Entered: 08/27/2016
Status: Adopted
Age: 10
Color: Black/White
Weight: 65 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for a skin infection complete, benefiting from an inexpensive anti-anxiety medication which will need to be continued for at least three months following his adoption, treatment for ear infection complete, dental work completed
Temperament: Good with people as young as 12 (younger children make him nervous), good with most other dogs, good with cats
Original: “He enjoys playing ball, fetching toys, running, playing with older children, and carrying his squeaky toy.”
Handsome Panda had lived his entire life with his owner in Virginia. He did have occasional spats with the older Springer in the home. But, after that dog died due to health issues, the family welcomed a puppy. While Panda had no problem with the family cat, bird or chickens, he did not like the puppy at all. Additionally, the several small grandchildren who visited the home frequently made this senior fellow nervous. The combination of the puppy and grandchildren pushed the family to make the difficult rehoming decision and they contacted MAESSR.
Panda had significant skin and lip fold infections when he came into MAESSR. The lip fold infection has now cleared; his skin is much better and should be clear soon. He also has several benign lipomas which have been tested and do not require treatment at this time. For some yet to be identified reason, Panda’s urine is very dilute, and the vet recommends being cautious with pain medications or anything that could affect the kidneys.
As a puppy, Panda had beginner obedience training and knows “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “paw.” Although he was crate trained as a pup, he hasn’t been in a crate for years and is allowed full freedom throughout the house. He will bark to alert but doesn’t dig, chew, submissively urinate, beg for food, counter-surf, or jump on people—what a good boy!!
This senior can be trusted off leash and rides well in the car. Typical Springer, Panda enjoys swimming in a nearby river. He likes playing ball, fetching toys, running, playing with older children, and carrying his squeaky toy. He also enjoyed daily walks, walking nicely on the leash, but probably wasn’t given enough exercise during the summer due to the heat—he’s lost seven pounds since he arrived at his foster home, but needs to lose about ten more!
The new guy in town is fine with having his feet handled and ears cleaned; he has no grooming issues. However, he is afraid of thunderstorms—noisy, booming things!
Panda is a very sweet boy that loves attention. He is just a sweet teddy bear—panda bear!! While Panda does well with most other dogs, he might best be an only dog in a home with adults and maybe older children. Everyone has more energy in the fall. Wouldn’t you love to help Panda lose some weight with long walks and play in the leaves?