Newton

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Original: “One of the more endearing things he has begun to do is inching close enough to his ‘parents’ to touch them.”   

Newton’s story is quite a saga.  This Springer/Doodle was used as a breeding dog on an Amish puppy mill in Pennsylvania.  When he was no longer of use to the breeder, they gave him to an all-breed rescue that subsequently contacted MAESSR for assistance.  Having been totally unsocialized with people, Newton was terrified of them although he got along well with other dogs.  He has proved to be quite a Houdini, escaping twice from his first foster home before being recaptured.   

It was decided that he might benefit from a foster home with fewer dogs and foster parents who were retired and thus able to spend more time with Newton.  He wiggled out of his harness at his second foster home too and was gone for two weeks before being caught in a live-trap.  His current foster parents are taking no chances on another escape.  He stays inside 100% of the time using pee pads for elimination.  Outside training will happen eventually once he is ready.

With a new foster home, Newton got a new name.  His new name is Schnitzel and he is responding to that name, though not yet coming when he’s called.  He peeks around corners whenever he hears his name.  Good boy! 

Schnitzel has canine foster siblings too which provide him with role models of inside living behaviors.  His foster family is immensely committed to make things work for Schnitzel.

Schnitzel has made significant progress over the last month.  He has gone from cowering in a cage even with the door open to never wanting to hide in the crate which had been his second refuge.  He does enter it occasionally but just sniffs then leaves and jumps up on to the couch to sit with his pack.  He is particularly fond of his foster dad but is okay with his foster mom, too.  And, Schnitzel Newton loves treats from anyone even extended family and friends.  He has taken to protecting his food, his place on the couch or bed, and even barking at other dogs and extended family members when they enter “HIS” home.

One of the more endearing things he has begun to do is inching close enough to his “parents” to touch them.  At night he has started to snuggle back-to-back with either “parent” and all other pack members for warmth and emotional comfort.  Love and kindness are winning this sweetie’s heart!

The food-loving Springer part of him is thriving.  He has been eating well the whole time he’s been with his new foster family, and their vet is delighted with his progress.  There is still lots more room for growth and his foster parents are confident Schnitzel Newton will continue to blossom.  He isn’t accepting a harness and lead yet, but that will happen when he is ready.  His foster parents and the whole MAESSR family are delighted with his progress. Schnitzel’s our man!