Melvin

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Original: “He’s a friend to everyone he meets, sometimes giving them a kiss or a bark hello.”  

Melvin is the perfect, stereotypical Springer.  He became a MAESSR boy when his New Jersey owner’s work schedule changed and Melvin had to be alone too much of the time.  His owner felt this wasn’t fair to Melvin and he made the heartbreaking decision to relinquish him to MAESSR.   He knew that this was best for Melvin and that MAESSR would take exceptional care of him!    

Completely housetrained, Melvin has had no accidents in the house since he came into foster care.  He does poop often because of the special food that he eats, so when he needs to go out, he’ll sit by the door or he will bark to get his person’s attention.  He is also crate trained, but since he’s been in his foster home, he’s been allowed free range of the house, even when home alone with the resident Springers and he’s completely fine.   

Melvin loves to be near his person, so at night, he’ll sleep wherever that person is.  If that person isn’t available, he’ll hop in bed with the next available!  He is on a schedule and apparently lives by the motto “early to bed and early to rise makes a Springer healthy, wealthy, and wise!”  By 9 pm, he’s sacked out and by 5:15 in the morning, he’s up and ready to go potty, though he will go back to sleep afterwards, if his person gets back in bed.  

A very polite house guest, Melvin doesn’t counter-surf or dig in the trash (although he might, if something smells especially good), and he does not chew inappropriately.  He does love his stuffed babies, just to carry around in his mouth; however, he doesn’t tear them apart.  He is allowed on furniture, but he’s not rowdy.  He’ll jump up and lie right down. The poor guy is afraid of thunder and lightning, and, by default, rain because he associates the two.  He copes with this by just snuggling up with his person until it’s over.    

Melvin does not have the best leash manners, though.  He can pull very hard if he really wants to go somewhere!  He’s used to having a fenced-in backyard, so he’d do best in a house where he can go in and out at his leisure.  He’s a friend to everyone he meets, sometimes giving them a kiss or a bark hello.  He rides well in the car, just hopping in and lying down! 

Mel is an alert barker who likes to keep an eye on things.  If he thinks something is amiss, he’ll bark until his person comes and sees what’s “wrong.”   His activity level is not typical of a 7-year-old Springer boy; instead, he’ll adjust his activity level to whatever person or dog he’s with.  He’s very “birdy” and doesn’t think that chickens belong in the backyard of his foster home.  He’ll bark at them until he can’t bark anymore. 

In foster care, he’s been tested with children as young as 12, but he’s so patient that he’d no doubt be great with kids of any age.  They can lie on him and he’ll just happily be a pillow.  He gets along famously with other dogs– a true friend to all.  He does not resource guard and is fed with his three foster siblings.  He does eat out of a slow-feeder bowl because he’ll eat too quickly otherwise.  Melvin eats a special weight management food; due to his TPLO surgery in 2021, it’s important that his weight stay below 50 pounds so as to not put any added stress on his hind legs.    

Melvin loves to look his best.  Historically, he’s been groomed every 8 weeks and it shows in his silky, healthy coat.  His ears do need to cleaned out every two weeks because they get gunky and could get infected.  The big floppy Springer ears will do that to a guy!  He does not like having his front feet lifted off the floor, so whether he’s getting his nails trimmed or getting his paws dried off from being outside in the rain, he should be lying down so he’s not stressed out.  His people can touch him all over and he loves it!  

Melvin’s dream home is one that has a fenced in backyard along with someone who is home more often than not.  If you work from home, Melvin is your guy.  He’ll lie right next to you while you work!  A home either with kids or without kids would be suitable– he’s flexible like that!  He lived in a house with a Springer girl and his foster home has three foster and resident Springers, so he might like to have a canine companion.  Melvin does request a forever home with no chickens or birds, because given the opportunity, they may turn into a snack for this birdy guy! 

If you’re looking for your new BFF, look no further!  Here he is!  Melvin!