Entered: 7/22/23
Status: Adopted
Age: 9 (DOB 12/17/13)
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 49 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Health: UTD, HW-, ocular cyst requiring no treatment at this time, over-all very good
Temperament: Good with adults, has lived well with children, good with dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “At times Mason appears to have the energy of a 9-month-old. What makes him really special is that he has the maturity of a 9-year-old.”
Every MAESSR foster is unique. Some arrive with health issues that need immediate attention. Some bring behavioral concerns that resolve by shaping manners. Some are scared by the new space and faces surrounding them. By contrast, Mason eagerly and confidently checked out his foster home. Good health and house manners were evident. He made quick friends with the resident dogs and fell into the household routine. Good boy!
MAESSR’s Mason (what a tongue-twister!) grew from puppyhood with one Virginia family, alongside their children. One person in the household worked from home, so he was accustomed to human closeness. The family loved him but felt he needed more attention and a canine buddy in his life, so they chose to work with MAESSR toward a new beginning for their boy.
Mason has a lanky build, similar to field-bred Springers. He’s at a good weight but shouldn’t lose any pounds. His markings bring to mind bench-bred ESSs. His thick, full tail turns heads and brings compliments. In foster care he’s been on the grooming table several times and accepts brushing, scissoring, light clipping, and nail trims with ease.
His veterinary wellness visit went well. Common as dogs age, he has developed a few spongy cysts which require no treatment. A small cyst on one eyelid doesn’t bother him but should be watched for change. Mason’s appetite is robust. Output is good and, without exception, happens outdoors. He doesn’t signal his need; he simply follows the resident dogs on their frequent outings.
Mason doesn’t counter-surf and ignores trash. He shows no interest in people things and isn’t possessive of dog toys. Upon invitation, he will hop onto the couch and settle beside his foster mom, but he doesn’t ask for opportunity.
With a picture-perfect play bow and a love of wrestling, Mason and the 3-year-old resident are well matched physically. In their dog yard at home or at the dog park, short chases happen. Mason’s dog-dog socialization is far better than that of the resident, and, Mason is patient with teaching him that play is fun. The other resident he shares the foster home with is a 14-year-old ESS who’s play days are past. Mason leaves her to her napping; there is peace between those two as well as the dogs he’s met at the dog park.
Like most Springers, Mason is quite trainable. He makes good eye contact, unless there are distracting squirrels close by, and will “sit” at doors, for treats, and to get his leash on. “Load up” directs him onto the grooming table or the tailgate of the family truck. “Uh-uh” gets his attention for mild correction. “Come” is understood but honored slowly or selectively, depending on competition for his attention.
So, what is this awesome dog working on in foster care? Shaping his acceptance of a crate is ongoing. Mason crates quietly for travel, whether for ten minutes to the dog park or hours of transport to his foster home. He understands “go to kennel” now and finds his meals placed in the back of an oversized wire crate in the dining room; he has yet to miss a meal! He does get anxious when his people leave for errands or to mow the grass. Building comfort in space of his own is the goal. It can be a slow process but may be beginning to benefit him…to be continued.
The other ongoing effort with Mason is to dissuade digging. When out daily at home or the dog park, he makes no effort to jump 5-foot chain-link fencing but he’s a 5-star digger. At home wildlife scents right outside the dog yard are likely the allure. A heavy spray of vinegar on the perimeter has slowed him down. His family is always outdoors with him and uses “Mason, uh-uh” each time his paws begin to excavate. The home fence is substantial, so Mason hasn’t come close to going under but discouraging this habit is ongoing. More time to adjust from his major life change may help too.
Mason could be an ambassador for MAESSR. He has the classic ESS look, a calm nature and comfort with people. He went to a small farmers’ market this morning. It took 45 minutes to shop through what usually is a 15-minute stop because folks wanted to meet and pet him. He was as kind to all as they were to him. A moving moment … Mason was on leash, knee side to his foster mom, when a toddler stepped up from behind, with both little hands up, ready to give Mason a big hug. Mason stood ever still for the attention.
At times Mason appears to have the energy of a 9-month-old. What makes him really special is that he has the maturity of a 9-year-old. He will bring much joy to his next family.