Marley 4

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Updated 8/16/05:

Marley continues to be the steady and undemanding housemate to all who pass through his foster home, and while there really isn’t a revolving door there, it may seem like it to him. A second foster dog arrived this week. For the first few days, Marley made sure he got to his foster mom first for petting, was first to go out the door, and was first to settle in his favorite spot. He occasionally voiced concern but has relaxed and settled as he sees that the new gal pretty much ignores his little territorial grumbles. The two will stand side by side for bedtime treats, and, she is sleeping in “his” spot tonight!

Marley’s foster home also hosted a mini-reunion for 5 days. There was lots of food, an erratic schedule, new sleeping places for everyone, and sporadic attention to the dogs. Marley was polite and very gracious to each of the guests, accepting as much petting and ear rubs as he could con them into, yet quietly going to his spot to settle when he wore them out. They commented on how well-mannered he was and, in particular, that he was not any bother at all.

He is making progress on his leash work and on riding in the back seat of the family pickup. He went to the groomer for his first bath and good clipping and did very well. He still doesn’t care for the nail part, but the groomer was patient and tuned into him and got that done too. He really is quite handsome and seems to know he looks good!

Updated 7/13/05:

With a month in foster care, Marley’s health remains good. He has been treated for a minor eye irritation caused by seasonal allergy and a salve cleared it up. While it didn’t seem to bother him, it may recur and require some occasional treatment. He is an easy keeper and doesn’t eat much to maintain his weight, but he is always ready for treats!

Marley really shines when he is outside “nosing” around. He loves nothing better than checking every square inch of grass, brush, and creek for smells. Being out with him on a 25′ flexi-leash is a true pleasure. He is a good swimmer, but once cooled off, he wants to be back on land where his nose works best. When out in public, Marley often ignores people and even dogs, unless there is a feisty male dog to greet, because sniffing consumes him. He politely greets visitors to his foster home though and will sit for petting. He can be an Olympic Gold wiggle butt, seeking attention from his foster mom, in particular, but will settle quietly for hours indoors when she has work to do.

The surprising part about Marley is that he is the first springer his foster mom has, affectionately but seriously, been calling “the grump.” He clearly grumbles about certain things he doesn’t like, such as nail clipping, some cuddling, the playful overtures of his new foster sister, and being in his truck crate for the first minute of each ride. He remains good with the resident dogs– just a bit of jealousy, perhaps, with the new gal.

As Marley has unfolded so far, his foster mom feels he would do best in a home with adults who have experience with sporting dogs and could offer him frequent opportunities to get outdoors for “brushpopping.” He might be a very good partner for someone wanting to start a tracking dog. He can be a very good companion but needs his human to be as confident as he is. That springer nose of his has healed with just a bit of scaring and needs to continue doing what it does best!! If you’re ready to take to the fields and woods, no one would enjoy going along more than Marley!!!

Original:

Marley came into MAESSR’s care from a shelter in eastern Virginia. He must have had a home and family until very recently. He’s in good health, well fed and used to being indoors and around people. His only telltale sign of a difficulty is on his nose. It is healing from a wound that must have hurt a good bit. How it got there will remain a mystery, but a bit of a scar may always remind Marley of a round he may have lost.

In his foster home, Marley gets along well with the 2 small, resident dogs. They are seniors and not interested in playing, but Marley accepts their quiet lifestyle and doesn’t pester. He met a 4-month-old pup and hiked along with her on a trail and accepted her well. He hasn’t shown interest in toys yet, but his foster mom keeps offering them. When it comes to cats, Marley will definitely enjoy a chase.

Marley may be a little rusty but knows basic commands. One he is hearing quite a lot is “Off!” He has a lot of enthusiasm when meeting people and will plant his front paws on the chest on someone new. He is learning that sitting politely gets him more hugs faster. He also is a counter-surfer, thinks couches are fair game and wants to sleep on the bed with his foster mom. Marley is a smart fellow, and though a little reluctant to comply at first, is improving his house manners quickly. He has allowed his foster mom to remove food from his mouth that he snatched from the counter. He is housebroken and not a chewer or trashcan demon. He does pull on his leash and his foster family is working on that with him too.

While he traveled well to his foster home in a crate, Marley didn’t want to use one in the house. With treats for enticement and meals being served there, he changed his mind and now spends his days quietly crated while his family works. He sleeps on the floor bedside at night. He enjoys being groomed except for having his nails clipped.

Marley is a sweetie who has already convinced his foster mom and others he’s met that he would be a great companion. He loves belly rubs and ear massages. He is a confident springer who can behave well. He will also test and grumble a little to find out if his human is going to be insistent about good behavior. Despite his age, an obedience class with his new family would be an excellent way to get Marley’s new beginning underway!!