| Entered: 10/08/2006 Status: adopted Age: 7 Color: Liver/White Weight: Gender: Altered Male Location: Yorktown, VA Health: UTD, HW-, on a daily supplement for mild arthritis Temperament: Good with people as young as 13 years, good with other dogs, no cats |
Updated 11/1/06: Just a quickie to share how well Max is doing with his “new beginning”, he is making great strides in overcoming his shyness. The submissive urination that he arrived with has disappeared and he loves to hang out with his foster family. He is taking his daily chewable glucosamine tablets without assistance and loves doggie treats. He trusts the people around him, so he doesn’t mind having his paws touched, accepts baths, and grooming with ease. He is ready to share his trust with a forever family who will love him as much as he will love living close to them.
Original: Max is a sweet, sensitive boy who had lived with his owner since he was a puppy. Throughout his life, Max lived outside on the family’s 60-acre farm. The farm was not fenced, and Max and his family’s other dog were outside day and night. During the colder winter months, Max and the other dog were brought in at night. His owners sold the farm and relocated to an apartment that didn’t allow dogs.
He is a total sweetheart who makes these funny little noises when he’s being petted. Max does exhibit submissive urination at times so his foster parents don’t make a big deal when greeting him. This low-key approach has helped, and Max’s greeting has improved. He loves tummy rubs and will immediately roll onto his back, letting all know that he is ready for loving. He simply adores being inside, and sometimes looks as if he’s afraid you won’t let him back in when he’s finished with necessities. He’s terrified of loud thunderstorms and gunfire.
It is suspected that Max may have torn both ACLs, that is, the anterior cruciate ligaments in his knees, that were not treated. They have healed, but Max does show some arthritis in those joints and now gets daily glucosamine tablets for a mild assist. He is so gentle. His foster family has yet to get him to chew his “chewable” glucosamine tabs, so they give them by opening his mouth and placing one way back on his tongue, all of which he lets them do with nary a grumble or raised lip. They can also take away his food and water without his taking notice.
For a boy who has never lived outside, Max has excellent house manners. Max does not counter surf, trash pick, and he’s been in the house with no accidents for up to 10 hours while his foster mom and dad are at work. He doesn’t chew, has no interest in dog toys, and is perfectly content spending his time lying on a soft dog bed.
The resident Springers and Max get along fine. However, he tends to get a little nervous in the company of more than one or two people. His foster family had dinner guests over one night with their Miniature Schnauzer and Max slept the entire time on a blanket in the kitchen. He probably has not had much experience with small children. He will bark at them and go out of his way to avoid them. He will be most at ease in a home with older people and a quieter lifestyle. He is good off leash when outdoors with his foster parents and likes to go with them in the car on errands.
After a lifetime outside, Max has made the transition to indoor life in his foster home well and is ready for his new life. It should include the chance for light, but continuing exercise every day, a bedside spot every night, and gentle hands to pet and assure him that all is well in his new home. If tranquil companionship is just what you need to complete your life, Max would like to meet you.