Entered: 06/22/2020
Status: Adopted
Age: 5
Color: Black/White
Weight: 74 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Alexandria, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for an ear infection complete, treatment for dermatitis on all paws on-going, losing to a healthy weight, history of ear infections and skin issues
Temperament: Good with people over eleven, good with other calm dogs, ignores the very chill resident cat but would probably chase more energetic cats
Original: “Oreo is one of those special dogs that is happy to just be.”
Through no fault of his own, Oreo’s life recently went through several unexpected changes. He lived a very calm and loving life in Virginia with his original owner and her brother. The brother passed away in February and his owner passed suddenly in May. He then moved in with the owner’s son and his family who planned to make Oreo a permanent member of their family. Unfortunately, with two other resident dogs, one a very large and rambunctious 7 month old Newfoundland puppy, the family made the loving yet very difficult decision that their home was too boisterous for this gentle spirit and contacted MAESSR.
Oreo definitely lived the life all dogs dream of with his owner, eating only people food – hot dogs, pizza and all sorts of very tasty yet very unhealthy dietary no-nos. A poor diet combined with limited exercise caused Oreo’s weight to balloon to 110 lbs.! The owner’s son and family immediately switched him to healthy kibble and increased his exercise which enabled Oreo to start losing weight. These healthy dietary changes continue in his foster home, along with the addition of some beneficial supplements. With a much improved diet, it is hoped that Oreo’s long history of ear infections and skin issues will abate.
Oreo is currently fed in the kitchen foyer while the two resident Springers eat in the kitchen. Oreo loves to “dine” while eating, taking a few bites, savoring the flavors, and then continuing. It often takes him 20 plus minutes to finish his meal. His resident siblings obviously think he’s completely nuts, yet patiently wait until mom gives the okay for everyone to ensure each other’s dishes have been thoroughly licked clean. Oreo enjoys human company while eating, as in having his human stand or sit preferably next to him while eating. Without human company, he will walk away from his food. He used to do the same with the water dish, oftentimes barking at it, but is now fine. His foster mom is continuing to work with him on this dining issue.
Oreo had a history of waking up numerous times during the night, which continued the first three or four nights in his foster home. It was more from restlessness and not a need to relieve himself. He now sleeps through the night. After one week of sleeping on the dog bed in his foster mom’s room, he decided it was time to make the leap to her bed. His foster siblings were up there so why not? Amazingly, this 74 lbs. of oh-so-little muscle is the gentlest of bears – no thud or oomph when he made his move; he very quietly took his corner spot and continues to feel right at home.
Although not crate trained, Oreo’s been given full run of his foster home without any issues since he has excellent house manners. While fully housetrained, he does not signal when he needs to go out. He’s yet to – and hopefully never will – exhibit any interest in trash diving. He will slide onto the couch but only when his foster mom is sitting there. So far, no other furniture besides the bed and couch interest him. Given his weight, he’s unable to jump up to investigate countertops. However, with his propensity for food and the excellent sniffer to find it, counter-surfing will surely be in his future once his weight lessens. He’s convinced that any food at his level is fair game. His foster mom just prays he never picks up the resident Springers’ habit of thinking the cat’s litterbox is an hors d’oeuvre tray.
Oreo LOVES his walks! He’ll stop every time he passes where his leash is hung and give that “can we?? CAN WE PAWLEASE??” look. He originally pulled a great deal but, at 74 lbs., has thankfully made great strides in this area with more work to be done. After his initial excitement calms down, he walks with more ease exhibiting his beautiful natural Springer gait. “Sit” and “walk” are the only commands he currently knows; his foster mom is working with him on others. He loves people and other dogs and wants to say hi to everyone. Given his size and the COVID-19 environment, controlling him can oftentimes be challenging, though he is and will continue to make progress.
Oreo’s foster home is in a much busier and noisier environment than his prior home. Several of these noises – buses, big trucks, trains– and some sights frighten him. Fortunately, his foster mom is very experienced in working with dogs through these issues and will continue to help him overcome these fears.
Simply put, Oreo is an easy-peasy, loveable bear. For such a large guy – including his paws – he’s amazingly gentle and quiet. He has a very soft mouth and takes treats ever so gently. While the resident Springers bound up/down the stairs, Oreo takes them quietly. Except as noted above, he’s a very calm, low-key, oh so handsome pup that loves being near his human(s) but is not the typical Velcro Springer.
Except for his ears, he’s fine being touched and groomed all over, to include daily Mal-a-Ket treatments on each of his paws. Due to his history of ear infections and treatments, he doesn’t like his ears being touched. He knows the word “ear” and would initially run at the sight of his medication. Rewards of ground rabbit have greatly reduced his anxiety and he now lets his foster mom administer his medication.
Oreo is one of those special dogs that is happy to just be. His two resident siblings warmed to him almost immediately, which is rare–especially since the 15 year old sibling can be reactive to “outsiders.” Oreo seemed to sense this and, in his ever quiet and gentle way, let everyone have their space. For a young dog, he’s like an old soul that can read a situation and already know the outcome.
Stay tuned for more info on Oreo. As his weight lessens, his energy level should increase as should his playfulness.