Montana

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Updated 7/9/06: All the news for Montana is good. He has settled in nicely with his foster family and is doing well. He’s keeping active and enjoys regular visits to a dog park where he gets along fine with the other dogs there. Montana loves to walk and must set a brisk pace as his foster dad shares that he thinks Montana prefers he jog!!

Montana’s health issues are almost behind him. His ears have cleared up and the treatment for Lyme disease will be complete in another week. After that he will be ready for a new walking/jogging partner. He’s open for either and really wants people who will enjoy taking him “out and about” and make him an active part of their family. Montana is truly young at heart!!!

Original: Montana came to MAESSR from a family that included 2 dogs, a cat, and 3 children, ages 6 and under. He is a wonderful, friendly pet who got along and was well-behaved with everyone, but the family’s situation changed, such that they could no longer keep any of their 4 footed companions. It was with much sadness that the family said “goodbye” to this sweet-natured springer, but they know he will be placed with just the right family who will give him a fun and loving home.

Montana acts much younger than his 11 years. His favorite pastime is chasing squirrels, birds, rabbits, or anything else that catches his eyes, ears, or nose. He never seems to get tired, enjoys long walks, and playtimes at the doggie park. He walks well on a leash, sort of trotting along and stopping to smell the roses from time to time. There is no major pulling until he sees an animal he wants to chase. Then, he will get excited and start to run. When the flexi-leash goes tight, he immediately stops pulling and returns to his normal walk. On a regular leash, he walks well too. When he meets other dogs, he is friendly but not overbearing. He wags his tail, stops to say hello, and then continues onward. Part of why Montana is such a “young” senior is that he enjoys very good health. He had a thorough exam after coming into foster care and only 2 very treatable conditions popped up. One is Lyme disease. He shows no symptoms but tested positive and is being treated with a month’s round of antibiotics. His ears are also being treated for a mild infection. He waits patiently while the cleanser is squirted in, and the ears are cleaned. His vet also noticed a little scar tissue in one eye that is probably from a past accident and a possible hint of cataract in the other eye. Fortunately, neither affects his vision.

Montana’s foster family found out the hard way that there is no way Montana is going to stay home if he is let outside without a leash. He doesn’t actually run off………he just lopes away! Unfortunately, he does not come when called. Because of this, Montana really needs a home with a fenced in yard where he can run around, sniff, and play without worry and risk. It’s not so much that Montana wants to run away from his people. It’s just that there are so many good sights and sounds and smells that he wants to check out.

Home grooming is a snap with this boy. He does very well in the bathtub. He stands still like a gentleman and lets you shampoo and rinse him until you decide it’s time for him to get out. He also is very patient and allows himself to be easily finished. Once squeaky clean, Montana loves to follow his family around the house. He never gets in the way but just likes to be near people. He goes up and down stairs easily. While he prefers couches, he understands that some are not for dogs and will lay contentedly on the floor near his companion.

When coaxed with a treat, Montana will settle in his crate. He has been left for up to 5 hours and is found sleeping soundly when his family returns home. When someone is home with him during the day, he is accident-free, but when left alone there have been a few accidents so the crating helps. At night he sleeps in a bedroom with either the children or his foster parents and is totally reliable for 8 hours of quiet slumber!

Montana enjoys a good run and playing tug-of-war with a towel. He has a favorite towel that he likes to scrunch up between his paws and stuff in his mouth. He loves life and is willing to point out all the wonderful things he enjoys to those around him. He’s really cute and fun and would be a blessing to people who are willing to open their hearts and homes to his sweet and playful companionship.