Oreo 17

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Update 02/11/11:

This super sweet, super easy-going and comical boy continues to endear himself to his foster mom; so much so that she’s contemplated trading in her overly rambunctious, resident two-year old Springer for Oreo. The initial skirmishes with the eight-year old resident male are in the past. All three dogs get along remarkably well and seem to miss each other when apart. Like his foster siblings, Oreo’s LOVED the cold and snow!

Oreo’s UTI is cleared, but he was recently diagnosed with lip fold pyoderma, which is a very smelly infection in the fold of his lower lip. This is where the upper canine tooth touches the skin of the lower lip when his mouth is closed. He’s currently on oral antibiotics and a topical treatment. The topical treatment is a medicated wipe, which cleanses the area and, when done weekly on an ongoing basis, should control the pyoderma. Oreo is a dream when being medicated — he thinks, more treats!

Oreo continues to make wonderful progress. He still chases one of the three resident cats, which is the only reason he’s crated while his foster mom is at work. Otherwise, he’s an absolute dream around the house with no inappropriate chewing. He loves his crate, often lying in it without being asked. He sniffs the litter box, but thankfully has not dined from it; when told no, he’ll move away from it. Though the opportunities have been few, he shows no shame in his stealth countersurfing skills. While recently preparing steak, his foster mom reached left for pepper; Oreo snuck in from the right and sank his teeth into the steak. 

Besides food, Oreo’s loves in life are walks, his ball, his Jingle Bell-singing bear, and belly rubs. Lots and LOTS of belly rubs – everything else pales in comparison. Oftentimes he’ll lie ever so still with his bear in his mouth while kneading with his front paws – the total look of bliss! He’s a very sensitive guy; his knowing eyes seem to peer into one’s soul. As such, very positive training is the key for this sensitive boy. If reprimanded sharply, as in “no!,” he’ll run to his crate or a corner of a room to seek solace. And then those eyes and adorable face look at you. Talk about making his human feel guilty! 

Owing to his lack of proper socialization, Oreo’s only negative trait is his reactiveness to other dogs, in particular male dogs. He cannot be trusted off-leash. He’s fine with female dogs, especially ones smaller than he. The cold winter weather has reduced opportunities to interact with other neighborhood dogs. What few skirmishes have occurred, he’s acted the aggressor but then turns somewhat submissive. He and his foster mom are working on this issue. Given his otherwise genteel personality, this issue appears very trainable. It’s best that his adoptive family be dog savvy, to include consulting with a professional trainer. 

Manly Oreo has deep, booming barks and playful growls. Oddly, he does not lift his leg when relieving himself. Yes, he squats like his female foster sister – although it is a very handsome squat as he stretches out his full body. Oreo continues to do well with the “look/treat” command for inappropriate barking, always adding in a few more low grumbles just to have the last “woof.”

Bathing is something quite foreign to Oreo; yet he’s a very good boy and receives lots of treats during and afterwards. Brushing is a work in progress. His foster mom has worked up to sections of the body but never a full body brush in one sitting. Fortunately, only his ears require daily brushing. Oreo continues to sample the various sleeping locales and cushioning levels of his foster home — from his foster mom’s bed, dog beds, the guest room couch, the cushy reading chair, the floor, and finally back on the bed in time for the morning alarm. If you’re looking for someone to sleep in with, Oreo isn’t it. He’s the rooster up at the first light. He’ll pace for a while before settling back down – usually on his foster mom’s bed with the other resident Springers – just in time for their morning hugs.

This Velcro boy is a winner and will provide a lifetime of companionship and love.

Original:

Oreo was surrendered to a Pennsylvania shelter just prior to Christmas because he allegedly was afraid of men and would snap at them. Because this sweet boy was so frightened at the shelter, the staff there quickly contacted MAESSR for help. Once again, MAESSR volunteers rushed to answer the call, springing Oreo from the shelter, giving him a day at the doggie spa, and getting him to his foster home Christmas Eve in time to await Santa. He was immediately introduced to the nearby park, where he met two of his foster mom’s male friends, jumping up on each and showering them with kisses, then lying between their legs. He’s continued doing this with every human he’s met, male and female. Needless to say, this love bug is a hit!

Santa Dog knew Oreo had been a very good boy all year so he spoiled him with all sorts of toys! Unfortunately, Oreo was so terrified of these noisy things that he ran upstairs and hid under the bed where he got stuck! That was then. Late one night, after watching the resident Springers run around with these noisy toys for days, Oreo decided to pounce on the Jingle-bells singing dog. Well, pounce he did. And toss. And run. And bark. This discovery-of-toy-fun lasted for over an hour! Oreo continues to play with these new-found delights, adding more toys to his repertoire. These are the little miracles that prove MAESSR’s mission is so very worthwhile. 

Although Oreo had two prior owners according to the shelter records, he appears never to have been properly socialized. Initially, Oreo had to be led back into the house every time he was out in the yard; he seemed very unsure whether he was allowed back inside. Upon coming home from outings, he’d jump out of the car but remain in the garage. Once, he crawled under the hot car and would not budge – not even for treats – so his foster mom had to crawl under and pull him out before his hair was singed. But he does LOVE car rides!! While he would originally help one drive, tethering him has helped. He now likes to sit between the two front seats and watch the world go by. He’s ok with crating while in a car though it’s clearly not his first choice.

This young Springer has come a very long way in the short time he has been in MAESSR foster care. There were initial skirmishes with the two resident Springers – one male, one female – but all dogs have blended so well his foster mom calls them the Three Springateers! The resident female springer (a recently adopted MAESSR foster) had tried like crazy to engage Oreo in play, but without luck. Finally, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. He got the message and what ensued made his foster mom’s heart sing. Seeing dogs play together is a wonderful sight.

Oreo is a very low maintenance sweetie. He’s a super-velcro dog, shadowing his foster mom everywhere. His house manners are quite good, but he does jump up on people and counters. All indications are that he’ll be a champion counter-surfer, trash picker and litter box surfer if given the opportunity. His foster mom is working with him on these behaviors. 

Readily adapting to his foster home’s daily routines, Oreo is learning that patience means meals get to him more quickly. He knows sit fairly well and shake but no other commands; so, he would do well with a basic obedience class. He loves walks – pulling slightly on his leash – but takes time to sniff every wonderful scent there is. He especially LOVES chasing a ball, happily retrieving it for endless tosses. Oreo does not guard his food and is eager to swap bowls with his foster siblings after each meal, just to make sure no one missed anything. Now that he’s discovered toys, he’ll lay with one in his mouth for hours. While his foster mom can easily take it from him, he’s not fond of another dog taking it but will eventually allow it, which just leads to more play.

It was reported that Oreo would not use a crate, growling if put in one. Since being in his foster home, he’s readily gone in his crate with minimal objections. With a little training, he now leaps into it for his meals. Given his love of still chasing one of the three resident cats, Oreo is crated without problems while his foster mom is at work. He loves sitting in the comfy reading chair but reluctantly gets off when told. He’ll jump on the bed for good morning and good night hugs and kisses but seems to prefer the floor for sleeping . . . for now. He’s not the least bit interested in any of the dog beds. 

Curious about any dog he sees, Oreo does well when playing with anyone his size or smaller. He does not seem the least bit fond of dogs larger than he, and will let that dog know. He’s an excellent watch dog sometimes going overboard on the barking at times, something on which his foster mom is working. When needlessly barking in the house, he’s learned look and is given a treat when barking stops. It appears this guy is outsmarting his foster mom as it’s obvious he now sometimes barks just to get the treat!

Oreo is currently being treated for a urinary tract infection, for which he’ll soon be retested. He takes medicine incredibly easily, especially when it’s wrapped in peanut butter. 

This love bug quickly stole the hearts of all in his foster home. Are you ready for him to steal yours?