Max 5

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Update November 30, 2003:

Max has been adopted into a wonderful home!

Update: November 28, 2003:

Max is a beautiful liver/white springer that had a very ugly life prior to coming into MAESSR care. We pulled Max from a shelter in New Jersey, and he was a scared shaking mess.

Max had separation anxiety so bad that if left alone in a room (even while the person went to another room) he would urinate and defecate everywhere and then chew up every piece of paper he could find. The foster home that was caring for Max at this time spent an unbelievable amount of time helping Max to get over this behavior and helped him feel more secure. I am thrilled to report that now Max can be left alone with no messing in the house of any kind.  

Max was also terrified of going in a car and would do everything that he possibly could to avoid the car. His foster parents patiently worked with him so that he would associate being in the car with good things. Now he willingly goes for car rides and will occasionally shake a little, but for the most part enjoys the experience.

Max initially did not want to be confined in any way. This was a problem because he needed to be crated due to the above behaviors. The foster home helped Max learn that his crate was a safe place for him to go. Now Max can be crated without a problem.  He really prefers a nice fluffy dog bed but will also sleep in his crate.

Max does well with other dogs as long as they stay out of his “space” and do not steal his toys. He tolerates them outside much better than inside. He really prefers female dogs. He is currently in a foster home where there are 10 other dogs. He will growl and snarl at the male dogs if they are getting too close to him. We have only had one instance where it actually came to a fight – Max lost, and it has not happened again. My preference would be to not place him in a home with other male dogs.

Max is in great health, with the exception of his hips and one knee. The hips and one knee were damaged due to severe abuse at his former home. Max has had several treatments of different medications, exercise to build up the bones and muscles and a lot of love. I am THRILLED to report that after a visit to the vet last week for more xrays that Max does not need surgery for his hips or knee. The vet said that for now to keep him on Move Free (a brand of glucosamine/chondroitin). Eventually he would probably have to be on rimadyl or duramax.  There is a possibility that in his old age he could need surgery on his hips or knee, but there is no way to know that for sure at this time. Max loves to run and play  with the other dogs.

Max loves people. He loves to sleep on your lap or close to you.  He likes to show you his stuffed zebra when you come home from work. He likes to squeak his squeaky Santa at you to get your attention.  He likes for you to cuddle with him on his dog bed. He likes to cuddle with you on your bed.  I am recommending that Max not be placed with children under the age of 13. The only reason for this is that I want Max to get someone’s full attention, and with young children around he would come in second.  Max is a little shy when he first gets to know you, then he will quickly become your wiggle-butting best friend.

Do you have the love and time for Max to show you all of his toys and love?  

Update: August 24, 2003 
Max is a sweet, friendly boy who has had much too rough of a life for such a nice boy. His foster mom has spent a great deal of time stabilizing his pain medications. At this time we expect that he will need surgery to repair damage to both hips and one right knee. We are still getting testing and evaluations completed, but it looks like the damage was caused by prior abuse.

Original: 
Max was pulled from a shelter and is slowly adjusting to life in his foster home. Max’s foster family reports that he is a sad little guy, he doesn’t have they typical Springer energy . He really loves people, he got a glowing report from both the vet and the groomer. He is just a little shy at this point.

Max weighs 46lbs and he has very delicate features, small paws, a small and fine-boned face, and is still “puppy leggy”. He prances aroung and does not like to get muddy or dirty.

So far, Max does not approve of the other dogs in his foster household. There has been a lot of growling between dogs but no actual biting. When he is removed from the other dogs, he whines to be back with them. 

Max loves walks, and to run and play with you in the yard, but he is just as happy to sleep on the sofa, or, preferably, on your lap. He appears to be well housetrained with only one accident the first day he came into foster care and that can be attributed to nerves. Max knows how to sit, stay, come and shake.

At this point, Max’s foster family is still trying to figure this guy out. We will be posting more information as he gets better adjusted to his new surroundings.

Can you give this guy the love and stability he needs?