been waiting patiently for just the right family to realize what a great boy he is and that he would be perfect for them. Please don’t make him wait toooooo much longer!

Update 11/22/10:

The fantastic fall weather in Virginia has brought out the best in Lucky. His foster parents have spent a lot of time outside, enjoying the weather and completing some unfinished projects. Lucky has spent a lot of quality time with them and the resident Springer Spaniel. He loves being underfoot, and checks on his foster family at the door if they spend too much time inside before coming out again. 

With his energy expended at the end of the day, Lucky will reluctantly surrender to a well-deserved nap next to members of his foster family, knowing that he is safe and sound, and that a great meal will be waiting when he awakes! With colder weather not too far away, Lucky is fortunate that he can always jump on the treadmill for his daily exercise if he cannot go on a long walk outside. 

This handsome, active, and affectionate boy has been waiting patiently for his perfect forever family to come along. Who needs a rabbit’s foot when you can have four Lucky paws?

Update 10/18/10:

Pictures are an essential part of information gathering as MAESSR works with shelters, vets, owners and other rescues to assist springers. Yet, even in the digital age, pictures don’t always enable intake coordinators to correctly differentiate springers from similar breeds in the sporting group. 

This is how, from time to time, commitment is made to a non-springer. The needs of the dog remain the same when it arrives at its foster home and a hands-on determines it to be another breed. For this reason, the decision was made long ago that, once a MAESSR dog, always a MAESSR dog. MAESSR’s commitment to assessment, care and placement is the same for non-springers as for Springers.

Though Lucky has the heart of a Springer, his foster family has determined that he is a setter. Aside from this point of breeding, all else for Lucky remains the same. He is one great dog!

Update 10/14/10:

The change of weather has brought out even more the joy of watching Lucky spend his time out-of-doors. He excitedly runs across the yard, observing the birds and squirrels going about their rituals of preparing for winter. Seeing him display so much excitement and happiness in such a simple thing brings warm smiles to the faces of his foster parents.

After being on his new dog food for about a month, Lucky’s weight has remained the same at 41 pounds. This is the weight that seems to suit him, as he has been fed extra portions without him exceeding this magic number. 

Lucky is a guy who needs a forever family that understands he is most comfortable running around outside during the day while his family is nearby. In the evening, he is content to relax with them inside, after having expended his energy chasing real and imaginary critters. To see him in action, every day, and to have him just a touch away, every evening, goes to the heart of life with a Springer. If you’re a Springer lover, plain and simple, please ask about meeting Lucky!

Update 09/01/10:

Lucky has changed foster families and is back to being a playmate and close companion of the 6 year old ESS that he met almost 6 months ago. He has matured a lot since that time and has outgrown most of the mischievous behavior that he exhibited in the past. It helps that he takes a 1 mile walk every morning with one or both of his foster parents and resident ESS, and that they give him the firm, calm guidance he has come to expect. He also gets the opportunity to run in the backyard at lunch time and again in the evening. 

He continues to behave in the house and is now permitted to have the run of the house during the day when his foster parents are not home. His foster parents make sure that he is let outside if he has been in the house for a long time or when he gets really excited, even if he has just come in from playing. While playing outside, he will now come to the door to get the attention of the foster parents so they will come outside to join him, even if they do nothing more than just sit outside with him. This gentle guy loves to be with people more than ever, and has learned to settle down and sleep more when he is inside. 

Lucky has just been put on a different dog food to help him gain a little weight. He continues to be in good health which is reflected in his soft and silky coat. He is such a joy to have around, and will do well with any active family who keeps him physically exercised and mentally challenged, while allowing him to get additional exercise in a fenced-in yard. With just some regular exercise and quality attention, he will make a great loyal and loving companion.

Update 07/23/10:

This strikingly handsome boy continues to be a sweet, loving boy. He has changed foster homes and has won over his new foster family quickly. His nice house manners also have carried over into his new home and can be expected to carry into his adopting home as well.

Since his move Lucky has had a bit more vetting. He was wormed one more time with good results. Whatever little worms were missed with earlier treatments are now gone. He is continuing now to put on weight and has a very, very soft coat. He also started an inexpensive medication to assist with socialization. The benefit is already apparent. Lucky is showing a greater interest in the people around him. Because of his youthful energy, he will do best with people who are 12 years and over. He will also do best with an active family who keeps him physically exercised and mentally challenged. Lucky has great potential and is ready for another growth spurt right into adulthood. All he needs is a committed companion!

Update 05/29/10:

Very nice news to share on this incredibly handsome young adult. Lucky is becoming more and more comfortable with his foster family. He still needs to be put on time-outs to rest, but he is also learning to settle down on his own and enjoys relaxing with everyone. 

He still loves to spend a lot of time outside, chasing real and imaginary birds. But, he now likes checking in more often with his foster family when they are sitting outside or working in the yard. He also has discovered that chasing thrown toys and returning them to his foster parents inside the house can be fun as well! 

Lucky is a very intelligent boy and would greatly benefit from obedience training. It took him only two days to learn the look command before eating his meals. He also quickly learned that the call of treat outside meant that he might prefer to come to the house to get a snack instead of looking for birds!

If you’re searching for a dog whose looks will turn heads, Lucky may be the one for you. If you’re looking at prospects for dog sport competition, Lucky may be the one for you. If you’re poised to advance your own skills in the dog world and seek an active partner to grow with, Lucky may be your perfect match!!………..and visa versa!!

Update 04/16/10:

Due to his not respecting and being overly rowdy with children under 15, Lucky has been returned to MAESSR by his adopting family. He got along very well with the adults and older child in the family but he did have some problems with the younger children. 

Lucky remembered his foster family that he returned to and their 6 year old ESS and has settled in quickly. As before, he is full of energy and, when outside, will run and watch birds and squirrels for hours. He does not forget that his foster parents are outside with him and will check on them now and then during his activities. 

This highly active boy sometimes must be reminded that he has played enough. Then, he will gladly rest inside when given a time out behind child gates in the kitchen. He loves to play with other dogs and is very loving and gentle towards older children and adults. He is being taught not to be possessive of his toys and that it is ok to give up his tennis ball so it can be thrown again for him to fetch. Lucky does well on the treadmill and is exercised on it 3 or 4 times per week for about 25 minutes at a time. At day’s end, he currently sleeps in his crate at night and is starting to be left in the kitchen during the day when home alone for short periods. 

Lucky remembered from previously that he needs to sit before eating and before going outside, each of which he does eagerly. He is now learning that he must sit a little longer, even after his food is placed on the floor, and that he must sit at the door even when the door is opened a bit. His foster parents have learned that Lucky is a quick and eager learner, traits that can be used to occupy his busy mind. 

Like most young springers, he needs firm guidance, consistent boundaries and ample daily exercise. He could handle a job to boot! If you’re looking for a smart, motivated ESS to train with for any of many dog sports, Lucky may be the best partner you could pick!

Update 03/09/10:

With time to settle into the routine of his foster home, Lucky’s true personality is showing. He shines when he is outside and can run and play in the open spaces. He needs lots of running room outside. One or two walks a day is not enough to satisfy his need for exercise. To burn off energy when it is too wet to be outside, this boy has already learned to spend up to 30 minutes on a treadmill – go, Lucky!!!

Lucky is doing well on a leash. Squirrels do get his attention when he is on a walk or while he is outside but he is not overly excited by them. One of his favorite toys is a tennis ball which he loves to chase when thrown. 

He does exhibit a bit of mischievous behavior without proper exercise. He is a counter surfer and likes to pick up pieces of paper or other loose items to play with. His family expects this habit to diminish when he gets on a routine eating and exercise schedule. 

Lucky has had a couple of accidents in his foster home but has learned quickly. His foster parents make sure that he goes outside first thing in the morning and when he first comes out of his crate. When he gets very excited, he may have to go outside! Lucky is crate trained and spends his nights there. He is also placed in his crate when his foster family is out during short periods of the day. 

He will eagerly sit when food and water are offered to him and will quickly sit down at the door when reminded so that he can go outside. He is anxious to please and seems receptive to additional training. He is very good natured and has not shown any aggressive tendencies. 

Lucky is a very loveable but energetic dog that needs to be given a lot of attention. He’ll do best with an active family who will keep him physically and mentally challenged. He may have potential as an agility, fly ball or disc dog jogging partner, backpacking buddy, or simply someone to share the treadmill with. Whatever he gets into with his people, he will be happiest if he is a tired boy at the end of the day!

Original:

Lucky came to MAESSR from a high-kill shelter in rural Virginia. The staff named him Lucky because he was lucky enough to get pulled from the shelter by MAESSR. Despite this positive name, Lucky had some difficulties actually getting to his foster family. Due to several consecutive snow storms, Lucky was delayed by three weeks getting into his foster home. 

Although Lucky is a little shy when he first meets people, he warms up quickly. He loves attention and would let you rub him and pet him until all of his hair fell out! Lucky rides well in the car, but when going for a walk, he does pull on the leash. Housetraining is coming along fairly well. Despite having a couple of accidents in his foster home, he has learned what is expected of him quickly. A social boy, Lucky loves to play, wrestle, and run with the other dogs in his foster home. 

This lucky boy will make his adopting family very happy!