Patches 7

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Update 09/01/10:

Sometimes foster dogs are full of wonderful surprises for their foster families. Such was the case when Patches’ foster family made an annual business trip and Patches went to stay with his extended foster family for a week.

Patches is a boy who startles at unexpected movement and loud noises. His foster mom thought his “staycation” was surely off to a bad start when they walked into his temporary home and found a 12 and 13 year old exercising to a loud video in preparation for the upcoming football and field hockey seasons. The resident 4 year old was doing some crazy dancing to the video as well. Instead of shying away, Patches joined right in the activity, issuing play bows and running from one child to another. It was clear Patches wanted to be part of the activity!

Patches settled right in to the active household and seemed to prefer the company of children to adults. The children were even successful in getting Patches to play with toys and stuffed animals, something his foster family has been unable to do.

When Patches’ “staycation” family returned him at the end of the week, it was evident Patches wanted to go back home with the 4 year old! Patches endeared himself to the entire family with his excellent house manners: no accidents, no inappropriate chewing, and no counter surfing. A little mischievous behavior was observed, however. When the 4 year old left a peanut butter snack cracker on the sofa, Patches thought no one was watching. He artfully did a little sofa surfing and enjoyed the treat! Well, it wasn’t on a counter or a table, so clearly it must have been left for Patches, right?

There is more good news to report. Patches’ “staycation” home has two dog-wise cats. Patches was able to touch noses with the cats when they approached him. As long as the cats didn’t run, he didn’t chase them. If they did run, Patches did chase them but only in a playful manner.

Patches’ foster family now believes he wants a forever home with children in residence or grandchildren who visit regularly. He’s ready, willing, and able to do any and all sofa clean up, too. Could that home be your home?

Update 07/27/10:

Summer is typically vacation time and Patches always wants to join in his foster family’s activities. He made the trip from Pennsylvania to the eastern shore of Virginia like a pro. Since he is a healthy boy who takes no daily medication and isn’t a much of a player when it comes to toys, it doesn’t take long to pack his vacation needs. Patches’ foster dad likes to stop at antique shops along the way, so Patches and his foster mom used that time to get some exercise. One shop manager came out and invited them to come in; it was a pet friendly business, he said. So Patches did some browsing but mostly did some great public relations work for MAESSR. Patches did extremely well settling into his vacation home and displayed his great house manners there as well.

Patches does love to be outside but when the thermometer in his back yard started consistently registering above 90 degrees in the afternoon, the shady porch was no longer quite so refreshing. When it is so warm, Patches runs the perimeter of the back yard a few times. Then, he stands at the door waiting for his foster mom to let him back inside to the air conditioned comfort.

Patches has now met all of his extended foster family, ages 4 to 98, and endeared himself to every one of them. His four-year-old visitor was even able to get Patches interested in playing with a stuffed toy for a short time.

After being asked to get off of the sofa one time since arriving in his foster home, Patches has not been seen on it again. The human bed is proving to be a more difficult issue……both for Patches and his foster parents. Patches loves to begin and end the day with a few minutes of cuddle time in the human bed. The real problem is that Patches’ foster family loves it too! Surely Patches is dreaming of a forever family who would love to begin and end each day with some really special time with him.

Update 06/17/10:

While Patches’ foster family waited for him to adjust to his new circumstance before starting his treatment for Lyme disease, he became symptomatic in an alarming and rapid fashion. Treatment and pain relief were started immediately and within 24 hours the swelling, lameness and fever were gone. He has completed the course of antibiotics and is fully recovered. He will need a blood test in 6 months as a normal follow-up.

Patches’ personality has emerged and he is an absolute joy. His temperament is as soft as his luxurious coat of fur. His obedience training is ongoing. Patches is a very bright boy and so anxious to please. His recall is excellent. His sits, stays, and downs are coming along. He does have the ability to walk nicely on loose leash but more practice is needed. When Patches sees his leash, he is overcome with delight. He will do a little leap into the air and a paw may come into contact with whoever is holding the leash. He has learned he must sit and stay before advancing through the gate to begin his walk. Patches is a boy with a high prey drive. When he picks up the scent of a squirrel or ground hog, or one comes into view, he does need to be reminded a good boy doesn’t pull on leash. Patches’ new family will need to continue this training. A calm approach, happy voices, and only the most positive reinforcement are the keys for training this sensitive boy.

Patches has two personas. Perhaps because he spent so much of his life outdoors, he does seem to be more confident there. Given the choice, he always prefers to be outside, with his people, of course. Patches amuses himself by hunting chipmunks, squirrels, bunnies, and larger birds. Once they are under control, a butterfly or bee is suitable entertainment. When he gets too warm or tires, he lies down on the shady porch to watch the world go by. Patches has never attempted to dig under or jump over the 3 foot fence which encloses a portion of his back yard. When allowed into the unfenced portion of the yard, Patches has set a boundary for himself which he has yet to cross. This may be because he previously lived with a large back yard which was enclosed by an electronic fence. He does like to explore but always keeps one eye on his people and comes quickly when called.

Indoors Patches is a timid boy, just shy enough to be oh so endearing. Quick movement combined with unexpected noise frightens him and sends him running for his safe spot. A firm voice is overload for Patches; even his corrections need to be made with a happy voice. When left alone, his whimpers do turn to howls. This behavior seems to be abating as he has become more settled in his foster home. He is terrified of a crate but doesn’t need to use one. With excellent house manners, he has free run of the house when his family leaves him alone. When returning, his family has always found everything exactly as it was when they left. When a “come” command is given in the house, Patches comes quickly but approaches somewhat hesitantly and sideways. He seems unsure whether to present his face or his tail and may choose to present his belly.

Patches doesn’t care much for dining alone. He was accustomed to having his adoptive mom sit on the floor with him when he ate. His foster mom has been happy to oblige. Patches is not interested in human food but enjoys being in the kitchen when his family is there. He loves to begin and end his day with some major cuddle time and anytime in between is welcomed as well. Patches has been found both on the sofa and the human’s bed. He does get off when asked but not before giving the best Springer sad-face his foster mom has ever seen. On more than one morning, Patches’ foster mom has been awakened by him joining her in bed. He has the unique ability to land with his head on the pillow, nose to nose with her. Patches is his foster mom’s shadow. Most times he is so quiet in the house that she sometimes forgets he is right behind her. He indicates a wish or need to go outside with a soft whimper. If she hears a bark from Patches, his foster mom knows a squirrel or chipmunk has invaded the yard.

Since Patches never learned to play with balls or toys, his foster family is trying to teach him. He seems to enjoy a game of hide and seek and will sometimes chase a Kong toy stuffed with a very high value treat. He does occasionally enjoy chewing on a big rawhide bone. When offered a treat, Patches takes it ever so gently. If his foster mom doesn’t release the treat, he will lick her fingers very gently, hoping to free the tasty offering.

Patches meets people well both inside and outside with four on the floor. He has absolutely charmed everyone he has met. Should a new friend think Patches’ extended paw means he wants to shake hands, he is happy to show them, ever so gently, his paw is a guide to help that human hand find his belly for an introductory belly rub! He will also offer the sweetest Springer kisses to a willing recipient.

In his foster home Patches is an only dog so his foster family has worked hard at exposing him to some canine friends. They’ve found he does not meet new dogs well on leash. He will bark and pull with his little stubby tail going a mile a minute. Once he has had the opportunity to meet a dog in proper doggy fashion, that behavior is not repeated with the same dog on the next encounter. Patches and his foster mom regularly meet neighbors who walk their four-pack of females which includes two enormous Rotties and two Labs. Since his initial meeting with them, Patches greets them with perfect doggy manners. Patches has also had a number of play dates. He responds to an initial play bow but doesn’t seem to know how to continue playing and loses interest. Then he is off to explore on his own. He seems to do especially well with docile females. Patches will certainly shine as an only dog in his forever home, but his foster family believes he would do well in a home with a docile medium to large sized canine companion that is willing to teach him how to play.

Recently Patches was introduced to swimming for the first time. He was willing to keep going into deeper water as long as his foster mom was leading the way. It was lake water. Patches’ foster mom was only willing to advance as long as she could see her feet which did require Patches to swim. He was happy to head toward the shoreline but his foster mom thinks he is a potential water lover.

Patches has logged a couple of hundred miles with his foster family on errands and day trips. He is an excellent travel companion, willingly staying in the back of the SUV. He lacks the confidence to jump into a high vehicle, so a little boost is required. His foster mom has noticed something really unusual about Patches. He prefers to see where he has been rather than where he is going and does not write on the windows with his nose! When it was cool enough to leave Patches in a parked car, his foster family always found him sleeping upon their return.

When it comes to grooming, Patches is a dream. He will hold his front feet up to have his nails done and he even allowed his foster mom to use the clippers on the inside of his ears and his lower lip. He loves to be brushed. As many Springers do, Patches has a fold on each side of his lower lip which traps saliva and food. He is more than willing to let his foster mom clean those folds after meals. The whole process takes only seconds but is a necessary part of good oral hygiene for this boy.

Patches has survived heart surgery, heartworm treatment, a jump through an open window in a moving car, and Lyme disease. But, the luck to find a true forever home has evaded him. Patches is hoping his next home, which will be his third, will be his lucky charm. When that happens, Patches’ foster family knows it will be his adopting family who will receive the lucky charm when they open their hearts and home to this charming boy.

Update 05/11/10:

A change in latitude and career responsibilities forced Patches’ adoptive family to make a difficult decision. Knowing he would not thrive being kenneled fifteen days a month because of their job-related travel, they felt it was in Patches’ best interest to return to MAESSR.

Patches is a beautiful, loving, and shy boy. The stress from the changes in his life has left him without much of an appetite. As he settles in, his appetite is slowly improving. Patches’ foster family is teaching him some basic obedience commands to boost his self-confidence. His leash skills are a work in progress.

In the vet’s office Patches was a model patient. He loved the massage he got while the vet examined him. When blood was drawn, Patches didn’t even blink. His foster mom admires his courage! Because Patches has had heart surgery and has been treated for heart worms in the past, his foster family was especially relieved to learn his heart is strong and he is heart worm free. When he begins to eat normally, he will be treated for Lyme disease and internal parasites. He will then be a perfectly healthy boy.

The only thing Patches likes more than being with his people is being outside with his people. His house manners appear to be impeccable! No accidents, marking, counter surfing, or trash picking for this gentle guy.

Watch for updates on this wonderful boy as he and his foster family really get to know each other.

Update 3/27/07:

Patches continues to shine in his foster home, but this rascal is perplexing his doctors. At his most recent checkup, a small amount of fluid was found in his chest. It seems to be about the same amount that he’s had for the last couple of months. The doctors are frank about not knowing why he still has fluid, given the advanced care that he has had. The reality as they see it is that his condition could improve, stay the same or worsen. They just don’t know. They recommend that Patches remain on a very low dose of Lasix, just to be on the safe side, and feel that he should be allowed to do what ever he feels good enough to do as long as he gets regular check-ups. Patches likes this idea! It should be added that Patches is a favorite patient. His cardiologist just loves him, so going in for a check-up is a treat all the way around.

With improved health, Patches is beginning to think about looking for a family to call his very own, a very special family, of course. The family should be committed to seeing that Patches gets his daily medication with regularity. The family should also be comfortable with periodic visits to a veterinary cardiologist for his check-ups. Having a playful dog in the family would be great since one of Patches’ favorite pastimes is being part of a canine pack, even if it’s a pack of two! He also loves to walk and would really like people who would love being out with him on the end of the leash. Air conditioning would be a bonus as he favors cooler weather and feels his best when he can avoid the heat of a mid-Atlantic summer. Don’t we all!!

This sweetheart has won over his foster family, his doctors, the resident dogs, all but the cats that he still likes to chase. Given a chance, he could work his magic with you and become a cherished companion. If you are beginning to feel him tugging at your heartstrings, please keep a close watch on his availability!

Update 2/15/07:

Patches is doing better, so much better than when he came into foster care 5 months ago. He has finished his heartworm treatment and is back to doing whatever he wants – no more restrictions. He does, however, still have some fluid in his chest. Not enough to tap but still enough to require attention. His doctors want to keep him on Lasix once a day for at least a couple of months.

He’ll go back to see the cardiologist in about a month for a recheck. In the meantime his foster mom needs to keep an eye on him to see if he is short of breath after playing. Patches plays endlessly with the resident puppy that is actually about the same size as Patches. It’s really quite funny because the puppy is the only dog in the house that Patches will growl at. His foster family thinks it’s because puppies can be obnoxious, they don’t really blame Patches since the pup is a nudge. Patches no longer goes to work with his foster mom, preferring to stay home where he plays with the other dogs in the back yard. He seemed to get a bit depressed when his exercise was restricted and, since he’s been included in the gang’s activities, he’s much happier. His appetite has gotten better too.

Patches is not quite off the hook with the specialists who have helped him recover his health, but he’s active and enjoying life again! A very heartening outcome!

Update 1/2/07:

All the news for Patches continues to be heartening……..no pun, intended!! He’s not had his chest tapped in almost a month. This is great news since it was a weekly necessity during his first month after heart surgery. He still has a small amount of fluid in his chest but it’s not causing any problems.

Patches had his first treatment for heartworm disease recently and seems to be doing very well. This also starts his 6 weeks of limited activity which is not much of a problem…………until he sees a squirrel!

As you can see from his recent pictures, this handsome gent fully embraced the holiday season with his foster family and is looking forward to 2007 as being his best year yet. Fingers crossed as he progresses toward good health.

Update 11/26/06:

Patches had his heart surgery in early November and did spectacularly well. The doctors tried a new procedure, doing the pericardial removal laproscopically, which means he had only five small holes in his chest as opposed to splitting the sternum. The surgery went well and Patches was able to come home two days later. He acted as if nothing had happened to him.

Nothing for Patches, perhaps, but a big production for the veterinary team who treated him. First, he was taken to radiology where the cardiologist put catheters in and monitored his heart to make sure the problem really was constrictive pericarditis. Then he went to surgery which lasted 4 hours. After the surgery his heart returned to normal function. Half the hospital knows who Patches is now and everyone thinks he’s such a sweet boy.

Twice blessed is a fair assessment of Patches. He is living with a foster mom who works very close to the veterinarian who performed his surgery. She also can take him to work with her daily, making it easy to keep him in a quiet place and to keep a very watchful eye on him. His days are spent laying on an office sofa, meeting his foster mom for lunch and going out for little walks with her. Patches seems to like going to work every day.

This closeness became exceedingly important shortly after surgery when Patches began to produce excess fluid in his chest and needed a chest tap. A second tap was necessary in another week. Both the surgeon and his cardiologist were concerned about the continued fluid and put him on a medication to help reduce it. He also had a suture reaction to the original surgery. It was becoming infected so Patches was taken back to surgery a week after the original procedure to make a necessary repair. The third time he was checked for fluid he was tapped again, but the volume removed was half that of the first two taps………..a good sign for Patches and a much needed boost for his foster family and doctors.

At home Patches acts about as normal as his foster mom knows him to be. She doesn’t encourage him to do anything physical yet, since she’d been asked to keep him quiet for the first two weeks after surgery. He does spend hours playing with the resident puppy and gets excited at mealtime. He still chases the squirrels and birds, but only as long as his breathing does not become too labored.

When the doctors feel he is ready, Patches will begin his heartworm treatment. There is a chance that his heartworm infection is causing the fluid build-ups. Fingers crossed for this special boy.

Update 11/1/06:

Patches is a wonderful boy and a big hit with all the dogs in his foster home. He gets along very nicely with everyone but his biggest fan is a 3 month old puppy who just loves to follow Patches around. The pup has actually tried to nurse from Patches which was a very funny sight. The two of them play all the time and Patches is very gentle, considering the puppy is only about a quarter of Patches’ size.

Patches’ ears have cleared up, he has a good appetite and his foster mom is trying to put a little more weight on him. He is looking ever better and seems to be as active now as he has been since his arrival. He’s actually quite an attractive dog, especially when he’s outside springing after a ball.

Unfortunately, Patches’ big problem is not the low level heartworm infection that was diagnosed shortly after he came into his foster home. On his chest x-rays at that time, his lungs did not look good, so a veterinary cardiologist as asked for an opinion. His diagnosis is that Patches has constrictive pericarditis, which means he is in right heart failure due to the pericardial sac being thickened and constricting the heart’s ability to pump blood properly. The cause of this condition in such a young dog is unknown. He could be managed with medication but that would not fix his problem. He is scheduled for surgery to repair the problem and once his recover is complete, the heartworms will be treated.

Patches will be with his foster family for an extended stay and need lots of patient and loving care on the road to improved health. Please keep them all in your thoughts…….updates will be coming.

Original:

Patches was purchased as a puppy for the children of a family. He lived inside with them for a little while. Then, he was put outside on a chain for the next couple of years. The owners recently turned him in to a central Virginia shelter because the children had lost all interest in him and would not take care of him either. That may have been the luckiest day of Patches’ life. The shelter contacted MAESSR and he came into foster care with one stop along the way…….the area’s humane society had him neutered before turning him over to MAESSR. The vet that performed the surgery also shaved down his ears while he was asleep. It was the only way to spare Patches a lot of pain that would have gone with removing such heavy matting had he been awake. Once the mats were removed and the vet got a good look at Patches’ ears, he began treatment to relieve him of ear infections too.

Patches’ foster mom thinks he is one of the softest, sweetest springers she has seen in a while. She clipped the hair on the rest of his boy very short to get rid of the many, many mats. Patches was frightened of the clippers, but he was more frightened that his foster mom was going to get six inches away from him. He just wanted her to hug him and hold him through the whole process. After the haircut, his foster mom decided to do his nails which may never have been trimmed. Patches just let her trim his nails and yet more mats between his toes and the pads of his feet. He is already walking much more comfortably.

When he was first brought into his foster home, Patches was very scared. He hadn’t been inside for a long time and everything was new…….but Patches is also a very smart boy. Within 5 minutes he realized that this is where the people were and the ATTENTION. Patches has now decided he never wants to go outside again. He will adapt in every way to be an indoor dog forever!!

Patches is a little mouthy when he wants you to play with him or pet him. He will gently take your hand or arm in his mouth and lightly hold it. He is not harsh in the least……he just doesn’t want to be overlooked ever again. He got to play with his first toy since arriving. He was not sure what to do with a stuffed ball, but his foster sisters and brothers quickly showed him how to have fun with it.

Unfortunately Patches is heartworm positive. His previous owners had been told of this months back but declined care for him. He will begin treatment soon so he can be completely healthy. News will be added as he makes progress.